Nakajima Yuto - 10K Interview MYOJO
Thank you for helping me grow until now.
It's the 10th anniversary of your debut. What kind of decade was it for you, Nakajima-kun?
We made our debut right in the middle of when we were growing up, so when I look back on our debut, I think I was very young in terms of looks and mindset. Now, 10 years later, I feel that not only my appearance has changed, but my sense of responsibility as a member of Hey! Say! JUMP has changed as well.
You're in the middle of your first-anniversary tour, but is it still very emotional?
I think our 10th anniversary is the year to say "Thank you for helping me grow until now" to our fans. The tour is an important place where we can interact with our fans who support us. It's a special place that you don't feel in your everyday life and it's a place I want to cherish. This tour made me realise once again that I have to cherish the people in front of me and make them happy.
Right.
I can see the audience during the concert, and I remember the faces of those who have always been supporting me. I sometimes think, "That's really long. It's always the same uchiwa." I'm thankful for that. Of course, each and every person have been fans for different lengths of time, but we've been happy together, we've been sad together, and we share all kinds of emotions together with our fans. It's hard to find a way to describe it, but it's cute. It's very pure, but because of that, I feel anxious that it'll disappear in a moment. I think I have to work harder so that they don't lose interest.
I was the one keeping my distance.
Many members said that Nakajima-kun was the one who changed the most after your debut.
Really?
Do you think so?
Ah, I think so. I was aware of the fact that there were many things I needed to change and overcome. But there were also things that I couldn't give up and I definitely wanted to cherish.
One of the biggest changes on your second single "Dreams come true" is that you and Yamada-kun (Ryosuke) changed centre positions.
In hindsight, I think it was a natural result. I now believe that to be the case.
Did you believe that at the time?
No. I didn't think so at the time. I would think, "Why?" and although it wasn't the same as hating him, his every word and action got on my nerves, which is why I didn't talk to him at the time unless I needed to for work. But that was just my own preconceived notion, and when I think back on it now, I think, "How petty! I was petty back then!" or something like that (laughs).
In 2009, you entered high school and you were in the same class as Yamada-kun and Chinen-kun. Didn't you cry loudly when the members surprised you on your birthday on the summer tour?
I think that might've been the time when I was at my lowest point.
Looking back, what were those tears about?
Of course, I think I cried because I was happy. But I'm basically a negative person, and I feel guilty when someone does something for me. I think "for my sake". At the time, I was very prejudiced and narrow-minded and thought I must be disliked by the other members, and I was feeling out of place. That's why I was extraordinarily happy about the surprise.
That was very negative, wasn't it?
Yes. When I was in my first year of high school, I won an award for perfect attendance at school. At the time, all I could think was "I don't have a job." Looking back now, I think I was able to have a proper full year of school because of the agency and I'm grateful for that. But at the time, I thought, "I'm the only one still here". Watching the both of them leave early, I felt very inferior to them.
NYC was founded right after you entered high school, right?
Yes. I thought, "I'm an N too." I was also jealous, and I thought, "Why not me?". At that time, I was too sensitive and thought too much.
Is that so?
Dai-chan was in his third year and at the school festival, Arioka, Chinen and Yamada danced together. I was the only one who wasn't invited. I was like, "What?" Now I understand the relationship between me and Yama was strained, and it was hard for them to invite me out because I was doing things with my classmates. But at the time, I thought, "It would be better if I were by Yamada's side" and I had a slanted view on things. This was a time when I had a big inferiority complex, and a lot of jealousy, envy and warped views.
When did you stop feeling inferior?
In my third year of high school, I appeared together with Yama in "Risou no Musuko", and maybe that was when I came undone from the past. I felt like I realised my position was there, even if I wasn't the centre or the main character. Of course, I didn't realise it on my own, but the words I received from the staff and producers of the drama that I've been working with for a long time were a big part of it.
Did your relationship with the other members besides Yamada-kun change as well?
Yes. But at first, I think it was more negative than positive that triggered the change. I was too serious, or rather, I was a pain in the ass who would jump on the members every time they said or did something. I think it was in the dressing room, and when I was being teased, it turned into laughter. When that happened, I felt it was easier to just make a joke out of it and not talk back. Once I started to let it slide, I began to understand the intentions of the members. It's not that they hate me or that they're trying to hurt me. On the contrary, I thought everyone was keeping their distance from me, but it was me who was keeping my heart closed and me who was keeping my distance.
Do you feel like you're seeing things more clearly?
I'm still surprised (laughs).
At the end of 2013, you held your first Seven Meeting (Kai) for Chinen's birthday as well.
Yes. However, but I don't have very detailed memories of it. I vaguely remember when Yama said to me, "I didn't like you," and me replying, "Me neither." But isn't it shocking to hear someone say "I don't like you"? So maybe that's why my memory of that moment has disappeared (laughs).
Was it at that meeting that Yamada-kun started calling you "Yutti"?
Maybe so. I think he started using it from around then.
When did you go from calling him Yama-chan to Yama?
That's a little more recent.
In May 2014, during the encore of your concert at Tokyo Dome, you kissed Yamada-kun and gave him a piggyback ride, right?
I did. It was weird for me (laughs). Hikaru-kun signalled to me, "Go to Yama". It's the kind of pairing that only Johnny's could have. I don't think I'm in the same league as Yama, but it's like we have a rivalry within the group. I think all groups have that kind of relationship with each other. For Yabu-kun, Hikaru-kun is that. Hikaru-kun was the one who pushed me to go and said, "You should go to Yama" for the sake of both of us, for the group and for the fans. (T/N: This interview said Yabu was the member who signalled to Yuto, but it was actually Hikaru and it was corrected in Hikaru's 10k interview).
Next time, we'll stand on that stage together.
Next, tell us about the changes in the members. Let's start with Arioka.
We used to fight a lot in the past (laughs). I guess that Dai-chan has grown up now. We have a song called "Viva! 9's Soul" in which the members are introduced one by one, and Dai-chan is the only one who has nothing nice said about him. But he's cool about saying it's okay because it's a funny group song. If it were me, even if it was funny, I'd feel down (laughs). Dai-chan can put the needs of the group first. He's really nice.
I see.
But he's so kind that there's probably a part of him that's tired of it, and he's always smiling, but of course, he has his worries. But there was one time where he once travelled to Yakushima by himself suddenly, and he must have been worried. I'm sure every member has their worries at some point, but it's really hard to find your position in the group. After Yakushima, Dai-chan decided to do whatever it took to make the group interesting, and I think he found his position in the group.
Next is Takaki-kun. He said, "When the members are laughing in a group photo, Yuto is the one making everyone laugh." How do you do it?
Hmmm, I do imitations and things. I would whisper what the members and staff would say. But it sometimes backfired on me. Even when I'm told to put on a "cooler expression next", it's pretty hard to stop laughing (laughs).
What is Takaki-kun like these days?
He's become a lot more calm. But there are still moments where he acts child-like and does what he wants. For example, if an interview is taking too long and he becomes bored, he will say, "Just write something random!" He's only joking to the writers who know him well, but if someone who doesn't know their relationship hears it, they'll think, "What a big shot! (laughs).
It seems like his era of high energy is no longer a lie. (T/N: This era is referenced in Takaki's 10k interview)
I also think that Takaki-kun has found where he fits in JUMP. There was a time when he was only hanging out with his co-stars from Gokusen because there wasn't a place where he fit. I think Yabu-kun was the one who stopped him doing that. Also, I think because he had seen the outside world, there is a part of him where he understands the strengths of the group and the members.
What do you mean by that?
There was also a time when I thought that Johnny's was an uncomfortable place to work. When I stepped outside to work on drama or something, a world that I've never experienced before was waiting for me and even though it looks very fascinating, at the same time I felt relieved working with the members after a long time. I was able to reaffirm that there were people who understood me so well, even if we just a had casual conversations. I think somewhere along the line, Takaki-kun must have felt the same way, too.
Next is Hikaru-kun.
I used to be afraid of him (laughs). It was always Hikaru-kun who would scold the members for not doing things properly. He's always been the kind of person who would take on roles that he didn't like. However, Hikaru-kun has a part of him that's still young, and there's a part of him that refuses to admit he makes mistakes. Recently, "School Kakumei!" has been a big thing for him. Hikaru-kun's getting teased there and he seems to be enjoying and accepting it.
Right.
Since Hikaru-kun has become gentle and cuter, 7 can talk to BEST about it. I think it's a really good thing that the barriers between us have come down. Still, I just want to say while it is nice that Hikaru-kun is becoming kinder, he's getting old fast (laughs). If he has free time, he's sleeping. I often take photos of the members in their daily lives, and I've accumulated so many photos of Hikaru-kun's sleeping face that I could make a photo book just of them.
Hahahaha. What about Yabu-kun?
He's always been like an older brother to me. Whenever I'm worried, he's always smiling at me with that carefree, crunched up smile.
Yabu-kun said that Nakajima-kun has always been like a younger brother to him.
I'm happy to hear that.
He says you still get embarrassed by that compliment.
Hahahaha. Yabu-kun compliments me because he wants to see me embarrassed (laughs). But it is embarrassing to get compliments from the members. In any event, when I'm complimented by someone besides the members, I think there's a small part of it that's just an empty compliment. But the members are honest with me. That's why I'm honestly happy when I'm complimented and why I feel embarrassed.
I think I understand.
Yabu-kun has been a strong and reliable person since the formation of our group. But even though he doesn't show it, I'm sure he's had many worries over the past 10 years. In his Jr. days, he was more of a younger brother character, and now he's the oldest member in JUMP. And he must've had a lot to think about being in a group with members with smaller careers than him, such as Keito. Yabu-kun and Hikaru-kun must have had to let go of some of the things they had for us to debut. I'm really happy to see Yabu-kun's crunched up smile now.
What about Inoo-kun?
Inoo-chan also looks out for me and compliments me a lot. Especially when it comes to visuals and sense of fashion. He notices even the slightest change, so I think he pays close attention. And he knows the words to make me happy. It may seem like a random thing to do, but it's not at all. He's someone who has created his own image, so I think he's aware of things like how everyone's hairstyle changes. He says the mushroom cut that triggered his breakthrough was just a "coincidence", but I don't know if that's true.
So, what was it like to see the Inoo Revolution up close? (T/N: This is referenced in Inoo Kei's 10k interview).
I don't mean to be rude when I say this, but I'm happy. I know there was a time when the light didn't shine on him. What I can say without a doubt is that Inoo-chan's awareness definitely changed at that time. I felt him turn on a switch like, "I'm going to put myself out there."
Next is Chinen-kun.
We really spent a lot of time together in high school. He was very good at listening to people. So, even though he didn't have to say anything, just being there for me really helped me. Even now and then, he's still irreplaceable to me, and I still admire him. He can do anything, and he can learn choreography very quickly. He remembers all our old choreography. He can do acrobatics too. He can quickly master everything he sees. He was practising the piano for the movie "Kids on the Slope" and got really good at it. And even though he seems like he's full of self-confidence, Chinen was also struggling at some point. He was absent-mindedly talking about how "I don't have any particular skill or charm that I excel at. So why do they let me do so many productions." That's what he thought.
What is Okamoto-kun recently like?
Well, Keito is the type of person who likes to look for similarities between himself and the members. Last time I changed my hair colour, he said to me, "Our hair colours are similar." I thought, "It's a little different," but I answered, "Yes!" (laughs) To be honest, I was a bit put off by that before. I thought it was fine for him to be himself. But Keito was Keito and he has his own way of thinking, and he had more troubles than anyone else, becoming a member of a group with little to no experience in singing, dancing and being a Jr. He was desperately chasing after the members, and I'm sure many things were said to him so it's not surprising he reached a breaking point. I think there was a part of him that felt comfortable because he could find something in common with the members, even if it was a small thing. If you think about it that way, I would try to answer, "Yes!" even if the colour is a little different (laughs).
That's a nice story.
I think part of him wanted to take the stance of "I'm a bit of an outlaw" because he had a strong admiration for his father. He didn't really smile at the beginning. Somewhere along the line, I think he thought, "I'm not my father, I'm living in a different era, a different group," Recently, he's been smiling with a soft smile.
Okamoto-kun is still searching for his position.
Yeah. Ah, he has been working on a challenge to make people laugh in English. All of us in JUMP are trying to find out what we can do to make people laugh. Of course, we need to improve, but we've been seriously talking about how to make Keito's English funnier. We talked seriously about how to make it more interesting. Do you mix English and Japanese together? Or say something rude in English to you seniors? That's the origin of "Sorry Jun!"
Everyone's looking for their position in the group.
That's right. Everyone thinks, worries, and searches for their position in JUMP. I get the impression that they find bits and pieces of hints from outside work and from various places and come back. Everyone has to worry about it one by one. There are a lot of people in the group. We are wondering what can we do and worrying about what only we can do. Lately, I guess everyone has finally had time to think about the other members as well as themselves.
Lastly, I'd like to talk about Yamada-kun.
Yama... he really cares about the members and is someone who always thinks about the members while considering how JUMP can succeed. To put it bluntly, he's an ace so he's in a position where he can leave the members to their own devices. But he doesn't do that.
Has that always been the case?
I wouldn't have thought so at first. It's not like he was a centre or an ace from the beginning. But I think there was a time when he was carrying so much on his shoulders that it was hard for him. He didn't put it into words, but it was like a rescue signal from Yama, and all the members received it.
What did you think about Yamada's solo debut?
Our relationship was still strained, but I finally recognised him, and I saw him work harder than anyone else. Above all, I had to do it. That's what I thought. It's not about our relationship, it's about being happy and supporting each other. And I thought "Let's support him."
What happened when Yamada-kun won the Japan Academy Award for Best New Actor?
I was eating out with a friend at the time and watching the broadcast on the TV at that restaurant. I thought "Wow!" and took a picture with my phone. Then the friend I was with teased me and said, "You really like the members, don't you? (laughs). Shortly after that, I got a message that said, "When I was on stage, Yutti popped into my head." I thought Yama didn't think much of me. I felt happy and a little guilty that he was thinking of me at the moment when he received the award. When I asked him about the award, he said he still thought he needed to improve. But Yama said "Next time, we'll stand on that stage together. And let's make JUMP a monster group!" Isn't that like something the main character in a youth manga would say? I thought, "What's with saying such a cool thing?!" but he is really cool.
How would you sum up your relationship in one word?
It's hard to use one word to describe our relationship. I have respect for him....... but when I'm acting, Yama's face is the one that comes to mind. Especially when I'm in the moment of filming an important scene, what comes to my mind is, "If it was him, I would've decided on that in one shot." So if I had to sum it up in one word, I'd say he's my rival.
I see. So, do you have a vision for the future, Nakajima-kun?
I want to play an active role in spreading the name of JUMP more and more, and I feel really grateful to be able to make that contribution through my acting. It's all thanks to our agency. For example, if I were asked to contribute to JUMP by doing a variety show, which I'm not good at, I think it would be difficult. But I can do what I want to do and do my best. I'm really grateful for that.
I see.
I love acting. I want to do more and more acting, and I want to try theatre. There's something I want to do now, and I need to establish my character as an actor so that I can do it well. Of course, there's a lot more to do than just acting, but no matter what I do, I must never forget to enjoy myself.
Didn't Director Isao Yukisada, who directed the movie "Pink & Grey", say to you, "The reason you can act is because you normally play an idol"?
He did (laughs). I thought he could see right through me, and I was shocked at the time. To be honest, there was a time when I felt there was no way I could be an idol. There were times when I thought, "I'm not cut out for this." But now I'm enjoying myself as an idol, and it's actually fun. I think it's only recently that I've been able to think that way.
I won't be watching any more of your work.
Do you have a senior who takes care of you?
I went out for dinner recently with Shige-kun (Kato Shigeaki).
When we interviewed him previously during the filming of "Pink & Grey", he said that he thought you and him were similar.
That makes me happy. When we went out to dinner, he told me that he started writing novels because he thought he had to acquire an asset. He told me that it was the hardships and troubles he went through that made him the person he is today. When I heard that, I had a lot of sympathy for him because I've also been living in the shadows. So I think that's why he said that we're "similar".
I see.
I'm also indebted to Okada-kun (Junichi). I've been asked to work with V6 on "24-Hour TV", and he held a dinner party before the show. At that time, Okada-kun said, "I saw 'Water Polo Yankees', but weren't you thinking about it too much?" That's true as I'd never played a delinquent before, and it was the first time in my life I was blonde. He patted me on the ass and said, "If Pink & Grey is like that too, I won't be watching any more of your work."
So that's what happened.
When "Pink & Grey" came out, Okada-kun was really busy, but his manager rushed over to me to tell me how good he thought it was. Even though it was only a little bit, I thought he recognised me.
Who are the juniors you interact with?
That would be Micchi (Michieda Shunsuke) who was with me in "Hana ni Naru". He came to see the Osaka show of our tour. I promised to go out for dinner with him after the concert. Yamada and Arioka are the ones he admired, so I invited them.
Did you give him any acting advice?
I didn't do it on set. It's important to learn things one by one. The right answer is different for each person, and what was right for me may not be right for him, so I deliberately didn't say anything. I did talk about my experiences, but I didn't want to sound like a senior, so I humbly acted like one (laughs).
I enjoy all the time I spend with them.
Looking back on Nakajima-kun's ten years, wasn't your first Seven Meeting and your reconciliation with Yamada-kun a big turning point?
Yes. But to be honest, this might be me, but I feel like the real reconciliation didn't happen that day.
Is that right?
Yes. It was only last year or so that I felt I could devote myself completely to the members. They were waiting for me with their hearts open. I was hesitant to jump in, and for a moment I almost shut myself away in my shell again. But in the last year and two when I was busy with work or feeling down, it was the members who were there for me physically and mentally. I thought, "Oh, I can trust them". I felt ashamed of myself for not being able to trust them. That's when things started to change.
That's really recent.
But when I look back on it, the members have always been there for me. When I was in high school, Chinen was always beside me. Last year, Yabu-kun was always by my side and asked me "How are you?" and put his arm on my shoulders. I could tell that he was trying to cheer me up.
I see.
We used to MC "Itadaki High Jump" on a rotating basis before we started the Don Pishanna project. When I said to the members, 'I wonder if everyone will be able to follow,', they said. "It's okay. We'll follow you. You're a member." I thought it was nice to be more entrusted. Of course, I shouldn't fail. But even if I fail, the members who understand me better than anyone else in the world will cover for me.
So, when do you think the real reconciliation with Yamada-kun occurred?
I think that was last year too. He really cheered me up so much when I was down and scolded me. The other time was when he told me what he thought of "Pink & Grey". He told me, "Yutti can do performances I can't do. That's what I like about it." I thought, "Oh, he recognises me". I think I felt some kind of selfish inferiority complex in there. Those selfish and ill feelings disappeared. That's when I think it started. I never used to hear anything from Yama before. So I think it was that day. In a real sense, there is no longer any distance between us.
Are you having fun now?
It's fun! Yes! You can have real fights with the members, and each of us has the desire to improve ourselves with a common understanding of "let's all go together!" Of course, many things are missing and things we need to work on. When I look at my seniors, I really feel like there are more things we need to do. But I feel that there is a real sense of JUMP now sharing our hardships among the members, encouraging each other and helping each other as we go through this experience. I think we've become a good group in our 10th year.
What does JUMP mean to Nakajima-kun?
It's a home where I can relax more than any other place. A place where I can devote everything about myself. But the members aren't just friends or simply just workmates. So it's a place where I can be more relaxed than anywhere else, but it's also a place where we can motivate each other, so we can't even sit around. It's strange, but I'm enjoying everything right now. I enjoy all the time I spend with them.
You were so stubborn.
Right? Why did I think I was taking on all the unhappiness of the world? I had friends next to me that I could entrust with everything.
No matter what, there was always a member next to you.
Yes. I feel like I've finally found my position. I now know that I didn't find that position by myself, but the members created it for me. They would say, "Oh, it's Yuto's turn" and hand the conversation over to me, or "This relates to Yuto" and left it to me. Now I want to do for the members what they did for me. In a situation like this, I'll pull back and let them stand up. That's why I want to understand each member's character better. I want to learn more about them and how they can convey their good qualities and personalities to the audience when they talk like this.
Finally, what is your message to the members who have experienced the past 10 years with you?
Thank you...... for finding and creating a place for me.
It's the 10th anniversary of your debut. What kind of decade was it for you, Nakajima-kun?
We made our debut right in the middle of when we were growing up, so when I look back on our debut, I think I was very young in terms of looks and mindset. Now, 10 years later, I feel that not only my appearance has changed, but my sense of responsibility as a member of Hey! Say! JUMP has changed as well.
You're in the middle of your first-anniversary tour, but is it still very emotional?
I think our 10th anniversary is the year to say "Thank you for helping me grow until now" to our fans. The tour is an important place where we can interact with our fans who support us. It's a special place that you don't feel in your everyday life and it's a place I want to cherish. This tour made me realise once again that I have to cherish the people in front of me and make them happy.
Right.
I can see the audience during the concert, and I remember the faces of those who have always been supporting me. I sometimes think, "That's really long. It's always the same uchiwa." I'm thankful for that. Of course, each and every person have been fans for different lengths of time, but we've been happy together, we've been sad together, and we share all kinds of emotions together with our fans. It's hard to find a way to describe it, but it's cute. It's very pure, but because of that, I feel anxious that it'll disappear in a moment. I think I have to work harder so that they don't lose interest.
I was the one keeping my distance.
Many members said that Nakajima-kun was the one who changed the most after your debut.
Really?
Do you think so?
Ah, I think so. I was aware of the fact that there were many things I needed to change and overcome. But there were also things that I couldn't give up and I definitely wanted to cherish.
One of the biggest changes on your second single "Dreams come true" is that you and Yamada-kun (Ryosuke) changed centre positions.
In hindsight, I think it was a natural result. I now believe that to be the case.
Did you believe that at the time?
No. I didn't think so at the time. I would think, "Why?" and although it wasn't the same as hating him, his every word and action got on my nerves, which is why I didn't talk to him at the time unless I needed to for work. But that was just my own preconceived notion, and when I think back on it now, I think, "How petty! I was petty back then!" or something like that (laughs).
In 2009, you entered high school and you were in the same class as Yamada-kun and Chinen-kun. Didn't you cry loudly when the members surprised you on your birthday on the summer tour?
I think that might've been the time when I was at my lowest point.
Looking back, what were those tears about?
Of course, I think I cried because I was happy. But I'm basically a negative person, and I feel guilty when someone does something for me. I think "for my sake". At the time, I was very prejudiced and narrow-minded and thought I must be disliked by the other members, and I was feeling out of place. That's why I was extraordinarily happy about the surprise.
That was very negative, wasn't it?
Yes. When I was in my first year of high school, I won an award for perfect attendance at school. At the time, all I could think was "I don't have a job." Looking back now, I think I was able to have a proper full year of school because of the agency and I'm grateful for that. But at the time, I thought, "I'm the only one still here". Watching the both of them leave early, I felt very inferior to them.
NYC was founded right after you entered high school, right?
Yes. I thought, "I'm an N too." I was also jealous, and I thought, "Why not me?". At that time, I was too sensitive and thought too much.
Is that so?
Dai-chan was in his third year and at the school festival, Arioka, Chinen and Yamada danced together. I was the only one who wasn't invited. I was like, "What?" Now I understand the relationship between me and Yama was strained, and it was hard for them to invite me out because I was doing things with my classmates. But at the time, I thought, "It would be better if I were by Yamada's side" and I had a slanted view on things. This was a time when I had a big inferiority complex, and a lot of jealousy, envy and warped views.
When did you stop feeling inferior?
In my third year of high school, I appeared together with Yama in "Risou no Musuko", and maybe that was when I came undone from the past. I felt like I realised my position was there, even if I wasn't the centre or the main character. Of course, I didn't realise it on my own, but the words I received from the staff and producers of the drama that I've been working with for a long time were a big part of it.
Did your relationship with the other members besides Yamada-kun change as well?
Yes. But at first, I think it was more negative than positive that triggered the change. I was too serious, or rather, I was a pain in the ass who would jump on the members every time they said or did something. I think it was in the dressing room, and when I was being teased, it turned into laughter. When that happened, I felt it was easier to just make a joke out of it and not talk back. Once I started to let it slide, I began to understand the intentions of the members. It's not that they hate me or that they're trying to hurt me. On the contrary, I thought everyone was keeping their distance from me, but it was me who was keeping my heart closed and me who was keeping my distance.
Do you feel like you're seeing things more clearly?
I'm still surprised (laughs).
At the end of 2013, you held your first Seven Meeting (Kai) for Chinen's birthday as well.
Yes. However, but I don't have very detailed memories of it. I vaguely remember when Yama said to me, "I didn't like you," and me replying, "Me neither." But isn't it shocking to hear someone say "I don't like you"? So maybe that's why my memory of that moment has disappeared (laughs).
Was it at that meeting that Yamada-kun started calling you "Yutti"?
Maybe so. I think he started using it from around then.
When did you go from calling him Yama-chan to Yama?
That's a little more recent.
In May 2014, during the encore of your concert at Tokyo Dome, you kissed Yamada-kun and gave him a piggyback ride, right?
I did. It was weird for me (laughs). Hikaru-kun signalled to me, "Go to Yama". It's the kind of pairing that only Johnny's could have. I don't think I'm in the same league as Yama, but it's like we have a rivalry within the group. I think all groups have that kind of relationship with each other. For Yabu-kun, Hikaru-kun is that. Hikaru-kun was the one who pushed me to go and said, "You should go to Yama" for the sake of both of us, for the group and for the fans. (T/N: This interview said Yabu was the member who signalled to Yuto, but it was actually Hikaru and it was corrected in Hikaru's 10k interview).
Next time, we'll stand on that stage together.
Next, tell us about the changes in the members. Let's start with Arioka.
We used to fight a lot in the past (laughs). I guess that Dai-chan has grown up now. We have a song called "Viva! 9's Soul" in which the members are introduced one by one, and Dai-chan is the only one who has nothing nice said about him. But he's cool about saying it's okay because it's a funny group song. If it were me, even if it was funny, I'd feel down (laughs). Dai-chan can put the needs of the group first. He's really nice.
I see.
But he's so kind that there's probably a part of him that's tired of it, and he's always smiling, but of course, he has his worries. But there was one time where he once travelled to Yakushima by himself suddenly, and he must have been worried. I'm sure every member has their worries at some point, but it's really hard to find your position in the group. After Yakushima, Dai-chan decided to do whatever it took to make the group interesting, and I think he found his position in the group.
Next is Takaki-kun. He said, "When the members are laughing in a group photo, Yuto is the one making everyone laugh." How do you do it?
Hmmm, I do imitations and things. I would whisper what the members and staff would say. But it sometimes backfired on me. Even when I'm told to put on a "cooler expression next", it's pretty hard to stop laughing (laughs).
What is Takaki-kun like these days?
He's become a lot more calm. But there are still moments where he acts child-like and does what he wants. For example, if an interview is taking too long and he becomes bored, he will say, "Just write something random!" He's only joking to the writers who know him well, but if someone who doesn't know their relationship hears it, they'll think, "What a big shot! (laughs).
It seems like his era of high energy is no longer a lie. (T/N: This era is referenced in Takaki's 10k interview)
I also think that Takaki-kun has found where he fits in JUMP. There was a time when he was only hanging out with his co-stars from Gokusen because there wasn't a place where he fit. I think Yabu-kun was the one who stopped him doing that. Also, I think because he had seen the outside world, there is a part of him where he understands the strengths of the group and the members.
What do you mean by that?
There was also a time when I thought that Johnny's was an uncomfortable place to work. When I stepped outside to work on drama or something, a world that I've never experienced before was waiting for me and even though it looks very fascinating, at the same time I felt relieved working with the members after a long time. I was able to reaffirm that there were people who understood me so well, even if we just a had casual conversations. I think somewhere along the line, Takaki-kun must have felt the same way, too.
Next is Hikaru-kun.
I used to be afraid of him (laughs). It was always Hikaru-kun who would scold the members for not doing things properly. He's always been the kind of person who would take on roles that he didn't like. However, Hikaru-kun has a part of him that's still young, and there's a part of him that refuses to admit he makes mistakes. Recently, "School Kakumei!" has been a big thing for him. Hikaru-kun's getting teased there and he seems to be enjoying and accepting it.
Right.
Since Hikaru-kun has become gentle and cuter, 7 can talk to BEST about it. I think it's a really good thing that the barriers between us have come down. Still, I just want to say while it is nice that Hikaru-kun is becoming kinder, he's getting old fast (laughs). If he has free time, he's sleeping. I often take photos of the members in their daily lives, and I've accumulated so many photos of Hikaru-kun's sleeping face that I could make a photo book just of them.
Hahahaha. What about Yabu-kun?
He's always been like an older brother to me. Whenever I'm worried, he's always smiling at me with that carefree, crunched up smile.
Yabu-kun said that Nakajima-kun has always been like a younger brother to him.
I'm happy to hear that.
He says you still get embarrassed by that compliment.
Hahahaha. Yabu-kun compliments me because he wants to see me embarrassed (laughs). But it is embarrassing to get compliments from the members. In any event, when I'm complimented by someone besides the members, I think there's a small part of it that's just an empty compliment. But the members are honest with me. That's why I'm honestly happy when I'm complimented and why I feel embarrassed.
I think I understand.
Yabu-kun has been a strong and reliable person since the formation of our group. But even though he doesn't show it, I'm sure he's had many worries over the past 10 years. In his Jr. days, he was more of a younger brother character, and now he's the oldest member in JUMP. And he must've had a lot to think about being in a group with members with smaller careers than him, such as Keito. Yabu-kun and Hikaru-kun must have had to let go of some of the things they had for us to debut. I'm really happy to see Yabu-kun's crunched up smile now.
What about Inoo-kun?
Inoo-chan also looks out for me and compliments me a lot. Especially when it comes to visuals and sense of fashion. He notices even the slightest change, so I think he pays close attention. And he knows the words to make me happy. It may seem like a random thing to do, but it's not at all. He's someone who has created his own image, so I think he's aware of things like how everyone's hairstyle changes. He says the mushroom cut that triggered his breakthrough was just a "coincidence", but I don't know if that's true.
So, what was it like to see the Inoo Revolution up close? (T/N: This is referenced in Inoo Kei's 10k interview).
I don't mean to be rude when I say this, but I'm happy. I know there was a time when the light didn't shine on him. What I can say without a doubt is that Inoo-chan's awareness definitely changed at that time. I felt him turn on a switch like, "I'm going to put myself out there."
Next is Chinen-kun.
We really spent a lot of time together in high school. He was very good at listening to people. So, even though he didn't have to say anything, just being there for me really helped me. Even now and then, he's still irreplaceable to me, and I still admire him. He can do anything, and he can learn choreography very quickly. He remembers all our old choreography. He can do acrobatics too. He can quickly master everything he sees. He was practising the piano for the movie "Kids on the Slope" and got really good at it. And even though he seems like he's full of self-confidence, Chinen was also struggling at some point. He was absent-mindedly talking about how "I don't have any particular skill or charm that I excel at. So why do they let me do so many productions." That's what he thought.
What is Okamoto-kun recently like?
Well, Keito is the type of person who likes to look for similarities between himself and the members. Last time I changed my hair colour, he said to me, "Our hair colours are similar." I thought, "It's a little different," but I answered, "Yes!" (laughs) To be honest, I was a bit put off by that before. I thought it was fine for him to be himself. But Keito was Keito and he has his own way of thinking, and he had more troubles than anyone else, becoming a member of a group with little to no experience in singing, dancing and being a Jr. He was desperately chasing after the members, and I'm sure many things were said to him so it's not surprising he reached a breaking point. I think there was a part of him that felt comfortable because he could find something in common with the members, even if it was a small thing. If you think about it that way, I would try to answer, "Yes!" even if the colour is a little different (laughs).
That's a nice story.
I think part of him wanted to take the stance of "I'm a bit of an outlaw" because he had a strong admiration for his father. He didn't really smile at the beginning. Somewhere along the line, I think he thought, "I'm not my father, I'm living in a different era, a different group," Recently, he's been smiling with a soft smile.
Okamoto-kun is still searching for his position.
Yeah. Ah, he has been working on a challenge to make people laugh in English. All of us in JUMP are trying to find out what we can do to make people laugh. Of course, we need to improve, but we've been seriously talking about how to make Keito's English funnier. We talked seriously about how to make it more interesting. Do you mix English and Japanese together? Or say something rude in English to you seniors? That's the origin of "Sorry Jun!"
Everyone's looking for their position in the group.
That's right. Everyone thinks, worries, and searches for their position in JUMP. I get the impression that they find bits and pieces of hints from outside work and from various places and come back. Everyone has to worry about it one by one. There are a lot of people in the group. We are wondering what can we do and worrying about what only we can do. Lately, I guess everyone has finally had time to think about the other members as well as themselves.
Lastly, I'd like to talk about Yamada-kun.
Yama... he really cares about the members and is someone who always thinks about the members while considering how JUMP can succeed. To put it bluntly, he's an ace so he's in a position where he can leave the members to their own devices. But he doesn't do that.
Has that always been the case?
I wouldn't have thought so at first. It's not like he was a centre or an ace from the beginning. But I think there was a time when he was carrying so much on his shoulders that it was hard for him. He didn't put it into words, but it was like a rescue signal from Yama, and all the members received it.
What did you think about Yamada's solo debut?
Our relationship was still strained, but I finally recognised him, and I saw him work harder than anyone else. Above all, I had to do it. That's what I thought. It's not about our relationship, it's about being happy and supporting each other. And I thought "Let's support him."
What happened when Yamada-kun won the Japan Academy Award for Best New Actor?
I was eating out with a friend at the time and watching the broadcast on the TV at that restaurant. I thought "Wow!" and took a picture with my phone. Then the friend I was with teased me and said, "You really like the members, don't you? (laughs). Shortly after that, I got a message that said, "When I was on stage, Yutti popped into my head." I thought Yama didn't think much of me. I felt happy and a little guilty that he was thinking of me at the moment when he received the award. When I asked him about the award, he said he still thought he needed to improve. But Yama said "Next time, we'll stand on that stage together. And let's make JUMP a monster group!" Isn't that like something the main character in a youth manga would say? I thought, "What's with saying such a cool thing?!" but he is really cool.
How would you sum up your relationship in one word?
It's hard to use one word to describe our relationship. I have respect for him....... but when I'm acting, Yama's face is the one that comes to mind. Especially when I'm in the moment of filming an important scene, what comes to my mind is, "If it was him, I would've decided on that in one shot." So if I had to sum it up in one word, I'd say he's my rival.
I see. So, do you have a vision for the future, Nakajima-kun?
I want to play an active role in spreading the name of JUMP more and more, and I feel really grateful to be able to make that contribution through my acting. It's all thanks to our agency. For example, if I were asked to contribute to JUMP by doing a variety show, which I'm not good at, I think it would be difficult. But I can do what I want to do and do my best. I'm really grateful for that.
I see.
I love acting. I want to do more and more acting, and I want to try theatre. There's something I want to do now, and I need to establish my character as an actor so that I can do it well. Of course, there's a lot more to do than just acting, but no matter what I do, I must never forget to enjoy myself.
Didn't Director Isao Yukisada, who directed the movie "Pink & Grey", say to you, "The reason you can act is because you normally play an idol"?
He did (laughs). I thought he could see right through me, and I was shocked at the time. To be honest, there was a time when I felt there was no way I could be an idol. There were times when I thought, "I'm not cut out for this." But now I'm enjoying myself as an idol, and it's actually fun. I think it's only recently that I've been able to think that way.
I won't be watching any more of your work.
Do you have a senior who takes care of you?
I went out for dinner recently with Shige-kun (Kato Shigeaki).
When we interviewed him previously during the filming of "Pink & Grey", he said that he thought you and him were similar.
That makes me happy. When we went out to dinner, he told me that he started writing novels because he thought he had to acquire an asset. He told me that it was the hardships and troubles he went through that made him the person he is today. When I heard that, I had a lot of sympathy for him because I've also been living in the shadows. So I think that's why he said that we're "similar".
I see.
I'm also indebted to Okada-kun (Junichi). I've been asked to work with V6 on "24-Hour TV", and he held a dinner party before the show. At that time, Okada-kun said, "I saw 'Water Polo Yankees', but weren't you thinking about it too much?" That's true as I'd never played a delinquent before, and it was the first time in my life I was blonde. He patted me on the ass and said, "If Pink & Grey is like that too, I won't be watching any more of your work."
So that's what happened.
When "Pink & Grey" came out, Okada-kun was really busy, but his manager rushed over to me to tell me how good he thought it was. Even though it was only a little bit, I thought he recognised me.
Who are the juniors you interact with?
That would be Micchi (Michieda Shunsuke) who was with me in "Hana ni Naru". He came to see the Osaka show of our tour. I promised to go out for dinner with him after the concert. Yamada and Arioka are the ones he admired, so I invited them.
Did you give him any acting advice?
I didn't do it on set. It's important to learn things one by one. The right answer is different for each person, and what was right for me may not be right for him, so I deliberately didn't say anything. I did talk about my experiences, but I didn't want to sound like a senior, so I humbly acted like one (laughs).
I enjoy all the time I spend with them.
Looking back on Nakajima-kun's ten years, wasn't your first Seven Meeting and your reconciliation with Yamada-kun a big turning point?
Yes. But to be honest, this might be me, but I feel like the real reconciliation didn't happen that day.
Is that right?
Yes. It was only last year or so that I felt I could devote myself completely to the members. They were waiting for me with their hearts open. I was hesitant to jump in, and for a moment I almost shut myself away in my shell again. But in the last year and two when I was busy with work or feeling down, it was the members who were there for me physically and mentally. I thought, "Oh, I can trust them". I felt ashamed of myself for not being able to trust them. That's when things started to change.
That's really recent.
But when I look back on it, the members have always been there for me. When I was in high school, Chinen was always beside me. Last year, Yabu-kun was always by my side and asked me "How are you?" and put his arm on my shoulders. I could tell that he was trying to cheer me up.
I see.
We used to MC "Itadaki High Jump" on a rotating basis before we started the Don Pishanna project. When I said to the members, 'I wonder if everyone will be able to follow,', they said. "It's okay. We'll follow you. You're a member." I thought it was nice to be more entrusted. Of course, I shouldn't fail. But even if I fail, the members who understand me better than anyone else in the world will cover for me.
So, when do you think the real reconciliation with Yamada-kun occurred?
I think that was last year too. He really cheered me up so much when I was down and scolded me. The other time was when he told me what he thought of "Pink & Grey". He told me, "Yutti can do performances I can't do. That's what I like about it." I thought, "Oh, he recognises me". I think I felt some kind of selfish inferiority complex in there. Those selfish and ill feelings disappeared. That's when I think it started. I never used to hear anything from Yama before. So I think it was that day. In a real sense, there is no longer any distance between us.
Are you having fun now?
It's fun! Yes! You can have real fights with the members, and each of us has the desire to improve ourselves with a common understanding of "let's all go together!" Of course, many things are missing and things we need to work on. When I look at my seniors, I really feel like there are more things we need to do. But I feel that there is a real sense of JUMP now sharing our hardships among the members, encouraging each other and helping each other as we go through this experience. I think we've become a good group in our 10th year.
What does JUMP mean to Nakajima-kun?
It's a home where I can relax more than any other place. A place where I can devote everything about myself. But the members aren't just friends or simply just workmates. So it's a place where I can be more relaxed than anywhere else, but it's also a place where we can motivate each other, so we can't even sit around. It's strange, but I'm enjoying everything right now. I enjoy all the time I spend with them.
You were so stubborn.
Right? Why did I think I was taking on all the unhappiness of the world? I had friends next to me that I could entrust with everything.
No matter what, there was always a member next to you.
Yes. I feel like I've finally found my position. I now know that I didn't find that position by myself, but the members created it for me. They would say, "Oh, it's Yuto's turn" and hand the conversation over to me, or "This relates to Yuto" and left it to me. Now I want to do for the members what they did for me. In a situation like this, I'll pull back and let them stand up. That's why I want to understand each member's character better. I want to learn more about them and how they can convey their good qualities and personalities to the audience when they talk like this.
Finally, what is your message to the members who have experienced the past 10 years with you?
Thank you...... for finding and creating a place for me.