It's been announced that documentary program "YAMASHITA TOMOHISA?ROUTE 66?Tatta Hitori no America" will start airing on NTV on January 2nd 2012 (every Monday from 1:29 ~ 1:59 am *only the first episode will be aired on 1:59 ~ 2:29 am). �The documentary program will feature Yamashita Tomohisa's solitary journey in America, and approach Yamashita's growth as a man.

With his partner, a 1985 Chevrolet C20, Yamashita drives between�Chicago�to Santa Monica, a distance of 3,755 kilometers on the famous U.S. Route 66. �He looks and reflects back on his life over again through the communication with the Native Americans, cowboy experiences, and other America-style experiences. �The chief producer of the program revealed his intention, "I wanted to portray as a documentary how Yamashita who is an impressible young man in the middle of his growth, and decided to stand alone as a solo artist, would change in nature in America, and how he would grow."

On December 9th, Yamashita received interviews from the media, and said, "My worries died through the encounters with many people while traveling. People in America tend to open their mind to others from the�beginning, and they made me realize that it's important for me to open my mind more since I'm shy to strangers." �He also said about one of the most impressive encounters during the journey, "When I asked a 90 year old guy 'what kind of adult you think is cool?', he said without hesitating, 'aren't I the one that's cool?' I was very impressed at him. �I want to be an old man like him."

In the end, Yamashita said, "Life is about not giving up, and to stay true to yourself." �Then continued, "I hope this program would help men want to go on a journey. �Ladies might think 'Guys are quite simple and stupid', but I want them to watch over with their warm eyes."

Source: The television

Image: NTV