[KinKi Kids/various Johnny's] Myojo - 05/2009
I decided to translate this Q&A-style article from an old issue of Myojo that caught my eye as I was debinding my magazines. Both Koichi and Tsuyoshi individually answered questions from fans and members of younger groups (specifically Arashi, T&T, NEWS, Kanjani8, KAT-TUN, and HSJ).
Enjoy, and I'll try to get the next part to Sho's Cut interview out soon!
PS. I also changed up the layout (finally, after so many years)-- I hope this will make it easier to read the articles than before!
Myojo - 05/2009
KinKi Kids
Please respond wholeheartedly to our burning love!
A private "anything goes" message board from kouhais and readers
Where do you hang out or go to usually? This is just my impression, but I kinda think you seem like the Daikanyama type... [T/N: a place in central Tokyo with more upscale shops]
- Akanishi Jin (KAT-TUN)
I haven't gone out anywhere as of late to begin with (wry laugh). Speaking of which, I haven't gone to Daikanyama lately. Well, if anything, I guess I hang out around Nakameguro, Ebisu, and Shibuya. I go to those sorts of places when I have the time. Kind of like if my friends invite me out and I feel up for it, I would go.
- Tsuyoshi
I'm not at all picky about food. By the way, do you have any foods you hate, Tsuyoshi-kun? If you do, why do you hate it? And do you have any food you're currently addicted to? I'm confident that I can eat anything like it's delicious!! So please take me out for dinner some time!!
- Yaotome Hikaru (Hey! Say! JUMP)
I don't have any either, really. I can basically eat anything. But I did use to dislike karasumi in the past (I'm okay with it now though). [T/N: karasumi = dried and preserved mullet roe] On the other hand, I've been addicted to curry rice for a very long time. I just can't seem to stop. As long as I've got curry, I can keep on living. I love any type of curry, but within that I'm particularly fond of green curry. That and, if I were to make it myself, curry with pieces of vegetables in it. Well, maybe we'll go out for dinner when you turn 20, Yaotome-kun.
- Tsuyoshi
I'm 21 years old right now, and I was wondering what you used to do to have fun when you were 21 years old, Tsuyoshi-kun?
- Tegoshi Yuya (NEWS)
When I was 21, huh... ehhh? What the heck did I do. I can't remember at all. I don't think I played much, all I did was work. With that said, I'm basically not that type anyway. I probably stayed home and did nothing.
- Tsuyoshi
Have you gone fishing lately?
- Ohno Satoshi (Arashi)
No, I haven't... I've been so busy that I can't possibly go (wry laugh). If I could, of course I would. Fishing's so fun after all.
- Tsuyoshi
I finally got a boyfriend recently, but it's a long distance relationship! My friends have been telling me that it's impossible to last very long so it's better if I broke it off, but is that really true? I'm a bit worried that the relationship will die off if we can't see each other myself... Please give me some advice on how to continue this long distance relationship!
- Yuuna, 16, from Tokyo
Regardless of what advice you get, you can only have faith. You don't need to listen to anyone else! Unfortunately, there are people out there who look down upon the happiness of others... I think it's better to just cut out all that noise. Above all else, just believe in your own feelings!
- Tsuyoshi
I have something I would like to talk to Tsuyoshi-kun about. I'm not good at anything at all. I think it's really amazing that you can sing, draw, act, compose and write. How can I become someone who can do many different things too? I'm going to be in high school soon and I don't think I can keep going like this, so I want to ask if you have any pointers for me so I can find even just one area that I can be good at. Please help!!
- Piko, 15, from Shizuoka
In my case, I was in an environment where I could just give anything a try and somehow or other that eventually became a part of my job. On the other hand, even though I was able to do all sorts of different things, I also couldn't give a half-hearted effort on them no matter what. So the only thing I could do was really just learn to focus and try my best at being able to absorb a lot in a short period of time. Anyway, what I'm trying to say to you, Piko-chan, is that it doesn't matter how embarrassing or ugly things might get-- I hope you'll be able to give anything a try. As long as you take that first step, I think you'll start to want to do more once you find something you like, and you'll definitely try harder and harder in order to be good at it. But first, you have to give it a try.
- Tsuyoshi
You took me out to eat anko nabe in Nagoya a while ago. [T/N: anko nabe = monkfish hot pot] At the time, I said "If I was ever reborn I'd want to become a deep sea fish like a monkfish!", and you said, "Why? If you like it that much just get it as a pet". Can you really keep a monkfish at home as a pet?
- Yasuda Shota (Kanjani8)
Well, I know you want me to tell you, but I don't feel like telling you (laugh). You should just look it up on the internet. Hmm, am I being cold? (laugh)
- Tsuyoshi
Hello, I love Tsuyoshi-kun! My heart skips a beat when I see your smile. You were my first love, Tsuoyishi-kun. From what my mom says, whenever she played KinKi Kids' music from the time I was 3 years old, I would get up and dance to it while saying "Tsu-chan, Tsu-chan". I'm a junior high student now. It's really tough, but since I know you're also doing your best at work, I tell myself that I will too and do my best to study. But even though I try to think that way, I get so stressed that I have stomach cramps whenever I've got final exams and midterms...
- Masu, 13, from Tokyo
Well that's not good! Though I'm the same way too (laugh). Or rather, in my case, I still haven't been able to overcome it either. At this point, all you can really do is take a so-what attitude. That's how I feel about it lately. If you were from Kansai, I'd tell you to just say "I don't care!" in response to all the pressure around you (laugh). But yeah, in order to get past any pressure or hardship, I think what's important is to try and keep smiling. Not in a "what should I do what should I do?" way, but a "it's going to be fine anyway, hahaha" way. No matter what happens, just smile. Staying as composed as you can is the first step towards finding a solution.
- Tsuyoshi
This year, I want to take the time between work to go to different famous places and "power spots" in Japan. [T/N: Power spots are believed to harbour spiritual energy] Are there any places that you would recommend, Tsuyoshi-kun?
- Imai Tsubasa (Tackey & Tsubasa)
Isn't this something you should just call me up about? (laugh) Hmm, what's a good place... I think that really depends on your own instinct; going where your gut tells you to go would be the best... Just go for no real reason, in other words. But you know, you'll upset your inner balance if you go to too many power spots. So why not just go at random? In my case, a power spot where I can take a deep breath and refresh myself would of course be Nara. Once I go back to Nara, I can decide where I want to go from there too. Anyway, just give me a call.
- Tsuyoshi
Which persona is closer to the real Koichi-kun: the Koichi-kun in variety shows, or the Koichi-kun on stage? You're the one being picked on when you're in variety, but when you're on stage you're so cool and the complete opposite. Which means... maybe one of those personas are an act? I was so moved when I thought of that! I like how cool Koichi-kun is when on stage, but you're not only just cool, you show a really funny side of you on variety shows too which just makes your coolness even more pronounced... basically, I just respect you a whole ton!!
- Yamada Ryosuke (Hey! Say! JUMP)
I never thought about which one would be closer to the real me. I decide on what I'm going to do depending on the type of job and after figuring out what my role should be in it. After all, you don't need to mess around on the stage like you would if you were on a variety show, and likewise if you watched TV and saw the seriousness I usually give off when I'm on stage, you would find me completely boring. By the way, if you want to know why I act so comical on TV-- I didn't use to be the chatterbox type, but that came about after I put a lot of thought into how I could make the show even more interesting.
- Koichi
This is hard to say seeing as you're my senpai, but... you send me too many confusing emails (laugh). How should I respond to them? You haven't sent me anything lately, though... I feel a bit lonely.
- Aiba Masaki (Arashi)
Gahahahaha, I really do send nothing but cryptic emails~. I'm hopeless, aren't I? But you know, it's not like I only act that way to you, Aiba-- I just don't send emails when there's no need to. If you want, make up something or other that you need from me and send me an email, Aiba (laugh).
- Koichi
A long time has passed since we exchanged email addresses and phone numbers, but we still only contact each other about once a year (laugh). I know that you and I are both not the type to be proactive about contacting others, but I was thinking maybe we can do more of it this year. What do you think?
- Takizawa Hideaki (Tackey & Tsubasa)
Just send me an email from your end then! (laugh) I've been waiting too.
- Koichi
I was able to work with you in "Endless SHOCK" (January 2008) before, Koichi-kun. At the time, I was feeling down because I couldn't do my choreographed turns very well, and you went "You do it like this" and gave me a personal demonstration. Koichi-kun is the chairman of the series with a lot of appearances and changes to the choreography so it must have been tough on you too, yet... I thought you truly were a nice person. We haven't really met up since then. Please take me out for dinner again!!
- Ohkura Tadayoshi (Kanjani8)
Speaking of which, aren't you in Kyoto right now? Just contact me when you're in Tokyo.
- Koichi
This is a question for Domoto Koichi-san. I get really scared whenever I see the light flicker on in schools and so on at night. I'm not really sure why, though. Do you have any irrational fears as well, Koichi-san?
- Anonymous
Not really... Ah, but it's scary when I'm washing my hair in the bath and I hear the "Kagome Kagome" song in my head all of a sudden. [T/N: A common Japanese children's game and song with cryptic lyrics that has been used in horror games etc.] Like, 'Who the heck is standing right behind me!!' (laugh). The bit about the crane and turtle slipping sounds ominous too, it's quite scary...
- Koichi
Um, it's been a long while, this is Nakamaru. I know it's out of the blue, but have you been playing video games lately? I'm really addicted to "Metal Gear Solid 4", so would you play with me online if that's alright? Oh no no, I don't want you to feel compelled to. I meant just in case you ever do feel like "I'll give it a go" or something, please by all means let me know.
(Attention: At this point, Koki overhears and comments, "Eh, what? You mean you're planning to smack Koichi-kun around?")
Of course not! As buddies, buddies! I'll be throwing myself out there and protecting you at all costs! I'll do my absolute best. Please play with me.
- Nakamaru Yuichi (KAT-TUN)
Hmmm, that's too bad seeing I'm playing a different video game right now~ (laugh). Sorry, Nakamaru.
- Koichi
Hello! I'm always surprised by your knowledge of the sciences when you talk about that in concerts and stuff. Just where do you learn about that from, Koichi-kun? I'm bad at the sciences, and I have no idea how to get myself interested in it... please teach me a good way to do that!!
- Misa, 16, from Kanagawa
In my case, I would watch science programs on cable TV (Discovery Channel, National Geographic) and get information from the "Newton" magazines that my manager would have. But I'm not actually that knowledgeable. I've never gone a bookstore for this, and I only borrowed the magazines to read from my manager because he happened to have them. Ah, I just thought of a good way. Definitely F1. It's an innovative genre that mixes specialized knowledge from many fields of science like air resistance and friction. Once you learn more about F1, you'll definitely be interested in science too. You really will end up knowledgeable about it. But, and I'm always saying this, I really only know a little bit. So first, why not start off by watching some F1 races?
- Koichi
Nice to meet you, I'm a junior high student in her third year. I've been a fan of KinKi Kids since I was in kindergarten, especially of Koichi-kun. I've never been to a concert before, but I continue to support you in my heart. And now, I have something I'd like to talk to Koichi-kun about. My name is written out in a male form so people who meet me for the first time and have yet to put a name to my face would always add a "-kun" to my name. [T/N: A '-kun' suffix is usually commonly used when addressing males]. It's always been like this, but I'm getting fed up. I'm doing my entrance exams this year, so I would like to go to a girls-only school if possible. Do you find my decision strange?
- Yuuki, 15, from Gunma
That decision in itself isn't strange at all. But personally speaking, I'm actually envious of you having that sort of name. I've always found it nice when guys had feminine-sounding names. If we were to talk about cases around me, something like "Sano Mizuki" and such. The unisex aspect kinda sounds cool and sexy, don't you think? So I think it's better for you to have more confidence in yourself too, Yuuki-chan.
- Koichi
I'm sure you've been asked all sorts of interview questions up until now, so I'm going to ask something obscure that you've hardly ever heard before. So, which time of the day is your absolute favourite? By the way, mine would be around 2:00 AM.
- Yamashita Tomohisa (NEWS)
Ooh, we think alike~ For me, that would be from 1:00 AM to 4:00 AM, I think. That's "My Time". It's like a Golden Time where I have my own time to myself once I'm free from work.
- Koichi
Enjoy, and I'll try to get the next part to Sho's Cut interview out soon!
PS. I also changed up the layout (finally, after so many years)-- I hope this will make it easier to read the articles than before!
Myojo - 05/2009
KinKi Kids
Please respond wholeheartedly to our burning love!
A private "anything goes" message board from kouhais and readers
Where do you hang out or go to usually? This is just my impression, but I kinda think you seem like the Daikanyama type... [T/N: a place in central Tokyo with more upscale shops]
- Akanishi Jin (KAT-TUN)
I haven't gone out anywhere as of late to begin with (wry laugh). Speaking of which, I haven't gone to Daikanyama lately. Well, if anything, I guess I hang out around Nakameguro, Ebisu, and Shibuya. I go to those sorts of places when I have the time. Kind of like if my friends invite me out and I feel up for it, I would go.
- Tsuyoshi
I'm not at all picky about food. By the way, do you have any foods you hate, Tsuyoshi-kun? If you do, why do you hate it? And do you have any food you're currently addicted to? I'm confident that I can eat anything like it's delicious!! So please take me out for dinner some time!!
- Yaotome Hikaru (Hey! Say! JUMP)
I don't have any either, really. I can basically eat anything. But I did use to dislike karasumi in the past (I'm okay with it now though). [T/N: karasumi = dried and preserved mullet roe] On the other hand, I've been addicted to curry rice for a very long time. I just can't seem to stop. As long as I've got curry, I can keep on living. I love any type of curry, but within that I'm particularly fond of green curry. That and, if I were to make it myself, curry with pieces of vegetables in it. Well, maybe we'll go out for dinner when you turn 20, Yaotome-kun.
- Tsuyoshi
I'm 21 years old right now, and I was wondering what you used to do to have fun when you were 21 years old, Tsuyoshi-kun?
- Tegoshi Yuya (NEWS)
When I was 21, huh... ehhh? What the heck did I do. I can't remember at all. I don't think I played much, all I did was work. With that said, I'm basically not that type anyway. I probably stayed home and did nothing.
- Tsuyoshi
Have you gone fishing lately?
- Ohno Satoshi (Arashi)
No, I haven't... I've been so busy that I can't possibly go (wry laugh). If I could, of course I would. Fishing's so fun after all.
- Tsuyoshi
I finally got a boyfriend recently, but it's a long distance relationship! My friends have been telling me that it's impossible to last very long so it's better if I broke it off, but is that really true? I'm a bit worried that the relationship will die off if we can't see each other myself... Please give me some advice on how to continue this long distance relationship!
- Yuuna, 16, from Tokyo
Regardless of what advice you get, you can only have faith. You don't need to listen to anyone else! Unfortunately, there are people out there who look down upon the happiness of others... I think it's better to just cut out all that noise. Above all else, just believe in your own feelings!
- Tsuyoshi
I have something I would like to talk to Tsuyoshi-kun about. I'm not good at anything at all. I think it's really amazing that you can sing, draw, act, compose and write. How can I become someone who can do many different things too? I'm going to be in high school soon and I don't think I can keep going like this, so I want to ask if you have any pointers for me so I can find even just one area that I can be good at. Please help!!
- Piko, 15, from Shizuoka
In my case, I was in an environment where I could just give anything a try and somehow or other that eventually became a part of my job. On the other hand, even though I was able to do all sorts of different things, I also couldn't give a half-hearted effort on them no matter what. So the only thing I could do was really just learn to focus and try my best at being able to absorb a lot in a short period of time. Anyway, what I'm trying to say to you, Piko-chan, is that it doesn't matter how embarrassing or ugly things might get-- I hope you'll be able to give anything a try. As long as you take that first step, I think you'll start to want to do more once you find something you like, and you'll definitely try harder and harder in order to be good at it. But first, you have to give it a try.
- Tsuyoshi
You took me out to eat anko nabe in Nagoya a while ago. [T/N: anko nabe = monkfish hot pot] At the time, I said "If I was ever reborn I'd want to become a deep sea fish like a monkfish!", and you said, "Why? If you like it that much just get it as a pet". Can you really keep a monkfish at home as a pet?
- Yasuda Shota (Kanjani8)
Well, I know you want me to tell you, but I don't feel like telling you (laugh). You should just look it up on the internet. Hmm, am I being cold? (laugh)
- Tsuyoshi
Hello, I love Tsuyoshi-kun! My heart skips a beat when I see your smile. You were my first love, Tsuoyishi-kun. From what my mom says, whenever she played KinKi Kids' music from the time I was 3 years old, I would get up and dance to it while saying "Tsu-chan, Tsu-chan". I'm a junior high student now. It's really tough, but since I know you're also doing your best at work, I tell myself that I will too and do my best to study. But even though I try to think that way, I get so stressed that I have stomach cramps whenever I've got final exams and midterms...
- Masu, 13, from Tokyo
Well that's not good! Though I'm the same way too (laugh). Or rather, in my case, I still haven't been able to overcome it either. At this point, all you can really do is take a so-what attitude. That's how I feel about it lately. If you were from Kansai, I'd tell you to just say "I don't care!" in response to all the pressure around you (laugh). But yeah, in order to get past any pressure or hardship, I think what's important is to try and keep smiling. Not in a "what should I do what should I do?" way, but a "it's going to be fine anyway, hahaha" way. No matter what happens, just smile. Staying as composed as you can is the first step towards finding a solution.
- Tsuyoshi
This year, I want to take the time between work to go to different famous places and "power spots" in Japan. [T/N: Power spots are believed to harbour spiritual energy] Are there any places that you would recommend, Tsuyoshi-kun?
- Imai Tsubasa (Tackey & Tsubasa)
Isn't this something you should just call me up about? (laugh) Hmm, what's a good place... I think that really depends on your own instinct; going where your gut tells you to go would be the best... Just go for no real reason, in other words. But you know, you'll upset your inner balance if you go to too many power spots. So why not just go at random? In my case, a power spot where I can take a deep breath and refresh myself would of course be Nara. Once I go back to Nara, I can decide where I want to go from there too. Anyway, just give me a call.
- Tsuyoshi
Which persona is closer to the real Koichi-kun: the Koichi-kun in variety shows, or the Koichi-kun on stage? You're the one being picked on when you're in variety, but when you're on stage you're so cool and the complete opposite. Which means... maybe one of those personas are an act? I was so moved when I thought of that! I like how cool Koichi-kun is when on stage, but you're not only just cool, you show a really funny side of you on variety shows too which just makes your coolness even more pronounced... basically, I just respect you a whole ton!!
- Yamada Ryosuke (Hey! Say! JUMP)
I never thought about which one would be closer to the real me. I decide on what I'm going to do depending on the type of job and after figuring out what my role should be in it. After all, you don't need to mess around on the stage like you would if you were on a variety show, and likewise if you watched TV and saw the seriousness I usually give off when I'm on stage, you would find me completely boring. By the way, if you want to know why I act so comical on TV-- I didn't use to be the chatterbox type, but that came about after I put a lot of thought into how I could make the show even more interesting.
- Koichi
This is hard to say seeing as you're my senpai, but... you send me too many confusing emails (laugh). How should I respond to them? You haven't sent me anything lately, though... I feel a bit lonely.
- Aiba Masaki (Arashi)
Gahahahaha, I really do send nothing but cryptic emails~. I'm hopeless, aren't I? But you know, it's not like I only act that way to you, Aiba-- I just don't send emails when there's no need to. If you want, make up something or other that you need from me and send me an email, Aiba (laugh).
- Koichi
A long time has passed since we exchanged email addresses and phone numbers, but we still only contact each other about once a year (laugh). I know that you and I are both not the type to be proactive about contacting others, but I was thinking maybe we can do more of it this year. What do you think?
- Takizawa Hideaki (Tackey & Tsubasa)
Just send me an email from your end then! (laugh) I've been waiting too.
- Koichi
I was able to work with you in "Endless SHOCK" (January 2008) before, Koichi-kun. At the time, I was feeling down because I couldn't do my choreographed turns very well, and you went "You do it like this" and gave me a personal demonstration. Koichi-kun is the chairman of the series with a lot of appearances and changes to the choreography so it must have been tough on you too, yet... I thought you truly were a nice person. We haven't really met up since then. Please take me out for dinner again!!
- Ohkura Tadayoshi (Kanjani8)
Speaking of which, aren't you in Kyoto right now? Just contact me when you're in Tokyo.
- Koichi
This is a question for Domoto Koichi-san. I get really scared whenever I see the light flicker on in schools and so on at night. I'm not really sure why, though. Do you have any irrational fears as well, Koichi-san?
- Anonymous
Not really... Ah, but it's scary when I'm washing my hair in the bath and I hear the "Kagome Kagome" song in my head all of a sudden. [T/N: A common Japanese children's game and song with cryptic lyrics that has been used in horror games etc.] Like, 'Who the heck is standing right behind me!!' (laugh). The bit about the crane and turtle slipping sounds ominous too, it's quite scary...
- Koichi
Um, it's been a long while, this is Nakamaru. I know it's out of the blue, but have you been playing video games lately? I'm really addicted to "Metal Gear Solid 4", so would you play with me online if that's alright? Oh no no, I don't want you to feel compelled to. I meant just in case you ever do feel like "I'll give it a go" or something, please by all means let me know.
(Attention: At this point, Koki overhears and comments, "Eh, what? You mean you're planning to smack Koichi-kun around?")
Of course not! As buddies, buddies! I'll be throwing myself out there and protecting you at all costs! I'll do my absolute best. Please play with me.
- Nakamaru Yuichi (KAT-TUN)
Hmmm, that's too bad seeing I'm playing a different video game right now~ (laugh). Sorry, Nakamaru.
- Koichi
Hello! I'm always surprised by your knowledge of the sciences when you talk about that in concerts and stuff. Just where do you learn about that from, Koichi-kun? I'm bad at the sciences, and I have no idea how to get myself interested in it... please teach me a good way to do that!!
- Misa, 16, from Kanagawa
In my case, I would watch science programs on cable TV (Discovery Channel, National Geographic) and get information from the "Newton" magazines that my manager would have. But I'm not actually that knowledgeable. I've never gone a bookstore for this, and I only borrowed the magazines to read from my manager because he happened to have them. Ah, I just thought of a good way. Definitely F1. It's an innovative genre that mixes specialized knowledge from many fields of science like air resistance and friction. Once you learn more about F1, you'll definitely be interested in science too. You really will end up knowledgeable about it. But, and I'm always saying this, I really only know a little bit. So first, why not start off by watching some F1 races?
- Koichi
Nice to meet you, I'm a junior high student in her third year. I've been a fan of KinKi Kids since I was in kindergarten, especially of Koichi-kun. I've never been to a concert before, but I continue to support you in my heart. And now, I have something I'd like to talk to Koichi-kun about. My name is written out in a male form so people who meet me for the first time and have yet to put a name to my face would always add a "-kun" to my name. [T/N: A '-kun' suffix is usually commonly used when addressing males]. It's always been like this, but I'm getting fed up. I'm doing my entrance exams this year, so I would like to go to a girls-only school if possible. Do you find my decision strange?
- Yuuki, 15, from Gunma
That decision in itself isn't strange at all. But personally speaking, I'm actually envious of you having that sort of name. I've always found it nice when guys had feminine-sounding names. If we were to talk about cases around me, something like "Sano Mizuki" and such. The unisex aspect kinda sounds cool and sexy, don't you think? So I think it's better for you to have more confidence in yourself too, Yuuki-chan.
- Koichi
I'm sure you've been asked all sorts of interview questions up until now, so I'm going to ask something obscure that you've hardly ever heard before. So, which time of the day is your absolute favourite? By the way, mine would be around 2:00 AM.
- Yamashita Tomohisa (NEWS)
Ooh, we think alike~ For me, that would be from 1:00 AM to 4:00 AM, I think. That's "My Time". It's like a Golden Time where I have my own time to myself once I'm free from work.
- Koichi