[Translation] SMAP Magazine: Memories of SMAP part 1
Memories of SMAP: Part 1 Tomoki Sukezane (Stylist)
“SMAP, who rewrote the history of idols. Looking forward to their next step.”
Tomoki Sukazane first met SMAP in 1994 when they worked together in a commercial. He remains their main stylist for the next 16 years. From the eyes of Tomoki-san, who has closely witnessed the transition of SMAP from idols to big stars, how does he see SMAP?
“The first time we worked together on a commercial, everyone had to film a solo cut. Even though they were all improvising to express the given theme, they gave really funny reactions. My impression of them at that time was, ‘What a unique group!’ However, back then I think they still haven’t settled into their individual roles in the group called ‘SMAP.’ Year after year they probably grew more conscious of each of their positions within the group.”
Tomoki-san believed it was due to the show “SMAPXSMAP.” “Actually I was their stylist for SMAPXSMAP promotions, my gut told me, while working with them, that it would be an entertaining show. Even though until then no one had thought of having idols do comedic skits, there were many corners in the show that showcased each of their personalities. From that experience, each member probably had again recognized their strengths. Even in styling we had emphasized their individuality. When it comes to vintage jeans you think of Kusanagi-kun; when it comes to trends you think of Goro-chan, and so on.”
As for working with individual members, the job that left the strongest impression on him was the location photoshoot in Kagoshima with Kimura Takuya in “Popeye” magazine, 2010 May issue.
“Even though I have been behind the camera before, because it had been a long time since I worked with Kimura-kun, I was actually a little nervous (smile). As soon as I peaked into the finder, he immediately understood what I was looking for in that shot. His intuition in front of the camera was top notch, as always. I think this applies to all of the members as well.”
Because they are able to take notice of the intention behind each creation, they are able to survive in this industry as top stars.
“Shingo-chan likes to please so he always makes everyone around him happy. This probably came from his strong will to respect people in general. As for Nakai-kun, he never sways away from what he thinks SMAP should be like. That’s why when we film the whole group I always think, ‘If I were Nakai-kun, how would I feel about this?’ Nakai-kun always forms the best visuals in any setting that he is in.
“SMAP, who rewrote the history of idols. Looking forward to their next step.”
Tomoki Sukazane first met SMAP in 1994 when they worked together in a commercial. He remains their main stylist for the next 16 years. From the eyes of Tomoki-san, who has closely witnessed the transition of SMAP from idols to big stars, how does he see SMAP?
“The first time we worked together on a commercial, everyone had to film a solo cut. Even though they were all improvising to express the given theme, they gave really funny reactions. My impression of them at that time was, ‘What a unique group!’ However, back then I think they still haven’t settled into their individual roles in the group called ‘SMAP.’ Year after year they probably grew more conscious of each of their positions within the group.”
Tomoki-san believed it was due to the show “SMAPXSMAP.” “Actually I was their stylist for SMAPXSMAP promotions, my gut told me, while working with them, that it would be an entertaining show. Even though until then no one had thought of having idols do comedic skits, there were many corners in the show that showcased each of their personalities. From that experience, each member probably had again recognized their strengths. Even in styling we had emphasized their individuality. When it comes to vintage jeans you think of Kusanagi-kun; when it comes to trends you think of Goro-chan, and so on.”
As for working with individual members, the job that left the strongest impression on him was the location photoshoot in Kagoshima with Kimura Takuya in “Popeye” magazine, 2010 May issue.
“Even though I have been behind the camera before, because it had been a long time since I worked with Kimura-kun, I was actually a little nervous (smile). As soon as I peaked into the finder, he immediately understood what I was looking for in that shot. His intuition in front of the camera was top notch, as always. I think this applies to all of the members as well.”
Because they are able to take notice of the intention behind each creation, they are able to survive in this industry as top stars.
“Shingo-chan likes to please so he always makes everyone around him happy. This probably came from his strong will to respect people in general. As for Nakai-kun, he never sways away from what he thinks SMAP should be like. That’s why when we film the whole group I always think, ‘If I were Nakai-kun, how would I feel about this?’ Nakai-kun always forms the best visuals in any setting that he is in.