Popolo May 2010 translation
WARNING: LONG POST, coz I only intend to put this magazine's translation in one post.
Popolo May 2010
Arashi's Life Drama
That day, that place, those words...
The members look back at that irreplaceable STORY.
-LOVE FAMILY SCHOOL MUSIC PLACE x5-
Ohno Satoshi in Love Story
Sakurai Sho in Family Story
Aiba Masaki in School Story
Ninomiya Kazunari in Music Story
Matsumoto Jun in Place Story
--
SAKURAI SHO's Family Story
"I really love my grandfather's* face"
(*his grandfather from his mother side)
Sakurai, who reveals his cherished episodes with his family either on TV or magazines, once again tells the "Sakurai story".
"I can remember very well when my younger siblings were born"
What I remember most when I was a kid is that trip with my family during the summer vacation. Every year, we go to Izu, but because the streets are packed during those times, we leave the house around 11pm at night. We, children, would then be sleeping inside the car and would wake up in the morning. Our car would stop by the beach, and we'd be playing with a boogie board until we check in a hotel. That was fun every year. We stay at grandpa's house for about one week as a standard of summer vacation. We play scooping-the-goldfish, and go to a firework convention in a summer festival fair at the neighborhood...
When I was around 4th grade, I went to Mie prefecture with my family and we had fun. There are lots of food carts, there was that "huge Manila clam" that is quite bigger than the usual clam. Basically, I like shellfish, and that Manila clam dipped in oil then grilled tasted great. I and my sister eat nothing but clams, so on the third day we were told "here comes the sea otter siblings* again" (laughs). Even now, whenever we see that restaurant, we definitely eat there, but, nothing beats the taste of those times. Since those are memories I must enrich, even now I want to go there one more time.
*this may be due to the fact that sea otters eat mollusks and crustaceans ;p
When we went to Yamanashi pension house, I was touched when I saw the Saturn rings through the telescope. That is a planet I never seen in Tokyo. It was awesomely beautiful. Now that I think about it, our parents did many things for us. Since I am the first child in the Sakurai family, I think that they raised me with great love. I can still remember when my little sister and little brother were born. My little sister is five years younger, until she was born I have no playmate, so I couldn't help feeling happy. Since I am years older, I don't fight with my siblings. There was also a time when I went to my brother's school events, in place of my parents since they are working. From the time I got a driver license, it became a habit to send off and pick up my little brother. More than being called as a foster parent, I'm happy that I'm able to do something for my family.
"I have the splitting image of my father when he was in high school"
I didn't tell my parents that I sent my resume to Johnnys. At first my father was against it, (but) I can remember very well when my mother said "If you want to do it, then try doing it". As I thought, I am supported greatly by my family ever since I started working. When I was in high school, one semester my grades were terribly bad, and on the next semester, when I had an exam the next morning, my mom watched me study until morning even though she's working. But, there were times when I lost to my drowsiness and fell asleep on the top of my desk, making my mother exasperated (bitter laugh). Immediately after my debut, during World Cup Volleyball, she sent me off until the station, I think she supported me in many ways.
It's not really a custom to visit my family's grave, but I wanted to go during the new year for some reason. Somehow, I feel that this year had become a turning point for me. And also, what surprised me when I went back to my hometown, is that picture of my father who looks like me when he was in high school. Until now, I am told that I take after my mother, even I thought so, too...I love my grandfather's (from his mother side) face. He was really handsome, but, I don't know how to go from here, since it seems I won't look like him (laughs)**
**since he thinks he looks like his father, then that would make him not look like his grandpa from his mother side anymore.
Recent status column
A stormy happening
"I had a meal with 'Kabachi' casts"
Just before I go to interview at the Olympics, my drama co-stars at the "Ohno Administrative Solicitor Office" held a send-off party for me. Though I'm the only one who thought that it's a send-off party (laughs). It was just a drinking meeting. But, it's rare that everyone gathers since our schedules won't match, so it was really fun.
Popular thing
Q: What was frequently written on your report card?
"Un~ I can't remember..."
When I was in elementary, I am the shy type who stand out but I was frequently scolded for being noisy. During my PE class in my first year of junior high, I pulled down my friend's pants, and my teacher seriously snapped at me. Anyone will be mad if I do that (laughs).
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AIBA MASAKI'S SCHOOL STORY
"I consulted my homeroom teacher when I entered the agency"
Purely naughty. Aiba's boyish charm remains even now. Such guy also spent those dazzling school days, right here...
"I run around wearing short sleeves and short pants even in winter"
When I was a kid, all I do is play outside, so I was dark all those times! Even now, I think I became dark as a soil. I play with skateboards, create my 'secret base', I played until I became muddy. Everyone in the class gets along really well, so I had nothing but fun memories. Like, whenever one asks "We'll go to the amusement park. Who wants to come along~?", everyone would go regardless of gender. The kids didn't group themselves, it's an image wherein everyone got along equally. Somehow...everyone was mature (laughs).
I was what you call a child back then. I ran around wearing short sleeves and short pants even in winter, and with such peculiarity, I'm the type who mumbles "Cold, cold~" before I stop at my seat. My teacher often says "Let's hear this person's story", so probably, I was too loud (laughs). Since I was such an energetic kid, I loved athletic festivals, or cultural festivals, or festival-like events. When I was in junior high, there was this game wherein you have to topple the opponent team's pole, and that excited me a lot. It's a game wherein one will win if he topples his opponent's pole, but I was fixed on attacking. I really had the feeling that I was the "Athletic festival's blossom" in our local area.
If you say festivals, I also loved the festivals in my hometown. But, I cannot reach the mikoshi when I was small, and it's impossible for me to join the carriers, so I was just merely watching them. I thought that someday, I want to be a carrier and try it myself. That's why I was really happy that I was able to carry a mikoshi for the first time when I turned high school.
"The words of my teacher in junior high cheer me up until now"
My teacher often scolds me about this and that (laughs). But somehow, I remember my teacher back in junior high deeply. She properly scolds us when it's time to get mad, but she usually thinks about her students. She's a nice teacher who can become your relative, if there's something you want to consult with her. Because of that, I consulted that teacher when I entered the agency. But what I got as an answer was "Absolutely impossible. You can't continue!". Of course, I think I found the answer at that time. But, when I appeared in my first stageplay, I spotted that teacher who seem to brought people who look like students with her to watch. That time, I have no idea about it, and heard it from other kids, but perhaps they bought the tickets themselves and came to watch me. I was really thankful to her. We didn't meet again since then, but she's a teacher who left an impression to me.
On the other hand, my parents are not the type who says this and that. Of course, they get mad when I do something bad, but basically as long as I don't cause trouble to other people, they let me do as I please. That's why, on the contrary, I strongly felt my parent's words saying "Don't be a burden to other people", and even now, those words remain within me.
Also, one thing that made me glad once again was the fact that I lived with my dog when I was a child. Even now, Uran* is at our home. It was born when I was in 5th grade, so it was with us for almost 16 years already. The fact that Uran and company are there, I had to protect their fragile existence. I think I naturally felt the importance of being kind to them. Animals can't talk, so I had to learn how to be considerate to them. It may be hard to express it through words, but even now I'm really grateful that I am already familiar with animals ever since I was a kid.
*I am guessing that it's the name of Aiba's dog
Recent status column
A stormy happening
"I went to an amusement park with a kid"
I went to visit a 5th grade boy! He was like "I want to go to an indoor amusement park!" so I said "Then, let's go?. However, the place was like an ultramodern game center. I'm the one who had fun instead of him (laughs).
Popular thing
Q: What was frequently written on your report card?
It's supposed to be something good...
I remember the fun times I had playing with everyone, but, I don't remember what the contents of my report card. But, I suppose it's something good. Since there was a time when I took care of a child with a weak health, maybe it's "you're very helpful to other people"? (the words that are written in his report card). Maybe I thought too much (laughs).
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MATSUMOTO JUN'S PLACE STORY
"I recall my youth, when I pass by Roppongi as I go to work"
Recently, Matsumoto claims that he got lively as he went to New York for the third time. We ask those "special places" that remain in his heart.
The trace of the long gone elementary schoolyard remains vivid even now.
When I was a child, what left an impression most is our schoolyard back in elementary. During our lunch break or long recess, we would definitely go outside to play baseball or kick base. And also, "strike the edge". It's a game wherein one will throw the ball to the edge of the staircase and let it rebound, then the other person will catch it. It was popular during those times. The vertical bars, overhead ladder, ascending pole, the basketball (court), soccer goal, the sand pit...I can still vividly remember the appearance of that schoolyard. After school, I play there until I get hungry. But that school no longer exists. Several years before it disappeared, I filmed that school together with my friend. The classroom desks are very small, the faucets are too low - and I thought that I was also small once.
If I think about a nostalgic place when I entered Johnny's when I was in first year junior high school, it would be Roppongi. Before Roppongi Hills was constructed, there was that former TV Asahi "one rehearsal" building that was akin to a prefabricated house. And there, we take our lessons, and have our interviews in the nearby studio, that I no longer know how many times I went to Roppongi. Because that was the first time that I went far alone, it was such an invigorating place. I ride the train from Roppongi when going home. I take a bus until Shibuya and then ride the train at the station. Together with my Jr. friends, we drop by to eat a light meal or go to the game center. During that time, I was into soccer, so I also often go and play that.
Even when I became Arashi, I pass by Roppongi whenever we have lessons, so to me, Roppongi is the place of my youth. It still feels very nostalgic whenever I see that convenience store I used to go to frequently. When Roppongi Hills was constructed, even TV Asahi was considerably changed, but, the trace of the back lane of Roppongi main street remained. Because I walk on the same road whenever I come down the train, it's very nostalgic every time I see that scenery. Anyhow, it's like going to school because I commute about half in a week, I feel like my schoolyard was changed to Roppongi.
My favorite city that gives me energy - New York
Since then, I became an adult, right now, I wonder about that has an impact to me...but the place I love most is my home (laughs). I go to different places every time I travel abroad, but maybe I like New York since I went there 3 times already. The first and the second time are due to work, but at the start of this year, I went there again privately and watch a musical among other things, and once again I thought that it's a city I like. Various people gather, and I like how fast the time is just like in Tokyo.
Every time I see the Time Square, or the Brooklyn Bridge, I think "Ah, this is New York". Last time, I went up to the top of that high building in Manhattan, and what I saw before me is the Hudson river, and to its opposite side, I saw the Empire State Building. It was astoundingly beautiful. The sun set but during the time when it's not yet dark, the moon appears right beside the building. In the blue sky that became dark, the city lights are lit bit by bit...The evening time in New York is really beautiful. The liveliness during the day is again different, as this city has also its own merits. I became really energetic every time I go there. It gives me vigor, henceforth, it's a place I want to visit many times over.
Recent status column:
A stormy happening
I spend my time systematically
I wake up early, and make breakfast myself. There lots of instances that I eat oily food outside, but I can cook without using oil. I learned to eat healthy food so I can practice living systematically. I also sleep early at night.
Popular thing
Q: What was frequently written on your report card?
"You're poor at behaving within a group"
In the past, ever since I was in elementary, it was always written in my report card that I am poor at behaving within a group. But, I matured when I started working, so I think that aspect is already gone (smile).
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NINOMIYA KAZUNARI'S MUSIC STORY
As I got hold a piece of my guitar, I sing my own composition on the road.
He performs the songs he composed even during concerts. Ninomiya, who claims that he continues to play the guitar during his day off, tells his candid "music history".
It's because of Takizawa-kun that I started playing the guitar!
For me, music is something I enjoy. It's something that I can love purely. I guess the first time I bought a CD is when I was in elementary school. I bought the song that was popular back then, in a shop that sells both games and CDs. It's just that during that time, I was more interested on the CD's jacket more than the song. Because I only bought that entirely for the CD jacket, I only became interested in music when I turned junior high. When I heard a song for the first time, I felt that I could agree with the lyrics. As expected, those are my emotional years (laughs). From then on, I started to listen to different songs....Basically, I like a person's music most of the time. That's why, I plainly listen to that song I like, rather than going to that person's concert or collecting his/her CDs.
The first time I held a musical instrument was also during those times. It was when Takizawa (Hideaki)-kun told me to play a guitar at the concert. Actually, I already started playing the bass, but I couldn't say "But, I am already playing a bass" (laughs). Anyway, I bought a guitar, and practiced. Back then, I also had a drama filming that I didn't have any time, so I practiced without sleeping. But because of that I started playing the guitar, so I am grateful to Takizawa-kun.
Someday, I want to create a game music!
I listen to a song I like for a short while but, more than listening to the CD I bought, I think I become hasty to compose the song I want to hear. And so, the fact that I want to compose a song doesn't change until now. Even when I have no time, I can compose if I have something I want to hear. Conversely, even if I have the time, yet I don't have something I want to hear, I can't compose. Compose while playing the guitar, sing as you get absorbed with the melody, hum the melody in acapella - there are different ways (of composing). But, I never mind the lyrics, you see. It's not that I write based on actual experience, so I just hurry up and write. But "5x10" was a hard task! We have to put together each member's lyrics, so we have to get into everyone's mind. But since the flow of the song was one, we were at ease.
In the past, there were instances wherein I brought a guitar and sang on the road. I already debuted, but I just sang casually at the station (laughs). I did not mind the noise, my pretext was that I have no place to sing. There are times when I'm alone, but there also times when I'm with a friend. The significance of it is that I do not waste anything. It's like, "If I'm going to a karaoke, then I'd (rather) sing on the road". I don't really want my song to be heard, and then debut. I don't mind the response I will get with my songs. I feel that I had sang with all my might and went home with satisfaction.
I want to continue like that - my music and Arashi's music. I can't think of separating those two. It's just that, I think that Arashi's music is "everything" to me. Without Arashi, I don't think that I'll be doing music. Of course, it's because I can't make it tie up with my own song (laughs). The styles are different. Now that I mentioned it, I didn't compose one recently. If I talk about the song I properly composed, I guess it's "Gimmick game". If there's something I want to hear again, I think I might compose. From here on, what I want to try composing is game music. It will be nice if I'll be able to make one someday.
Recent status column:
A stormy happening
Days of tough movie filming
The five days in a week is spent at the countryside, and the remaining two days is at Tokyo. I don't eat* with my fellow co-stars often but there are lots of times when I eat with everyone at the filming site (on location). The definite thing that I do whenever I come back to Tokyo is...doing the laundry (laughs). I wash the clothes I used for the past five days, then pack them again for another five days.
*eg, eat outside
Popular thing
Q: What was frequently written on your report card?
"You have no enthusiasm"
Perhaps, it's 'you're not enthusiastic', or something that I think close to that. If I remember it clearly, when I was in my lower grades in elementary, I am a kid who doesn't associate with people. That's why if you see it from a teacher's point of view, wouldn't it feel like 'Be more enthusiastic'?
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OHNO SATOSHI's LOVE STORY
"In the past, I planned to get married at age 26 (smile)"
Ohno, whose shaded days are certainly spent in fishing, dare to talk about love. A surprisingly passionate love story
I'll immediately tell my feelings to the person I like
When I was in grade school, more or less, I am the type who fall in love. Because ever since I was a kid, I clearly say that I like a person when I fall in love. I never thought it as embarrassing. Because I thought that it's a good thing if the person I like came to like me as well. If I fall in love, I'll say "I like you". Because there were no cellphones before, you have to confess yourself. There was one time when I confess through a pager. I didn't waver with few words but, at that time, I only thought of confessing (laughs). But during those times, I have no idea about the meaning of dating
someone, so anyhow, I only thought of expressing my feelings, and then later on, we could meet and talk somewhere. That was really nerve-wrecking, but with just that, it was fun already.
I may be the type who is earnest once I fall in love. There was a time when I confessed to someone who in turn love another person, and I kept thinking about her for two years. Since I'm completely not on a love mode right now, I think it's great that I was able to think of one person wholeheartedly.
I guess my tendency to fall in love with a girl doesn't change. A kind, non-feminine person is fine. Because I like people who does things with resolution, I like a girl who thinks that she's not feminine so she can't relate to love . Being normal is fine with me. But, when I thought that "I won't get along with this person", I end up being acquainted with her/him, so I really have no idea how human relations work.
My ideal meeting is that of Romeo and Juliet
In the past, I thought of getting married once I found a person to love. Because I want to be with her, and equalized that notion with marriage , so I guess it would be rude to her if I won't think of marrying her. That's why when I was in my teens, I planned to marry at 26 (laughs). That time, I saw 26 as very adult-like, and that I would already have a child at age 30, because I thought of becoming a father by that time. But, I'll be 30 this year, so I didn't think to that extent as I mature, and my desire for marriage was also gone.
I think my principle doesn't change even now. I think that once that I'm predisposed to love, it won't change naturally. I don't think expressing affection is embarrassing, so I guess I can do that part properly. But, I'm not assertive when it comes to meeting her (laughs). I have work. Even if I'm busy, I am having fun. I draw, I go fishing. Right now, it's enough for me that I have a fish as my lover (laughs). And then, it would be great if I meet her suddenly by chance, like "Romeo and Juliet". But I like being alone, even if I have a girlfriend, it's impossible for us to be together all the time. It would kill me if I won't have my own time. That's why, someday, it's nice if I would be able to meet someone, but if I don't, then, it's just fine as well (laughs). Leaving it that way right now is what I honestly feel.
But, I wish to have children in the future. More than wanting to have a child, I want to try having one. I would think "How would my child look like?". Because I like kids, I think I would give my all once I have one. We'll draw together, play together, and I'll even take him/her to fish (laughs).
Recent status column:
A stormy happening
I went fishing again (smile)
Since I caught a flounder, I brought it to my acquaintance's restaurant and made it to a sashimi for me to eat. It was very delicious. At that time, I also caught a seabream and gurnard. He broiled the sashimi with salt and made a gurnard sashimi. As expected, fish are delicious~ (smile).
Popular thing
Q: What was frequently written on your report card?
"A kid who is capable if he tries"
Perhaps, it's because I don't give much effort to the things I do. But during those days, I am such a bad kid for thinking "Indeed, I think that I can do it if I try, but it's too troublesome so I won't" (laughs). But, my grade in arts is good, because I liked it, you see.
Scan credits: 1 and 2
DO NOT REPOST.
Popolo May 2010
Arashi's Life Drama
That day, that place, those words...
The members look back at that irreplaceable STORY.
-LOVE FAMILY SCHOOL MUSIC PLACE x5-
Ohno Satoshi in Love Story
Sakurai Sho in Family Story
Aiba Masaki in School Story
Ninomiya Kazunari in Music Story
Matsumoto Jun in Place Story
--
SAKURAI SHO's Family Story
"I really love my grandfather's* face"
(*his grandfather from his mother side)
Sakurai, who reveals his cherished episodes with his family either on TV or magazines, once again tells the "Sakurai story".
"I can remember very well when my younger siblings were born"
What I remember most when I was a kid is that trip with my family during the summer vacation. Every year, we go to Izu, but because the streets are packed during those times, we leave the house around 11pm at night. We, children, would then be sleeping inside the car and would wake up in the morning. Our car would stop by the beach, and we'd be playing with a boogie board until we check in a hotel. That was fun every year. We stay at grandpa's house for about one week as a standard of summer vacation. We play scooping-the-goldfish, and go to a firework convention in a summer festival fair at the neighborhood...
When I was around 4th grade, I went to Mie prefecture with my family and we had fun. There are lots of food carts, there was that "huge Manila clam" that is quite bigger than the usual clam. Basically, I like shellfish, and that Manila clam dipped in oil then grilled tasted great. I and my sister eat nothing but clams, so on the third day we were told "here comes the sea otter siblings* again" (laughs). Even now, whenever we see that restaurant, we definitely eat there, but, nothing beats the taste of those times. Since those are memories I must enrich, even now I want to go there one more time.
*this may be due to the fact that sea otters eat mollusks and crustaceans ;p
When we went to Yamanashi pension house, I was touched when I saw the Saturn rings through the telescope. That is a planet I never seen in Tokyo. It was awesomely beautiful. Now that I think about it, our parents did many things for us. Since I am the first child in the Sakurai family, I think that they raised me with great love. I can still remember when my little sister and little brother were born. My little sister is five years younger, until she was born I have no playmate, so I couldn't help feeling happy. Since I am years older, I don't fight with my siblings. There was also a time when I went to my brother's school events, in place of my parents since they are working. From the time I got a driver license, it became a habit to send off and pick up my little brother. More than being called as a foster parent, I'm happy that I'm able to do something for my family.
"I have the splitting image of my father when he was in high school"
I didn't tell my parents that I sent my resume to Johnnys. At first my father was against it, (but) I can remember very well when my mother said "If you want to do it, then try doing it". As I thought, I am supported greatly by my family ever since I started working. When I was in high school, one semester my grades were terribly bad, and on the next semester, when I had an exam the next morning, my mom watched me study until morning even though she's working. But, there were times when I lost to my drowsiness and fell asleep on the top of my desk, making my mother exasperated (bitter laugh). Immediately after my debut, during World Cup Volleyball, she sent me off until the station, I think she supported me in many ways.
It's not really a custom to visit my family's grave, but I wanted to go during the new year for some reason. Somehow, I feel that this year had become a turning point for me. And also, what surprised me when I went back to my hometown, is that picture of my father who looks like me when he was in high school. Until now, I am told that I take after my mother, even I thought so, too...I love my grandfather's (from his mother side) face. He was really handsome, but, I don't know how to go from here, since it seems I won't look like him (laughs)**
**since he thinks he looks like his father, then that would make him not look like his grandpa from his mother side anymore.
Recent status column
A stormy happening
"I had a meal with 'Kabachi' casts"
Just before I go to interview at the Olympics, my drama co-stars at the "Ohno Administrative Solicitor Office" held a send-off party for me. Though I'm the only one who thought that it's a send-off party (laughs). It was just a drinking meeting. But, it's rare that everyone gathers since our schedules won't match, so it was really fun.
Popular thing
Q: What was frequently written on your report card?
"Un~ I can't remember..."
When I was in elementary, I am the shy type who stand out but I was frequently scolded for being noisy. During my PE class in my first year of junior high, I pulled down my friend's pants, and my teacher seriously snapped at me. Anyone will be mad if I do that (laughs).
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AIBA MASAKI'S SCHOOL STORY
"I consulted my homeroom teacher when I entered the agency"
Purely naughty. Aiba's boyish charm remains even now. Such guy also spent those dazzling school days, right here...
"I run around wearing short sleeves and short pants even in winter"
When I was a kid, all I do is play outside, so I was dark all those times! Even now, I think I became dark as a soil. I play with skateboards, create my 'secret base', I played until I became muddy. Everyone in the class gets along really well, so I had nothing but fun memories. Like, whenever one asks "We'll go to the amusement park. Who wants to come along~?", everyone would go regardless of gender. The kids didn't group themselves, it's an image wherein everyone got along equally. Somehow...everyone was mature (laughs).
I was what you call a child back then. I ran around wearing short sleeves and short pants even in winter, and with such peculiarity, I'm the type who mumbles "Cold, cold~" before I stop at my seat. My teacher often says "Let's hear this person's story", so probably, I was too loud (laughs). Since I was such an energetic kid, I loved athletic festivals, or cultural festivals, or festival-like events. When I was in junior high, there was this game wherein you have to topple the opponent team's pole, and that excited me a lot. It's a game wherein one will win if he topples his opponent's pole, but I was fixed on attacking. I really had the feeling that I was the "Athletic festival's blossom" in our local area.
If you say festivals, I also loved the festivals in my hometown. But, I cannot reach the mikoshi when I was small, and it's impossible for me to join the carriers, so I was just merely watching them. I thought that someday, I want to be a carrier and try it myself. That's why I was really happy that I was able to carry a mikoshi for the first time when I turned high school.
"The words of my teacher in junior high cheer me up until now"
My teacher often scolds me about this and that (laughs). But somehow, I remember my teacher back in junior high deeply. She properly scolds us when it's time to get mad, but she usually thinks about her students. She's a nice teacher who can become your relative, if there's something you want to consult with her. Because of that, I consulted that teacher when I entered the agency. But what I got as an answer was "Absolutely impossible. You can't continue!". Of course, I think I found the answer at that time. But, when I appeared in my first stageplay, I spotted that teacher who seem to brought people who look like students with her to watch. That time, I have no idea about it, and heard it from other kids, but perhaps they bought the tickets themselves and came to watch me. I was really thankful to her. We didn't meet again since then, but she's a teacher who left an impression to me.
On the other hand, my parents are not the type who says this and that. Of course, they get mad when I do something bad, but basically as long as I don't cause trouble to other people, they let me do as I please. That's why, on the contrary, I strongly felt my parent's words saying "Don't be a burden to other people", and even now, those words remain within me.
Also, one thing that made me glad once again was the fact that I lived with my dog when I was a child. Even now, Uran* is at our home. It was born when I was in 5th grade, so it was with us for almost 16 years already. The fact that Uran and company are there, I had to protect their fragile existence. I think I naturally felt the importance of being kind to them. Animals can't talk, so I had to learn how to be considerate to them. It may be hard to express it through words, but even now I'm really grateful that I am already familiar with animals ever since I was a kid.
*I am guessing that it's the name of Aiba's dog
Recent status column
A stormy happening
"I went to an amusement park with a kid"
I went to visit a 5th grade boy! He was like "I want to go to an indoor amusement park!" so I said "Then, let's go?. However, the place was like an ultramodern game center. I'm the one who had fun instead of him (laughs).
Popular thing
Q: What was frequently written on your report card?
It's supposed to be something good...
I remember the fun times I had playing with everyone, but, I don't remember what the contents of my report card. But, I suppose it's something good. Since there was a time when I took care of a child with a weak health, maybe it's "you're very helpful to other people"? (the words that are written in his report card). Maybe I thought too much (laughs).
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MATSUMOTO JUN'S PLACE STORY
"I recall my youth, when I pass by Roppongi as I go to work"
Recently, Matsumoto claims that he got lively as he went to New York for the third time. We ask those "special places" that remain in his heart.
The trace of the long gone elementary schoolyard remains vivid even now.
When I was a child, what left an impression most is our schoolyard back in elementary. During our lunch break or long recess, we would definitely go outside to play baseball or kick base. And also, "strike the edge". It's a game wherein one will throw the ball to the edge of the staircase and let it rebound, then the other person will catch it. It was popular during those times. The vertical bars, overhead ladder, ascending pole, the basketball (court), soccer goal, the sand pit...I can still vividly remember the appearance of that schoolyard. After school, I play there until I get hungry. But that school no longer exists. Several years before it disappeared, I filmed that school together with my friend. The classroom desks are very small, the faucets are too low - and I thought that I was also small once.
If I think about a nostalgic place when I entered Johnny's when I was in first year junior high school, it would be Roppongi. Before Roppongi Hills was constructed, there was that former TV Asahi "one rehearsal" building that was akin to a prefabricated house. And there, we take our lessons, and have our interviews in the nearby studio, that I no longer know how many times I went to Roppongi. Because that was the first time that I went far alone, it was such an invigorating place. I ride the train from Roppongi when going home. I take a bus until Shibuya and then ride the train at the station. Together with my Jr. friends, we drop by to eat a light meal or go to the game center. During that time, I was into soccer, so I also often go and play that.
Even when I became Arashi, I pass by Roppongi whenever we have lessons, so to me, Roppongi is the place of my youth. It still feels very nostalgic whenever I see that convenience store I used to go to frequently. When Roppongi Hills was constructed, even TV Asahi was considerably changed, but, the trace of the back lane of Roppongi main street remained. Because I walk on the same road whenever I come down the train, it's very nostalgic every time I see that scenery. Anyhow, it's like going to school because I commute about half in a week, I feel like my schoolyard was changed to Roppongi.
My favorite city that gives me energy - New York
Since then, I became an adult, right now, I wonder about that has an impact to me...but the place I love most is my home (laughs). I go to different places every time I travel abroad, but maybe I like New York since I went there 3 times already. The first and the second time are due to work, but at the start of this year, I went there again privately and watch a musical among other things, and once again I thought that it's a city I like. Various people gather, and I like how fast the time is just like in Tokyo.
Every time I see the Time Square, or the Brooklyn Bridge, I think "Ah, this is New York". Last time, I went up to the top of that high building in Manhattan, and what I saw before me is the Hudson river, and to its opposite side, I saw the Empire State Building. It was astoundingly beautiful. The sun set but during the time when it's not yet dark, the moon appears right beside the building. In the blue sky that became dark, the city lights are lit bit by bit...The evening time in New York is really beautiful. The liveliness during the day is again different, as this city has also its own merits. I became really energetic every time I go there. It gives me vigor, henceforth, it's a place I want to visit many times over.
Recent status column:
A stormy happening
I spend my time systematically
I wake up early, and make breakfast myself. There lots of instances that I eat oily food outside, but I can cook without using oil. I learned to eat healthy food so I can practice living systematically. I also sleep early at night.
Popular thing
Q: What was frequently written on your report card?
"You're poor at behaving within a group"
In the past, ever since I was in elementary, it was always written in my report card that I am poor at behaving within a group. But, I matured when I started working, so I think that aspect is already gone (smile).
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NINOMIYA KAZUNARI'S MUSIC STORY
As I got hold a piece of my guitar, I sing my own composition on the road.
He performs the songs he composed even during concerts. Ninomiya, who claims that he continues to play the guitar during his day off, tells his candid "music history".
It's because of Takizawa-kun that I started playing the guitar!
For me, music is something I enjoy. It's something that I can love purely. I guess the first time I bought a CD is when I was in elementary school. I bought the song that was popular back then, in a shop that sells both games and CDs. It's just that during that time, I was more interested on the CD's jacket more than the song. Because I only bought that entirely for the CD jacket, I only became interested in music when I turned junior high. When I heard a song for the first time, I felt that I could agree with the lyrics. As expected, those are my emotional years (laughs). From then on, I started to listen to different songs....Basically, I like a person's music most of the time. That's why, I plainly listen to that song I like, rather than going to that person's concert or collecting his/her CDs.
The first time I held a musical instrument was also during those times. It was when Takizawa (Hideaki)-kun told me to play a guitar at the concert. Actually, I already started playing the bass, but I couldn't say "But, I am already playing a bass" (laughs). Anyway, I bought a guitar, and practiced. Back then, I also had a drama filming that I didn't have any time, so I practiced without sleeping. But because of that I started playing the guitar, so I am grateful to Takizawa-kun.
Someday, I want to create a game music!
I listen to a song I like for a short while but, more than listening to the CD I bought, I think I become hasty to compose the song I want to hear. And so, the fact that I want to compose a song doesn't change until now. Even when I have no time, I can compose if I have something I want to hear. Conversely, even if I have the time, yet I don't have something I want to hear, I can't compose. Compose while playing the guitar, sing as you get absorbed with the melody, hum the melody in acapella - there are different ways (of composing). But, I never mind the lyrics, you see. It's not that I write based on actual experience, so I just hurry up and write. But "5x10" was a hard task! We have to put together each member's lyrics, so we have to get into everyone's mind. But since the flow of the song was one, we were at ease.
In the past, there were instances wherein I brought a guitar and sang on the road. I already debuted, but I just sang casually at the station (laughs). I did not mind the noise, my pretext was that I have no place to sing. There are times when I'm alone, but there also times when I'm with a friend. The significance of it is that I do not waste anything. It's like, "If I'm going to a karaoke, then I'd (rather) sing on the road". I don't really want my song to be heard, and then debut. I don't mind the response I will get with my songs. I feel that I had sang with all my might and went home with satisfaction.
I want to continue like that - my music and Arashi's music. I can't think of separating those two. It's just that, I think that Arashi's music is "everything" to me. Without Arashi, I don't think that I'll be doing music. Of course, it's because I can't make it tie up with my own song (laughs). The styles are different. Now that I mentioned it, I didn't compose one recently. If I talk about the song I properly composed, I guess it's "Gimmick game". If there's something I want to hear again, I think I might compose. From here on, what I want to try composing is game music. It will be nice if I'll be able to make one someday.
Recent status column:
A stormy happening
Days of tough movie filming
The five days in a week is spent at the countryside, and the remaining two days is at Tokyo. I don't eat* with my fellow co-stars often but there are lots of times when I eat with everyone at the filming site (on location). The definite thing that I do whenever I come back to Tokyo is...doing the laundry (laughs). I wash the clothes I used for the past five days, then pack them again for another five days.
*eg, eat outside
Popular thing
Q: What was frequently written on your report card?
"You have no enthusiasm"
Perhaps, it's 'you're not enthusiastic', or something that I think close to that. If I remember it clearly, when I was in my lower grades in elementary, I am a kid who doesn't associate with people. That's why if you see it from a teacher's point of view, wouldn't it feel like 'Be more enthusiastic'?
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OHNO SATOSHI's LOVE STORY
"In the past, I planned to get married at age 26 (smile)"
Ohno, whose shaded days are certainly spent in fishing, dare to talk about love. A surprisingly passionate love story
I'll immediately tell my feelings to the person I like
When I was in grade school, more or less, I am the type who fall in love. Because ever since I was a kid, I clearly say that I like a person when I fall in love. I never thought it as embarrassing. Because I thought that it's a good thing if the person I like came to like me as well. If I fall in love, I'll say "I like you". Because there were no cellphones before, you have to confess yourself. There was one time when I confess through a pager. I didn't waver with few words but, at that time, I only thought of confessing (laughs). But during those times, I have no idea about the meaning of dating
someone, so anyhow, I only thought of expressing my feelings, and then later on, we could meet and talk somewhere. That was really nerve-wrecking, but with just that, it was fun already.
I may be the type who is earnest once I fall in love. There was a time when I confessed to someone who in turn love another person, and I kept thinking about her for two years. Since I'm completely not on a love mode right now, I think it's great that I was able to think of one person wholeheartedly.
I guess my tendency to fall in love with a girl doesn't change. A kind, non-feminine person is fine. Because I like people who does things with resolution, I like a girl who thinks that she's not feminine so she can't relate to love . Being normal is fine with me. But, when I thought that "I won't get along with this person", I end up being acquainted with her/him, so I really have no idea how human relations work.
My ideal meeting is that of Romeo and Juliet
In the past, I thought of getting married once I found a person to love. Because I want to be with her, and equalized that notion with marriage , so I guess it would be rude to her if I won't think of marrying her. That's why when I was in my teens, I planned to marry at 26 (laughs). That time, I saw 26 as very adult-like, and that I would already have a child at age 30, because I thought of becoming a father by that time. But, I'll be 30 this year, so I didn't think to that extent as I mature, and my desire for marriage was also gone.
I think my principle doesn't change even now. I think that once that I'm predisposed to love, it won't change naturally. I don't think expressing affection is embarrassing, so I guess I can do that part properly. But, I'm not assertive when it comes to meeting her (laughs). I have work. Even if I'm busy, I am having fun. I draw, I go fishing. Right now, it's enough for me that I have a fish as my lover (laughs). And then, it would be great if I meet her suddenly by chance, like "Romeo and Juliet". But I like being alone, even if I have a girlfriend, it's impossible for us to be together all the time. It would kill me if I won't have my own time. That's why, someday, it's nice if I would be able to meet someone, but if I don't, then, it's just fine as well (laughs). Leaving it that way right now is what I honestly feel.
But, I wish to have children in the future. More than wanting to have a child, I want to try having one. I would think "How would my child look like?". Because I like kids, I think I would give my all once I have one. We'll draw together, play together, and I'll even take him/her to fish (laughs).
Recent status column:
A stormy happening
I went fishing again (smile)
Since I caught a flounder, I brought it to my acquaintance's restaurant and made it to a sashimi for me to eat. It was very delicious. At that time, I also caught a seabream and gurnard. He broiled the sashimi with salt and made a gurnard sashimi. As expected, fish are delicious~ (smile).
Popular thing
Q: What was frequently written on your report card?
"A kid who is capable if he tries"
Perhaps, it's because I don't give much effort to the things I do. But during those days, I am such a bad kid for thinking "Indeed, I think that I can do it if I try, but it's too troublesome so I won't" (laughs). But, my grade in arts is good, because I liked it, you see.
Scan credits: 1 and 2
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