[POTATO March 2008] KAT-TUN
When the internet doesn't entertain me enough, this happens. D:
All six members, for once. 珍しくno discrimination. XD
"Kindness"
KAME
Right now, I'm working hard in filming the drama "One Pound Gospel" (Nihon TV Saturdays 9PM). It's a comedy, but we get all the punch lines we can and the plot has lots of ups and downs, so I think that people who watch it can enjoy it in a variety of different ways. And, Yamada (Ryosuke), who is in many of the happenings at the set, really laughs a lot (laugh). Even though his character is supposed to be cool, if I do something even a little bit funny, he doesn't stop laughing. Oh, well, that's part of what makes him cute, and it's a lot better than him being nervous or overly polite to me. It makes me happy, too, if we can work as members of the same production team, rather than as a senior-junior hierarchy.
[(POTATO) -- That comment really expresses Kamenashi-kun's kindness, doesn't it?] Umm, I'm not really conscious of being particularly "unkind" when I do anything, really. And, this wil start to relate to this time's theme, but I personally think that "kindness" is not just saying sugary things on the surface level. Sometimes, being able to say things that are critical or scolding others is also included in "kindness." So, in respect to Yamada, and any other juniors, I want to let them know when I think there's something I should caution them about. On the other hand, if someone above me were to correct something I did, I would take it in graciously, and think of it as something they brought up out of fondness. When do I feel the kindness amongst KAT-TUN members? Whenever someone isn't at his best, we have a natural atmopshere in which everyone else gets together to cover him. Until now, there have actually been a lot of times like that, and I think that we are automatically able to bring out our kindnesses to one another.
JIN
Up until last month, my days were really packed because of drama filming, but recently things have been really relaxed, as if to balance out all the busy-ness (laugh). [The interview took place in mid-January.] I'm spending my days really normally with the friends I always hang out with. Do I feel like doing anything special? ...Not really (laugh). I don't need to do anything exciting or flashy, just having my friends with me is all I need. So, I'll go on to our theme this time now. "Kindness" as I see it is probably being considerate. To give an easy example, sports is like that, right? You always have to be thinking about the people on your team as you move, so I think that that embodies the spirit of consideration for others. It would be great if that kind of sentiment could be pulled into everyday living, too. [(POTATO) -- Are you acting on those feelings?] I always try to keep my friends in mind as I do things. After all, they're more important to me than anything else, and I would do anything for them. Or, in terms of my personality, people are either 0 or 100, so I'm told that it's really easy to tell by my attitude whether or not I want to treasure a person (laugh). When do I feel the kindness of the other members? For example, when someone makes a mistake at a concert or something and another member casually backs them up-- I think all of us have that kind of kindness for each other. I bet no one else thinks of that as kindness, though, because as our career has built up, those sorts of things develop unconsciously.
Lastly, to pick something that gives me warmth.... floor heating! (laugh) I get cold easily, so it helps a lot when I warm up from my feet. When the room is warm, somehow it allows me to feel at peace (laugh).
TAGUCHI
This winter is especially cold, isn't it? I'm not good with the cold, so I'm thinking of relaxing comfortably in the house by myself as long as I can until spring comes (laugh). If I were to go out, it would be to the hot springs, or just some place where I could pass the time in warmth. Also, lately, I've been playing with my friend's nephew a lot, but he's really cute! He's 2 years old right now, and he's really attached to me -- he always comes up to sit on my knees. And, if I don't acknowledge him, he even sulks really cutely (laugh). Watching him really warms my heart. I want my own children someday ♥ I'll definitely play with them a lot. By the way, if I have a child, it doesn't matter whether it's a boy or a girl, I plan to have him/her learn to play billiards for sure (laugh).
On to talking about work. Our new single, LIPS, was finally released! It has a really hard feel to it, and it's very KAT-TUN-like -- I think it also fits Kame's drama well, too. It's also a song that will get the crowd really pumped up at concerts, I bet. I'm looking forward to that already!
Next, on the theme, "kindness." I think that kindness means supporting another person casually. For example, striking up a conversation with a friend when he or she is feeling down. Afterwards, I don't think you particularly need to do anything tangible for them. Rather, it also counts as kindness if you just let them be. Basically the act of talking to them has meaning. I can't measure for myself how much kindness I currently possess, but I am always with the hope that I can treat the people around me with an unconditional, nonchalant kindness.
KOKI
To start with something recent, a friend and I suddenly got on the topic of wanting to see dams (laugh), so we decided to just go to one. Wow~ it was really cool [(POTATO) What is the allure of dams?] It's that view, the water! Mountains! ...that kind of thing. There's such a majestic atmosphere, and looking at it is very healing.
Now, on to the theme. If we're talking about things that give me warmth, then, of course, that's Sakura (Koki's dog). She really warms up my heart. It's as if she can read my emotions right away, so right when I start to get irritated, she runs to me and starts licking my face. I become a lot gentler in an instant, thinking, "Ohh~ you were worried about me, huh? I'm sorry, I'm okay now." Plus, my house is heated from the floors, so even when I'm lying on the floor with Sakura watching DVDs or something, I feel her warmth in a lot of different ways (laugh). Apparently, floor heating feels good for dogs, too. But, sometimes, Sakura likes to climb onto my chest and get in the way. One of my friends witnessed this recently, and he was really surprised, "It's the first time I've ever seen a life form interfere with your DVD watching without getting yelled at!" (laugh).
Next, about "kindness." First of all, I hope to treat all of my friends with unconditional kindness. I would do anything for them, and I want to help them out wherever and whenever I can. I don't know how much of that I have been able to convey, but it doesn't matter if it hasn't all gone through because the most important thing is that I feel this way. Work-wise, I've been able to get this far as a result of the hard work and love put in by the staff and people who have helped me, so I feel everyone's kindness all the time. In order to maintain good relations from here on forward, the only way is to continue to produce good things.
UEDA
The theme this time is "kindness"?! That fits in perfectly! To tell the truth, my resolution for this year is "to become a kind person" (laugh). Even if I say that, though, it's not a really big deal, but it just means I want to be able to take others into consideration casually when I act. Things like keeping the elevator door open and waiting when there are people who are rushing to catch it, for example. It would be great if I could do little things like that naturally.
Also, I think it's important to be able to take everyone's feelings into account even when in groups. Basically, I want to be a person who is always aware of the situation and able to act accordingly. To say it more simply, it's reading the atmosphere. That's really important, isn't it? You can't be a KY (someone who can't read the atmosphere)! (laugh) Within KAT-TUN, I think that everyone is pretty much able to judge situations that way. If someone isn't doing well, we leave him alone as much as we can and do whatever we can for him, or even tease him to try to better his mood... even I'm surprisingly good at considerations like that (laugh). Rather, in the midst of working together for so long, we've naturally grown to go about things while trying to mutually support one another.
Speaking of kindness, the staff that we meet during jobs are always really nice. They are always very considerate, and while I'm thankful for it, it almost makes me feel bad.... (laugh). But everyone is able to act appropriately in different situations, and I think it's really impressive. In my private life, my friends are all people like that, too. I'm really grateful for being lucky enough to have so many good people around me. At the end, it looks like my definition of kindness = being able to read the atmosphere = people who are considerate.
NAKAMARU
Just the other day, I went to a Korean restaurant that I really like and the Soon Tofu Chigae (Spicy tofu soup) was delicious! It was a little bit spicy, and while I was eating it, my whole body warmed up. That's what you call a "warming moment" (laugh). One more thing. A while ago, I picked up a commuter pass at the train station. Thinking, "Guh, the person who lost this must be really worried!" I brought it over to the front office and then I was in a really good mood because I had just done a good deed. As a result, I missed an earlier train, but that's not a big deal (laugh). After that, I participated in the "Charity Music-thon" (?), which turned out to be a really heart-warming event. I'm really glad to have been invited to attend!
On my definition of "kindness"... the ability to take others' needs into account from behind the scenes. People who support you naturally and who you can go to for help or advice are genuinely kind. On the other hand, people who use it to show off or try to force things on you are not people I can trust. No matter how much others say that he or she is nice, I won't feel as if I can be close to that person. I,too, want to be the type of genuinely warm person who helps and thinks of others even when no one is watching. Just as there is a proverb that says "A kindness is never lost," when you do something good for someone else, I think it does come back to you. Finally, on the topic of our new single, LIPS-- the tempo is fast, and it seems like a song that will really rouse up the audience at concerts. The PV is also shaping up to look really cool, so I hope that lots of people will watch it!
HEART BEAT KAT-TUN {Vol 29}
"If KAT-TUN were anything, we would be nail polish. There are lots of different colors, and they compete on your nails in accordance with their own personality and preferences." That was this month's analogy King's phrase (laugh). True to those words, many colorful comments that embody everyone's distinct characteristcs came flying!
DOCTOR SMILE (This Month's Doctor: Nakamaru Yuuchi)
Nakamaru: Why don't you try finding an opportunity to talk properly?
Concern:
There's this boy I've known since I was young. When we were little, I've heard that we got along really well, but recently, even when we just pass each other in the hallway, he says mean things to me. I've told him to stop multiple times, but he shows no signs of listening. Truthfully, I'm kind of scared that he will do even worse things down the line.
from Saitama Prefecture, Nakamaru-kun Daisuki♥
This is the Answer!
He may be treating you like that because he wants you to acknowledge him. No matter how old guys get, they have some element of that in them (laugh). You shouldn't think about it too negatively, but... after all, it's not fun when people are mean. I think it would be good to find an opportunity to really talk to him. I'll be hoping that things turn out better for you! Let us know what happens!
ORETACHI MOUSOUZOKU (Fantasizing Time!)
What if KAT-TUN were girls...?
UEDA: I think Kame would be a girl who is aware of his looks, in a good way.
AKANISHI: Ah, that may be true. He would probably be really popular with the guys.
U: Yeah. And Akanishi would be a trendy modern girl, with higher than normal pride.
A: I doubt I would be very popular (laugh). Of all six of us, Taguchi would probably be the only cute girl (laugh).
U: I know what you mean! But his fashion sense would probably be questionable (laugh). And Koki would definitely be the "gyaru" type.
A: Yeah, the type who hangs around Shibuya. Ueda... I can't really imagine.
U: Maybe the type who looks serious but in reality plays a lot. What about Nakamaru?
A: Ummm, a normal girl? (laugh)
U: Exactly. He seems like he would be a regular college student in a normal relationship.
A: These are surprisingly difficult... (laugh)
MEZASE! TATOE KING (Aim for it! Analogy King)
If KAT-TUN were things you can wear/accessorize with...
KAMENASHI ... decorated hairpin
Because he brings together unruly hair with a skinny body. It means he's doing good work.
AKANISHI ... geta (sandal) strap
At first glance, it looks like it will rip, but it's surprisingly tough, and you can't have a geta at all without the strap.
TAGUCHI ... anklet
If you're wearing pants, you can't see it, but in reality, it's an important piece, like the strong roots under greenery.
KOKI ... crown
Well, of course, since I'm the Analogy King, I have to have a crown (laugh). Otherwise, I can settle for the thrones that the King sits on (laugh).
UEDA ... hakama
Hakama at first look like they're hard to wear, but once you're used to it, it fits like a glove. It has its distinct feel, too.
NAKAMARU ... earring
Even if you can't normally see it underneath the hair, sometimes it shines out unexpectedly. It looks ordinary, but it's important!
KAT-TUN SCHEDULE HYOU (Schedule Chart)
TV
Cartoon KAT-TUN
Nihon TV
Every Wednesday 23:58~
One Pound Gospel
Nihon TV
Every Saturday 21:00~ (Kamenashi)
The Shounen Club
NHK-BS2, NHK-BShi
First and Second Sunday 18:00 (Nakamaru)
RADIO
KAT-TUN STYLE
Nippon Broadcasting
Every Monday ~ Friday
23:30 ~ (Akanishi, Taguchi)
R-One KAT-TUN
Bunka Broadcasting
Every Wednesday
24:00~ (Ueda, Nakamaru)
KAT-TUN MICCHAKU 24JI "cartoon KAT-TUN"
{...maybe later. Just watch the episode?}
Scans from munkyxx at boys_paper can be found at this post.
Translated by risa! / bonjovial.
In retrospect that was not a horribly exciting topic as they all kind of said the same thing, but whatever. Perhaps I need to assess whether something is worth translating before I get through half the group. The pretending KAT-TUN are girls!!! part was cute, though! ♥~
All six members, for once. 珍しくno discrimination. XD
"Kindness"
KAME
Right now, I'm working hard in filming the drama "One Pound Gospel" (Nihon TV Saturdays 9PM). It's a comedy, but we get all the punch lines we can and the plot has lots of ups and downs, so I think that people who watch it can enjoy it in a variety of different ways. And, Yamada (Ryosuke), who is in many of the happenings at the set, really laughs a lot (laugh). Even though his character is supposed to be cool, if I do something even a little bit funny, he doesn't stop laughing. Oh, well, that's part of what makes him cute, and it's a lot better than him being nervous or overly polite to me. It makes me happy, too, if we can work as members of the same production team, rather than as a senior-junior hierarchy.
[(POTATO) -- That comment really expresses Kamenashi-kun's kindness, doesn't it?] Umm, I'm not really conscious of being particularly "unkind" when I do anything, really. And, this wil start to relate to this time's theme, but I personally think that "kindness" is not just saying sugary things on the surface level. Sometimes, being able to say things that are critical or scolding others is also included in "kindness." So, in respect to Yamada, and any other juniors, I want to let them know when I think there's something I should caution them about. On the other hand, if someone above me were to correct something I did, I would take it in graciously, and think of it as something they brought up out of fondness. When do I feel the kindness amongst KAT-TUN members? Whenever someone isn't at his best, we have a natural atmopshere in which everyone else gets together to cover him. Until now, there have actually been a lot of times like that, and I think that we are automatically able to bring out our kindnesses to one another.
JIN
Up until last month, my days were really packed because of drama filming, but recently things have been really relaxed, as if to balance out all the busy-ness (laugh). [The interview took place in mid-January.] I'm spending my days really normally with the friends I always hang out with. Do I feel like doing anything special? ...Not really (laugh). I don't need to do anything exciting or flashy, just having my friends with me is all I need. So, I'll go on to our theme this time now. "Kindness" as I see it is probably being considerate. To give an easy example, sports is like that, right? You always have to be thinking about the people on your team as you move, so I think that that embodies the spirit of consideration for others. It would be great if that kind of sentiment could be pulled into everyday living, too. [(POTATO) -- Are you acting on those feelings?] I always try to keep my friends in mind as I do things. After all, they're more important to me than anything else, and I would do anything for them. Or, in terms of my personality, people are either 0 or 100, so I'm told that it's really easy to tell by my attitude whether or not I want to treasure a person (laugh). When do I feel the kindness of the other members? For example, when someone makes a mistake at a concert or something and another member casually backs them up-- I think all of us have that kind of kindness for each other. I bet no one else thinks of that as kindness, though, because as our career has built up, those sorts of things develop unconsciously.
Lastly, to pick something that gives me warmth.... floor heating! (laugh) I get cold easily, so it helps a lot when I warm up from my feet. When the room is warm, somehow it allows me to feel at peace (laugh).
TAGUCHI
This winter is especially cold, isn't it? I'm not good with the cold, so I'm thinking of relaxing comfortably in the house by myself as long as I can until spring comes (laugh). If I were to go out, it would be to the hot springs, or just some place where I could pass the time in warmth. Also, lately, I've been playing with my friend's nephew a lot, but he's really cute! He's 2 years old right now, and he's really attached to me -- he always comes up to sit on my knees. And, if I don't acknowledge him, he even sulks really cutely (laugh). Watching him really warms my heart. I want my own children someday ♥ I'll definitely play with them a lot. By the way, if I have a child, it doesn't matter whether it's a boy or a girl, I plan to have him/her learn to play billiards for sure (laugh).
On to talking about work. Our new single, LIPS, was finally released! It has a really hard feel to it, and it's very KAT-TUN-like -- I think it also fits Kame's drama well, too. It's also a song that will get the crowd really pumped up at concerts, I bet. I'm looking forward to that already!
Next, on the theme, "kindness." I think that kindness means supporting another person casually. For example, striking up a conversation with a friend when he or she is feeling down. Afterwards, I don't think you particularly need to do anything tangible for them. Rather, it also counts as kindness if you just let them be. Basically the act of talking to them has meaning. I can't measure for myself how much kindness I currently possess, but I am always with the hope that I can treat the people around me with an unconditional, nonchalant kindness.
KOKI
To start with something recent, a friend and I suddenly got on the topic of wanting to see dams (laugh), so we decided to just go to one. Wow~ it was really cool [(POTATO) What is the allure of dams?] It's that view, the water! Mountains! ...that kind of thing. There's such a majestic atmosphere, and looking at it is very healing.
Now, on to the theme. If we're talking about things that give me warmth, then, of course, that's Sakura (Koki's dog). She really warms up my heart. It's as if she can read my emotions right away, so right when I start to get irritated, she runs to me and starts licking my face. I become a lot gentler in an instant, thinking, "Ohh~ you were worried about me, huh? I'm sorry, I'm okay now." Plus, my house is heated from the floors, so even when I'm lying on the floor with Sakura watching DVDs or something, I feel her warmth in a lot of different ways (laugh). Apparently, floor heating feels good for dogs, too. But, sometimes, Sakura likes to climb onto my chest and get in the way. One of my friends witnessed this recently, and he was really surprised, "It's the first time I've ever seen a life form interfere with your DVD watching without getting yelled at!" (laugh).
Next, about "kindness." First of all, I hope to treat all of my friends with unconditional kindness. I would do anything for them, and I want to help them out wherever and whenever I can. I don't know how much of that I have been able to convey, but it doesn't matter if it hasn't all gone through because the most important thing is that I feel this way. Work-wise, I've been able to get this far as a result of the hard work and love put in by the staff and people who have helped me, so I feel everyone's kindness all the time. In order to maintain good relations from here on forward, the only way is to continue to produce good things.
UEDA
The theme this time is "kindness"?! That fits in perfectly! To tell the truth, my resolution for this year is "to become a kind person" (laugh). Even if I say that, though, it's not a really big deal, but it just means I want to be able to take others into consideration casually when I act. Things like keeping the elevator door open and waiting when there are people who are rushing to catch it, for example. It would be great if I could do little things like that naturally.
Also, I think it's important to be able to take everyone's feelings into account even when in groups. Basically, I want to be a person who is always aware of the situation and able to act accordingly. To say it more simply, it's reading the atmosphere. That's really important, isn't it? You can't be a KY (someone who can't read the atmosphere)! (laugh) Within KAT-TUN, I think that everyone is pretty much able to judge situations that way. If someone isn't doing well, we leave him alone as much as we can and do whatever we can for him, or even tease him to try to better his mood... even I'm surprisingly good at considerations like that (laugh). Rather, in the midst of working together for so long, we've naturally grown to go about things while trying to mutually support one another.
Speaking of kindness, the staff that we meet during jobs are always really nice. They are always very considerate, and while I'm thankful for it, it almost makes me feel bad.... (laugh). But everyone is able to act appropriately in different situations, and I think it's really impressive. In my private life, my friends are all people like that, too. I'm really grateful for being lucky enough to have so many good people around me. At the end, it looks like my definition of kindness = being able to read the atmosphere = people who are considerate.
NAKAMARU
Just the other day, I went to a Korean restaurant that I really like and the Soon Tofu Chigae (Spicy tofu soup) was delicious! It was a little bit spicy, and while I was eating it, my whole body warmed up. That's what you call a "warming moment" (laugh). One more thing. A while ago, I picked up a commuter pass at the train station. Thinking, "Guh, the person who lost this must be really worried!" I brought it over to the front office and then I was in a really good mood because I had just done a good deed. As a result, I missed an earlier train, but that's not a big deal (laugh). After that, I participated in the "Charity Music-thon" (?), which turned out to be a really heart-warming event. I'm really glad to have been invited to attend!
On my definition of "kindness"... the ability to take others' needs into account from behind the scenes. People who support you naturally and who you can go to for help or advice are genuinely kind. On the other hand, people who use it to show off or try to force things on you are not people I can trust. No matter how much others say that he or she is nice, I won't feel as if I can be close to that person. I,too, want to be the type of genuinely warm person who helps and thinks of others even when no one is watching. Just as there is a proverb that says "A kindness is never lost," when you do something good for someone else, I think it does come back to you. Finally, on the topic of our new single, LIPS-- the tempo is fast, and it seems like a song that will really rouse up the audience at concerts. The PV is also shaping up to look really cool, so I hope that lots of people will watch it!
HEART BEAT KAT-TUN {Vol 29}
"If KAT-TUN were anything, we would be nail polish. There are lots of different colors, and they compete on your nails in accordance with their own personality and preferences." That was this month's analogy King's phrase (laugh). True to those words, many colorful comments that embody everyone's distinct characteristcs came flying!
DOCTOR SMILE (This Month's Doctor: Nakamaru Yuuchi)
Nakamaru: Why don't you try finding an opportunity to talk properly?
Concern:
There's this boy I've known since I was young. When we were little, I've heard that we got along really well, but recently, even when we just pass each other in the hallway, he says mean things to me. I've told him to stop multiple times, but he shows no signs of listening. Truthfully, I'm kind of scared that he will do even worse things down the line.
from Saitama Prefecture, Nakamaru-kun Daisuki♥
This is the Answer!
He may be treating you like that because he wants you to acknowledge him. No matter how old guys get, they have some element of that in them (laugh). You shouldn't think about it too negatively, but... after all, it's not fun when people are mean. I think it would be good to find an opportunity to really talk to him. I'll be hoping that things turn out better for you! Let us know what happens!
ORETACHI MOUSOUZOKU (Fantasizing Time!)
What if KAT-TUN were girls...?
UEDA: I think Kame would be a girl who is aware of his looks, in a good way.
AKANISHI: Ah, that may be true. He would probably be really popular with the guys.
U: Yeah. And Akanishi would be a trendy modern girl, with higher than normal pride.
A: I doubt I would be very popular (laugh). Of all six of us, Taguchi would probably be the only cute girl (laugh).
U: I know what you mean! But his fashion sense would probably be questionable (laugh). And Koki would definitely be the "gyaru" type.
A: Yeah, the type who hangs around Shibuya. Ueda... I can't really imagine.
U: Maybe the type who looks serious but in reality plays a lot. What about Nakamaru?
A: Ummm, a normal girl? (laugh)
U: Exactly. He seems like he would be a regular college student in a normal relationship.
A: These are surprisingly difficult... (laugh)
MEZASE! TATOE KING (Aim for it! Analogy King)
If KAT-TUN were things you can wear/accessorize with...
KAMENASHI ... decorated hairpin
Because he brings together unruly hair with a skinny body. It means he's doing good work.
AKANISHI ... geta (sandal) strap
At first glance, it looks like it will rip, but it's surprisingly tough, and you can't have a geta at all without the strap.
TAGUCHI ... anklet
If you're wearing pants, you can't see it, but in reality, it's an important piece, like the strong roots under greenery.
KOKI ... crown
Well, of course, since I'm the Analogy King, I have to have a crown (laugh). Otherwise, I can settle for the thrones that the King sits on (laugh).
UEDA ... hakama
Hakama at first look like they're hard to wear, but once you're used to it, it fits like a glove. It has its distinct feel, too.
NAKAMARU ... earring
Even if you can't normally see it underneath the hair, sometimes it shines out unexpectedly. It looks ordinary, but it's important!
KAT-TUN SCHEDULE HYOU (Schedule Chart)
TV
Cartoon KAT-TUN
Nihon TV
Every Wednesday 23:58~
One Pound Gospel
Nihon TV
Every Saturday 21:00~ (Kamenashi)
The Shounen Club
NHK-BS2, NHK-BShi
First and Second Sunday 18:00 (Nakamaru)
RADIO
KAT-TUN STYLE
Nippon Broadcasting
Every Monday ~ Friday
23:30 ~ (Akanishi, Taguchi)
R-One KAT-TUN
Bunka Broadcasting
Every Wednesday
24:00~ (Ueda, Nakamaru)
KAT-TUN MICCHAKU 24JI "cartoon KAT-TUN"
{...maybe later. Just watch the episode?}
Scans from munkyxx at boys_paper can be found at this post.
Translated by risa! / bonjovial.
In retrospect that was not a horribly exciting topic as they all kind of said the same thing, but whatever. Perhaps I need to assess whether something is worth translating before I get through half the group. The pretending KAT-TUN are girls!!! part was cute, though! ♥~