The car-enthusiast comedy duo "Ogiyahagi" explores the "car history" of their guests in "Ogiyahagi's Car History: NO CAR, NO LIFE!" (BS Nippon Television, Saturdays at 9 PM). On the April 25th broadcast, actor and singer Katsuhide Uekusa will be the guest.
In 1985, Uekusa debuted as part of the group "Shonentai" alongside Kazukiyo Nishikiori and Noriyuki Higashiyama. Their debut song, "Kamen Butokai" (Masked Ball), swept awards and made a huge impact on the music world. His first car was a hand-me-down from a senior member of his agency, which piqued the interest of Ogi and Yahagi. The show traces his luxurious car history, from his long-desired classic car to Porsches, Mercedes-Benzes, and sports cars.
Although he wasn't originally interested in four-wheel drive vehicles, when a friend invited him to see a Land Rover Discovery, he fell in love with its charm the moment he saw it in person. He immediately decided to buy the model in his favorite burgundy color. After watching footage of the Discovery racing in the Camel Trophy, considered the world's toughest off-road race, Uekusa was once again captivated by its tough and cool appearance. Then, just one week after taking delivery of the car, he revealed a shocking action he took and the tragic outcome that followed.
Uekusa, who describes himself as shy and uncomfortable being in the spotlight, met Higashiyama soon after joining the facility and recalls, "There was this guy who was incredibly pale, tall, and I thought he was beautiful. That was Higashi." On the other hand, his encounter with Nishikori was even more shocking, and he talks about his first meeting with Nishikori, who was rumored to be a "genius."
Furthermore, when asked the rather provocative question, "Did you really ever secretly exchange phone numbers during the recording of a music show?", Uekusa chuckled and said, "I wonder if I should be saying something like that," before sharing some real details about her love life at the time.
