{Translation} Oricon Style 2007.05.07-2007.05.14 Part 3
ーIn addition to all your individual activities, the impression of Arashi is becoming stronger, and especially this past 6 months, Matsumoto-san’s drama series “Hana yori Dango” was a big hit. Through “Returns,” the number of fans has increased, hasn’t it?
As for “Hanadan,” I think it’s good we didn’t do the same thing. We set aside a year from the first series and allowed both ourselves and our roles to grow, and that was the theme this time. As for serious things, we did a few different things from the original, and there were times when we were told, “That’s wrong,” in terms of the character.
―To continue, the number of people into [Hanadan] is big. Even at the end, there were a lot of people who said, “I love it so much I want to participate.”
It seems there were 100,000 or 150,000 applications [to appear in the prom scene.] Amazing, isnt’t it? We work in all kinds of media, but since TV is connected to your living room, the number is definitely big. From the point of view of someone who made it, I’m happy it had this effect of getting everyone excited. While on location, the probability of soaking up the spotlight definitely increased. Personally, I’m thinking about what’s coming next, but on the street people have yelled “Domyouji” at me. Basically, my appearance and people’s reaction to me has a gap in terms of timing.
―How is that captured on the meaning of Arashi’s influence?
If we’re talking personally, from last year the balance of our individual work and our work together became really good. When the 5 of us were able to do things together we were together the whole time, and there were also jobs where we were alone. I think we’re doing things at the base level. At the very least, I was busy. We were doing dramas, films, theater, we went on an Asian tour, and in the middle of that, I started filming “Hanadan.”
―It was an eventful year, wasn’t it?
I was also able to experience being emcee of a variety.
―The emcee part was something fresh.
Yeah, I was surprised too. (*grin*)
―This is Arashi’s 8th year?
Yes. Actually, today we met with a World Cup producer and there’s going to be another World Cup this year. Four years ago, at the time News debuted, I thought, “Ah, four years have passed since our debut,” and since then another four years have gone by. I think, “Wow, a lot of time has passed.”
―Any realizations?
When we’re told we’ve changed. This producer met us at the location for “Mago Mago Arashi” and said to us, “You guys are funny. I wanted to meet you eight years ago." (*grin*) He told us we’d grown, and at the time we formed a group and debuted, it was like, “On your mark, get set, go!” At first we weren’t used to it and were at the level of not knowing each other’s fine points. It’s like we proceeded with the idea of “Let’s move forward a little at a time.” Of course, this is a lucky thing, but I think the way we are now is the result of eight years of development.
―And now that your next drama, “Bambino,” has started, did you begin filming that immediately after “Hanadan” finished?
Yes, I did. We finished up on a Monday, and on Sunday I started “Bambino.” In that span of time, I did a location shoot for “Mago Mago Arashi,” came home and got a haircut, then started filming the next morning.
―Speaking of your hairstyle, this time you didn’t get a perm for Domyouji but curled your hair instead.
Yeah. Conversations about how there’d be rain scenes and how it wouldn’t suit the costumes for live shows resulted in us saying, “Let’s curl it.” But you know, it was really hard. I went into hair and make-up earlier than the actresses.
―Truly Domyouji. (*grin*)
Really, and the teamwork on the set of “Hanadan” was good. You should be happy that the result was good, but for the people involved, the fact that the process of making it was fun and interesting is also really important. “Hanadan” was a set where I really felt that in the piece.
―Continuing after “Hanadan,” “Bambino” is also originally from a manga series, and moreover you have the hurdles of Hakata dialect and Italian.
But in real conversation, among young people, it seems there aren’t people that use such thick Hakata dialect. Including Italian, if there isn’t enough of the usual vocabulary, the story becomes hard to communicate, and I think we’re changing that a little.
―It’s not a simple drama about cooking and gourmet, is it?
It’s a story about human growth set in an Italian restaurant. A clever man working in an Italian restaurant in Hakata is told to throw himself into the high-class world of a Roppongi Italian restaurant, but finds out he’s just an obstinent rookie. The visuals and the feeling of speed inside the restaurant are interesting, and starting from square one in a new place is a common scheme, isn’t it? Therefore, this drama is perfect for April and within that it revolves around the fact of how does one remain positive while being put through a hard time. In that way, everyone is a “Bambino” and since the image can be seen throughout society, I think there are a lot of points people can empathize with.
***Questions from Oricon Readers***
Q1. [Arashi’s “in charge of the sexy,” Matsumoto-san,]
No, I’m not in charge of that! (*grin*)
―It goes on. (*grin*)
[please tell us about a part of you that’s surprisingly cute.]
Eh～? I like sweets.
Q2. [I heard that “bambino” means “beginner,” so what do you think is a part of yourself that you still need to develop?]
There are a lot. For example, things involving skills, and since the stuff we do has no end, we’re able to do it because we enjoy it. Maybe it’s a little different from a “beginner,” but as always, I’m unyielding.
Q3. [I think it’s difficult for you to continue making dramas, so are you doing anything to relieve fatigue?]
I don’t really realize or notice that I’m busy. Even if my time is limited, I’m always in contact with my friends. When I talk with people who know me closely, I can relax.
Q4. [Every week I enjoyed watching the “Hanadan” series. I’ve never read the original manga, but I think I’ll read it at this point. What is your favorite manga?]
There are too many! From romance to adventure to sports stories, I’ll read anything. When I was little, I was enthralled with “Dragon Ball” and “Slam Dunk.” Now it’s things like “One Piece” or “Nana.”
Q5. [Matsumoto-san is always doing different drama and movie roles, so what are you doing when you return to the real Matsumoto Jun?]
But I’m particularly the type that has to be working. (*grin*)
―Like when you’re doing Domyouji and yelling?
I’m fierce by nature. (*grin*)