Popcorn Tour - MC (Aiba-chan's 30th birthday) [2012.12.16]
Here is EVERYTHING I remember from tonight's concert MC... well, the birthday part, anyway. This is all from memory, so please forgive me for anything I may have missed (although I ordered all my brain cells to focus and remember all the details... and I AM a detail-oriented person and I DO pride myself when it comes to my memory). I was sobbing during the whole MC. ;__; <3 I'm so proud to be an Arashic. Happy (early) 30th birthday, Aiba-chan!!
I've typed this part of my con report like I do my radio translations, but I'm only human. I can't always remember who said what, but I did my very best. Still, I hope you all get a feel for what was said and what happened. I am quite confident with Nino's lines, though. *biased* :3
IMPORTANT: IF YOU INTEND ON QUOTING FROM THIS, PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE CREDIT ME. I spent a lot of time recalling everything and typing it out. I won't mind you quoting this on your LJ or tumblr or wherever, but PLEASE CREDIT BY LINKING BACK TO THIS POST. And, this should go without saying, but PLEASE DO NOT REPOST (as in, copy-paste this whole thing). I'm sharing because this was a special MC and I know many international fans wanted a report of this. Thanks for understanding. <3
MC
S: YEAH!!
[crowd cheers]
S: Good evening, everyone. We're ARASHI!
[the members start bowing and saying thanks]
S: It's the last day in Tokyo. How you all feelin'? Havin' fun?
Crowd: YEAH!!
S: It's really hot in here. You're dripping over there.
A: Yeah, it's like I took a shower or something.
S: All right, we'll be talking for a while, so have a seat, everyone.
S: It's our first time performing four days at Tokyo Dome. How do you feel about that, Aiba-san?
A: Aiba-san is definitely having fun!
S: So, I noticed last night... there were a lot of "Mimic Rola" uchiwas. I've never mimicked Rola before. Now, I think it was a Himitsu no Arashi-chan with Aiba-san and you, Ninomiya-san.
N: I'd like to take this opportunity and apologize.
S: Unfortunately, I don't know what this is about. Let's ask the audience. Did any of you watch that HnA?
[about 1/3 of the crowd responds]
S: I see. And which of you all haven't seen it yet and want to see it live, right now?
[crowd goes wild]
S: You sure know entertainment!
J: I also saw people waving the Rola uchiwas at me, too, but I have no idea how to mimic her.
O: Oh, really? I did it.
AMNS: You did?!
N: We did 5 impersonations in a row. Antonio Inoki...
A: A dog!
N: Kimpachi Sensei. (*t/n: the main character and teacher of a popular drama series, he has long bangs and many impersonate him combing his hair out of his eyes)
A (or N): Rola...?
S: (to audience) Did any of you watch this episode?
[sparse answers]
S: Could you say it on the count of three? 3, 2, 1...!
Crowd: IKKO!!
S: I'm sorry...
N: Yeah, I could only make out something dirty. (*t/n: Nino is referring to the term, "chinko", the male reproductive organ)
S: Yeah, I almost embarrassed myself trying to say it.
N: Oh, IKKO!
S: All right, Aiba-san. Do Rola last.
N: We want to see your impersonations.
[the members start walking back to the main stage, leaving Aiba all alone at center stage]
A: Wait. why do I have to do this?
N: First, let's have you impersonate... a dog!
[crowd is distracted by the other members]
A: Hey, pay attention to me!
J: If you don't give your best, the crowd won't give you attention.
A: *impersonates a dog, fails utterly and starts giggling*
N: Next, Antonio Inoki.
A: *sticks his jaw out* One, two, three...
Crowd: DAAAAAH!!
N (or S): Ikko, please.
A: *shakes his index finger* Dondake~! (*t/n: Ikko's famous joke)
N: All right... Kimpachi Sensei.
A: *combs his bangs out of his face and mumbles some stuff*
N: And finally, Rola.
A: *high-pitched voice* Waaa~h, today was fun! ...is what I thought.
J: Don't ever do that again.
A: (to the audience) Please don't tweet about this on twitter, okay? How should I get back over there [to the main stage]?
N: There's one more we want to see. Stay where you are, huh?!
J: Uh...
[silence, followed by kyaa-ing from the audience, followed immediately by Aiba's "wait, omg..." face]
J: In the past, we've celebrated one another's turning points. We had Satoshi no Kioku for Riida, T.A.B.O.O for Sho-kun. We have something special this time around, too.
[crowd loses it <3]
J: That means we won't be celebrating on your actual birthday.
N: We four won't be celebrating then.
A: That's... no, I'm happy, regardless.
J: We'll pretend it's the 24th and celebrate for you.
A: Then, I'll pretend it's the 24th and be celebrated!
N: But since it's a huge deal, turning 30 and all, we decided to do it right. Give this a listen.
J: All right. Aiba Masaki. 30th birthday celebration, special version. Here we go... Friendship.
[Friendship begins to play. Center screen has baby pictures of Aiba. Left and right screens show an up-close shot of Aiba's face as he watches the performance. On the main stage, the other four members start dancing with the red gloves iconic to the song. (And this may be my bias speaking, but Nino's voice was most audible ;_; )]
AND HERE COME THE MEMBERS' MESSAGES. (Get your tissues ready!)
O: Aiba-chan. Happy birthday. Welcome to adulthood... not that much will change, really. I got to know you more and more after our debut. We've gone through a lot, but you haven't changed. You stay the way you are, okay? We'll go for celebratory drinks in Ginza soon. Ohno Satoshi.
[Aiba has a very serious expression on his face, like he's trying really hard not to cry...]
S: Aiba-kun, happy birthday. I first exchanged contact info with you after we became Arashi. I'm pretty sure it was on one of our birthdays. To think we've spent the past 10 years together not only surprises me, but also makes me happy. Happy birthday. Now, let's walk towards our future. Thank you in advance. Sakurai Sho.
[Aiba is barely blinking, I have a feeling he wanted to use all his senses for this.]
N: Mr. Aiba, happy birthday. We've been together for over 15 years. I guess that means you've spent more than half your life with me. What say you? I bet you're happy about that! All joking aside, though, for someone like me with very few friends, the only people I've spent 15 years with are my family members and you. What we have is precious to me. What we have is important to me. So, let's continue to stay friends~! (<--Nino's tone of voice changed here, to lighten things up, probably because he knows Aiba so well) Happy birthday. Ninomiya Kazunari.
[Aiba can't hold back the tears anymore. When Nino compares Aiba to his family members, Aiba starts to cry. T__T <3
J: Dear Aiba-kun. Ever since we were Juniors, we've spent more than half our lives together. When we were Juniors, you were extremely shy. Now, you're cheery with everyone you meet. The times we spend together are fun and full of happiness all thanks to you. Let's continue to share these happy moments together. Thank you for everything in the past, and thank you from now on. Happiest birthday to you. Matsumoto Jun.
[Aiba loses it here. He takes his towel and buries his face in it, breaking down into tears...]
[You can hear the members singing backstage: "Donnanimo tooku hanarete itemo[...]". During the interlude, the members come out dressed in a China-themed wardrobe. J is dressed as a cook (complete with the chef's hat), OSN are wearing China dresses in their color. Aiba is still teary-eyed, but starts to smile seeing the other members being silly. MNOS gets on the moving stage and comes toward Aiba, who is still at center stage.]
A: Thank you so much. Really...
[His voice is still very soft, slightly shaky.]
A: My parents DO run a Chinese restaurant... but the waiters aren't dressed like this. My dad isn't dressed like that, either. My parents aren't Chinese. But... I'm really touched.
N: Xie xie. (*t/n: "Thank (you)" in Chinese)
J: Hey, this was a lot of work. We had tons of people look up our dresses.
[The moving stage is see-through, and there are fans underneath it when they're transported to and from the main stage to center stage.]
J: *impersonating Aiba's dad* You've gotten so big, Masaki.
A: Thanks, dad! Thanks! Did you ready this wok and ladle just for this?
[J is holding a wok and ladle]
A: I'll take it home.
O: Those are actually quite nice.
N: Sho-san, did you cut off your sleeves?
[NADEGATAAAAA. xD It looked really funny because the sleeves were really short that it looked more like a tanktop. Sloping shoulders <3]
S: It came like this. It's the sexy version.
J: Here's the DVD. The footage you saw is recorded in that.
A: Thank you!
N: Did you look at it closely? It's no Popcorn Man.
A: What...? Oh, you're right!
J: It's Gyoza Man.
N: We're wearing gyoza on our heads.
S: Next year, we'll be Gyoza Man at our concert.
[Sho brings out a box with the cake inside. The cake itself has some height to it, lots of strawberries, kind of resembles Tokyo Tower in a way.]
A: Oh, WOW! This makes me so happy!
S: It's good enough to be a wedding cake!
A: I want to take a picture. I should have brought my camera!
J: Don't worry. I brought mine.
[Jun tries to take a picture. Sho points out that Jun should be IN the picture. xD So, Jun hands his camera to a cameraman. Crowd cheers and applauds after the shot is taken.]
J (I think...): Shall we sing, then?
[Arashi and the audience sing Happy Birthday together. <3]
A: Thank you so much! I'm... so glad we're Arashi!
S: We should have rehearsed what we should call you, though. I thought I heard, "Happy birthday, dear Masaba-chan~!"
J (I think...): Want to say thanks?
A: You all were the first to wish me a happy birthday this year. It is slightly early, yes, but this is not an experience many people can have... to celebrate your birthday with 50,000 people. In my 30th year, Arashi will continue to give our best. So, please, stand by us for life! Thank you!
[The moving stage moves back towards the main stage. Sho is willing to show off his undergarments; he spreads his legs as the stage moves. Ohmiya is trying to lift each other's dresses. Just... so much member love right now.]
N: Did you cry?
A: No, no.
N: (to audience) Was he crying? He was, wasn't he?
A: No, I tried my best to fight back the tears.
S (or N): Did you know we planned this?
A: Not at all! Did you all read the letters backstage?
N: We recorded those yesterday. We even fitted for these costumes! And yet... it looks like I have boobs now.
[Nino turns to his side to show the audience that he indeed has some roundness in his chest area. LOL!]
A: Really... thank you. Thank you so much!
J: Happy birthday.
I'm so thankful I got to share this precious time with Arashi and 50,000+ fans. In my 16 years as a fan (yes, dating back to 1996 when Aiba-chan joined JE ^^; ), I didn't dream of such a day. I'm so proud of the boys... and so damn proud to be their fan. I can't quite express in words all these strong emotions I feel for Arashi. They are so beautiful.
I've typed this part of my con report like I do my radio translations, but I'm only human. I can't always remember who said what, but I did my very best. Still, I hope you all get a feel for what was said and what happened. I am quite confident with Nino's lines, though. *biased* :3
IMPORTANT: IF YOU INTEND ON QUOTING FROM THIS, PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE CREDIT ME. I spent a lot of time recalling everything and typing it out. I won't mind you quoting this on your LJ or tumblr or wherever, but PLEASE CREDIT BY LINKING BACK TO THIS POST. And, this should go without saying, but PLEASE DO NOT REPOST (as in, copy-paste this whole thing). I'm sharing because this was a special MC and I know many international fans wanted a report of this. Thanks for understanding. <3
MC
S: YEAH!!
[crowd cheers]
S: Good evening, everyone. We're ARASHI!
[the members start bowing and saying thanks]
S: It's the last day in Tokyo. How you all feelin'? Havin' fun?
Crowd: YEAH!!
S: It's really hot in here. You're dripping over there.
A: Yeah, it's like I took a shower or something.
S: All right, we'll be talking for a while, so have a seat, everyone.
S: It's our first time performing four days at Tokyo Dome. How do you feel about that, Aiba-san?
A: Aiba-san is definitely having fun!
S: So, I noticed last night... there were a lot of "Mimic Rola" uchiwas. I've never mimicked Rola before. Now, I think it was a Himitsu no Arashi-chan with Aiba-san and you, Ninomiya-san.
N: I'd like to take this opportunity and apologize.
S: Unfortunately, I don't know what this is about. Let's ask the audience. Did any of you watch that HnA?
[about 1/3 of the crowd responds]
S: I see. And which of you all haven't seen it yet and want to see it live, right now?
[crowd goes wild]
S: You sure know entertainment!
J: I also saw people waving the Rola uchiwas at me, too, but I have no idea how to mimic her.
O: Oh, really? I did it.
AMNS: You did?!
N: We did 5 impersonations in a row. Antonio Inoki...
A: A dog!
N: Kimpachi Sensei. (*t/n: the main character and teacher of a popular drama series, he has long bangs and many impersonate him combing his hair out of his eyes)
A (or N): Rola...?
S: (to audience) Did any of you watch this episode?
[sparse answers]
S: Could you say it on the count of three? 3, 2, 1...!
Crowd: IKKO!!
S: I'm sorry...
N: Yeah, I could only make out something dirty. (*t/n: Nino is referring to the term, "chinko", the male reproductive organ)
S: Yeah, I almost embarrassed myself trying to say it.
N: Oh, IKKO!
S: All right, Aiba-san. Do Rola last.
N: We want to see your impersonations.
[the members start walking back to the main stage, leaving Aiba all alone at center stage]
A: Wait. why do I have to do this?
N: First, let's have you impersonate... a dog!
[crowd is distracted by the other members]
A: Hey, pay attention to me!
J: If you don't give your best, the crowd won't give you attention.
A: *impersonates a dog, fails utterly and starts giggling*
N: Next, Antonio Inoki.
A: *sticks his jaw out* One, two, three...
Crowd: DAAAAAH!!
N (or S): Ikko, please.
A: *shakes his index finger* Dondake~! (*t/n: Ikko's famous joke)
N: All right... Kimpachi Sensei.
A: *combs his bangs out of his face and mumbles some stuff*
N: And finally, Rola.
A: *high-pitched voice* Waaa~h, today was fun! ...is what I thought.
J: Don't ever do that again.
A: (to the audience) Please don't tweet about this on twitter, okay? How should I get back over there [to the main stage]?
N: There's one more we want to see. Stay where you are, huh?!
J: Uh...
[silence, followed by kyaa-ing from the audience, followed immediately by Aiba's "wait, omg..." face]
J: In the past, we've celebrated one another's turning points. We had Satoshi no Kioku for Riida, T.A.B.O.O for Sho-kun. We have something special this time around, too.
[crowd loses it <3]
J: That means we won't be celebrating on your actual birthday.
N: We four won't be celebrating then.
A: That's... no, I'm happy, regardless.
J: We'll pretend it's the 24th and celebrate for you.
A: Then, I'll pretend it's the 24th and be celebrated!
N: But since it's a huge deal, turning 30 and all, we decided to do it right. Give this a listen.
J: All right. Aiba Masaki. 30th birthday celebration, special version. Here we go... Friendship.
[Friendship begins to play. Center screen has baby pictures of Aiba. Left and right screens show an up-close shot of Aiba's face as he watches the performance. On the main stage, the other four members start dancing with the red gloves iconic to the song. (And this may be my bias speaking, but Nino's voice was most audible ;_; )]
AND HERE COME THE MEMBERS' MESSAGES. (Get your tissues ready!)
O: Aiba-chan. Happy birthday. Welcome to adulthood... not that much will change, really. I got to know you more and more after our debut. We've gone through a lot, but you haven't changed. You stay the way you are, okay? We'll go for celebratory drinks in Ginza soon. Ohno Satoshi.
[Aiba has a very serious expression on his face, like he's trying really hard not to cry...]
S: Aiba-kun, happy birthday. I first exchanged contact info with you after we became Arashi. I'm pretty sure it was on one of our birthdays. To think we've spent the past 10 years together not only surprises me, but also makes me happy. Happy birthday. Now, let's walk towards our future. Thank you in advance. Sakurai Sho.
[Aiba is barely blinking, I have a feeling he wanted to use all his senses for this.]
N: Mr. Aiba, happy birthday. We've been together for over 15 years. I guess that means you've spent more than half your life with me. What say you? I bet you're happy about that! All joking aside, though, for someone like me with very few friends, the only people I've spent 15 years with are my family members and you. What we have is precious to me. What we have is important to me. So, let's continue to stay friends~! (<--Nino's tone of voice changed here, to lighten things up, probably because he knows Aiba so well) Happy birthday. Ninomiya Kazunari.
[Aiba can't hold back the tears anymore. When Nino compares Aiba to his family members, Aiba starts to cry. T__T <3
J: Dear Aiba-kun. Ever since we were Juniors, we've spent more than half our lives together. When we were Juniors, you were extremely shy. Now, you're cheery with everyone you meet. The times we spend together are fun and full of happiness all thanks to you. Let's continue to share these happy moments together. Thank you for everything in the past, and thank you from now on. Happiest birthday to you. Matsumoto Jun.
[Aiba loses it here. He takes his towel and buries his face in it, breaking down into tears...]
[You can hear the members singing backstage: "Donnanimo tooku hanarete itemo[...]". During the interlude, the members come out dressed in a China-themed wardrobe. J is dressed as a cook (complete with the chef's hat), OSN are wearing China dresses in their color. Aiba is still teary-eyed, but starts to smile seeing the other members being silly. MNOS gets on the moving stage and comes toward Aiba, who is still at center stage.]
A: Thank you so much. Really...
[His voice is still very soft, slightly shaky.]
A: My parents DO run a Chinese restaurant... but the waiters aren't dressed like this. My dad isn't dressed like that, either. My parents aren't Chinese. But... I'm really touched.
N: Xie xie. (*t/n: "Thank (you)" in Chinese)
J: Hey, this was a lot of work. We had tons of people look up our dresses.
[The moving stage is see-through, and there are fans underneath it when they're transported to and from the main stage to center stage.]
J: *impersonating Aiba's dad* You've gotten so big, Masaki.
A: Thanks, dad! Thanks! Did you ready this wok and ladle just for this?
[J is holding a wok and ladle]
A: I'll take it home.
O: Those are actually quite nice.
N: Sho-san, did you cut off your sleeves?
[NADEGATAAAAA. xD It looked really funny because the sleeves were really short that it looked more like a tanktop. Sloping shoulders <3]
S: It came like this. It's the sexy version.
J: Here's the DVD. The footage you saw is recorded in that.
A: Thank you!
N: Did you look at it closely? It's no Popcorn Man.
A: What...? Oh, you're right!
J: It's Gyoza Man.
N: We're wearing gyoza on our heads.
S: Next year, we'll be Gyoza Man at our concert.
[Sho brings out a box with the cake inside. The cake itself has some height to it, lots of strawberries, kind of resembles Tokyo Tower in a way.]
A: Oh, WOW! This makes me so happy!
S: It's good enough to be a wedding cake!
A: I want to take a picture. I should have brought my camera!
J: Don't worry. I brought mine.
[Jun tries to take a picture. Sho points out that Jun should be IN the picture. xD So, Jun hands his camera to a cameraman. Crowd cheers and applauds after the shot is taken.]
J (I think...): Shall we sing, then?
[Arashi and the audience sing Happy Birthday together. <3]
A: Thank you so much! I'm... so glad we're Arashi!
S: We should have rehearsed what we should call you, though. I thought I heard, "Happy birthday, dear Masaba-chan~!"
J (I think...): Want to say thanks?
A: You all were the first to wish me a happy birthday this year. It is slightly early, yes, but this is not an experience many people can have... to celebrate your birthday with 50,000 people. In my 30th year, Arashi will continue to give our best. So, please, stand by us for life! Thank you!
[The moving stage moves back towards the main stage. Sho is willing to show off his undergarments; he spreads his legs as the stage moves. Ohmiya is trying to lift each other's dresses. Just... so much member love right now.]
N: Did you cry?
A: No, no.
N: (to audience) Was he crying? He was, wasn't he?
A: No, I tried my best to fight back the tears.
S (or N): Did you know we planned this?
A: Not at all! Did you all read the letters backstage?
N: We recorded those yesterday. We even fitted for these costumes! And yet... it looks like I have boobs now.
[Nino turns to his side to show the audience that he indeed has some roundness in his chest area. LOL!]
A: Really... thank you. Thank you so much!
J: Happy birthday.
I'm so thankful I got to share this precious time with Arashi and 50,000+ fans. In my 16 years as a fan (yes, dating back to 1996 when Aiba-chan joined JE ^^; ), I didn't dream of such a day. I'm so proud of the boys... and so damn proud to be their fan. I can't quite express in words all these strong emotions I feel for Arashi. They are so beautiful.