Japonism Report- November 13, 2015 Sapporo
Finished!
Our friend ended up with extra tickets for today luckily me and yarukizero got to go even though we didn't plan on it. The seats were in the front of the upper stands, so we could see the whole set really well. Especially when they came to the back stage. I was excited because me and yarukizero were matching without meaning to, in our blue and red flower 24 shirts and black sweaters and light jeans.
Before it started they played the regular commercials for Nino's movie, dramas, and VS Arashi and their other usual programs.
Just like Nagoya the show started with the big Japonism flag falling down in the center of the stage. The opening vtr of them seeing themselves in traditional Japan was the same as before. I noticed this time that they were all wearing their member colors and the background was also their color during their section.
After the vtr the rainbow flag fell down on the main stage and Arashi came out the same as before. The first song was Sakura again and as far as I can tell they did the same greeting, welcoming us to Sapporo and their tour and then knelt on a red carpet.
Jun did the same Kabuki type opening in a high pitched voice which made some people laugh.
Next was Miyabi-night and I noticed that the main screens had a gold motif of a Phoenix like on a paper screen door at the start. Wild at Heart had the kabuki opening with them jumping around with wide legs but the rest was the regular choreography.
When they were on the moving stages to go to the back Sho was shaking his hips cutely. He was also waving widely at the stands where our seats were, and Nino was waving similarly at the other side of the dome.
For Troublemaker at the back Ohno and Sho did their regular heart move and Jun was waiting behind them again. He did the same O: face as I saw in Nagoya while covering his mouth. The second half choreography was the same as Nagoya with the swinging hand movements but I had to say again how cute this is!! I love that kind of dancing!
The wifi on the penlights kicked in for Aozora no Shita, the same as the previous concert I saw. At the end of the song Aiba leaned on Ohnos shoulder.
Opening speeches:
Jun: Yeah~ x3
Ue no ho! (Upper stands!)
Shita no ho! (Lower stands!)
It's been a long time! We wanted to see you!
Are you ready to be happy?
Thank you for letting me say this every time.
We're going to make all 50,000 of you happy!
Let's have fun! Let's have fun! Yoroshiku!
Nino: Irrashaimase! x3
Arashi is here! x2
More! More!
Saigo made yoroshiku! (Stay with us until the end.)
Aiba: He said it's not enough!
Can you do it?
Us: yeah!
Saigo made yoroshiku! (Stay with us until the end.)
Ohno: Hai~ x3
Can you make it?
Really? (He mumbled something after this but we didn't know what to do so we made a half hearted cheer.)
Sapporo Japonism matsuri...
Us: day!
Sho: How you doing Sapporo?!
How are the upper stands?
Ah I see you upper upper stands! (Note: the vip boxes were up above the top of the stands so that's what he was referring to but there was only about 3-5 rows of seats.)
How are the lower stands?
How is Sapporo?
We are ready!
How about you?
Ok say Arashi!
Us: Arashi!
(X3)
(In English) Japonism two thousand fifteen, let's get the utage started!
They got back on the moving stages to return to the front during Make a Wish. Jun was giving us his closed hand wave and Aiba was waving wildly at the stands. When Nino got off the stage I saw him skip a bit before disappearing down one of the side stairs.
While they were at the center stage Aiba and Sho kept getting closer until they finally put their arms over the others shoulders for a moment and sang together.
For Ninos solo I noticed the main screen was different but I'm not sure how much actually changed. I could see well tonight but when I went to Nagoya I couldn't see the main stage screen very well.
Anyway tonight Nino started the same way, showing us his sounds and colors. When he started singing and got to the center stage I noticed that blinking circles were coming to the center for him to hit with his feet (like Dance Dance Revolution). When he hit them he built up his gage but there was no combo like before. I think maybe I could see because they did a straight down angle tonight instead of from the side. He got a fever like before and ended his song with the squeaking sound.
Jun's solo seemed a little shorter but I couldn't actually tell you why. Tonight they had an MJ cam that was hooked to his head and played on the screen more than half the time so we got a first person view! He still did the trick jumping and climbing and collapsed on his couch exhausted at the end.
Today for the opening of In the Room Nino was looking at himself in the mirror most of the time, straightening his jacket and stuff. The Sakurap and Nino's no no no solo were both excellent! I really enjoyed this performance again.
I liked Masquerade again too but at the end I didn't really catch when they spray the water out although I think they must have done it.
For Happiness they got on the carts. Aiba was waving a ton. When Jun and Ohno came by after Ohno also gave a huge full arm wave to us.
I danced along with Guts. During this song, Jun and Ohno looked at each other and then Ohno was the one to put his arm around Jun's shoulder this time! Nino also nailed his solo in the middle when usually it's a little off key.
During Ai so Sakebe during the lyrics including super lady, Jun was staring pointedly at Ohno as they danced and Ohno barely noticed before the camera panned away. During the ending verse Jun had a hand on Ohno's shoulder and for their close ups, Jun blew a kiss to the camera and then Sho did exactly the same thing! It was very cute.
Sho: Yay!
Us: Yay!
Sho: We're Arashi!
Sho then did a "Genki desu ka?" impression of Antonio Inoki.
Sho: Ah, it's the first day of Sapporo. Thank you all for coming!
Ah it was so hot once we got inside even though it's Sapporo!
Nino: Are you hot?
(I think they were hoping for a cheer but only a few people did so they moved on.)
Sho: Ok I have to say, I was watching the local news channel (some people screamed when he said the channel name) yesterday in my hotel room. I was laying on the sofa (he gesture that he was laying with his arm propping his head up) and saw "a storm is coming to Sapporo!" So they made a joke with our name, making a double meaning. I was sort of shocked.
Sho talked about the program a bit, saying they showed the dome at around 4:30 of people coming inside. The best was Shos impression of the person who was ducking out of the way because they didn't want to be filmed. He had such a cute shocked look on his face.
Sho: How about you Ohno?
Ohno: My manager was so worried. He told me it would be so cold and that I needed a down jacket.
Nino: Yeah, I brought one too.
Ohno: But it's not cold.
Sho: Don't get sick
Ohno: I mean, usually when we do rehearsal in Sapporo it's freezing in here...
Is anyone listening to me?
Sho: of course we are!
But I do have to say, this year at rehearsal, you were wearing really loud shoes.
Jun: Ohno Satoshi wore boots, everyone. The guy that only wears stuff bought by his mother was wearing proper boots.
Ohno: They're the same as these boots but brown. (The camera showed us the ones he was wearing but they looked pretty plain, like dress shoes.)
Ohno explained that the boots were really light and comfortable so he wanted a pair of his own. The other members teased him for growing up a little. They confirmed that he was wearing them because they were nice not because he was expecting Sapporo to be cold.
Aiba: By the way your phone case also changed.
It's the kind that opens to put a train pass in.
Ohno: Phones these days break so easily! I knew that case could protect it. It's the same one as Shos!
Sho: Mine is blue, though.
But I know what you mean. Yours looks like a Japanese Passport or something (because of the red color).
Ohno: It's the same as yours! I saw yours and I thought if I had that it wouldn't break for sure.
The other members explained that his old one had a holographic image of a tiger on it, like if you shifted it left or right it'd look like it was moving. Nino showed us by shaking not his hips slowly.
Nino: It's because you made these changed all at the same time. It's sudden and we noticed.
Ohno: I'll try or make them more gradually from now on.
They asked the other members what kind of case they had. Jun said his had a Michael Jackson motif, Nino and Aiba said they had no cases.
Nino: I think Aibas phone is a fake though.
Jun: That phone can't be from Japan.
Aiba: It is!
Jun: Ok, there's a motorcycle tone. The usual one goes like boo~n. Aibas makes a sound like vrmm buhpabuhpa. (Jun actually mimicked the sound effects.)
Aiba: That's the regular one! Its on everyone's phones! I bought it properly at Ginza!
Us: Oooh~
Sho: Ok, so Aiba told me he wanted to buy and iPhone and asked me where he should. I recommended a shop and literally an hour later he sent me a photo of his new phone at that shop.
Aiba: To show you I went to the place you recommended!
So if my phone is a fake so is Sho's!
They started back to the main stage and made light talk about their ridiculous conversation.
Sho: There are so many people here. How many did you make happy again?
Jun: 50,000 people should gradually be getting happier by now.
He said it in cute embarrassed way and had to add that it was easier to say with the background music to help.
I think they also said that Arashi has a record at Sapporo some for having the most people in at the same time but I didn't catch it all. Because during baseball games there's no arena or anything.
They played Rock Paper Scissors again to see who would change. It was Ohno and Nino again, so they stayed behind. Sho told Ohno to properly ask questions about all the stuff that Nino had to talk about.
Ohno: So how many promotions do you have to do?
Nino: You make it sound like a lot.
Ohno: You go ahead and start, I know how many.
Nino: First my movie, Haha to Kuraseba.
Nino gave the information quickly while Ohno was pacing around. He was adorable because it seemed like he was trying to interrogate Nino at first.
Ohno: Did you actually live with your mother?
Nino: Doesn't everyone?
He asked a few more simple questions and finally "What was a fun memory from filming?"
Ohno: Oh sorry, I guess it's not a fun movie. A strong impression you had.
Nino: That's really hard.
Ohno: Okay, did you have to go early to film? Did you end at like 8 pm?
Nino: I worked from 9 to 5 every day.
I got to leave early. (Nino was cringing at Ohnos ridiculous specific questions but kept answering.)
Ohno: Why did you leave early?!
Nino: It's just the decision the direction made. We work exactly 9 to 5.
Ohno: What's the highlight of the movie?
Nino: Actually I'm only in the family related scenes.
Only some "moments."
Ohno: Okay next.
Nino: This is the pace we're going at?
Sho (who was back and sitting on the steps): This is your pace?
Ohno: Hurry up and answer.
Nino: I'll also be in a drama called Akamedaka.
Ohno: Is it interesting?
Nino: I play a young rakugo artist.
Ohno: Was it fun to film?
(Aiba was back with Sho now and they mumbled to each other about Onno's question.)
Nino: Uhm, yes. I'm in it with Beat Takeshi.
Ohno: Who does Takeshi-
Us: Kya! (Because Aiba has started to stretch his legs out to either side while sitting down, like he was trying to do the splits.)
Ohno: Okay, so number three.
Nino: A special drama, Botchan.
Ohno: Which you're still filming now right?
Nino: Yes.
Ohno: What's the storyline?
Nino: You don't know Botchan?
Ohno: No.
Nino gave a basic Wikipedia explanation of it for Ohno. I'm surprised he didn't know it at all since it's the Shakespeare of Japan.
Ohno: Uh... Was it fun to film?
Nino: It's not over yet, but yeah.
Ohno: Ok, let's go change.
Sho jumped right away into his Best Artist program but he was trying to say how long it is (8-9 hours) and couldn't remember so he was counting it out on his fingers over and over again. He said they were doing a medley of Johnnys love songs and asked Jun and Aiba what "the love song they wanted to hear the most right now" was.
Jun gave a thinking hard frowning face and Sho told him not to be so upset. He asked Aibe too but he didn't have a quick answer either. Jun said they had a lot like their new one, Ai so Sakebe, but he wanted to hear Meikyu Love Song. Aiba chose Love Parade which a few people applauded. Sho said his answer would be Live Situation and at least half of us screamed.
Jun: That was also ranked high in Arafes. Why do you guys love that song so much? For the dancing?
It was funny because at his question a lot of girls around me starting talking to their friends about the reasons, like it was cute or the dance moves.
Sho: Anyway, a lot of Johnnys groups will sing their love songs too so let's look forward to it.
(Sho to Aiba in a whisper) Tell them about that thing!
Aiba: Oh! Today after rehearsal when we tried to enter the area where the dressing rooms are the guard stopped both me and Ohno!
Sho: I'd understand if you were alone, but there were two of you!
Aiba: The two of us were walking behind another staff. They had a pass to get through the gates so we were going to follow them but suddenly the security guard put his arm down to stop me. (Aiba demonstrated the gesture for us.)
I looked at him and said "I'm a member" and he let me through but stopped Ohno who was right behind me!!
How about you guys?
Nino: I went a place without a gate.
Sho: You can't do that!
Nino: I heard about the trouble they had.
Aiba: Someone needs to get me a pass!
Sho: I also heard about it. I came in with my manager and the security guard was checking his face really closely as we entered. That guard is so strict!
Aiba: He was so serious! We should all feel safe.
To lead into the second half Jun gave the same speech before about Arashi looking back on their anniversary and over the history of Johnnys. They wanted the 2nd half to be more johnnys-like and include singing, dancing, and beautiful sweat. Jun asked Aiba to get us excited but Aiba insisted we needed a warm up. Which means he chatted for a minute about nothing and then asked if we were getting pumped up. We did a yelling call and then the music started for the next song, Nihon Yoi Tokoro.
Just like Nagoya and music station they did backflips and I think the performance was the same. I really wish I could see a better recording of it to watch in slow motion because he flips are over with so quickly.
Kimi e no Omoi was the same too, with the timelines of Arashi being shown on the main screen. They showed a picture of Miyagi but the very last picture was the one in the road they retook last year in Hawaii.
Sho's solo was amazing tonight! Compared to Nagoya he was much more confident and didn't look like he was nervous at all. He did a really cool intro although I think it was shorter (or just felt that way because it was smoother) and the rap part in the middle made me swoon. For all their solos I'm trying to get over my disappointment at the lack of dancing and Sho's solo definitely did that for me this time! The last part with the line of people drumming was also a lot smoother and confident than before so I was really impressed.
Aibas solo also went smoother. I think it was really choppy at the first concert but today the transitions seemed a little more intentional. I also noticed on the main screen that there were pictures of Disco Star being covered up by Mr. Funk (like they were being pinned on top of them). The dancing made me laugh again and I really enjoyed this performance too. I forgot to day before but besides Aiba changing into a white shirt he also took off his shoes so he had bare feel and rolled up his pants to his knees to prepare to do his final trick. Someone also sprayed his hands and feet with something. Maybe it was just me but he didn't look like he went as high as the first night.
I was ready for Funky to come next and danced enthusiastically. It seemed like almost everyone knew the dance, and by the way about 90% of the audience had the venue penlights which made it pretty awesome as an effect.
Nino came up on the tower stand right in front of us. During Funky he was shaking his hips back and forth pointedly.
When Bolero started the tower went back down and Nino waved at us wildly before he left. He and Jun went to the back stage right away on carts and were dancing at each other for a minute before the middle dance solo came on. Jun did the first solo, kicking his legs up, while still looking and Nino, and Nino did the same back. Then they went to the other members that were near the main stage but the only thing I remember was catching Aiba waving his arms in big movements and then ending with a half hearted thrust.
Ohno's solo opening seemed shorter than before too. I don't know if they cut out something but I couldn't tell you what. For the opening it was the same, pulling umbrellas out of his sleeves and popping a streamer. He twirled some scarves around too and then used the red curtain to disappear to the side stage, and then to the other before coming out in the center walkway. He pulled the masks off and then discarded his kimono for the black suit underneath. The dancing was the same and I really wish I could have seen it up close. I felt like for his solo I was missing a lot of tiny things because of the limit of the screens.
There was a musical interlude the same as before with the taiko and samisen players and the dancers. I noticed tonight there were two large dragon floats like you see at Chinese New Years.
Japoneque was the same although much more enjoyable this time since I could actually see them on the back stage. Kokoro no Sora was too, and then at the end of Sunrise Nippon Jun did the junior/dancer introductions.
When they came up in the towers, Sho was in front of us this time!! For Oh Yeah he was pointing at various places in our section and leading us in waving our arms and penlights.
For Believe Nino was sitting down again on the moving stage and singing to the arena under him. Ohno and Aiba both waved at our stand section. When they got to the back stage Nino waved really widely at the back stands. They were preparing to get into formation for the final dance choreography but Aiba had to hurry across the stage because he was on the opposite side of where he was supposed to be.
The final speeches were more elaborate versions of the first days.
Sho: Thank you everyone to the very top of the stands. *bows*
It's been a year since our first original album. Was it fun? Our theme was, after our 15 year anniversary, to look back on our history. When we started I always wanted to try new things, to do things no Johnnys had done before. But now we returned to our roots and made a really Johnnys like concert. Sometimes you have to stop in order to continue to move forward.
Let's make our big dreams come true together.
Ohno: Thank you. *bows*
Today went by really fast.
This tour, Japonism, is about Japan, Johnnys Entertainment, and stuff...
It's been so long since I've done a backflip.
But I was able to do it.
I can still move. That's how I felt this concert.
So from now on I'll continue to move.
We want to continue to do interesting things. This is everything we could do now. Please continue to follow us.
Thank you.
Aiba: Thank you. *bows*
It was fun...? (Sounded like a statement but suddenly turned it into a question for us.)
Us: Yay!
Aiba: I had fun too.
There were some moments I was nervous.
While up there I thought, this is higher than I expected. The mat looked so small!
When I first started practicing I could only hold onto the ribbon for three seconds before I had to let go.
I kept trying and made it in time for Nagoya!
So it's important to continue on with something. Don't think too much, because somehow it'll work out.
You all allowed me to try something new so thank you. From now on I want to be grateful to my kohai, and all the world.
I'll continue to try! Thank you.
Nino: Thank you. *bows*
It was really really fun.
I had a great laugh.
I take that back, what matters is if you enjoyed the concert!
The theme was "looking back" on our past. It was nostalgic and exciting.
I really thought that Johnnys Entertainment is a great company. There's not another one like it.
We have awesome sempai.
We have awesome colleagues.
We have awesome kouhai.
We were able to continue for 15 years. Like Aiba said, be thankful for everything.
I remember last year. Lots of people came here for us. We all have to work together. Thank you!
I want to make as many fun memories as possible with you. I'll do my best!
It was amazing. It was so fun.
Thank you.
Jun: Thank you, we had a great time. *bows*
For our 16th year we looked back. Johnnys entertainment has also been going for 50 years. Using this "entertainment" we want to move you, to make you feel something.
Our theme is how to connect. How to say what I want to to the next generation in this peaceful country of Japan.
If you understood that, I'm happy.
This is the place we can directly communicate with you. We'll continue on as the 5 of us.
Thank you. *bows*
This is the last song. We want it to reach you.
Bokura wo Tsunaide Iku was sung live again and I loved it again. When they made it to the center stage together the camera did a closeup of Nino's face and into his eye to transition into the vtr clip that matched the opening. They did the same thing with their birthdays and ended on today's date at around 20:29:14.
We waited 3-4 minutes for the encore while cheering. Jun, Ohno, and Aiba came by in the cart near our section. Jun was doing his close hand wave and Aiba was waving his arms widely. Halfway through Yume ni Kakeru when Sho and Nino were by us they waved a lot at the stands.
For their Love So Sweet solo, Jun and Ohno stood next to each other again and put their hands over each other's shoulders. They found the camera and held out their hands dramatically, Jun even turning his head back for effect. Sho and Nino were doing their airplane running as they made it back to the main stage. While they were walking back to the center Nino either fell down or did it on purpose because when I looked Sho was laughing at him as he tried to get back up.
At the end of the song Nino was dancing around and both him and Sho were pumping their fists to the "woah woah woah" parts.
Last was A.Ra.Shi again. They encouraged us to sing the background parts and after we yelled out "fly away!" Sho gave us an ok sign via the camera, leaning in close. They did the band intro and they all played their solos to the Arashi melody again which I will enjoyed so much. At the end of the song the streamers were blown out (probably better timing than before the MC).
Jun asked "What's our name?" And we yelled back Arashi as usual. As they went down on the platform, Sho was doing a disco star move stretching is arm over his head to the side. Aiba and Jun were standing together with their arms over each other's shoulders. Nino jumped when we could only see his torso and kept waving.
The concert ended about 8:45. Everyone kept calling for Arashi while the staff tried to make the announcement for going home. It took a full five minutes before we gave up and started to leave.
We had to wait quite a while to get outside the dome but then we headed the long way to avoid the pedestrian traffic. It took about one hour until we got on the train at the station.
Our friend ended up with extra tickets for today luckily me and yarukizero got to go even though we didn't plan on it. The seats were in the front of the upper stands, so we could see the whole set really well. Especially when they came to the back stage. I was excited because me and yarukizero were matching without meaning to, in our blue and red flower 24 shirts and black sweaters and light jeans.
Before it started they played the regular commercials for Nino's movie, dramas, and VS Arashi and their other usual programs.
Just like Nagoya the show started with the big Japonism flag falling down in the center of the stage. The opening vtr of them seeing themselves in traditional Japan was the same as before. I noticed this time that they were all wearing their member colors and the background was also their color during their section.
After the vtr the rainbow flag fell down on the main stage and Arashi came out the same as before. The first song was Sakura again and as far as I can tell they did the same greeting, welcoming us to Sapporo and their tour and then knelt on a red carpet.
Jun did the same Kabuki type opening in a high pitched voice which made some people laugh.
Next was Miyabi-night and I noticed that the main screens had a gold motif of a Phoenix like on a paper screen door at the start. Wild at Heart had the kabuki opening with them jumping around with wide legs but the rest was the regular choreography.
When they were on the moving stages to go to the back Sho was shaking his hips cutely. He was also waving widely at the stands where our seats were, and Nino was waving similarly at the other side of the dome.
For Troublemaker at the back Ohno and Sho did their regular heart move and Jun was waiting behind them again. He did the same O: face as I saw in Nagoya while covering his mouth. The second half choreography was the same as Nagoya with the swinging hand movements but I had to say again how cute this is!! I love that kind of dancing!
The wifi on the penlights kicked in for Aozora no Shita, the same as the previous concert I saw. At the end of the song Aiba leaned on Ohnos shoulder.
Opening speeches:
Jun: Yeah~ x3
Ue no ho! (Upper stands!)
Shita no ho! (Lower stands!)
It's been a long time! We wanted to see you!
Are you ready to be happy?
Thank you for letting me say this every time.
We're going to make all 50,000 of you happy!
Let's have fun! Let's have fun! Yoroshiku!
Nino: Irrashaimase! x3
Arashi is here! x2
More! More!
Saigo made yoroshiku! (Stay with us until the end.)
Aiba: He said it's not enough!
Can you do it?
Us: yeah!
Saigo made yoroshiku! (Stay with us until the end.)
Ohno: Hai~ x3
Can you make it?
Really? (He mumbled something after this but we didn't know what to do so we made a half hearted cheer.)
Sapporo Japonism matsuri...
Us: day!
Sho: How you doing Sapporo?!
How are the upper stands?
Ah I see you upper upper stands! (Note: the vip boxes were up above the top of the stands so that's what he was referring to but there was only about 3-5 rows of seats.)
How are the lower stands?
How is Sapporo?
We are ready!
How about you?
Ok say Arashi!
Us: Arashi!
(X3)
(In English) Japonism two thousand fifteen, let's get the utage started!
They got back on the moving stages to return to the front during Make a Wish. Jun was giving us his closed hand wave and Aiba was waving wildly at the stands. When Nino got off the stage I saw him skip a bit before disappearing down one of the side stairs.
While they were at the center stage Aiba and Sho kept getting closer until they finally put their arms over the others shoulders for a moment and sang together.
For Ninos solo I noticed the main screen was different but I'm not sure how much actually changed. I could see well tonight but when I went to Nagoya I couldn't see the main stage screen very well.
Anyway tonight Nino started the same way, showing us his sounds and colors. When he started singing and got to the center stage I noticed that blinking circles were coming to the center for him to hit with his feet (like Dance Dance Revolution). When he hit them he built up his gage but there was no combo like before. I think maybe I could see because they did a straight down angle tonight instead of from the side. He got a fever like before and ended his song with the squeaking sound.
Jun's solo seemed a little shorter but I couldn't actually tell you why. Tonight they had an MJ cam that was hooked to his head and played on the screen more than half the time so we got a first person view! He still did the trick jumping and climbing and collapsed on his couch exhausted at the end.
Today for the opening of In the Room Nino was looking at himself in the mirror most of the time, straightening his jacket and stuff. The Sakurap and Nino's no no no solo were both excellent! I really enjoyed this performance again.
I liked Masquerade again too but at the end I didn't really catch when they spray the water out although I think they must have done it.
For Happiness they got on the carts. Aiba was waving a ton. When Jun and Ohno came by after Ohno also gave a huge full arm wave to us.
I danced along with Guts. During this song, Jun and Ohno looked at each other and then Ohno was the one to put his arm around Jun's shoulder this time! Nino also nailed his solo in the middle when usually it's a little off key.
During Ai so Sakebe during the lyrics including super lady, Jun was staring pointedly at Ohno as they danced and Ohno barely noticed before the camera panned away. During the ending verse Jun had a hand on Ohno's shoulder and for their close ups, Jun blew a kiss to the camera and then Sho did exactly the same thing! It was very cute.
Sho: Yay!
Us: Yay!
Sho: We're Arashi!
Sho then did a "Genki desu ka?" impression of Antonio Inoki.
Sho: Ah, it's the first day of Sapporo. Thank you all for coming!
Ah it was so hot once we got inside even though it's Sapporo!
Nino: Are you hot?
(I think they were hoping for a cheer but only a few people did so they moved on.)
Sho: Ok I have to say, I was watching the local news channel (some people screamed when he said the channel name) yesterday in my hotel room. I was laying on the sofa (he gesture that he was laying with his arm propping his head up) and saw "a storm is coming to Sapporo!" So they made a joke with our name, making a double meaning. I was sort of shocked.
Sho talked about the program a bit, saying they showed the dome at around 4:30 of people coming inside. The best was Shos impression of the person who was ducking out of the way because they didn't want to be filmed. He had such a cute shocked look on his face.
Sho: How about you Ohno?
Ohno: My manager was so worried. He told me it would be so cold and that I needed a down jacket.
Nino: Yeah, I brought one too.
Ohno: But it's not cold.
Sho: Don't get sick
Ohno: I mean, usually when we do rehearsal in Sapporo it's freezing in here...
Is anyone listening to me?
Sho: of course we are!
But I do have to say, this year at rehearsal, you were wearing really loud shoes.
Jun: Ohno Satoshi wore boots, everyone. The guy that only wears stuff bought by his mother was wearing proper boots.
Ohno: They're the same as these boots but brown. (The camera showed us the ones he was wearing but they looked pretty plain, like dress shoes.)
Ohno explained that the boots were really light and comfortable so he wanted a pair of his own. The other members teased him for growing up a little. They confirmed that he was wearing them because they were nice not because he was expecting Sapporo to be cold.
Aiba: By the way your phone case also changed.
It's the kind that opens to put a train pass in.
Ohno: Phones these days break so easily! I knew that case could protect it. It's the same one as Shos!
Sho: Mine is blue, though.
But I know what you mean. Yours looks like a Japanese Passport or something (because of the red color).
Ohno: It's the same as yours! I saw yours and I thought if I had that it wouldn't break for sure.
The other members explained that his old one had a holographic image of a tiger on it, like if you shifted it left or right it'd look like it was moving. Nino showed us by shaking not his hips slowly.
Nino: It's because you made these changed all at the same time. It's sudden and we noticed.
Ohno: I'll try or make them more gradually from now on.
They asked the other members what kind of case they had. Jun said his had a Michael Jackson motif, Nino and Aiba said they had no cases.
Nino: I think Aibas phone is a fake though.
Jun: That phone can't be from Japan.
Aiba: It is!
Jun: Ok, there's a motorcycle tone. The usual one goes like boo~n. Aibas makes a sound like vrmm buhpabuhpa. (Jun actually mimicked the sound effects.)
Aiba: That's the regular one! Its on everyone's phones! I bought it properly at Ginza!
Us: Oooh~
Sho: Ok, so Aiba told me he wanted to buy and iPhone and asked me where he should. I recommended a shop and literally an hour later he sent me a photo of his new phone at that shop.
Aiba: To show you I went to the place you recommended!
So if my phone is a fake so is Sho's!
They started back to the main stage and made light talk about their ridiculous conversation.
Sho: There are so many people here. How many did you make happy again?
Jun: 50,000 people should gradually be getting happier by now.
He said it in cute embarrassed way and had to add that it was easier to say with the background music to help.
I think they also said that Arashi has a record at Sapporo some for having the most people in at the same time but I didn't catch it all. Because during baseball games there's no arena or anything.
They played Rock Paper Scissors again to see who would change. It was Ohno and Nino again, so they stayed behind. Sho told Ohno to properly ask questions about all the stuff that Nino had to talk about.
Ohno: So how many promotions do you have to do?
Nino: You make it sound like a lot.
Ohno: You go ahead and start, I know how many.
Nino: First my movie, Haha to Kuraseba.
Nino gave the information quickly while Ohno was pacing around. He was adorable because it seemed like he was trying to interrogate Nino at first.
Ohno: Did you actually live with your mother?
Nino: Doesn't everyone?
He asked a few more simple questions and finally "What was a fun memory from filming?"
Ohno: Oh sorry, I guess it's not a fun movie. A strong impression you had.
Nino: That's really hard.
Ohno: Okay, did you have to go early to film? Did you end at like 8 pm?
Nino: I worked from 9 to 5 every day.
I got to leave early. (Nino was cringing at Ohnos ridiculous specific questions but kept answering.)
Ohno: Why did you leave early?!
Nino: It's just the decision the direction made. We work exactly 9 to 5.
Ohno: What's the highlight of the movie?
Nino: Actually I'm only in the family related scenes.
Only some "moments."
Ohno: Okay next.
Nino: This is the pace we're going at?
Sho (who was back and sitting on the steps): This is your pace?
Ohno: Hurry up and answer.
Nino: I'll also be in a drama called Akamedaka.
Ohno: Is it interesting?
Nino: I play a young rakugo artist.
Ohno: Was it fun to film?
(Aiba was back with Sho now and they mumbled to each other about Onno's question.)
Nino: Uhm, yes. I'm in it with Beat Takeshi.
Ohno: Who does Takeshi-
Us: Kya! (Because Aiba has started to stretch his legs out to either side while sitting down, like he was trying to do the splits.)
Ohno: Okay, so number three.
Nino: A special drama, Botchan.
Ohno: Which you're still filming now right?
Nino: Yes.
Ohno: What's the storyline?
Nino: You don't know Botchan?
Ohno: No.
Nino gave a basic Wikipedia explanation of it for Ohno. I'm surprised he didn't know it at all since it's the Shakespeare of Japan.
Ohno: Uh... Was it fun to film?
Nino: It's not over yet, but yeah.
Ohno: Ok, let's go change.
Sho jumped right away into his Best Artist program but he was trying to say how long it is (8-9 hours) and couldn't remember so he was counting it out on his fingers over and over again. He said they were doing a medley of Johnnys love songs and asked Jun and Aiba what "the love song they wanted to hear the most right now" was.
Jun gave a thinking hard frowning face and Sho told him not to be so upset. He asked Aibe too but he didn't have a quick answer either. Jun said they had a lot like their new one, Ai so Sakebe, but he wanted to hear Meikyu Love Song. Aiba chose Love Parade which a few people applauded. Sho said his answer would be Live Situation and at least half of us screamed.
Jun: That was also ranked high in Arafes. Why do you guys love that song so much? For the dancing?
It was funny because at his question a lot of girls around me starting talking to their friends about the reasons, like it was cute or the dance moves.
Sho: Anyway, a lot of Johnnys groups will sing their love songs too so let's look forward to it.
(Sho to Aiba in a whisper) Tell them about that thing!
Aiba: Oh! Today after rehearsal when we tried to enter the area where the dressing rooms are the guard stopped both me and Ohno!
Sho: I'd understand if you were alone, but there were two of you!
Aiba: The two of us were walking behind another staff. They had a pass to get through the gates so we were going to follow them but suddenly the security guard put his arm down to stop me. (Aiba demonstrated the gesture for us.)
I looked at him and said "I'm a member" and he let me through but stopped Ohno who was right behind me!!
How about you guys?
Nino: I went a place without a gate.
Sho: You can't do that!
Nino: I heard about the trouble they had.
Aiba: Someone needs to get me a pass!
Sho: I also heard about it. I came in with my manager and the security guard was checking his face really closely as we entered. That guard is so strict!
Aiba: He was so serious! We should all feel safe.
To lead into the second half Jun gave the same speech before about Arashi looking back on their anniversary and over the history of Johnnys. They wanted the 2nd half to be more johnnys-like and include singing, dancing, and beautiful sweat. Jun asked Aiba to get us excited but Aiba insisted we needed a warm up. Which means he chatted for a minute about nothing and then asked if we were getting pumped up. We did a yelling call and then the music started for the next song, Nihon Yoi Tokoro.
Just like Nagoya and music station they did backflips and I think the performance was the same. I really wish I could see a better recording of it to watch in slow motion because he flips are over with so quickly.
Kimi e no Omoi was the same too, with the timelines of Arashi being shown on the main screen. They showed a picture of Miyagi but the very last picture was the one in the road they retook last year in Hawaii.
Sho's solo was amazing tonight! Compared to Nagoya he was much more confident and didn't look like he was nervous at all. He did a really cool intro although I think it was shorter (or just felt that way because it was smoother) and the rap part in the middle made me swoon. For all their solos I'm trying to get over my disappointment at the lack of dancing and Sho's solo definitely did that for me this time! The last part with the line of people drumming was also a lot smoother and confident than before so I was really impressed.
Aibas solo also went smoother. I think it was really choppy at the first concert but today the transitions seemed a little more intentional. I also noticed on the main screen that there were pictures of Disco Star being covered up by Mr. Funk (like they were being pinned on top of them). The dancing made me laugh again and I really enjoyed this performance too. I forgot to day before but besides Aiba changing into a white shirt he also took off his shoes so he had bare feel and rolled up his pants to his knees to prepare to do his final trick. Someone also sprayed his hands and feet with something. Maybe it was just me but he didn't look like he went as high as the first night.
I was ready for Funky to come next and danced enthusiastically. It seemed like almost everyone knew the dance, and by the way about 90% of the audience had the venue penlights which made it pretty awesome as an effect.
Nino came up on the tower stand right in front of us. During Funky he was shaking his hips back and forth pointedly.
When Bolero started the tower went back down and Nino waved at us wildly before he left. He and Jun went to the back stage right away on carts and were dancing at each other for a minute before the middle dance solo came on. Jun did the first solo, kicking his legs up, while still looking and Nino, and Nino did the same back. Then they went to the other members that were near the main stage but the only thing I remember was catching Aiba waving his arms in big movements and then ending with a half hearted thrust.
Ohno's solo opening seemed shorter than before too. I don't know if they cut out something but I couldn't tell you what. For the opening it was the same, pulling umbrellas out of his sleeves and popping a streamer. He twirled some scarves around too and then used the red curtain to disappear to the side stage, and then to the other before coming out in the center walkway. He pulled the masks off and then discarded his kimono for the black suit underneath. The dancing was the same and I really wish I could have seen it up close. I felt like for his solo I was missing a lot of tiny things because of the limit of the screens.
There was a musical interlude the same as before with the taiko and samisen players and the dancers. I noticed tonight there were two large dragon floats like you see at Chinese New Years.
Japoneque was the same although much more enjoyable this time since I could actually see them on the back stage. Kokoro no Sora was too, and then at the end of Sunrise Nippon Jun did the junior/dancer introductions.
When they came up in the towers, Sho was in front of us this time!! For Oh Yeah he was pointing at various places in our section and leading us in waving our arms and penlights.
For Believe Nino was sitting down again on the moving stage and singing to the arena under him. Ohno and Aiba both waved at our stand section. When they got to the back stage Nino waved really widely at the back stands. They were preparing to get into formation for the final dance choreography but Aiba had to hurry across the stage because he was on the opposite side of where he was supposed to be.
The final speeches were more elaborate versions of the first days.
Sho: Thank you everyone to the very top of the stands. *bows*
It's been a year since our first original album. Was it fun? Our theme was, after our 15 year anniversary, to look back on our history. When we started I always wanted to try new things, to do things no Johnnys had done before. But now we returned to our roots and made a really Johnnys like concert. Sometimes you have to stop in order to continue to move forward.
Let's make our big dreams come true together.
Ohno: Thank you. *bows*
Today went by really fast.
This tour, Japonism, is about Japan, Johnnys Entertainment, and stuff...
It's been so long since I've done a backflip.
But I was able to do it.
I can still move. That's how I felt this concert.
So from now on I'll continue to move.
We want to continue to do interesting things. This is everything we could do now. Please continue to follow us.
Thank you.
Aiba: Thank you. *bows*
It was fun...? (Sounded like a statement but suddenly turned it into a question for us.)
Us: Yay!
Aiba: I had fun too.
There were some moments I was nervous.
While up there I thought, this is higher than I expected. The mat looked so small!
When I first started practicing I could only hold onto the ribbon for three seconds before I had to let go.
I kept trying and made it in time for Nagoya!
So it's important to continue on with something. Don't think too much, because somehow it'll work out.
You all allowed me to try something new so thank you. From now on I want to be grateful to my kohai, and all the world.
I'll continue to try! Thank you.
Nino: Thank you. *bows*
It was really really fun.
I had a great laugh.
I take that back, what matters is if you enjoyed the concert!
The theme was "looking back" on our past. It was nostalgic and exciting.
I really thought that Johnnys Entertainment is a great company. There's not another one like it.
We have awesome sempai.
We have awesome colleagues.
We have awesome kouhai.
We were able to continue for 15 years. Like Aiba said, be thankful for everything.
I remember last year. Lots of people came here for us. We all have to work together. Thank you!
I want to make as many fun memories as possible with you. I'll do my best!
It was amazing. It was so fun.
Thank you.
Jun: Thank you, we had a great time. *bows*
For our 16th year we looked back. Johnnys entertainment has also been going for 50 years. Using this "entertainment" we want to move you, to make you feel something.
Our theme is how to connect. How to say what I want to to the next generation in this peaceful country of Japan.
If you understood that, I'm happy.
This is the place we can directly communicate with you. We'll continue on as the 5 of us.
Thank you. *bows*
This is the last song. We want it to reach you.
Bokura wo Tsunaide Iku was sung live again and I loved it again. When they made it to the center stage together the camera did a closeup of Nino's face and into his eye to transition into the vtr clip that matched the opening. They did the same thing with their birthdays and ended on today's date at around 20:29:14.
We waited 3-4 minutes for the encore while cheering. Jun, Ohno, and Aiba came by in the cart near our section. Jun was doing his close hand wave and Aiba was waving his arms widely. Halfway through Yume ni Kakeru when Sho and Nino were by us they waved a lot at the stands.
For their Love So Sweet solo, Jun and Ohno stood next to each other again and put their hands over each other's shoulders. They found the camera and held out their hands dramatically, Jun even turning his head back for effect. Sho and Nino were doing their airplane running as they made it back to the main stage. While they were walking back to the center Nino either fell down or did it on purpose because when I looked Sho was laughing at him as he tried to get back up.
At the end of the song Nino was dancing around and both him and Sho were pumping their fists to the "woah woah woah" parts.
Last was A.Ra.Shi again. They encouraged us to sing the background parts and after we yelled out "fly away!" Sho gave us an ok sign via the camera, leaning in close. They did the band intro and they all played their solos to the Arashi melody again which I will enjoyed so much. At the end of the song the streamers were blown out (probably better timing than before the MC).
Jun asked "What's our name?" And we yelled back Arashi as usual. As they went down on the platform, Sho was doing a disco star move stretching is arm over his head to the side. Aiba and Jun were standing together with their arms over each other's shoulders. Nino jumped when we could only see his torso and kept waving.
The concert ended about 8:45. Everyone kept calling for Arashi while the staff tried to make the announcement for going home. It took a full five minutes before we gave up and started to leave.
We had to wait quite a while to get outside the dome but then we headed the long way to avoid the pedestrian traffic. It took about one hour until we got on the train at the station.