Television comedian Tamori's midday variety program “Waratte Iitomo” (It’s Okay to Laugh) on Fuji TV came to an end Monday after 31 1/2 years on the air.

The popular program started in October 1982. The 68-year-old Tamori, whose real name Kazuyoshi Morita, is known for his trademark sunglasses (very few people have ever seen him without sunglasses).

On the final show, comedian and movie director Takeshi Kitano appeared to award Tamori a testimonial. When asked by Takeshi what he was going to do from now on, Tamori said, “I don’t know. That’s what I’m worried about now.”

Tamori was "discovered" by Yosuke Yamashita, a jazz pianist in his hometown of Fukuoka and gained popularity through his manic imitation of foreign languages. He was then invited to Tokyo and started to appear on some TV and radio programs.

“Waratte Iitomo” was his first daytime program which he made a hit through his ad-libbing in front of live audiences.

Asked the secret of lasting so long, Tamori said, "Don’t be too enthusiastic and don’t regret anything."

© Japan Today