Johnny's WEST relationship charts: May 2014 vs. June 2015
A self-described relationship chart between the members of Johnny's WEST was published in Myojo May 2014, and in honor of their first anniversary, they did it again in June 2015. I found the changes pretty interesting (and telling of how much the members' relationships have shifted in just one year) so I thought I'd share translations of the charts for anyone interested.
I usually like to provide transcriptions of the Japanese, but they make the text unwieldy in this format so I'm foregoing them this time; sorry about that.
Translation by me. Please credit if using! God bless yoshiko_mama for the original scans.
May 2014
The person I can relax around 「We can talk about anything. There was one night we were in the same hotel room and we talked together naked (laugh).」
Our trip home is the same 「Our homes are in the same direction, so we often talk on the way home. He's older than I am but I can be on the same level with him.」
June 2015
My emotional support 「I can talk to him completely unadorned. When things get tough, he's the person I want to talk to most.」
Like my lover 「Our route home is the same, but lately we haven't been able to go home together and apparently he's been lonely.」
May 2014
Inseparable (unfortunately)* 「We've been working together ever since just after we became Juniors. We probably won't part ways for the rest of our lives.」
*腐れ縁 kusare-en literally means "rotten bond".
We understand each other without words 「We understand each other even without speaking more than we need to. We can read what the other's thinking.」
June 2015
Air 「We've worked together foreeeever, so he's basically like air -- it's only natural that he's right there by my side.」
The person who understands me with zero words 「Even without going out of my way to say "this is rough" when I'm down, he always notices.」
May 2014
Outing and chatting partner 「Our tastes are similar so it's fun to talk. We've also gone to the zoo together and taken pictures in front of the pandas.」
The target for my pranks 「His reactions are good so he's worth messing with! When we're messing around with each other, it's really funny!」
June 2015
Someone I want to see sometimes 「He's seriously energetic and often bugs me uselessly, so if I see him every day I get tired (laugh). Just occasionally is fine.」
Idea Man 「He's full of ideas and comes up with all kinds of plans. He's full of promise. The brain leader*!」
*担当 tantou means the person in charge of a specific role or area.
May 2014
Fan buddy 「We like the same artists, so we watch DVDs together and sometimes make expeditions out to Nagoya (laugh).」
The onii-chan I can be spoiled with 「When I'm buying clothes, if I can't decide on something I message Junta-kun. He always makes a decision and replies back right away.」
June 2015
Friend 「When I'm buying clothes and accessories, I always ask Kami-chan, "Which one's good?"」
Otaku friend 「We like the same artists and brands. We exchange information and go shopping together.」
May 2014
I'm surprised by his passionate opinions 「Since becoming part of the same group, I learned that he's the passionate type who talks clearly about his opinions. Such a surprise!」
The on-stage unexpected pass demon 「During Naniwa Zamurai, he threw a pass at me at a "why now?" moment. Someday, I'll get my payback!」
June 2015
The person I talk to most 「When thinking about the structure of concerts and such, I'm often doing things with Ryusei. Without realizing it he's the person I talk to most.」
He's a kid who seems like an adult 「When the members are getting too rowdy, he pulls things together. But he's actually got a childish side, too...」
May 2014
Senpai for love talk 「I ask for his advice on things like "Do you think an older woman or a younger woman would be good for me?" Even though he's nine years younger than I am (laugh).」
Taste buddy 「Even though within the group we're the farthest apart in age, we unexpectedly have the same taste in clothes and accessories~」
June 2015
Younger brother 「Because he's a spoiled child. And it's also good that when he does something bad and I get mad at him, he listens properly even while sulking about it.」
Toy 「When I want to mess with someone, he's the person I mess with. Recently he's been letting me call him "Junta"*.」
*Instead of "Junta-kun", with honorifics.
May 2014
Playmate 「Outside of work we go fishing and to karaoke together. When we have free time we often hang out.」
Someone who's absolutely critical to the group 「Tackey (Takizawa Hideaki) also said, "Hamada is absolutely critical." We've got a comedic atmosphere that only we can create.」
June 2015
Comrade in arms 「When we appear on TV shows, we think the same things so we're able to have exchanges that are in sync.」
The person who understands my humor 「There's a kind of humor that only Hama-chan understands. That's why during concerts we can create a unique kind of comedy!」
May 2014
Someone I turn to for advice 「Shige's good at listening, so I ask for his advice on everything. But I'm also asked for advice from him, too.」
An aroma-like person 「Just by his being there he relaxes you, and it's easy to be with him. This is LOVE at this point, isn't it?」
June 2015
Stupid younger brother 「He heals my heart. He just does stupid things, and he lets me enjoy myself!」
Gymnast 「I'm worried about whether his joints hurt after long years of acrobatics. He's like a gymnast who's past his peak.」
May 2014
Rival in a good way 「Kami-chan tells me, "The reason I got into guitar was because of Hama-san." He's my rival in guitar and acrobatics.」
Feral child 「Lately, when the two of us are doing acrobatics, it's started to feel like there are two monkeys running about (laugh).」
June 2015
Good rival 「The things we can and want to do are similar. We have a relationship where we motivate and encourage each other.」
Onii-chan 「He gives me advice, about acting and comedy. He's easy to ask for advice from, and he's dependable.」
May 2014
Handsome* kouhai 「He unexpectedly looks carefully at his surroundings. When I was feeling down, he wordlessly patted me on the shoulder and went on his way.」
*男前 otokomae translates to "handsome" but also has the connotation of being a good, upstanding man.
Not-dignified senpai 「In a good way (laugh). He's too good a person. Like if you gave him one cookie, he'd give you a whole bag in return!」
June 2015
It's comfortable to be with him 「When the two of us are together, it's basically silent! But that doesn't feel like a hardship at all.」
Air purifier 「Hama-chan always softens the atmosphere. I think it's an ability not just anyone has!」
May 2014
Still a kid 「When I saw him sobbing at a kouhai's letter, I felt that even though he's usually so together he's still just a kid.」
Seriously my onii-chan 「Even though we'll just be talking normally, before I know it I'll have my head in his lap. I unconsciously let myself be pampered by him.」
June 2015
Cute younger brother 「He's childlike as usual, and the way he sidles up to me is so cute I'm helpless!」
Aniki 「I can ask Hama-chan for advice on anything. He'll tell me, "You're overthinking it!" and always kindly listen to me.」
May 2014
My complete opposite 「Even though he was just buying earphones he did research beforehand. I'd just go to the store and pick them up there~」
The best senpai 「Till now he's been an actual senpai, but even as members of the same group it's the same. He's a person who gives me a lot to learn.」
June 2015
New knowledge 「Maybe it's because we're different ages, but he tells me ideas that I can't find in my own head. He gives me stimulation~」
Illustrator 「He's really good at drawing. Lately the places he's been able to make use of his drawing skills have increased, so he's enjoying himself.」
May 2014
The one who's #1 skillful 「From guitar to singing, he's skillful and can do anything.」
Dependable onii-chan 「When it comes to comedy, which I'm not good with, it's gotta be Akito-kun that's the most dependable. He's so quick-witted!」
June 2015
Younger brother 「Since being in the same stage play, I've started to think of him even more as my younger brother. I can't leave him alone out of worry.」
Father 「The way he's so steady and reliable is father-like. He's someone I can watch and learn from.」
May 2014
Hard worker 「Even though he's in the cool position, he's also learning comedy "because [he's] from Kansai". He's really absorbing it.」
Super-repellent wall 「No matter what kind of ball you throw at him, it comes right back. I can boke without worries, so it feels good.」
June 2015
The one who lets me be "off" 「Because he's so carefree. But I actually also make dumb mistakes, so Ryusei and I are pretty similar.」
He really is the troop leader 「He's the spearhead in every field so we're at ease. I'm the one who goes in and cleans up after that, I guess (laugh).」
May 2014
Moodmaker 「He's generally lively, but he's still a kid so the difference between his energy levels is really obvious.」
Troop leader 「Even in places where we're all nervous and can't speak up, he always takes the lead and pulls us forward with him.」
June 2015
Pet 「The way he comes to me all "Akito-kun, Akito-kun" is cute. He's good at getting spoiled!」
Toy 「I play by tickling him. I get a good "gyahahaha!" reaction from him.」
May 2014
Dependable man 「He's really someone to be respected. He's an important person who makes up for what I lack.」
Partner 「Shige and I will always have that feeling of partners, even from now on. The sensation that we make together is fun.」
June 2015
Glutton 「Apparently he lost weight so he's desperate to gain it back. All he eats all day is snacks, so I'm worried about his body.」
Childhood friend 「Our way home was always the same, and we really are together a lot, so our relationship works even if we don't speak.」
May 2014
Person I can be myself with 「Like THE friendship between guys. We can say our true feelings, so even if we're at odds we can maintain a good relationship.」
Dependable douki* 「He's pretty reliable. He's occasionally way out there, but the way he's so stoic is really educational.」
*同期 douki means someone who's a contemporary -- did something at the same time. In this case, they joined the company at the same time.
June 2015
Art object 「He doesn't move much. But he has presence so I'd want to put him in the living room instead of the genkan.」
Always a dumb brat! 「He's a dumb brat who does stupid things even at work (laugh). We're douki so our relationship hasn't changed since a long time ago.」
May 2014
Together we're "dumbass and stupid"* 「Though I dunno who's dumbass and who's stupid! We're at the same level of doing stupid shit and laughing about it.」
*He uses "aho" and "baka" here.
Our mental age is the same 「We're both sixth graders at heart. In the Naniwa Zamurai dressing room, I played tag with Shige when he was just in his underwear (laugh).」
June 2015
Someone who's always pumped up 「He isn't "off" much, so he's always noisy. Ryusei's half-and-half energy level is better~ (laugh)」
Boxer 「He'll often do mitt punches with my palms. I'm not a mitt, you know!」
May 2014
Son 「Whenever I go somewhere with Ryusei, I always check, "Have you forgotten anything?" before we leave.」
The best teasee* 「He's often teased by everyone for his height (laugh). Lately Kami-chan's cuteness has been coming out.」
*いじられキャラ ijirare-kyara is someone who takes on the role of getting teased a lot.
June 2015
Younger brother 「He really does forget a lot! Even today he was like "I forgot that, I forgot this"... it's worrisome!」
He's just so kind! 「He quietly watches over me. But when I tease him he tsukkomis back. He's really kind.」
May 2014
Younger brother 「He gets the most lonely. When we share a hotel room, he's a night owl so he doesn't let me sleep.」
Outlet for my loneliness 「When hotel life in Tokyo gets lonely, I call Kami-chan to my room and have him be my chat companion (laugh).」
June 2015
Pet 「He's got it together, but because he's younger I end up wanting to protect and take care of him.」
Toy 「I have him come with me to places that I could go to by myself, like the conbini or the hotel front desk.」
May 2014
Private leak 「I know everything about him, so even when I'm listening to Nozomu talk publicly I don't get surprised, like "I knew that~" (laugh).」
True friend 「If Ryusei is 100, I know 99 of him. I'm really well-informed about the Miss Pilot set, too!」
June 2015
Hometown friend 「My relationship with Nozomu doesn't change! I know everything about him. He feels just like a hometown friend.」
True friend 「This relationship won't change. Even at the hotel, I'll go to Ryusei's room and we'll talk for two hours.」
I usually like to provide transcriptions of the Japanese, but they make the text unwieldy in this format so I'm foregoing them this time; sorry about that.
Translation by me. Please credit if using! God bless yoshiko_mama for the original scans.
May 2014
The person I can relax around 「We can talk about anything. There was one night we were in the same hotel room and we talked together naked (laugh).」
Our trip home is the same 「Our homes are in the same direction, so we often talk on the way home. He's older than I am but I can be on the same level with him.」
June 2015
My emotional support 「I can talk to him completely unadorned. When things get tough, he's the person I want to talk to most.」
Like my lover 「Our route home is the same, but lately we haven't been able to go home together and apparently he's been lonely.」
May 2014
Inseparable (unfortunately)* 「We've been working together ever since just after we became Juniors. We probably won't part ways for the rest of our lives.」
*腐れ縁 kusare-en literally means "rotten bond".
We understand each other without words 「We understand each other even without speaking more than we need to. We can read what the other's thinking.」
June 2015
Air 「We've worked together foreeeever, so he's basically like air -- it's only natural that he's right there by my side.」
The person who understands me with zero words 「Even without going out of my way to say "this is rough" when I'm down, he always notices.」
May 2014
Outing and chatting partner 「Our tastes are similar so it's fun to talk. We've also gone to the zoo together and taken pictures in front of the pandas.」
The target for my pranks 「His reactions are good so he's worth messing with! When we're messing around with each other, it's really funny!」
June 2015
Someone I want to see sometimes 「He's seriously energetic and often bugs me uselessly, so if I see him every day I get tired (laugh). Just occasionally is fine.」
Idea Man 「He's full of ideas and comes up with all kinds of plans. He's full of promise. The brain leader*!」
*担当 tantou means the person in charge of a specific role or area.
May 2014
Fan buddy 「We like the same artists, so we watch DVDs together and sometimes make expeditions out to Nagoya (laugh).」
The onii-chan I can be spoiled with 「When I'm buying clothes, if I can't decide on something I message Junta-kun. He always makes a decision and replies back right away.」
June 2015
Friend 「When I'm buying clothes and accessories, I always ask Kami-chan, "Which one's good?"」
Otaku friend 「We like the same artists and brands. We exchange information and go shopping together.」
May 2014
I'm surprised by his passionate opinions 「Since becoming part of the same group, I learned that he's the passionate type who talks clearly about his opinions. Such a surprise!」
The on-stage unexpected pass demon 「During Naniwa Zamurai, he threw a pass at me at a "why now?" moment. Someday, I'll get my payback!」
June 2015
The person I talk to most 「When thinking about the structure of concerts and such, I'm often doing things with Ryusei. Without realizing it he's the person I talk to most.」
He's a kid who seems like an adult 「When the members are getting too rowdy, he pulls things together. But he's actually got a childish side, too...」
May 2014
Senpai for love talk 「I ask for his advice on things like "Do you think an older woman or a younger woman would be good for me?" Even though he's nine years younger than I am (laugh).」
Taste buddy 「Even though within the group we're the farthest apart in age, we unexpectedly have the same taste in clothes and accessories~」
June 2015
Younger brother 「Because he's a spoiled child. And it's also good that when he does something bad and I get mad at him, he listens properly even while sulking about it.」
Toy 「When I want to mess with someone, he's the person I mess with. Recently he's been letting me call him "Junta"*.」
*Instead of "Junta-kun", with honorifics.
May 2014
Playmate 「Outside of work we go fishing and to karaoke together. When we have free time we often hang out.」
Someone who's absolutely critical to the group 「Tackey (Takizawa Hideaki) also said, "Hamada is absolutely critical." We've got a comedic atmosphere that only we can create.」
June 2015
Comrade in arms 「When we appear on TV shows, we think the same things so we're able to have exchanges that are in sync.」
The person who understands my humor 「There's a kind of humor that only Hama-chan understands. That's why during concerts we can create a unique kind of comedy!」
May 2014
Someone I turn to for advice 「Shige's good at listening, so I ask for his advice on everything. But I'm also asked for advice from him, too.」
An aroma-like person 「Just by his being there he relaxes you, and it's easy to be with him. This is LOVE at this point, isn't it?」
June 2015
Stupid younger brother 「He heals my heart. He just does stupid things, and he lets me enjoy myself!」
Gymnast 「I'm worried about whether his joints hurt after long years of acrobatics. He's like a gymnast who's past his peak.」
May 2014
Rival in a good way 「Kami-chan tells me, "The reason I got into guitar was because of Hama-san." He's my rival in guitar and acrobatics.」
Feral child 「Lately, when the two of us are doing acrobatics, it's started to feel like there are two monkeys running about (laugh).」
June 2015
Good rival 「The things we can and want to do are similar. We have a relationship where we motivate and encourage each other.」
Onii-chan 「He gives me advice, about acting and comedy. He's easy to ask for advice from, and he's dependable.」
May 2014
Handsome* kouhai 「He unexpectedly looks carefully at his surroundings. When I was feeling down, he wordlessly patted me on the shoulder and went on his way.」
*男前 otokomae translates to "handsome" but also has the connotation of being a good, upstanding man.
Not-dignified senpai 「In a good way (laugh). He's too good a person. Like if you gave him one cookie, he'd give you a whole bag in return!」
June 2015
It's comfortable to be with him 「When the two of us are together, it's basically silent! But that doesn't feel like a hardship at all.」
Air purifier 「Hama-chan always softens the atmosphere. I think it's an ability not just anyone has!」
May 2014
Still a kid 「When I saw him sobbing at a kouhai's letter, I felt that even though he's usually so together he's still just a kid.」
Seriously my onii-chan 「Even though we'll just be talking normally, before I know it I'll have my head in his lap. I unconsciously let myself be pampered by him.」
June 2015
Cute younger brother 「He's childlike as usual, and the way he sidles up to me is so cute I'm helpless!」
Aniki 「I can ask Hama-chan for advice on anything. He'll tell me, "You're overthinking it!" and always kindly listen to me.」
May 2014
My complete opposite 「Even though he was just buying earphones he did research beforehand. I'd just go to the store and pick them up there~」
The best senpai 「Till now he's been an actual senpai, but even as members of the same group it's the same. He's a person who gives me a lot to learn.」
June 2015
New knowledge 「Maybe it's because we're different ages, but he tells me ideas that I can't find in my own head. He gives me stimulation~」
Illustrator 「He's really good at drawing. Lately the places he's been able to make use of his drawing skills have increased, so he's enjoying himself.」
May 2014
The one who's #1 skillful 「From guitar to singing, he's skillful and can do anything.」
Dependable onii-chan 「When it comes to comedy, which I'm not good with, it's gotta be Akito-kun that's the most dependable. He's so quick-witted!」
June 2015
Younger brother 「Since being in the same stage play, I've started to think of him even more as my younger brother. I can't leave him alone out of worry.」
Father 「The way he's so steady and reliable is father-like. He's someone I can watch and learn from.」
May 2014
Hard worker 「Even though he's in the cool position, he's also learning comedy "because [he's] from Kansai". He's really absorbing it.」
Super-repellent wall 「No matter what kind of ball you throw at him, it comes right back. I can boke without worries, so it feels good.」
June 2015
The one who lets me be "off" 「Because he's so carefree. But I actually also make dumb mistakes, so Ryusei and I are pretty similar.」
He really is the troop leader 「He's the spearhead in every field so we're at ease. I'm the one who goes in and cleans up after that, I guess (laugh).」
May 2014
Moodmaker 「He's generally lively, but he's still a kid so the difference between his energy levels is really obvious.」
Troop leader 「Even in places where we're all nervous and can't speak up, he always takes the lead and pulls us forward with him.」
June 2015
Pet 「The way he comes to me all "Akito-kun, Akito-kun" is cute. He's good at getting spoiled!」
Toy 「I play by tickling him. I get a good "gyahahaha!" reaction from him.」
May 2014
Dependable man 「He's really someone to be respected. He's an important person who makes up for what I lack.」
Partner 「Shige and I will always have that feeling of partners, even from now on. The sensation that we make together is fun.」
June 2015
Glutton 「Apparently he lost weight so he's desperate to gain it back. All he eats all day is snacks, so I'm worried about his body.」
Childhood friend 「Our way home was always the same, and we really are together a lot, so our relationship works even if we don't speak.」
May 2014
Person I can be myself with 「Like THE friendship between guys. We can say our true feelings, so even if we're at odds we can maintain a good relationship.」
Dependable douki* 「He's pretty reliable. He's occasionally way out there, but the way he's so stoic is really educational.」
*同期 douki means someone who's a contemporary -- did something at the same time. In this case, they joined the company at the same time.
June 2015
Art object 「He doesn't move much. But he has presence so I'd want to put him in the living room instead of the genkan.」
Always a dumb brat! 「He's a dumb brat who does stupid things even at work (laugh). We're douki so our relationship hasn't changed since a long time ago.」
May 2014
Together we're "dumbass and stupid"* 「Though I dunno who's dumbass and who's stupid! We're at the same level of doing stupid shit and laughing about it.」
*He uses "aho" and "baka" here.
Our mental age is the same 「We're both sixth graders at heart. In the Naniwa Zamurai dressing room, I played tag with Shige when he was just in his underwear (laugh).」
June 2015
Someone who's always pumped up 「He isn't "off" much, so he's always noisy. Ryusei's half-and-half energy level is better~ (laugh)」
Boxer 「He'll often do mitt punches with my palms. I'm not a mitt, you know!」
May 2014
Son 「Whenever I go somewhere with Ryusei, I always check, "Have you forgotten anything?" before we leave.」
The best teasee* 「He's often teased by everyone for his height (laugh). Lately Kami-chan's cuteness has been coming out.」
*いじられキャラ ijirare-kyara is someone who takes on the role of getting teased a lot.
June 2015
Younger brother 「He really does forget a lot! Even today he was like "I forgot that, I forgot this"... it's worrisome!」
He's just so kind! 「He quietly watches over me. But when I tease him he tsukkomis back. He's really kind.」
May 2014
Younger brother 「He gets the most lonely. When we share a hotel room, he's a night owl so he doesn't let me sleep.」
Outlet for my loneliness 「When hotel life in Tokyo gets lonely, I call Kami-chan to my room and have him be my chat companion (laugh).」
June 2015
Pet 「He's got it together, but because he's younger I end up wanting to protect and take care of him.」
Toy 「I have him come with me to places that I could go to by myself, like the conbini or the hotel front desk.」
May 2014
Private leak 「I know everything about him, so even when I'm listening to Nozomu talk publicly I don't get surprised, like "I knew that~" (laugh).」
True friend 「If Ryusei is 100, I know 99 of him. I'm really well-informed about the Miss Pilot set, too!」
June 2015
Hometown friend 「My relationship with Nozomu doesn't change! I know everything about him. He feels just like a hometown friend.」
True friend 「This relationship won't change. Even at the hotel, I'll go to Ryusei's room and we'll talk for two hours.」