Previously, we reported that Kanjani 8 has been chosen as the main personalities for Nihon TV's annual charity program, 24-hour Television. And today, it was announced that Tokumitsu Kazuo (70) will be the marathon runner for the program. �He will be the�oldest�charity runner in the program's history.

"24-hour Television Ai wa Chikyu wo Sukuu" started its annual broadcasting in 1978, and the charity marathon first started in 1992 with Hazama Kanpei as the runner. �The charity runner for this year was announced during "Gyouretsu no Dekiru Houritsu Soudansho," which was live broadcasted on April 24th, and during the show, Tokumitsu showed up in running uniform. �Tokumitsu has been participating in 24-hour TV ever since it started, and he has taken place as the general host of the program since in 1980.

According to Tokumitsu, he received the offer in January, and decided to take it. �"It's been 33 years since I started participating on 24-hour TV. �The passion welled up in my heart, and I thought this would be my last chance," Tokumitsu says. �Although he had been hospitalized due to a acute myocardial infraction in June 2001, Tokumitsu said he already received permission�from the doctor.

The theme of this year's 24-hour TV and other personalities will be announced later.

Source & Photo: Cinematoday + MANTAN WEB