[An An 2009.07.30] A Bond Called ARASHI-Aiba’s part
Please do not repost without permission.
These 10 years are filled with “Thank you!”s. I’m sure I’ll still be laughing 10 years from now.
Speaking of Aiba Masaki-san, he’s “a person of smiles and laughter”. We often see him laugh on Arashi’s variety programs way more than other members. The ever-cheerful Aiba-san instead shows his tears during concerts.
“My emotions just well up. I’m easily moved to tears, but concerts really do get to me. Seeing Arashi becoming one with the audience, it’s really touching. My feelings just come like ‘waa’ and I can’t control it.”
Even when the concert ends he would shed tears as if he has lost something precious. Aiba-san’s innocence is one of the reason he’s so well-loved by Arashi these 10 years.
“The word to describe our 10 years since debut is ‘Thank you’ and nothing beats that. To fellow members, staff who supported us, our fans, I really want to say thank you. My memory is filled with too many moments of laughter and tears, I can’t say pinpoint which moment affected me the most! Looking back, that transparent outfit we wore during our debut, how was that approved!? I end up laughing each time I think about it though (laugh)”
Aiba-san’s charm point is that he’s a total natural at variety programs. He who is loved by the Comedy God, sometimes surprises even members as he make miracles happen.
“Our first self-hosted program ‘Mayonaka no Arashi’ started in year 2001. While I was really happy to have our own program, I’m totally at lost, and together we were finding our way through the whole program. That program did help with publicity and more people came to know Arashi, it gave me confidence to continue on in this world. But I don’t take live shows very well (laugh). There may be some people who enjoys the thrills of not knowing what might happen next, but I get really anxious. I suppose I’m just not good enough.”
It appears that there are some changes in his private life.
“I’ve come to make my own breakfast. Before this I haven’t been cooking, but I can’t keep telling myself that I can’t cook anything. I make fried rice in the morning, heavy meals. It really does feel like a man’s cooking right? (laugh) I don’t really think about the future now, but I believe I’ll be a mature adult 10 years from now, but I’d still want to keep laughing.”
Aiba Masaki to members
to Leader
During Arashi’s press conference in Hawaii, the other members went out to play during their break time, but Leader and I stayed in our room the whole time. We did go out to the ramen shop because we were hungry, but since it’s not everyday we’re there we should have tried some local food and do things that are more Hawaiian (laugh) But it’s still a good memory. Recently Leader goes fishing a lot and got sunburnt. Aren’t you a little too dark? I’m quite worried. And, how come you’re always wearing the same underwear? Since Leader is someone who gets easily hooked, I know you have a lot of underwear of the same design and colour, but I’m still curious exactly how many pairs you have. But I love how laid back Leader is. I think this is the atmosphere that only Leader is able to project, and it makes us feel cozy! If our rest days match let’s go play golf shall we? We’ve never been to the golf course before, but I’m sure Leader will be good at golf.
to Sho-kun
Some time ago, the both of us went to Roppongi Hills to buy clothes during our break time between work, do you remember? We kept saying “how’s this? how do I look?” as if we’re a couple. I think the shop keeper was pretty taken aback (laugh) This is a memory with Sho-kun that I will never forget. Ever since Sho-kun’s dream of being a newscaster has come true, it’s amazing that you keep reading the newspaper every morning without fail. If you hadn’t become and idol, you might’ve become a school teacher. You’re full of knowledge, and good at sharing with others too, I’m sure you’ll be a very popular teacher. But still I think Sho-kun suits this field. Not just reading the news with a straight face, your character shines in dramas and variety shows as well. It’s wonderful that you’re so versatile in many aspects! But how is it that you’re so stiff physically? When we played arm-wrestling I was shocked that you’re stiff even there! Well if you ever decide to go for yoga class I’ll go with you (laugh)
to Nino
Speaking of Nino it’s baseball. We’ve been playing baseball together a lot, you even said “I want to be a professional baseball player”. Have you given up on that dream already? (laugh) I go out a lot with Nino for meals. If I were a girl, and if I have to pick someone from Arashi as my boyfriend, I guess I’ll pick Nino. We’ll be able to talk a lot, that’s how I imagine it. Throughout these 10 years, Nino’s love for games really hasn’t changed. Not just that, I suppose you like it even more now!? Recently you even do magic tricks like a professional magician. To be able to focus on both your work and hobby, I think Nino is amazing like that. Oh by the way, I have an underwear in my drawer at home that says “Ninomiya” since long ago, I’m not too sure if I brought home Nino’s underwear by mistake, or was it someone’s prank, the truth is still unknown (laugh)
to Matsujun
Looking back at the past 10 years, the one whose hairstyle changed the most is Matsujun I suppose. But your eyebrows are still the same (laugh) Something I can’t forget is that I couldn’t work because I was too sick, and Matsujun replaced me. It’s really early in the morning… I’m very thankful for that even till today! Matsujun is someone who is sensitive towards your surroundings, this hasn’t changed a bit. I’m never good with such things, and I think Matsujun who is able to do this naturally and subtly is very cool. Even when we go for yakiniku together, Matsujun is the one who would be grilling the meat for everyone right? And you’d even put the grilled meat nicely on the plate. Well you’d be popular like that no doubt. I’m a guy and I’m also swept off my feet. If we were to go for a yakiniku day trip to Korea together it’ll be fun. Matsujun would plan the whole trip, and we’d be like “now that we’re done eating, let’s go home!”.