{Translation} Oricon Style 2007.05.07-2007.05.14 Part 1
Aiba-chan...
―You’re in the 3rd year of your role as caretaker on “Tensai! Shimura Dobutsuen.”
In regards to my own segment, in the past 3 years my experience has broadened, and it feels like the trivialities of how to do things have increased. It's not just being friendly with animals. We've introduced on the show such heavy topics as abandoned dogs and the value of life, and a lot of times, it's made me think and taught me something.
―Since you go all over the world on location, isn’t it difficult?
It’s tough, but the filming usually ends when it gets dark. (*grin*) Physically I can afford it.
―Up to now, what’s been the hardest?
Probably Tasmania. We went to look for the rumored-to-be-extinct Tasmanian tiger, but it turned out to be a location shoot with no clues. Halfway through I thought, “This is going to be a waste of production money and time,” and I became more and more uneasy. It was raining, and cold, and there was no food, so it was tough, both physically and mentally.
―Was there a time you felt your life was in danger?
Well that’s every day. (*grin*) But if I think about it calmly, tigers and lions are really scary!
―But you touched them, didn’t you?
Yeah, but my heart came up in my mouth. It’s still like that now. No matter how much they say “they’re used to humans,” something could still happen.
―Conversely, what about an interesting location?
North Safari Sapporo in Hokkaido was fun. Even though a lot of zoos in Hokkaido are closed during the winter, only that place is working hard so we were drawn there. Shoveling snow and breaking up ice in a pond are things you can’t often do in Tokyo, so I enjoyed it, but if I did it everyday.... it’d be really tough. But the owner’s policy of “I want you to see the capability of winter animals” touched me a little.
―On summer location shoots, isn’t the smell tough?
Because I’m adaptable, even though I thought it smelled at first, I quickly got used to it. (*grin*) And because I’m concentrating, I don’t really notice it.
―What kind of person is Shimura Ken-san?
Shimura-san is incredibly nice. He’s treated me to dinner many times. The two of us have gone to eat turtle, and he’s also taken me to get massages. He’s like a really great mentor and great superior for me.
―What do the two of you always talk about?
Half of it is work and the rest are things like golf or what we’ve been doing lately in our private lives. At first I was really nervous, but now as long as I use the minimum of respect and politeness, I can talk frankly about anything.
―From this point are there any places you want to go or things you want to do on the show?
I’ve conquered a lot of zoos, and I’m thinking it’s about time we change the direction. The staff and I are coordinating it now. It’s a lot so it’s difficult. Because we have to show the power of animals, we can’t make it too much of a variety show. And since we’ve been to a lot of the zoos available for a location, it’d be like doing the same thing as before. As for me, I’m thinking I want to show animals in their natural habitat and create a new “Caretaker Aiba” style.
―But I’m envious of you. When you become an adult you don’t often go to the zoo.
Really? I would probably go even if I wasn’t doing this show. I wouldn’t have the chance to touch fierce animals like tigers, but touching them like that in itself is a complex feeling of both happy and sad.
―If you could keep a zoo animal, what animal would it be?
Dogs are fine by me. (*grins*) I don’t have the confidence to keep wild animals.
―By the way, what animals have you kept in your private life?
We’ve had lots. My family loves animals. From about elementary school, we had dogs, and before that, a squirrel, and we’ve also had a parrot. Turtles too. Even now I want to keep an animal, but my work is in the city, and I think they cause a problem for people, so for now it’s impossible.
―Besides “Tensai! Shimura Dobutsuen,” what would you like to do?
As for something people can see, the dome concerts. I feel like putting all my energy into that. From there, I haven’t pin-pointed anything specifically, but without straining genres, I’d like to try many things. There are good points in drama and variety and also film and stage, and of course, music too. I think I have a lot of charm I don’t know about yet. I’m learning at the moment, every day.
―You seem really pleased with it all.
But instead of stopping, I think it’s best to move forward and think, “What’s next?” Then every day is fun.
***Questions from Oricon Readers***
Q1. [If you were offered the lead in a film, what kind of role would you like?]
I’d have to say action. Moreover, a Thai action film. They do a lot of wireless stunts, don’t they? I feel like I want to test the limits of what I can do.
Q2. [Please tell us about the sayings you have in your family!]
There are a lot. Like don’t cut your fingernails at night, and don’t whistle at night because snakes will come out. From the time I was little, I didn’t have a curfew and my family tradition was to be free like, “As long as you don’t cause trouble for others, anything is okay.” But I was hit a lot. My father’s backhanded slap hurt incredibly. It was like a sports competition. But if kids don’t show how painful it is, the parent never knows. I think it’s good to be raised that way.
Q3. [Aiba-chan’s illnesses are always being taken care of by the people around him. Conversely, how do you pass the time when you’re sick?]
I watch a lot of TV. And I can spend a lot of time relaxing. I really love TV. Any genre is okay; sports, variety, and drama series. Even if I don’t understand the content, I’ll still watch it. Actually, I like high school baseball, and I always check the times for nightly digest programs.
Q4. [Aiba-chan always looks like he’s having fun. Is there a secret to having fun every day?]
Laughter. If you laugh you can make something a little more enjoyable. At any rate, I’m always laughing. Because I want to enjoy life.
Q5. [It seems like Aiba-chan can get along with anyone, but what’s the secret?]
Maybe being able to judge the atmosphere is important. Actually, I’m the type of person who can’t approach people for the 1st time. But if you are aware of others, you can become friends with many kinds of people. Rather than think, “I wanna be friends!,” I think it’s important to think from the other person’s viewpoint.
Sho-kun...
―It’s been over six months since you started “News Zero,” but are you used to it yet?
No, if I’m able to do it, I’m nervous about doing it. The impression changes by the ending of one word, and if the news is about human death, there are a lot of times when your emotions are given away. Each and every time the part of you that cares becomes more distinct, and I wonder if there’s a time when you become used to it. Because if you are scared, you’ll just become a decoration, so if possible, become able to speak without being scared or emotional.
―Sakurai-kun, by doing this show and because you like things like world heritage sites, you have the image of being the intellectual member of Arashi. What do you think?
Really? I don’t think that at all. After September 11th, I unexpectedly took an interest in world affairs, but I honestly like world heritage things. I think it can’t be helped if I say too many difficult things on “Zero.” I think I was asked on this program to give the opinions of young people in their 20s. Therefore, I feel it’s okay if I express my thoughts as they are.
―I see. Going back a little, what exactly was the trigger that made you think you wanted to be on a news program?
I mentioned it earlier, but after September 11th, something wouldn’t settle in my gut, and so I studied a lot. At the same time I was getting answers, the conversation about “News Zero” came up, and I thought, “This is great timing.” Looking at it from the outside, maybe people thought it sudden for an idol to join the news, but inside of me, I was prepared.
―So you didn’t feel uncomfortable at first.
At the beginning, I did feel uncomfortable. Because I’d never been on a Nippon TV news program, it was strange at first. And you have to wear a suit. Even though we were wearing see-through clothing when we debuted. (*grin*)
―But due to this program, men and adults who didn’t know Arashi are starting to recognize you.
I can sense that. I did the “Kenminsei Special” and went all over the country, and even though I wasn’t recognized, after I started “Zero,” the old men said to me, “We’re watching you.” Then at this year’s New Year’s concert, the audience was completely different and there really were a lot of families. So much so that after we went back to the dressing room, we said, “There were a lot of dads today.” But it’s not all because of me. I think it’s the result of all of Arashi’s activities this past year.
―But the influence of “Zero” is definitely big. Through your role as Bambi in “Kisarazu Cat’s Eye,” the existence of Arashi has spread to people other than the fans, and through “Zero,” you’re creating a new generation of fans, so in a word, I think it’s like you’re a leader forging a new path.
I like exploring new things. In the song “Cool and Soul” from the “Arashic” album, there’s the line “We’re always tight pioneers.” I think it’s interesting to be the first to do something.
―But doesn’t it take courage to be the first to do something unknown?
When you set a precedent, responsibility comes with that, but I’m not worried about it much. Enjoying the challenge is a bigger issue.
―So you’re not excited.
I am excited. In relation to the news, a wrong word has a big connection, and that’s scary. But more than fear, a pleasant impression is stronger. For example, I’m also doing a segment where I introduce the viewer’s opinions and when I hear things like, “I watched this program and was able to answer a question on the exam,” I realize that what I’m putting out is being taken in. And because it’s live, the reaction at that time is quick and there’s no time lag, is there? Then I can feel the response, and I’m happy.
―Well, then you want to continue attacking with your pioneering position.
In my mind, yes. But I think if you look at it from the outside, it doesn’t really look like I’m taking that stance.
―It does look like you’re pioneering. It’s as if every time you turn around, Sakurai Sho is there. (*grin*)
Like “if you turn around, those Yah Yah Yah guys are there?” (*grin*) I’m not worried about how people see me, but I wonder if there’s a little of that inside of me. Because I want to do new things.
―That’s the strong personality of a curious spirit and a thirst for knowledge.
Is that it? That’s the impression of my friends who’ve went abroad too, but since I often think my own world is small, maybe it’s because of that. My simple desire to know new worlds and people is strong.
―How would you like to develop in the next half of 2007?
There’s a lot. Right now music is my hobby, and I’m making some hip-hop songs and I’d like to give a definite shape to those. Last year, the five of us made a movie and I’d like to do that again. As for “Zero,” since it finally feels like I’ve taken root, from here, how can I grow and get to the next level? It feels like I’ve dashed out in front, and I’d like to continue moving forward.
***Questions from Oricon Readers***
Q1. [It looks like Sho-kun is the mother in Arashi, so who is the hardest to look after in the group?]
I’m not taking care of anyone. Why should I have to take care of full-grown men? (*grin*)
Q2. [When you write the rap lyrics for different songs what is the most important thing?]
Being lyrical. Being poetic. Before the rap, I’m concerned with the poem.
Q3. [I heard you like fragrances. What kind of scents do you use when relaxing?]
I got into that 3 or 4 years ago, and the fact that you remember is amazing. (*grin*) Actually, my mom said it could cause a fire in my room, so she banned it, and since then I haven’t burned any.
Q4. [Recently it seems you like perms, but do you have any plans to change your hairstyle?]
No. In high school I cut it all, and now I’m not looking into a new hairstyle.
Q5. [Your image is of someone who goes abroad a lot, but where have you gone recently? If you have any interesting stories from your holiday, please tell us!]
I went on a one-day trip to Kamakura with a friend who came from abroad, and it was the best. There were Buddha statues and we got really excited. But we could only rent a 10-person mini-bus with bad wheels so driving was difficult. (*grin*)