Terry Ito Column Vol.71 My thoughts on becoming Santa Claus

At the end of last year, I dressed up as Santa Claus and visited facilities. I also accompanied Rumiko Koyanagi for a TBS radio recording, and the following week, I visited three nursing homes and two facilities for disabled children over two days with 20 students from Tokyo International University, where I teach.

The reason I invited the students was because I suggested during class, "Why don't you dress up as Santa Claus and go and talk to the facility?" To be honest, I wanted to go again this year, but I really wanted the students, who don't usually have the opportunity to interact with elderly people or children with disabilities, to participate. Many students agreed and participated, and although it was a short visit, it was a very enjoyable time.

The smiles of the elderly, who hadn't seen them in a long time, interacted with young people, and perhaps because I'm hard of hearing, the loud, cheerful voices filled the entire lobby. It was a joyful sight to see the quiet students, usually in class, crouching, holding hands and conversing intently.

While interacting with the children, some students were just like Mr. Sakana-kun, talking about their favorite Super Sentai heroes and proudly explaining their knowledge of fish. The children spoke haltingly, but their eyes were sparkling, and we hoped that this would become a fond memory for them. Later, we received a letter from the facility manager, who said, "All the children were happy even after everyone had left. Children gain courage when they are praised." Even though we were the ones who received energy.

I want to do a second installment while the excitement is still fresh. I can't wait a year for the Christmas season. In April, I'd like to ask Mr. Shibuya, who runs Ponytail Ranch in Odawara, to hold a pony sketching contest. I also plan to visit not only children but also elderly care facilities.

It's strange, I never thought about things like this when I was younger. These days, I think about how I can make people happy and put a smile on their faces every day. I'm also seeing various issues, such as the employment problem for children with disabilities. The other day, some children I visited gave me some paintings as a thank you. I framed them right away, and they have an indescribable charm to them; looking at them makes me feel energized. I don't know what constitutes "talent," but these paintings definitely warm my heart. I'd like to hold an art exhibition of the children's paintings someday. It would be even better if the works sold there. They would provide me with some pocket money and help give me confidence in life.

That's right, one of my goals this year is to "set goals together with the kids and get moving." Some kids have trouble communicating, but I want to bring out their unique qualities. My second goal is "Live for others while taking care of yourself." It's such a cool phrase, but I've reached that age too. Of course, my feelings of supporting the Dodgers won't change!

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry