[All] [2025 Latest] Has Wacky's illness been cured? He says he won't live long, and what is his mission?
Wacky, a member of the comedy duo "Penalty," was diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer in 2020 and has since undergone surgery and treatment, still living with the aftereffects. Despite suffering from salivary secretion disorders and taste disorders, he speaks of his "mission" through the stage production "Mother: The Story of Torihama Tome." We will provide a detailed explanation of his thoughts and way of life.
| table of contents 
 1. What is Wacky's illness? The onset and history of oropharyngeal cancer 2. Four years after the surgery, what aftereffects remain? 3. The moment I realized I wouldn't live long 4. The mission I found in the stage play "Mother: Mother of the Suicide Attack Force" 5. Family support and my wife's changes 6. His passion for comedy and soccer 7. Summary: The meaning of "laughter" and "life" after overcoming illness 8. Q&A: Frequently asked questions about Wacky Disease | 
1. What is Wacky's illness? The onset and history of oropharyngeal cancer
Wacky, a member of the comedy duo "Penalty," was diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer in 2020. This cancer develops in the back of the throat, at the base of the tongue, and around the tonsils. In addition to drinking and smoking, in recent years, HPV (human papillomavirus) infection is also thought to be a contributing factor. Wacky says he never thought he would develop cancer, as he had always lived a healthy lifestyle, never smoked, and always exercised. The first thing he noticed was a lump in his neck. Subsequent tests revealed it was oropharyngeal cancer, and he began his fight against the disease after undergoing surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
2. Four years after the surgery, what aftereffects remain?
Even now, four years after treatment, Wacky still suffers from the aftereffects of taste disorders and impaired saliva secretion. He says that because he has difficulty producing saliva and his mouth is constantly dry, he needs fluids even while eating and has difficulty swallowing dry foods like bread and snacks. Furthermore, the dryness in the back of his throat makes it difficult for his vocal cords to move, which he says is a major obstacle to his "speaking work" as a comedian. These symptoms are common side effects of treatment for oropharyngeal cancer, and the reality is that it often takes a long time to fully recover.
| Types of sequelae | Content | Impact on daily life | 
| Taste disorders | Loss of taste and reduced enjoyment of meals |  Possibility of loss of appetite and weight loss | 
| Salivary dysfunction | Difficulty producing saliva and dry mouth | Difficulty speaking and swallowing | 
| Dry and stuffy throat | Difficulty speaking | Interference with stage and talk activities | 
 3. The moment I realized I wouldn't live long
In an interview, Wacky said, "Deep down in my heart, I thought, 'I'm not going to live long.'" This was not due to fear or despair of the disease, but rather a resolve that came from accepting the reality of 'how to live the limited time I have.' As he continued to suffer from a decline in his physical strength and sore throat after the illness, he said he became even more aware of his mission.
4. The mission I found in the stage play "Mother: Mother of the Suicide Attack Force"
Wacky found the meaning of life when he encountered the play "Mother: The Story of Torihama Tome, the Mother of the Suicide Attack Force." He was deeply moved by the play, which depicts the life of Torihama Tome, who was loved as the "mother" of the kamikaze pilots, and has continued to work to support the performance himself. He will finally be officially appointed as producer for the performance in March 2025. Wacky says, "It is my mission to leave this work behind for the world," and he continues to work with the goal of "leaving proof that I lived."
5. Family support and my wife's changes
His family was his greatest support during his battle with illness. Wacky says with a laugh, "My wife has become a little kinder since I got sick." She calmly accepted his condition, and provided both emotional and practical support by consulting with doctors, suggesting second opinions, and encouraging him during his hospital stay. She also frequently sent him videos of their children, which helped him maintain his energy as a father. There's no doubt that his illness has further strengthened the bonds he has with his family.
6. His passion for comedy and soccer
Even after his illness, Wacky has not lost his passion for comedy and soccer. He lists comedy, soccer, and the stage play "Mother" as his "three things I absolutely must do." In particular, when it comes to soccer, he has said, "I want to liven up the J.League with comedy," and has posted a series of impersonations of J.League players on social media. His impersonations, which capture the subtle movements and habits of players, have become a hot topic among fans and players alike, and are attracting attention as a new way of conveying the appeal of the J.League.
7. Summary: The meaning of "laughter" and "life" after overcoming illness
Wacky's way of life is based on the attitude of accepting his illness not as the end of his life, but as a turning point to find his mission. Even with the limitations of his aftereffects, he never gives up on making people smile or leaving a mark on society. His words, "I can't die laughing," are by no means pessimistic, but rather show his determination to make the most of the present moment he is alive. Wacky's activities, which involve delivering a message of life through comedy, soccer, and the stage, continue to inspire people with the same illness.
8. Q&A: Frequently asked questions about Wacky Disease
 Q1. Has Wacky's cancer been cured?
 → The patient's condition has been stable since the surgery, but he continues to have after-effects on taste and saliva, so he is more in a state of "coexistence" rather than "complete recovery."
 Q2. Is there a possibility of oropharyngeal cancer recurring?
 → Although the treatment outcomes for HPV-related cancers are relatively good, the risk of recurrence is not zero. Regular checkups are important.
 Q3. What are your upcoming plans?
 → A performance of "Mother: Mother of the Suicide Attacks" is scheduled for March 2025. She will perform alongside Yui Asaka and Miki Ando, and there will also be a free invitation program for people over 80 years old.
 Q4. What has changed since your illness?
 → He says he has started talking more with his family and has started to value time more.
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