POPOLO 0708 - Arashi's Concert's 55 Secrets (Part 2 of 3)
Ahh.. Bringing you guys Part 2 of 3~~~
This time the interview has gotten more interesting ne! ^_^
As again LJ cut.
On Stage
17 When was your first concert? What were the memories?
2000 April's "Arashi FIRST CONCERT 2000"
Aiba: It was before the release of album, so basically all the songs were from senpais. Song selection was a headache ne. And, the costumes made out of US flags made a huge impression ne.
Ohno: There were only 2 Arashi songs, was worried that there would be no fans. Still remembered my stomachache during the rehearsals, kept running to the toilet (laughs).
Jun: The flying dance was a happy segment, very memorable. But I only flew in the rehearsals, did not fly in the actual concert.
Nino: I did the Japanese drums. For that part, my hands were sore, really challenging ah.
Sho: At the end of the concert the 5 of us shouted "We are Arashi!", finally this statement made an impact. And singing 与作 brings back memories.
18 Which song was sang the most times in all the concerts till date?
"A.RA.SHI"
Ohno: For Arashi this is a very memorable debut song, has alot of meaning in it. In the concerts it gets the tension high too. But did not expect it to become such an important song (laughs).
Nino: Because we sing it everytime, so although its a debut song, there is no nostalgia. It is very recognised among the fans. Other groups don't seem to sing their debut songs much, so actually it is very precious ne.
19 How many sets of costumes are changed each time?
Around 7 ~ 8 sets
Jun: If including solo that should be 9? Deciding costumes can be a headache, the song lists and concepts were not decided yet. But, if the costumes were not decided earlier, we would not make it to the performance. So it is often that we see the costumes then changes are made to song lists.
20 What requirements are usually made for solo costumes?
Basically it must have the feel of the song.
Aiba: It has to link with the songs before and after. So once everything is decided, then personal opinions about colors and feel are brought up.
Sho: It has to depend on the song. The belts and hats used in concerts are usually personal belongings.
Nino: To me, the overall costumes are like everyday wear. So in solos, its okay to wear more complicated stuff.
Ohno: The pants would have to be able to move freely in strong dance movements, and also hope to wear as comfortable as possible.
Jun: Perhaps to merge with the latest trends, will make some changes accordingly to the clothes.
21 At the end where the members held hands, the fingers are locked is that true?
Yep, it's true (laughs)
Nino: When did it begin? Should be recently..... Who started it I can't recall. Just know it wasn't me. Because the first memory of it was being held. In the beginning felt like a "Baka" (laughs). Didn't dislike the feeling. Basically it's like this, so it became a fixed thing.
22 Would you notice your own uchiwas in the concerts?
That, definitely would notice!
Jun: In truth, dancing and singing in concerts use up most of our energy, but when I see my uchiwas, it is a happy motivation.
Nino: Would still see it. I would try hard to be near areas with my uchiwas. Thats because it is not easy to come and support me. And I will keep the concert goods for myself each time (laughs).
23 What do you drink on stage?
Water and sports beverages.
Aiba: Besides water, we are also provided tea and sports drinks, but the fact is I only drink water.
Sho: Mainly sports drinks. Would also be prepared water. Recently liked mineral water. In addition, after concerts would drink mineral water. After it ends would feel like drinking it no matter what.
24 You toured Taiwan and Korea in the 2006 Tour, how was the reception overseas?
Its still different from Japan!
Nino: Having a concert at those places are a first, so it is considered a "virgin performance". The audience reaction was first time seeing Arashi, the message was "finally we see them in flesh!", that kind of thought.
Sho: Different countries bring varying responses. Being able to experience that is a valuable experience.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Backstage
25 How long do concert preparations take?
About 2 months or so?
Sho: Discussion would need one month, training and rehearsals one month. Together it should be two months or so. But the time spent for this time is longer than the previous times, the first meeting was just right after new year. Because everyone is so busy it is hard for the 5 of us to meet up, so we planned very early. But, it doesn't mean that once a long time is spent it is okay.
26 What kind of rehearsal clothings are worn?
Mostly sportswear.
Ohno: This time I wore sports attire given to me by EXILE's Hiro. Last time we collaborated in "Mステ" together, he came into my resting room, gave me this as a gift. Although its a black attire, but the quality is very good!
Nino: Basically sportswear. But, will also wear normal attire to dance. Will often don a cap, sometimes will wrap the head with a towel.
27 How long does it take to memorise your dancesteps?
Remembering the movements takes about 1 hour.
Sho: To the extent of being able to follow the beat would be 1 hour or so. But the next time we dance, will forget nearly everything (laughs). There is a detailed way to dissect the movements, for example when reaching out with the right arm what kind of angle it should be etc, that kind of detailed instruction, would need alot more time. Among the members Nino remembers them the quickest.
28 Before concerts what personal habits do you have?
Nothing special...
Aiba: Before concert starts 1 hour before must bathe. Need around 10 mins. Its like warming up, the body becomes softer, so mood gets better.
Jun: To say it like this, I perhaps would like to wear shoes and pants from the right side, subconsciously.
Sho: Before the start I would spray perfume. The body has a fragrance that I like, the mood gets better.
Ohno: Would pray in my heart "Please watch over the other 4 members and the juniors and the staff." I think a mentality like that is important.
Nino: A concert is nothing much to worry about, so don't have special habits. Everything is already prepared and ready, so no worries.
29 When holding concerts in various locations, how is time spent in hotels?
Everyone's hotel life.
Jun: Would watch the recording of that day's concert. Look out for the places that need improvement, is there a "need to be stronger, we can do better next time."
Ohno: Returning back to the hotel to enjoy a steak of my own. TV is not switched on, drinking red wine, immersing myself in this kind of relaxation. (laughs)
Sho: Last year it was the same as Ohno, ordered steak and red wine, eating and being online. If we were in Tokyo, would meet up with friends, enjoying some personal time.
Aiba: Although had an urge to watch the local TV shows, but fell asleep the next moment.
Nino: Gaming then sleeping!
What colour is bathrobe in the resting room?
Jun's and Sho's special bathrobe.
Jun: Black, and dark green. It is a favorite all these years. Before the concert, after bathing will wear robes of these colors, after concert and removal of clothing, will wear such robes to meet with the staff. Sho does it the same.
Aiba: I am the type who doesn't wear bathrobes. Thought about convenience, just wore whatever I wore that day or a yellow sports attire along with the members.
31 How many hours is it from end of concerts to sleeping time?
Did not notice (laughs)
Aiba: Being in other locations everyone would gather for dinner, after eating we return to the room, and get to tired so sleep immediately. The concert ends around 9.30pm or so, so about 4 hours later we sleep.
Jun: For me, because the tension is still high, would not be able to sleep immediately. Although the body is already exhausted.
Part 3 will spam your friend list when I have time~
Awaiting Sho, Ohno and Nino's parts.