[An An 2009.07.30] A Bond Called ARASHI-Sho’s part
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Following the showing of the film “Yatterman”, Sakurai Sho-san has been very busy with his solo works during the beginning of this year, also starring the drama “The Quiz Show”.
I would like to take this opportunity to show our determination for our next step.
“Because I had Beijing Olympics reporting and filming of ‘Yatterman’ so I felt that I was on a fast-pace run from last year till this moment. Right now, I’m done filming my drama so I get a short break, I hope to recharge during this period.”
While saying he wants to read books, watch movies, increase the time for information input, he still wants to meet people.
“First, I want to meet my friends. I was so busy I couldn’t even keep in touch with them. And I also want to meet someone who would teach me something out of my field, people who are from all sorts of different backgrounds.”
Gaining experience as a newscaster, Sakurai-san grew more and more curious and sets out to learn about many other things. Within Arashi, he appears to be the one who upholds everyone and is a serious character.
“We’ve been together for 10 years after all. At first, we didn’t even know if we should go left or right, even Arashi ourselves are all over the place. Slowly, we work through each job we were given and have come to grasp our balance, recognize our own will, and gradually developed our own place and principles. Arashi started working as the main personality for ‘24 hours TV’, working on solo projects, I believe each of those works made us who we are now.”
Since debut till this day. He spoke of these 10 years as a fulfilling period of time. Once again, how does he feel now?
“First, I feel gratitude. It’s our stepping stone, I feel that I should take this opportunity to show our determination for our next step. Our 10th year isn’t the end of our goal. Our journey continues from now, I want to go as far as we can.”
Sakurai-san answers while picking his words carefully, and this is where his deep love for members and Arashi can be felt.
“Last year when we were having concerts at the National Stadium, I kept taking photos of members with my single-lens reflex camera during rehearsals. It was so amusing. Everyone was so high before the concert started. These guys, they’re so wonderful (laugh) The 5 of us gathering together, fooling around like little kids, it’s just so much fun I tell you.”
Sakurai Sho to members
to Leader
Leader is unique. Unlike any other. A few days ago, after the recording of our variety program he said “ah, I forgot to talk”. That’s unbelievable right? I thought, wow this guy is amazing. And another thing which I remember very well is, that concert. Leader and I were supposed to do this clothes-changing thing on stage. Leader forgot to wear the under layer, when he took off his top layer he was left with nothing but his briefs (laugh) Then he went backstage just like that. I suppose the audience were shocked. Well I was pretty shocked too. I would want Leader to bring me fishing again. We went once before, and it was super fun. When we went fishing, he prepared everything for me from fishing rods to lures, he really took good care of me. He has never done much for me during other occasions! In this, I got a chance to see Leader acting as a big brother.
to Aiba-chan
One of the first memories I have of him was during the filming of “V no Arashi” which we did together. During that time, Aiba-chan was down with fever but he didn’t tell anyone at all. I remember thinking, he’s so manly and strong. He is Arashi’s mood maker. Bright and cheerful, yet easily moved to tears. He is someone like the sun, shining upon everyone around him. But, there are many things about him that I worry about (laugh). Even today, we confirmed the choreography with him a few times as we’re appearing on a music program, but he couldn’t do it at all. After 10 years and I’m still asking, will he be alright? (laugh) In the end, Aiba-chan did dance with all his might during the program. His good point recommendation to a girl? Aiba-chan said “my face is the entrance pass to most zoos” so I guess you won’t have a problem with where to go on a date (laugh) And I always end up going to the same shops as Aiba-chan by chance! That’s why, we share information on new shops so we could have a bigger variety instead of bumping into each other all the time.
to Nino
Nino is “man who reads the atmosphere”. He thinks really fast, and he’s good at listening to what people has to say. Of the times when I was the acting MC, there are many occasions where he has been of a great help to me. I feel this particularly when guests who are older than us come to our variety show. He’s really good at listening and asking. Nino is also “man who’s good at the things he does”. He can do everything just as well. Recently, he’s really into magic, and I believe it’s something which can’t be done easily. But he did it just like that. If Nino weren’t in Arashi, perhaps he’d be a great writer. He writes his own solo songs, and they feel really global. In his lyrics, he has clear story outlines. So I would like him to write it out as a book and I want to read the story in detail. If I could ask Nino out, I’d drag him for BBQ. I have an impression that he’s the indoor-type, I want to bring him out. It’s just that, even if he came, he’d probably be playing games at the corner the whole time (laugh)
to Matsujun
I remember talking to Matsujun about “how should Arashi be from now on?” when Arashi was first formed. We are a group which started as a blank paper without even an assigned colour for each member, there were many things we worried about. We talked a lot about such things. He is Mr. A-type. He is a guy who’s sensitive about each detail. But he’s my-paced in some sense. Also, Matsujun is someone who sends cute mails. Surprising, right? The mail which I got from him for my birthday consists of fireworks emoji and stuff, it was really refreshing. He does the backstage things for our concert performances too. I think that’s great. Perhaps I would want to see him direct the performance of other artistes besides Arashi. If we were to spend our rest day together, we’ll go for a movie I guess? It seems that he watches a lot of movies. It’s either that or we go to a DVD shop together, and I’ll ask him for recommendation.