[Josei Jishin 2021.01.05] Arashi's Battle in their last week
Josei Joshin spoke to some TV staff to understand Arashi's battle in their last week in the lead up to the hiatus.
Arashi's Battle in their last week
Jun was spotted exiting his gym on 25 Dec. Arashi had just wrapped up the final episode of VSA the day before. On Christmas afternoon, Arashi members gathered for a meeting and rehearsal for Music Station, which ended at around 11pm.
A TV station staff said they had nothing but admiration for Arashi's last week. "They prepared for their New Year Eve Live while appearing on different TV stations, so their schedules must have been crazy. While they must have wanted their fans to enjoy their shows, the TV staff also felt Arashi's devotion and were sincerely moved, because Arashi carefully spoke of their gratitude and memories for each station."
An NTV staff also shared what happened during the filming of the last episode for Arashi ni Shiyagare.
"When the cameras weren't rolling, the 5 members didn't stop smiling. After the broadcast ended, they gave high-fives to all the staff through acrylic panels. Some staff members were also in tears. The staff applauded them as Arashi left the studio."
A NHK staff keenly felt Arashi's passion as he took part in the meeting discussions for Kouhaku. "I heard that Matsumoto-san personally requested to have a virtual meeting with the Kouhaku production staff. Artistes themselves rarely participate in these meetings. While Arashi sang 3 songs, the staff whom he met with for each song was different. A certain team had a different opinion from Matsumoto-san, and apparently had a tense discussion for close to an hour. Matsumoto-san said, 'I don't want a half-assed attempt at it, and I don't want any compromises. We want to finish this in a stoic and professional manner.'"