[Otonoha Vol. 198] Stay At Home
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In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Arashi has made attempts to engage the fans while they're staying at home. Sho's latest Otonoha post chronicles his days of staying at home as an idol and newscaster.
Hello.
It’s me.
Now that life is pretty different, how is everyone doing…?
I think many of you must be going through a tough time. In situations like this, I hope we each find a way to overcome through our own efforts, and may that day arrive as soon as possible.
Once again, I can’t emphasize this enough.
To all healthcare professionals, you have my heartfelt thanks.
As for me, like many others, I have not been going out of the house unnecessarily… and I have been meticulously recording my recent activities.
※ I’ve just been packing and cleaning the house.
I started packing in earnest the things which I’ve neglected.
“I’ll pack this shelf today.”
“I’ll pack this area today.”
As I decide on my goals, I work on them steadily.
On the contrary, if I decide to pack everything in one day, it would seem like a half hearted attempt…
[For the time being, let’s just dump things onto this shelf.]
Naturally, I knew of this shelf’s existence, but I was so caught up with work that I pretended not to see it.
The time has come*…
[T/N: Sho wrote this line in English, perhaps to add a dramatic effect?]
At last, we have come face to face.
Now.
Let us begin.
This is extremely tough.
Maybe because it’s so cluttered?
There’s a lot of things on it?
No, that’s not it.
It’s because I encounter things that were hidden, and stop packing.
(No, you were just slacking off.)
“Oh!! That’s the photo of Cristiano Ronaldo with Arashi!!!”
“EEHH! Neymar and Arashi too!!!”
“Ah! That’s my first Myojo shoot with Fuma!!! I’ll take a picture and send it to him!!!”
… I’m not making any progress at all.
What the heck is wrong with this shelf?
Sho's first Myojo shoot with Fuma
I’ve managed to tackle this fella somehow.
There’s still got a long way to go.
※ Clothes
Because I’m throwing out lots of rubbish, I checked the rubbish disposal rules once again.
I’m embarrassed by my own ignorance, so the ward office collects old clothing and shoes, and sends it overseas to be reused…
When I checked, they were no longer collecting it (due to COVID-19), but when that day comes again, I have to…
Wear it!
Or not wear it!!
Bravely, I separated the clothes into two piles.
In the end, I deeply realized how much my taste doesn’t really change.
※ Every other day, I go for online English lessons.
I just wanted to write the word, “online”. I’m sorry.
Actually, I’m just having lessons over the phone.
For one day, I’d have the lesson over the phone.
The next day, I’d revise and practice by myself.
I make it sound like I’m doing a lot, but I’m only doing it for an hour.
To the university students who have tons of homework, I’m sorry.
※ I’m making use of online food fairs
This is truly done online.
Even though I’m already receiving this marvellous food, there’s even a letter that comes with it. It makes me feel warm inside.
※ I’ve mentioned this on Zero, but I’ve done an online? remote? drinking party.
The other day, we celebrated the birthday of a former teacher whom I’m really indebted to.
My teacher blew out their candle.
Someone played music on their music box.
Another person decorated their home with the words, “Happy birthday”.
I clapped with all my might.
(… I think you need to do more.)
It was a very heart-warming session.
After that, I had the remote drinking party which I talked about on Zero.
That’s right.
Did you notice? I was remote party hopping.
Personally, I don’t recommend that you do it.
The reason is simple.
It’s tiring.
That’s all there is to it.
※ I watched “Untitled”.
When I woke up, it made me happy that everyone was hyped up about “Untitled”, so I watched it once again.
(… you really slept a lot.)
“Song for you”
Somehow…
How should I put this…
It really hit me hard.
And then to follow up with “Mikan” right after!!!!
You’re really pushin’ it!!!!!
Which is what went through my mind as I watched the concert.
(You really enjoyed “Untitled”, didn’t you?)
Now.
Like we announced, after suspending the Beijing concerts, we had no choice but to postpone the Kokuritsu concerts as well.
… it’s such a shame.
My apologies to everyone who were looking forward to this concert.
In order for all of us to get together and have a great time as soon as possible, it would be great if we could do whatever we can, right now, together.
Firstly, the now.
The present time.
We are thinking of (what we can do) so you can enjoy your time at home, and making preparations towards that each day.
Please wait until the day when we can go out again…
I wanna see your smile at your home!*
[T/N: Again, Sho wrote this in English, probably for the overseas fans as well.]
Sakurai Sho, 15 April 2020