My Firsts with Arashi
This week has been full of firsts for me as a new fan of Arashi and I couldn't ask for a better experience.
1. First MV release for In the Summer
The anticipation for the release of the music video for this song is exhilarating. Despite being region-locked for some time, I was able to watch it (thanks to VPN) 😁 I was so in awe with how they all looked gorgeous on it and how the song has such a nice and feel good vibe. I placed the song on repeat on Spotify and have been watching the MV everyday. (got to keep the views up 😉)
On the same day they had their performance on Music Station and was gifted with a wonderful performance of In the Summer. The choreography was so good and as always they are so fun to watch.
It's also the first day of the cute hashflags on twitter.
2. First CD Release for Kite
I wasn't able to get a copy because I am out of funds.😅 But thanks to the generous people here I was able to listen to the new songs and watch the PV and Making of Kite. It really is incredible because the single is performing so well in terms of sales. I find it so amusing to see how dedicated and supportive Arashi fans are in that no matter where they are in the world, they will get a hold of whatever Arashi will be releasing.
3. First Instagram Live (that I actually joined lol)
When they announced that they were going to have an instagram live, I got so psyched! They were so wacky and goofy trying the different filters and doing the half-half face which was suggested by Nino🤣🤣 I don't speak Japanese but just watching them talk to each other looking so engaged is enough for me to stay the entire time. I'm still hoping someone will sub it 🙇♀️ and speaking of subbing videos...
4. First Time to Watch Kanjam and Jun's First Appearance in it
look at that soft smile on his face
I found some translation on some parts by fans on twitter (thank you for your effort 😘) but it would really be nice to watch the episode with English sub. Since Concert Master Jun Matsumoto talked about the process of creating and producing Arashi's concerts, it is really interesting to pick on his thoughts and statements. But from what I've read, I was able to get how Jun painstakingly plan concerts a year before it actually happens. He is dedicated to give what their fans want and he wouldn't stop innovating and challenging the limits of concert production.
5. First Time to Watch Movies Where Arashi Starred in
So far I have watched:
- Pikanchi Life is Hard Dakedo Happy
- Pikanchi Life is Hard Dakara Happy
- Pikanchi Life is Hard Tabun Happy
- Saigo no Yakusoku
- Hidamari no Kanojo
- Narratage
I have a long way to go and I haven't watched Best Actor Ninomiya Kazunari's films but they are definitely on the list. 😄 It's enjoyable to see all of them five, acting together. Although there are lots to say about the Pikanchi films, it was charming and heartfelt in its purest form. Jun's two films above have such great contrast but both delivered the emotions they want to convey. The only thing that bummed me was how difficult it was to find subs for some of their movies. But hey, I'll do my best to scour the internet for subs if that's what it takes lol.
New Voyage Episode
It was also worth mentioning that it was the 11th episode of Voyage on Netflix. It's not one of the firsts which is the main subject of this entry but it was such an insightful episode, touching at best and frightening in some parts (Diva Jun and his 3o% anger level 😆) But the highlights of the episode were those small moments where they freely expressed how one member could not go on without the others; of how much they rely to and get their courage from one another. The last scene of them in the bus clearly showed that no one understands each of Arashi better than themselves. They know and sense each other's moods and react accordingly; always ready to lift when it gets heavy, pulling each other closer when it gets rocky, letting go when it gets stuffy.
I only have gratitude and love for this group that brings me so much happiness everyday. Quoting from the latest episode of Voyage:
Language isn't important. It's feelings.
I couldn't agree more because it wasn't the language that brought me here- for one thing it could've been a hindrance- it was those feelings that the group bring out through their music and artistry that made me want to know Arashi and become their supporter. And support I'll give from now on 'till the moment they say "see you again".