SUPER EIGHT's Yu Yokoyama Completes "24-Hour Television" Charity Marathon; "Onigishi" Performance Deeply Moves Viewers

Yu Yokoyama of SUPER EIGHT, who served as the marathon charity runner for NTV's "24-Hour Television," successfully completed the challenging race. While viewers and fans nationwide expressed their admiration for Yokoyama's perseverance through the arduous journey, particular attention was drawn to the song "Onigishi" performed by his fellow members. The song trended on X (formerly Twitter), with numerous related posts.

Towards the end of the program, as Yokoyama aimed for the marathon finish line, SUPER EIGHT members sang "Onigishi" as a cheer-up initiative. Initially, some fans voiced concerns like "Isn't it inappropriate for junior idols to sing such an important song?" However, it was SUPER EIGHT members themselves who appeared. This surprise left many fans in tears, with comments like "Bawling when Eito appeared" and "Unexpectedly Eito, I burst into tears."

"Onigishi" holds special meaning for Yokoyama. In the past, it was said to embody his challenging upbringing and deep affection for his younger brothers, known among fans as "the song of the three brothers" or "the phantom song." The fact that this song was performed on terrestrial television by his own group members brought immense emotion to long-time fans. After completing the race, when his members told him, "We all sang Onigishi," Yokoyama responded with an affectionate retort, "Don't just go doing things on your own!", showcasing the group's unwavering bond.

Nippon Television announcer Ryo Ito also praised Yokoyama's character on his X account, posting, "Mr. Yokoyama, who can show consideration for others even when he's the one struggling the most. I will support Mr. Yokoyama, who is 'doing his best to do his best,' until the very end." Fans' comments like "Tears kept flowing seeing Yokoyama-kun's efforts" and "Cried over the love from his members and juniors" highlight Yokoyama's professionalism and his strong connection with SUPER EIGHT members and junior idols.

Yu Yokoyama's marathon completion delivered a powerful message of overcoming his past and moving forward into the future, while the performance of "Onigishi" became a touching moment that conveyed SUPER EIGHT's member love and deep bond to the entire nation.

The Context

"24-Hour Television" (24時間テレビ) is a major annual telethon broadcast in Japan by Nippon Television. Running over a weekend, it raises funds for various charities. A central and highly anticipated segment of the program is the charity marathon, where a well-known celebrity runs a significant distance over the course of the two-day broadcast, often culminating in the live studio. This segment frequently generates emotional responses from viewers as the runner pushes through physical and mental challenges for a charitable cause.

SUPER EIGHT (formerly Kanjani Eight) is a popular Japanese idol group formed under Johnny & Associates (now SMILE-UP./STARTO ENTERTAINMENT). They are known for their musical talent, humorous variety show appearances, and strong camaraderie. Yu Yokoyama is a prominent member of the group, known for his diverse activities in music, acting, and variety programs. His participation in the marathon is not only a personal challenge but also a public display of dedication that deeply resonates with fans and the general public. The song "Onigishi" holds particular significance due to its personal connection to Yokoyama's family background, making its surprise performance by his group members a profoundly moving moment for long-time fans.