[2022.12] LINE NEWS AWARDS interview with Naniwa Danshi
Naniwa Danshi were the idol category winners of the LINE NEWS AWARDS 2022! The members gave me Arashi's vibes with this interview that they did with LINE NEWS. The humor, easy camaraderie, the gentle teasing aimed at Leader Ohashi, how the other members helped to close the conversation when Ohashi faltered... I wish these kids many good years ahead.
LINE NEWS AWARDS 2022
“We won’t be letting go of our fans’ hands”
The reason why the seven members move forward while standing side by side, one year after Naniwa Danshi’s debut
“We want to become idols who will bring smiles to everyone in Japan… no, the galaxy.”
Ohashi Kazuya, leader of Naniwa Danshi, spoke about his feelings with a serious look on his face. Contrary to his expression, the studio where the interview was held resonated with the laughter of the members.
“The galaxy! That’s humongous!”
“We’ve got a fine quote!”
“Let me take this down.”
And the roasting goes on.
This scene was unthinkable, given how the members were considerate towards each other over a pot of sukiyaki after their group’s formation.
The Group’s Formation - “I thought it was a prank”
On 12 November 2021, Naniwa Danshi made a spectacular debut with “Ubu LOVE”. Since then, their songs have been used as drama theme songs, opening themes to news shows and the individual members have also been active in movies, dramas and radio shows.
The group started in 2018, and it all began with a single text message which was sent to Nishihata Daigo, Ohashi Kazuya, Fujiwara Joichiro, Onishi Ryusei, Takahashi Kyohei, Michieda Shunsuke and Nagao Kento, who were all working individually.
Joichiro: In the message, it stated the members’ names, and that “You shall be working as Naniwa Danshi.” I was shocked because our senpai before us were always summoned by Johnny-san and notified of the news. I couldn’t believe (ours) came as a group message.
Kyohei: I happened to be with Kento when we got the message, so we read it and closed the message. We had absolutely no contact with Ohashi-kun or Jo-kun prior to that, so we thought it was a prank.
Daigo: The most shocking thing was that the group’s name is “Naniwa Danshi”. If you put it plainly, you’re just saying that we’re people from Kansai. Now I think it turned out well because it’s easier for people to remember us.
At that time, there hadn’t been a new group from Kansai Juniors for 4 years. Although the members couldn’t hide their surprise at the sudden announcement, a plan was hatched at Nishihata’s command, and the 7 members had sukiyaki together.
Ryusei: We were so considerate of each other back then. It felt like a matchmaking party.
Daigo: The older members were cooking the meat, right?
Michieda: It was like, “What would you like to drink?” or “Is there anything that you’d like to eat?”
Ohashi: Just when we thought we’d warmed up to each other at the end, Kyohei was sleeping. (laughs) That was our first interaction, and now the youngest one will tease the older members. It would have been unthinkable back then. I really feel the love.
Michieda: Ah, so there is love. (laughs)
Ohashi: I was wondering if someone will say that they like me.
Nagao: It’s not just “like”, it’s “love”, truly!
The Debut Announcement Where They Cried Like Babies
After their formation, Naniwa Danshi carried out their activities as a pillar of Kansai Juniors, and their name gradually became known around the country.
In 2020, all the members starred in a drama and spent two and a half months filming together while holding concerts; the time which they shared helped to strengthen the bonds between the members.
Then came the fateful day, 28 July 2021, the day of Naniwa.
The fans, the staff, and more than anyone else, the 7 members have yearned for the moment where the words “CD debut” flashed on the screen of Yokohama Arena during their concert MC.
Ryusei: We don’t remember the details, do we? When we were crying and stuff.
Michieda: I can’t recall at all. However, everyone was secretly hoping that it would happen. When I look back at the concert footage, everyone was watching the screen with a look on their face as if they were imploring, “Come on, debut announcement!”
Ryusei: I forgot what we said to each other back then, but I think we’re truly blessed to hear the debut announcement together with the fans who continued to love us. I occasionally rewatch the footage, you know. Even though it’s a little embarrassing… how should I put it? It brings me back to how we started.
Ohashi: Kyohei cried the hardest, right? I haven’t really seen him cry before, so when I saw him bawling for the first time, I thought, “So Kyohei is crying too.”
Kyohei: It’s because many things had happened up till that point where I could see those words on the screen. It all came rushing back into my mind, and turned into tears.
Ryusei: You were crying like a baby backstage too.
“We Want To Surpass Ourselves” - The Multiple Trials and Errors
Since the day where they shared the joy of their debut by putting their arms around each other’s shoulders, there was a strong desire of “wanting of surpass ourselves from the previous year”.
As they gradually fulfilled their respective dreams of appearing in commercials and starring in movies, they’ve raised new goals and advanced step by step.
The members took a central role in creating the concert for their nationwide tour which began in July this year. Although the debut tour’s first day was delayed due to COVID-19, they managed to complete all 39 shows in 9 cities.
Ohashi: We were in a situation where it was uncertain whether we could do it, but thanks to the help of everyone involved and most of all, our fans, we were able to stand on that stage. With that gratitude, we completed all our shows.
Joichiro: We strongly felt that we wanted to put on a better concert, and bearing in mind that we wanted to make each show before us a success, the members would hold a discussion after every show. There was a trial and error process where we’d say, “Let’s do more of this,” or “Let’s try running here,” which meant that we were able to deliver a different show each time.
Nagao: It was really fun to create a show like that, by discussing within ourselves. This has been such a great experience and an awesome memory.
Ohashi: It was also memorable for us to celebrate our birthdays during the concert. Ryusei, Kento and I were born in August, so we got to celebrate our birthdays during the MC.
Nagao: I like football, so Fujiwara Joichiro-kun drew a fake Messi autograph for me. (laughs) And also shoes which had Jo-dans[1] written on them.
Ohashi: Isn’t that a lot of dad jokes? He also wrote “There’s nothing that I fancy more than Messi[2]”, right? Jo-kun also suggested writing on the cakes and all. However, when I opened my gift box, it contained the underwear that I had lent to Jo-kun[3]. (laughs) That was so embarrassing!
Their Group’s Strength Lies In How They Depend On Each Other
One year after their debut.
It has been a year where they were so busy, they didn’t have the time to stop and reflect. We asked the members who they thought had grown the most this year.
“What? This is so hard!”
“I wonder who it is?”
As they glanced at each other with smiles on their faces, they pointed at each other on the count of three.
Ohashi: I vote for Ryusei-kun! This year, he became the first Johnny to collaborate with a cosmetic brand! I think it’s amazing that Ryusei was able to get a job that featured one of his favorite things, makeup. To me, that’s growth.
Daigo: It is a new era, isn’t it? While he’s diversifying his interests, he studies cosmetics and even collaborated with a cosmetic brand. That’s pretty awesome, no?
Nagao: Every year, Ryusei-kun would give us cosmetics that is suited for each member on our birthdays. I look forward to using it each year, and thinking of how he thought of me when he bought it, that makes me really happy too. I think this also widens the scope of Naniwa Danshi’s portfolio.
Ryusei: Now you all brought it up again, it’s embarrassing. However, when I’m given support like that, it strengthens me, so I feel like I need to work even harder. The person who I think has grown the most is Kyohei, I guess. The general public might think that he has a “cool” image, but he has learnt to make funny faces and not hate it when I touch his hair. It feels like he has reinvented himself in the past year.
Ohashi: Wait up, this is so funny. Even though Kyohei is happy, he’s keeping a straight face.
Joichiro: It’s as if he’s saying, “Thanks, yo” but he has a slight grin.
Ryusei: So cute. (laughs)
Kyohei: (laughs) I’ve come to show many kinds of faces so that I can appeal to many different kinds of people. Like slightly ugly faces and handsome ones too, since the “gap” is popular.
Ryusei: That has always been popular though. I feel like his gap has become more profound this year.
Kyohei: My vote goes to Kento. Kento has great taste in clothes and he creates outfits too, it’s like he’s so multi-talented. I joined the agency at the same time as Michieda and him, so I’ve always been watching Kento. I feel the same even as a close friend, he’s been a great help.
Nagao: Thank you! Happy to hear that!
Joichiro: I vote for Micchi. As with Kento, they went from their teens into their twenties and they have done various things to strengthen the bonds of our group, and they’ve also done a lot to give back to the group. Whenever I see that, I feel that the older brothers in the group have to work even harder too.
Ohashi: Now the older members have really come to depend on the younger members. Everyone is so talented and different. Conversely, the younger members also rely on us and I think our relationship where we depend on each other is a strength of our group.
The Members Smiled As Much As The Fans
“I’m glad it was the seven of us.”
The others nodded deeply when Michieda, one of the younger members, uttered these words. What sort of future and scenery will the seven members show us?
Michieda: Each member is the right person when given the right job; the seven of us are unique, so there are many things that I think we can do precisely because we are Naniwa Danshi. Without forgetting the sparkly superfluous style that’s typical of someone from Kansai, I hope to run towards the same goal while standing side by side with the others.
Daigo: I feel the same way. While treasuring the 7-member Naniwa Danshi, I hope that we can continue to create concerts and content together with the fans that we can all enjoy.
Joichiro: It’s a kind of fate that with so many Johnny’s Juniors, the seven of us were picked to be Naniwa Danshi; no matter what obstacles we may face in the future, I think we’ll be able to overcome it together. We want to continue to show various sceneries to everyone in NaniFam too.
Nagao: It’s precisely because our strengths and interests are so different, the seven of us are able to give various opinions and combine everything to form a single answer. Personally, I find that really enjoyable and it feels like we can create lots of quality content that way.
Ryusei: Our dreams have grown bigger this year, and we want to keep holding on to the hands of our fans who have supported us. Together with the fun and kind members that I love, we want to share each and every scene with our fans.
Kyohei: I think there’s a lot to like about Naniwa Danshi. Like a Rubik’s Cube which has multi-coloured facets, we hope to remain a colourful group.
Michieda: That sounds nice.
Kyohei: I was racking my brain until it was my turn to speak. (laughs) I’ll leave it to Leader to close the session.
Michieda: Make sure you line up all the colors.
Ohashi: I’ve been handed the Rubik’s Cube. Thank you for the wonderful words, everyone!
Daigo: Wait, you thought those words were for you? (laughs)
Ryusei: We meant to say them to the readers of this article though. (laughs)
Ohashi: Well, everyone has mentioned various things. Personally, I hope that all our fans will keep on smiling, and that the members will smile just as much too. We hope to continue to be idols who will bring smiles to everyone not only in Japan, but to the cosmos and even the entire galaxy.
Nagao: “Smiles to the galaxy!” That’s a fine quote! Or should I say… an asinine quote. (laughs)
Ohashi: Even though the colors on the Rubik’s Cube may be different, we hope to have a relationship where all our colors would line up… C’mon, there’s no way I can close this using the Rubik’s Cube analogy!
Kyohei: He has solved the Rubik’s Cube.
Joichiro: Yes, he did!
Source: LINE NEWS
[1] Joichiro’s attempt at referencing Air Jordan shoes while making a pun with his name.
[2] Jo wrote, 「三度の飯よりメッシ」(sando no meshi yori messhi), where三度の飯より is used to describe something that you’re really into, and he made it a pun with Messi’s name.
[3] Joichiro forgot to pack underwear for the tour so Ohashi lent him his.
LINE NEWS AWARDS 2022
“We won’t be letting go of our fans’ hands”
The reason why the seven members move forward while standing side by side, one year after Naniwa Danshi’s debut
“We want to become idols who will bring smiles to everyone in Japan… no, the galaxy.”
Ohashi Kazuya, leader of Naniwa Danshi, spoke about his feelings with a serious look on his face. Contrary to his expression, the studio where the interview was held resonated with the laughter of the members.
“The galaxy! That’s humongous!”
“We’ve got a fine quote!”
“Let me take this down.”
And the roasting goes on.
This scene was unthinkable, given how the members were considerate towards each other over a pot of sukiyaki after their group’s formation.
The Group’s Formation - “I thought it was a prank”
On 12 November 2021, Naniwa Danshi made a spectacular debut with “Ubu LOVE”. Since then, their songs have been used as drama theme songs, opening themes to news shows and the individual members have also been active in movies, dramas and radio shows.
The group started in 2018, and it all began with a single text message which was sent to Nishihata Daigo, Ohashi Kazuya, Fujiwara Joichiro, Onishi Ryusei, Takahashi Kyohei, Michieda Shunsuke and Nagao Kento, who were all working individually.
Joichiro: In the message, it stated the members’ names, and that “You shall be working as Naniwa Danshi.” I was shocked because our senpai before us were always summoned by Johnny-san and notified of the news. I couldn’t believe (ours) came as a group message.
Kyohei: I happened to be with Kento when we got the message, so we read it and closed the message. We had absolutely no contact with Ohashi-kun or Jo-kun prior to that, so we thought it was a prank.
Daigo: The most shocking thing was that the group’s name is “Naniwa Danshi”. If you put it plainly, you’re just saying that we’re people from Kansai. Now I think it turned out well because it’s easier for people to remember us.
At that time, there hadn’t been a new group from Kansai Juniors for 4 years. Although the members couldn’t hide their surprise at the sudden announcement, a plan was hatched at Nishihata’s command, and the 7 members had sukiyaki together.
Ryusei: We were so considerate of each other back then. It felt like a matchmaking party.
Daigo: The older members were cooking the meat, right?
Michieda: It was like, “What would you like to drink?” or “Is there anything that you’d like to eat?”
Ohashi: Just when we thought we’d warmed up to each other at the end, Kyohei was sleeping. (laughs) That was our first interaction, and now the youngest one will tease the older members. It would have been unthinkable back then. I really feel the love.
Michieda: Ah, so there is love. (laughs)
Ohashi: I was wondering if someone will say that they like me.
Nagao: It’s not just “like”, it’s “love”, truly!
The Debut Announcement Where They Cried Like Babies
After their formation, Naniwa Danshi carried out their activities as a pillar of Kansai Juniors, and their name gradually became known around the country.
In 2020, all the members starred in a drama and spent two and a half months filming together while holding concerts; the time which they shared helped to strengthen the bonds between the members.
Then came the fateful day, 28 July 2021, the day of Naniwa.
The fans, the staff, and more than anyone else, the 7 members have yearned for the moment where the words “CD debut” flashed on the screen of Yokohama Arena during their concert MC.
Ryusei: We don’t remember the details, do we? When we were crying and stuff.
Michieda: I can’t recall at all. However, everyone was secretly hoping that it would happen. When I look back at the concert footage, everyone was watching the screen with a look on their face as if they were imploring, “Come on, debut announcement!”
Ryusei: I forgot what we said to each other back then, but I think we’re truly blessed to hear the debut announcement together with the fans who continued to love us. I occasionally rewatch the footage, you know. Even though it’s a little embarrassing… how should I put it? It brings me back to how we started.
Ohashi: Kyohei cried the hardest, right? I haven’t really seen him cry before, so when I saw him bawling for the first time, I thought, “So Kyohei is crying too.”
Kyohei: It’s because many things had happened up till that point where I could see those words on the screen. It all came rushing back into my mind, and turned into tears.
Ryusei: You were crying like a baby backstage too.
“We Want To Surpass Ourselves” - The Multiple Trials and Errors
Since the day where they shared the joy of their debut by putting their arms around each other’s shoulders, there was a strong desire of “wanting of surpass ourselves from the previous year”.
As they gradually fulfilled their respective dreams of appearing in commercials and starring in movies, they’ve raised new goals and advanced step by step.
The members took a central role in creating the concert for their nationwide tour which began in July this year. Although the debut tour’s first day was delayed due to COVID-19, they managed to complete all 39 shows in 9 cities.
Ohashi: We were in a situation where it was uncertain whether we could do it, but thanks to the help of everyone involved and most of all, our fans, we were able to stand on that stage. With that gratitude, we completed all our shows.
Joichiro: We strongly felt that we wanted to put on a better concert, and bearing in mind that we wanted to make each show before us a success, the members would hold a discussion after every show. There was a trial and error process where we’d say, “Let’s do more of this,” or “Let’s try running here,” which meant that we were able to deliver a different show each time.
Nagao: It was really fun to create a show like that, by discussing within ourselves. This has been such a great experience and an awesome memory.
Ohashi: It was also memorable for us to celebrate our birthdays during the concert. Ryusei, Kento and I were born in August, so we got to celebrate our birthdays during the MC.
Nagao: I like football, so Fujiwara Joichiro-kun drew a fake Messi autograph for me. (laughs) And also shoes which had Jo-dans[1] written on them.
Ohashi: Isn’t that a lot of dad jokes? He also wrote “There’s nothing that I fancy more than Messi[2]”, right? Jo-kun also suggested writing on the cakes and all. However, when I opened my gift box, it contained the underwear that I had lent to Jo-kun[3]. (laughs) That was so embarrassing!
Their Group’s Strength Lies In How They Depend On Each Other
One year after their debut.
It has been a year where they were so busy, they didn’t have the time to stop and reflect. We asked the members who they thought had grown the most this year.
“What? This is so hard!”
“I wonder who it is?”
As they glanced at each other with smiles on their faces, they pointed at each other on the count of three.
Ohashi: I vote for Ryusei-kun! This year, he became the first Johnny to collaborate with a cosmetic brand! I think it’s amazing that Ryusei was able to get a job that featured one of his favorite things, makeup. To me, that’s growth.
Daigo: It is a new era, isn’t it? While he’s diversifying his interests, he studies cosmetics and even collaborated with a cosmetic brand. That’s pretty awesome, no?
Nagao: Every year, Ryusei-kun would give us cosmetics that is suited for each member on our birthdays. I look forward to using it each year, and thinking of how he thought of me when he bought it, that makes me really happy too. I think this also widens the scope of Naniwa Danshi’s portfolio.
Ryusei: Now you all brought it up again, it’s embarrassing. However, when I’m given support like that, it strengthens me, so I feel like I need to work even harder. The person who I think has grown the most is Kyohei, I guess. The general public might think that he has a “cool” image, but he has learnt to make funny faces and not hate it when I touch his hair. It feels like he has reinvented himself in the past year.
Ohashi: Wait up, this is so funny. Even though Kyohei is happy, he’s keeping a straight face.
Joichiro: It’s as if he’s saying, “Thanks, yo” but he has a slight grin.
Ryusei: So cute. (laughs)
Kyohei: (laughs) I’ve come to show many kinds of faces so that I can appeal to many different kinds of people. Like slightly ugly faces and handsome ones too, since the “gap” is popular.
Ryusei: That has always been popular though. I feel like his gap has become more profound this year.
Kyohei: My vote goes to Kento. Kento has great taste in clothes and he creates outfits too, it’s like he’s so multi-talented. I joined the agency at the same time as Michieda and him, so I’ve always been watching Kento. I feel the same even as a close friend, he’s been a great help.
Nagao: Thank you! Happy to hear that!
Joichiro: I vote for Micchi. As with Kento, they went from their teens into their twenties and they have done various things to strengthen the bonds of our group, and they’ve also done a lot to give back to the group. Whenever I see that, I feel that the older brothers in the group have to work even harder too.
Ohashi: Now the older members have really come to depend on the younger members. Everyone is so talented and different. Conversely, the younger members also rely on us and I think our relationship where we depend on each other is a strength of our group.
The Members Smiled As Much As The Fans
“I’m glad it was the seven of us.”
The others nodded deeply when Michieda, one of the younger members, uttered these words. What sort of future and scenery will the seven members show us?
Michieda: Each member is the right person when given the right job; the seven of us are unique, so there are many things that I think we can do precisely because we are Naniwa Danshi. Without forgetting the sparkly superfluous style that’s typical of someone from Kansai, I hope to run towards the same goal while standing side by side with the others.
Daigo: I feel the same way. While treasuring the 7-member Naniwa Danshi, I hope that we can continue to create concerts and content together with the fans that we can all enjoy.
Joichiro: It’s a kind of fate that with so many Johnny’s Juniors, the seven of us were picked to be Naniwa Danshi; no matter what obstacles we may face in the future, I think we’ll be able to overcome it together. We want to continue to show various sceneries to everyone in NaniFam too.
Nagao: It’s precisely because our strengths and interests are so different, the seven of us are able to give various opinions and combine everything to form a single answer. Personally, I find that really enjoyable and it feels like we can create lots of quality content that way.
Ryusei: Our dreams have grown bigger this year, and we want to keep holding on to the hands of our fans who have supported us. Together with the fun and kind members that I love, we want to share each and every scene with our fans.
Kyohei: I think there’s a lot to like about Naniwa Danshi. Like a Rubik’s Cube which has multi-coloured facets, we hope to remain a colourful group.
Michieda: That sounds nice.
Kyohei: I was racking my brain until it was my turn to speak. (laughs) I’ll leave it to Leader to close the session.
Michieda: Make sure you line up all the colors.
Ohashi: I’ve been handed the Rubik’s Cube. Thank you for the wonderful words, everyone!
Daigo: Wait, you thought those words were for you? (laughs)
Ryusei: We meant to say them to the readers of this article though. (laughs)
Ohashi: Well, everyone has mentioned various things. Personally, I hope that all our fans will keep on smiling, and that the members will smile just as much too. We hope to continue to be idols who will bring smiles to everyone not only in Japan, but to the cosmos and even the entire galaxy.
Nagao: “Smiles to the galaxy!” That’s a fine quote! Or should I say… an asinine quote. (laughs)
Ohashi: Even though the colors on the Rubik’s Cube may be different, we hope to have a relationship where all our colors would line up… C’mon, there’s no way I can close this using the Rubik’s Cube analogy!
Kyohei: He has solved the Rubik’s Cube.
Joichiro: Yes, he did!
Source: LINE NEWS
[1] Joichiro’s attempt at referencing Air Jordan shoes while making a pun with his name.
[2] Jo wrote, 「三度の飯よりメッシ」(sando no meshi yori messhi), where三度の飯より is used to describe something that you’re really into, and he made it a pun with Messi’s name.
[3] Joichiro forgot to pack underwear for the tour so Ohashi lent him his.