[Translation] SMAP Magazine: Memories of SMAP part 2
Memories of SMAP Part 2: Tsuyoshi Noguchi (stylist)
“The first time I worked with SMAP 19 years ago, I already thought that they were incredibly sharp and perceptive.”
Kimura Takuya and Noguchi Tsuyoshi had first met in a private setting and had gotten along well. One time, he received a call from Kimura-san.
“Kimura-kun called me, ‘I know you probably will say no, but I just want to ask if you want to be my stylist for the “New Year Talent Show*?”’ I said ‘Of course!’ immediately. Then he said, ‘It’s for all of us members, will it be OK?’ and I okayed immediately. That was the first time I have ever worked with Kimura-kun. I was shocked that he was the one who contacted me directly about the work and not his managers (smile). After that, I also became their stylist for their tour pamphlet. Those were the only two times I worked with all five of SMAP.”
While working with SMAP, Noguchi-san took notice of the one talent all members possessed. “ They were all incredibly perceptive. They understood immediately what the stylists, photographers, and staffs want from them, and they were able to go above and beyond to satisfy all the requests. This skill that they all possessed from a young age, became clearer and stronger as years goes by. I think this is probably the reason why they are able to remain in the top for over 20 years.”
From all the “AnAn” and “Popeye” photo shoots, the Hawaii location photo shoot left the biggest impression on Noguchi-san.
“Including the staffs there were only four of us, and Kimura-kun was very relaxed. He came with us staffs to hunt for good locations for the photo shoot-this is usually a job that only the staffs are involved. When we discussed the layout he also put in his ideas right from the start. In terms of actively participating in the whole creative process, Kimura-kun has not changed one bit after all these years. On scene when the staffs met and discussed the photo shoot, he was always hovering on the side listening attentively, putting all his effort in giving the best results. Someday I want this Kimura-kun to film me in a fashion photo shoot. Of course I will be my own stylist.”
In the days to come, what does he want SMAP to challenge?
“I want them to express ‘evilness.’ I want them to go wild, look dirty. I mean, just imagining how SMAP will act out their dark side, doesn’t that make you all excited?”
*”New Year Talent Show” I think is the show from 1993 where all 6 of them had to do crazy acrobatic stunts and some of them got really injured and they were all emotional/crying when they finished their performance.
“The first time I worked with SMAP 19 years ago, I already thought that they were incredibly sharp and perceptive.”
Kimura Takuya and Noguchi Tsuyoshi had first met in a private setting and had gotten along well. One time, he received a call from Kimura-san.
“Kimura-kun called me, ‘I know you probably will say no, but I just want to ask if you want to be my stylist for the “New Year Talent Show*?”’ I said ‘Of course!’ immediately. Then he said, ‘It’s for all of us members, will it be OK?’ and I okayed immediately. That was the first time I have ever worked with Kimura-kun. I was shocked that he was the one who contacted me directly about the work and not his managers (smile). After that, I also became their stylist for their tour pamphlet. Those were the only two times I worked with all five of SMAP.”
While working with SMAP, Noguchi-san took notice of the one talent all members possessed. “ They were all incredibly perceptive. They understood immediately what the stylists, photographers, and staffs want from them, and they were able to go above and beyond to satisfy all the requests. This skill that they all possessed from a young age, became clearer and stronger as years goes by. I think this is probably the reason why they are able to remain in the top for over 20 years.”
From all the “AnAn” and “Popeye” photo shoots, the Hawaii location photo shoot left the biggest impression on Noguchi-san.
“Including the staffs there were only four of us, and Kimura-kun was very relaxed. He came with us staffs to hunt for good locations for the photo shoot-this is usually a job that only the staffs are involved. When we discussed the layout he also put in his ideas right from the start. In terms of actively participating in the whole creative process, Kimura-kun has not changed one bit after all these years. On scene when the staffs met and discussed the photo shoot, he was always hovering on the side listening attentively, putting all his effort in giving the best results. Someday I want this Kimura-kun to film me in a fashion photo shoot. Of course I will be my own stylist.”
In the days to come, what does he want SMAP to challenge?
“I want them to express ‘evilness.’ I want them to go wild, look dirty. I mean, just imagining how SMAP will act out their dark side, doesn’t that make you all excited?”
*”New Year Talent Show” I think is the show from 1993 where all 6 of them had to do crazy acrobatic stunts and some of them got really injured and they were all emotional/crying when they finished their performance.