“Anime song master” Isao Sasaki takes a break…concerns that he is “overworked” at 82 years old
Posted March 19 on Smart Flash
On March 17, singer and actor Isao Sasaki updated his official website. He revealed that he had been hospitalized for a week since mid-January. Later, on the 18th, his agency released a new detailed statement due to a mistake in the information.
“I ended up being hospitalized urgently. The disease is acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia. What a frightening name for an illness,” Sasaki commented. Although he was discharged from the hospital at the end of February, he continued to recuperate at home after that. He added, “I can’t give you the details of the situation, but the hospital has told me to refrain from working at least until the end of April. Looking back, it seems amazing that I’m still alive,” he said, suggesting that his life was at risk at one point.
An entertainment reporter said, “Sasaki, known for the theme songs of the anime series Space Battleship Yamato and Galaxy Express 999, is 82 years old. His deep, heroic singing voice is still strong, but according to his comments, his condition is precarious. I hope he doesn’t push himself too hard and focuses on his treatment.”
There are also many voices supporting him on the internet. Shoko Nakagawa, a singer and voice actress like Sasaki, also released a worried comment saying, “I pray for Isao Sasaki’s recovery. I hope he recovers peacefully and slowly.”
On the other hand, some fans have criticized his busy schedule, posting all over social media that he is “overworked.”
“He was also doing the voice-over for Stallone in the streaming drama Tulsa King, and he must have been touring the country for concerts, so I think he must have been exhausted.”
“Isao Sasaki is over 80 years old, and there must be concerns about lung-related illnesses due to the nature of his job. It’s a high-risk disease for the elderly, so I hope he will just focus on his treatment and get better…”
“Master Sasaki is 82 years old… please don’t push yourself too hard.”
In light of this hiatus, it has been announced that he will not be appearing at the 22nd Nagara Group Night Cherry Blossom Enka Festival, scheduled for April 5th.
Even after turning 80, Sasaki continued to travel around the country. The legendary anime song singer, who represents Japan and has a unique singing voice, ended his comments with the following words:
“I can only think that the prayers of the doctors who treated me at the hospital, and the nurses who cared for me, must have reached heaven. I try to cherish the life I’ve been given every day.”
We really hope to hear that powerful voice again.