[trans] Wink Up 2004-02 All members
I think this is the longest magazine article I ever translated. :) It's also the first time I ever translated anything of Moriuchi. And it's full of interesting and funny info! So here's another old article, from Wink Up 2004, February. Enjoy!
Yamashita Tomohisa
Until now, I've mostly been doing anything related to singing on my own. And now it's with this number of people. I'm doing my best for the group activities. *laughs* If so many people move together, they really make a powerful impression. When we appeared in a music program and I looked at the monitors, that's what I thought. What's bad about being a group... it's loud! To tell the truth, I'm a very quiet person. And I'm someone who takes a long time to get used to someone? But even not counting me the silent one, it's totally loud. On top of that, I can't join in the conversation, because they're playing one-on-one games or something like that. I'm someone who definitely won't do one-on-one games. Because losing is hard. *laughs* The stage appearance which made me most nervous in 2003 was FNS Kayosai! Because there were so many of our senpais, standing next to each other and looking at us! It felt like "No flying away, no miracle is going to happen~"! *laughs* [Note: This is a pun on the lyrics "Fly away" and "kiseki okose" (make a miracle happen).] But the members of TOKIO called out to us a couple of seconds before our performance began. Somehow, only the TOKIO table seemed like they were at a banquet. *laughs* I was so happy.
In 2003, I spent much time with Ryô-chan, for the first time in ages. Ryô-chan is known as the poison tongue character, but he unexpectedly has a cute side to him. He doesn't talk much. After he's spoken his mind for a while, he apologizes, "Sorry, I talked for too long." When he stepped on my shoes, he apologized very passionately. I think this gap between the cynic Ryô-chan and the Ryô-chan who apologizes is very cute.
Uchi is noisy, in any case, and his voice is so loud! Especially when we're going on stage, his voice rises in volume by at least five levels. My normal voice is pretty quiet. I bet the sound engineer has a hard time adjusting because of this. *laughs* That guy probably wears out three microphones. *laughs* When we're on tour, Uchi and I go out to karaoke. Since we've been singing for work on that day too, one wonders just how much we love singing. *laughs*
Koyama is really honest. As he's the oldest of us, he takes his job seriously, and it's mostly Koyama who does the job-related talking. When there's a need to pass on info to the younger guys, Koyama takes on the responsibility as leader, in that regard he's someone I can really rely on. Then, what comes to mind when talking about Koyama are exams! At the time when I was in the middle of exams, Koyama gave me advice, saying "They might be asking this and that in the oral exam." I'm so very grateful!
On the first glance, Shige looks very serious, and he really is. When he's playing "Mario Cart" with Kusano, he's getting really serious! *laughs* For example, when he loses. He seriously analyzes why he lost, and there's this atmosphere of having to put this gained knowledge to practical use. It's more "learning" than playing? He's really very intelligent. But lately, he's become our favourite teasing victim, so he's growing up in a good way. *laughs* When he's grown a bit more to the stage of a toddler, we'll show him to everyone, so please look forward to that!
Kusano says he's still nervous around us and can't show us his real personality, but he certainly is well-behaved. Though it would be perfectly fine if he just behaved the way he usually does. But I honestly understand these feelings of Kusano. Because I'm like that myself. *laughs* When I'm appearing in front of the senpai, I'm getting so nervous that I lose all ability to talk. Even if I'm told to just be myself, that's easier said than done. Maybe Kusano's also the type who needs a long time until he gets used to someone? That's why it's okay if he doesn't try in vain... that's what I'd like to tell him. Because I think he'll surely be able to show his real self after we've been together for a long while.
I think everyone will say this, but Masuda is so funny when he's in the dressing room. It's such a pity that this is limited to the dressing room, though. Because if he has this "on air hurdle", then he won't get any time on air? *laughs* When he's on stage, he fails to almost 100%. We don't yet have the confidence to enjoy these little failures of his. *laughs* He's quite a strange guy. If he could be on air as he is usually, he would be so great. Do your best, Masuda-kun!
**** Edited! Thanks to the keen eyes of jkly04 I realized that I overlooked the part about Tegoshi! *embarrassed* Sorry! ****
I don't know why, but Tegoshi is always looking at me. *laughs* The moment when our eyes meet, he smiles. At first I thought, "What, what?", but now I smile back. *laughs* He is such a strange kid. But I'm impressed that he behaves the same way when we're on air as he does normally. I think he'll be someone vital for the variety showbiz.
Moriuchi is a very nice guy who made an MD with his favourite songs for me. When I asked him if he thought rap was quite a good music genre, he made the MD for me. The songs he chose made for an awesome sampler, but I had to laugh about the title of the MD, because there was written "Moriuchi The Best"... but that's okay. *laughs* During our cheering for the volleyball matches, I was listening to it the whole time. Moriuchi, I'm late but thank you!
Uchi Hiroki
When I went to Hiroshima with Yamapi for supporting the volleyball team, we went to karaoke, just the two of us. Then in Ôsaka, we were joined by Ryô, Katô and Koyama. Of course we sang "NEWS Nippon!" In the middle, we were saying "We want to hear Shige sing a solo!" and stuff like that, it was lots of fun. That I would be going to karaoke with Yamapi is something I wouldn't even have imagined half a year ago. The thing I realized after starting activities with NEWS was... that Yamapi is a normal boy, in a good sense. *laughs* But from my point of view he's a bit too quiet. Though he sometimes says I'm too noisy. *laughs*
I get a long well with Ryô-chan. I love Ryô-chan! When we're with Kanjani8, both he and I are the young ones, but when we're in NEWS, he's already our master. *laughs* The one who most often becomes our prey... is Katô, maybe? He's funny, he's really a gentle person and someone you don't need to tread carefully around, he's such a great guy!
I'm... doing my best at the moment in bringing out my real personality! Because the people around me say "you're such a good boy". *laughs* The event of NEWS that left the deepest impression on me so far was the handshaking event. There were so many different people, it was really interesting and funny! People who saw me and cried? They were there! I was nervous, thinking "how did I make them cry?" But the tears of women are beautiful ne. More than diamonds. I want to wipe them away softly. *laughs*
With Koyama, I really get along well. We were already good pals when I was still only with Kanjani8, but lately it has progressed to the point where we call each other "Uc-chan" and "Kei-chan". *laughs* It's like we are on the same wavelength.
Shige, you know, he has the same smell I have. And that is ossan. *laughs* [Note: ossan means old guy.] He's got to be an ossan if only for calling Tegoshi "cute" though he was born in the same year. And Shige is from Kansai too. He said he only falls back into the Kansai dialect when he has a fight with his mother. Actually, the person I first made friends with when I entered the Juniors was Shige too. Back then, we went to Hawaii. And now we're suddenly reunited as NEWS. To become such an ossan after four years... but that refers to both of us. *laughs*
Contrary to Shige, the one who is most like a kid is Kusano. Nothing can top his hyper mood. He's so hyper that you kind of want to hit him on the head with a slipper. *laughs* But you know, lately I realized something. The image which strangely enough fits perfectly when you think of him is that of a kindergarten kid. *laughs* He's like a younger brother clinging to his onii-chan [big brother]. In the course of 2004, I want him to progress at least to elementary school level. *laughs*
When it comes to Masuda, I'm seriously envious of his chubby cheeks. My cheeks are so hollow. I'm really so envious of those cheeks! I haven't talked much yet with Masuda since we became NEWS. In order to get to know Masuda better this year, I'm going to try finding out more about his past. *laughs*
The one who's open to all the cosmic powers is Tegoshi. He rules over the whole universe ne. [Note: I don't know what Uchi means by this. But that's exactly what he said. :)] In my mind, he's like someone from the Addams Family, I never know what he thinks. He's always smiling, and because I never know what words he'll throw back at me, I become scared and can't turn the topic to him, I don't have that level of power yet. *laughs* But he should bring out this interesting side of his more!
Moriuchi is a good kid, really. He is well-mannered, and it's nice looking at him. After a job, he will definitely call out "Good work!". I told him, "It's alright if you do that with the staff, but you don't need that with us.", but he answered, "That's not true. It's only polite to say it to you too." He's really admirable. Even though he is the youngest, there are a lot of things about him I respect.
Koyama Keiichirô
Ever since we started our activities as NEWS, I've often asked Pi for advice. He seems very quiet, but he actually thoroughly reflects about things. It's like a short word of his carries a lot of weight. Opposite to that, the one who absolutely has no convincing power with that machine gun talk of his is Uchi. *laughs* This year we're together not only during our job, but we'll also attend the same school, so job-wise and in our private time, we've become even better friends than we were until now.
I keenly feel that Ryô-chan is already an adult. I've come to understood that he's very reliable, to the point that you wouldn't believe he's also 19 years old like me. Hey, I have had to live in the super hyper mood world of Kusano until now, haven't I. Somehow being quiet feels better... is what I realized. *laughs* I went to karaoke with Ryô-chan in Osaka, and I was totally enraptured by his singing voice. I wonder how many times he'll tell me, "You really have single eyelids." this year. *laughs*
With Uchi, I went to Disneyland last year. I wore a Mickey cap and he a Tigger one, and we both bought the same Mickey parka. *laughs* Even though Uchi is only 17 years old, he takes things too seriously. But since he's such a temperamental person, he doesn't really listen to other people. *laughs* During our World Cup tour, I often shared a room with Uchi. I realized that we are a good fit.
For me, 2003 was the best year ever. I became a university student, I became a part of NEWS. They let us do the flying for the opening ceremony of the World Cup, right? Actually, that was a dream of mine. Four years ago, Arashi did the same kind of flying, and while I was watching them I thought, "Woah, this is cool. This looks great." And now, four years later, I'm doing it myself. For one moment when I was in the middle of flying, I got a bit frantic. *laughs* I hope this year will also be a year without regret, where I'm going full speed to my heart's content!
Shige is, well, he's the guy who knows everything about me. And recently, he's been made the teasing victim inside NEWS. *laughs* With almost everyone older than him, I get to see a new side of Shige. It's so funny! But since he is someone who is very level-headed in deciding things when it comes to our job, I can really rely on him.
Fake master (Kusano), you're getting on my nerves! *laughs* Lately I finally understood that the reason for my exhaustion is that guy. *laughs* If you don't constantly get on his back, he just goes haywire. You know, it's funny, but it's also tiring! But when Ryô-chan or Pi are present, he behaves well, that guy. As I don't think that Pi or the others won't comment on that character, I want Kusano to quickly become able to show his true personality.
With Masuda, he's only funny when he's in the dressing room. *laughs* He's no Kusano, but why can't he be that comical when we're on air! But the atmosphere becomes relaxed just because of his presence in the room, he's like Pooh-san [Winnie the Pooh]. I'm looking forward to this healing presence of his during our activities in 2004 too!
Where Tegoshi is concerned, I don't say anything but "Say it like this!" ne. He listens to me when it is necessary, but other than that he has this attitude of "That's my own decision", and I think that's admirable. It's hard to confirm things with a senpai, but it's really great how he always makes sure what his place is so as not to offend anyone. His lame jokes are also great, and anyway, I want him to stay the way he is!
The one who works hard no matter what is Moriuchi. He does his best to improve speaking on TV, and he is so very polite everywhere else, and on top of that, if you tease him, he slips up. *laughs* So while he's very polite, he slips up... in other words, that's really a lot of fun. *laughs*
Nishikido Ryô
Yamapi, happy new year! Last year, Yamapi worked really hard. What's amazing about him is that no matter what happens, he doesn't complain at all. He's a boy with a very strong will. But if he'll complan to me from time to time, I'll certainly be happy. Anyway, eat more! Let's make you weigh more than me in 2004!
As for my humble self Nishikido Ryô, I worked very hard last year. No, to be fair, I'm working very hard right now too. But still, since I have dorama shooting, I often only watch NEWS' activities as a spectator. *laughs* While I think I'd love to take part too, I encourage myself to do my best in my current job. *laughs* In 2004, I'll turn twenty! I have to start thinking like a grown-up and work hard from now on too... this is what I'm vowing to myself deep in my heart.
Unlike Yamapi, Uchi often complains, too often. *laughs* But there's no helping that. Because though he looks big, he's really only seventeen years old. But he's trying hard to exude an aura of maturity. But if I'm allowed to say this, rather than making him look grown-up, it just makes his face look old. *laughs*
Next is Koyama! Me, I like Koyama. That guy is trying so hard to bring all of NEWS together, but he's totally failing, and that's what I like about him. *laughs* I think he feels the pressure of being the oldest. But I'm the same age as Koyama, so it's alright if he doesn't shoulder this burden all by himself! Then, sometimes he drops the honorific from my name and calls me just "Ryô", and that's when I feel "Oh, he's really doing his best." *laughs* It's totally alright. Only when he drops the honorific, for a moment it shows that it's a conscious effort for him. *laughs* Don't worry about doing your best all the time in 2004, but please become able to call me "Ryô" smoothly. *laughs*
Shige is young, but I think the way he thinks is very serious. At this young age he's becoming something like the counsellor of NEWS. *laughs* If I ask Shige something like "What would have been a better way to do this?", he honestly replies along the lines of "You should have changed this and that at this and that time." When I'm told this by Shige, I can't help but agree. *laughs*
In regards to Kusano, like I've kept saying for a while now, there's nothing for me to do but to pray that he will cut his fringe. *laughs* Though he keeps on saying that he'll cut it, it just keeps on growing longer. But well, he's the fake master. And he even says that himself. *laughs* How vain can you be! ... but this Kusano, I like him. *laughs*
The other person who I - like Kusano - want to challenge cutting off his fringe is Masuda ne. I also want to go and have my fringe cut soon, so let's make the "Fringe cut 3 members group". *laughs* Then, when you want to say something, say it in a simple way three times in your mind before you say it out loud. Too often, the things you say make no sense at all. *laughs*
Tegoshi shocked me most when he said "My special ability is singing!" I thought, woah, you're good at praising yourself. But... he's really good. *laughs* By the way my special ability is to slander others. *laughs* Tegoshi is the youngest right now so in a lot of things he is quite nervous, but he shouldn't hold back and sparkle more!
As for Moriuchi, I can see how hard he works just by being next to him. I've said this before, but he's really good at playing along, he's good at singing, and he has perfect manners. I'm looking forward especially to see him take over the talking! And in 2004, please let me enter the sauna at the Moriuchi home!
Moriuchi Takahiro
Yamashita-kun is a great person ne. When he talks to me, I am so happy that my heart starts beating fast. Even though he's busier and more exhausted than anyone else, he doesn't show his tired face in front of me. Just by being there, Yamashita-kun gives me a reassuring feeling. Since I can't easily talk to him yet, I'll be very happy if he starts talking to me even more often.
Nishikido-kun is really interesting neee. This is what you call it when someone has a sharp tongue but a gentle heart, right? *laughs* It feels like that somehow. In the beginning, I still wasn't immune to that, so when he told me he'd beat me up, I took his words very serious and was afraid, but lately I've come to realize his gentleness. Right now, he's become the person among the senpai who I feel most at ease talking to!
Uchi-kun is also very nice. Because of school, I was often late for NEWS-related jobs, and I felt that it was bad towards the others... When I was a bit depressed because of this, Uchi-kun told me "It's nothing big, so don't worry about it." Speaking of that, I've never seen Uchi-kun stressed out over something. Ah, at the time of the press conference for the founding of NEWS, he was nervous. But on that day, everyone behaved very nervously, and I even thought "I want to go home right now", on the verge of crying. *laughs*
Koyama-kun is someone who I think from the bottom of my heart can become an older brother for me. When I ask him for advice on the phone, he is really open and friendly. Just by hearing him say "It's okay!", I feel reassured. Having an older brother is great... is what I think. Eh, I'm an older brother too? Eh, no, uhm... please don't tease me with this. *laughs*
Shigeaki-kun is very funny recently! In the moment that I think he doesn't crack many jokes, something unbelievable happens. *laughs* A while ago Shigeaki-kun, Koyama-kun, Massu, Tegoshi and I went out for dinner, and it was so funny. Let's go out together again!
Kusano-kun and I go to different schools, but actually our birthdays are exactly one month apart. But I think compared to me, he looks more adult. Just when it comes to his attitude, he's the same year like me. *laughs* Recently we played volleyball and whoever let the ball drop was punished by the others by being hit on the hand with middle and forefinger. Kusano-kun got so worked up about this that he hit really hard. Though I went easy on him and hit him only very softly when he had let the ball drop. *laughs* Then, when speaking of Kusano-kun, what comes to mind is "fake"! Until now, I've never tried to fake anything, but whenever I watch him do it I think that Kusano-kun's faking is very good.
Massu can't really speak his mind ne. I want him to talk more about various things. And please stop getting pissed off at inappropriate times! *laughs* When you're having a verbal fight with Tegoshi, you don't look like you're the older one at all. *laughs* But I love Massu's smile and his happy mood. When Massu is there, I always breathe easier.
Tegoshi... the way he makes everyone feel good is the best, I think. We were friends already before we became NEWS, so I was very happy at the time when I heard that I'd be working together with him. With such a funny person! *laughs* I wish him a year 2004 in good health, and please continue to make our job fun as much as you like. *laughs*
For me, that I was able to stand on a stage in 2003 is a dream come true. Tegoshi and I don't have much stage experience, so everyday was full of new experiences. We were very busy in November, but it was so much fun! I hope that there'll be a lot of good things waiting for us in 2004 too!
Katô Shigeaki & Kusano Hironori
Shige: "If we're talking about the other NEWS members, first it's Yamashita-kun! And what I'd like to ask first is why are you so well-behaved in front of Yamashita-kun?" *laughs*
Kusano: "Hey, what's that all of a sudden, analysis of my character!?"
Shige: "Always upbeat and in a good mood! That's Kusano Hiroki... no, isn't it Hironori!?"
Kusano: "... you know, if you don't even get my name right, I don't want to talk to you."
Shige: "Hai, don't mind and SAY!" [He wrote "say" in English.]
Kusano: "I'm a bit shy when I meet new people. It takes time until I'm getting used to someone. But when I got used to a person, I get like this." *laughs*
Shige: "You're a late bloomer. Yamashita-kun who's normally the quiet type has this kind of switch when he's not quiet anymore all of a sudden." *laughs*
Kusano: "It's like Yamashita-kun is running on his special railway track and suddenly he switches tracks." *laughs*
Shige: "Exactly. And sometimes he even goes backwards. *laughs* This year, I want to find out where exactly the switch for changing tracks is." *laughs*
Kusano: "Next is Nishikido-kun! He's cool."
Shige: "His looks are cool, and he's almost always cool in talking too, only sometimes he suddenly says something poignant which is really funny! His ability to say the very last thing you want to hear when you've made a mistake is honestly great." *laughs*
Kusano: "He can read people ne. He's not only funny, he is very gentle too, I love that part of him! But I found his weak spot!"
Shige: "What is it, what is it?"
Kusano: "He's shy! When he was feeling discouraged, he told me 'I'm so shy...'" *laughs*
Shige: "So true! That guy doesn't take the initiative, people have to talk to him first. It's unexpected that he's embarrassed when it comes to this. Cute!"
Kusano: "The other person also from Kansai is Uchi-kun! Uchi-kun really comes across as an adult. You wouldn't think that there can be so violently different character traits in one person!"
Shige: "I've known him for a long time now..."
Kusano: "And he is a person who is normally very hyper ne."
Shige: "In that regard he's the same character like you, but it's rather like he takes you along for the ride!" *laughs*
Kusano: "That's because I haven't yet shown all I can do."
Shige: "That's why I said you have to stop holding back. But Uchi's laughing is mean ne. It forces you to laugh along because of his funny face. *laughs* Then, during the volleyball competition, after it had been his turn to comment on something, he would suddenly start singing "Sora takaku ♪". *laughs*
Kusano: "That really happened! Yeah, sometimes he just can't read the mood."
Shige: "See, in this aspect you are also exactly like him. *laughs* But though he looks like that, he actually reflects on his behaviour... is what he said himself a while ago. He's quite overconfident." *laughs*
Kusano: "He's amazing in that, isn't he! "I can sing better" - you wonder just how serious he is about that." *laughs*
Shige: "But with that power, I want him to pull us along vigorously ne."
Kusano: "Shige, you're born in Kansai, but despite of that you don't fall into the Kansai dialect even when you talk with other people from Kansai ne."
Shige: "Ah, but when I talk normally with Uchi, sometimes it threatens to come out. But since I can't properly speak the dialect, I'm a bit embarrassed to use it."
Kusano: (in fake Kansai dialect) "Just now when the staff wanted something, you used the Kansai dialect when you answered, I thought that was pretty funny. Really, I tell you!"
Shige: "What's that supposed to be. *laughs* Well, next is Koyama! Ever since we became NEWS, he's taking his job even more serious ne."
Kusano: "Somehow, he's very strict with me recently. Now that we're more people, he doesn't care about me anymore~!" *laughs*
Shige: "What's more, he doesn't come in late anymore. Isn't that alone proof of his feeling the responsibility? Also, he's become more photogenic. *laughs* Before, everyone he met always told him how unphotogenic he was." *laughs*
Kusano: "Maybe he thoroughly researched it, or he's finally become used to being photographed. Okay, next is Shige!"
Shige: "I'm the one you trust most, right?"
Kusano: (immediately) "That's not true!"
Shige: "Well, who do you trust most?"
Kusano: "....... my family. Well, it's not Shige."
Shige: "The person that you'll say something like this to certainly is a person that you trust. *laughs* Maybe I should exchange clothes with Yamashita-kun and sit in the dressing room next time." *laughs* [Note: The way Shige says that it seems that the rest of NEWS has a different dressing room than Yamapi.]
Kusano: "I'll definitely fall for that!"
Shige: "Next is Kusano! Kusano is too annoyingly loud! You're noisy 24/7. When you sleep, you snore, when you're awake, you blabber away, watch TV, listen to ringtones, everything is loud. Then you download a weird ringtone, get scared yourself and come crawling into my bed." *laughs*
Kusano: "I'm really popular, aren't I."
Shige: "You're not popular at all. *laughs* If there was another Kusano inside NEWS, what do you think would happen?"
Kusano: "That would make us more popular! Without a doubt! And I would get to experience how lame I am." *laughs*
Shige: "You would, wouldn't you? You'd surely think, 'Everyone is so nice to me. They have such big hearts.'" *laughs*
Kusano: "Hey, I already have a vague notion of that! But I just can't control myself." *laughs*
Shige: "Please grow up soon! Okay, next is Massu! Massu really can't read the mood. When he's slipped up while saying something, he keeps on repeating it again and again. Though everybody thinks 'it's no use, the mistake is already made'. *laughs* When that happens, Koyama always hastens to the rescue."
Kusano: "Because Koyama is good at ad-libbing. Then, even though Massu doesn't look like it, he's very slim!"
Shige: "True. When he does gain a bit of weight, he gets a bit angry at himself ne. [The next sentence is hard to translate, since it's a pun on the word "kireru" - Shige just uses it to change the topic, so I'll leave it untranslated.] Maybe someday his genius in being funny which he now only shows in the dressing room will flower, so let's patiently wait for that day!" *laughs*
Kusano: "Somehow, NEWS consists only of people who aren't funny outside the dressing room." *laughs*
Shige: "And on top of that, there are certain people who don't dare to show their true self even in the dressing room." *laughs*
Kusano: "But that's because the dressing room feels like class when a new term has begun. *laughs* It's from now on, when we go into the second term!"
Shige: "I'm looking forward to your and Massu's antics. Next is Moriuchi! Moriuchi is good in playing along!"
Kusano: "I like Moriuchi."
Shige: "How is it, speaking as fake master?"
Kusano: "He's honestly good at singing~. I feel it deeply inside of me how good he is at singing."
Shige: "He has this rule that when someone requests something of him, he will fulfill that request to the best of his abilities ne."
Kusano: "Yeah, the description 'must work hard at all costs' fits him very well. Moriuchi's and my conversations are completely meaningless. They usually start with me being pissed off because of something and addressing him a bit rudely, to which he retorts, 'Ha? ... I love you.' 'Ah, I love you too.' Like that." *laughs*
Shige: "That's really meaningless. *laughs* Lastly, Tegoshi! I like Tegoshi! He's so funny~."
Kusano: "It often comes out, this comical side of his ne."
Shige: "He's really a natural. It's like he invented being funny. How about it, Kusano, have you already graduated from being a natural?"
Kusano: "Eh, there's something like a graduation? If one can graduate, then I want to graduate the way I'm now." *laughs*
Shige: "Though you can't be called a knowledgeable man at all. *laughs* But well, we have to make Tegoshi take on the role of the naturally comical character in NEWS ne!"
Kusano: "YES! [Note: He wrote this in English.] He can rely on me as natural comical character graduate." *laughs*
Masuda Takahisa
Becoming NEWS and working together with Yamashita-kun I have the impression that he really is like I imagined him to be. He isn't the noisy type, he's always calm. But he's very gentle and someone I can rely on. Last year I couldn't talk to him very often, but this year I will seek out more opportunities. *laughs*
Uchi is open with his critique, that's why he's someone I can easily talk to. Uchi gets angry right away. But it's not real anger, afterwards he'll say 'Just kidding!'. If that's the way it is, please don't get angry at all! *laughs* And please, when we do the '1,2,3,4,5,6,7' in 'NEWS Nippon', use the right fingers. Stop being so happy about sometimes getting it right. It should be normal that you always get it right. *laughs*
Nishikido-kun is someone who like Uchi sometimes pretends to be angry for fun. Maybe that's something typically Kansai? *laughs* Because of dorama shooting, Nishikido-kun couldn't take part in many of NEWS' activities, but when he came, he had mastered the choreography and his positions perfectly, I was very impressed. This year, please show me around Kansai in our private time!
With Koyama, it feels as if he grew up to become the person in NEWS who takes his job serious and brings everyone together. But, did everyone realize? Sometimes he says strange things. For example, even though the match was in full swing, he said, 'It was a great match.' *laughs* I'm looking forward to you bringing us all together, so please work on your talking!
Shige is very funny these days. Maybe his eyes opened to the comedy genre. Like always he's very serious when he needs to be, he has this kind of on/off switch. But his mood swings are violent. *laughs* When he's in a bad mood, the words 'goes to bed in a huff' fit him perfectly when he goes to sleep. *laughs* After doing Kinpachi together, let's work on bringing out our talking abilities in 2004!
Though Kusano is full of mischief, he is still well-behaved when we go on stage. ... well, I'm one to talk. *laughs* The normal Kusano is honestly great. Even when no one plays along, he can get himself into a good mood completely on his own. *laughs* When no one manages to match his good spirits, it's because he's already going at full speed. *laughs* In 2004, please pull everyone along with this Kusano power!
As for me... I'm very bad when it comes to going on stage / on air. I end up thinking, 'Everyone else is talking, so there's no need for me to talk.' This won't do! It would be great if we could end NEWS' concert tour in 2004 safely, and if I could mature personally and all of us as a group.
Tegoshi is a kid who doesn't have a front and a back side. Yeah, the first words out of his mouth when we met were 'Nee, Massu!' That was when I thought, 'That kid, is he a Junior!?' He has such a strong heart. If I were his kôhai, I could never speak out like that. (Tegoshi: "But for me, you were just Massu!") Ne, that reason doesn't make any sense at all. *laughs* But I think that this attitude is one of Tegoshi's strengths. Please show us all of this Tegoshi in 2004!
Moriuchi doesn't look small at all, but actually he is still in middle school and thus the smallest of us all. Sometimes there are moments when he looks like a child to me. When he gets nervous about his dance moves, somehow he looks like a child. No, I'm not saying that this is cute or anything. *laughs* But joking aside, his feelings towards music are really something, in my opinion. He knows the albums of his favourite artists by heart. School is also hard, I think, but please do your best in managing both school and your job!
Tegoshi Yûya
Isn't Yamashita-kun an amazing person, appearing in dorama and commercials! Can someone like me really be in the same group as him? ... in the beginning, I could not believe it. What I thought after our one month long activities for the World Cup was, [Note: Sorry, I just don't get this sentence! Enlighten me?] 山下くんってどんなコメントをふられても"やっちゃった" って返答がないの。Though I was thinking, "What did I say just now?" all the time. *laughs*
Nishikido-kun has a great career, and I mistook him for someone else when he appeared on the Ya-Ya-yah show a while ago, but already then he possessed the aura of a great senpai. But doing activities together with him I've seen how gentle he is. Yesterday we shared the same car again when we moved locations, but the interior was packed full with stuff, so I sat on the floor. Then he made room for me on the seats and told me to sit down there. Since he's normally very sharp-tongued, this gentleness stands out even more. *laughs*
Since Uchi-kun talks so fast and has such a loud voice, I was scared of him in the beginning. But recently I realized that he's a very nice and funny guy. When the camera shows all of us and I'm laughing goofily, most times Uchi-kun is the reason. *laughs* I talk a lot in the dressing room but just can't talk when we're on air, that's my usual pattern, but Uchi-kun who can talk easily in both situations is really great!
Koyama-kun always answers my mails very earnestly, no matter what I ask, so I decided to make him my onii-chan [older brother]. *laughs* In the beginning, when I had trouble with the choreography, the person who always called out to me and helped me was Koyama. We're always talking when we meet during a job, so from now on I want to hang out with him in private too.
Shige-kun and I have many topics that we can talk about, and when we were on tour, we played games or did something else together. Shige-kun and I both talk really fast. When just the two of us talk, a person not used to this speed might need subtitles. *laughs* And recently, I realized something. For Shige-kun, getting up in the morning is really difficult. Though he's always so funny and nice, his mood in the mornings is something else. *laughs* For 2004, please work on getting into a good mood immediately after waking up! *laughs*
Kusano-kun is the number one happy person in NEWS. Even when everyone else is exhausted, Kusano-kun alone feels like "Yaaaaaaay!" with his regular fake "NEWS Nippon". *laughs* But since everyone gets infected by his good mood and pulled along, please continue to pull us along strongly!
Massu appears to be weak when it comes to appearing on stage. He said it's because he's weak to pressure, I wonder what kind of feeling that is. I never feel nervous or under pressure. I want to become Massu for a while. ("And I'd like to be Tegoshi for a while!" says Massu) But even though he's such a senpai, he never boasts and he's very open-hearted. Please stay that way from now on too!
For Me, dancing has become more interesting recently. Before that, singing was my life, and I rather hated dancing, but nowadays when I look at a mirror I feel like dancing, and while I'm hanging on to a strap on the train, I do things like tapping out a rhythm. Eh, that is the Junior sickness? So that's what it is! I still haven't caught up to everyone else, I'm going to work harder this year!
Morimori goes to karaoke with me in our private time. Most times, we sing our hearts out for two hours, and I always feel that Morimori really knows how to sing. Since both of our careers are the shortest in NEWS, he's the person who's closest to me in that way. We ask each other for advice, and he's my friend and at the same time my co-worker... such a person.
Yamashita Tomohisa
Until now, I've mostly been doing anything related to singing on my own. And now it's with this number of people. I'm doing my best for the group activities. *laughs* If so many people move together, they really make a powerful impression. When we appeared in a music program and I looked at the monitors, that's what I thought. What's bad about being a group... it's loud! To tell the truth, I'm a very quiet person. And I'm someone who takes a long time to get used to someone? But even not counting me the silent one, it's totally loud. On top of that, I can't join in the conversation, because they're playing one-on-one games or something like that. I'm someone who definitely won't do one-on-one games. Because losing is hard. *laughs* The stage appearance which made me most nervous in 2003 was FNS Kayosai! Because there were so many of our senpais, standing next to each other and looking at us! It felt like "No flying away, no miracle is going to happen~"! *laughs* [Note: This is a pun on the lyrics "Fly away" and "kiseki okose" (make a miracle happen).] But the members of TOKIO called out to us a couple of seconds before our performance began. Somehow, only the TOKIO table seemed like they were at a banquet. *laughs* I was so happy.
In 2003, I spent much time with Ryô-chan, for the first time in ages. Ryô-chan is known as the poison tongue character, but he unexpectedly has a cute side to him. He doesn't talk much. After he's spoken his mind for a while, he apologizes, "Sorry, I talked for too long." When he stepped on my shoes, he apologized very passionately. I think this gap between the cynic Ryô-chan and the Ryô-chan who apologizes is very cute.
Uchi is noisy, in any case, and his voice is so loud! Especially when we're going on stage, his voice rises in volume by at least five levels. My normal voice is pretty quiet. I bet the sound engineer has a hard time adjusting because of this. *laughs* That guy probably wears out three microphones. *laughs* When we're on tour, Uchi and I go out to karaoke. Since we've been singing for work on that day too, one wonders just how much we love singing. *laughs*
Koyama is really honest. As he's the oldest of us, he takes his job seriously, and it's mostly Koyama who does the job-related talking. When there's a need to pass on info to the younger guys, Koyama takes on the responsibility as leader, in that regard he's someone I can really rely on. Then, what comes to mind when talking about Koyama are exams! At the time when I was in the middle of exams, Koyama gave me advice, saying "They might be asking this and that in the oral exam." I'm so very grateful!
On the first glance, Shige looks very serious, and he really is. When he's playing "Mario Cart" with Kusano, he's getting really serious! *laughs* For example, when he loses. He seriously analyzes why he lost, and there's this atmosphere of having to put this gained knowledge to practical use. It's more "learning" than playing? He's really very intelligent. But lately, he's become our favourite teasing victim, so he's growing up in a good way. *laughs* When he's grown a bit more to the stage of a toddler, we'll show him to everyone, so please look forward to that!
Kusano says he's still nervous around us and can't show us his real personality, but he certainly is well-behaved. Though it would be perfectly fine if he just behaved the way he usually does. But I honestly understand these feelings of Kusano. Because I'm like that myself. *laughs* When I'm appearing in front of the senpai, I'm getting so nervous that I lose all ability to talk. Even if I'm told to just be myself, that's easier said than done. Maybe Kusano's also the type who needs a long time until he gets used to someone? That's why it's okay if he doesn't try in vain... that's what I'd like to tell him. Because I think he'll surely be able to show his real self after we've been together for a long while.
I think everyone will say this, but Masuda is so funny when he's in the dressing room. It's such a pity that this is limited to the dressing room, though. Because if he has this "on air hurdle", then he won't get any time on air? *laughs* When he's on stage, he fails to almost 100%. We don't yet have the confidence to enjoy these little failures of his. *laughs* He's quite a strange guy. If he could be on air as he is usually, he would be so great. Do your best, Masuda-kun!
**** Edited! Thanks to the keen eyes of jkly04 I realized that I overlooked the part about Tegoshi! *embarrassed* Sorry! ****
I don't know why, but Tegoshi is always looking at me. *laughs* The moment when our eyes meet, he smiles. At first I thought, "What, what?", but now I smile back. *laughs* He is such a strange kid. But I'm impressed that he behaves the same way when we're on air as he does normally. I think he'll be someone vital for the variety showbiz.
Moriuchi is a very nice guy who made an MD with his favourite songs for me. When I asked him if he thought rap was quite a good music genre, he made the MD for me. The songs he chose made for an awesome sampler, but I had to laugh about the title of the MD, because there was written "Moriuchi The Best"... but that's okay. *laughs* During our cheering for the volleyball matches, I was listening to it the whole time. Moriuchi, I'm late but thank you!
Uchi Hiroki
When I went to Hiroshima with Yamapi for supporting the volleyball team, we went to karaoke, just the two of us. Then in Ôsaka, we were joined by Ryô, Katô and Koyama. Of course we sang "NEWS Nippon!" In the middle, we were saying "We want to hear Shige sing a solo!" and stuff like that, it was lots of fun. That I would be going to karaoke with Yamapi is something I wouldn't even have imagined half a year ago. The thing I realized after starting activities with NEWS was... that Yamapi is a normal boy, in a good sense. *laughs* But from my point of view he's a bit too quiet. Though he sometimes says I'm too noisy. *laughs*
I get a long well with Ryô-chan. I love Ryô-chan! When we're with Kanjani8, both he and I are the young ones, but when we're in NEWS, he's already our master. *laughs* The one who most often becomes our prey... is Katô, maybe? He's funny, he's really a gentle person and someone you don't need to tread carefully around, he's such a great guy!
I'm... doing my best at the moment in bringing out my real personality! Because the people around me say "you're such a good boy". *laughs* The event of NEWS that left the deepest impression on me so far was the handshaking event. There were so many different people, it was really interesting and funny! People who saw me and cried? They were there! I was nervous, thinking "how did I make them cry?" But the tears of women are beautiful ne. More than diamonds. I want to wipe them away softly. *laughs*
With Koyama, I really get along well. We were already good pals when I was still only with Kanjani8, but lately it has progressed to the point where we call each other "Uc-chan" and "Kei-chan". *laughs* It's like we are on the same wavelength.
Shige, you know, he has the same smell I have. And that is ossan. *laughs* [Note: ossan means old guy.] He's got to be an ossan if only for calling Tegoshi "cute" though he was born in the same year. And Shige is from Kansai too. He said he only falls back into the Kansai dialect when he has a fight with his mother. Actually, the person I first made friends with when I entered the Juniors was Shige too. Back then, we went to Hawaii. And now we're suddenly reunited as NEWS. To become such an ossan after four years... but that refers to both of us. *laughs*
Contrary to Shige, the one who is most like a kid is Kusano. Nothing can top his hyper mood. He's so hyper that you kind of want to hit him on the head with a slipper. *laughs* But you know, lately I realized something. The image which strangely enough fits perfectly when you think of him is that of a kindergarten kid. *laughs* He's like a younger brother clinging to his onii-chan [big brother]. In the course of 2004, I want him to progress at least to elementary school level. *laughs*
When it comes to Masuda, I'm seriously envious of his chubby cheeks. My cheeks are so hollow. I'm really so envious of those cheeks! I haven't talked much yet with Masuda since we became NEWS. In order to get to know Masuda better this year, I'm going to try finding out more about his past. *laughs*
The one who's open to all the cosmic powers is Tegoshi. He rules over the whole universe ne. [Note: I don't know what Uchi means by this. But that's exactly what he said. :)] In my mind, he's like someone from the Addams Family, I never know what he thinks. He's always smiling, and because I never know what words he'll throw back at me, I become scared and can't turn the topic to him, I don't have that level of power yet. *laughs* But he should bring out this interesting side of his more!
Moriuchi is a good kid, really. He is well-mannered, and it's nice looking at him. After a job, he will definitely call out "Good work!". I told him, "It's alright if you do that with the staff, but you don't need that with us.", but he answered, "That's not true. It's only polite to say it to you too." He's really admirable. Even though he is the youngest, there are a lot of things about him I respect.
Koyama Keiichirô
Ever since we started our activities as NEWS, I've often asked Pi for advice. He seems very quiet, but he actually thoroughly reflects about things. It's like a short word of his carries a lot of weight. Opposite to that, the one who absolutely has no convincing power with that machine gun talk of his is Uchi. *laughs* This year we're together not only during our job, but we'll also attend the same school, so job-wise and in our private time, we've become even better friends than we were until now.
I keenly feel that Ryô-chan is already an adult. I've come to understood that he's very reliable, to the point that you wouldn't believe he's also 19 years old like me. Hey, I have had to live in the super hyper mood world of Kusano until now, haven't I. Somehow being quiet feels better... is what I realized. *laughs* I went to karaoke with Ryô-chan in Osaka, and I was totally enraptured by his singing voice. I wonder how many times he'll tell me, "You really have single eyelids." this year. *laughs*
With Uchi, I went to Disneyland last year. I wore a Mickey cap and he a Tigger one, and we both bought the same Mickey parka. *laughs* Even though Uchi is only 17 years old, he takes things too seriously. But since he's such a temperamental person, he doesn't really listen to other people. *laughs* During our World Cup tour, I often shared a room with Uchi. I realized that we are a good fit.
For me, 2003 was the best year ever. I became a university student, I became a part of NEWS. They let us do the flying for the opening ceremony of the World Cup, right? Actually, that was a dream of mine. Four years ago, Arashi did the same kind of flying, and while I was watching them I thought, "Woah, this is cool. This looks great." And now, four years later, I'm doing it myself. For one moment when I was in the middle of flying, I got a bit frantic. *laughs* I hope this year will also be a year without regret, where I'm going full speed to my heart's content!
Shige is, well, he's the guy who knows everything about me. And recently, he's been made the teasing victim inside NEWS. *laughs* With almost everyone older than him, I get to see a new side of Shige. It's so funny! But since he is someone who is very level-headed in deciding things when it comes to our job, I can really rely on him.
Fake master (Kusano), you're getting on my nerves! *laughs* Lately I finally understood that the reason for my exhaustion is that guy. *laughs* If you don't constantly get on his back, he just goes haywire. You know, it's funny, but it's also tiring! But when Ryô-chan or Pi are present, he behaves well, that guy. As I don't think that Pi or the others won't comment on that character, I want Kusano to quickly become able to show his true personality.
With Masuda, he's only funny when he's in the dressing room. *laughs* He's no Kusano, but why can't he be that comical when we're on air! But the atmosphere becomes relaxed just because of his presence in the room, he's like Pooh-san [Winnie the Pooh]. I'm looking forward to this healing presence of his during our activities in 2004 too!
Where Tegoshi is concerned, I don't say anything but "Say it like this!" ne. He listens to me when it is necessary, but other than that he has this attitude of "That's my own decision", and I think that's admirable. It's hard to confirm things with a senpai, but it's really great how he always makes sure what his place is so as not to offend anyone. His lame jokes are also great, and anyway, I want him to stay the way he is!
The one who works hard no matter what is Moriuchi. He does his best to improve speaking on TV, and he is so very polite everywhere else, and on top of that, if you tease him, he slips up. *laughs* So while he's very polite, he slips up... in other words, that's really a lot of fun. *laughs*
Nishikido Ryô
Yamapi, happy new year! Last year, Yamapi worked really hard. What's amazing about him is that no matter what happens, he doesn't complain at all. He's a boy with a very strong will. But if he'll complan to me from time to time, I'll certainly be happy. Anyway, eat more! Let's make you weigh more than me in 2004!
As for my humble self Nishikido Ryô, I worked very hard last year. No, to be fair, I'm working very hard right now too. But still, since I have dorama shooting, I often only watch NEWS' activities as a spectator. *laughs* While I think I'd love to take part too, I encourage myself to do my best in my current job. *laughs* In 2004, I'll turn twenty! I have to start thinking like a grown-up and work hard from now on too... this is what I'm vowing to myself deep in my heart.
Unlike Yamapi, Uchi often complains, too often. *laughs* But there's no helping that. Because though he looks big, he's really only seventeen years old. But he's trying hard to exude an aura of maturity. But if I'm allowed to say this, rather than making him look grown-up, it just makes his face look old. *laughs*
Next is Koyama! Me, I like Koyama. That guy is trying so hard to bring all of NEWS together, but he's totally failing, and that's what I like about him. *laughs* I think he feels the pressure of being the oldest. But I'm the same age as Koyama, so it's alright if he doesn't shoulder this burden all by himself! Then, sometimes he drops the honorific from my name and calls me just "Ryô", and that's when I feel "Oh, he's really doing his best." *laughs* It's totally alright. Only when he drops the honorific, for a moment it shows that it's a conscious effort for him. *laughs* Don't worry about doing your best all the time in 2004, but please become able to call me "Ryô" smoothly. *laughs*
Shige is young, but I think the way he thinks is very serious. At this young age he's becoming something like the counsellor of NEWS. *laughs* If I ask Shige something like "What would have been a better way to do this?", he honestly replies along the lines of "You should have changed this and that at this and that time." When I'm told this by Shige, I can't help but agree. *laughs*
In regards to Kusano, like I've kept saying for a while now, there's nothing for me to do but to pray that he will cut his fringe. *laughs* Though he keeps on saying that he'll cut it, it just keeps on growing longer. But well, he's the fake master. And he even says that himself. *laughs* How vain can you be! ... but this Kusano, I like him. *laughs*
The other person who I - like Kusano - want to challenge cutting off his fringe is Masuda ne. I also want to go and have my fringe cut soon, so let's make the "Fringe cut 3 members group". *laughs* Then, when you want to say something, say it in a simple way three times in your mind before you say it out loud. Too often, the things you say make no sense at all. *laughs*
Tegoshi shocked me most when he said "My special ability is singing!" I thought, woah, you're good at praising yourself. But... he's really good. *laughs* By the way my special ability is to slander others. *laughs* Tegoshi is the youngest right now so in a lot of things he is quite nervous, but he shouldn't hold back and sparkle more!
As for Moriuchi, I can see how hard he works just by being next to him. I've said this before, but he's really good at playing along, he's good at singing, and he has perfect manners. I'm looking forward especially to see him take over the talking! And in 2004, please let me enter the sauna at the Moriuchi home!
Moriuchi Takahiro
Yamashita-kun is a great person ne. When he talks to me, I am so happy that my heart starts beating fast. Even though he's busier and more exhausted than anyone else, he doesn't show his tired face in front of me. Just by being there, Yamashita-kun gives me a reassuring feeling. Since I can't easily talk to him yet, I'll be very happy if he starts talking to me even more often.
Nishikido-kun is really interesting neee. This is what you call it when someone has a sharp tongue but a gentle heart, right? *laughs* It feels like that somehow. In the beginning, I still wasn't immune to that, so when he told me he'd beat me up, I took his words very serious and was afraid, but lately I've come to realize his gentleness. Right now, he's become the person among the senpai who I feel most at ease talking to!
Uchi-kun is also very nice. Because of school, I was often late for NEWS-related jobs, and I felt that it was bad towards the others... When I was a bit depressed because of this, Uchi-kun told me "It's nothing big, so don't worry about it." Speaking of that, I've never seen Uchi-kun stressed out over something. Ah, at the time of the press conference for the founding of NEWS, he was nervous. But on that day, everyone behaved very nervously, and I even thought "I want to go home right now", on the verge of crying. *laughs*
Koyama-kun is someone who I think from the bottom of my heart can become an older brother for me. When I ask him for advice on the phone, he is really open and friendly. Just by hearing him say "It's okay!", I feel reassured. Having an older brother is great... is what I think. Eh, I'm an older brother too? Eh, no, uhm... please don't tease me with this. *laughs*
Shigeaki-kun is very funny recently! In the moment that I think he doesn't crack many jokes, something unbelievable happens. *laughs* A while ago Shigeaki-kun, Koyama-kun, Massu, Tegoshi and I went out for dinner, and it was so funny. Let's go out together again!
Kusano-kun and I go to different schools, but actually our birthdays are exactly one month apart. But I think compared to me, he looks more adult. Just when it comes to his attitude, he's the same year like me. *laughs* Recently we played volleyball and whoever let the ball drop was punished by the others by being hit on the hand with middle and forefinger. Kusano-kun got so worked up about this that he hit really hard. Though I went easy on him and hit him only very softly when he had let the ball drop. *laughs* Then, when speaking of Kusano-kun, what comes to mind is "fake"! Until now, I've never tried to fake anything, but whenever I watch him do it I think that Kusano-kun's faking is very good.
Massu can't really speak his mind ne. I want him to talk more about various things. And please stop getting pissed off at inappropriate times! *laughs* When you're having a verbal fight with Tegoshi, you don't look like you're the older one at all. *laughs* But I love Massu's smile and his happy mood. When Massu is there, I always breathe easier.
Tegoshi... the way he makes everyone feel good is the best, I think. We were friends already before we became NEWS, so I was very happy at the time when I heard that I'd be working together with him. With such a funny person! *laughs* I wish him a year 2004 in good health, and please continue to make our job fun as much as you like. *laughs*
For me, that I was able to stand on a stage in 2003 is a dream come true. Tegoshi and I don't have much stage experience, so everyday was full of new experiences. We were very busy in November, but it was so much fun! I hope that there'll be a lot of good things waiting for us in 2004 too!
Katô Shigeaki & Kusano Hironori
Shige: "If we're talking about the other NEWS members, first it's Yamashita-kun! And what I'd like to ask first is why are you so well-behaved in front of Yamashita-kun?" *laughs*
Kusano: "Hey, what's that all of a sudden, analysis of my character!?"
Shige: "Always upbeat and in a good mood! That's Kusano Hiroki... no, isn't it Hironori!?"
Kusano: "... you know, if you don't even get my name right, I don't want to talk to you."
Shige: "Hai, don't mind and SAY!" [He wrote "say" in English.]
Kusano: "I'm a bit shy when I meet new people. It takes time until I'm getting used to someone. But when I got used to a person, I get like this." *laughs*
Shige: "You're a late bloomer. Yamashita-kun who's normally the quiet type has this kind of switch when he's not quiet anymore all of a sudden." *laughs*
Kusano: "It's like Yamashita-kun is running on his special railway track and suddenly he switches tracks." *laughs*
Shige: "Exactly. And sometimes he even goes backwards. *laughs* This year, I want to find out where exactly the switch for changing tracks is." *laughs*
Kusano: "Next is Nishikido-kun! He's cool."
Shige: "His looks are cool, and he's almost always cool in talking too, only sometimes he suddenly says something poignant which is really funny! His ability to say the very last thing you want to hear when you've made a mistake is honestly great." *laughs*
Kusano: "He can read people ne. He's not only funny, he is very gentle too, I love that part of him! But I found his weak spot!"
Shige: "What is it, what is it?"
Kusano: "He's shy! When he was feeling discouraged, he told me 'I'm so shy...'" *laughs*
Shige: "So true! That guy doesn't take the initiative, people have to talk to him first. It's unexpected that he's embarrassed when it comes to this. Cute!"
Kusano: "The other person also from Kansai is Uchi-kun! Uchi-kun really comes across as an adult. You wouldn't think that there can be so violently different character traits in one person!"
Shige: "I've known him for a long time now..."
Kusano: "And he is a person who is normally very hyper ne."
Shige: "In that regard he's the same character like you, but it's rather like he takes you along for the ride!" *laughs*
Kusano: "That's because I haven't yet shown all I can do."
Shige: "That's why I said you have to stop holding back. But Uchi's laughing is mean ne. It forces you to laugh along because of his funny face. *laughs* Then, during the volleyball competition, after it had been his turn to comment on something, he would suddenly start singing "Sora takaku ♪". *laughs*
Kusano: "That really happened! Yeah, sometimes he just can't read the mood."
Shige: "See, in this aspect you are also exactly like him. *laughs* But though he looks like that, he actually reflects on his behaviour... is what he said himself a while ago. He's quite overconfident." *laughs*
Kusano: "He's amazing in that, isn't he! "I can sing better" - you wonder just how serious he is about that." *laughs*
Shige: "But with that power, I want him to pull us along vigorously ne."
Kusano: "Shige, you're born in Kansai, but despite of that you don't fall into the Kansai dialect even when you talk with other people from Kansai ne."
Shige: "Ah, but when I talk normally with Uchi, sometimes it threatens to come out. But since I can't properly speak the dialect, I'm a bit embarrassed to use it."
Kusano: (in fake Kansai dialect) "Just now when the staff wanted something, you used the Kansai dialect when you answered, I thought that was pretty funny. Really, I tell you!"
Shige: "What's that supposed to be. *laughs* Well, next is Koyama! Ever since we became NEWS, he's taking his job even more serious ne."
Kusano: "Somehow, he's very strict with me recently. Now that we're more people, he doesn't care about me anymore~!" *laughs*
Shige: "What's more, he doesn't come in late anymore. Isn't that alone proof of his feeling the responsibility? Also, he's become more photogenic. *laughs* Before, everyone he met always told him how unphotogenic he was." *laughs*
Kusano: "Maybe he thoroughly researched it, or he's finally become used to being photographed. Okay, next is Shige!"
Shige: "I'm the one you trust most, right?"
Kusano: (immediately) "That's not true!"
Shige: "Well, who do you trust most?"
Kusano: "....... my family. Well, it's not Shige."
Shige: "The person that you'll say something like this to certainly is a person that you trust. *laughs* Maybe I should exchange clothes with Yamashita-kun and sit in the dressing room next time." *laughs* [Note: The way Shige says that it seems that the rest of NEWS has a different dressing room than Yamapi.]
Kusano: "I'll definitely fall for that!"
Shige: "Next is Kusano! Kusano is too annoyingly loud! You're noisy 24/7. When you sleep, you snore, when you're awake, you blabber away, watch TV, listen to ringtones, everything is loud. Then you download a weird ringtone, get scared yourself and come crawling into my bed." *laughs*
Kusano: "I'm really popular, aren't I."
Shige: "You're not popular at all. *laughs* If there was another Kusano inside NEWS, what do you think would happen?"
Kusano: "That would make us more popular! Without a doubt! And I would get to experience how lame I am." *laughs*
Shige: "You would, wouldn't you? You'd surely think, 'Everyone is so nice to me. They have such big hearts.'" *laughs*
Kusano: "Hey, I already have a vague notion of that! But I just can't control myself." *laughs*
Shige: "Please grow up soon! Okay, next is Massu! Massu really can't read the mood. When he's slipped up while saying something, he keeps on repeating it again and again. Though everybody thinks 'it's no use, the mistake is already made'. *laughs* When that happens, Koyama always hastens to the rescue."
Kusano: "Because Koyama is good at ad-libbing. Then, even though Massu doesn't look like it, he's very slim!"
Shige: "True. When he does gain a bit of weight, he gets a bit angry at himself ne. [The next sentence is hard to translate, since it's a pun on the word "kireru" - Shige just uses it to change the topic, so I'll leave it untranslated.] Maybe someday his genius in being funny which he now only shows in the dressing room will flower, so let's patiently wait for that day!" *laughs*
Kusano: "Somehow, NEWS consists only of people who aren't funny outside the dressing room." *laughs*
Shige: "And on top of that, there are certain people who don't dare to show their true self even in the dressing room." *laughs*
Kusano: "But that's because the dressing room feels like class when a new term has begun. *laughs* It's from now on, when we go into the second term!"
Shige: "I'm looking forward to your and Massu's antics. Next is Moriuchi! Moriuchi is good in playing along!"
Kusano: "I like Moriuchi."
Shige: "How is it, speaking as fake master?"
Kusano: "He's honestly good at singing~. I feel it deeply inside of me how good he is at singing."
Shige: "He has this rule that when someone requests something of him, he will fulfill that request to the best of his abilities ne."
Kusano: "Yeah, the description 'must work hard at all costs' fits him very well. Moriuchi's and my conversations are completely meaningless. They usually start with me being pissed off because of something and addressing him a bit rudely, to which he retorts, 'Ha? ... I love you.' 'Ah, I love you too.' Like that." *laughs*
Shige: "That's really meaningless. *laughs* Lastly, Tegoshi! I like Tegoshi! He's so funny~."
Kusano: "It often comes out, this comical side of his ne."
Shige: "He's really a natural. It's like he invented being funny. How about it, Kusano, have you already graduated from being a natural?"
Kusano: "Eh, there's something like a graduation? If one can graduate, then I want to graduate the way I'm now." *laughs*
Shige: "Though you can't be called a knowledgeable man at all. *laughs* But well, we have to make Tegoshi take on the role of the naturally comical character in NEWS ne!"
Kusano: "YES! [Note: He wrote this in English.] He can rely on me as natural comical character graduate." *laughs*
Masuda Takahisa
Becoming NEWS and working together with Yamashita-kun I have the impression that he really is like I imagined him to be. He isn't the noisy type, he's always calm. But he's very gentle and someone I can rely on. Last year I couldn't talk to him very often, but this year I will seek out more opportunities. *laughs*
Uchi is open with his critique, that's why he's someone I can easily talk to. Uchi gets angry right away. But it's not real anger, afterwards he'll say 'Just kidding!'. If that's the way it is, please don't get angry at all! *laughs* And please, when we do the '1,2,3,4,5,6,7' in 'NEWS Nippon', use the right fingers. Stop being so happy about sometimes getting it right. It should be normal that you always get it right. *laughs*
Nishikido-kun is someone who like Uchi sometimes pretends to be angry for fun. Maybe that's something typically Kansai? *laughs* Because of dorama shooting, Nishikido-kun couldn't take part in many of NEWS' activities, but when he came, he had mastered the choreography and his positions perfectly, I was very impressed. This year, please show me around Kansai in our private time!
With Koyama, it feels as if he grew up to become the person in NEWS who takes his job serious and brings everyone together. But, did everyone realize? Sometimes he says strange things. For example, even though the match was in full swing, he said, 'It was a great match.' *laughs* I'm looking forward to you bringing us all together, so please work on your talking!
Shige is very funny these days. Maybe his eyes opened to the comedy genre. Like always he's very serious when he needs to be, he has this kind of on/off switch. But his mood swings are violent. *laughs* When he's in a bad mood, the words 'goes to bed in a huff' fit him perfectly when he goes to sleep. *laughs* After doing Kinpachi together, let's work on bringing out our talking abilities in 2004!
Though Kusano is full of mischief, he is still well-behaved when we go on stage. ... well, I'm one to talk. *laughs* The normal Kusano is honestly great. Even when no one plays along, he can get himself into a good mood completely on his own. *laughs* When no one manages to match his good spirits, it's because he's already going at full speed. *laughs* In 2004, please pull everyone along with this Kusano power!
As for me... I'm very bad when it comes to going on stage / on air. I end up thinking, 'Everyone else is talking, so there's no need for me to talk.' This won't do! It would be great if we could end NEWS' concert tour in 2004 safely, and if I could mature personally and all of us as a group.
Tegoshi is a kid who doesn't have a front and a back side. Yeah, the first words out of his mouth when we met were 'Nee, Massu!' That was when I thought, 'That kid, is he a Junior!?' He has such a strong heart. If I were his kôhai, I could never speak out like that. (Tegoshi: "But for me, you were just Massu!") Ne, that reason doesn't make any sense at all. *laughs* But I think that this attitude is one of Tegoshi's strengths. Please show us all of this Tegoshi in 2004!
Moriuchi doesn't look small at all, but actually he is still in middle school and thus the smallest of us all. Sometimes there are moments when he looks like a child to me. When he gets nervous about his dance moves, somehow he looks like a child. No, I'm not saying that this is cute or anything. *laughs* But joking aside, his feelings towards music are really something, in my opinion. He knows the albums of his favourite artists by heart. School is also hard, I think, but please do your best in managing both school and your job!
Tegoshi Yûya
Isn't Yamashita-kun an amazing person, appearing in dorama and commercials! Can someone like me really be in the same group as him? ... in the beginning, I could not believe it. What I thought after our one month long activities for the World Cup was, [Note: Sorry, I just don't get this sentence! Enlighten me?] 山下くんってどんなコメントをふられても"やっちゃった" って返答がないの。Though I was thinking, "What did I say just now?" all the time. *laughs*
Nishikido-kun has a great career, and I mistook him for someone else when he appeared on the Ya-Ya-yah show a while ago, but already then he possessed the aura of a great senpai. But doing activities together with him I've seen how gentle he is. Yesterday we shared the same car again when we moved locations, but the interior was packed full with stuff, so I sat on the floor. Then he made room for me on the seats and told me to sit down there. Since he's normally very sharp-tongued, this gentleness stands out even more. *laughs*
Since Uchi-kun talks so fast and has such a loud voice, I was scared of him in the beginning. But recently I realized that he's a very nice and funny guy. When the camera shows all of us and I'm laughing goofily, most times Uchi-kun is the reason. *laughs* I talk a lot in the dressing room but just can't talk when we're on air, that's my usual pattern, but Uchi-kun who can talk easily in both situations is really great!
Koyama-kun always answers my mails very earnestly, no matter what I ask, so I decided to make him my onii-chan [older brother]. *laughs* In the beginning, when I had trouble with the choreography, the person who always called out to me and helped me was Koyama. We're always talking when we meet during a job, so from now on I want to hang out with him in private too.
Shige-kun and I have many topics that we can talk about, and when we were on tour, we played games or did something else together. Shige-kun and I both talk really fast. When just the two of us talk, a person not used to this speed might need subtitles. *laughs* And recently, I realized something. For Shige-kun, getting up in the morning is really difficult. Though he's always so funny and nice, his mood in the mornings is something else. *laughs* For 2004, please work on getting into a good mood immediately after waking up! *laughs*
Kusano-kun is the number one happy person in NEWS. Even when everyone else is exhausted, Kusano-kun alone feels like "Yaaaaaaay!" with his regular fake "NEWS Nippon". *laughs* But since everyone gets infected by his good mood and pulled along, please continue to pull us along strongly!
Massu appears to be weak when it comes to appearing on stage. He said it's because he's weak to pressure, I wonder what kind of feeling that is. I never feel nervous or under pressure. I want to become Massu for a while. ("And I'd like to be Tegoshi for a while!" says Massu) But even though he's such a senpai, he never boasts and he's very open-hearted. Please stay that way from now on too!
For Me, dancing has become more interesting recently. Before that, singing was my life, and I rather hated dancing, but nowadays when I look at a mirror I feel like dancing, and while I'm hanging on to a strap on the train, I do things like tapping out a rhythm. Eh, that is the Junior sickness? So that's what it is! I still haven't caught up to everyone else, I'm going to work harder this year!
Morimori goes to karaoke with me in our private time. Most times, we sing our hearts out for two hours, and I always feel that Morimori really knows how to sing. Since both of our careers are the shortest in NEWS, he's the person who's closest to me in that way. We ask each other for advice, and he's my friend and at the same time my co-worker... such a person.