“To me, SMAP is…”

Isamu Nakae (Drama and movie director. Directed SMAP’s works such as “Gift,” “Sora kara furu ichioku no hoshi,” “Pride,” and “Bara no nai hanaya.”): I met SMAP when they were just around 20 years old and had just started to act. Frankly my first impression of them was, “They are not very idol-like.” They were very considerate ( Read more... )

Who’s Bag?  Kimura

“When I choose things I pay attention to if it is easy to use. Items that help me get into a good mood are a must.”

Kimura: I heard rumors that you guys will be checking what’s inside our bags, but you guys are really doing it huh? I didn’t put anything special in it, my bag only contains what I usually carry, is that ( Read more... )

Shigesato Itoi (copywriter): The first time I have met SMAP was around 17 years ago. At that time, my daughter, who was in elementary school, was a fan of Kimura-kun so I was going to get an autograph for her. But I didn’t have any connections with them, I didn’t even know who the boy “Kimura-kun” was. One time, at the final airing of a morning TV ( Read more... )

Rrosemary (photographer): Amongst SMAP members, I have the most history with Kimura-san. The first time I worked with him was around 1996. We went to Hong Kong together to do photo shoots for his photo book. We decided to have a meeting beforehand; Kimura-san came to pick me up in his car with his stylist Noguchi-san. Even though it was the first ( Read more... )

Terry Itou (director, entertainer): A wonderful woman who I used to admire was a SMAP fan. At that time she was having troubles in love and in life, even then she said, “When I listen to SMAP’s “Ganbarimashou” I get cheered up.” Were they that amazing!? That was the moment that I took some serious notice of SMAP. If I remember correctly it was in ( Read more... )

Who’s Bag?  Nakai

“I have used this bag for over 10 years. As long as I have my wallet and keys I can manage.”

Nakai: I have used this bag for more than 10 years already. Inside I always only have my keys, wallet, mobile phone, and my glasses. Excuse me for not having anything special inside my bag. I am so boring (smile). I am not too ( Read more... )

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 ( Read more... )

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 ( Read more... )

This is the wallet Kimura-kun gave me. It’s 22 years old!

Are you surprised it is so worn out? This wallet was given to me by Kimura-kun when I was 10 years old. Because I had always kept my change in my pants pockets messily, Kimura-kun gave me the wallet and said, “Use this!” So this is my very first wallet ever. When the fastener broke I just ( Read more... )