[translation] Yamashita Tomohisa ~ non-no 2009.01.05 vol.1
New Year * Special
Yamashita Tomohisa
Still going after the dream~
His coolness is a given, Yamashita-san who has lately gained more in his adult male appeal.
With his current 23 years, he's talked to us about his intentions and the ambitions hidden in his heart.
Scans thanks to blog.daum.net via watchful21
Please do not repost
Without being satisfied, I want to transmit a lot more joy!
Currently in the middle of his national tour. He will party together with the fans at the dome on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, becoming a memorable end of one year and beginning of another one.
"For the fans to come to our concert on the busiest time of the year is a real blessing. Because this is the 5th year since NEWS formed. If we think of it as the other groups that debuted at "50", having a certain degree of group color and member character, we started from "0". I feel like, bit by bit, we've settled on the group course and things like who should do what.
At the time of our debut, we had a concert with 1000 people. Having 1000 persons sure is amazing, but the dome holds 55'000 people. 55 times [that of the debut]! But I won't be satisfied with that, I want to give a lot more to our fans. I'm like that in my private life, too. I'm the type for whom the companion's happiness is top priority."
His facial expression during the shoot is cool. Nonetheless, once we start talking, he becomes straightforward and passionate.
"I say it myself but, I'm chivalrous (laugh). The things I decide to do, I definitely do them, no matter what."
Graduating in September through his hard schedule is an example of that.
"I wanted to graduate because I didn't want to be told that, as expected, it was impossible. It also held feelings of gratitude to my mother for giving birth to me. I worked hard, really."
I'm very fortunate, both in work and friendship. What about love fortune...?
That Yamashita-san, what sort of things has he decided to start over?
"Dance and English. Dance through the world can express things without any need for words. Moreover, learning English I'll be able to talk with a wider range of people. Adults who are good dancers are cool, aren't they. I've had a teacher give me lessons since I was 11. Right now maybe he's in his 40's. "Amazing! Respectful!" is what I think over again. I think dance is good sense, but at the same time, if I can't give each and every step its form, then it's useless. Therefore, I want to learn steadily and practice a lot."
Beside dancing, it seems he's noticed wonderful things from the adults surrounding him.
"I didn't think of it when I was in my teens, but as I've become an adult myself I've come to understand (laugh). Even yesterday, when "garasau no shonen" played by chance I thought of it. That our manager who decided on that song for KinKi Kids' debut is a genius. I think I'm very fortunate to be able to work with such a person. Yeah, I'm generally quite lucky. I'm lucky in friendship as well. Love fortune? Is it good, or bad... Somehow, I don't quite get it (laugh).
Being with male friends without calculating is the most relaxing thing
By the way, what about your recent love situation?
"Maybe I've become a heart incapable of love. I want to fall in love, but it's like, I don't need it, sort of complicated feeling (laugh). If I were to go on a date, I think going to eat something delicious with a lovely person is the best. I would make the proper reservations, since I'm the type that wants to please the girl. But in reality, the most relaxing thing is being with my old friends and do things like watch a DVD. If my partner were a girl, I'd end up worrying whether or not she's enjoying the movie. But with my buddies I don't have to think about anything. Just like that, even falling asleep on the sofa. Without any weird calculations, just being together. Male friends are quite important. Maybe, inwardly, all guys like guys (laugh). And, guys live in their dreams, while girls live in reality. I hear this sort of talk often. When I tried thinking about it myself, I realized that I myself talk about nothing but dreams when I'm with my male friends. If it's about work, being known in Asia, and then being known on a more global scale by the rest of the world. Stuff like that. And then things like, buying a house in Hawaii, making a big pool, and living with all my friends. Spreading this sort of talk to escape from reality (laugh).
With the gold medal for the drama, it comes to 3!
By the way, the special for the drama "Code Blue Doctor Heli" airs in January. The drama "Proposal daisakusen" also had a sequel special, and "kurosagi" became a movie. Your leading roles continue.
"I think that having a sequel, means that the drama was a gold-medal one. Of course, it's not just me getting the medal; the cast and staff, everyone gave their all. Acting is tough, but I like it. Therefore, I want to become an actor such that people will look forward to what Yamashita Tomohisa will show."
In "Code Blue", the young doctor that Yamashita-san plays, Aizawa's self-important growth is also a highlight of this drama. By the way, Yamashita-san, what do you think makes people grow?
"Frustration. When you get revived, you become a little stronger. If you fall and graze your skin, it becomes thicker. If you break a bone, when it heals it becomes slightly more robust. I myself, even when dancing or acting, I feel I rise from the no-good sides I have. And when I was in my first year of college, even though I didn't know anyone around me, everybody knew me. It was a strange feeling of loneliness that no one can tell. That as well, I wonder if it can have the meaning of a frustrating experience. I was insecure of my surroundings, and became doubtful of people that would start talking normally to me. Being like that was wearisome. But no matter what situation you're in, you can't but get over it, right? When it's over, you feel that sort of experience disciplined you. Moreover, I feel that if you don't go through tough times, you won't be able to reach the top."
A manliness that resounds strongly in your heart. We won't take our eyes off him!
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T/N:
Summing up the price tags on his clothes and accessories from this shoot:
Page2: 161490 yen = 1282.82 euro = 1848.98 USD
Page3: 411440 yen = 3268.34 euro = 4710.79 USD