Myojo 2015.03 Sho Sakurai x Fuma Kikuchi Special Talk
I don't usually translate full interviews, just bits and pieces in twitter, but I liked every single line of this interview so I found myself wanting to tweet all of it, this was the result. This is SO adorable. I love both Arashi and Sexy Zone so much, and I've always loved Sho and Fuma's relationship so this interview was happiness for me X3
Neither Japanese nor English are my first language so I'm sure there will be mistakes in this, I apologize in advance, I hope at least the main feelings and ideas get through.
If you want to repost/quote or whatever I would appreciate if you could credit. That's all I ask ;)
Just one thing that doesn't get through with translations, Fuma used keigo the entire interview, always talking very politely to Sho, always calling him "Sho-kun" it was very well-mannered and cute. On the other hand Sho-chan always referred to him as "Fuma" using normal speech and always referring to him very friendly-like. Their relationship is so cute ;o;
Sho Sakurai x Fuma Kikuchi Special Talk
My head just went blank when I was faced with the star I admire
Fuma, who arrived earlier to the place of the shoot, seemed to be perfectly prepared. But when he got word that Sakurai had finished work and was coming here he started getting restless. When Sakurai arrived he said with a smile “Thank you for always taking such good care of my Kikuchi” to the Myojo staff. With a sense of family between them, Fuma couldn’t help to smile.
Fuma When I first heard about today’s interview I was so surprised, I e-mailed Sho-kun right away.
Sakurai I already knew from way before. Around 2 weeks ago Fuma e-mailed me “Yabai! Something amazing has happened!” I answered: “So you’ve heard! It would have been funny if it had stayed a surprise until that day”
Fuma If it had been a surprised and I only found out today I would have probably passed out (laugh)
Sakurai When was it that we first went out to eat?
Fuma It was around the time when Sho-kun returned from the Sochi Olympics. As an omiyage I received a pair of gloves from the Olympics.
Sakurai We had made a promise that we would meet after I came home from that, and not because it was my kouhai, but I didn’t want to show up empty-handed. Since I was already there I thought it would be nice if it were something that had the Olympics logo on it. I only first heard that Fuma was talking about me through magazines and other people telling me about it. The thing that was really strong was when the staff told me that Fuma had become my Kouhai from University as well. That’s when I thought “I really have to face him now” I understand the struggles of having to balance work and University at the same time, if I could be of any help then that’s the least I could do.
Fuma Actually, there’s a senpai from university that has connections with Sho-kun, it was through that person that I managed to get Sho-kun’s contact information. He was my admired senpai but we didn’t really have many opportunities to work together at all. That’s why when we went out to eat for the first time for me it was like meeting the super star that I had admired so much from when I was little. My head went blank.
Sakurai hahahaha. From the very beginning I called you Fuma right? The thing I said earlier “Kikuchi” that’s the first time I’ve ever called him that. Because this is the first time we’ve been in this kind of situation, right? To be honest is quite strange to stand in front of the cameras and pose together; it feels like I’m posing with my little brother, it’s a little embarrassing.
Fuma It’s amazing but for me it’s also like I’m doing this with my big brother, it’s a strange feeling.
Sakurai Our very first meeting was in Music Station for Sexy Zone’s first appearance in 2011. I already knew in that moment that Fuma’s dad was the one that composed the lyrics to A-RA-SHI, but we didn’t really talk right? At that moment my interest was in Marius.
Fuma hahahaha!
Sakurai He came all the way from Germany and debuted just after 2,3months in the agency, he was such a new face! We only talked about your dad the first time we met only the two of us. It’s so amazing to be connected with the person that created a song so important to Arashi in this way.
Fuma I hadn’t talked about my father to the agency, one day our president came and told me “Your dad, what is he doing? Isn’t he a song writer?”
Sakurai Really!
Fuma and with that I finally announced it at one of the junior concerts.
Sakurai It’s such a coincidence; I think it’s amazing.
The nod that he gave me behind stage became a huge strength
As they become more comfortable with every question Sakurai says “this is starting to look like the beginning of our romance!” they both laugh. But we are intrigued by the contents of their conversations. We want to know what they talk about in their private time.
Sakurai When we meet we talk a lot about Fuma’s job and school.
Fuma I am always receiving advice.
Sakurai It’s not easy to find people that have the same values and the same job as you do. That’s why I want to listen to him as much as possible. I don’t expect him to do as I say, I think from the things I tell him he can judge by himself and decide. It’s really hard to juggle school and work isn’t it?
Fuma Is there anything I should do while I am still going to University?
Sakurai It would be nice if you could make many friends. In my case, until my fourth year of university I mainly focused on work and I realized I wasn’t having fun with my classmates at all. That’s why when my fourth year started I suddenly started meeting up with them. The relationship with those friends continues even now. Even though they were the people that I had met for four years, I couldn’t just tell them “let’s go somewhere!” after classes were over, that’s why I think it’s good if little by little you just make some time whenever you can. I only realized this fact when my student life was about to be over.
Fuma Sho-kun’s words always resound in my chest. In particular the words that he has given me at work have always left a big impression on me. The first time that we were on Kouhaku (2013) he said to me “It’s enough with just the right amount of strength, don’t overdo it” I was so nervous at that time but I was able to think “this is good enough” and overcome it. When we had to get together with all the other Johnnys groups for FNS (2014) I was very anxious starting from the rehearsal. After all, Sexy Zone is the youngest group amongst all, but thanks to the words that Sho-kun told me before the show and the nod that he gave me right before the performance started that I was able to calm down and do it.
Sakurai Matchy’s medley was really nerve wrecking, wasn’t it? Starting from SMAP and then Tokio, including all kouhai groups, everyone was there. It was bad! That’s why I was wondering “Is Fuma ok?” and when I went over to talk to you (stiffens face) 「Yabai! I am so nervous I feel like I’m going to forget the choreography!」you said. Actually, during the rehearsals I had forgotten the choreography myself. You just said “it was because Sho-kun nodded at me” but to be honest, that day Arashi were the first to perform so I was already finished and with a sense of relief I meant to say “Go do your performance!” (laughs)
Fuma hahaha! But because of that I was able to perform without mistakes.
Sakurai I also get happy when the kouhai that I usually meet up with are looking at me, so I was mostly just pretending to be cool. (laughs)
The watch I got from Sho-kun is my life!
They have in common that both of them are the older brothers from 3 siblings. At home they’re the big brothers so there are things they seem to have in common…
Sakurai Whenever Fuma goes home after a meal together he always sends me an e-mail. “Aniki! (big brother)” he writes. He really is like a cute younger brother. But at home he is the big brother so I imagine he’s not used to that kind of thing. I am also like that so I understand but it’s always hard to know how to talk to the people that are above you and you always have a hard time deciding, right?
Fuma That is true! Speaking of which, you might have noticed but the watch that I received from Sho-kun on my 19th birthday is my life! If there’s ever a time when I think that I might scratch it I take it off.
Sakurai I am happy that you’re taking such good care of it. Usually I would buy you something and give it as a present, but since you said you admired me I thought maybe it would make you happier if I gave you something I had used myself before. But if I think about it now, it might have been better to save it for your 20th birthday. That was my mistake (laughs)
Fuma After all my 20th birthday is very soon (laughs) Actually, I went to America for a photoshoot and I bought with me an omiyage. I wanted to give it to you so I once asked you “Could you please take me out to eat?” with that purpose. Even though I was waiting for that moment I forgot to give it to you.
Sakurai aren’t you an airhead, mou〜 (laughs)
Fuma Even today, the first few minutes after meeting I was super nervous. At that time, Sho-kun was seating in front of me and, I don’t know if you realized this or not, because I was so nervous when we did a toast with my ginger ale the moment I went to drink it, it overflowed from my mouth.
Sakurai I remember that (laughs)
Fuma So, the omiyage, I thought about it a lot (hands him the present)
Sakurai oh! (what he received was a black tshirt that in the back had stars with the shape of Marilyn Monroe) it’s great!
Fuma I’m very sorry it’s wrinkled. (laughs) I’ve had it for a while so this happened. I was prepared to buy something very expensive and I went around several stores but when I went into a burger shop they had several cool tshirts on display. When I asked the store’s manager he told me that those tshirts were only sold there and that there was only one of them in the world so I thought “I’ll decide on an unique tshirt!” and that’s how I chose it.
Sakurai Thank you! I would like to wear it when there’s a concert or some chance of me standing on the same stage together with Fuma. Of course, I’ll also wear it in my private time but if I wore it whenever we are hanging out it’s really going to look like we are a couple (laughs) I’ll try it on later.
I’m looking forward to having a drink with Fuma
We asked Sakurai if he would invite Fuma to his house and he answered “My house? It’s not a problem at all but I’m a guy living alone so there’s nothing there?”
“really!? But I’ll get really nervous. It feels like I might have to go to the bathroom just thinking about it!” answered Fuma to which both of them laughed again.
To the both of you that have almost never worked together, what do you think about future activities?
Fuma I really want to try and do something together, I would like us to act together.
Sakurai Acting together might be embarrassing. What would you think about the both of us hosting a TV show? We could invite guests that are somewhere in between our ages and have a talk between the three of us. I ask questions from an older point of view and Fuma from a younger point of view and the guest will be stuck in between that, doesn’t it sound interesting?
Fuma It does sound interesting!
Sakurai Also, when it’s March and Fuma becomes 20 I’m looking forward to drink alcohol together.
Fuma Please take me out for a meal on my birthday!!
Sakurai Of course! That’s my intention.
Fuma Also when I turn 20 please invite me out anytime.
Sakurai ah yes, when it gets late it’s hard to invite a minor out and also it would be hard to face your parents if I were to do that. I have to return the Cinderella Boy before 12 at night!
Fuma ah, is it ok for me to ask something? When, for example, we are eating nabe, because I’m kouhai I try to put in the meat and the vegetables, but because Sho-kun is so nice he does everything for me. When I turn 20, what should I do?
Sakurai Just stay like that, just depend on me for it.
Fuma I kind of feel sorry about it.
Sakurai Honestly, if I were to tell you how I want it to be it goes like this: my kouhai says “I’ll do it” and then I say “nonono that’s ok that’s ok” and with that small conversation is enough! It’s true that if you don’t say anything I’ll get sad too. Sorry for being such a petty human being (laughs)
After the interview Sakurai tried on the tshirt that Fuma gave him and it fit him perfectly! Fuma also seemed very happy about it. Both of them are eagerly waiting for his 20th birthday soon.
Neither Japanese nor English are my first language so I'm sure there will be mistakes in this, I apologize in advance, I hope at least the main feelings and ideas get through.
If you want to repost/quote or whatever I would appreciate if you could credit. That's all I ask ;)
Just one thing that doesn't get through with translations, Fuma used keigo the entire interview, always talking very politely to Sho, always calling him "Sho-kun" it was very well-mannered and cute. On the other hand Sho-chan always referred to him as "Fuma" using normal speech and always referring to him very friendly-like. Their relationship is so cute ;o;
Sho Sakurai x Fuma Kikuchi Special Talk
My head just went blank when I was faced with the star I admire
Fuma, who arrived earlier to the place of the shoot, seemed to be perfectly prepared. But when he got word that Sakurai had finished work and was coming here he started getting restless. When Sakurai arrived he said with a smile “Thank you for always taking such good care of my Kikuchi” to the Myojo staff. With a sense of family between them, Fuma couldn’t help to smile.
Fuma When I first heard about today’s interview I was so surprised, I e-mailed Sho-kun right away.
Sakurai I already knew from way before. Around 2 weeks ago Fuma e-mailed me “Yabai! Something amazing has happened!” I answered: “So you’ve heard! It would have been funny if it had stayed a surprise until that day”
Fuma If it had been a surprised and I only found out today I would have probably passed out (laugh)
Sakurai When was it that we first went out to eat?
Fuma It was around the time when Sho-kun returned from the Sochi Olympics. As an omiyage I received a pair of gloves from the Olympics.
Sakurai We had made a promise that we would meet after I came home from that, and not because it was my kouhai, but I didn’t want to show up empty-handed. Since I was already there I thought it would be nice if it were something that had the Olympics logo on it. I only first heard that Fuma was talking about me through magazines and other people telling me about it. The thing that was really strong was when the staff told me that Fuma had become my Kouhai from University as well. That’s when I thought “I really have to face him now” I understand the struggles of having to balance work and University at the same time, if I could be of any help then that’s the least I could do.
Fuma Actually, there’s a senpai from university that has connections with Sho-kun, it was through that person that I managed to get Sho-kun’s contact information. He was my admired senpai but we didn’t really have many opportunities to work together at all. That’s why when we went out to eat for the first time for me it was like meeting the super star that I had admired so much from when I was little. My head went blank.
Sakurai hahahaha. From the very beginning I called you Fuma right? The thing I said earlier “Kikuchi” that’s the first time I’ve ever called him that. Because this is the first time we’ve been in this kind of situation, right? To be honest is quite strange to stand in front of the cameras and pose together; it feels like I’m posing with my little brother, it’s a little embarrassing.
Fuma It’s amazing but for me it’s also like I’m doing this with my big brother, it’s a strange feeling.
Sakurai Our very first meeting was in Music Station for Sexy Zone’s first appearance in 2011. I already knew in that moment that Fuma’s dad was the one that composed the lyrics to A-RA-SHI, but we didn’t really talk right? At that moment my interest was in Marius.
Fuma hahahaha!
Sakurai He came all the way from Germany and debuted just after 2,3months in the agency, he was such a new face! We only talked about your dad the first time we met only the two of us. It’s so amazing to be connected with the person that created a song so important to Arashi in this way.
Fuma I hadn’t talked about my father to the agency, one day our president came and told me “Your dad, what is he doing? Isn’t he a song writer?”
Sakurai Really!
Fuma and with that I finally announced it at one of the junior concerts.
Sakurai It’s such a coincidence; I think it’s amazing.
The nod that he gave me behind stage became a huge strength
As they become more comfortable with every question Sakurai says “this is starting to look like the beginning of our romance!” they both laugh. But we are intrigued by the contents of their conversations. We want to know what they talk about in their private time.
Sakurai When we meet we talk a lot about Fuma’s job and school.
Fuma I am always receiving advice.
Sakurai It’s not easy to find people that have the same values and the same job as you do. That’s why I want to listen to him as much as possible. I don’t expect him to do as I say, I think from the things I tell him he can judge by himself and decide. It’s really hard to juggle school and work isn’t it?
Fuma Is there anything I should do while I am still going to University?
Sakurai It would be nice if you could make many friends. In my case, until my fourth year of university I mainly focused on work and I realized I wasn’t having fun with my classmates at all. That’s why when my fourth year started I suddenly started meeting up with them. The relationship with those friends continues even now. Even though they were the people that I had met for four years, I couldn’t just tell them “let’s go somewhere!” after classes were over, that’s why I think it’s good if little by little you just make some time whenever you can. I only realized this fact when my student life was about to be over.
Fuma Sho-kun’s words always resound in my chest. In particular the words that he has given me at work have always left a big impression on me. The first time that we were on Kouhaku (2013) he said to me “It’s enough with just the right amount of strength, don’t overdo it” I was so nervous at that time but I was able to think “this is good enough” and overcome it. When we had to get together with all the other Johnnys groups for FNS (2014) I was very anxious starting from the rehearsal. After all, Sexy Zone is the youngest group amongst all, but thanks to the words that Sho-kun told me before the show and the nod that he gave me right before the performance started that I was able to calm down and do it.
Sakurai Matchy’s medley was really nerve wrecking, wasn’t it? Starting from SMAP and then Tokio, including all kouhai groups, everyone was there. It was bad! That’s why I was wondering “Is Fuma ok?” and when I went over to talk to you (stiffens face) 「Yabai! I am so nervous I feel like I’m going to forget the choreography!」you said. Actually, during the rehearsals I had forgotten the choreography myself. You just said “it was because Sho-kun nodded at me” but to be honest, that day Arashi were the first to perform so I was already finished and with a sense of relief I meant to say “Go do your performance!” (laughs)
Fuma hahaha! But because of that I was able to perform without mistakes.
Sakurai I also get happy when the kouhai that I usually meet up with are looking at me, so I was mostly just pretending to be cool. (laughs)
The watch I got from Sho-kun is my life!
They have in common that both of them are the older brothers from 3 siblings. At home they’re the big brothers so there are things they seem to have in common…
Sakurai Whenever Fuma goes home after a meal together he always sends me an e-mail. “Aniki! (big brother)” he writes. He really is like a cute younger brother. But at home he is the big brother so I imagine he’s not used to that kind of thing. I am also like that so I understand but it’s always hard to know how to talk to the people that are above you and you always have a hard time deciding, right?
Fuma That is true! Speaking of which, you might have noticed but the watch that I received from Sho-kun on my 19th birthday is my life! If there’s ever a time when I think that I might scratch it I take it off.
Sakurai I am happy that you’re taking such good care of it. Usually I would buy you something and give it as a present, but since you said you admired me I thought maybe it would make you happier if I gave you something I had used myself before. But if I think about it now, it might have been better to save it for your 20th birthday. That was my mistake (laughs)
Fuma After all my 20th birthday is very soon (laughs) Actually, I went to America for a photoshoot and I bought with me an omiyage. I wanted to give it to you so I once asked you “Could you please take me out to eat?” with that purpose. Even though I was waiting for that moment I forgot to give it to you.
Sakurai aren’t you an airhead, mou〜 (laughs)
Fuma Even today, the first few minutes after meeting I was super nervous. At that time, Sho-kun was seating in front of me and, I don’t know if you realized this or not, because I was so nervous when we did a toast with my ginger ale the moment I went to drink it, it overflowed from my mouth.
Sakurai I remember that (laughs)
Fuma So, the omiyage, I thought about it a lot (hands him the present)
Sakurai oh! (what he received was a black tshirt that in the back had stars with the shape of Marilyn Monroe) it’s great!
Fuma I’m very sorry it’s wrinkled. (laughs) I’ve had it for a while so this happened. I was prepared to buy something very expensive and I went around several stores but when I went into a burger shop they had several cool tshirts on display. When I asked the store’s manager he told me that those tshirts were only sold there and that there was only one of them in the world so I thought “I’ll decide on an unique tshirt!” and that’s how I chose it.
Sakurai Thank you! I would like to wear it when there’s a concert or some chance of me standing on the same stage together with Fuma. Of course, I’ll also wear it in my private time but if I wore it whenever we are hanging out it’s really going to look like we are a couple (laughs) I’ll try it on later.
I’m looking forward to having a drink with Fuma
We asked Sakurai if he would invite Fuma to his house and he answered “My house? It’s not a problem at all but I’m a guy living alone so there’s nothing there?”
“really!? But I’ll get really nervous. It feels like I might have to go to the bathroom just thinking about it!” answered Fuma to which both of them laughed again.
To the both of you that have almost never worked together, what do you think about future activities?
Fuma I really want to try and do something together, I would like us to act together.
Sakurai Acting together might be embarrassing. What would you think about the both of us hosting a TV show? We could invite guests that are somewhere in between our ages and have a talk between the three of us. I ask questions from an older point of view and Fuma from a younger point of view and the guest will be stuck in between that, doesn’t it sound interesting?
Fuma It does sound interesting!
Sakurai Also, when it’s March and Fuma becomes 20 I’m looking forward to drink alcohol together.
Fuma Please take me out for a meal on my birthday!!
Sakurai Of course! That’s my intention.
Fuma Also when I turn 20 please invite me out anytime.
Sakurai ah yes, when it gets late it’s hard to invite a minor out and also it would be hard to face your parents if I were to do that. I have to return the Cinderella Boy before 12 at night!
Fuma ah, is it ok for me to ask something? When, for example, we are eating nabe, because I’m kouhai I try to put in the meat and the vegetables, but because Sho-kun is so nice he does everything for me. When I turn 20, what should I do?
Sakurai Just stay like that, just depend on me for it.
Fuma I kind of feel sorry about it.
Sakurai Honestly, if I were to tell you how I want it to be it goes like this: my kouhai says “I’ll do it” and then I say “nonono that’s ok that’s ok” and with that small conversation is enough! It’s true that if you don’t say anything I’ll get sad too. Sorry for being such a petty human being (laughs)
After the interview Sakurai tried on the tshirt that Fuma gave him and it fit him perfectly! Fuma also seemed very happy about it. Both of them are eagerly waiting for his 20th birthday soon.