Monta Mino facts for kids

Monta Mino (みの もんた, Mino Monta), born Norio Minorikawa (御法川 法男, Minorikawa Norio), was a very famous Japanese television presenter. He was born on August 22, 1944, and passed away on March 1, 2025. Monta Mino was known for hosting many different TV shows. He even held a special world record for how many hours he spent on live TV each week!

Monta Mino's TV Career

Monta Mino grew up in Setagaya, a part of Tokyo, Japan. He went to Rikkyo High School and then Rikkyo University. After finishing school, he worked briefly at a newspaper.

Starting in Radio

In 1967, Monta Mino joined Nippon Cultural Broadcasting. He started as a radio announcer. His jobs included reading the news and covering exciting baseball games. He also hosted a popular late-night show called Sei! Young. The name "Mino Monta" actually came from another radio show he hosted. In 1979, he left the radio station. He went to work for his father's company. However, he continued to read the news for Aichi Broadcasting as a contractor.

Becoming a TV Star

Monta Mino became a huge star on television. He hosted many different kinds of shows. One of his well-known shows was the morning news program, Mino Monta no Asa Zuba! (みのもんたの朝ズバッ!). He also hosted the Japanese version of the famous British quiz show, Quiz $ Millionaire. On Sundays, he presented Amazing Animals (どうぶつ奇想天外, Dōbutsukisōtengai), a show about animals.

He also hosted a long-running afternoon show called Omoikkiri TV (おもいっきりテレビ). On this show, he often gave advice about lifestyle and health. This popular show ended in 2007.

A World Record Holder

Monta Mino was incredibly busy. He once claimed he only needed four hours of sleep each night. This was because he hosted many TV programs. He appeared on television almost every day of the week. In April 2008, he was recognized by Guinness World Records. He set a record for the most hours of live TV appearances in a week. He was on live TV for 22 hours and 15 seconds! This broke his own record from 2006.

Personal Life and Passing

Monta Mino was married to Yasuko Minorikawa (御法川 靖子, Minorikawa Yasuko). They were married in November 1970. Sadly, Yasuko passed away in May 2012 at the age of 65. She died from cancer.

In 2020, Monta Mino was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. After this, he stopped appearing on television.

Monta Mino passed away on March 1, 2025. He was 80 years old. He died in Minato, Tokyo, after choking at a restaurant.