[translation] Only Star : Secret of Arashi SPECIAL
Credits : SNG
:D I've only translated parts of this special feature because some pages are scattered all over the place with words and small columns.
Enjoy!
Part 2
From the time of their debut to their personalities!
We’ll show you all of Arashi’s secrets!
A serialization where Only★Star readers launches a direct attack with questions they’re interested in knowing the answers to. From the members’ feelings during their debut, to the different characters of each member, we’ve talked about it thoroughly. Let’s playback their interview.
DEBUT column
99.9.15 They, who debuted as “Arashi” on a ship in the waters of Hawaii. From the time of their formation until their debut song. We talked about their starting point.
Q : What did you first think when you heard about the group name “Arashi?”
Aiba : I thought, “Eh kanji (Chinese character)?” (laugh) But, I honestly wasn’t that reluctant ne. I thought, “On the other hand, isn’t kanji good?” It had a solid feel, I like it. Even now, I think that it’s great that I’m in “Arashi.” (08.6/#30)
Q : What did you first think when you heard your debut song “A.RA.SHI?”
Ninomiya : What did I think ne~ Well, I didn’t think of anything (laugh). Really, without thinking anything, our debut was decided upon, I only thought about “What should I do?” At that time I couldn’t think of anything. (08.7/#7)
Q : The member who has changed a lot ever since your debut?
Ohno : All of us didn’t change, basically. But, based on what we see (with our eyes), I guess it’s Matsujun. I knew him since he was really tiny during Jr., so it’s a change in his growth. (08.6/#9)
Aiba : Based on what we can see, I feel like Riida is getting younger by the day (laugh). (08.6/#30)
Q : Are there any “secrets” to your debut song?
Sakurai : On the CD jacket, there’s a huge “Arashi” on top of the image of 5 of us all lined up together. That was actually written by Johnny-san ne. He worked really hard on practicing, and before you know it, it was used on the jacket (laugh). I thought Johnny-san was really good with calligraphy. (08.6/#16)
Q : The first impression of the other members?
Ohno : (Sakurai) Sho-kun was cute. Aiba-chan, as far as I could see, had the image of a good boy. (08.6/#9)
Q : What were you thinking about when you found out about the formation of Arashi?
Matsumoto : It was like “Yay~!” (laugh) When I passed up my resume for Johnny’s, I had a dream that I entered a group and came out with a CD, so when it was confirmed I was really happy. It was during my first year of high school ne. (08.7/#14)
MUSIC column
“truth/Kaze no Mukou e” and “One Love,” which were both released last year, climbed to the #1 and #2 spots on the singles ranking of 2008. We asked a lot about these hit songs!
Q : Please tell us an episode that happened during the filming for the music video of “truth/Kaze no Mukou e.”
Ninomiya : I remembered that it was tough because we shot it for one whole day. During the live performance for “truth,” the strings (orchestra) behind our backs left an impact. (08.10/#6)
Q : What were your feelings like when you heard “Kaze no Mukou e” being aired during the Olympics?
Sakurai : It was a song with the common theme of “Even if things get difficult, let’s look forward” but depending on the situation I think it turns into a cheering song. (08.9/#22)
Q : “truth” has a slightly different feel compared to all the other songs so far. What was your impression when you first heard it?
Matsumoto : I knew that Riida (Ohno Satoshi)’s drama “Maou” was a “revenge drama” so I was wondering what kind of drama it would be. I looked forward to it, like “It’s here! I wonder if it’s this kind of (content) drama.” (08.9/#13)
LIVE column
Last year, Arashi had a huge success with their 5-dome tour as well as the second Asia tour. From the memories of their first solo to their concerns about their performances, we received a lot of information.
Q : What were your thoughts when your first solo live was confirmed as Arashi?
Ohno : Ah, I remember. At that time ne, it was really fun. Before our debut, I alone was in Kyoto the whole time, so I honestly wonder if there were any of my fans (laugh). In reality, I have the same number of fans who are supporting me compared to the other members, I was really happy. (08.7/#21)
Q : What are the things you did during lives that was Arashi-like?
Aiba : Isn’t it the fact that all the members want to get closer to the fans? Thinking about how we could accomplish that, we talked about using tools/machines and running, with the feeling of “Let’s get at least a little bit close to everyone!” (08.8/#11)
Q : The circle that is formed before the concert, are the things you say the same every time?
Matsumoto : Nope, it’s exciting. Exciting! (laugh) Basically we do it every time but it’s not decided upon. (08.7/#14)
CHARACTER column
The 5 charismatic members of Arashi with different unique personalities. In the character column, along with the questions from Only★Star readers, we tried to approach the personal charms of the members.
Arashi #1 : Most Shy
Ninomiya Kazunari
If we’re speaking about whether I’m skillful or not skillful, I guess I’m not skillful
To the readers’ comment of “His tsukkomi is like lightning,” he says, “That’s a good thing for a celebrity ne~.” When asked, “Who is the most shy person in Arashi?,” his unexpected confession was :
It’s me I guess. Actually, I’m not good at speaking in front of a lot of people (laugh). Though people think of me as the type who can talk anywhere ne. If I’m given the chance to talk I can do it, but if we’re speaking about whether I’m skillful or not skillful, I guess I’m not skillful.
Arashi #1 : Best At Cooking
Matsumoto Jun
Because I usually cook
To the readers’ comment of “He has the character of a DoS but he’s actually kind,” Matsumoto says, “If I don’t get this kind of chance I won’t know how I’m being looked as, so I won’t get much information. I don’t think of myself as someone who is good at calculations… Even if I calculate I’m the type that usually make mistakes (laugh).” When asked with the question of “Who is the best in cooking in Arashi?” he gives us a definite confession of a chef :
That’s undoubtedly me ne. Because usually I cook in my daily life.
Arashi #1 : Most Manly
Sakurai Sho
Though I’m not really that intellectual
Sakurai, who received a lot of comments like “Even though he is smart he is the most friendly.” His analysis was, “I’m not really that intellectual but as expected “NEWS ZERO” (NTV) has a big influence ne.” He was voted by Ohno and Aiba as the manlist in Arashi due to the reason that “Because when he makes mistakes, he can firmly claim that he made a mistake.” When asked about secrets that he keeps from the other members, he confessed, “There might be totally none… Because during tours there are lots of chances for us to be together.”
Arashi #1 : Most Doted Upon/Pampered
Ohno Satoshi
Because everyone is steady, I depend on them for everything
Being unexpectedly shy at the readers’ comment of “He has a relaxing character but he is rich with talents,” Ohno shows his natural side by saying, “I don’t know (laugh). What is it, I wonder~ Because I’m not conscious of it.” When asked with the question “Who is the most pampered/doted upon in Arashi?” he shows us his pampered character after smiling upon seeing the face of Ninomiya, who is sitting by his side : “There is not a day when I don’t depend on Nino (laugh). Though the days that I don’t depend on him are the days that I don’t meet him.”
Arashi #1 : Most Likely To Get Lonely Easily
Aiba Masaki
I give it all my best because I don’t want to leave any regrets
To the comment of a reader who says, “His mischievous side is like that of a child, it’s very cute,” Aiba says : “I give it all my best always, because I don’t want to leave any regrets.” Being “the one who thinks of Arashi the most,” Ohno comments that “Aiba-chan always repeats nonstop, ‘I’m glad I’m in Arashi~! Ne? Ne?’” Aiba himself analyses that he is the one who is most likely to get lonely easily in Arashi, and Matsumoto says that, “Aiba-kun and I get lonely really easily. After eating, we say things like, ‘Let’s hang out just a little longer’.”
:D I've only translated parts of this special feature because some pages are scattered all over the place with words and small columns.
Enjoy!
Part 2
From the time of their debut to their personalities!
We’ll show you all of Arashi’s secrets!
A serialization where Only★Star readers launches a direct attack with questions they’re interested in knowing the answers to. From the members’ feelings during their debut, to the different characters of each member, we’ve talked about it thoroughly. Let’s playback their interview.
DEBUT column
99.9.15 They, who debuted as “Arashi” on a ship in the waters of Hawaii. From the time of their formation until their debut song. We talked about their starting point.
Q : What did you first think when you heard about the group name “Arashi?”
Aiba : I thought, “Eh kanji (Chinese character)?” (laugh) But, I honestly wasn’t that reluctant ne. I thought, “On the other hand, isn’t kanji good?” It had a solid feel, I like it. Even now, I think that it’s great that I’m in “Arashi.” (08.6/#30)
Q : What did you first think when you heard your debut song “A.RA.SHI?”
Ninomiya : What did I think ne~ Well, I didn’t think of anything (laugh). Really, without thinking anything, our debut was decided upon, I only thought about “What should I do?” At that time I couldn’t think of anything. (08.7/#7)
Q : The member who has changed a lot ever since your debut?
Ohno : All of us didn’t change, basically. But, based on what we see (with our eyes), I guess it’s Matsujun. I knew him since he was really tiny during Jr., so it’s a change in his growth. (08.6/#9)
Aiba : Based on what we can see, I feel like Riida is getting younger by the day (laugh). (08.6/#30)
Q : Are there any “secrets” to your debut song?
Sakurai : On the CD jacket, there’s a huge “Arashi” on top of the image of 5 of us all lined up together. That was actually written by Johnny-san ne. He worked really hard on practicing, and before you know it, it was used on the jacket (laugh). I thought Johnny-san was really good with calligraphy. (08.6/#16)
Q : The first impression of the other members?
Ohno : (Sakurai) Sho-kun was cute. Aiba-chan, as far as I could see, had the image of a good boy. (08.6/#9)
Q : What were you thinking about when you found out about the formation of Arashi?
Matsumoto : It was like “Yay~!” (laugh) When I passed up my resume for Johnny’s, I had a dream that I entered a group and came out with a CD, so when it was confirmed I was really happy. It was during my first year of high school ne. (08.7/#14)
MUSIC column
“truth/Kaze no Mukou e” and “One Love,” which were both released last year, climbed to the #1 and #2 spots on the singles ranking of 2008. We asked a lot about these hit songs!
Q : Please tell us an episode that happened during the filming for the music video of “truth/Kaze no Mukou e.”
Ninomiya : I remembered that it was tough because we shot it for one whole day. During the live performance for “truth,” the strings (orchestra) behind our backs left an impact. (08.10/#6)
Q : What were your feelings like when you heard “Kaze no Mukou e” being aired during the Olympics?
Sakurai : It was a song with the common theme of “Even if things get difficult, let’s look forward” but depending on the situation I think it turns into a cheering song. (08.9/#22)
Q : “truth” has a slightly different feel compared to all the other songs so far. What was your impression when you first heard it?
Matsumoto : I knew that Riida (Ohno Satoshi)’s drama “Maou” was a “revenge drama” so I was wondering what kind of drama it would be. I looked forward to it, like “It’s here! I wonder if it’s this kind of (content) drama.” (08.9/#13)
LIVE column
Last year, Arashi had a huge success with their 5-dome tour as well as the second Asia tour. From the memories of their first solo to their concerns about their performances, we received a lot of information.
Q : What were your thoughts when your first solo live was confirmed as Arashi?
Ohno : Ah, I remember. At that time ne, it was really fun. Before our debut, I alone was in Kyoto the whole time, so I honestly wonder if there were any of my fans (laugh). In reality, I have the same number of fans who are supporting me compared to the other members, I was really happy. (08.7/#21)
Q : What are the things you did during lives that was Arashi-like?
Aiba : Isn’t it the fact that all the members want to get closer to the fans? Thinking about how we could accomplish that, we talked about using tools/machines and running, with the feeling of “Let’s get at least a little bit close to everyone!” (08.8/#11)
Q : The circle that is formed before the concert, are the things you say the same every time?
Matsumoto : Nope, it’s exciting. Exciting! (laugh) Basically we do it every time but it’s not decided upon. (08.7/#14)
CHARACTER column
The 5 charismatic members of Arashi with different unique personalities. In the character column, along with the questions from Only★Star readers, we tried to approach the personal charms of the members.
Arashi #1 : Most Shy
Ninomiya Kazunari
If we’re speaking about whether I’m skillful or not skillful, I guess I’m not skillful
To the readers’ comment of “His tsukkomi is like lightning,” he says, “That’s a good thing for a celebrity ne~.” When asked, “Who is the most shy person in Arashi?,” his unexpected confession was :
It’s me I guess. Actually, I’m not good at speaking in front of a lot of people (laugh). Though people think of me as the type who can talk anywhere ne. If I’m given the chance to talk I can do it, but if we’re speaking about whether I’m skillful or not skillful, I guess I’m not skillful.
Arashi #1 : Best At Cooking
Matsumoto Jun
Because I usually cook
To the readers’ comment of “He has the character of a DoS but he’s actually kind,” Matsumoto says, “If I don’t get this kind of chance I won’t know how I’m being looked as, so I won’t get much information. I don’t think of myself as someone who is good at calculations… Even if I calculate I’m the type that usually make mistakes (laugh).” When asked with the question of “Who is the best in cooking in Arashi?” he gives us a definite confession of a chef :
That’s undoubtedly me ne. Because usually I cook in my daily life.
Arashi #1 : Most Manly
Sakurai Sho
Though I’m not really that intellectual
Sakurai, who received a lot of comments like “Even though he is smart he is the most friendly.” His analysis was, “I’m not really that intellectual but as expected “NEWS ZERO” (NTV) has a big influence ne.” He was voted by Ohno and Aiba as the manlist in Arashi due to the reason that “Because when he makes mistakes, he can firmly claim that he made a mistake.” When asked about secrets that he keeps from the other members, he confessed, “There might be totally none… Because during tours there are lots of chances for us to be together.”
Arashi #1 : Most Doted Upon/Pampered
Ohno Satoshi
Because everyone is steady, I depend on them for everything
Being unexpectedly shy at the readers’ comment of “He has a relaxing character but he is rich with talents,” Ohno shows his natural side by saying, “I don’t know (laugh). What is it, I wonder~ Because I’m not conscious of it.” When asked with the question “Who is the most pampered/doted upon in Arashi?” he shows us his pampered character after smiling upon seeing the face of Ninomiya, who is sitting by his side : “There is not a day when I don’t depend on Nino (laugh). Though the days that I don’t depend on him are the days that I don’t meet him.”
Arashi #1 : Most Likely To Get Lonely Easily
Aiba Masaki
I give it all my best because I don’t want to leave any regrets
To the comment of a reader who says, “His mischievous side is like that of a child, it’s very cute,” Aiba says : “I give it all my best always, because I don’t want to leave any regrets.” Being “the one who thinks of Arashi the most,” Ohno comments that “Aiba-chan always repeats nonstop, ‘I’m glad I’m in Arashi~! Ne? Ne?’” Aiba himself analyses that he is the one who is most likely to get lonely easily in Arashi, and Matsumoto says that, “Aiba-kun and I get lonely really easily. After eating, we say things like, ‘Let’s hang out just a little longer’.”