Japonism report - November 14, 2015 Sapporo
All done!
This is a supplement report! I'm going to skip the things that were the same so please check my report from yesterday.
We arrived as early as we could today and waited outside a bit for the doors to open. Our seats were on the left side of the stage about halfway up the stands. I'm glad we were closer to the main stage because we could actually see them when they were there to some extent.
The commercials were the same but I noticed today Aiba Manabu did a specific commercial for the concert. Aiba and his two regulars talked for 30 seconds like, "This is playing before Arashi's concert! Say something!"
The show started on time the same as usual. The opening vtr was the same too but some of the crowd laughed at Aiba having a baby on his back. Actually the crowd was really loud and noisy tonight compared to the other days I went. When Arashi came out we could see them come behind the curtain from our seats.
The first few sounds and greetings on the red carpets were the same. While riding the moving stages to he back, Sho was waving at just about everyone in the crowd. Everyone was waving by the time they got to the back but Sho specifically seemed excited.
During Troublemaker when Sho and Ohno made the heart, Jun was standing behind them but instead of making a face he just stood there like he wasn't amused and stared at the camera. At the end of the song some people screamed but I didn't see why.
The opening speeches were similar to usual:
Jun: Yeah~ x4
It's been a long time Sapporo! We wanted to see you!
Ii ne! Ii yo!
Are you ready to have fun? x2
Are you ready to be happy? x2
(He made an "I can't hear you" gesture so we screamed back, but apparently we weren't loud enough.)
One more time! Are you ready to be happy?
Let's make all 50,000 of you happy! (Shiawase ni shiyou.)
Follow us! Saigo made Yoroshiku! (Stay with us until the end.)
Nino: Irrashaimase! x3
Arashi is here! x2
Can you make it to the end?
Okay let's go to the end together!
Saigo made yoroshiku! (Stay with us until the end.)
Aiba: He said it's not enough! x2
More! More!
Saigo made yoroshiku! (Stay with us until the end.)
Ohno: Hai~ x3 (the last one Ohno's voice squeaked a little like he had a raw throat.)
Can you make it?
Should we do the usual?
Sapporo Japonism matsuri...
Us: day!
Sho: How're feeling Sapporo?!
How are the upper stands?
Ah I see you upper upper stands!
How are the lower stands? (Choshi wa dou da?)
How are the lower stands? (Choshi wa ikaga?)
How is Sapporo?
We are ready!
How about you?
It's not enough!
Let us hear more from you!
Ok say Arashi!
Us: Arashi!
(X3)
(In English) Japonism two thousand fifteen, let's get the utage started!
When they got back on the moving stages Jun was waving at us and Sho was waving at the opposite side. When they got to the middle stage and the stages lowered Nino gave us a big wave before disappearing to prepare for his solo. Sho stood on the center stage for the second half of Make a Wish, and Aiba came up behind him. He leaned against Sho's back and wrapped his arms around his shoulders for their closeup. When he walked away I guess Aiba slapped Sho's butt but unfortunately I missed it... Sho gave us a big wave at the end of his solo in the song. They were all really energetic at the start of the concert.
Nino raised his hand as he came out on stage for his solo and waved with a smirk. A lot of people screamed for him so he put his hand to his mouth in a be quiet gesture. When he raised his hand we screamed again so he did the same thing one last time before starting his tap dancing.
His solo was the same but I did see where they were counting the combos on the main screen. He got a combo of 178 (5 more than the first day in Nagoya).
During Jun's solo they used the MJ cam again. There was also another camera on one of the stuntmen but they only showed it while they were chasing Jun in the second half.
For In the Room Nino was watching the camera most of the time but he also used the mirror to adjust his shirt once or twice while singing. Sho stood up and paced in front of his chair at the start but sang the rap sitting down as usual. At the end of it he said ha~ in a loud but sexy way.
Jun was dripping sweat when it came to Masquerade. At the end of the song when they do the water thing, they pulled a flask out of their front packet and used that to drink out of this time. It didn't stand out as much as the first night in Nagoya but at least I noticed today!
When they walked to the large carts for Happiness, Jun flung his arm over Ohnos shoulder and they walked the length of the stage together.
Aiba, Nino, and Sho came by our side first and they all waved at us in the stands at least once. During Guts Jun was leaning heavily on the railing of the cart like he was tired, but for his solo in the song he found Ohno and they stood together.
And also during Ai so Sakebe at the center stage, during the choreography where they lift their foot up Jun reached out and balanced himself on Ohnos shoulder again like he did yesterday. He must have been really tired! During their close ups Jun blew a kiss and Sho did as well, but after Sho just stared at the camera with a blank look on his face.
Sho: Yay~ x3
Once again, we are Arashi!
They all bowed a little and mumbled thank yous and such.
Sho: Day 2 of three days in Sapporo. How is it Jun?
Jun: Ah... It's hot!
Sho: Even though it's November...
Jun: It's hot!!
(He looked really sweaty and tired.)
Sho: How about everyone else?
Us: Yay~ (to say we were hot too haha)
Sho: How about you Aiba?
Aiba: I have something to apologize for to you, Sho.
Everyone, during Aokimi there's a part where the stage goes up higher. I bumped into him during the choreography then. And Sho suddenly stopped dancing properly.
Sho: I thought I was going to be sick.
Aiba: You suddenly stopped moving a lot. Your actions were so small. (Aiba did his impression of Sho barely moving his legs to the choreography.)
Just so they know you should tell them you were scared.
Jun started to speak but he had taken off his shirt so he was only wearing a tank top so some people screamed.
Jun: Oh, yeah. There's a part where we all go towards the center and Sho was in my way. He was in my walking path.
In the end they all had to demonstrate what he meant. They got into their formation for that part and when Jun started to walk towards the middle of their circle, he showed how Sho walked through the center instead of around the outside like he's supposed to.
Sho: I was scared. When it's that high up I don't want to walk near the edges.
And just like Aiba said I can't lift my feet off the ground so I just do this.
Sho did the choreography to show us. The original is them stepping in place and raising their hands along with their feet but the version he showed us was him just jerking his thigh a little and raising his hands.
Sho: But the biggest trouble ever happened during Troublemaker. Did you see?
Me and Ohno make a heart sign right? Today we wanted to do it over the top so we both leaned out really far before bringing our hands together.
Ohno got together with him to show what they meant. They both leaned really far out to each side and then thrust their hands together into a heart. When he camera zoomed in on it a few people let out a Wooooh ~ sound.
Sho: So we came from outside to make the heart. (He showed us again with Ohno.)
Us: Woooh~
Sho: We don't need the woooh.
So, this time Jun was standing behind us. At Nagoya he put his head in the center of the heart and made a face. (They all showed the example, how it looked yesterday with Jun putting a hand over his mouth like he was shocked.)
But today we were messing around and I guess we put it down too low. And something bad happened.
We won't show you because otherwise Jun will be in trouble!
Basically what Sho was trying to say was that, because Jun was just standing their plainly, that they made a heart over his crotch in the background.
Jun: Actually, the camera we use for that is the one at the back. Compared to Nagoya it's up just a little bit so it's pointed down on us. For me to be in the middle of the heart I had to crouch down far yesterday, so I just gave up.
Nino: I thought you were acting pretty cool during that part.
Sho: Did anyone noticed the mistake we made? (their heart placement)
Only a few people responded and I didn't think of that at all, just that Jun was standing straight and looking unamused hah.
Sho: Oh good!
Jun: We just wasted a lot of time on nothing.
But I was wondering why Sho was grinning so much earlier.
They headed back to the main stage and had a short break in conversation before Sho asked Nino for a comment. I really wonder what they would do if Sho wasn't there to lead the conversation all the time.
Nino: I'm so glad my solo is over! Being the first one done is really nice!
Sho: Yeah, you're rarely first. Usually we have Aiba or someone really energetic.
Aiba: I'm the energetic one?
So you're having fun now?
Nino: So much fun! I don't have to worry about my solo and can enjoy my time more.
Jun: I'm glad I lived until the MC.
Nino: It's a really good thing!
They went to change. Jun went first so the rest did rock and paper. Today it was Ohno and Aiba that stayed out. Sho offered to let them go first but Aiba said they could do it alone, even if neither of them had any promotions to do.
Aiba: If it's us we can do it. (He put his arm around Ohnos shoulder and had it there the whole time until they started walking.)
(After sho and Nino left:) Let's look at the wall Jun used.
It's over here right?
They walked to the left side of the stage where there was a mat Jun used climb up the side of the stairs.
Aiba: It's the Matsujun wall.
He got up this whole wall with only one step!
Aiba tried to mimick Jun by climbing the wall but of course he couldn't.
Aiba: Watch out its slippery!
He just used this and then grabbed that bar up there.
Ohno: He goes all the way up to the top.
Aiba: It's a good thing he lived!
Ohno: He's amazing.
There was an awkward moment where they laughed at each other and then Aiba made Ohno try too. Ohno barely got off the ground so he must not have been trying hard. But he did rub his back like he pulled something as they started to return to the center of the stage.
Aiba: Be careful!
Ohno: Right, we're not finished yet.
Aiba: They still haven't come out yet...
Obviously they had lost their topic and didn't come up with a new one so Aiba said the first thing that came to his mind I guess.
Aiba: By the way everyone, we have a special guest here tonight! It's rare to have special guests come all the way to Hokkaido but we have one!
Ogura-san is here!!
The audience got really excited and they showed Oguri-san on the main camera. He was in the vip box at the very top and in the center of the other vip boxes. He had a penlight in hand and waved happily at the stage.
Aiba and Ohno:Tthank you for coming!
Aiba: It's really unusual huh.
Well, should we do some promotions then?
Sho finally came out and it looked like he was hurrying to save the MC.
Aiba: Oh they're back!
Nino: (as he arrived) You two can leave now!
(They left right away.)
Sho: I guess they were trying to copy Jun's solo.
Nino: Wow!
Sho easily started to interview Nino about his promotions. First Nino talked about his movie, Haha to Kuraseba, but Sho asked us all to watch it as if he were the one appearing in it. Nino reminded him it was his movie, not Sho's and then talked about one of the press release interviews. He said the director was so happy they could film it in Nagasaki because that's where the original setting is. The last question one of the mass media asked was how many times he's been called "Sayu" < need to double check this because I didn't understand it.
Nino thought he could relax but said it was a hellish last question and kept sweating after that.
I guess his costar Sayuri Yoshinaga started watching all of their TV programs out of consideration for Nino.
Nino: One day I came in and she said to me, "Ah you lost yesterday!" I kept thinking "What did I lose?!" I even asked my manager and he was like, "I don't think you lost anything." We only figured out later she meant VS Arashi from the night before.
Jun came out as Nino started talking about his Rakugo drama and was stretching by the stairs.
Sho: You look like a girl (because both legs were to one side like a girl wearing a skirt sits in Japan)
Lastly he talked about Botchan. The only interesting thing was its supposed to be based on the original work not a new story. Aiba and Ohno were back by then.
Nino: I didn't say anything earlier but an awesome guest is here tonight. (Somewhat sarcastically.)
Usually special guests don't come all the way to Hokkaido!
Oguri-san!
This is his introduction.
Why did you guys do it alone?
Sho: While I was in the back changing I was suddenly like "ha?!"
Nino: All five of us should be here for these things!
Aiba: Okay let's do it all over again. (He pretended to leave the stage but Nino stopped him.)
Jun gave us the short speech of using this concert as a way to look back on their past. He replaced the words from yesterday with "We want the second half to be more Johnnys-like with sparkles (kira kira), handsome smiles, and hip dancing. He gave us a nice smile to demonstrate what he meant and Sho made fun of him. Aiba got us going with a cheer again and then said "music start!" In English with big bravo.
The next solos were the same and I still enjoyed them the third time. For Funky we were halfway between Ohno's and Nino's tower stands.
Jun and Nino met at the back stage for Bolero again. They danced in sync and then turned to point at the camera after their solo was over. For Sho's pose at the end of his solo he raised his arm into the air, and Aiba made his weird thrusting pose that was similar to Sho's actually.
During the opening of Ohno's solo, when he popped out the cofetti string he moved his head back and forth like a snake or dragon. Otherwise everything was the same as yesterday. But I was really happy to see him dancing live on the center stage. Yesterday we were too far away so I had to watch the screens, which only show his face or upper half at best. We were still not that close but at least I could see him dancing live well enough!
I realized that the Sakura trees that come out for Japonseque must be a set piece. I thought they were just on the screen but when they zoom up on Arashi they look real so they must be 3D or something. Anyway they're quite pretty and add to the song atmosphere. I was trying to see their kimono patterns tonight but we weren't close enough for that. Another problem of watching the screens and only seeing their faces.
During the karada yurase lyrics they did a closeup of Sho doing a cute dance rolling his wrists that made me squee. I realized yesterday but the choreography for this song is actually quite adorable, more so when you add their brightly colored kimonos.
After that was the same. Jun did a quick intro during Sunrise Nippon. When they went up in the towers Aiba was directly in front of our section. He gave us a lot of attention, waving and shading his eyes like he was looking at us closely.
When they were back in the stage for Believe, Jun was doing the jumping around dance along with the juniors. (While Arashi was supposed to be walking to their next position.) On the moving stages Nino sat down again on the inner side and sang his solo to the arena. For the rap part towards the end, Sho started by almost singing it. His voice was monotone but softer than it usually is during his rap. For the second half of the rap though he got really loud and aggressive, ending it with a passionate tone.
When the dome went silent for their part speeches some people yelled out (as I said it was a noisy crowd tonight and they were often people yelling out to the members when the music died).
The ending speeches were similar to yesterday:
Sho: Thank you everyone! *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 although it feels a little strange to me.
Sometimes you have to stop in order to continue to move forward. Sometimes you have to look back in order to move forward.
Let's make and design and draw our big dream together.
Ohno: Thank you. *bows*
Today went by really fast.
I was moving so much.
Today my theme was the masks. It was about 20 years ago but I did this before. So I remembered about it for this performance.
Because of my practice then, I can do it well now. So we shouldn't forget our past.
I thought, "I can still move!" So I'll keep moving.
Because eventually I won't be able to move well.
I'll do my best until the end of the tour.
Aiba: Thank you. *bows*
Was it fun?
There were parts that were fun for me and parts I was nervous.
Parts I thought, I can't let go!
I tried the ribbon acrobatics. I was training for one to three months.
When I first started practicing I could only hold onto the ribbon for three seconds, but now I can do the whole performance.
So not giving up is important, remember that kids!
Dreams can come true!
I learned a lot from this.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity.
I want to be grateful to my kohai, and everyone in the world. Thank you!
(When Nino stepped out a few girls began calling out his name as loud as possible so he waved vaguely and started his speech.)
Nino: Thank you! *bows*
The specific thing I did for my solo... Well it wasn't the tissue thing.
Aiba: It's hard! Don't joke about it!
You try it next time!
Nino: I would die!
Anyway, I did tap dancing. 17 years ago Leeader did tap in a butai wearing a kimono and geta sandals. I used the same teacher that he had back then, so this performance was somewwhat nostalgic.
Through a lot of practice and rehearsals we were able to make this performance.
Like Sho said, for the sake of moving forward sometimes you have to stop and look back.
If you were able to enjoy this concert, that's what matters the most. This many people get together every year for our concerts.
I want to make as many fun memories as possible with you.
When we come and you say "kya~" I feel like I can try hard for another year.
(We all started cheering so he saluted us before leaving.)
Jun: Thank you, it was fun. *bow*
It's been 16- no 17 years now. It's not our 15th or 20th anniversary but we chose this timing to look back on Arashi's history. What kind of concert can we make now that we're all more than 30 years old?
Aiba had a difficult corner, but we all did our own thing and that made me really excited.
It was great to live with passion.
If people watching our show could enjoy what we're doing I'd be happy. I wanted to make a nice concert.
I'd be great if you understood that.
We also did a cover of Nihon Yoi Tokoro. Some people might find that nostalgia and some people may have heard it for the first time.
We came to Sapporo and wanted to discover what we could share with you. Our theme is to connect to you in a positive way, and then hopefully you connect to someone else and share that happy feeling.
So everyone can live happily everyday.
We can be close to you here.
If you come to the concerts, we can meet you.
I want to continue on with these 4 men. *bow*
This is the last song.
We want it to reach you.
Bokura wo Tsunaide Iku was sung live again and he same timelines on the screen. The ending time was about 20:28:10.
The encore was the same. On the large carts Aiba was waving a lot. For Love So Sweet Jun and Ohno were once again facing the camera and pointing at it together for a full ten seconds. Sho was leading the crowd in raising their penlights to the beat.
Before they got to the main stage Nino and Sho did their airplanes again.
For Sho's rap part during A.Ra.Shi that Nino kept bothering at, today Nino stood behind him as he rapped and made wide eyes at the camera while pointing between it and Sho, and raising his arms like a gangster.
They did the junior and band introductions again. When they introduced the taiko members Nino and Sho were kneeling on the ground mimicking the taiko arm movements. When they went up to the top stage to leave Sho did his disco star impression again with his arm over the side of his head like he was stretching. Nino was jumping when the stage descended all the way.
I checked the time tonight and it was 8:44. The timing for everything was almost exactly the same as yesterday. Because we were closer to the side, we got to leave early so me and yarukizero rushed to the station and made it back to the hotel in record time!
This is a supplement report! I'm going to skip the things that were the same so please check my report from yesterday.
We arrived as early as we could today and waited outside a bit for the doors to open. Our seats were on the left side of the stage about halfway up the stands. I'm glad we were closer to the main stage because we could actually see them when they were there to some extent.
The commercials were the same but I noticed today Aiba Manabu did a specific commercial for the concert. Aiba and his two regulars talked for 30 seconds like, "This is playing before Arashi's concert! Say something!"
The show started on time the same as usual. The opening vtr was the same too but some of the crowd laughed at Aiba having a baby on his back. Actually the crowd was really loud and noisy tonight compared to the other days I went. When Arashi came out we could see them come behind the curtain from our seats.
The first few sounds and greetings on the red carpets were the same. While riding the moving stages to he back, Sho was waving at just about everyone in the crowd. Everyone was waving by the time they got to the back but Sho specifically seemed excited.
During Troublemaker when Sho and Ohno made the heart, Jun was standing behind them but instead of making a face he just stood there like he wasn't amused and stared at the camera. At the end of the song some people screamed but I didn't see why.
The opening speeches were similar to usual:
Jun: Yeah~ x4
It's been a long time Sapporo! We wanted to see you!
Ii ne! Ii yo!
Are you ready to have fun? x2
Are you ready to be happy? x2
(He made an "I can't hear you" gesture so we screamed back, but apparently we weren't loud enough.)
One more time! Are you ready to be happy?
Let's make all 50,000 of you happy! (Shiawase ni shiyou.)
Follow us! Saigo made Yoroshiku! (Stay with us until the end.)
Nino: Irrashaimase! x3
Arashi is here! x2
Can you make it to the end?
Okay let's go to the end together!
Saigo made yoroshiku! (Stay with us until the end.)
Aiba: He said it's not enough! x2
More! More!
Saigo made yoroshiku! (Stay with us until the end.)
Ohno: Hai~ x3 (the last one Ohno's voice squeaked a little like he had a raw throat.)
Can you make it?
Should we do the usual?
Sapporo Japonism matsuri...
Us: day!
Sho: How're feeling Sapporo?!
How are the upper stands?
Ah I see you upper upper stands!
How are the lower stands? (Choshi wa dou da?)
How are the lower stands? (Choshi wa ikaga?)
How is Sapporo?
We are ready!
How about you?
It's not enough!
Let us hear more from you!
Ok say Arashi!
Us: Arashi!
(X3)
(In English) Japonism two thousand fifteen, let's get the utage started!
When they got back on the moving stages Jun was waving at us and Sho was waving at the opposite side. When they got to the middle stage and the stages lowered Nino gave us a big wave before disappearing to prepare for his solo. Sho stood on the center stage for the second half of Make a Wish, and Aiba came up behind him. He leaned against Sho's back and wrapped his arms around his shoulders for their closeup. When he walked away I guess Aiba slapped Sho's butt but unfortunately I missed it... Sho gave us a big wave at the end of his solo in the song. They were all really energetic at the start of the concert.
Nino raised his hand as he came out on stage for his solo and waved with a smirk. A lot of people screamed for him so he put his hand to his mouth in a be quiet gesture. When he raised his hand we screamed again so he did the same thing one last time before starting his tap dancing.
His solo was the same but I did see where they were counting the combos on the main screen. He got a combo of 178 (5 more than the first day in Nagoya).
During Jun's solo they used the MJ cam again. There was also another camera on one of the stuntmen but they only showed it while they were chasing Jun in the second half.
For In the Room Nino was watching the camera most of the time but he also used the mirror to adjust his shirt once or twice while singing. Sho stood up and paced in front of his chair at the start but sang the rap sitting down as usual. At the end of it he said ha~ in a loud but sexy way.
Jun was dripping sweat when it came to Masquerade. At the end of the song when they do the water thing, they pulled a flask out of their front packet and used that to drink out of this time. It didn't stand out as much as the first night in Nagoya but at least I noticed today!
When they walked to the large carts for Happiness, Jun flung his arm over Ohnos shoulder and they walked the length of the stage together.
Aiba, Nino, and Sho came by our side first and they all waved at us in the stands at least once. During Guts Jun was leaning heavily on the railing of the cart like he was tired, but for his solo in the song he found Ohno and they stood together.
And also during Ai so Sakebe at the center stage, during the choreography where they lift their foot up Jun reached out and balanced himself on Ohnos shoulder again like he did yesterday. He must have been really tired! During their close ups Jun blew a kiss and Sho did as well, but after Sho just stared at the camera with a blank look on his face.
Sho: Yay~ x3
Once again, we are Arashi!
They all bowed a little and mumbled thank yous and such.
Sho: Day 2 of three days in Sapporo. How is it Jun?
Jun: Ah... It's hot!
Sho: Even though it's November...
Jun: It's hot!!
(He looked really sweaty and tired.)
Sho: How about everyone else?
Us: Yay~ (to say we were hot too haha)
Sho: How about you Aiba?
Aiba: I have something to apologize for to you, Sho.
Everyone, during Aokimi there's a part where the stage goes up higher. I bumped into him during the choreography then. And Sho suddenly stopped dancing properly.
Sho: I thought I was going to be sick.
Aiba: You suddenly stopped moving a lot. Your actions were so small. (Aiba did his impression of Sho barely moving his legs to the choreography.)
Just so they know you should tell them you were scared.
Jun started to speak but he had taken off his shirt so he was only wearing a tank top so some people screamed.
Jun: Oh, yeah. There's a part where we all go towards the center and Sho was in my way. He was in my walking path.
In the end they all had to demonstrate what he meant. They got into their formation for that part and when Jun started to walk towards the middle of their circle, he showed how Sho walked through the center instead of around the outside like he's supposed to.
Sho: I was scared. When it's that high up I don't want to walk near the edges.
And just like Aiba said I can't lift my feet off the ground so I just do this.
Sho did the choreography to show us. The original is them stepping in place and raising their hands along with their feet but the version he showed us was him just jerking his thigh a little and raising his hands.
Sho: But the biggest trouble ever happened during Troublemaker. Did you see?
Me and Ohno make a heart sign right? Today we wanted to do it over the top so we both leaned out really far before bringing our hands together.
Ohno got together with him to show what they meant. They both leaned really far out to each side and then thrust their hands together into a heart. When he camera zoomed in on it a few people let out a Wooooh ~ sound.
Sho: So we came from outside to make the heart. (He showed us again with Ohno.)
Us: Woooh~
Sho: We don't need the woooh.
So, this time Jun was standing behind us. At Nagoya he put his head in the center of the heart and made a face. (They all showed the example, how it looked yesterday with Jun putting a hand over his mouth like he was shocked.)
But today we were messing around and I guess we put it down too low. And something bad happened.
We won't show you because otherwise Jun will be in trouble!
Basically what Sho was trying to say was that, because Jun was just standing their plainly, that they made a heart over his crotch in the background.
Jun: Actually, the camera we use for that is the one at the back. Compared to Nagoya it's up just a little bit so it's pointed down on us. For me to be in the middle of the heart I had to crouch down far yesterday, so I just gave up.
Nino: I thought you were acting pretty cool during that part.
Sho: Did anyone noticed the mistake we made? (their heart placement)
Only a few people responded and I didn't think of that at all, just that Jun was standing straight and looking unamused hah.
Sho: Oh good!
Jun: We just wasted a lot of time on nothing.
But I was wondering why Sho was grinning so much earlier.
They headed back to the main stage and had a short break in conversation before Sho asked Nino for a comment. I really wonder what they would do if Sho wasn't there to lead the conversation all the time.
Nino: I'm so glad my solo is over! Being the first one done is really nice!
Sho: Yeah, you're rarely first. Usually we have Aiba or someone really energetic.
Aiba: I'm the energetic one?
So you're having fun now?
Nino: So much fun! I don't have to worry about my solo and can enjoy my time more.
Jun: I'm glad I lived until the MC.
Nino: It's a really good thing!
They went to change. Jun went first so the rest did rock and paper. Today it was Ohno and Aiba that stayed out. Sho offered to let them go first but Aiba said they could do it alone, even if neither of them had any promotions to do.
Aiba: If it's us we can do it. (He put his arm around Ohnos shoulder and had it there the whole time until they started walking.)
(After sho and Nino left:) Let's look at the wall Jun used.
It's over here right?
They walked to the left side of the stage where there was a mat Jun used climb up the side of the stairs.
Aiba: It's the Matsujun wall.
He got up this whole wall with only one step!
Aiba tried to mimick Jun by climbing the wall but of course he couldn't.
Aiba: Watch out its slippery!
He just used this and then grabbed that bar up there.
Ohno: He goes all the way up to the top.
Aiba: It's a good thing he lived!
Ohno: He's amazing.
There was an awkward moment where they laughed at each other and then Aiba made Ohno try too. Ohno barely got off the ground so he must not have been trying hard. But he did rub his back like he pulled something as they started to return to the center of the stage.
Aiba: Be careful!
Ohno: Right, we're not finished yet.
Aiba: They still haven't come out yet...
Obviously they had lost their topic and didn't come up with a new one so Aiba said the first thing that came to his mind I guess.
Aiba: By the way everyone, we have a special guest here tonight! It's rare to have special guests come all the way to Hokkaido but we have one!
Ogura-san is here!!
The audience got really excited and they showed Oguri-san on the main camera. He was in the vip box at the very top and in the center of the other vip boxes. He had a penlight in hand and waved happily at the stage.
Aiba and Ohno:Tthank you for coming!
Aiba: It's really unusual huh.
Well, should we do some promotions then?
Sho finally came out and it looked like he was hurrying to save the MC.
Aiba: Oh they're back!
Nino: (as he arrived) You two can leave now!
(They left right away.)
Sho: I guess they were trying to copy Jun's solo.
Nino: Wow!
Sho easily started to interview Nino about his promotions. First Nino talked about his movie, Haha to Kuraseba, but Sho asked us all to watch it as if he were the one appearing in it. Nino reminded him it was his movie, not Sho's and then talked about one of the press release interviews. He said the director was so happy they could film it in Nagasaki because that's where the original setting is. The last question one of the mass media asked was how many times he's been called "Sayu" < need to double check this because I didn't understand it.
Nino thought he could relax but said it was a hellish last question and kept sweating after that.
I guess his costar Sayuri Yoshinaga started watching all of their TV programs out of consideration for Nino.
Nino: One day I came in and she said to me, "Ah you lost yesterday!" I kept thinking "What did I lose?!" I even asked my manager and he was like, "I don't think you lost anything." We only figured out later she meant VS Arashi from the night before.
Jun came out as Nino started talking about his Rakugo drama and was stretching by the stairs.
Sho: You look like a girl (because both legs were to one side like a girl wearing a skirt sits in Japan)
Lastly he talked about Botchan. The only interesting thing was its supposed to be based on the original work not a new story. Aiba and Ohno were back by then.
Nino: I didn't say anything earlier but an awesome guest is here tonight. (Somewhat sarcastically.)
Usually special guests don't come all the way to Hokkaido!
Oguri-san!
This is his introduction.
Why did you guys do it alone?
Sho: While I was in the back changing I was suddenly like "ha?!"
Nino: All five of us should be here for these things!
Aiba: Okay let's do it all over again. (He pretended to leave the stage but Nino stopped him.)
Jun gave us the short speech of using this concert as a way to look back on their past. He replaced the words from yesterday with "We want the second half to be more Johnnys-like with sparkles (kira kira), handsome smiles, and hip dancing. He gave us a nice smile to demonstrate what he meant and Sho made fun of him. Aiba got us going with a cheer again and then said "music start!" In English with big bravo.
The next solos were the same and I still enjoyed them the third time. For Funky we were halfway between Ohno's and Nino's tower stands.
Jun and Nino met at the back stage for Bolero again. They danced in sync and then turned to point at the camera after their solo was over. For Sho's pose at the end of his solo he raised his arm into the air, and Aiba made his weird thrusting pose that was similar to Sho's actually.
During the opening of Ohno's solo, when he popped out the cofetti string he moved his head back and forth like a snake or dragon. Otherwise everything was the same as yesterday. But I was really happy to see him dancing live on the center stage. Yesterday we were too far away so I had to watch the screens, which only show his face or upper half at best. We were still not that close but at least I could see him dancing live well enough!
I realized that the Sakura trees that come out for Japonseque must be a set piece. I thought they were just on the screen but when they zoom up on Arashi they look real so they must be 3D or something. Anyway they're quite pretty and add to the song atmosphere. I was trying to see their kimono patterns tonight but we weren't close enough for that. Another problem of watching the screens and only seeing their faces.
During the karada yurase lyrics they did a closeup of Sho doing a cute dance rolling his wrists that made me squee. I realized yesterday but the choreography for this song is actually quite adorable, more so when you add their brightly colored kimonos.
After that was the same. Jun did a quick intro during Sunrise Nippon. When they went up in the towers Aiba was directly in front of our section. He gave us a lot of attention, waving and shading his eyes like he was looking at us closely.
When they were back in the stage for Believe, Jun was doing the jumping around dance along with the juniors. (While Arashi was supposed to be walking to their next position.) On the moving stages Nino sat down again on the inner side and sang his solo to the arena. For the rap part towards the end, Sho started by almost singing it. His voice was monotone but softer than it usually is during his rap. For the second half of the rap though he got really loud and aggressive, ending it with a passionate tone.
When the dome went silent for their part speeches some people yelled out (as I said it was a noisy crowd tonight and they were often people yelling out to the members when the music died).
The ending speeches were similar to yesterday:
Sho: Thank you everyone! *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 although it feels a little strange to me.
Sometimes you have to stop in order to continue to move forward. Sometimes you have to look back in order to move forward.
Let's make and design and draw our big dream together.
Ohno: Thank you. *bows*
Today went by really fast.
I was moving so much.
Today my theme was the masks. It was about 20 years ago but I did this before. So I remembered about it for this performance.
Because of my practice then, I can do it well now. So we shouldn't forget our past.
I thought, "I can still move!" So I'll keep moving.
Because eventually I won't be able to move well.
I'll do my best until the end of the tour.
Aiba: Thank you. *bows*
Was it fun?
There were parts that were fun for me and parts I was nervous.
Parts I thought, I can't let go!
I tried the ribbon acrobatics. I was training for one to three months.
When I first started practicing I could only hold onto the ribbon for three seconds, but now I can do the whole performance.
So not giving up is important, remember that kids!
Dreams can come true!
I learned a lot from this.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity.
I want to be grateful to my kohai, and everyone in the world. Thank you!
(When Nino stepped out a few girls began calling out his name as loud as possible so he waved vaguely and started his speech.)
Nino: Thank you! *bows*
The specific thing I did for my solo... Well it wasn't the tissue thing.
Aiba: It's hard! Don't joke about it!
You try it next time!
Nino: I would die!
Anyway, I did tap dancing. 17 years ago Leeader did tap in a butai wearing a kimono and geta sandals. I used the same teacher that he had back then, so this performance was somewwhat nostalgic.
Through a lot of practice and rehearsals we were able to make this performance.
Like Sho said, for the sake of moving forward sometimes you have to stop and look back.
If you were able to enjoy this concert, that's what matters the most. This many people get together every year for our concerts.
I want to make as many fun memories as possible with you.
When we come and you say "kya~" I feel like I can try hard for another year.
(We all started cheering so he saluted us before leaving.)
Jun: Thank you, it was fun. *bow*
It's been 16- no 17 years now. It's not our 15th or 20th anniversary but we chose this timing to look back on Arashi's history. What kind of concert can we make now that we're all more than 30 years old?
Aiba had a difficult corner, but we all did our own thing and that made me really excited.
It was great to live with passion.
If people watching our show could enjoy what we're doing I'd be happy. I wanted to make a nice concert.
I'd be great if you understood that.
We also did a cover of Nihon Yoi Tokoro. Some people might find that nostalgia and some people may have heard it for the first time.
We came to Sapporo and wanted to discover what we could share with you. Our theme is to connect to you in a positive way, and then hopefully you connect to someone else and share that happy feeling.
So everyone can live happily everyday.
We can be close to you here.
If you come to the concerts, we can meet you.
I want to continue on with these 4 men. *bow*
This is the last song.
We want it to reach you.
Bokura wo Tsunaide Iku was sung live again and he same timelines on the screen. The ending time was about 20:28:10.
The encore was the same. On the large carts Aiba was waving a lot. For Love So Sweet Jun and Ohno were once again facing the camera and pointing at it together for a full ten seconds. Sho was leading the crowd in raising their penlights to the beat.
Before they got to the main stage Nino and Sho did their airplanes again.
For Sho's rap part during A.Ra.Shi that Nino kept bothering at, today Nino stood behind him as he rapped and made wide eyes at the camera while pointing between it and Sho, and raising his arms like a gangster.
They did the junior and band introductions again. When they introduced the taiko members Nino and Sho were kneeling on the ground mimicking the taiko arm movements. When they went up to the top stage to leave Sho did his disco star impression again with his arm over the side of his head like he was stretching. Nino was jumping when the stage descended all the way.
I checked the time tonight and it was 8:44. The timing for everything was almost exactly the same as yesterday. Because we were closer to the side, we got to leave early so me and yarukizero rushed to the station and made it back to the hotel in record time!