So this post is really late, considering it's already the 16th in Japan. But where I am, it's only 8pm on Sept 15th so TECHNICALLY I'm right on time. LOL
It's Arashi's 17th year since their debut. Unlike most Arashians, I haven't been following them very long. As an Arashian, I'm not even a year old. I consider my joining LJ and looking up Arashi sub comms as my official start. Sure I knew about Arashi back in 2000, I was in Japan teaching English for a few months. I even bought their single Typhoon Generation. I loved listening to it, as well as Asu ni Mukatte Hoero. But I was not an Arashian. Definitely not a good fan. After a while, I completely forgot about them.
I live in the US. It's hard to follow non-US media here. Remember this was back in 2000 and back then, it was practically impossible to know what was happening with the rest of the world, except for negative news. I can't recall if the internet was a factor at all, because if it was, maybe I could've followed them...but I didn't. I'm making all kinds of excuses but the simple fact is I forgot about Arashi and I regret it.
For me, Life happened. But I don't regret that part at all. My life took me on a different path after I left Japan.
But whatever happened since, I have found these precious guys again and I won't ever stop being their fan. A fan who loves these 5 silly and perfect boys who bring her so much happiness and joy just by being themselves. To the person who uploaded a fan video about Arashi on youtube, thank you for guiding me back. To the subbing communities that I was allowed to join, thank you for sharing Arashi rainbows with me. To Arashi, you have my heart.