PSA: Arashi
SON OF EDIT: Feel free to link this post! The point is to pimp to others, so no need to ask! :D
EDIT: Updated May 30, 2008!
Once upon a time in February ‘06 umbrellaofdoom linked me to a video on youtube, because she touted it as "the gheiest dance there ever was". Anyway, long story short, I fell in love with a Japanese boyband. But not just any boyband; these boys sing, dance, act (in movies, TV, AND stage), as well as many other things that are too numerous to list in the preface.
Yes. There are parts. I recommend taking copious notes; there will be a quiz at the end of the lesson.
Arashi has stolen my heart and raped my wallet through their ability to be sexy AND dorky. Plus? They are genuinely nice boys. As you will see.
But first, the key to any boyband; PICSPAMS!
i. the real reason Arashi is so damn popular.
ii. so, tell me! WHO ARE THOSE HANDSOME BOYS?!
Ohno Satoshi 大野智 - Leader
Ohno is, despite his baby face is the oldest of the group. I should point out that in that photo, he's nineteen. And has a really deadly pout, obviously. He spent most of the first three years looking like a kicked puppy. But don't be fooled; despite the face, he's really a great big dork. He has the best voice in the entire band and fantastic pitch and range. He's also seen on stage fairly often; more than any other member. He thinks of himself as a dancer, and choreographs his own solos with wild success. Ohno is a very accomplished artist, of many mediums, although he prefers drawing and clay, and has even had his own artbook published and a travelling exhibition.
Sakurai Sho 櫻井翔 - the Rapper with a BA from Keio
Sho is the tough-guy rapper. He's got the voice, he's got the moves, and he's good at giving attitude on camera. Except... he's a really nice guy. No, really. He is. He's intelligent, and actually got his BA in Economics from the Japanese Ivy League, Keio University (whilst STILL IN THE BAND). He loves children, and makes time just to help his kid brother with his homework. He has a bit of temper if he’s left waiting for food, but the other guys exaggerate it to annoy him. His two 'faults', if you can call them that, is that he fails MISERABLY at sports that aren't soccer and can't draw to save his life. Really super fail. It's hilarious. ♥
Aiba Masaki 相葉雅紀 - the Biggest Twelve Year Old Ever
Aiba-chan (yeah, 'chan'. He asks to be called that) is a very special kind of cookie. He's pretty, tall, and has a lovely smoky sort of voice. But he's... well, put simply, not very bright. The segment on Arashi's weekly TV that was named for him? Consists of absolutely absurd experiments from his adorable brain. To allow you to full appreciate how... special Aiba-chan is, I've listed some of the past 'experiments'.
- If you put a goldfish (in its bowl) on a turntable, will it get dizzy?
- What happens if you blow bubbles in a -50C freezer?
- How do Australians draw poop?
- Can you sail a giant origami boat?
- How many firecrackers does it take to blow up an ostrich egg?
- Can you knit with noodles?
- Will sucking the air from piman peppers help you breathe underwater?
And so on. He's openly the perviest of the bunch and tends to see phalluses in things. He also has a really adorable giggle.
Ninomiya Kazunari 二宮和也 - the One Who Just Wants His Damn Gameboy
Nino is sarcastic and verbally abusive, but only in the most loving of ways! He's just as much of a dork as the others. Nino plays often hilarious pranks on the other guys, but is clever enough not to fall for it when they try and do it back. He plays video games almost obsessively, and also composes and plays the guitar very well. His treatment of Ohno can be interpreted as sexual harassment in most countries, but Ohno doesn’t seem to mind. He's a dedicated actor, on TV and more recently in movies. He’s also my favorite. ♥
Matsumoto Jun 松本潤 - the Girly Man of Sex
MatsuJun tries to be tough, he really does. He's aloof, and has trouble getting close to people, so he just sort of... goes off alone. But it's hard to be tough when your biggest vice is fashion, you paint your fingernails, and you have hips like his. He's VERY pretty, despite frequent teasing about his eyebrows. He loves the band a whole ton, and is usually in charge of putting together their concerts, from design to set list. MatsuJun is the star of several popular TV dramas (Gokusen, Kimi wa Petto, Hana Yori Dango, Bambino), movies (Hana Yori Dango Final, The Last Princess) and wants to be a king. No, not kidding. He really does. Can I be queen?
iii. repeat after me: FANSERVICE!
Part of what makes Arashi (and Johnny's Entertainment) so wonderful is their unabashed slash fanservice. These guys are very clearly great friends, but the potential for it to be more is played up like CRAZY. And the best part is that you can slash them ANY WHICH WAY. Personally, I feel Arashi/Arashi is the way to go. So many options! ORGY, FTW!
The PROOF:
- Ohno and Nino are sleeping together. No, really.
- Aiba forces his love on Nino, with the help of the others.
- Nino stealth kisses Sho on a PV shoot.
- Nino molests Ohno during a concert. He does this a lot.
Oh my god. I love these boys. YOU ALL MUST LOVE THEM TOO. SRSLY.
iv. but really, folks. it's all about the music.
All are uploaded on MegaUpload, because it doesn’t expire. XD
A-Ra-Shi - Their debut single. Look how cute and little they were! And I told you Ohno had the best voice. I would like to point out that they still know this choreography, seven eight NINE years later.
Sakura Sake - I love this song. No, really. It was one of the first ones I heard, and the PV? So many kinds of awesome. Keep your eyes on Ohno at the very end, and don't be drinking anything. ♥
Kitto Daijoubu - This is the most fabulously gay PV you will ever see in your entire life, I swear to god. It's also a VERY AWESOME SONG! You cannot watch it and NOT be happy.
Lucky Man - This song is so stupidly fun to do with them during concerts.
PIKA★★NCHI DOUBLE - This is one of my all-time favorites. I mean, Sho's part towards the middle? Gets me every time. Love, love, love.
Aozora Pedal - This song brought tears to my eyes when I first heard it. It's so, so heartbreakingly bittersweet. Gah. ♥
Youtube links here, because I don’t have the clipped versions of these:
La Familia - Jun's solo from 'Iza NOW!'. He wrote the lyrics himself, for the other guys. Sweet, ne? Please to be watching his awesome model-walk.
Top Secret - Ohno's solo from 'Iza NOW!'. He choreographed this himself. And, hot damn. Hot. Fucking. Damn. *_______*!
Can’t Let You Go - Sho's solo from ‘Time'. Guuuuuuuuuuuuuuh. ♥
Friendship - Aiba-chan's solo from Time'. The Jrs costumes don’t make sense to anyone, don’t worry. XD
Niji - Nino's solo from Time'. Nino wrote the lyrics to this song. Also, glasses. ♥
I have the complete discography, and am more than happy to upload songs if you really can’t find one. But your first places to look should be: onlyarashifiles, je_media, and Arashian. If only because you’ll find it right away that way. XD
v. tv will melt your brain, unless it improves your Japanese!
Arashi star in SEVERAL weekly TV shows. I was fortunate enough to discover them through youtube, and FURTHER fortunate to see some actually ON TV in Japan. I will give a rundown here, then supply links as to where you can watch/download them!
C/D/G no Arashi
This is their long-running weekly TV show, which airs at nearly one in the morning and consists of almost pure dorking. C no Arashi is the first season, and it's really hard to find this one. There's ONE episode on youtube, and I've yet to be able to find downloads for it. D no Arashi is much easier to find, and pretty much awesome. G no Arashi is the newest season, and has made me appreciate Sho's failure at sports far more. ♥ EDIT: As of NOW, Arashi no Shukudai-kun is the newest season of their shows! G officially ended on September 27th, with a two hour special! YAAAAAY~!
On youtube.com: search for any of the following. "C no Arashi", "D no Arashi", "G no Arashi", "Cの嵐", "Dの嵐", "Gの嵐". Downloads Himitsu or Arashian. You can find “D no Arashi” subbed at taijiproject!
Arashi no Waza-ari, Nama Arashi, Arashi no Shukudai-kun
Sometimes Arashi goes for broke and does talk-show style stuff. All the above listed are their guest shows, where they have weekly guests and talk and do generally silly things. As usual. Arashi no Waza-ari and Nama Arashi are quite old; Nama Arashi ended in 2003, and Waza-ari ended in 2004. Shukudai-kun is the newest of Arashi's shows and is currently running.
On youtube.com: You can find clips and sometimes whole episodes of Waza-ari and Nama. Downloads: Arashian, onlyarashifiles, or forgyoza.
MagoMago Arashi
MagoMago is pretty much the boys pairing up and spending the day with an elderly couple as their fake-grandkids. They help with chores, learn about the couples and their lives and crafts, and are pretty much adorable. If Ohno's involved, he will probably be seen drinking with the grandpa. Arashi is good not just for your Happy Parts; they're good for the community. ♥ EDIT: MMA officially ended after a two year run.
On youtube.com: search for "Mago Mago Arashi". Downloads: Himitsu or Arashian.
Kodomo no Bangohan
A new sub-section of MagoMago (they alternate each week) featuring Arashi in pairs going to couple's houses and babysitting so Mom and Dad can have a romantic night out. The boys have to cook for the kids, and then the kids decide who's food was better. Loser does the dishes. It's kind of the most absurdly darling thing ever, and I highly, highly recommend it. EDIT: With MMA, Kodomo no Bangohan has now ended.
Downloads: Arashian or onlyarashifiles.
Golden Rush Arashi!
An extremely short-lived show, it ran 23 episodes following the end of Mago Mago Arashi. Aiba hosted, and while it was a nice idea, the show tended to drag a bit. It was intended to be somewhat informative on various subjects (green tea, kitchen gadgets, squid, etc.) but… well, it was kind of boring.
Downloads: Arashian or onlyarashifiles.
Himitsu no Arashi-chan
HnA basically took the idea of GRA and made it awesome. Instead of a guest teaching Arashi about a subject, the boys are the ones in charge, presenting their topics in snappy grey and black suits. The topics vary widely, but focus on the theme of industry secrets: what sort of secrets do photographers have? Magicians? Cashiers? Aquariums?
Downloads: Arashian, onlyarashifiles, or forgyoza.
VS Arashi
The premise here seems to be Arashi battling guests in a variety of oversize arcade games. They catch falling poles, they stand on a high bridge and catch color-coded balls, they stack coins as they circle on a rotating table, they climb a rock wall!... actually, those are the only games they’ve done so far. At the end, they vote amongst themselves on who was the most ‘dame’ (no good) that day, and drop him through a trap door. A+++ HILARITY.
Downloads: Arashian, onlyarashifiles, or forgyoza.
Tensai Shimura Doubutsuen (Aiba-chan only)
Oh my god, I adore this show. Aiba is hilarious, because he is so funny with the animals. And kangaroos scare him, evidently. Which is of course why they keep SENDING HIM TO PLACES WITH KANGAROOS. His engrish is also awesome, because it rivals that of Akanishi Jin (of KAT-TUN) for sheer grammar rape. VERY VERY DANGER!
On youtube.com: search for "Tensai Shimura Doubutsuen". Downloads: Arashian or forgyoza.
Utawara (Jun only)
Jun cohosts this weekly show which features various musicians. Finding whole episodes is hard, but clips featuring Jun are not. I'm particularly fond of how excited he gets whenever the rest of Arashi is featured. He also adores any and all children that happen to come on the show. XD EDIT: Utawara is now over.
On youtube.com: search for "Utawara Jun".Downloads: Arashian.
J-dramas
All the boys have been in dramas at one point or another, including the short Arashi drama called "V no Arashi". But the ones you'll see MOST are Nino and Jun. Nino's credits include 'Minami-kun no Koibito', 'Stand UP!!', 'Yasashii Jikan', ‘Haikei, Chichiuesama’, and ‘Yamada Tarou Monogatari’ (which Sho was also in!) Jun lists many popular ones that nearly everyone knows, such as 'Gokusen', 'Hana Yori Dango', and 'Kimi wa Petto', and ‘Bambino’. Sho played the lead in 'Yoiko no Mikata', and had parts in 'Kisarazu Cat's Eye', plus the aforementioned ‘Yamada Tarou Monogatari’. Aiba was in an old one years ago with Yamapi called ‘PPOI’, and ‘Mukodono!’. Ohno doesn’t do dramas often, but starting in July ’08, he’s starring in ‘Maou’, based on a Korean drama. Basically, they've all done the drama thing.
On youtube.com: search for any other above. They get pulled often, but are quickly re-upped. Downloads: jdramas or Arashian.
Movies
Again, they've all done it at least once, be it in one of their OWN movies ('Pika☆Nchi Life is Hard Dakedo Happy', 'Pika☆☆Nchi Life is Hard Dakara Happy', or 'Kiiroi Namida') or independent work.
Nino: 'Letters From Iwo Jima', 'Ao no Honoo'
MatsuJun: 'Boku wa Imouto ni Koi o Suru', 'Yonimo Kimyouna Monogatari', 'Tokyo Tower', ‘Kakushi Toride no San Akunin’, ‘Hana Yori Dango: Final’ (not yet released)
Sho: 'Hachimitsu to Clover', 'Kisarazu Cat's Eye -Japan Series-', ‘Yatterman’ (not yet released)
Aiba: 'Shinjyuku Shounen Tanteidan'
Ohno: ‘Speed Star’, ‘Tensei Kunpuu’ (stage play released on DVD)
Downloads: jdramas or Arashian.
vi. when all else fails, SPAM.
And now, for random clip spam. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.
YABAI YABAI YABAI. Yes, MatsuJun is very gay. Thank you for asking. ♥
Ohno and "Sammi" from his solo concert. XD
Cosplay! Aiba’s mad because his isn’t funny, just kind of normal. XD
I think I read an orgy fic like this once…
Aiba speaking English. HE TRIES SO HARD. ♥
Ohmiya SK tell you the Do’s and Don’ts of Arashi concerts. As accompanied by Sho!
Convinced? Good. NOW GO WRITE ME SOME RPS FIC, SRSLY.♥
vii. i told you there'd be a quiz.
Okay, now it's time to test your knowledge of Arashi. This page alone isn't going to get you the answers; you'll only ace it if you've really done your research. If you DO ace it? CONGRATULATIONS, YOU'RE A SUPERFAN! If not, no fear! There's always time to learn more. ♥
1. Who in Arashi needs corrective lenses?
a. Sho and Nino
b. Nino
c. Ohno and MatsuJun
d. MatsuJun and Nino
e. None. All the boys have perfect vision!
2. Whose family owns a Chinese restaurant?
a. Aiba-chan
b. Sho
c. MatsuJun
d. Ohno
e. Nino
3. Who is bilingual and speaks decent English?
a. MatsuJun
b. Sho
c. Ohno
d. Nino
e. Aiba-chan
4. Which member is the tallest?
a. Sho
b. Ohno
c. MatsuJun
d. Aiba-chan
e. Nino
5. When I say, “CHESTO!!!” who do you think of?
a. Ohno! He’s such a dork.
b. Nino; the word is finished with a Tarzan chest pounding!
c. Sho! It’s a sign of courage.
d. Aiba-chan, of course. He’s the only one that silly.
e. MatsuJun said it in one of his drama roles!
6. Somebody dinged Aiba’s car when he let them drive it. Who?
a. Sho
b. MatsuJun
c. Nino
d. Aiba-chan
e. Ohno
7. One of the boys is actually a lefty! Who?
a. Ohno
b. Sho
c. Aiba-chan
d. Nino
e. MatsuJun
8. Who has a “sixth sense” about paranormal activity?
a. Sho
b. Ohno
c. Aiba-chan
d. MatsuJun
e. Nino
9. Who lived in Hollywood for six weeks during a movie shoot?
a. Nino
b. MatsuJun
c. Aiba-chan
d. Sho
e. Ohno
10. Ohno’s previous nickname was ‘Riida’ (Leader), but he’s got a new one! What is it?
a. Sammi
b. Oh-chan
c. Captain
d. Satoshin
e. Oh S
BONUS! When I say “LUCKY!” you say...?
a. “DUCK!”
b. “MAN!”
c. “LUCKY!”
d. “DOG!”
e. “DAY!”
How to get your score: Each question is worth ten points. For every correct answer, add ten to your score. If you get everything including the bonus question right, you SHOULD have 110 points.
0-30 points: You're still learning and exploring Arashi, and that's okay!
40-60 points: You're moderately familiar with the random Arashi trivia, but there's room to learn more!
70-90 points: Nice! You're about even with most of the Arashi fandom.
100-110 points: ARASHI DAI-FAN! Congrats, you're OBSESSED!
ANSWERS: To get your answers, highlight the following block!
[1. d, 2. a, 3. b, 4. d, 5. c, 6. b, 7. d, 8. c, 9. a, 10. c, Bonus: b.]
EDIT: Updated May 30, 2008!
Once upon a time in February ‘06 umbrellaofdoom linked me to a video on youtube, because she touted it as "the gheiest dance there ever was". Anyway, long story short, I fell in love with a Japanese boyband. But not just any boyband; these boys sing, dance, act (in movies, TV, AND stage), as well as many other things that are too numerous to list in the preface.
Yes. There are parts. I recommend taking copious notes; there will be a quiz at the end of the lesson.
Arashi has stolen my heart and raped my wallet through their ability to be sexy AND dorky. Plus? They are genuinely nice boys. As you will see.
But first, the key to any boyband; PICSPAMS!
i. the real reason Arashi is so damn popular.
ii. so, tell me! WHO ARE THOSE HANDSOME BOYS?!
Ohno Satoshi 大野智 - Leader
Ohno is, despite his baby face is the oldest of the group. I should point out that in that photo, he's nineteen. And has a really deadly pout, obviously. He spent most of the first three years looking like a kicked puppy. But don't be fooled; despite the face, he's really a great big dork. He has the best voice in the entire band and fantastic pitch and range. He's also seen on stage fairly often; more than any other member. He thinks of himself as a dancer, and choreographs his own solos with wild success. Ohno is a very accomplished artist, of many mediums, although he prefers drawing and clay, and has even had his own artbook published and a travelling exhibition.
Sakurai Sho 櫻井翔 - the Rapper with a BA from Keio
Sho is the tough-guy rapper. He's got the voice, he's got the moves, and he's good at giving attitude on camera. Except... he's a really nice guy. No, really. He is. He's intelligent, and actually got his BA in Economics from the Japanese Ivy League, Keio University (whilst STILL IN THE BAND). He loves children, and makes time just to help his kid brother with his homework. He has a bit of temper if he’s left waiting for food, but the other guys exaggerate it to annoy him. His two 'faults', if you can call them that, is that he fails MISERABLY at sports that aren't soccer and can't draw to save his life. Really super fail. It's hilarious. ♥
Aiba Masaki 相葉雅紀 - the Biggest Twelve Year Old Ever
Aiba-chan (yeah, 'chan'. He asks to be called that) is a very special kind of cookie. He's pretty, tall, and has a lovely smoky sort of voice. But he's... well, put simply, not very bright. The segment on Arashi's weekly TV that was named for him? Consists of absolutely absurd experiments from his adorable brain. To allow you to full appreciate how... special Aiba-chan is, I've listed some of the past 'experiments'.
- If you put a goldfish (in its bowl) on a turntable, will it get dizzy?
- What happens if you blow bubbles in a -50C freezer?
- How do Australians draw poop?
- Can you sail a giant origami boat?
- How many firecrackers does it take to blow up an ostrich egg?
- Can you knit with noodles?
- Will sucking the air from piman peppers help you breathe underwater?
And so on. He's openly the perviest of the bunch and tends to see phalluses in things. He also has a really adorable giggle.
Ninomiya Kazunari 二宮和也 - the One Who Just Wants His Damn Gameboy
Nino is sarcastic and verbally abusive, but only in the most loving of ways! He's just as much of a dork as the others. Nino plays often hilarious pranks on the other guys, but is clever enough not to fall for it when they try and do it back. He plays video games almost obsessively, and also composes and plays the guitar very well. His treatment of Ohno can be interpreted as sexual harassment in most countries, but Ohno doesn’t seem to mind. He's a dedicated actor, on TV and more recently in movies. He’s also my favorite. ♥
Matsumoto Jun 松本潤 - the Girly Man of Sex
MatsuJun tries to be tough, he really does. He's aloof, and has trouble getting close to people, so he just sort of... goes off alone. But it's hard to be tough when your biggest vice is fashion, you paint your fingernails, and you have hips like his. He's VERY pretty, despite frequent teasing about his eyebrows. He loves the band a whole ton, and is usually in charge of putting together their concerts, from design to set list. MatsuJun is the star of several popular TV dramas (Gokusen, Kimi wa Petto, Hana Yori Dango, Bambino), movies (Hana Yori Dango Final, The Last Princess) and wants to be a king. No, not kidding. He really does. Can I be queen?
iii. repeat after me: FANSERVICE!
Part of what makes Arashi (and Johnny's Entertainment) so wonderful is their unabashed slash fanservice. These guys are very clearly great friends, but the potential for it to be more is played up like CRAZY. And the best part is that you can slash them ANY WHICH WAY. Personally, I feel Arashi/Arashi is the way to go. So many options! ORGY, FTW!
The PROOF:
- Ohno and Nino are sleeping together. No, really.
- Aiba forces his love on Nino, with the help of the others.
- Nino stealth kisses Sho on a PV shoot.
- Nino molests Ohno during a concert. He does this a lot.
Oh my god. I love these boys. YOU ALL MUST LOVE THEM TOO. SRSLY.
iv. but really, folks. it's all about the music.
All are uploaded on MegaUpload, because it doesn’t expire. XD
A-Ra-Shi - Their debut single. Look how cute and little they were! And I told you Ohno had the best voice. I would like to point out that they still know this choreography, seven eight NINE years later.
Sakura Sake - I love this song. No, really. It was one of the first ones I heard, and the PV? So many kinds of awesome. Keep your eyes on Ohno at the very end, and don't be drinking anything. ♥
Kitto Daijoubu - This is the most fabulously gay PV you will ever see in your entire life, I swear to god. It's also a VERY AWESOME SONG! You cannot watch it and NOT be happy.
Lucky Man - This song is so stupidly fun to do with them during concerts.
PIKA★★NCHI DOUBLE - This is one of my all-time favorites. I mean, Sho's part towards the middle? Gets me every time. Love, love, love.
Aozora Pedal - This song brought tears to my eyes when I first heard it. It's so, so heartbreakingly bittersweet. Gah. ♥
Youtube links here, because I don’t have the clipped versions of these:
La Familia - Jun's solo from 'Iza NOW!'. He wrote the lyrics himself, for the other guys. Sweet, ne? Please to be watching his awesome model-walk.
Top Secret - Ohno's solo from 'Iza NOW!'. He choreographed this himself. And, hot damn. Hot. Fucking. Damn. *_______*!
Can’t Let You Go - Sho's solo from ‘Time'. Guuuuuuuuuuuuuuh. ♥
Friendship - Aiba-chan's solo from Time'. The Jrs costumes don’t make sense to anyone, don’t worry. XD
Niji - Nino's solo from Time'. Nino wrote the lyrics to this song. Also, glasses. ♥
I have the complete discography, and am more than happy to upload songs if you really can’t find one. But your first places to look should be: onlyarashifiles, je_media, and Arashian. If only because you’ll find it right away that way. XD
v. tv will melt your brain, unless it improves your Japanese!
Arashi star in SEVERAL weekly TV shows. I was fortunate enough to discover them through youtube, and FURTHER fortunate to see some actually ON TV in Japan. I will give a rundown here, then supply links as to where you can watch/download them!
C/D/G no Arashi
This is their long-running weekly TV show, which airs at nearly one in the morning and consists of almost pure dorking. C no Arashi is the first season, and it's really hard to find this one. There's ONE episode on youtube, and I've yet to be able to find downloads for it. D no Arashi is much easier to find, and pretty much awesome. G no Arashi is the newest season, and has made me appreciate Sho's failure at sports far more. ♥ EDIT: As of NOW, Arashi no Shukudai-kun is the newest season of their shows! G officially ended on September 27th, with a two hour special! YAAAAAY~!
On youtube.com: search for any of the following. "C no Arashi", "D no Arashi", "G no Arashi", "Cの嵐", "Dの嵐", "Gの嵐". Downloads Himitsu or Arashian. You can find “D no Arashi” subbed at taijiproject!
Arashi no Waza-ari, Nama Arashi, Arashi no Shukudai-kun
Sometimes Arashi goes for broke and does talk-show style stuff. All the above listed are their guest shows, where they have weekly guests and talk and do generally silly things. As usual. Arashi no Waza-ari and Nama Arashi are quite old; Nama Arashi ended in 2003, and Waza-ari ended in 2004. Shukudai-kun is the newest of Arashi's shows and is currently running.
On youtube.com: You can find clips and sometimes whole episodes of Waza-ari and Nama. Downloads: Arashian, onlyarashifiles, or forgyoza.
MagoMago Arashi
MagoMago is pretty much the boys pairing up and spending the day with an elderly couple as their fake-grandkids. They help with chores, learn about the couples and their lives and crafts, and are pretty much adorable. If Ohno's involved, he will probably be seen drinking with the grandpa. Arashi is good not just for your Happy Parts; they're good for the community. ♥ EDIT: MMA officially ended after a two year run.
On youtube.com: search for "Mago Mago Arashi". Downloads: Himitsu or Arashian.
Kodomo no Bangohan
A new sub-section of MagoMago (they alternate each week) featuring Arashi in pairs going to couple's houses and babysitting so Mom and Dad can have a romantic night out. The boys have to cook for the kids, and then the kids decide who's food was better. Loser does the dishes. It's kind of the most absurdly darling thing ever, and I highly, highly recommend it. EDIT: With MMA, Kodomo no Bangohan has now ended.
Downloads: Arashian or onlyarashifiles.
Golden Rush Arashi!
An extremely short-lived show, it ran 23 episodes following the end of Mago Mago Arashi. Aiba hosted, and while it was a nice idea, the show tended to drag a bit. It was intended to be somewhat informative on various subjects (green tea, kitchen gadgets, squid, etc.) but… well, it was kind of boring.
Downloads: Arashian or onlyarashifiles.
Himitsu no Arashi-chan
HnA basically took the idea of GRA and made it awesome. Instead of a guest teaching Arashi about a subject, the boys are the ones in charge, presenting their topics in snappy grey and black suits. The topics vary widely, but focus on the theme of industry secrets: what sort of secrets do photographers have? Magicians? Cashiers? Aquariums?
Downloads: Arashian, onlyarashifiles, or forgyoza.
VS Arashi
The premise here seems to be Arashi battling guests in a variety of oversize arcade games. They catch falling poles, they stand on a high bridge and catch color-coded balls, they stack coins as they circle on a rotating table, they climb a rock wall!... actually, those are the only games they’ve done so far. At the end, they vote amongst themselves on who was the most ‘dame’ (no good) that day, and drop him through a trap door. A+++ HILARITY.
Downloads: Arashian, onlyarashifiles, or forgyoza.
Tensai Shimura Doubutsuen (Aiba-chan only)
Oh my god, I adore this show. Aiba is hilarious, because he is so funny with the animals. And kangaroos scare him, evidently. Which is of course why they keep SENDING HIM TO PLACES WITH KANGAROOS. His engrish is also awesome, because it rivals that of Akanishi Jin (of KAT-TUN) for sheer grammar rape. VERY VERY DANGER!
On youtube.com: search for "Tensai Shimura Doubutsuen". Downloads: Arashian or forgyoza.
Utawara (Jun only)
Jun cohosts this weekly show which features various musicians. Finding whole episodes is hard, but clips featuring Jun are not. I'm particularly fond of how excited he gets whenever the rest of Arashi is featured. He also adores any and all children that happen to come on the show. XD EDIT: Utawara is now over.
On youtube.com: search for "Utawara Jun".Downloads: Arashian.
J-dramas
All the boys have been in dramas at one point or another, including the short Arashi drama called "V no Arashi". But the ones you'll see MOST are Nino and Jun. Nino's credits include 'Minami-kun no Koibito', 'Stand UP!!', 'Yasashii Jikan', ‘Haikei, Chichiuesama’, and ‘Yamada Tarou Monogatari’ (which Sho was also in!) Jun lists many popular ones that nearly everyone knows, such as 'Gokusen', 'Hana Yori Dango', and 'Kimi wa Petto', and ‘Bambino’. Sho played the lead in 'Yoiko no Mikata', and had parts in 'Kisarazu Cat's Eye', plus the aforementioned ‘Yamada Tarou Monogatari’. Aiba was in an old one years ago with Yamapi called ‘PPOI’, and ‘Mukodono!’. Ohno doesn’t do dramas often, but starting in July ’08, he’s starring in ‘Maou’, based on a Korean drama. Basically, they've all done the drama thing.
On youtube.com: search for any other above. They get pulled often, but are quickly re-upped. Downloads: jdramas or Arashian.
Movies
Again, they've all done it at least once, be it in one of their OWN movies ('Pika☆Nchi Life is Hard Dakedo Happy', 'Pika☆☆Nchi Life is Hard Dakara Happy', or 'Kiiroi Namida') or independent work.
Nino: 'Letters From Iwo Jima', 'Ao no Honoo'
MatsuJun: 'Boku wa Imouto ni Koi o Suru', 'Yonimo Kimyouna Monogatari', 'Tokyo Tower', ‘Kakushi Toride no San Akunin’, ‘Hana Yori Dango: Final’ (not yet released)
Sho: 'Hachimitsu to Clover', 'Kisarazu Cat's Eye -Japan Series-', ‘Yatterman’ (not yet released)
Aiba: 'Shinjyuku Shounen Tanteidan'
Ohno: ‘Speed Star’, ‘Tensei Kunpuu’ (stage play released on DVD)
Downloads: jdramas or Arashian.
vi. when all else fails, SPAM.
And now, for random clip spam. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.
YABAI YABAI YABAI. Yes, MatsuJun is very gay. Thank you for asking. ♥
Ohno and "Sammi" from his solo concert. XD
Cosplay! Aiba’s mad because his isn’t funny, just kind of normal. XD
I think I read an orgy fic like this once…
Aiba speaking English. HE TRIES SO HARD. ♥
Ohmiya SK tell you the Do’s and Don’ts of Arashi concerts. As accompanied by Sho!
Convinced? Good. NOW GO WRITE ME SOME RPS FIC, SRSLY.♥
vii. i told you there'd be a quiz.
Okay, now it's time to test your knowledge of Arashi. This page alone isn't going to get you the answers; you'll only ace it if you've really done your research. If you DO ace it? CONGRATULATIONS, YOU'RE A SUPERFAN! If not, no fear! There's always time to learn more. ♥
1. Who in Arashi needs corrective lenses?
a. Sho and Nino
b. Nino
c. Ohno and MatsuJun
d. MatsuJun and Nino
e. None. All the boys have perfect vision!
2. Whose family owns a Chinese restaurant?
a. Aiba-chan
b. Sho
c. MatsuJun
d. Ohno
e. Nino
3. Who is bilingual and speaks decent English?
a. MatsuJun
b. Sho
c. Ohno
d. Nino
e. Aiba-chan
4. Which member is the tallest?
a. Sho
b. Ohno
c. MatsuJun
d. Aiba-chan
e. Nino
5. When I say, “CHESTO!!!” who do you think of?
a. Ohno! He’s such a dork.
b. Nino; the word is finished with a Tarzan chest pounding!
c. Sho! It’s a sign of courage.
d. Aiba-chan, of course. He’s the only one that silly.
e. MatsuJun said it in one of his drama roles!
6. Somebody dinged Aiba’s car when he let them drive it. Who?
a. Sho
b. MatsuJun
c. Nino
d. Aiba-chan
e. Ohno
7. One of the boys is actually a lefty! Who?
a. Ohno
b. Sho
c. Aiba-chan
d. Nino
e. MatsuJun
8. Who has a “sixth sense” about paranormal activity?
a. Sho
b. Ohno
c. Aiba-chan
d. MatsuJun
e. Nino
9. Who lived in Hollywood for six weeks during a movie shoot?
a. Nino
b. MatsuJun
c. Aiba-chan
d. Sho
e. Ohno
10. Ohno’s previous nickname was ‘Riida’ (Leader), but he’s got a new one! What is it?
a. Sammi
b. Oh-chan
c. Captain
d. Satoshin
e. Oh S
BONUS! When I say “LUCKY!” you say...?
a. “DUCK!”
b. “MAN!”
c. “LUCKY!”
d. “DOG!”
e. “DAY!”
How to get your score: Each question is worth ten points. For every correct answer, add ten to your score. If you get everything including the bonus question right, you SHOULD have 110 points.
0-30 points: You're still learning and exploring Arashi, and that's okay!
40-60 points: You're moderately familiar with the random Arashi trivia, but there's room to learn more!
70-90 points: Nice! You're about even with most of the Arashi fandom.
100-110 points: ARASHI DAI-FAN! Congrats, you're OBSESSED!
ANSWERS: To get your answers, highlight the following block!
[1. d, 2. a, 3. b, 4. d, 5. c, 6. b, 7. d, 8. c, 9. a, 10. c, Bonus: b.]