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Digimon Singer Kouji Wada, 2 Years After Cancer Treatment: 'I'm Back'

Kōji Wada, the 39-year-old singer of theme songs for almost every Digimon anime project, posted a simple message on his blog on Thursday: "I'm back☆☆" He added on Twitter, "I'm back. Thank you very much, everyone☆ So, shall we begin?"

It has been exactly two years since Wada announced that he is putting his singing career on hold so he can focus on treatment for cancer. A decade ago, a malignant tumor was discovered on his upper pharynx and a lymph node on his neck. He was able to treat the tumor with chemotherapy and surgery and was told that he had recovered completely. However, he felt a change in his health two years ago, and an examination at a hospital confirmed that the cancer had metastasized or spread to another location.

Wada's messages on Thursday were his first since his cancer announcement two years ago. He had to put his singing career on hold, and cancelled all scheduled events related to his career since then. He promised at the time that when he returns, it would be with a smile as he spends "the best of times with the best of friends in concert" again.

Wada sang songs for Digimon Adventure, Digimon Adventure 02, Digimon Tamers, Digimon Frontier, Digimon: Data Squad, and Digimon Xros Wars. He also performed the opening theme song for the original Japanese version of Transformers: Robots in Disguise (Transformers: Car Robots).

Thanks to GokuMew2 for the news tip