Sat Mar 01 05:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Veteran Japanese Broadcaster Minamono Monta Dies at 80
**Tokyo, Japan** – Minamono Monta, a highly respected Japanese free announcer and talent, passed away early this morning at the age of 80, his family announced.
Minamono had been hospitalized since January 16th after choking on food at a restaurant in Minato Ward, Tokyo. While undergoing treatment, he passed away this morning with his family by his side.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease five years ago, Minamono had recently scaled back his television appearances. His career spanned decades, beginning in 1967 at Culture Broadcasting where he worked as a radio announcer. He later transitioned to a successful career as a free announcer, even achieving a Guinness World Record in 2006 for hosting the most live television programs in a single week. He was also known for his long-running roles hosting popular programs on TBS, including “Doubutsu Kiso Gatei!” and “Asa Zubatt!”.
The news of his passing follows other unrelated headlines in Japan today, including reports on a woman acquitted of theft, the arrest of a man for child abuse, and ongoing political turmoil.
First Piper 