Mita Hyoron Online - Sakurai Sho Interview 2020.03.17 [TRANSLATIONS]
What could bring me back from translation hibernation? This Sho interview.
He discusses his years at Keio, balancing work and school, his parents (this really got me feeling all warm and fuzzy), his work as a newscaster, Arashi's hiatus, rugby, a letter from a fan he can't forget, and setting the standard for university graduate idols.
It's a really deep interview. I loved translating it; I hope you enjoy reading it. :)
☆Please DO NOT use my translations without permission. Credit “amnosxmatsujun @ LJ” and link back to this post if you share excerpts elsewhere. Thank you!☆
Person in the Spotlight
Sakurai Sho: The Spirit of “Independence and Respect” Nurtured Arashi’s 20 Years (*T/N: “Independence and Respect” is Keio University’s core principle.)
Balancing Work and High School
Ishikawa Shunichiro (Interviewer): I first met you when you were a senior in high school, back in 1999. Arashi was the representative for the Volleyball World Cup that November. You must have been incredibly busy back then.
Sakurai Sho: Yes, indeed, I was. The other members of Arashi traveled to the venues ahead of time, but I attended all my classes, then headed from Shin-Yokohama to Sendai, Osaka, and Nagoya alone, to support the evening matches. If I could make the last train, I’d get back around midnight. If I missed it, I’d take the train in the morning and head back to school.
IS: I’d see you on TV the night before, but the next morning, I’d see you in your 1st period class. [lol] I remember being quite impressed with you. You never missed a day of school, and you were never late.
SS: I appreciate the school for their flexibility. I began my career in the entertainment industry in 8th grade. My middle school neither supported nor opposed it, leaving the decision up to my family. My high school had the same approach. I understood their flexibility to be a form of acceptance of my lifestyle.
IS: That’s very true. The attending students didn’t form crowds to get a glimpse of you.
SS: I’m grateful it was an all-boys’ school. There was no one around screaming for me. [lol] But, I must apologize. I often fell asleep in class for the three years in high school. [lol]
IS: During one of my classes, a concerned classmate tried to wake you. I responded, “Sakurai-kun is experiencing a life none of you will experience. These hardships will one day serve him well. Don’t wake him.” [lol]
SS: I’m terribly sorry about that. The hardest years were my senior year of high school, and the 2nd and 3rd years in university. I had just debuted when I was in high school, so my work schedule was unpredictable. Still, I was a student and I couldn’t miss school. It was the first time I had to balance my life and that was tough. During my 3rd year in university, I was offered my first leading role in a drama around the same time as my final exams. Those events overlapped perfectly, so that was the toughest it’s ever been. Because I’ve experienced these incredibly busy seasons in my high school and college days, I don’t feel as daunted when things get busy now. I think, “If I was able to overcome that, I can do anything.”
Blessed With Friends During His Time at Keio
IS: You’ve attended Keio since kindergarten, balanced work life and school since middle school, and you didn’t repeat a year the entire 16 years you were a student here, graduating from university on schedule. You kept your promise with your parents that you “wouldn’t miss school.” You’re a man of your word.
SS: I’m flattered you think so, but it was just stubbornness, to be honest. [lol] To be a talent at Johnny’s and Associates and work in the entertainment industry meant that, of course, some teachers and parents didn’t look favorably upon me. How do I continue my career in that environment? It was to remain dutiful to my priorities as a student, to not neglect my studies. It was for my parents as well. When I entered college, they told me, “If you’re going to continue your career as Arashi, you’re paying out of your own pocket if you repeat a year of school.” I interpreted it as, “If you repeat a year, that’s the end of your career.” [lol] So, half of it was stubbornness. The other half, I was truly blessed with friends. They’d share their notes with me, and really, in various aspects of my school life, my friends from Keio helped me.
IS: During your college years, I ran into you during a Soukeisen (*T/N: College rivalry between Waseda University and Keio University, most likely a baseball game between the colleges). You were in the stands with fellow students, and no one was really causing a scene to see you. It seems you truly enjoyed your college years.
SS: One of my buddy’s girlfriends was on the cheerleading team, so we went to see her. [lol] I had a lot of fun. I believe it’s all thanks to the many years I spent at the Keio campuses. Individuals like me who are in the entertainment industry often get looks of curiosity, so if I had entered Keio as a college student, it would have been tough. [lol] Thankfully, long-time friends came to my aid at times. I was taking courses from Monday to Saturday when I was a college freshman. The first month or so, female students would say, “I heard Sakurai’s attending” and get a look at me. But, as time went by, the novelty wore off and it was more like, “He’s here all the time.” [lol] I mentioned this during my graduation press conference, but I truly admire the athletes. The athletes at Keio were training all the way up to the day of exams. That kind of dedication motivates me to do better myself. I, too, can’t go easy on myself or give myself passes.
Principles of a Newscaster
IS: Now, I’d like to ask you about your work as a newscaster on news zero. You started back in 2006, so you’re in your 15th year, is that correct?
SS: That’s correct. I’m only on once a week, but it’s the longest running program of which I’ve been a part, including the staff members with whom I work. One of the main reasons I became interested in newscasting was 9.11. I thought, “What exactly is going on in the world?” Back then, I didn’t even know why the United States fell victim to a terrorist attack, so I started reading up on it. Another big reason is my role in society as both a Keio graduate and a figure in show business. I was able to attend thanks to my parents. When I thought about how I could give back to my career and agency, I wondered if newscasting was something I could do. I was 24 years old back then, but I’m grateful I was given such opportunity.
IS: Are you a self-taught newscaster, or did you read books and study about it?
SS: No, I don’t really study it. I prefer the “learn on location” approach. I don’t believe it is my position to stick to my principles or force my opinions on people as an anchorman would. When I first began work as a newscaster, Announcer Fukuzawa Akira-san gave me this piece of advice: “As the name suggests, a ‘caster’ is like a set of wheels on a chair. Your role is to deliver and connect--from person to person, from TV to viewers.” That really resonated with me. I thought, “My job is merely to make the trek to disaster areas and be the liaison for the voices of those affected.” In the case with work-style labor reforms, for example, I don’t have experience working in a typical employer-employee relationship. But, I believe that’s why I’m able to admit, “I didn’t know that” and deliver that information to my viewers. My job is to “communicate and connect” as many voices, to as many people as possible.
IS: You’re living out Keio University’s ideology. You’ve attended Keio since kindergarten and learned our principle, “Independence and Respect.” Then, as a talent of Johnny’s and Associates, you also learned their principle: “Show Must Go On.” Are there any overlapping values or similarities between the two principles?
SS: That’s hard to say. [lol] What I value is that I stay true to myself, to not simply mimic someone else. I suppose that ties into Keio’s “Independence and Respect” principle. Of course, I think being influenced by others is great. What’s important and valuable is how you make that your own.
IS: It looks like that perspective has propelled you to challenging new things. Weren’t you playing the piano during the tour?
SS: You’ve really done your homework, sir. [lol] I took electone lessons from age 3 to about 3rd grade, piano lessons from 4th grade to 7th grade. (*T/N: Electones are electronic organs trademarked by Yamaha.) When I turned 30, I started taking lessons again since I didn’t want to waste the knowledge I had gained during those early years. My main reason for playing piano is to make my fans happy, so that they can sing along with us. But, a part of it is for my parents, a parting gift, if you will. My parents gave me the privilege to learn the piano when I was young. Playing the piano for them at Tokyo Dome 30 years later is my way of thanking them.
IS: You truly are a kind, considerate, and thoughtful individual. I see that today, you’re wearing the necktie your high school classmates made and gave to you during last year’s reunion. I remember you wore it on news zero the following Monday. Not many are capable of executing such considerate acts of kindness.
SS: I’ve been very blessed by those who are in my life. They’ve helped me get to where I am today.
Strong Resolve Attending National Events
IS: You’ve been the main newscaster for six, consecutive Olympic Games. You’ve also been the main emcee for Kouhaku Uta Gassen for roughly six years. And just last year, you attended the National Ceremony during the Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement. These days, Arashi is a staple at every national event. Do you feel you’re under a lot of pressure?
SS: Not at all. I don’t feel like I’m under any pressure. I’m purely in awe, it is the highest honor I could receive. When we first received invitations to be a part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and Emperor Naruhito’s Enthronement Ceremony, I couldn’t believe it. It was too surreal for me to wrap my head around it. I couldn’t have dreamed of such honor back in my senior year of high school.
IS: I bet. You sometimes star in movies as well. I’m a fan of Kamisama no Karute. I like the modesty of your married life with Miyazaki Aoi. Do you take a break from group activities when you’re doing solo work?
SS: We film our regular TV shows simultaneously. We’re actually a special case in showbiz. We’ve had regular TV shows for pretty much our whole career, and we have the privilege of holding concert tours every year. Our group activities are the foundation. It is because of Arashi I am able to act in movies.
IS: Then, I bet there are periods where you get very little sleep. Do you get any time off during the year?
SS: Not a lot, but yes. [lol] We’re in the era of work-style labor reform, after all. [lol] I’m also older now, but unlike my younger days, I do get consistent time off. I’m really enjoying this rhythm of work and rest.
IS: Arashi will go on hiatus on December 31, 2020. Have you thought of what the future holds after that?
SS: Honestly, I haven’t thought about it. [lol] 2020 is about doing all that we can as Arashi. There are lots of things we’d like to accomplish as Arashi up until December 31st, but it’s difficult to talk about specifics after that. On the other hand, I’ll be turning 39. Some of my former classmates are changing careers; I suppose I’m at that point in my life where change is inevitable.
IS: Have you garnered knowledge from any of your classmates who work in different professions?
SS: A while back, I had drinks with a classmate from my freshman year of college. That was pretty interesting. With buddies I see frequently, we don’t get into deep or complicated conversations. But, with someone I haven’t seen since graduation, we have 15 years’ worth of topics to talk about, from what work they used to do, why they changed careers, what they do now. It was refreshing to learn their way of life.
IS: Do you have any interest in publishing or creating anything?
SS: I’m not much of a creator, but I’d be interested in writing something. I’ve always enjoyed writing. Even as a kindergartener, I loved writing essays.
IS: Well, then. Arashi will probably perform at this year’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen. But, will you also perform at Johnny’s Countdown? [lol]
SS: You went all entertainment reporter on me. [lol] We’ve discussed this as a group, but nothing is set in stone. How will we spend our time up to the last second, New Year’s Eve at 11:59:59PM? Our first priority is doing something for our fans who support us. We have many ideas, but we haven’t finalized how to make it all work.
IS: Could it be possible that you’ll be welcoming in the new year with your parents? It’s been since your middle school days.
SS: Good point. I presume I’ll be more like Ashita no Joe. (*T/N: A Japanese boxing manga series.) Passed out from sense of accomplishment and exhaustion. [lol]
An Unforgettable Letter From a Fan
IS: In elementary school, you played rugby your 5th and 6th year, then went on to play soccer in middle school. Why did you switch sports?
SS: J1 League was founded when I was in 5th grade. (*T/N: Top division of the Japan Professional Football League, founded 1992.) It was soccer this, soccer that. Soccer wasn’t offered as a sport in elementary school, so everyone played rugby instead. In hindsight, I’m glad that I was forced to choose something I wasn’t interested in at the time. I learned a lot from the rugby sport, and although it was only for a short two years, I’m extremely grateful for the experience.
IS: It looks like you were able to use that experience during last year’s Rugby World Cup. As news zero’s special supporter, I thought you were going to break to pieces, tackling athletes like that. [lol]
SS: I was thrilled. I felt I was being impertinent since I had only played in elementary school, but a small part of me was proud of the fact that I had worn a tiger jersey for two years at the school where rugby was first introduced in Japan. (*T/N: Keio University’s tiger jersey is considered the quintessential college rugby jersey. Keio is famous for the rugby sport and is known as the “roots of rugby” in Japan, as it was the first school to form a team back in the fall of 1899.) I was excited beyond belief to be involved in the Rugby World Cup held here in Japan.
IS: Are there letters from fans you can still remember well?
SS: When we first debuted, I got a letter from a girl in Kyushu. She was hospitalized due to a serious illness. We weren’t famous or anything, but she had our poster on the ceiling of her room, and she said that when she listens to our songs, her electrocardiogram looked different. Unfortunately, she passed away, but she was the first to give me a sense of purpose in my profession. She was the first to teach me that our songs and music can bring joy to others. That was an intense turning point for me.
IS: What a touching story. You’ve now been in your profession for 20 years. Are you starting to focus on mentoring and training your juniors?
SS: I’ve finally gotten into that mindset the past 5 years or so. I don’t think “training” is the right word, though. If my experience can be of help for the juniors, I’d be happy to share it. It’s not my place to tell them what to do. Rather, I might say something like, “In this case, I went with Decision A.” That way, they might think, “Then maybe, I’ll go with Decision B.” In particular, Nasu Yuto-kun (1st year student at Keio University, member of Johnny’s Jr. group Bishounen) is currently trying to balance work and school. But, he’s really smart so I don’t think my experience will be particularly helpful. [lol]
IS: Nasu-kun has also focused on economics in middle school and high school. I can see how much he admires the Keio graduate who paved the path for him.
SS: About 80% of me is happy to hear that. I’ll admit, I do feel a bit guilty. I’ve become the model for university graduate idols. Still, it motivates me to continue setting the example and live up to his standards as his senior.
IS: I’m looking forward to your continued success. Thank you for your time today.
He discusses his years at Keio, balancing work and school, his parents (this really got me feeling all warm and fuzzy), his work as a newscaster, Arashi's hiatus, rugby, a letter from a fan he can't forget, and setting the standard for university graduate idols.
It's a really deep interview. I loved translating it; I hope you enjoy reading it. :)
☆Please DO NOT use my translations without permission. Credit “amnosxmatsujun @ LJ” and link back to this post if you share excerpts elsewhere. Thank you!☆
Person in the Spotlight
Sakurai Sho: The Spirit of “Independence and Respect” Nurtured Arashi’s 20 Years (*T/N: “Independence and Respect” is Keio University’s core principle.)
Balancing Work and High School
Ishikawa Shunichiro (Interviewer): I first met you when you were a senior in high school, back in 1999. Arashi was the representative for the Volleyball World Cup that November. You must have been incredibly busy back then.
Sakurai Sho: Yes, indeed, I was. The other members of Arashi traveled to the venues ahead of time, but I attended all my classes, then headed from Shin-Yokohama to Sendai, Osaka, and Nagoya alone, to support the evening matches. If I could make the last train, I’d get back around midnight. If I missed it, I’d take the train in the morning and head back to school.
IS: I’d see you on TV the night before, but the next morning, I’d see you in your 1st period class. [lol] I remember being quite impressed with you. You never missed a day of school, and you were never late.
SS: I appreciate the school for their flexibility. I began my career in the entertainment industry in 8th grade. My middle school neither supported nor opposed it, leaving the decision up to my family. My high school had the same approach. I understood their flexibility to be a form of acceptance of my lifestyle.
IS: That’s very true. The attending students didn’t form crowds to get a glimpse of you.
SS: I’m grateful it was an all-boys’ school. There was no one around screaming for me. [lol] But, I must apologize. I often fell asleep in class for the three years in high school. [lol]
IS: During one of my classes, a concerned classmate tried to wake you. I responded, “Sakurai-kun is experiencing a life none of you will experience. These hardships will one day serve him well. Don’t wake him.” [lol]
SS: I’m terribly sorry about that. The hardest years were my senior year of high school, and the 2nd and 3rd years in university. I had just debuted when I was in high school, so my work schedule was unpredictable. Still, I was a student and I couldn’t miss school. It was the first time I had to balance my life and that was tough. During my 3rd year in university, I was offered my first leading role in a drama around the same time as my final exams. Those events overlapped perfectly, so that was the toughest it’s ever been. Because I’ve experienced these incredibly busy seasons in my high school and college days, I don’t feel as daunted when things get busy now. I think, “If I was able to overcome that, I can do anything.”
Blessed With Friends During His Time at Keio
IS: You’ve attended Keio since kindergarten, balanced work life and school since middle school, and you didn’t repeat a year the entire 16 years you were a student here, graduating from university on schedule. You kept your promise with your parents that you “wouldn’t miss school.” You’re a man of your word.
SS: I’m flattered you think so, but it was just stubbornness, to be honest. [lol] To be a talent at Johnny’s and Associates and work in the entertainment industry meant that, of course, some teachers and parents didn’t look favorably upon me. How do I continue my career in that environment? It was to remain dutiful to my priorities as a student, to not neglect my studies. It was for my parents as well. When I entered college, they told me, “If you’re going to continue your career as Arashi, you’re paying out of your own pocket if you repeat a year of school.” I interpreted it as, “If you repeat a year, that’s the end of your career.” [lol] So, half of it was stubbornness. The other half, I was truly blessed with friends. They’d share their notes with me, and really, in various aspects of my school life, my friends from Keio helped me.
IS: During your college years, I ran into you during a Soukeisen (*T/N: College rivalry between Waseda University and Keio University, most likely a baseball game between the colleges). You were in the stands with fellow students, and no one was really causing a scene to see you. It seems you truly enjoyed your college years.
SS: One of my buddy’s girlfriends was on the cheerleading team, so we went to see her. [lol] I had a lot of fun. I believe it’s all thanks to the many years I spent at the Keio campuses. Individuals like me who are in the entertainment industry often get looks of curiosity, so if I had entered Keio as a college student, it would have been tough. [lol] Thankfully, long-time friends came to my aid at times. I was taking courses from Monday to Saturday when I was a college freshman. The first month or so, female students would say, “I heard Sakurai’s attending” and get a look at me. But, as time went by, the novelty wore off and it was more like, “He’s here all the time.” [lol] I mentioned this during my graduation press conference, but I truly admire the athletes. The athletes at Keio were training all the way up to the day of exams. That kind of dedication motivates me to do better myself. I, too, can’t go easy on myself or give myself passes.
Principles of a Newscaster
IS: Now, I’d like to ask you about your work as a newscaster on news zero. You started back in 2006, so you’re in your 15th year, is that correct?
SS: That’s correct. I’m only on once a week, but it’s the longest running program of which I’ve been a part, including the staff members with whom I work. One of the main reasons I became interested in newscasting was 9.11. I thought, “What exactly is going on in the world?” Back then, I didn’t even know why the United States fell victim to a terrorist attack, so I started reading up on it. Another big reason is my role in society as both a Keio graduate and a figure in show business. I was able to attend thanks to my parents. When I thought about how I could give back to my career and agency, I wondered if newscasting was something I could do. I was 24 years old back then, but I’m grateful I was given such opportunity.
IS: Are you a self-taught newscaster, or did you read books and study about it?
SS: No, I don’t really study it. I prefer the “learn on location” approach. I don’t believe it is my position to stick to my principles or force my opinions on people as an anchorman would. When I first began work as a newscaster, Announcer Fukuzawa Akira-san gave me this piece of advice: “As the name suggests, a ‘caster’ is like a set of wheels on a chair. Your role is to deliver and connect--from person to person, from TV to viewers.” That really resonated with me. I thought, “My job is merely to make the trek to disaster areas and be the liaison for the voices of those affected.” In the case with work-style labor reforms, for example, I don’t have experience working in a typical employer-employee relationship. But, I believe that’s why I’m able to admit, “I didn’t know that” and deliver that information to my viewers. My job is to “communicate and connect” as many voices, to as many people as possible.
IS: You’re living out Keio University’s ideology. You’ve attended Keio since kindergarten and learned our principle, “Independence and Respect.” Then, as a talent of Johnny’s and Associates, you also learned their principle: “Show Must Go On.” Are there any overlapping values or similarities between the two principles?
SS: That’s hard to say. [lol] What I value is that I stay true to myself, to not simply mimic someone else. I suppose that ties into Keio’s “Independence and Respect” principle. Of course, I think being influenced by others is great. What’s important and valuable is how you make that your own.
IS: It looks like that perspective has propelled you to challenging new things. Weren’t you playing the piano during the tour?
SS: You’ve really done your homework, sir. [lol] I took electone lessons from age 3 to about 3rd grade, piano lessons from 4th grade to 7th grade. (*T/N: Electones are electronic organs trademarked by Yamaha.) When I turned 30, I started taking lessons again since I didn’t want to waste the knowledge I had gained during those early years. My main reason for playing piano is to make my fans happy, so that they can sing along with us. But, a part of it is for my parents, a parting gift, if you will. My parents gave me the privilege to learn the piano when I was young. Playing the piano for them at Tokyo Dome 30 years later is my way of thanking them.
IS: You truly are a kind, considerate, and thoughtful individual. I see that today, you’re wearing the necktie your high school classmates made and gave to you during last year’s reunion. I remember you wore it on news zero the following Monday. Not many are capable of executing such considerate acts of kindness.
SS: I’ve been very blessed by those who are in my life. They’ve helped me get to where I am today.
Strong Resolve Attending National Events
IS: You’ve been the main newscaster for six, consecutive Olympic Games. You’ve also been the main emcee for Kouhaku Uta Gassen for roughly six years. And just last year, you attended the National Ceremony during the Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement. These days, Arashi is a staple at every national event. Do you feel you’re under a lot of pressure?
SS: Not at all. I don’t feel like I’m under any pressure. I’m purely in awe, it is the highest honor I could receive. When we first received invitations to be a part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and Emperor Naruhito’s Enthronement Ceremony, I couldn’t believe it. It was too surreal for me to wrap my head around it. I couldn’t have dreamed of such honor back in my senior year of high school.
IS: I bet. You sometimes star in movies as well. I’m a fan of Kamisama no Karute. I like the modesty of your married life with Miyazaki Aoi. Do you take a break from group activities when you’re doing solo work?
SS: We film our regular TV shows simultaneously. We’re actually a special case in showbiz. We’ve had regular TV shows for pretty much our whole career, and we have the privilege of holding concert tours every year. Our group activities are the foundation. It is because of Arashi I am able to act in movies.
IS: Then, I bet there are periods where you get very little sleep. Do you get any time off during the year?
SS: Not a lot, but yes. [lol] We’re in the era of work-style labor reform, after all. [lol] I’m also older now, but unlike my younger days, I do get consistent time off. I’m really enjoying this rhythm of work and rest.
IS: Arashi will go on hiatus on December 31, 2020. Have you thought of what the future holds after that?
SS: Honestly, I haven’t thought about it. [lol] 2020 is about doing all that we can as Arashi. There are lots of things we’d like to accomplish as Arashi up until December 31st, but it’s difficult to talk about specifics after that. On the other hand, I’ll be turning 39. Some of my former classmates are changing careers; I suppose I’m at that point in my life where change is inevitable.
IS: Have you garnered knowledge from any of your classmates who work in different professions?
SS: A while back, I had drinks with a classmate from my freshman year of college. That was pretty interesting. With buddies I see frequently, we don’t get into deep or complicated conversations. But, with someone I haven’t seen since graduation, we have 15 years’ worth of topics to talk about, from what work they used to do, why they changed careers, what they do now. It was refreshing to learn their way of life.
IS: Do you have any interest in publishing or creating anything?
SS: I’m not much of a creator, but I’d be interested in writing something. I’ve always enjoyed writing. Even as a kindergartener, I loved writing essays.
IS: Well, then. Arashi will probably perform at this year’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen. But, will you also perform at Johnny’s Countdown? [lol]
SS: You went all entertainment reporter on me. [lol] We’ve discussed this as a group, but nothing is set in stone. How will we spend our time up to the last second, New Year’s Eve at 11:59:59PM? Our first priority is doing something for our fans who support us. We have many ideas, but we haven’t finalized how to make it all work.
IS: Could it be possible that you’ll be welcoming in the new year with your parents? It’s been since your middle school days.
SS: Good point. I presume I’ll be more like Ashita no Joe. (*T/N: A Japanese boxing manga series.) Passed out from sense of accomplishment and exhaustion. [lol]
An Unforgettable Letter From a Fan
IS: In elementary school, you played rugby your 5th and 6th year, then went on to play soccer in middle school. Why did you switch sports?
SS: J1 League was founded when I was in 5th grade. (*T/N: Top division of the Japan Professional Football League, founded 1992.) It was soccer this, soccer that. Soccer wasn’t offered as a sport in elementary school, so everyone played rugby instead. In hindsight, I’m glad that I was forced to choose something I wasn’t interested in at the time. I learned a lot from the rugby sport, and although it was only for a short two years, I’m extremely grateful for the experience.
IS: It looks like you were able to use that experience during last year’s Rugby World Cup. As news zero’s special supporter, I thought you were going to break to pieces, tackling athletes like that. [lol]
SS: I was thrilled. I felt I was being impertinent since I had only played in elementary school, but a small part of me was proud of the fact that I had worn a tiger jersey for two years at the school where rugby was first introduced in Japan. (*T/N: Keio University’s tiger jersey is considered the quintessential college rugby jersey. Keio is famous for the rugby sport and is known as the “roots of rugby” in Japan, as it was the first school to form a team back in the fall of 1899.) I was excited beyond belief to be involved in the Rugby World Cup held here in Japan.
IS: Are there letters from fans you can still remember well?
SS: When we first debuted, I got a letter from a girl in Kyushu. She was hospitalized due to a serious illness. We weren’t famous or anything, but she had our poster on the ceiling of her room, and she said that when she listens to our songs, her electrocardiogram looked different. Unfortunately, she passed away, but she was the first to give me a sense of purpose in my profession. She was the first to teach me that our songs and music can bring joy to others. That was an intense turning point for me.
IS: What a touching story. You’ve now been in your profession for 20 years. Are you starting to focus on mentoring and training your juniors?
SS: I’ve finally gotten into that mindset the past 5 years or so. I don’t think “training” is the right word, though. If my experience can be of help for the juniors, I’d be happy to share it. It’s not my place to tell them what to do. Rather, I might say something like, “In this case, I went with Decision A.” That way, they might think, “Then maybe, I’ll go with Decision B.” In particular, Nasu Yuto-kun (1st year student at Keio University, member of Johnny’s Jr. group Bishounen) is currently trying to balance work and school. But, he’s really smart so I don’t think my experience will be particularly helpful. [lol]
IS: Nasu-kun has also focused on economics in middle school and high school. I can see how much he admires the Keio graduate who paved the path for him.
SS: About 80% of me is happy to hear that. I’ll admit, I do feel a bit guilty. I’ve become the model for university graduate idols. Still, it motivates me to continue setting the example and live up to his standards as his senior.
IS: I’m looking forward to your continued success. Thank you for your time today.