Yarisugita ka na...^^;
I've overworked my brain today. I'm having trouble thinking right now, so if this whole entry is incoherent I wouldn't be surprisedXD If it is...please forgive me this once;) I spent all day translating...with 2 meal breaksXD Yes, this is my Saturday. Frankly it's not like I was going to go anywhere on my one day off this week, cause it's -40 celsius with the windchill right now and I've had enough of freezing my face off just to walk home from work/school during the week;P But...I really should have quit like 4 hours ago and just relaxed a little^^; Oh well, if I post this quickly I will still have an hour and a half before bed...^^
Hopefully everyone is having a wonderful week and not nearly as cold as it is hereXD
Today I have the translation of the 3rd episode of GRA, from 07.11.03, where they have the calligraphy battle!:D
[Announcer: Japan's beloved Arashi...will welcome Japan's beloved guests...and study their beloved Japan. This is rather sudden but,
it's time for a question: What was it that was ranked as the number 1 Japanese cultural tradition that people wanted to learn on an
internet ranking? The correct answer is calligraphy. But everyone, did you know that the essential goal of calligraphy is not to write
prettily? The essential goal of calligraphy is to make oneself at peace, become one with nature, to train your spirit; those are the greatest
goals. In other words, calligraphy is a barometer for people's maturity. This time they're having a study group on calligraphy, the adult
skill.]
Aiba: Golden Rush Arashi, alright~! Golden Rush Arashi, it's GRA for short.
Itou: Yes.
Aiba: Let's go with *gestures* maximum tension today as well!
Itou: How about it everyone, he's energetic again today right?
Aiba: I am. Today ne, I thought we'd study things relating to calligraphy.
Itou: That's right.
Aiba: So, I'd like to introduce the teacher.
Itou: Yes, if you please.
Aiba: The tropical flower that blooms in a field of snow, Takaoka Ai-sensei~! Sensei ne, while holding calligraphy classes in Kyoto,
was participating in Japan's leading calligraphy competition, the Yomiuri Johouten. And everyone, how many years in a row do
you think she was the winner? The correct answer is 12 years!
Sho: Hey you!
Aiba: 12 years in a row. A calligraphic Japanese beauty.
Itou: Since she came all the way here we have some of sensei's pieces too...
Aiba: That's right ne.
Itou: I'd like to display them.
Kanako: Amazing!
Jun: It's 'kizuna' (bonds, the character).
Itou: Kizuna.
Sho: That separated ink dab on the left border, it's kind of cool ne.
Ai: This piece encorporates everything.
Itou: So even including the far-flung dab, it's a piece-
Ai: -that encorporates everything.
Aiba: Uwa~.
Itou: It's amazing ne.
Aiba: Amazing~. Well, I don't know whether Sakurai-kun has noticed it or not, but there's an unnatural gap over there huh.
Itou: This ne, in actuality, Matsumoto-san and Ohno-san both hold a rank in calligraphy.
Aiba: And over here?
Itou: They're normal people.
Sho: We're normal.
Nino: We're just normal, no matter how you look at it.
[writing: Un-ranked people]
Aiba: So they're un-ranked people ne?
Itou: That's how it is.
Aiba: So first of all we'd like to get the guests to-
Nino: You don't have to say that!
Itou: These are all the calligraphers from the celebrity world. In other words, today's teachers. I'd like to show some of their pieces.
First of all ne, a member of the study group, this is Matsui kazuyo-san~.
Kazuyo: Yes. Favor me please~. Today I wrote a letter to Arashi.
Itou: This is it here~.
Kanako: Amazing!
Kazuyo: Just to show off my talents a little.
Sho: Amazing!
Kanako: So pretty~.
Sho: This is amazing!
Jun: Yes, yes! I want to write like this! Like this.
Kazuyo: The characters ne, are your spirit. I write everyday in the early morning, but it turns out that everyday, depending on the
condition of my spirit, the characters are different. I'm doing it for mental conditioning, to see just how much I cna concentrate
in such a short period of time ne.
Itou: Next ne, is quite an honor, a rank 7 calligrapher.
Kanako: Amazing!
itou: Playing Ojuken-mama in the currently airing 'Abarenbou Mama', Katase Nana-san~!
Nana: Your favor please.
Aiba: Katase-san, your favor please.
Nana: Yes.
Itou: We'd like Katase-san to show us a little of her calligraphy today.
Nana: Here it is.
Aiba: it's 'ai'! (love)
Nino: Ai.
Aiba: Very good.
Nana: Yes.
Itou: They say that the character expresses the person, so this is very apt ne~.
Aiba: That's right ne~.
Itou: Well, next is a rank 5 calligrapher.
Aiba: Look at that!
Itou: This is Yamasaki Touru-san~.
Tohru: Your favor please.
Nino: Tou-chan!
Itou: So if you please-
Aiba: Yamasaki-san, if you please.
Itou: Yes, if you please.
Aiba: Uwa, so good!
Kazuyo: Wonderful!
Ohno: So cool!
Aiba: Ah, but that's a very manly character ne.
Tohru: That's right ne. I'm an old guy. (writing)
Aiba: Ah, but it's cool ne.
Itou: Ah, next ne, is a rank 7 calligrapher.
Aiba: Rank 7??
Jun: You're kidding!
Itou: This is Yamane-san.
Kazuyo: Eh~, amazing!
Nino: That's amazing Yamane-san! Seriously?
Itou: It's amazing.
Kanako: Amazing.
Itou: They say that the character expresses the person...
Aiba: So let's take a look.
Itou: Take a glimpse...
Jun: Which is this?
Aiba: Rank 7?
Itou: Rank 7.
Aiba: Rank 7?
Nino: Rank 7?
Yamane: Why is everying gathered over here??
Sho: Sensei! Sensei, you take a look!
Itou: How is it sensei?
Sho: She'll know.
Aiba: Sensei, please speak frankly, how is Yamane-san's character?
Ai: Doubtful... (writing)
Itou: The members what to be able to write like this?
Nino: That's right ne.
Kazuyo: You do?
Kanako: We do.
Itou: There's two ranked people, so we'd like to see your abilities.
Jun: Is-is-is it okay if I say something first?
Itou/Aiba: Yes.
Jun: Um, it's been a long time since I've written anything, so calling me a ranked person over and over is really a problem for me.
Itou: Well, if you take a look at the info I have on hand it says that this concept was one that came from Matsumoto-san.
Kanako: Eh? Is that right?
Jun: Well, when you grow up, as well as with marriage and things like that, the times when you have to write will increase, so
I thought that I wanted to learn it properly at least once.
Aiba: This is the proposal of a ranked person, isn't this ambition amazing?
Itou: Amazing.
Aiba: Compared to that, what's with you guys?
Sho: Why is it I'm always in a position where I can't do anything?;P
Itou: So, beforehand we had the members to write a word they like.
Aiba: So Ninomiya-kun, you wrote down a word you like ne?
Nino: I wrote the one that I write the most.
Aiba: I see.
Nino: 'Haru'. (spring)
Aiba: Haru.
Itou: This is haru.
Aiba: This is haru ne.
Itou: It feels like the most basic of basic.
Aiba: So, let's go to Sakurai-kun.
Itou: Yes. 'Wa'. (peace)
Aiba: it's thin isn't it!
Kanako: That's thin!
Itou: The lines are quite clearly thin ne;P
Aiba: Thin ne. He's quite clearly an un-ranked person ne, with this.
Sho: Really?
Nino: It's thin huh. Yeah, it's thin, that one-
Sho: When I was looking at it I thought 'it's thin huh' too;P
Aiba: That's right ne. So, next let's see Riidaa's.
Ohno: Yes. (it's 'bou', force)
Kanako: Uwa, he's good ne~.
Aiba: he's good ne~.
Kanako: He's good ne.
Aiba: He's good.
Ohno: With characters there are some that are easy to wrte and some that are hard to write.
Nana: Ah, there's definitely some that are hard to write ne.
Ohno: This is easy to write.
Nino: It does give the feeling of a ranked person ne.
Aiba: It gives the feel of someone skilled ne. Next, a ranked person.
Itou: Since it's a ranked person after all-
Aiba: We'll get Matsumoto-kun to go next.
Itou: It should be good ne~.
Jun: When they said character, this is what I thought of.
Aiba: Arashi.
Kazuyo: Arashi ne.
Aiba: This is a ranked person ne.
Jun: A ranked person right.
Kanako: The 'mountain' of it is jutting upwards.
Aiba: Sensei, how do you see it?
Ai: A little more power...
Itou: So sensei, if you were to assign a rank to these 4 members here at this stage, what would it be?
Ai: is it okau if I go by characteristics?
Aiba: Characteristics is fine.
Itou: Matsumoto-
Aiba: Matsumoto-san-
Itou: Let's go with Matsumoto-san.
Ai: Matsumoto-san is ne, rank 1.
Aiba: Matsumoto-san is rank 1 ne, how will that change? Mext, Riidaa.
Ai: Yes. Um~, he's the most skilled after all, so rank 3.
Itou: Rank 3.
Aiba: Rank 3. So, Sakurai-kun.
Sho: Hey, why are you laughing when you say my name?! With this-
Nino: Sit, sit!
Sho: You doing it laughingly!
Nino: Sit down. It's sensei.
Aiba: Sensei, if you please.
Ai: 4th class. (below rank 1)
Itou: 4th class. Because class is below rank.
Aiba: I see ne.
Itou: So, what about Ninomiya-san?
Ai: Let's see ne...about 2nd class.
Itou: So that 'wa' is the lowest.
Aiba: That's right ne, huh.
Ai: That's right ne. But it's skilled.
Sho: You're being kind, cause it's not skilled. I'm not, so don't worry about it.
[Announcer: According to Takaoka-sensei these are the individual rankings. So, to raise these intial levels they're having one on one
lessons with the teachers. They'll be able to choose their teacher based on the order in which they answer the question correctly in
the next quiz. Do your best!]
Itou: Here's the question: When making ink there's a certain item from the human body that, if you put it in the water it will make the
ink even prettier without creating bubbles. Please answer as to what that item of the human body could be.
All: Yes! yes!
Aiba: Yes yes yes.
Itou: So...
Nino: Saliva. (writing)
Aiba: Wrong!
Itou: You'll be able to choose your teacher based on the order you answer correctly.
Aiba: This isn't something separate, it's from a certain part of the body, everyone's answers should-
Sho: Hair. (writing)
Aiba: Wrong!
Itou: Eh, even if you didn't have this inside your body there wouldn't really be an effect on you.
Sho/Kanako: Eh??
Aiba: Upper body, upper body.
Itou: It's on your upper body.
Sho/Kanako: Upper body??
Jun: And it wouldn't matter if you didn't have it?
Itou: It wouldn't matter ne~.
[Announcer: The surprising answer is right after this!]
Itou: Eh, even if you didn't have this inside your body there wouldn't really be an effect on you.
Sho/Kanako: Eh??
Aiba: Upper body, upper body.
Itou: It's on your upper body.
Sho/Kanako: Upper body??
Jun: And it wouldn't matter if you didn't have it?
Itou: It wouldn't matter ne~.
Kanako: How...
Itou: Yes yes.
Aiba: Correct! You're the first, you're the first!
Nino: Seriously??
Aiba: You get to pick your teacher first. The size ne, well...about the size of a grain of rice I guess.
Itou: It's big ne. The size of a grain of rice, that's fairly big.
Kanako: Snot. (writing)
Aiba: Ah, you're close ne.
Itou: Close ne. Close.
Kanako: I'm wrong??
Aiba: You're wrong. You're close. Correct~!
Sho: Nipples. (writing)
Aiba: It would be a problem if you didn't have nipples wouldn't it. (writing) Right? That would for sure be a problem.
Nino: Hey you, you're saying that you don't need nipples?
Kanako: That's not the range of a grain of rice. (writing)
Itou: Well ne, it's higher than your neck. (writing)
Aiba: It's higher than your neck.
Itou: Above the neck.
Aiba; Correct.
Kanako: Eh??? You're kidding!
Aiba: You're number 3 ne.
Kanako: Really? Really?? yay!
Aiba: Yes. It's the upper body, the upper body.
Sho: I have no idea anyway...
Aiba: Correct~!
Itou:Yes, so that means that the order's been decided.
Aiba: Ninomiya-kun, since you're the first, please choose.
Sho: Seriously...?
Itou: Which means...Katase-san, do you know?
nana: Earwax...?
Itou: That's correct ne.
Aiba; Correct~.
Kazuyo: You have to gather some of it ne. (writing)
[Announcer: Well then, in the order they answered the quiz correctly they will nominate their teachers. Ninomiya-kun, who answered
first, unexpectedly chooses the writer of the manly character, Yamasaki Tohru-san. Next, Ohno-san chooses his friend Matsui-san.
Kanako-chan wants to write girlishly, so she chooses Katase-san. There was Takaoka-sensei and Yamane-san left, but naturally Matsumoto-kun
chose Takaoka-sensei. Which means that Sakurai-kun is...]
Nino: Excuse me. Um, amdist everyone else, at the moment Matsumoto-kun chose Sensei, Sakurai-kun said 'well, that's how it is huh...'
(writing) This isn't a choice-
Aiba; he has no choice ne. So, where's your 'favor me please'?
Itou: So now...
Sho: Your favor please... (writing)
Aiba: Alright! Do your best ne.
Itou: So, we've composed 5 groups of teachers and students ne.
Aiba: Yes, now we'll enter practice time. Go ahead!
Itou: Yes, this is the start of it.
Nana: There's an amazing amount of power in it!
Yamane: You're doing your utmost-
Itou: Why is your crotch open? (writing)
Kanako: Cause I hate this.
Sho: Yamane-sensei is nothing to sneeze at!
Itou: Nothing to sneeze at, because he's twice as thin ne;P
Kanako: Uwa, it's true.
[Announcer: Let's take a look at how the teachers are teaching them. First, the pairing of Ninomiya-kun and Yamasaki-sensei. To properly
end the rough stopping points of the lines. And, to carefully sweep the sweeping strokes. Nex it's Yamane-sensei, who Sakurai-kun had
no choice but to appoint. He's teaching him how to do the kaisho (block) style, so he can write adult-like. The openings needs to be
small, and balancing the whole thing is the main point. The one who's teaching Kana-chan and her 'fuku' (clothing) character is Katase-sensei.
For her it's drawing her favored 'tsuki' (moon) portion smaller and slightly obliquely, and carefulyl sweeping the ends of the strokes.
Matsui-sensei is teaching Ohno-kun as if he was her own son. She gives him the faithful commentary and guidance of saying that he must
take care to sweep the sweeping parts and end the endings on each and every point for his slightly reckless 'bou' character. Lastly,
teaching Matsumoto-kun, who still leaves us wondering if he really is a ranked person, is Takaoka-sensei. Her guidance was that thi
curve should be drawn smoothly, and that the internal part should be written smaller and with more of a sense of movement. So, it's
finally time for the competition. First, a one-point lecture on calligraphy from Takaoka-sensei. First, the most important thing for
calligraphy, the eentrance and exit of the brush; the opening and ending brush strokes.]
Ai: First of all the most important thing in calligraphy is holding the brush straight up and entering at a 45 degree angle. Then going
straight across; lightly tilting around...and lifting the brush to finish the sweep. That's how to exit the stroke.
[Announcer: Next, the prescription for when the ink gets thin.]
Ai: When you write quickly and the ink gets thin everyone hurriedly finishes it off. However, in actuality, if you are slower and more
careful you will be able to make na even prettier character without the ink thinning.
[Announcer: So. in this nerve-wracking setting, the calligraphy battle!]
Aiba: So, how much have they matured as people today? We'll have them draw a character. Riidaa, how's your confidence?
Ohno: This is extremely hard to do ne.
[Announcer: So, the nerve-wracking competition. Can Ohno-kun, how was just a little reckless, carefully draw each and every angle?]
Itou: Well then, if you please.
Aiba: If you please. It's tense ne.
Ohno: This is making me nervous. (writing)
Sho/Nino/Jun: Hey~. (writing)
Itou: So, it's finished~!
Aiba: it's finished~.
Kazuyo: Thanks for your hard work~!
Itou: How was it?
Aiba: How was it Riidaa?
Ohno: Seriously, I'll remember this when I'm standing over there.
[Announcer: Next is Kana-chan. The last sweeping part is the main point. I wonder if she can write it like she did in practice...]
Itou: Well then, if you please.
Aiba: Your favor please.
Kanako: This really does make you nervous.
Itou: So, at the beginning Katase-sensei was speaking quite a lot about this part ne.
Nana: Nice border, nice border. (writing)
Itou: She's saying it's a nice border ne. I've started saying nonsensical things;P
Aiba: Ah, this is difficult ne.
Itou: That's right.
Nana: Okay. That's a nice sweep.
Itou: Nice sweep, nice sweep. She took a deep breath when she told her it was a ncie sweep;P So, this is the end of it.
Aiba: The last sweep.
Kanako/Nana: Hahahaha. (writing)
Itou: Well ne, we'd like to compare this to the one earlier. Thank you~.
[Announcer: Sakurai-kun tried writing the adult-like ksiho characters. Can he write the open part small and balance the whole thing?]
Itou: Are you ready?
Aiba: sakurai-kun~, you're making a great face right now;P
Nino: it's great.
Aiba: Amazing.
Sho: This really does make you nervous ne.
Itou: If you please. So, the 'wa', like that...
Aiba: It's complete~.
Nino: Ah, but...
Kanako: It's incredibly good.
Aiba: Amazing.
Sho: Yamamne-sensei ne...thank you very much.
Yamane: No no, it was my pleasure.
Itou: Yes, thank you very much.
Aiba: That's different from when you saw Yamane-sensei's character ne.
[Announcer: For Ninomiya-kun the sweeping parts are the main focus. I wondcer if he can write a manly character like Yamasaki-sensei.]
Aiba: Are you confident?
Nino: I have nothing but confidence.
Yamasaki: If you fail, I'll eat you. (writing)
Nino: Eh~, wait a minute...!
Aiba: Put your heart into it.
Nino: Yes.
Aiba: here we go!
Itou: Well then, if you please!
Aiba: Your favor please!
Nino: Okay...
Itou: So, the very first stroke...
Yamasaki: Stop.
Itou: At this point it looks like it's going well ne, sensei is approving too. This is the part that sensei was no good earlier...
he's approving of it ne. Yes.
Nino: Thank you very much sensei.
Yamasaki: Thank you very much for your hard work.
Nino: Thanks for your hard work.
Itou: How is it?
Nino: Ah, I think the practice I did is coming out ne.
Itou: So, it's finally the last person.
[Announcer: Last is Matsumoto-kun. I wonder if he can give movement to the character as Takaoka-sensei instructed.]
Itou: So...he still hasn't set down the very first stroke. Here it is.
Aiba: It's the combination of the 'mountain' and 'wind'...
Itou: It looks like he's worrying.
Jun: Hey~.
Itou: That would be okay wouldn't it.
Aiba: The writing....is finished! So, that means that everyone has finished writing ne.
Itou: Yes, now we'd like to check how much everyone has grown~.
[Announcer: Finally, the annoucnement of the results. How much has rank 3 Ohno-kun grown?]
Aiba: Let's go Riidaa!
Itou: Here we go.
Kazuyo: It's a character that speaks of winning at life ne. Like, 'here I go~'.
Aiba: It feels like he put his soul into it.
Itou: How is it, sensei?
Ai: Let's see ne, um, each corner is carefully done, it really feels strong and powerful ne.
Aiba: You cna't see the roughness ne.
Ai: It's fine ne.
Itou: Earlier you said he was at about a rank 3 level, how would it be for this character ne?
Ai: Rank 5.
Ohno: Eh??
Aiba: 2 ranks! Well, let's move along to the next one.
[Announcer: Kana-chan had the worst evaluation at 6th class. The result os 30 minutes of practice is...]
Kanako: How is it?
Kazuyo: This is amazing ne!
Sho: Amazing!
Aiba: Even just from looking at this you can tell ne. With this, what class...?
Ai: It's 1st or 2nd class ne.
Kazuyo: Fantastic!
Aiba: Kanako-chan, you improved an incredible amount.
[Announcer: Has Sakurai-kun ovecome the thin character that Aiba-kun was so hung up on?]
Aiba: How much has it changed? Sensei, what do you think, seeing this character?
Ai: Looking at what he drew the rythym is incredibly good.
Sho: Rythym? (writing)
Ai: Calligraphy is about rythym. When your rythym is good your character is good too.
Nino: So that's a shortcut...
Aiba: What we want to know is, looking at this character, what class should it rise to?
Ai: Rank 1.
Nino: Amazing!
Yamane: As you would expect.
Kazuyo: Amazing.
Aiba: You've really done well ne.
Sho: I did it! Sensei, I've matured!
Yamane: I'm happy.
Aiba: You've matured ne.
[Announcer: next is Ninomiya-kun's piece. If it's no good Yamasaki-sensei will eat you!]
Nino: Here it is!
Ai: The inidividual lines, the entries of them, in such little places it's completely changed.
Aiba: I see~.
Nino: Thanks.
Aiba: What class is this one? Or maybe what rank?
Ai: 1st class.
[Announcer: So, Matsumoto-kun remains. Can he show us an improvement from his so-called poor quality ranked work under Takaoka-san's
tutelage?]
Jun: Here I go~.
Aiba: Let's go with Matsumoto-kun.
Jun: Tada.
Itou: There it is.
Jun: What is this? What is this? What's this atmosphere! (writing)
Aiba: no no no;P
Itou: I'm sorry. Please look at the reaction from these people who do calligraphy. Everyone's half laughing;P
Kazuyo: But ne, in a way, it's such that it's an 'Arashi' with no feelings of observation, it just pops right at you, it has a
incredible amount of power.
Yamane/Nana/Yamasaki: That's right! That's right ne.
Jun: They're trying to trick me huh;P
Kazuyo: Everyone's really doing well;P
Aiba: Sensei, how is it?
Itou: Yes.
Ai: The balance is shattered, but each and every line is extremely powerful. Yes.
Aiba: Matsumoto-kun, this is...rank 1?
Jun: Rank 1 ne.
Aiba: Um, please speak frankly.
Ai: Yes.
Aiba: This, the character that Matsumoto-kun drew after doing his best for 30 minutes of practice-
Jun: If you please.
Aiba: - how would you rank it?
Ai: It's 1st class. (writing)
Everyone: Wait a minute!
Jun: 1st class?
Kanako: I don't think you need to worry about it, since you've got Arashi.
Haha, poor JunXDD He was the one who suggested the whole concept and he was the one who benefitted the least;P To actually go back a level...now that's a skill in its own rightXDD But Ohno's was beautiful...both times, just gorgeous. Sasuga...I cna't wait to see some of his exhibition, he's got so much talent crammed inside him he might just burst if someone poked him *looks pointedly at Nino*;) And next week it's Japanese candy...mmm, wish I had some right nowX3
And...what took up half my day...Step and Go and Fuyu wo Dakishimete=)
Last week on his radio show Jun taunted us by saying that he might play the new single this week...but then he said he might try and draw it out for another 3 weeksXDD Needless to say his DoS side was a thrill, but I had suspicion he would follow through on it, and this week he actually did play the new single, in really high quality!^^ So, of course, I had to sit down and translate it<3 I fell in love with Step and Go the instant I heard it, and Fuyu wo Dakishimete is catchy and cute...butStep and Go is definitely my favorite:3 Oh, and he talked about the PV: he said they filmed it with a high-speed camera which actually slows things down, so a 7 second segment actually takes 3 minutes. So things that you would think look interesting appear rather boring, and vice versa...they had wind effects as well that he thought were really interesting. He said it suits the song, and I'm really looking forward to seeing it^^
Anyways, a few caveats: I did my best, but despite the high quality there were still parts that I couldn't quite catch (like Sho's rap...I'm getting better, but darn he's fast;P) I will make changes, if needed (and there wouldn't be a lot) when I get my lyric sheets:) But, I really wanted to share them as soon as possible, rough as they may be>_< Enjoy~
First, Fuyu wo Dakishimete (Embracing Winter Tightly)
ima sugu hora
fuyu wo dakishimete, kimi wo atatamete
machi wo shiroku somete yuku yo
yume wa itsumo kimi no naka de moe agaru honou sa
zutto kono mune ni
ima sugu soko fuyu ga yatte kuru
(winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay yeah
winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay with you)
kimi ga oshiete kuretan da yo
fuyu no kogoeru samusa no imi wo
kimi no nukumori shitta toki kara
fuyu no kaze ga itoshii
poketto no naka chiisaku natta te no hira
soba ni oide yo, ichi miri no sukima mo iranai
ima sugu hora
fuyu wo dakishimete, kimi wo atatamete
machi wo shiroku somete yuku yo
yume wa itsumo kimi no naka de moe agaru honou sa
zutto kono mune ni
ima sugu soko fuyu ga yatte kuru
machi no akari ga bokura sasou
hito no nukumori orenji iro ni
heya ni itatte keshite aenai
chigau keshiki ga mieta
poketto no naka nigitte ita fuan mo
sotto hanashite ichi guram no yuuki wo dashite
ima sugu hora
fuyu wo dakishimete, kokoro atatamete
machi ni kakedashite ikou yo
konayuki ga sora ni mai, dare yori mo hikaru sa
ippo fumidashite, ima sugu hora
fuyu wo dakishimete
(winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay yeah)
come on come on come on yeah
ima sugu hora
fuyu wo dakishimete, kimi wo atatamete
machi wo shiroku somete yuku yo
yume wa itsumo kimi no naka de moe agaru honou sa
zutto kono mune ni
fuyu wo dakishimete, kokoro atatamete
machi ni kakedashite ikou yo
konayuki ga sora ni mai, dare yori mo hikaru sa
ippo fumidashite, ima sugu hora
fuyu wo dakishimete
(winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay yeah
winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay with you
winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay yeah
winter's coming, wanna stay with you)
****************************************
right away, come on
embracing winter tightly, warming you up
going to color the city white
dreams are always flames that flare up inside you
constantly in this heart
right away, right there, winter is coming
(winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay yeah
winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay with you)
it's you that taught me
the meaning of the freezing cold of winter
from the moment I knew your warmth
the winter wind became dear to me
my palms shrunk inside my pockets
come by my side, I don't want even a milimeter's distance
right away, come on
embracing winter tightly, warming you up
going to color the city white
dreams are always flames that flare up inside you
constantly in this heart
right away, right there, winter is coming
the lights of the city are calling us
people's warmth in the orange color
we could see a different landscape
that I would definitely never meet staying in my room
I softly let go of the fear I held
in my pocket as well, brought out a gram of courage
right away, come on
embracing winter tightly, warming your heart
let's run off into the city
the powdered snow dances in the sky, you shine brighter than anyone
advancing one step forward, right away, come on
embracing winter tightly
(winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay yeah)
come on come on come on yeah
right away, come on
embracing winter tightly, warming you up
going to color the city white
dreams are always flames that flare up inside you
constantly in this heart
embracing winter tightly, warming your heart
let's run off into the city
the powdered snow dances in the sky, you shine brighter than anyone
advancing one step forward, right away, come on
embracing winter tightly
(winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay yeah
winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay with you
winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay yeah
winter's coming, wanna stay with you)
So upbeat and yet very sweet (my favorite favorite part is where it says 'I don't want even a mm distance<3<3') And it really does a good job of painting the picture of a snowy winter night, glowing orange lights and throngs of bundled-up people, snowflakes fluttering down and softening the sounds:) That's a date I'd like to have, with a certain someoneX3
Next, Step and Go
We're gonna step and go
we're gonna step and go
itsumo toori nakama-tachi to sugoshita kisetsu kasaneteta
kirameku you ni hikaru bokura no hibi wa mune de tokimeku
donna mirai ga kitemo donna ni hanarete itemo
bokura kawashita koe kienai
we're gonna step and go to brand new story
yoru wo toori nukete lonely lonely long
I'm gonna go then with my memories
sekai wa maru de towa e no escape
itoshiisa afurete hikari kirari negai
itsumademo kienai kagayaki ryou te ni
yasashiisa atsumete hikari kirari kizuku
toki wo zutto hateshinaku ayunde yuku
itsumo toori aruku minareta keshiki dokoka gikochinai
mawari dashita sekai tsugi no suteeji hajimatta bakari
dore dake te wo nobaseba bokura yume ni todoku ka na
omoi idaku sore zore no michi
we're gonna step and go to brand new story
kakedashite tsunagatte yuku
maiagaru kaze towa e to escape
ima bokura nosete toki wo tomeru kiseki
itsumademo kono hi wo wasure wa shinai yo
koko kara hajimaru asu e tsuzuku michi no naka de
zutto omoide wa saki tsuzukeru
(rap)step step de step and go
hanabi ga maiochiru yuku koro
step step de step and go
itsumo tsubomi to nari yuku mono
step step de step and go
soshite ima hibiku ano koi oto
step step de step and go
nette no wa futo ga tsunagatte ikou
*maiasa ochite sugosu naka ni
asa ni moyou kirari hikari masa ni
sou, ima bokura wa sougen no musubi
sore zore no michi e*
hitori no yoru nara kogoete shimau darou
kimi to deaeta sekai no naka de ah
forever free my soul
itoshiisa afurete hikari kirari negai
itsumademo kienai kagayaki ryou te ni
yasahiisa atsumete hikari kirari kizuku
toki wo zutto hateshinaku ayunde yuku
We're gonna step and go
we're gonna step and go
*************************************
We're gonna step and go
we're gonna step and go
the seasons I passed with my friends accumulated just like always
sparkling and shining, our days throbbed in my heart
no matter what future comes, no matter how far away we are
the voices we've exchanged won't disappear
we're gonna step and go to brand new story
get through the night lonely lonely long
I'm gonna go then with my memories
it's as if the world is an escape into eternity
a wish with a momentary flash of light overflowing with endearment,
a radiance that will never fade, in my two hands
I'll recognise the momentary flash of light gathering tenderness
I'll endlessly walk through time
walking like always, the familiar scenery is somehow awkward
the world that began to revolve, the next stage has just begun
I wonder how much we should stretch out our hands to reach our dreams
our individual paths holding our thoughts
we're gonna step and go to brand new story
running on, tied together
the soaring wind escapes into eternity
the miracle that can stop the time we're in
I will never forget this day
inside the path continuing into tomorrow that begins here
the memories will keep going on ahead
(rap)step step de step and go
as the fireworks dance downwards
step step de step and go
always things that turn into flower buds
step step de step and go
and that strong sound that echoes right now
step step de step and go
????
*rap*
a night alone would probably chill me
in the world where I met you ah
forever free my soul
a wish with a momentary flash of light overflowing with endearment,
a radiance that will never fade, in my two hands
I'll recognise the momentary flash of light gathering tenderness
I'll endlessly walk through time
We're gonna step and go
we're gonna step and go
I wrote down what I heard from Sho's rap in romaji, but I'm fairly sure it's not quite right cause it doesn't make much sense, which is why I didn't bother trying to translate it.
Putting that aside...this song is full of hope...diffuse, but very warm to me. It makes me want to dance along, and I find myself singing along when I play it now;) Light imagery is used a lot in this one, I wonder if they'll make use of that in the PV too...^^ Moving forward, getting past loneliness...good themes for me right now I think:3 Well, now I'll be waiting impatienytly for my single in the mailXD For now, more listening over and over;P
In other news, Jun said he managed to get through New Year's without getting sick, which I'm very thankful for>_< He said his voice was worn out though, so he slept on New Year's day. Now we know why his voice was so warbly in the performances, they were recording this song all through December according to him^^; Poor baby...>_< I hope he drank lots of that honey and ginger tea he touts (which I was amazed to hear cause I've been drinking that for several years now...it's really good, I highly recommend it!) And the Bambino DVDs come out on January 23rd^^ Alright, I have to stop now...I was going to add some pics but I'm too tired to play with photoshop right nowXDD Take care everyone, let's see where one step forward can take us this week~=)
疲れた。。。明日また始まりますね。夢があるから強くなれるって、心から信じたいんです。嵐は今私の翼になっているから悲しくない＝）
Hopefully everyone is having a wonderful week and not nearly as cold as it is hereXD
Today I have the translation of the 3rd episode of GRA, from 07.11.03, where they have the calligraphy battle!:D
[Announcer: Japan's beloved Arashi...will welcome Japan's beloved guests...and study their beloved Japan. This is rather sudden but,
it's time for a question: What was it that was ranked as the number 1 Japanese cultural tradition that people wanted to learn on an
internet ranking? The correct answer is calligraphy. But everyone, did you know that the essential goal of calligraphy is not to write
prettily? The essential goal of calligraphy is to make oneself at peace, become one with nature, to train your spirit; those are the greatest
goals. In other words, calligraphy is a barometer for people's maturity. This time they're having a study group on calligraphy, the adult
skill.]
Aiba: Golden Rush Arashi, alright~! Golden Rush Arashi, it's GRA for short.
Itou: Yes.
Aiba: Let's go with *gestures* maximum tension today as well!
Itou: How about it everyone, he's energetic again today right?
Aiba: I am. Today ne, I thought we'd study things relating to calligraphy.
Itou: That's right.
Aiba: So, I'd like to introduce the teacher.
Itou: Yes, if you please.
Aiba: The tropical flower that blooms in a field of snow, Takaoka Ai-sensei~! Sensei ne, while holding calligraphy classes in Kyoto,
was participating in Japan's leading calligraphy competition, the Yomiuri Johouten. And everyone, how many years in a row do
you think she was the winner? The correct answer is 12 years!
Sho: Hey you!
Aiba: 12 years in a row. A calligraphic Japanese beauty.
Itou: Since she came all the way here we have some of sensei's pieces too...
Aiba: That's right ne.
Itou: I'd like to display them.
Kanako: Amazing!
Jun: It's 'kizuna' (bonds, the character).
Itou: Kizuna.
Sho: That separated ink dab on the left border, it's kind of cool ne.
Ai: This piece encorporates everything.
Itou: So even including the far-flung dab, it's a piece-
Ai: -that encorporates everything.
Aiba: Uwa~.
Itou: It's amazing ne.
Aiba: Amazing~. Well, I don't know whether Sakurai-kun has noticed it or not, but there's an unnatural gap over there huh.
Itou: This ne, in actuality, Matsumoto-san and Ohno-san both hold a rank in calligraphy.
Aiba: And over here?
Itou: They're normal people.
Sho: We're normal.
Nino: We're just normal, no matter how you look at it.
[writing: Un-ranked people]
Aiba: So they're un-ranked people ne?
Itou: That's how it is.
Aiba: So first of all we'd like to get the guests to-
Nino: You don't have to say that!
Itou: These are all the calligraphers from the celebrity world. In other words, today's teachers. I'd like to show some of their pieces.
First of all ne, a member of the study group, this is Matsui kazuyo-san~.
Kazuyo: Yes. Favor me please~. Today I wrote a letter to Arashi.
Itou: This is it here~.
Kanako: Amazing!
Kazuyo: Just to show off my talents a little.
Sho: Amazing!
Kanako: So pretty~.
Sho: This is amazing!
Jun: Yes, yes! I want to write like this! Like this.
Kazuyo: The characters ne, are your spirit. I write everyday in the early morning, but it turns out that everyday, depending on the
condition of my spirit, the characters are different. I'm doing it for mental conditioning, to see just how much I cna concentrate
in such a short period of time ne.
Itou: Next ne, is quite an honor, a rank 7 calligrapher.
Kanako: Amazing!
itou: Playing Ojuken-mama in the currently airing 'Abarenbou Mama', Katase Nana-san~!
Nana: Your favor please.
Aiba: Katase-san, your favor please.
Nana: Yes.
Itou: We'd like Katase-san to show us a little of her calligraphy today.
Nana: Here it is.
Aiba: it's 'ai'! (love)
Nino: Ai.
Aiba: Very good.
Nana: Yes.
Itou: They say that the character expresses the person, so this is very apt ne~.
Aiba: That's right ne~.
Itou: Well, next is a rank 5 calligrapher.
Aiba: Look at that!
Itou: This is Yamasaki Touru-san~.
Tohru: Your favor please.
Nino: Tou-chan!
Itou: So if you please-
Aiba: Yamasaki-san, if you please.
Itou: Yes, if you please.
Aiba: Uwa, so good!
Kazuyo: Wonderful!
Ohno: So cool!
Aiba: Ah, but that's a very manly character ne.
Tohru: That's right ne. I'm an old guy. (writing)
Aiba: Ah, but it's cool ne.
Itou: Ah, next ne, is a rank 7 calligrapher.
Aiba: Rank 7??
Jun: You're kidding!
Itou: This is Yamane-san.
Kazuyo: Eh~, amazing!
Nino: That's amazing Yamane-san! Seriously?
Itou: It's amazing.
Kanako: Amazing.
Itou: They say that the character expresses the person...
Aiba: So let's take a look.
Itou: Take a glimpse...
Jun: Which is this?
Aiba: Rank 7?
Itou: Rank 7.
Aiba: Rank 7?
Nino: Rank 7?
Yamane: Why is everying gathered over here??
Sho: Sensei! Sensei, you take a look!
Itou: How is it sensei?
Sho: She'll know.
Aiba: Sensei, please speak frankly, how is Yamane-san's character?
Ai: Doubtful... (writing)
Itou: The members what to be able to write like this?
Nino: That's right ne.
Kazuyo: You do?
Kanako: We do.
Itou: There's two ranked people, so we'd like to see your abilities.
Jun: Is-is-is it okay if I say something first?
Itou/Aiba: Yes.
Jun: Um, it's been a long time since I've written anything, so calling me a ranked person over and over is really a problem for me.
Itou: Well, if you take a look at the info I have on hand it says that this concept was one that came from Matsumoto-san.
Kanako: Eh? Is that right?
Jun: Well, when you grow up, as well as with marriage and things like that, the times when you have to write will increase, so
I thought that I wanted to learn it properly at least once.
Aiba: This is the proposal of a ranked person, isn't this ambition amazing?
Itou: Amazing.
Aiba: Compared to that, what's with you guys?
Sho: Why is it I'm always in a position where I can't do anything?;P
Itou: So, beforehand we had the members to write a word they like.
Aiba: So Ninomiya-kun, you wrote down a word you like ne?
Nino: I wrote the one that I write the most.
Aiba: I see.
Nino: 'Haru'. (spring)
Aiba: Haru.
Itou: This is haru.
Aiba: This is haru ne.
Itou: It feels like the most basic of basic.
Aiba: So, let's go to Sakurai-kun.
Itou: Yes. 'Wa'. (peace)
Aiba: it's thin isn't it!
Kanako: That's thin!
Itou: The lines are quite clearly thin ne;P
Aiba: Thin ne. He's quite clearly an un-ranked person ne, with this.
Sho: Really?
Nino: It's thin huh. Yeah, it's thin, that one-
Sho: When I was looking at it I thought 'it's thin huh' too;P
Aiba: That's right ne. So, next let's see Riidaa's.
Ohno: Yes. (it's 'bou', force)
Kanako: Uwa, he's good ne~.
Aiba: he's good ne~.
Kanako: He's good ne.
Aiba: He's good.
Ohno: With characters there are some that are easy to wrte and some that are hard to write.
Nana: Ah, there's definitely some that are hard to write ne.
Ohno: This is easy to write.
Nino: It does give the feeling of a ranked person ne.
Aiba: It gives the feel of someone skilled ne. Next, a ranked person.
Itou: Since it's a ranked person after all-
Aiba: We'll get Matsumoto-kun to go next.
Itou: It should be good ne~.
Jun: When they said character, this is what I thought of.
Aiba: Arashi.
Kazuyo: Arashi ne.
Aiba: This is a ranked person ne.
Jun: A ranked person right.
Kanako: The 'mountain' of it is jutting upwards.
Aiba: Sensei, how do you see it?
Ai: A little more power...
Itou: So sensei, if you were to assign a rank to these 4 members here at this stage, what would it be?
Ai: is it okau if I go by characteristics?
Aiba: Characteristics is fine.
Itou: Matsumoto-
Aiba: Matsumoto-san-
Itou: Let's go with Matsumoto-san.
Ai: Matsumoto-san is ne, rank 1.
Aiba: Matsumoto-san is rank 1 ne, how will that change? Mext, Riidaa.
Ai: Yes. Um~, he's the most skilled after all, so rank 3.
Itou: Rank 3.
Aiba: Rank 3. So, Sakurai-kun.
Sho: Hey, why are you laughing when you say my name?! With this-
Nino: Sit, sit!
Sho: You doing it laughingly!
Nino: Sit down. It's sensei.
Aiba: Sensei, if you please.
Ai: 4th class. (below rank 1)
Itou: 4th class. Because class is below rank.
Aiba: I see ne.
Itou: So, what about Ninomiya-san?
Ai: Let's see ne...about 2nd class.
Itou: So that 'wa' is the lowest.
Aiba: That's right ne, huh.
Ai: That's right ne. But it's skilled.
Sho: You're being kind, cause it's not skilled. I'm not, so don't worry about it.
[Announcer: According to Takaoka-sensei these are the individual rankings. So, to raise these intial levels they're having one on one
lessons with the teachers. They'll be able to choose their teacher based on the order in which they answer the question correctly in
the next quiz. Do your best!]
Itou: Here's the question: When making ink there's a certain item from the human body that, if you put it in the water it will make the
ink even prettier without creating bubbles. Please answer as to what that item of the human body could be.
All: Yes! yes!
Aiba: Yes yes yes.
Itou: So...
Nino: Saliva. (writing)
Aiba: Wrong!
Itou: You'll be able to choose your teacher based on the order you answer correctly.
Aiba: This isn't something separate, it's from a certain part of the body, everyone's answers should-
Sho: Hair. (writing)
Aiba: Wrong!
Itou: Eh, even if you didn't have this inside your body there wouldn't really be an effect on you.
Sho/Kanako: Eh??
Aiba: Upper body, upper body.
Itou: It's on your upper body.
Sho/Kanako: Upper body??
Jun: And it wouldn't matter if you didn't have it?
Itou: It wouldn't matter ne~.
[Announcer: The surprising answer is right after this!]
Itou: Eh, even if you didn't have this inside your body there wouldn't really be an effect on you.
Sho/Kanako: Eh??
Aiba: Upper body, upper body.
Itou: It's on your upper body.
Sho/Kanako: Upper body??
Jun: And it wouldn't matter if you didn't have it?
Itou: It wouldn't matter ne~.
Kanako: How...
Itou: Yes yes.
Aiba: Correct! You're the first, you're the first!
Nino: Seriously??
Aiba: You get to pick your teacher first. The size ne, well...about the size of a grain of rice I guess.
Itou: It's big ne. The size of a grain of rice, that's fairly big.
Kanako: Snot. (writing)
Aiba: Ah, you're close ne.
Itou: Close ne. Close.
Kanako: I'm wrong??
Aiba: You're wrong. You're close. Correct~!
Sho: Nipples. (writing)
Aiba: It would be a problem if you didn't have nipples wouldn't it. (writing) Right? That would for sure be a problem.
Nino: Hey you, you're saying that you don't need nipples?
Kanako: That's not the range of a grain of rice. (writing)
Itou: Well ne, it's higher than your neck. (writing)
Aiba: It's higher than your neck.
Itou: Above the neck.
Aiba; Correct.
Kanako: Eh??? You're kidding!
Aiba: You're number 3 ne.
Kanako: Really? Really?? yay!
Aiba: Yes. It's the upper body, the upper body.
Sho: I have no idea anyway...
Aiba: Correct~!
Itou:Yes, so that means that the order's been decided.
Aiba: Ninomiya-kun, since you're the first, please choose.
Sho: Seriously...?
Itou: Which means...Katase-san, do you know?
nana: Earwax...?
Itou: That's correct ne.
Aiba; Correct~.
Kazuyo: You have to gather some of it ne. (writing)
[Announcer: Well then, in the order they answered the quiz correctly they will nominate their teachers. Ninomiya-kun, who answered
first, unexpectedly chooses the writer of the manly character, Yamasaki Tohru-san. Next, Ohno-san chooses his friend Matsui-san.
Kanako-chan wants to write girlishly, so she chooses Katase-san. There was Takaoka-sensei and Yamane-san left, but naturally Matsumoto-kun
chose Takaoka-sensei. Which means that Sakurai-kun is...]
Nino: Excuse me. Um, amdist everyone else, at the moment Matsumoto-kun chose Sensei, Sakurai-kun said 'well, that's how it is huh...'
(writing) This isn't a choice-
Aiba; he has no choice ne. So, where's your 'favor me please'?
Itou: So now...
Sho: Your favor please... (writing)
Aiba: Alright! Do your best ne.
Itou: So, we've composed 5 groups of teachers and students ne.
Aiba: Yes, now we'll enter practice time. Go ahead!
Itou: Yes, this is the start of it.
Nana: There's an amazing amount of power in it!
Yamane: You're doing your utmost-
Itou: Why is your crotch open? (writing)
Kanako: Cause I hate this.
Sho: Yamane-sensei is nothing to sneeze at!
Itou: Nothing to sneeze at, because he's twice as thin ne;P
Kanako: Uwa, it's true.
[Announcer: Let's take a look at how the teachers are teaching them. First, the pairing of Ninomiya-kun and Yamasaki-sensei. To properly
end the rough stopping points of the lines. And, to carefully sweep the sweeping strokes. Nex it's Yamane-sensei, who Sakurai-kun had
no choice but to appoint. He's teaching him how to do the kaisho (block) style, so he can write adult-like. The openings needs to be
small, and balancing the whole thing is the main point. The one who's teaching Kana-chan and her 'fuku' (clothing) character is Katase-sensei.
For her it's drawing her favored 'tsuki' (moon) portion smaller and slightly obliquely, and carefulyl sweeping the ends of the strokes.
Matsui-sensei is teaching Ohno-kun as if he was her own son. She gives him the faithful commentary and guidance of saying that he must
take care to sweep the sweeping parts and end the endings on each and every point for his slightly reckless 'bou' character. Lastly,
teaching Matsumoto-kun, who still leaves us wondering if he really is a ranked person, is Takaoka-sensei. Her guidance was that thi
curve should be drawn smoothly, and that the internal part should be written smaller and with more of a sense of movement. So, it's
finally time for the competition. First, a one-point lecture on calligraphy from Takaoka-sensei. First, the most important thing for
calligraphy, the eentrance and exit of the brush; the opening and ending brush strokes.]
Ai: First of all the most important thing in calligraphy is holding the brush straight up and entering at a 45 degree angle. Then going
straight across; lightly tilting around...and lifting the brush to finish the sweep. That's how to exit the stroke.
[Announcer: Next, the prescription for when the ink gets thin.]
Ai: When you write quickly and the ink gets thin everyone hurriedly finishes it off. However, in actuality, if you are slower and more
careful you will be able to make na even prettier character without the ink thinning.
[Announcer: So. in this nerve-wracking setting, the calligraphy battle!]
Aiba: So, how much have they matured as people today? We'll have them draw a character. Riidaa, how's your confidence?
Ohno: This is extremely hard to do ne.
[Announcer: So, the nerve-wracking competition. Can Ohno-kun, how was just a little reckless, carefully draw each and every angle?]
Itou: Well then, if you please.
Aiba: If you please. It's tense ne.
Ohno: This is making me nervous. (writing)
Sho/Nino/Jun: Hey~. (writing)
Itou: So, it's finished~!
Aiba: it's finished~.
Kazuyo: Thanks for your hard work~!
Itou: How was it?
Aiba: How was it Riidaa?
Ohno: Seriously, I'll remember this when I'm standing over there.
[Announcer: Next is Kana-chan. The last sweeping part is the main point. I wonder if she can write it like she did in practice...]
Itou: Well then, if you please.
Aiba: Your favor please.
Kanako: This really does make you nervous.
Itou: So, at the beginning Katase-sensei was speaking quite a lot about this part ne.
Nana: Nice border, nice border. (writing)
Itou: She's saying it's a nice border ne. I've started saying nonsensical things;P
Aiba: Ah, this is difficult ne.
Itou: That's right.
Nana: Okay. That's a nice sweep.
Itou: Nice sweep, nice sweep. She took a deep breath when she told her it was a ncie sweep;P So, this is the end of it.
Aiba: The last sweep.
Kanako/Nana: Hahahaha. (writing)
Itou: Well ne, we'd like to compare this to the one earlier. Thank you~.
[Announcer: Sakurai-kun tried writing the adult-like ksiho characters. Can he write the open part small and balance the whole thing?]
Itou: Are you ready?
Aiba: sakurai-kun~, you're making a great face right now;P
Nino: it's great.
Aiba: Amazing.
Sho: This really does make you nervous ne.
Itou: If you please. So, the 'wa', like that...
Aiba: It's complete~.
Nino: Ah, but...
Kanako: It's incredibly good.
Aiba: Amazing.
Sho: Yamamne-sensei ne...thank you very much.
Yamane: No no, it was my pleasure.
Itou: Yes, thank you very much.
Aiba: That's different from when you saw Yamane-sensei's character ne.
[Announcer: For Ninomiya-kun the sweeping parts are the main focus. I wondcer if he can write a manly character like Yamasaki-sensei.]
Aiba: Are you confident?
Nino: I have nothing but confidence.
Yamasaki: If you fail, I'll eat you. (writing)
Nino: Eh~, wait a minute...!
Aiba: Put your heart into it.
Nino: Yes.
Aiba: here we go!
Itou: Well then, if you please!
Aiba: Your favor please!
Nino: Okay...
Itou: So, the very first stroke...
Yamasaki: Stop.
Itou: At this point it looks like it's going well ne, sensei is approving too. This is the part that sensei was no good earlier...
he's approving of it ne. Yes.
Nino: Thank you very much sensei.
Yamasaki: Thank you very much for your hard work.
Nino: Thanks for your hard work.
Itou: How is it?
Nino: Ah, I think the practice I did is coming out ne.
Itou: So, it's finally the last person.
[Announcer: Last is Matsumoto-kun. I wonder if he can give movement to the character as Takaoka-sensei instructed.]
Itou: So...he still hasn't set down the very first stroke. Here it is.
Aiba: It's the combination of the 'mountain' and 'wind'...
Itou: It looks like he's worrying.
Jun: Hey~.
Itou: That would be okay wouldn't it.
Aiba: The writing....is finished! So, that means that everyone has finished writing ne.
Itou: Yes, now we'd like to check how much everyone has grown~.
[Announcer: Finally, the annoucnement of the results. How much has rank 3 Ohno-kun grown?]
Aiba: Let's go Riidaa!
Itou: Here we go.
Kazuyo: It's a character that speaks of winning at life ne. Like, 'here I go~'.
Aiba: It feels like he put his soul into it.
Itou: How is it, sensei?
Ai: Let's see ne, um, each corner is carefully done, it really feels strong and powerful ne.
Aiba: You cna't see the roughness ne.
Ai: It's fine ne.
Itou: Earlier you said he was at about a rank 3 level, how would it be for this character ne?
Ai: Rank 5.
Ohno: Eh??
Aiba: 2 ranks! Well, let's move along to the next one.
[Announcer: Kana-chan had the worst evaluation at 6th class. The result os 30 minutes of practice is...]
Kanako: How is it?
Kazuyo: This is amazing ne!
Sho: Amazing!
Aiba: Even just from looking at this you can tell ne. With this, what class...?
Ai: It's 1st or 2nd class ne.
Kazuyo: Fantastic!
Aiba: Kanako-chan, you improved an incredible amount.
[Announcer: Has Sakurai-kun ovecome the thin character that Aiba-kun was so hung up on?]
Aiba: How much has it changed? Sensei, what do you think, seeing this character?
Ai: Looking at what he drew the rythym is incredibly good.
Sho: Rythym? (writing)
Ai: Calligraphy is about rythym. When your rythym is good your character is good too.
Nino: So that's a shortcut...
Aiba: What we want to know is, looking at this character, what class should it rise to?
Ai: Rank 1.
Nino: Amazing!
Yamane: As you would expect.
Kazuyo: Amazing.
Aiba: You've really done well ne.
Sho: I did it! Sensei, I've matured!
Yamane: I'm happy.
Aiba: You've matured ne.
[Announcer: next is Ninomiya-kun's piece. If it's no good Yamasaki-sensei will eat you!]
Nino: Here it is!
Ai: The inidividual lines, the entries of them, in such little places it's completely changed.
Aiba: I see~.
Nino: Thanks.
Aiba: What class is this one? Or maybe what rank?
Ai: 1st class.
[Announcer: So, Matsumoto-kun remains. Can he show us an improvement from his so-called poor quality ranked work under Takaoka-san's
tutelage?]
Jun: Here I go~.
Aiba: Let's go with Matsumoto-kun.
Jun: Tada.
Itou: There it is.
Jun: What is this? What is this? What's this atmosphere! (writing)
Aiba: no no no;P
Itou: I'm sorry. Please look at the reaction from these people who do calligraphy. Everyone's half laughing;P
Kazuyo: But ne, in a way, it's such that it's an 'Arashi' with no feelings of observation, it just pops right at you, it has a
incredible amount of power.
Yamane/Nana/Yamasaki: That's right! That's right ne.
Jun: They're trying to trick me huh;P
Kazuyo: Everyone's really doing well;P
Aiba: Sensei, how is it?
Itou: Yes.
Ai: The balance is shattered, but each and every line is extremely powerful. Yes.
Aiba: Matsumoto-kun, this is...rank 1?
Jun: Rank 1 ne.
Aiba: Um, please speak frankly.
Ai: Yes.
Aiba: This, the character that Matsumoto-kun drew after doing his best for 30 minutes of practice-
Jun: If you please.
Aiba: - how would you rank it?
Ai: It's 1st class. (writing)
Everyone: Wait a minute!
Jun: 1st class?
Kanako: I don't think you need to worry about it, since you've got Arashi.
Haha, poor JunXDD He was the one who suggested the whole concept and he was the one who benefitted the least;P To actually go back a level...now that's a skill in its own rightXDD But Ohno's was beautiful...both times, just gorgeous. Sasuga...I cna't wait to see some of his exhibition, he's got so much talent crammed inside him he might just burst if someone poked him *looks pointedly at Nino*;) And next week it's Japanese candy...mmm, wish I had some right nowX3
And...what took up half my day...Step and Go and Fuyu wo Dakishimete=)
Last week on his radio show Jun taunted us by saying that he might play the new single this week...but then he said he might try and draw it out for another 3 weeksXDD Needless to say his DoS side was a thrill, but I had suspicion he would follow through on it, and this week he actually did play the new single, in really high quality!^^ So, of course, I had to sit down and translate it<3 I fell in love with Step and Go the instant I heard it, and Fuyu wo Dakishimete is catchy and cute...butStep and Go is definitely my favorite:3 Oh, and he talked about the PV: he said they filmed it with a high-speed camera which actually slows things down, so a 7 second segment actually takes 3 minutes. So things that you would think look interesting appear rather boring, and vice versa...they had wind effects as well that he thought were really interesting. He said it suits the song, and I'm really looking forward to seeing it^^
Anyways, a few caveats: I did my best, but despite the high quality there were still parts that I couldn't quite catch (like Sho's rap...I'm getting better, but darn he's fast;P) I will make changes, if needed (and there wouldn't be a lot) when I get my lyric sheets:) But, I really wanted to share them as soon as possible, rough as they may be>_< Enjoy~
First, Fuyu wo Dakishimete (Embracing Winter Tightly)
ima sugu hora
fuyu wo dakishimete, kimi wo atatamete
machi wo shiroku somete yuku yo
yume wa itsumo kimi no naka de moe agaru honou sa
zutto kono mune ni
ima sugu soko fuyu ga yatte kuru
(winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay yeah
winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay with you)
kimi ga oshiete kuretan da yo
fuyu no kogoeru samusa no imi wo
kimi no nukumori shitta toki kara
fuyu no kaze ga itoshii
poketto no naka chiisaku natta te no hira
soba ni oide yo, ichi miri no sukima mo iranai
ima sugu hora
fuyu wo dakishimete, kimi wo atatamete
machi wo shiroku somete yuku yo
yume wa itsumo kimi no naka de moe agaru honou sa
zutto kono mune ni
ima sugu soko fuyu ga yatte kuru
machi no akari ga bokura sasou
hito no nukumori orenji iro ni
heya ni itatte keshite aenai
chigau keshiki ga mieta
poketto no naka nigitte ita fuan mo
sotto hanashite ichi guram no yuuki wo dashite
ima sugu hora
fuyu wo dakishimete, kokoro atatamete
machi ni kakedashite ikou yo
konayuki ga sora ni mai, dare yori mo hikaru sa
ippo fumidashite, ima sugu hora
fuyu wo dakishimete
(winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay yeah)
come on come on come on yeah
ima sugu hora
fuyu wo dakishimete, kimi wo atatamete
machi wo shiroku somete yuku yo
yume wa itsumo kimi no naka de moe agaru honou sa
zutto kono mune ni
fuyu wo dakishimete, kokoro atatamete
machi ni kakedashite ikou yo
konayuki ga sora ni mai, dare yori mo hikaru sa
ippo fumidashite, ima sugu hora
fuyu wo dakishimete
(winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay yeah
winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay with you
winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay yeah
winter's coming, wanna stay with you)
****************************************
right away, come on
embracing winter tightly, warming you up
going to color the city white
dreams are always flames that flare up inside you
constantly in this heart
right away, right there, winter is coming
(winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay yeah
winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay with you)
it's you that taught me
the meaning of the freezing cold of winter
from the moment I knew your warmth
the winter wind became dear to me
my palms shrunk inside my pockets
come by my side, I don't want even a milimeter's distance
right away, come on
embracing winter tightly, warming you up
going to color the city white
dreams are always flames that flare up inside you
constantly in this heart
right away, right there, winter is coming
the lights of the city are calling us
people's warmth in the orange color
we could see a different landscape
that I would definitely never meet staying in my room
I softly let go of the fear I held
in my pocket as well, brought out a gram of courage
right away, come on
embracing winter tightly, warming your heart
let's run off into the city
the powdered snow dances in the sky, you shine brighter than anyone
advancing one step forward, right away, come on
embracing winter tightly
(winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay yeah)
come on come on come on yeah
right away, come on
embracing winter tightly, warming you up
going to color the city white
dreams are always flames that flare up inside you
constantly in this heart
embracing winter tightly, warming your heart
let's run off into the city
the powdered snow dances in the sky, you shine brighter than anyone
advancing one step forward, right away, come on
embracing winter tightly
(winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay yeah
winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay with you
winter's coming, wanna stay together
winter's coming, wanna stay yeah
winter's coming, wanna stay with you)
So upbeat and yet very sweet (my favorite favorite part is where it says 'I don't want even a mm distance<3<3') And it really does a good job of painting the picture of a snowy winter night, glowing orange lights and throngs of bundled-up people, snowflakes fluttering down and softening the sounds:) That's a date I'd like to have, with a certain someoneX3
Next, Step and Go
We're gonna step and go
we're gonna step and go
itsumo toori nakama-tachi to sugoshita kisetsu kasaneteta
kirameku you ni hikaru bokura no hibi wa mune de tokimeku
donna mirai ga kitemo donna ni hanarete itemo
bokura kawashita koe kienai
we're gonna step and go to brand new story
yoru wo toori nukete lonely lonely long
I'm gonna go then with my memories
sekai wa maru de towa e no escape
itoshiisa afurete hikari kirari negai
itsumademo kienai kagayaki ryou te ni
yasashiisa atsumete hikari kirari kizuku
toki wo zutto hateshinaku ayunde yuku
itsumo toori aruku minareta keshiki dokoka gikochinai
mawari dashita sekai tsugi no suteeji hajimatta bakari
dore dake te wo nobaseba bokura yume ni todoku ka na
omoi idaku sore zore no michi
we're gonna step and go to brand new story
kakedashite tsunagatte yuku
maiagaru kaze towa e to escape
ima bokura nosete toki wo tomeru kiseki
itsumademo kono hi wo wasure wa shinai yo
koko kara hajimaru asu e tsuzuku michi no naka de
zutto omoide wa saki tsuzukeru
(rap)step step de step and go
hanabi ga maiochiru yuku koro
step step de step and go
itsumo tsubomi to nari yuku mono
step step de step and go
soshite ima hibiku ano koi oto
step step de step and go
nette no wa futo ga tsunagatte ikou
*maiasa ochite sugosu naka ni
asa ni moyou kirari hikari masa ni
sou, ima bokura wa sougen no musubi
sore zore no michi e*
hitori no yoru nara kogoete shimau darou
kimi to deaeta sekai no naka de ah
forever free my soul
itoshiisa afurete hikari kirari negai
itsumademo kienai kagayaki ryou te ni
yasahiisa atsumete hikari kirari kizuku
toki wo zutto hateshinaku ayunde yuku
We're gonna step and go
we're gonna step and go
*************************************
We're gonna step and go
we're gonna step and go
the seasons I passed with my friends accumulated just like always
sparkling and shining, our days throbbed in my heart
no matter what future comes, no matter how far away we are
the voices we've exchanged won't disappear
we're gonna step and go to brand new story
get through the night lonely lonely long
I'm gonna go then with my memories
it's as if the world is an escape into eternity
a wish with a momentary flash of light overflowing with endearment,
a radiance that will never fade, in my two hands
I'll recognise the momentary flash of light gathering tenderness
I'll endlessly walk through time
walking like always, the familiar scenery is somehow awkward
the world that began to revolve, the next stage has just begun
I wonder how much we should stretch out our hands to reach our dreams
our individual paths holding our thoughts
we're gonna step and go to brand new story
running on, tied together
the soaring wind escapes into eternity
the miracle that can stop the time we're in
I will never forget this day
inside the path continuing into tomorrow that begins here
the memories will keep going on ahead
(rap)step step de step and go
as the fireworks dance downwards
step step de step and go
always things that turn into flower buds
step step de step and go
and that strong sound that echoes right now
step step de step and go
????
*rap*
a night alone would probably chill me
in the world where I met you ah
forever free my soul
a wish with a momentary flash of light overflowing with endearment,
a radiance that will never fade, in my two hands
I'll recognise the momentary flash of light gathering tenderness
I'll endlessly walk through time
We're gonna step and go
we're gonna step and go
I wrote down what I heard from Sho's rap in romaji, but I'm fairly sure it's not quite right cause it doesn't make much sense, which is why I didn't bother trying to translate it.
Putting that aside...this song is full of hope...diffuse, but very warm to me. It makes me want to dance along, and I find myself singing along when I play it now;) Light imagery is used a lot in this one, I wonder if they'll make use of that in the PV too...^^ Moving forward, getting past loneliness...good themes for me right now I think:3 Well, now I'll be waiting impatienytly for my single in the mailXD For now, more listening over and over;P
In other news, Jun said he managed to get through New Year's without getting sick, which I'm very thankful for>_< He said his voice was worn out though, so he slept on New Year's day. Now we know why his voice was so warbly in the performances, they were recording this song all through December according to him^^; Poor baby...>_< I hope he drank lots of that honey and ginger tea he touts (which I was amazed to hear cause I've been drinking that for several years now...it's really good, I highly recommend it!) And the Bambino DVDs come out on January 23rd^^ Alright, I have to stop now...I was going to add some pics but I'm too tired to play with photoshop right nowXDD Take care everyone, let's see where one step forward can take us this week~=)
疲れた。。。明日また始まりますね。夢があるから強くなれるって、心から信じたいんです。嵐は今私の翼になっているから悲しくない＝）