[Magazine Translation] Keio Mita-ron 2020.05.15
Originally posted here.
Sakurai Sho: Fostering a Spirit of Independence and Self-Respect (1) Through 20 Years as Arashi
Interviewer: Ishikawa Shunichiro (Honorary Professor at Keio)
[独立自尊]“Study-Work Balance” During High School
--The first time I met you was when you were still in your third year of senior high school in 1999. You worked for the volleyball world cup held in November as part of “Arashi,” which was the image character for the tournament at the time. It must have been a difficult time for you.
Sakurai: Yeah, it was tough. The rest of the members headed off to the venues before me but I had to attend my high school classes. I headed off alone to Sendai, Osaka and Nagoya from Shin-Yokohama after my last class ended for the day and cheered on the volleyball matches. Afterwards I would head back home in the middle of the night, or otherwise the next morning if I couldn’t make the night train.
--You appeared on TV the night before yet you would be attending first period the next morning (laughs). Everyone thought, “what an amazing person.” You were never late and never absent despite the sheer workload you shouldered during those days.
Sakurai: I think it’s thanks to the school authorities’ willingness to understand my circumstances. When I started out in the entertainment industry during my second year of junior high school, the school neither approved nor disapproved of my situation. Instead, they left my family to decide on the matter ourselves. Keio Senior High School followed the same principle and allowed me to enjoy a degree of freedom, which I interpreted to be a sign of their acknowledgement.
--That’s true. The school doesn’t have any students that would rowdily surround and follow you around.
Sakurai: I’m glad I went to a boys’ school. There isn’t anyone around in school who would scream over me (laughs). However, I am also guilty for falling asleep often in the middle of class during my three years of high school (laughs).
--The other students in my class were worried and would try to wake you up, so I told them, “Sakurai-kun is experiencing something that most people wouldn’t be able to put themselves through. These experiences will be crucial for his future so don’t wake him up.” (laughs)
Sakurai: Sorry to bring that up. The roughest patches I experienced were during my third year of senior high school as well as my second and third years of university. I freshly debuted during senior high school so I was clueless about my work pace. However, I was also a student so skipping school was not an option. I found it tough because it was my first time having to balance my studies with work. I received an offer to appear in a drama series during the exam period of the second semester in my third year of university. The timing for the exams and filming clashed with each other so it was a difficult period. It’s thanks those high school and university experiences that I have the confidence to get through busy periods of work now, because I can always look back and think “I’ve gone through worse in the past.”
Blessed By Good Friends During His Years at Keio
--Sakurai-kun entered Keio through Yochisa Elementary School, balanced work with his school life during his time at Futsubu Junior High School, continued on to university and graduated after a total of 16 years of schooling without needing to repeat a year. You fulfilled your promise to your parents to not slack off from school.
Sakurai: It makes me happy to hear you word it that way, but to be honest, it was just me being stubborn (laughs). There were a number of teachers and guardians who definitely did not think highly of my decision to enter Johnny’s and step foot in the entertainment industry. So in order to be able to continue my work in the entertainment industry in that environment, I felt that I needed to carry out my core duties as a student, which was to conduct my studies well. It was also to prove myself to my parents. They told me, “If you continue as Arashi and end up repeating a year at school, pay your tuition fees yourself.” It was basically them telling me that I wouldn’t be allowed to work in entertainment anymore if I repeated a year (laughs). So half of it was a result of my stubbornness. The other half is because I was blessed with kind friends. My Keio friends helped me a lot in many ways, like lending me their notes when I needed it.
--We met at a Waseda-Keio sports match (2) when you were a university student, didn’t we? I remember seeing you at the student seats cheering on the school team. I thought it was great to see you enjoy your student life normally.
Sakurai: My friend’s girlfriend was a cheerleader, so we went to cheer her on (laughs). I had a lot of fun. I feel quite indebted to Keio in a lot of ways. People whose work is like mine tend to gather attention from the public, so I think they must have had it tough after I entered university (laughs). Moreover, I’ve been lucky to have friends who would protect me at times. More than anything though, I had classes from Monday to Saturday during my first year of university so while there were girls who initially came to see me out of curiosity for the first month or so, they lost interest since I was basically there everyday and my presence was no longer unusual (laughs). I said this during the press conference of my graduation ceremony, but I really respect the sports students at Keio. They basically spent their free time everyday practicing until exams. I was greatly inspired by the dedication they displayed. It made me realise that I couldn’t afford to be lenient on myself.
--I would like to ask you regarding your work as a newscaster for news zero. You started in 2006 and this year will be your fifteenth consecutive year as a newscaster, am I correct?
Sakurai: Yes. I only appear on it once a week, but I now have the longest history working in news zero, even with the TV staff included. My decision to become a newscaster was sparked by my interest in what was happening around the world during the 9/11 incident in 2001. I was clueless to why America was attacked to that extent in the first place, so I decided to research further into the matter. The other reason was that I am in the entertainment industry whilst having been fortunate to have had my parents enrol me into Keio. I realised that becoming a newscaster was a path that could allow me to utilise my Keio University education as part of my work. I was lucky to be able to receive such an offer at the time I was twenty four years old.
--Would a major foundation of being a newscaster be self-study? Do you read a lot of books?
Sakurai: No, I don’t actually read a lot of books. It’s more of a “learn-on-site” experience. I don’t think that it’s my role to state my principles and opinions as an anchorman would, so to speak. When I first started my job as a newscaster, Fukuzawa Akira announcer told me, “The title of being a newscaster is exactly as it sounds. Just how a wheelchair caster is attached to allow the chair to pivot, being a newscaster connects people to people; from inside the television to reach the audience.” These words engraved itself within me. I thought, “My role is to simply go to the incident’s site and amplify the victim’s voices for more people to hear.” Even if it was merely news on the reformation of our work culture, I may be able to convey new things that relate to the audience despite having no personal experience working as part of regular society. I believe that my role is to “convey and connect” a single person’s voice to a wider audience that way.
--It’s in line with Keio’s teachings, isn’t it. (3) Sakurai-kun, you were taught by Keio the principle of “independence and self-respect” from your early years at Yochisa Elementary School. Afterwards, you were taught that “the show must go on” from your time at Johnny’s & Associates. Have you found anything in common between two principles?
Sakurai: Hard to say (laughs). Perhaps it may be related to the principle of “independence and self-respect” you speak about, but I think that it’s important to avoid following others mindlessly and instead appreciate who you are as yourself. On the other hand, I think it’s fine to take substantial amounts of inspiration from your surroundings. However, it’s also crucial that you don’t simply copy others and instead use the inspiration to do something original.
--That attitude also links to the idea of challenging new things, doesn’t it. You also played the piano during your concert tour, didn’t you?
Sakurai: You’re really well informed, aren’t you, Professor (laughs). I played the electronic organ from when I was around three years old until I was in my third year of elementary school. After that, I learned the piano from my fourth year of elementary school to first year of junior high school. I started relearning it when I turned thirty years old since I felt like it’d be a waste of the time I spent learning it during childhood to leave it untouched otherwise. My main goal was to make our fans happy and make everyone sing together, but I also thought it would be nice if it could be seen as a small parting gift to my parents. I feel like I was able to draw a form of conclusion within me by performing the piano in Tokyo Dome in front of my parents, thirty years after they made me learn it as a child.
--You’re a really kind-hearted, considerate person. The necktie you’re wearing today is the one the Keio Senior High School alumni’s association made and gifted to you during last year’s dinner. You also wore it during news zero the next Monday after you received it. The extent of your thoughtfulness towards everyone around you isn’t something anyone can easily pick up and learn.
Sakurai: I think a large part of it is because I am who I am now thanks to all the help everyone has given me along the way.
His Feelings on Taking Part in National Events
--Sakurai-kun has been the main newscaster for six Olympics in a row, as well as Kouhaku’s host for six years. Last year you even performed for the emperor’s enthronement. Arashi has been a part of all the major national events in recent years. Do you feel any pressure regarding your role?
Sakurai: None at all, actually. I am just extremely honoured at the opportunity and being able to participate in such events, like being offered a role in the Olympics our home country will host. When I first heard the discussion on performing at His Majesty’s ceremony, I couldn’t believe it - or more like I couldn’t wrap my head around it due to the event’s sheer importance. High schooler me would never have even dared to imagine that such a future would exist.
--That’s true. You also appear in movies sometimes - I personally like Kamisama no Karute. Your character is married to Miyazaki Aoi’s character in the story and I liked your character’s reserved atmosphere. Do you sometimes take breaks from group activities when you film movies?
Sakurai: If I had to point out something, then it would be the fact that we film our regular TV shows consecutively during those times. Our situation is quite unique within the entertainment industry; we have regular TV shows that continue to run as well as an annual group concert tour. Group activities serve as our foundation which consequently allows us to sometimes film movies and conduct other activities.
--You must lack sleep a lot during those times then. Do you have any break in the year where you are completely free?
Sakurai: There aren’t many, but I do (laughs). Especially since there’s an increasing amount of focus on the reformation of work culture nowadays (laughs). Unlike my younger years, I now take regular breaks off from work. I feel like that helps me achieve a good work lifestyle.
--After 31 December this year, your group activities will cease for a while. Do you have any plans for the upcoming future?
Sakurai: I honestly haven’t the chance to think about it (laughs). I just want dedicate this year to ticking off as many things as I can which I can only do as Arashi. There are a lot of things I want to do as Arashi between now and the end of this year, but I haven’t thought about anything specific that I want to challenge from next year onwards. On the other hand, I will be turning thirty nine. Seeing former classmates who have changed professions has also made me realise that it marks a time for many to move onto the next chapter in their lives.
--Are there things that you learn from former classmates who work in a different field from you?
Sakurai: I learned something interesting a while ago when I went out drinking with a classmate from my first year of university. I don’t tend to talk too much in depth with friends I meet on a regular basis, but it’s different when I meet people who I haven’t met up with since graduation. By listening to the kinds of jobs they have worked, their stories from when they changed professions and the current job they work, I realise that we all walk contrastingly different lives in the fifteen years we haven’t met. It opened my eyes to the different kinds of paths in life that exist out there.
--Do you think you may be interested in writing or creating something yourself?
Sakurai: I don't think I can become a creator, but the idea of writing is quite interesting. I enjoy writing compositions, even from the time when I was still in Yochisa Elementary School.
--Well then, you will probably be appearing on Kouhaku Uta Gassen this year, but the question is whether you will appear on New Year’s Countdown (laughs).
Sakurai: That sounds like a question that entertainment reporters would ask (laughs). We’re still thinking about it, but how we will spend New Year’s Eve until the time ticks to 23:59:59 is still undecided. Our first priority is to consider what we can do for our fans who have been supporting us this whole time. We have a few ideas, but we are still undecided on how we want to conclude it.
--Who knows, you might be able to spend New Year’s Day with your parents for the first time since junior high school.
Sakurai: That’s true. But well, I feel like I’ll be completely burnt out, like Ashita no Joe (laughs). (4)
An Unforgettable Letter From a Fan
--During your fifth and sixth year at Yochisa Elementary School, you played rugby. In Futsubu Junior High School, you played soccer. Why did you change to soccer?
Sakurai: J-League (5) was founded during our generation’s fifth year of elementary school, so everyone was obsessed over soccer. But Yochisa didn’t have a soccer club so everyone chose to join the rugby club instead. Overall, I’m glad that I didn’t only choose something that I liked. I was able to learn from the experiences which only rugby could offer and I am glad that I was able to have a taste of playing rugby, even if it was merely two years.
--That became the thread that connected you to your role as last year’s rugby world cup special supporter too, didn’t it? I was worried that you were going to be crushed by the rugby players when you seriously faced them as an opponent on news zero (laughs).
Sakurai: I was really happy. I only played rugby for a short while during my time Yochisa so it seems a little silly for me to say this, but the memory of wearing the tiger jersey (6) for two years at the school they call Japan rugby’s root institution is something I feel pride for somewhere in my heart. (7) So I was thrilled that I could be involved in the rugby world cup held in my home country thirty years later.
--Do you have any letters from fans that you still remember even now?
Sakurai: Around the time we debuted, we received a letter from a female fan who was struck with a serious illness and hospitalised in Kyushu. We were still largely unknown to many at the time, but she hung up a poster of us on the ceiling and wrote that her heart response on the electrocardiogram reacted to our music when she listened to them. She passed away in the end, but she became the first source of my motivation in continuing this job. It was the first time I realised how we could become the source of other people’s strengths through the music we produce - it was an unforgettable, formative experience.
--What a moving story. With your career [as Arashi] spanning over twenty years, are you consciously thinking about teaching your juniors?
Sakurai: I’ve slowly grown conscious about that over the past five years or so. It’s a little different from teaching, but I am planning to share my experiences which I feel may help them make their own decisions. It’s not a matter of telling them to “do this,” but instead to explain that, “in my case, I chose situation A instead of situation B,” for example. That way I may influence them to challenge situation B instead. In particular, Nasu Yuto-kun (Keio University 1st year; a member of Bishounen in Johnny’s Jr.) is currently trying to balance his studies and entertainment work. But because he’s very clever, I share my advice whilst accepting the fact that it won’t be of much reference (laughs).
--Nasu-kun has also been an economics major from his time in junior and senior high school. You can really feel his admiration towards you, his Keio senior who walked a similar path before him.
Sakurai: About eighty percent of me is happy to hear that, but I also feel a bit guilty for setting the norm to quite a ridiculous standard. Regardless, that encourages me to do my best to not betray his expectations.
--I am praying to see more of your activities from now on as well. Thank you for being a part of today’s interview.
(Interviewed 17 March, 2020)
Translator’s Notes:
(1) This is a term Fukuzawa Yukichi, who is the founder of Keio as an educational institution, coined. It serves as one of the foundations of Keio’s education policy.
(2) Also known as soukeisen, (早慶戦) they are sports matches between Waseda and Keio, both private institutions that have had a long history of rivalry. There is a variety of sports matches that occur, with the baseball match being a huge university event that can also call for a day off school.
(3) Fukuzawa Yukichi was known for his strong ideas about speaking out, regardless of whether it was speeches on educational reforms or challenging gender roles. Keio University’s oldest building (and arguably most significant building) in Mita campus is the enzetsukan, (演説館) which is where university speech contests are generally held now.
(4) A shonen manga series written by Asao Takamori and illustrated by Tetsuya following the story of a young boxer who lives in the Tokyo slums.
(5) J-League is Japan’s professional soccer league founded in 1992. It is currently recognised as one of the most successful football leagues in Asia.
(6) The uniform for the Keio rugby team is yellow and black-ish green, hence its name.
(7) Keio was the first in Japan to create a rugby team at their educational institution, which is why they are probably considered the “root institution.”
Please do not repost/retranslate without permission! Thank you.
Sakurai Sho: Fostering a Spirit of Independence and Self-Respect (1) Through 20 Years as Arashi
Interviewer: Ishikawa Shunichiro (Honorary Professor at Keio)
[独立自尊]“Study-Work Balance” During High School
--The first time I met you was when you were still in your third year of senior high school in 1999. You worked for the volleyball world cup held in November as part of “Arashi,” which was the image character for the tournament at the time. It must have been a difficult time for you.
Sakurai: Yeah, it was tough. The rest of the members headed off to the venues before me but I had to attend my high school classes. I headed off alone to Sendai, Osaka and Nagoya from Shin-Yokohama after my last class ended for the day and cheered on the volleyball matches. Afterwards I would head back home in the middle of the night, or otherwise the next morning if I couldn’t make the night train.
--You appeared on TV the night before yet you would be attending first period the next morning (laughs). Everyone thought, “what an amazing person.” You were never late and never absent despite the sheer workload you shouldered during those days.
Sakurai: I think it’s thanks to the school authorities’ willingness to understand my circumstances. When I started out in the entertainment industry during my second year of junior high school, the school neither approved nor disapproved of my situation. Instead, they left my family to decide on the matter ourselves. Keio Senior High School followed the same principle and allowed me to enjoy a degree of freedom, which I interpreted to be a sign of their acknowledgement.
--That’s true. The school doesn’t have any students that would rowdily surround and follow you around.
Sakurai: I’m glad I went to a boys’ school. There isn’t anyone around in school who would scream over me (laughs). However, I am also guilty for falling asleep often in the middle of class during my three years of high school (laughs).
--The other students in my class were worried and would try to wake you up, so I told them, “Sakurai-kun is experiencing something that most people wouldn’t be able to put themselves through. These experiences will be crucial for his future so don’t wake him up.” (laughs)
Sakurai: Sorry to bring that up. The roughest patches I experienced were during my third year of senior high school as well as my second and third years of university. I freshly debuted during senior high school so I was clueless about my work pace. However, I was also a student so skipping school was not an option. I found it tough because it was my first time having to balance my studies with work. I received an offer to appear in a drama series during the exam period of the second semester in my third year of university. The timing for the exams and filming clashed with each other so it was a difficult period. It’s thanks those high school and university experiences that I have the confidence to get through busy periods of work now, because I can always look back and think “I’ve gone through worse in the past.”
Blessed By Good Friends During His Years at Keio
--Sakurai-kun entered Keio through Yochisa Elementary School, balanced work with his school life during his time at Futsubu Junior High School, continued on to university and graduated after a total of 16 years of schooling without needing to repeat a year. You fulfilled your promise to your parents to not slack off from school.
Sakurai: It makes me happy to hear you word it that way, but to be honest, it was just me being stubborn (laughs). There were a number of teachers and guardians who definitely did not think highly of my decision to enter Johnny’s and step foot in the entertainment industry. So in order to be able to continue my work in the entertainment industry in that environment, I felt that I needed to carry out my core duties as a student, which was to conduct my studies well. It was also to prove myself to my parents. They told me, “If you continue as Arashi and end up repeating a year at school, pay your tuition fees yourself.” It was basically them telling me that I wouldn’t be allowed to work in entertainment anymore if I repeated a year (laughs). So half of it was a result of my stubbornness. The other half is because I was blessed with kind friends. My Keio friends helped me a lot in many ways, like lending me their notes when I needed it.
--We met at a Waseda-Keio sports match (2) when you were a university student, didn’t we? I remember seeing you at the student seats cheering on the school team. I thought it was great to see you enjoy your student life normally.
Sakurai: My friend’s girlfriend was a cheerleader, so we went to cheer her on (laughs). I had a lot of fun. I feel quite indebted to Keio in a lot of ways. People whose work is like mine tend to gather attention from the public, so I think they must have had it tough after I entered university (laughs). Moreover, I’ve been lucky to have friends who would protect me at times. More than anything though, I had classes from Monday to Saturday during my first year of university so while there were girls who initially came to see me out of curiosity for the first month or so, they lost interest since I was basically there everyday and my presence was no longer unusual (laughs). I said this during the press conference of my graduation ceremony, but I really respect the sports students at Keio. They basically spent their free time everyday practicing until exams. I was greatly inspired by the dedication they displayed. It made me realise that I couldn’t afford to be lenient on myself.
--I would like to ask you regarding your work as a newscaster for news zero. You started in 2006 and this year will be your fifteenth consecutive year as a newscaster, am I correct?
Sakurai: Yes. I only appear on it once a week, but I now have the longest history working in news zero, even with the TV staff included. My decision to become a newscaster was sparked by my interest in what was happening around the world during the 9/11 incident in 2001. I was clueless to why America was attacked to that extent in the first place, so I decided to research further into the matter. The other reason was that I am in the entertainment industry whilst having been fortunate to have had my parents enrol me into Keio. I realised that becoming a newscaster was a path that could allow me to utilise my Keio University education as part of my work. I was lucky to be able to receive such an offer at the time I was twenty four years old.
--Would a major foundation of being a newscaster be self-study? Do you read a lot of books?
Sakurai: No, I don’t actually read a lot of books. It’s more of a “learn-on-site” experience. I don’t think that it’s my role to state my principles and opinions as an anchorman would, so to speak. When I first started my job as a newscaster, Fukuzawa Akira announcer told me, “The title of being a newscaster is exactly as it sounds. Just how a wheelchair caster is attached to allow the chair to pivot, being a newscaster connects people to people; from inside the television to reach the audience.” These words engraved itself within me. I thought, “My role is to simply go to the incident’s site and amplify the victim’s voices for more people to hear.” Even if it was merely news on the reformation of our work culture, I may be able to convey new things that relate to the audience despite having no personal experience working as part of regular society. I believe that my role is to “convey and connect” a single person’s voice to a wider audience that way.
--It’s in line with Keio’s teachings, isn’t it. (3) Sakurai-kun, you were taught by Keio the principle of “independence and self-respect” from your early years at Yochisa Elementary School. Afterwards, you were taught that “the show must go on” from your time at Johnny’s & Associates. Have you found anything in common between two principles?
Sakurai: Hard to say (laughs). Perhaps it may be related to the principle of “independence and self-respect” you speak about, but I think that it’s important to avoid following others mindlessly and instead appreciate who you are as yourself. On the other hand, I think it’s fine to take substantial amounts of inspiration from your surroundings. However, it’s also crucial that you don’t simply copy others and instead use the inspiration to do something original.
--That attitude also links to the idea of challenging new things, doesn’t it. You also played the piano during your concert tour, didn’t you?
Sakurai: You’re really well informed, aren’t you, Professor (laughs). I played the electronic organ from when I was around three years old until I was in my third year of elementary school. After that, I learned the piano from my fourth year of elementary school to first year of junior high school. I started relearning it when I turned thirty years old since I felt like it’d be a waste of the time I spent learning it during childhood to leave it untouched otherwise. My main goal was to make our fans happy and make everyone sing together, but I also thought it would be nice if it could be seen as a small parting gift to my parents. I feel like I was able to draw a form of conclusion within me by performing the piano in Tokyo Dome in front of my parents, thirty years after they made me learn it as a child.
--You’re a really kind-hearted, considerate person. The necktie you’re wearing today is the one the Keio Senior High School alumni’s association made and gifted to you during last year’s dinner. You also wore it during news zero the next Monday after you received it. The extent of your thoughtfulness towards everyone around you isn’t something anyone can easily pick up and learn.
Sakurai: I think a large part of it is because I am who I am now thanks to all the help everyone has given me along the way.
His Feelings on Taking Part in National Events
--Sakurai-kun has been the main newscaster for six Olympics in a row, as well as Kouhaku’s host for six years. Last year you even performed for the emperor’s enthronement. Arashi has been a part of all the major national events in recent years. Do you feel any pressure regarding your role?
Sakurai: None at all, actually. I am just extremely honoured at the opportunity and being able to participate in such events, like being offered a role in the Olympics our home country will host. When I first heard the discussion on performing at His Majesty’s ceremony, I couldn’t believe it - or more like I couldn’t wrap my head around it due to the event’s sheer importance. High schooler me would never have even dared to imagine that such a future would exist.
--That’s true. You also appear in movies sometimes - I personally like Kamisama no Karute. Your character is married to Miyazaki Aoi’s character in the story and I liked your character’s reserved atmosphere. Do you sometimes take breaks from group activities when you film movies?
Sakurai: If I had to point out something, then it would be the fact that we film our regular TV shows consecutively during those times. Our situation is quite unique within the entertainment industry; we have regular TV shows that continue to run as well as an annual group concert tour. Group activities serve as our foundation which consequently allows us to sometimes film movies and conduct other activities.
--You must lack sleep a lot during those times then. Do you have any break in the year where you are completely free?
Sakurai: There aren’t many, but I do (laughs). Especially since there’s an increasing amount of focus on the reformation of work culture nowadays (laughs). Unlike my younger years, I now take regular breaks off from work. I feel like that helps me achieve a good work lifestyle.
--After 31 December this year, your group activities will cease for a while. Do you have any plans for the upcoming future?
Sakurai: I honestly haven’t the chance to think about it (laughs). I just want dedicate this year to ticking off as many things as I can which I can only do as Arashi. There are a lot of things I want to do as Arashi between now and the end of this year, but I haven’t thought about anything specific that I want to challenge from next year onwards. On the other hand, I will be turning thirty nine. Seeing former classmates who have changed professions has also made me realise that it marks a time for many to move onto the next chapter in their lives.
--Are there things that you learn from former classmates who work in a different field from you?
Sakurai: I learned something interesting a while ago when I went out drinking with a classmate from my first year of university. I don’t tend to talk too much in depth with friends I meet on a regular basis, but it’s different when I meet people who I haven’t met up with since graduation. By listening to the kinds of jobs they have worked, their stories from when they changed professions and the current job they work, I realise that we all walk contrastingly different lives in the fifteen years we haven’t met. It opened my eyes to the different kinds of paths in life that exist out there.
--Do you think you may be interested in writing or creating something yourself?
Sakurai: I don't think I can become a creator, but the idea of writing is quite interesting. I enjoy writing compositions, even from the time when I was still in Yochisa Elementary School.
--Well then, you will probably be appearing on Kouhaku Uta Gassen this year, but the question is whether you will appear on New Year’s Countdown (laughs).
Sakurai: That sounds like a question that entertainment reporters would ask (laughs). We’re still thinking about it, but how we will spend New Year’s Eve until the time ticks to 23:59:59 is still undecided. Our first priority is to consider what we can do for our fans who have been supporting us this whole time. We have a few ideas, but we are still undecided on how we want to conclude it.
--Who knows, you might be able to spend New Year’s Day with your parents for the first time since junior high school.
Sakurai: That’s true. But well, I feel like I’ll be completely burnt out, like Ashita no Joe (laughs). (4)
An Unforgettable Letter From a Fan
--During your fifth and sixth year at Yochisa Elementary School, you played rugby. In Futsubu Junior High School, you played soccer. Why did you change to soccer?
Sakurai: J-League (5) was founded during our generation’s fifth year of elementary school, so everyone was obsessed over soccer. But Yochisa didn’t have a soccer club so everyone chose to join the rugby club instead. Overall, I’m glad that I didn’t only choose something that I liked. I was able to learn from the experiences which only rugby could offer and I am glad that I was able to have a taste of playing rugby, even if it was merely two years.
--That became the thread that connected you to your role as last year’s rugby world cup special supporter too, didn’t it? I was worried that you were going to be crushed by the rugby players when you seriously faced them as an opponent on news zero (laughs).
Sakurai: I was really happy. I only played rugby for a short while during my time Yochisa so it seems a little silly for me to say this, but the memory of wearing the tiger jersey (6) for two years at the school they call Japan rugby’s root institution is something I feel pride for somewhere in my heart. (7) So I was thrilled that I could be involved in the rugby world cup held in my home country thirty years later.
--Do you have any letters from fans that you still remember even now?
Sakurai: Around the time we debuted, we received a letter from a female fan who was struck with a serious illness and hospitalised in Kyushu. We were still largely unknown to many at the time, but she hung up a poster of us on the ceiling and wrote that her heart response on the electrocardiogram reacted to our music when she listened to them. She passed away in the end, but she became the first source of my motivation in continuing this job. It was the first time I realised how we could become the source of other people’s strengths through the music we produce - it was an unforgettable, formative experience.
--What a moving story. With your career [as Arashi] spanning over twenty years, are you consciously thinking about teaching your juniors?
Sakurai: I’ve slowly grown conscious about that over the past five years or so. It’s a little different from teaching, but I am planning to share my experiences which I feel may help them make their own decisions. It’s not a matter of telling them to “do this,” but instead to explain that, “in my case, I chose situation A instead of situation B,” for example. That way I may influence them to challenge situation B instead. In particular, Nasu Yuto-kun (Keio University 1st year; a member of Bishounen in Johnny’s Jr.) is currently trying to balance his studies and entertainment work. But because he’s very clever, I share my advice whilst accepting the fact that it won’t be of much reference (laughs).
--Nasu-kun has also been an economics major from his time in junior and senior high school. You can really feel his admiration towards you, his Keio senior who walked a similar path before him.
Sakurai: About eighty percent of me is happy to hear that, but I also feel a bit guilty for setting the norm to quite a ridiculous standard. Regardless, that encourages me to do my best to not betray his expectations.
--I am praying to see more of your activities from now on as well. Thank you for being a part of today’s interview.
(Interviewed 17 March, 2020)
Translator’s Notes:
(1) This is a term Fukuzawa Yukichi, who is the founder of Keio as an educational institution, coined. It serves as one of the foundations of Keio’s education policy.
(2) Also known as soukeisen, (早慶戦) they are sports matches between Waseda and Keio, both private institutions that have had a long history of rivalry. There is a variety of sports matches that occur, with the baseball match being a huge university event that can also call for a day off school.
(3) Fukuzawa Yukichi was known for his strong ideas about speaking out, regardless of whether it was speeches on educational reforms or challenging gender roles. Keio University’s oldest building (and arguably most significant building) in Mita campus is the enzetsukan, (演説館) which is where university speech contests are generally held now.
(4) A shonen manga series written by Asao Takamori and illustrated by Tetsuya following the story of a young boxer who lives in the Tokyo slums.
(5) J-League is Japan’s professional soccer league founded in 1992. It is currently recognised as one of the most successful football leagues in Asia.
(6) The uniform for the Keio rugby team is yellow and black-ish green, hence its name.
(7) Keio was the first in Japan to create a rugby team at their educational institution, which is why they are probably considered the “root institution.”
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