TOKYO -- Former TV personality and radio announcer Monta Mino, known for his witty comments and appearances on shows including "Mino Monta no Asa Zuba!" and the Japanese version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" died on March 1. He was 80.

Mino, whose real name was Norio Minorikawa, was from Tokyo and graduated from Rikkyo University. He entered Nippon Cultural Broadcasting Inc. in 1967. After working as a news reporter, he was picked to appear on the late-night program "Sei! Young," where he won popularity.

After leaving the company, he became a freelancer, and in the 1980s, he worked as a newscaster on the weekend Fuji TV program "Professional Baseball News." He was also known for his humorous commentary on a program featuring unusual pro baseball plays.

His TV hosting included the daytime program "Gogo wa Marumaru Omoikkiri Terebi," and the variety show "Gakko e Ikko!" His catchphrases like "Final answer?" on "Quiz $ Millionaire," and "You want to escape poverty, don't you?" on "Ai no Binbo Dasshutsu Daisakusen," became buzzwords. In 2005, he also hosted the "NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen" year-end celebrity singing contest.

From 2005, he appeared six days a week on TBS's live news and information programs "Mino Monta no Saturday Zubatto" and "Minomonta no Asa Zuba!" In 2006, Mino was recognized by Guinness World Records for the most airtime on live TV in one week, at 21 hours and 42 minutes. However, in 2013, he stepped down from both programs after his younger son, a Nippon TV employee, was arrested on suspicion of attempted theft and later served a fresh arrest warrant on suspicion of theft.

Mino was a longtime host of the variety show "Himitsu no Kenmin Show" until he left in 2020. He had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which caused difficulties moving his limbs.

Monta Mino's funeral will be held by close relatives.

(Mainichi)