SMAP AID
So many things have happened in SMAP fandom in the past 48hrs. A little bit disappointed that they probably won't have a tour this year, but as I wrote on SCS, I totally understand and respect their decision. Holding a full-scale tour under this circumstance is something that SMAP will never do, considering the energy concern and all other things going on in Japan. Holding a stripped-down version of a tour is something they will never do as well because they always want to give the best and the most perfect show to their fans. This is SMAP. This is why I love them and this is why they are Japan's national idol.
In fact, I'm relieved. Unlike other groups, I'm sure if SMAP were to announce a tour this year, they will be criticized for being inconsiderate and not caring about their fellow countrymen. Heck! even with this decision, some antis are already saying bad things about SMAP AID because only 200 yen per album sold will be donated to the charity, conveniently forgetting to mention how much SMAP has already contributed to the relief efforts. However, I also hate the fact that they called this a "charity" album though. To me, it's not. It's a compilation album that represents the bond of SMAP and their fans for the past 20 years. Calling it a charity album is practically an open invitation to those antis to come and bash :( I guess it's a burden the national idol has to bear.
SMAP and their managers surprises me again with their venue decision for 09/09. Everyone, fans and non-fans, expected them to have one of the biggest event to celebrate their 20th anniversary at a huge dome or stadium. That's why people thought they're going to get Kokuritsu this year instead of Arashi. I was a bit confused when Arashi announced their tour dates, which includes Kokuritsu. But now I believe SMAP and Iijima-san have set their minds on Seibuen ever since the beginning. Nakai actually gave us a hint during CDTV live. He said something along the line of isn't it nice to go back to their roots and the close atmosphere with the fans reminded him so much of their beginning. (Really, Nakai always gives hints of SMAP activities. But unlike Kimura, who simply says it directly XD, Nakai usually gives hints and clues that need to be interpreted lol) Seibuen is actually the PERFECT sentimental choice that I'm kicking myself right now for never once thought about it being the place. I think this kind of thing is the key factor that push SMAP beyond any other groups. Their actions are meaningful yet so simple that everyone overlook them in the first place. Like the standing-next-to-the-donation-box thing at Marching J. It's a very basic and appropriate gesture but no one ever thought of doing it (or have the courage to do it) until SMAP did. I believe it's destiny for SMAP to meet with Iijima-san. They've been together for so long and she should be given TONS of credit for SMAP's success. It annoys me a lot when I read people praising Johnny for the success of SMAP and the variety TV idea. NO. Johnny Kitagawa can take credit for putting SMAP together but that's it. Iijima Michi is the one who has always been there for them through the highest and lowest of their careers. She was the one going to all TV stations and producers and lowered her head to apologize on behalf of Tsuyoshi when April 2009 happened. She is an integral part of SMAP, much more important than Johnny Kitagawa. Along with her support, SMAP members are the ones who excel in their variety programs thus open door for many other groups and help build the Johnny empire of today.
I wish I can be there at Seibuen to celebrate with them. But even though I won't be able to, their feeling can still reach me. By picking that place, they're telling us "thank you for being here with us for all these years". I'm sure every SMAP fans in the world would like to answer back with "Thank you for being here for us as well"
"We'll be together, yours ever
Anata to tomo ni arukou
We'll be together, yours ever
Ironna koto wo norikoe
We'll be together, yours ever
Tatta no gojuunen issho ni..."
I guess my vote for SMAP AID is obvious with this ending ^_^
In fact, I'm relieved. Unlike other groups, I'm sure if SMAP were to announce a tour this year, they will be criticized for being inconsiderate and not caring about their fellow countrymen. Heck! even with this decision, some antis are already saying bad things about SMAP AID because only 200 yen per album sold will be donated to the charity, conveniently forgetting to mention how much SMAP has already contributed to the relief efforts. However, I also hate the fact that they called this a "charity" album though. To me, it's not. It's a compilation album that represents the bond of SMAP and their fans for the past 20 years. Calling it a charity album is practically an open invitation to those antis to come and bash :( I guess it's a burden the national idol has to bear.
SMAP and their managers surprises me again with their venue decision for 09/09. Everyone, fans and non-fans, expected them to have one of the biggest event to celebrate their 20th anniversary at a huge dome or stadium. That's why people thought they're going to get Kokuritsu this year instead of Arashi. I was a bit confused when Arashi announced their tour dates, which includes Kokuritsu. But now I believe SMAP and Iijima-san have set their minds on Seibuen ever since the beginning. Nakai actually gave us a hint during CDTV live. He said something along the line of isn't it nice to go back to their roots and the close atmosphere with the fans reminded him so much of their beginning. (Really, Nakai always gives hints of SMAP activities. But unlike Kimura, who simply says it directly XD, Nakai usually gives hints and clues that need to be interpreted lol) Seibuen is actually the PERFECT sentimental choice that I'm kicking myself right now for never once thought about it being the place. I think this kind of thing is the key factor that push SMAP beyond any other groups. Their actions are meaningful yet so simple that everyone overlook them in the first place. Like the standing-next-to-the-donation-box thing at Marching J. It's a very basic and appropriate gesture but no one ever thought of doing it (or have the courage to do it) until SMAP did. I believe it's destiny for SMAP to meet with Iijima-san. They've been together for so long and she should be given TONS of credit for SMAP's success. It annoys me a lot when I read people praising Johnny for the success of SMAP and the variety TV idea. NO. Johnny Kitagawa can take credit for putting SMAP together but that's it. Iijima Michi is the one who has always been there for them through the highest and lowest of their careers. She was the one going to all TV stations and producers and lowered her head to apologize on behalf of Tsuyoshi when April 2009 happened. She is an integral part of SMAP, much more important than Johnny Kitagawa. Along with her support, SMAP members are the ones who excel in their variety programs thus open door for many other groups and help build the Johnny empire of today.
I wish I can be there at Seibuen to celebrate with them. But even though I won't be able to, their feeling can still reach me. By picking that place, they're telling us "thank you for being here with us for all these years". I'm sure every SMAP fans in the world would like to answer back with "Thank you for being here for us as well"
"We'll be together, yours ever
Anata to tomo ni arukou
We'll be together, yours ever
Ironna koto wo norikoe
We'll be together, yours ever
Tatta no gojuunen issho ni..."
I guess my vote for SMAP AID is obvious with this ending ^_^