[Translation] SMAP Magazine: "To me, SMAP is..." (Osamu Suzuki)
“To me, SMAP is…”
Osamu Suzuki (scriptwriter for TV and radio shows-he writes lots of SMAP shows including SXS): I first met Kimura-kun when I worked with him on a radio show. I was 22 years old. At that time, because it was very rare in our line of work to be able to work with someone who’s your same age, we were both very surprised. Around 2 years later SMAPXSMAP started airing, and it has been 14 years since then. I ended up being acquainted with SMAP for a very long time. Of course I know a lot of things about SMAP. But there are also things I can’t say here (smile).
I believe in miracles only when I am creating a SMAP show. One time, we did a SXS New Year countdown special. The plan was that Nakai would come to Fuji TV to join the other 4 members after he was done with Kouhaku hosting duties. Until then, the 4 members would wait for Nakai on the show while doing relay broadcasts with him. It just so happened that there was a big traffic jam and Nakai’s vehicle was not able to proceed to the TV station. Finally we had Nakai get on a motorbike to come to Fuji TV, but we were all worried that we would not make it on time. At the end of the show, we still proceeded with our original plans of them singing “Yozora no Mukou,” and Nakai slipped in at the last interlude. SMAP, finally as a whole, sang passionately until the end. The timing was so perfect it almost felt like it was scripted. If Nakai had not arrived on time what would have happened? (smile) That kind of miraculous moments repeated itself numerous times in the past 14 years. If I have to label them with one word, it would be “chikara” (power). And I mean the kind of power that produces miracles.
SMAP continues to create sensations. For idols to be able to achieve such success with a variety show on a golden time slot, it became a monument in TV history. As their power got bigger and changed, they exploded into hot commodities. However, what has not changed was the stress the 5 of them create. When I am at SMAP shows or filming sites I still get very anxious and nervous. In a good way, of course. If there was no stress, I would find myself taking an easy way out and not putting in good effort in my work. And SMAP always noticed and called me out on it, “Osamu, you were not giving your all in writing that skit.” (smile). On the other hand, they also praised me, “That show was entertaining.” I get quite happy about that. When I watched SMAP’s dramas and movies I got so amazed and moved that it motivated me to do better. I think that is how I survived in this line of work until now.
As a guy from the same generation as them, I envy how well they get along. They are not even related by blood, yet they stick together in this destiny called “SMAP.” When men grow up and become successful we find ourselves with less and less friends and comrades. While being rivals, please go ahead and criticize each other strictly, and respect each other. Please continue being the raw “admirable comrade” to each other.
Osamu Suzuki (scriptwriter for TV and radio shows-he writes lots of SMAP shows including SXS): I first met Kimura-kun when I worked with him on a radio show. I was 22 years old. At that time, because it was very rare in our line of work to be able to work with someone who’s your same age, we were both very surprised. Around 2 years later SMAPXSMAP started airing, and it has been 14 years since then. I ended up being acquainted with SMAP for a very long time. Of course I know a lot of things about SMAP. But there are also things I can’t say here (smile).
I believe in miracles only when I am creating a SMAP show. One time, we did a SXS New Year countdown special. The plan was that Nakai would come to Fuji TV to join the other 4 members after he was done with Kouhaku hosting duties. Until then, the 4 members would wait for Nakai on the show while doing relay broadcasts with him. It just so happened that there was a big traffic jam and Nakai’s vehicle was not able to proceed to the TV station. Finally we had Nakai get on a motorbike to come to Fuji TV, but we were all worried that we would not make it on time. At the end of the show, we still proceeded with our original plans of them singing “Yozora no Mukou,” and Nakai slipped in at the last interlude. SMAP, finally as a whole, sang passionately until the end. The timing was so perfect it almost felt like it was scripted. If Nakai had not arrived on time what would have happened? (smile) That kind of miraculous moments repeated itself numerous times in the past 14 years. If I have to label them with one word, it would be “chikara” (power). And I mean the kind of power that produces miracles.
SMAP continues to create sensations. For idols to be able to achieve such success with a variety show on a golden time slot, it became a monument in TV history. As their power got bigger and changed, they exploded into hot commodities. However, what has not changed was the stress the 5 of them create. When I am at SMAP shows or filming sites I still get very anxious and nervous. In a good way, of course. If there was no stress, I would find myself taking an easy way out and not putting in good effort in my work. And SMAP always noticed and called me out on it, “Osamu, you were not giving your all in writing that skit.” (smile). On the other hand, they also praised me, “That show was entertaining.” I get quite happy about that. When I watched SMAP’s dramas and movies I got so amazed and moved that it motivated me to do better. I think that is how I survived in this line of work until now.
As a guy from the same generation as them, I envy how well they get along. They are not even related by blood, yet they stick together in this destiny called “SMAP.” When men grow up and become successful we find ourselves with less and less friends and comrades. While being rivals, please go ahead and criticize each other strictly, and respect each other. Please continue being the raw “admirable comrade” to each other.