[Arashi] Aiba - VoCE - 01/2015
Since VoCE is a beauty entertainment magazine and this particular monthly serial is centered around male bodies, there's a lot of focus on his body in the interview. Once you get past that, you'll find plenty of deep and insightful quotes about his views on fate, the struggles in his past, and how his outlook on life has changed.
Credit for the scans goes to Shiori. Enjoy!
Aiba - VoCE - 01/2015
Gorgeous Male Bodies
A body that speaks.
Special
He is "zen" in every aspect. Kanji-wise, he is the "good" in goodness, the "essence" in nature, and the meaning of selflessness in the word "Zen". We are sure he will always continue to forge on ahead, and those candid eyes reflect the beauty of his soul...
cut_025
Aiba Masaki
"Ahhhh, so that's why! I noticed the excessive requests to show more of my arms and shoulders during the photoshoot. So this is the reason why (laugh)."
"I see, I see." Realization dawned on his face once we explained the title and and gist of this monthly serial during the interview following the end of the photoshoot. There were absolutely no hints of pretense to his look of comprehension, just a genuine sense of "refreshment" that hung in the air. Despite being a super idol who is constantly prefaced with a "nationwide" description, he exudes openness in every way, from the way he stands to the things he says. After being bathed in light and striking one stylish pose after another like a model, he asks us "What is it? What should we talk about?" with the air of an old friend.
"This is the time when I'm working out in preparation for our concerts. The gym... is a place I try to go to when I can, so around twice a month at the most (wry laugh). But I have my own training menu that I'm doing at home. Even just going through that menu at home can be pretty effective for things like toning abs."
As he said this, he rolled up the hem of his tank top and gave us a glimpse of an abdomen that had zero excess flesh. Instead, there was a beautiful six-pack, almost as if it had been drawn on. Even with his long limbs, his large irises, and the perfect curve of his waistline, it is only when the specs of his physical body is paired his polished movements and pure emotions that he shines with the brightness of a many-carat stone. The fact that he himself lacks any sort of awareness regarding his value may very well be one of the things that makes this star named "Aiba Masaki" so attractive.
When we asked him to boast about his physical abilities as a child, he said, "I guess I was a fast runner in marathons and stuff like that". Upon asking whether he was the type that didn't mind monotonous repetition, he said with a laugh, "That's not it. I probably wanted to hurry up and get to the goal line because it was so monotonous. I think I tried harder because I wanted it to be over sooner."
Most likely due to the fact that he tends to say whatever comes to mind, there is no self-deprecation nor humility to his words, just a constant subtle sense of humor that is lacking in sarcasm. With his sincerity and candidness, therein lies his magnanimous "natural beauty".
In his first ever starring movie, "MIRACLE Debikuro-kun no koi to mahou", he plays Yamamoto Hikaru, a too-nice and romantically-challenged bookstore clerk who aims to become a manga artist. Inudo Isshin, the director of the movie, had explained it as such to Aiba-san before they began filming: "This character is like an adult who grew up but retained all his schoolboy qualities". Aiba-san himself also said, "I guess being able to play that role without hesitation means there's still a part of me that remains pure". It is true that there are many overlapping similarities between Aiba-san's image and the character of Hikaru. But there is one thing he had to do ahead of time in order to bring the role to life: dieting.
"I didn't really do all that much, but... I held back from doing workouts and training at home before we started filming. Hikaru is the indoor type, so my impression is that his body's pretty thin... It's hard to gain weight with my body type to begin with so I usually try to eat fatty foods or meat, but I also had to put a stop to that."
There is a touch of nostalgia to his gaze as he points to his photo in the movie pamphlet and says, "Which is why, see here, I have absolutely no muscle here. My neck slopes straight down too."
"And since the makeup stylists were also really particular about everything, they used zero hair products for this. 'Because Hikaru has that wash and dry image to him', they said. Plus there was one more physical-related thing that surprised me. The role I'm playing this time is constantly smiling, right? That includes any wry grins, he's just always smiling. My facial muscles were actually sore when I got home! (laugh) But there's nothing I can do about it, so I just said to myself, 'I'll do my best tomorrow too' as I massaged my cheeks at home. (wry laugh)"
Once filming concluded, he resumed working out like usual and has now achieved perfect physical condition. When we asked him, "When did it first occur to you to start working out?", he answered: "There isn't any one cause that led me to do this. Just, you know, I'm a guy after all. I guess that desire to bulk up gradually grew over time."
In addition to working out, it appears that he has developed a habit of memorizing his choreography at home as another type of activity.
"When it comes to choreography, I can't memorize it perfectly on the spot. No matter how many times I dance, it's only my body moving instinctively and I don't actually have it memorized. Which is why I always have to get a copy of it on film so I can hammer it in both body and mind-wise at home."
That's right. A day in the life of an idol is just that busy...
"Do you believe in fate?"
When we asked this question, he replied in an unusually decisive tone of voice: "I don't really believe in that".
"I try not to think in that 'This must be fate' sort of way whenever things are going well, be it with work or outside of work. Because then you start relying on fate, don't you think? People who work hard know that good things will happen eventually, but people who don't work hard and assume good things will happen eventually "because it's fate" are just being lazy. I want good fortune to solely be the result of hard work. What? Oh, you're asking me about romance? (laugh) I've never once thought to myself that any one encounter was destined. But that period when you start liking someone is the most enjoyable, isn't it? Whatever the other person's feelings may be, that feeling of "liking" someone ends up becoming a source of energy. It makes you want to do your best in many things, doesn't it?"
Beyond serenity, what he seeks in his love interests is a certain "gap". In the film, Hikaru's love interest displayed both casual and elegant aspects to her. "Having both of that would be nice, wouldn't it? I think that sort of gap really appeals to guys," he explained.
Nonetheless, Aiba-san is not the "calculating" type, a fact acknowledged by himself and others. He is unable to set a goal and backtrack to figure out what should be done at present to achieve it. All along, he has carried it out in the style of putting his utmost efforts into whatever lies directly ahead of him. "I've gotten this far while bearing in mind that I should leave no regrets at any time. A new path will open up for you if you do your very best to overcome whatever is going on at the moment, and it was in 2006 that I was able to understand that easily. Up until that point we had always held concerts in the Yokohama arena, but our staff said to us one day: 'Your audience applications have gone up'. Then, we had a group discussion among us members and decided to take on the challenge of holding three shows per day. That might have been the point when the gears finally started clicking and turning, but with our Asia tours, our Dome tours, and Kokuritsu Kyogijo, I was able to see with my own eyes how our audience numbers kept growing. Now I'm finally able to understand from experience. To us, concerts are miraculous things, almost like a sort of fantasy; it truly is a special moment in time."
"What's important to you is actually right next to you" is one of the themes being taught by this film. As the person who's conveying this theme across to us, he himself deeply treasures those closest to him, the events that has happened to him, and the sentiments that were born from them. The way his eyes continue to remain unclouded and pure might be due to his mellow outlook on his daily life.
"There was a period when I got really busy and it felt like time was passing by very quickly. At the time, I was desperately doing my best just to stay on top of each day and not miss anything. But I've gotten past that period and I think I've finally found my own pace over these past few years. Maybe it's because there's some leeway now, but I don't rush or overdo things anymore. My motto? "Keep on living unhurriedly" or "Keep on going" (laugh). Going at my own pace even if I make a stopover or take a detour. No matter how slow I might be going, it's okay as long as I don't come to a complete stop. Even if I loiter along the way, I'm sure there are new things I'll be able to see because of that anyway..."
It appears that those feelings of "desperation" reawaken whenever he views footage from that period of them when he tried his best to stay afloat.
"But it's precisely because I had those experiences that I can now think of things like "Let's maintain some leeway" or "It's okay if I take a detour". I don't think how I'm living my life now is the correct way or anything, but I like that I'm feeling that way, I think."
"You don't try to deny the hard times in your past, right?" His response to our question was immediate: "No, I don't!". He exuded an air of great tranquility as he said, "I don't deny any of the things that has ever happened. I'm grateful for everything in my past."
Aiba Masaki, 31 years of age. A messenger of peace who goes by the title of idol...
Credit for the scans goes to Shiori. Enjoy!
Aiba - VoCE - 01/2015
Gorgeous Male Bodies
A body that speaks.
Special
He is "zen" in every aspect. Kanji-wise, he is the "good" in goodness, the "essence" in nature, and the meaning of selflessness in the word "Zen". We are sure he will always continue to forge on ahead, and those candid eyes reflect the beauty of his soul...
cut_025
Aiba Masaki
"Ahhhh, so that's why! I noticed the excessive requests to show more of my arms and shoulders during the photoshoot. So this is the reason why (laugh)."
"I see, I see." Realization dawned on his face once we explained the title and and gist of this monthly serial during the interview following the end of the photoshoot. There were absolutely no hints of pretense to his look of comprehension, just a genuine sense of "refreshment" that hung in the air. Despite being a super idol who is constantly prefaced with a "nationwide" description, he exudes openness in every way, from the way he stands to the things he says. After being bathed in light and striking one stylish pose after another like a model, he asks us "What is it? What should we talk about?" with the air of an old friend.
"This is the time when I'm working out in preparation for our concerts. The gym... is a place I try to go to when I can, so around twice a month at the most (wry laugh). But I have my own training menu that I'm doing at home. Even just going through that menu at home can be pretty effective for things like toning abs."
As he said this, he rolled up the hem of his tank top and gave us a glimpse of an abdomen that had zero excess flesh. Instead, there was a beautiful six-pack, almost as if it had been drawn on. Even with his long limbs, his large irises, and the perfect curve of his waistline, it is only when the specs of his physical body is paired his polished movements and pure emotions that he shines with the brightness of a many-carat stone. The fact that he himself lacks any sort of awareness regarding his value may very well be one of the things that makes this star named "Aiba Masaki" so attractive.
When we asked him to boast about his physical abilities as a child, he said, "I guess I was a fast runner in marathons and stuff like that". Upon asking whether he was the type that didn't mind monotonous repetition, he said with a laugh, "That's not it. I probably wanted to hurry up and get to the goal line because it was so monotonous. I think I tried harder because I wanted it to be over sooner."
Most likely due to the fact that he tends to say whatever comes to mind, there is no self-deprecation nor humility to his words, just a constant subtle sense of humor that is lacking in sarcasm. With his sincerity and candidness, therein lies his magnanimous "natural beauty".
In his first ever starring movie, "MIRACLE Debikuro-kun no koi to mahou", he plays Yamamoto Hikaru, a too-nice and romantically-challenged bookstore clerk who aims to become a manga artist. Inudo Isshin, the director of the movie, had explained it as such to Aiba-san before they began filming: "This character is like an adult who grew up but retained all his schoolboy qualities". Aiba-san himself also said, "I guess being able to play that role without hesitation means there's still a part of me that remains pure". It is true that there are many overlapping similarities between Aiba-san's image and the character of Hikaru. But there is one thing he had to do ahead of time in order to bring the role to life: dieting.
"I didn't really do all that much, but... I held back from doing workouts and training at home before we started filming. Hikaru is the indoor type, so my impression is that his body's pretty thin... It's hard to gain weight with my body type to begin with so I usually try to eat fatty foods or meat, but I also had to put a stop to that."
There is a touch of nostalgia to his gaze as he points to his photo in the movie pamphlet and says, "Which is why, see here, I have absolutely no muscle here. My neck slopes straight down too."
"And since the makeup stylists were also really particular about everything, they used zero hair products for this. 'Because Hikaru has that wash and dry image to him', they said. Plus there was one more physical-related thing that surprised me. The role I'm playing this time is constantly smiling, right? That includes any wry grins, he's just always smiling. My facial muscles were actually sore when I got home! (laugh) But there's nothing I can do about it, so I just said to myself, 'I'll do my best tomorrow too' as I massaged my cheeks at home. (wry laugh)"
Once filming concluded, he resumed working out like usual and has now achieved perfect physical condition. When we asked him, "When did it first occur to you to start working out?", he answered: "There isn't any one cause that led me to do this. Just, you know, I'm a guy after all. I guess that desire to bulk up gradually grew over time."
In addition to working out, it appears that he has developed a habit of memorizing his choreography at home as another type of activity.
"When it comes to choreography, I can't memorize it perfectly on the spot. No matter how many times I dance, it's only my body moving instinctively and I don't actually have it memorized. Which is why I always have to get a copy of it on film so I can hammer it in both body and mind-wise at home."
That's right. A day in the life of an idol is just that busy...
"Do you believe in fate?"
When we asked this question, he replied in an unusually decisive tone of voice: "I don't really believe in that".
"I try not to think in that 'This must be fate' sort of way whenever things are going well, be it with work or outside of work. Because then you start relying on fate, don't you think? People who work hard know that good things will happen eventually, but people who don't work hard and assume good things will happen eventually "because it's fate" are just being lazy. I want good fortune to solely be the result of hard work. What? Oh, you're asking me about romance? (laugh) I've never once thought to myself that any one encounter was destined. But that period when you start liking someone is the most enjoyable, isn't it? Whatever the other person's feelings may be, that feeling of "liking" someone ends up becoming a source of energy. It makes you want to do your best in many things, doesn't it?"
Beyond serenity, what he seeks in his love interests is a certain "gap". In the film, Hikaru's love interest displayed both casual and elegant aspects to her. "Having both of that would be nice, wouldn't it? I think that sort of gap really appeals to guys," he explained.
Nonetheless, Aiba-san is not the "calculating" type, a fact acknowledged by himself and others. He is unable to set a goal and backtrack to figure out what should be done at present to achieve it. All along, he has carried it out in the style of putting his utmost efforts into whatever lies directly ahead of him. "I've gotten this far while bearing in mind that I should leave no regrets at any time. A new path will open up for you if you do your very best to overcome whatever is going on at the moment, and it was in 2006 that I was able to understand that easily. Up until that point we had always held concerts in the Yokohama arena, but our staff said to us one day: 'Your audience applications have gone up'. Then, we had a group discussion among us members and decided to take on the challenge of holding three shows per day. That might have been the point when the gears finally started clicking and turning, but with our Asia tours, our Dome tours, and Kokuritsu Kyogijo, I was able to see with my own eyes how our audience numbers kept growing. Now I'm finally able to understand from experience. To us, concerts are miraculous things, almost like a sort of fantasy; it truly is a special moment in time."
"What's important to you is actually right next to you" is one of the themes being taught by this film. As the person who's conveying this theme across to us, he himself deeply treasures those closest to him, the events that has happened to him, and the sentiments that were born from them. The way his eyes continue to remain unclouded and pure might be due to his mellow outlook on his daily life.
"There was a period when I got really busy and it felt like time was passing by very quickly. At the time, I was desperately doing my best just to stay on top of each day and not miss anything. But I've gotten past that period and I think I've finally found my own pace over these past few years. Maybe it's because there's some leeway now, but I don't rush or overdo things anymore. My motto? "Keep on living unhurriedly" or "Keep on going" (laugh). Going at my own pace even if I make a stopover or take a detour. No matter how slow I might be going, it's okay as long as I don't come to a complete stop. Even if I loiter along the way, I'm sure there are new things I'll be able to see because of that anyway..."
It appears that those feelings of "desperation" reawaken whenever he views footage from that period of them when he tried his best to stay afloat.
"But it's precisely because I had those experiences that I can now think of things like "Let's maintain some leeway" or "It's okay if I take a detour". I don't think how I'm living my life now is the correct way or anything, but I like that I'm feeling that way, I think."
"You don't try to deny the hard times in your past, right?" His response to our question was immediate: "No, I don't!". He exuded an air of great tranquility as he said, "I don't deny any of the things that has ever happened. I'm grateful for everything in my past."
Aiba Masaki, 31 years of age. A messenger of peace who goes by the title of idol...