[Seventeen May 04'] Sakurai Sho’s graduation letter
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Right Till the Falling of Cherry Blossoms
April 1988. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom outside as if to celebrate our arrival in school. I was surrounded by classmates wearing the same uniform as I did, 44 of them.
This was the beginning of everything.
Year 1995. I joined Johnny’s Association. Suddenly everything changed. Girls I haven’t seen for the longest time started calling me “Sho-kun”, and schoolmates from other classes were making remarks about me at the corridor.
As time goes by, it’s April 2003. It’s the 16th spring season since that fateful year. Cherry blossoms are still in full bloom.
June. Elementary school gathering. I talked to the guy with whom I’ve stopped talking to since 3rd year of middle school because he made fun of my job. He said “I’ve been watching your performances”… I was very happy.
October. I went drinking with a few friends. They picked a song at the karaoke booth. With “Forever Friends”, my shoulder was tightly hugged. I realized it was our first karaoke session after 4 years.
December. I went to watch a rugby game of a friend who has been playing for 12 years. He said he would quit rugby if they lost.
In the end, it was his last game ever. The players hung their heads low sitting at the players’ bench.
This guy who was sitting beside me said, “so that’s the end of our generation huh…”
When I looked at him, he was crying.
January. We went to Yuzawa. We went skiing. We ate hot pot. We talked throughout the night… I realized it was our first trip together.
February. He said “when you started that job, I thought ‘this guy is really dying for attention’, but seeing that you treasure your friends even now, I respect you a lot”.
I was relieved to hear that. Now, they are starting to accept me. They have accepted my job.
But…
I’m worried. I just am.
20 years later, will we be able to gather together like we used to? Can our feelings for each other still stay as it is? All of us entering a constantly competitive society, can we look pass each others’ faults? And we who are working in the same industry, will there be any motives behind our smiles?
Will we be able to sincerely rejoice for the success of others? Will we be able to forgive those who have wronged us? And will I even be a part of any circle of friends?
I spent this year thinking “this is the last of the last”. At least let me do more stupid things with you guys for a little longer.
Day by day, “time” is drawing near.
Day by day, “time” is being taken away.
Each and every little moment, will come to an end.
We’re running out of time.
Just one month left till our graduation.
Cherry blossoms, have already started to fall.
February 23rd.
Sakurai Sho