[Myojo 1711] Yaotome Hikaru 10000 Interview
Q : We’re so happy we can interview you the day after anniversary day
Hikaru : thank you very much. Yesterday was our 10th anniversary, so I thought about a lot of things and also reminisced about lots of things.
Q : What is it for example?
Hikaru : hmm.. for myself and the group, actually I wanted it to be bigger than now, since I’ve seen senior’s group when they celebrated 10th year. But at the same time, I feel happy that I reach 10th years with this member.
Q : Do you remember when this group just formed?
Hikaru : yes. When they gathered us for the first time, I looked around to see the member and felt insecure like “will we be ok?!”. But for example like the debut song, when I listen to the demo tape it doesn’t ring a bell but when it’s completed it become a hit. So I get the same hunch, even with this member, I feel like we can make it into a great group. And I’m right.
Q : All the member have different career and personality
Hikaru : It’s true that we all have different career, like keito, at first he couldn’t do anything. But I think it’s also fun that way. We are a big group so that also part of his character. Besides, when I taught him the dance, there are part that I actually said to myself as well, so I’d be able to remember the spirit when I started with. So there’s also good things coming up from that. But think about 10 years, I feel that chinen and yuto really grown up. They used to sit on my lap you know. Can you believe it?!
Q : 10 years is amazing
Hikaru : yes. Yesterday I also thought about fans. We keep running for 10 years. It’s kind of a hard work for fans to catch up with us. They also have their on life. I respected them, and made me think we must not stop to grow and transform to make them feel happier than now.
Q : Hikaru-kun often says on MC “We’re going to make you the happiest fans on earth”
Hikaru : I always feel that way. I want them to feel “I’m going to work hard today!” after they hear our song, or watch us on tv. I want to be like a life supplement that heal fans heart, that make them have a peace of mind.
Q : I have to apologize first, but in Nakajima-kun’s interview last month, during 2014 concert Nakajima-kun said “Hikaru-kun gave me signal to kiss yamada-kun’s cheek” but we wrote it as Yabu-kun. I’m really sorry
Hikaru : Did I do that?! I don’t really remember. I’m stupid so I don’t have a good memory (laughs)
Q : Fans also pointed out to us
Hikaru : aah~ then it must be true. Fans knows me more than I know myself. I got a few factors that makes me work hard everyday, and fans is definitely one of them. They really remember all the things that even I cant remember. If I can remain in someone’s memory then I will work hard again today.
Q : Don’t you remember giving signal to nakajima-kun?
Hikaru : Well it sounds like something that I would do (laughs) I often did it at the beginning after we debut. Takaki kind of holding back and put a distance with yabu even though they are the same age. That’s why I whispered on takaki’s ear “Say ‘yabu, shut up for a sec’ ”, and I did it a couple of time so it’ll break a barrier between them.
Q : But you also put yourself to become the bad guy
Hikaru : it’s not that I volunteer to become one, but more like I was anxious myself as well. When we need someone to scold the other member, It’s not that I was like “yosh let me do it!” but I was in a rush to get better. I always have this post-debut anxious feeling.
Q : At the beginning, if someone made mistake, the one who’d get scolded was yabu-kun and hikaru-kun right?
Hikaru : That’s right. I do feel frustrated but I just swallow it. After we get scolded, I’d discuss with yabu “So how should we tell the other member?”. Yabu is not a person who can say harsh thing, so it become my role.
Q : It must be hard to become the hated role
Hikaru : hmm how should I say this. It’s not that I mad randomly, I scolded them for the part that the staff pointed out to me. I don’t have space to protest as well, since that is the opinion from people who see us from outside so I think it must be fixed. And no one snap back at me at that time. Because if they did, I would be more furious than that (laughs)
Q : You were only 17th years old at that time. Normally people can’t do it. I will ask Okamoto-kun directly on next month interview, but I hope your real intention when you scolded member will be conveyed properly
Hikaru : either’s fine. Because I think keito now is really lovely so it turned out all right in the end.
Q : on August JUMPaper you wrote about fan’s manner. Even though there is possibility that you’ll be hated by fans but you still bring it to word, I think it’s amazing.
Hikaru : hmm, as expected I want to tell fans things that I witnessed… however, I think of it as a promise between me and fans. I want them to believe in JUMP. Probably for small group of fans, that would be the last time they ever gonna met us so they got heated up. That’s why I wrote the web as a promise that we will work hard to increase a chance to meet them again, that we’re going to see you guys again.
Q : Speaking of change in Hikaru-kun after debut, you’ve become someone who get teased in a group. Honestly, what do you think about that?
Hikaru : I’m sooo happy. I feel that they open their heart to me. I always open mine to them, so it’s completely fun.
Q : And when you start to think like that?
Hikaru : hmm I think after all member get more individual work and we can see what they’re good at. I expect myself to nag on member and urge them to do better, but before I realize it they’ve become someone I respect. Because you see, when we first started, we even have to plan what we were going to talk about during MC for concert. Now we’re able to talk as we like. I think that is the part that make yabu and I feel at ease the most.
Q : But now during concert hikaru-kun don’t talk as much as before
Hikaru : ah, perhaps so. Because now I can leave it to member. For serious part I leave it to Yamada and Yabu, and for jokes or something fun I’ll do it. I can do things the way I want to.
Q : Who was the one who tsukkomi you first other than yabu-kun?
Hikaru : how can I know (laughs) But I guess during “School Kakumei”. Chinen and Yamada start to tsukkomi me and it spread to other member.
Q : Don’t you ever feel iritated that they treat you like an idiot?
Hikaru : Not at all. I feel happy because they’re laughing.
Q : I think there are also fans who are worried when they see hikaru being teased
Hikaru : HAHAHAHAHA it’s ok to take it as how it looks like. We behave the same as in we’re in our dressing room. If we’re not ok with something, we’ll say it. That’s how our relationship are. So if you see me laughing, then it’s because I’m really having fun.
Q : So how about your “I don’t have friend” character?
Hikaru : it’s not that I don’t have friend at all (laughs) it’s just I have a small close group of friends. And also I often go out to eat with elders or senior, so I think to call them friend is a bit rude.
Q : So you often meet with someone older
Hikaru : Yes, especially these days. When I was a teenager it was more fun to hang out with someone around my age. But now it’s more interesting to go with elders as I can learn lots of things.
Q : Who do you hang out with in Johnny’s?
Hikaru : I often go out with massu. We talk about our own group, and I can also hear about his hardship stories. And also with maruyama-kun. We communicate a lot but always about bass, a detailed geek talk (laughs)
Q : Now please tell us about member’s change. First is Okamoto-kun.
Hikaru : He has more desire to do things. The biggest link between us would be the band. Now he started to come first to studio. It didn’t happen back then. He was lack of intention and always asked “What should I do?”. He just quietly and earnestly do whatever task that has been given to him, for example the dance. But now he can voice out his opinion, “Can I do it like this?”. I think it’s really good that he has a desire towards his work.
Q : You used to scold him a lot, but how is your relationship with him now?
Hikaru : hmm how is it. I often play a band song that I think is nice next to keito. If he asked “what song is that?” , deep inside I was like “yeaaahh!!” and I’d tell him what is that. I’d say “i recommend it” but actually behind it, there’s is a guitar technique that I wish for keito to learn.
Q : it sounds like a newly couple
Hikaru : Yes, we are couple, couple (laughs)
Q : How about Chinen-kun?
Hikaru : I think there’s something that changed and not changed. He is like a puppy since back then. First he would talk to each member. “Hey listen listen” he will go around the dressing room like a puppy. He didn’t changed at all in that aspect. But his focus when he have to do something is amazing. But I think he changed the most especially after SHIGOTONIN. When he came back from working outside the group, His words and the contents become mature. Because he got a great ability to absorbs new things since back then.
Q : As expected from genius.
Hikaru : However, I think he feel a great preassure whenever people told him genius or “if it’s chinen, I think you can do it”. The aiming that has been set for him is so high from the beginning. He always live up to expectations in a situation where he can’t afford to fail. I think he really make great efforts in the shadows.
Q : Next is Yuto-kun
Hikaru : When JUMP member is gathered just before debut, I was like “Oh Yuto is here as well”. He started to seriously learn how to play drum after debut. Because he enthusiastically practiced, I thought “Ah he is the persistent type, I think he will excel in the future”. And now he can play immediately the rhythm that i hummed. Chinen is the type that work hard in the shadows where people can’t see, but yuto is the type who will put an efforts anytime anywhere whether we can see it or not. He has desire and integrity. I don’t want to sum it up as “pure” but he is.
Q : So how do you see Nakajima-kun and Yamada-kun’s relationship back then?
Hikaru : I don’t think they were in bad terms. How should I say.. it’s misleading. If you have to put it into words, it might become “dislike”, but it’s not “hatred”. They consider each other as rival but the feeling is just too strong. It’s not a bad thing, and if they’re really in bad terms, I’ll do everything to make them get along again.
Q : I see
Hikaru : Just like what I told you about what I did with takaki and yabu, I like those kind of things. Lately also there’s junior who told me “This guy and this guy don’t get along”. So I bring around 10 guys including them to eat. And then I made them shake hands in front of everyone and said “I like you, let’s stay good friends” to each other (laughs)
Q : So what do you think changed Nakajima-kun who got a square (too serious) side in him?
Hikaru : I think is the strength of having 9 people in the group. We see someone ahead of us, and when listen to their story, we’d think “I have to work hard too”, “I have to change”. Because we often talk about “I’ve done this, and that. How about you?” I think the amount of stimulation that we got is a lot just like the number of our member. Just like how I changed to “idiot character”, some hard shield inside him has been broken up.
Q : How about Yamada-kun?
Hikaru : Yamada, back then he used to isolate himself. Think alone, suffer alone. I’m sure no one can understand the world that he sees other than himself. For example like the pressure that he get by being a center. Even if he got no confidence, he wont show it at all and get the job done no matter what it takes. have to rushes headlong, have to lead the group. And if he failed at something, it would be seen as JUMP’s failure. That’s why he looks lonely. That Yamada, after Osaka concert [I/O Tour 2017], he called all member to gather in one hotel room. It’s the first time in 10 years so I was surprised. When we all gather together, it was like we’re in a school trip. We just playing that day’s concert footage and talk with each other while watching it. Yamada keep praising all the member one by one.
Q : praising?
Hikaru : Yes. When JUMP just debut….no, I think for 5 years since we debut, Yamada seems like he has too much pride, he wont show weakness and at the same time he wont praise other member either. That Yamada, while saying “Normally I really don’t like to praise other people,,,” he showered us with compliments with a happy face. He become so affable to this extend. At that time I asked him “How about me? How about me?”. He said “Hika is amazing. You see, he can make 10.000 people excited with one bass!”, then I said “thaaaanks!” (laughs) it felt a little strange but in a sense I feel relieved.
Q : relieved?
Hikaru : I never said this before, but somewhere deep down in me, I thought he might look down on us. When I was in puberty, I went through this period when I think “Damn it, Yamada beat me”. Even though I love acting as well, only yamada got more and more and more acting job. I was frustrated at that time.
Q : Oh I see
Hikaru : It was such a great scenery to see that Yamada praising all member. Well, I got bored in the middle and didn’t listen to all of it though. I wanted to chat with other member as well (laughs)
Q : So next one, which part changes in Arioka-kun?
Hikaru : Daichan huh. I think of same thing when JUMP just formed, or when we start to be in Hirunandesu, “If Daichan is here then we can make it”. Plus we get along well since Junior days. We get along too well we’ve been told by Johnny-san “Arioka follows Yaotome around like a shadow” (laughs) He’s like a bundle of affinity, he’s loved by everyone so he’s able to become the bridge that connect 7 and BEST. He’s irreplaceable to this group.
Q : He’s really loved
Hikaru : He might appear laid back and careless, but actually before the show started he’d be nervous and worried. When I worked with Shimada Shuhei the palmistry, he did palm reading of this one comedian, he said “someone who has this kind of line is delicate”. I was like “Daichan has this line!” (laughs) He’s sensitive, brood on and worried about a lot of things, that’s why he understand others pain and feeling really well.
Q : Takaki-kun really changed, didn’t he?
Hikaru : Yes. Now takaki is being told by everyone that he’s honest and pure. He managed to get over his edgy times and became how he is now because he is honest to himself and not stubborn. Yup.
Q : Takaki-kun laugh and said “I’m troubled cuz hikaru-kun tried to go to the same hair salon”
Hikaru : Yes yes yes (laughs) It was a coincidence at first. Yuya is the type who will hang out with his friends from his hometown. That’s why I thought if we have something in common like ‘goes to same hair salon’, then at least we will have one topic to talk about. But then I heard he changed his hair salon, so I subtly asked him where he goes now, and I chased him. I wont let him be independent (laughs)
Q : What do you think about takaki recently?
Hikaru : He is a serious person to begin with, so when he got a job to do radio broadcast he study about it and listen to a lot of songs. He’s the kind of person who will make an effort. The studio is in osaka, and he don’t want to waste time on the journey so he read lots of books in between.
Q : How about Inoo-kun?
Hikaru : Inoo-chan. Takaki was an edgy person in the beginning, but for inoo-chan, it’s like he become edgy (laughs) He had this side of him that depends on member. Like ‘there’s 9 of us so if even i don’t dance properly nobody will found out’ (laughs) but it changed after ‘Inoo Revolution’
Q : Is that so
Hikaru : Well he’s a very responsible person to begin with. It looks tough once the Inoo revolution has started. He sleep until right before the live radio broadcast started. I let him sleep because he looks so tired, and I did the pre-broadcast meeting alone. But recently I think he grasp the rhythm already so now he wont even show his tiredness.
Q : He said he’s happy doing the radio with you
Hikaru : Aah~ that is something that he only able to say during magazine interview (laughs) He wont said it directly to my face.
Q : There was once he’s crying when reading a letter from an earthquake victim right?
Hikaru : I was surprised. Well he got the ability to sense what other people tried to convey. He’s someone who can considerate of someone’s feeling. That’s why when he read the letter I think it went straight to his heart.
Q : And lastly Yabu-kun.
Hikaru : I think the next revolution that will happen is ‘Yabu Revolution’. Because for me Yabu is a really an amazing person. His personality and knowledge is amazing. I’m looking forward for yabu revolution. It’s only a matter of time, I’m sure it will happen.
Q : You know him for years but last year was the first time you guys went out to eat just the two of you?
Hikaru : Yes we went.
Q : What is the reason you never went together last time?
Hikaru : It’s because we’ve been told “yabuhika, yabuhika”. Somehow it was embarrassing. It’s disgusting if we are also close outside work right? (laughs) But when I work with oriental radio, I see them get along really well outside work as well. And I think something inside me changed after I see them, so I asked yabu “Yabu, lets go out to eat”. But the table at the restaurant that I booked was smaller than I thought, so we were in a close distance and it was awkward (laughs)
Q : You suddenly said “Please be my friend!”
Hikaru : Because before that night, the feeling of him as my work partner is really strong, so I wanted to tell him lets have a relationship where we can had a heart-to-heart talk. But I don’t know why the words that came out from my mouth was “Please be my friend!”. well I’m not good at talking so.. now think about it, what should I do if yabu didn’t say “yes” (laughs)
Q : Please tell us about this year “Johnny’s All Stars Island”
Hikaru : Yabu asked me “Hikaru, do you want to go together?”. “Since it’s the two of us, how about we sing Ya-Ya-yah song?” and I said “that’s good!”. Because we’ve always wanted to tell everyone “Now we’re JUMP Yabu and Hikaru, but we’ve made it because of this [ya3h] group”
Q : And how do you feel now about Ya-Ya-yah?
Hikaru : Grateful. There’s nothing but grateful. Grateful to Johnny-san who created and put me into the group. Grateful to all fans who’s been supporting Ya-Ya-yah. And above all, grateful to member who’s been together with me at that time. Yes. Because Yabu and I carry a lot of thoughts when we become JUMP. We wanted to show people that Yabu and I who was Ya-Ya-yah is now the one who lead JUMP, and we wont let people to looked down on us and hurt Ya-Ya-yah name.
Q : Yuto-kun said “I’m sure when those two become JUMP, there are things that they have to let go”
Hikaru : …….we’ve been told that by JE staff right before JUMP was formed. “You guys wont be in center position, but I want you think about this”
Q : I see
Hikaru : When they told us, Yabu and I look into each other eyes and nod. Deeply. I wont forget yabu’s expression at that time. It was only a split second, but that time I feel like we’re communicating something way more than a long discussion. We both understand instantly what will happen to us if we choose to become JUMP, what we bear, and what we have to lose. That is the moment where we feel as long as I’m with you, we will accept and bear everything that will happen once the news is out. We never talk about it after that. The phrase “we understand each other even if we don’t put it into words” is true.
Q : Amazing
Hikaru : When we were Jr, Yabu came to stay over at my house, apparently my mom thinks it’s weird that we don’t have any conversation at all. She said “You’re like husband and wife”. The timing when we get hungry, or the timing for us to do everything is strangely the same. But if you want to say that is how it should be, then it is because since we were kid we’re always together like a twins, do the same job, see hear and feel the same thing. we’ve always seen the same scenery. Well even though our first impression was really awful (laughs) you see, the first words yabu said to me was “You, your name?”. I thought “urgh I don’t like tokyo people, they’re not nice”
Q : If there’s any, what is your turning point after debut?
Hikaru : Stageplay “SAPPUKEI” was a big impact in a lot of way. I was really nervous but I also feel such a sense of accomplishment. After that stageplay, I can also heard fans opinion when they told me through fan letter, that they wanted to see me do more acting. I also love acting. I couldn’t choose between acting and variety show. I thought I can’t be unrealistic. “what should I do?” then I decided “I’ll become variety show ojisan”.
Q : You have to choose one?
Hikaru : I think I have to. If I don’t do that, I wont be able to get over it when I’m doing variety show. If I have even a bit of feeling “well I’m an actor”, I wont be able to give all out and I don’t want that.
Q : I see
HIkaru : That’s why when i got an acting job in “KOSHOKU ROBOT” I was like “huh?!” (laughs) “I got an offer for acting? I already break my image in variety show, so is that ok?”. I’m so happy because it’s also one of my dream to act together with member. But honestly, because of doing koshoku robot, it revived my desire to do acting, and made me think I wanted to do some intense stageplay like sappukei again. I forgot… well more like maybe I forced myself to forget about that feeling. The feeling of “I want to do acting” come back to life again.
Q : So your feeling changed?
Hikaru : I want to be more flexible. Not the person who has to choose “I’ll become variety show man” in order to give 100% in that area, but I wanted to become a person who wont be panic and surprised when I got an offer for acting job as well and able to say “I’ll do my best” naturally. My way of thinking has changed, now I think I don’t need to sacrifice something in order to do something else. Maybe now I’m able to accept a lot of things, like how I’ve become member who get teased or stupid character.
Q : I think it’s a good thing.
Hikaru : It’s simply because the things I wanted to do is increased. Recently HIRUNANDESU producer told me, “You have to aim to stand next to Nanbara-san”, “Ah is that so”. it’s all linked together. Long time ago we were told “There’s no tsukkomi or someone in charge in JUMP”. if only I can do it and not just jokes around, not only me but it’ll also broadening JUMP’s ability. And it’s also a waste of chance to grow. I realized again how fun variety show is thanks to Hirunandesu. I wanted member feel it as well after ITADAKI HIGH JUMP shooting.
Q : You told me before the origin of your name is not to shine, but so you’ve become a light who can light up someone around you.
Hikaru : Yes, and I still think like that now. I want other member to shine more and more. There’s also group that have one person stand out than the rest. But I want to be a group like SMAP where all member is amazing.
Q : Do you have an aim what you wanted to be from now on?
Hikaru : I want people be able to tell all of our name one by one. This actually our aim since debut, but we haven’t achieved it yet and actually I feel frustrated. None of us was like “JUMP 10th year! Yeaah!” and satisfied with how we are now. I think that is a good thing. We wanted our 11th year concert better than our 10th, we always wanted to be better than last year. I often talk with Yabu, “What should we do on our 11th year?” it’s actually difficult. But we’ve been planning lots of things so please look forward to that.
Q : JUMP fans is blessed
Hikaru : That’s because I want to make them the happiest person on earth. Those who support us for 10 years, or maybe even before that when we were still Jr. At concert I remember some of them like “I saw you before at SHONEN CLUB!”
Q : So you remember
Hikaru : Yes I do. I even remember the face of first person who gave me fan letter. I remember a lot of fan’s faces, like that person was in what concert. That’s why I noticed “Ah she changed her uchiwa” (laughs)
Q : What is JUMP for Hikaru-kun?
Hikaru : I can’t live without it. If JUMP is gone, then my existence is not valuable anymore. That’s how big it is.
Q : Do you also have something that you can only say in magazine just like what inoo-kun said just now?
Hikaru : Yes I do. “Thank you” is something I can’t say face to face…. I used to think I have to lead the group. I was naggy, so I think there are member who feel tired of it. But I don’t know since when, every time member got an individual job, I feel happy as if it was me who get the job. I think I realized it.
Q : What did you realize?
Hikaru : The one who always beside me during tough and difficult times was member. I’m not the one who support them. I’m being supported by them. That’s why I want to support them as well. That’s my biggest motivation for now. I’m sure I will never say this directly to them, so I’ll use this opportunity to say it, “Thank you for supporting me”.
Hikaru : thank you very much. Yesterday was our 10th anniversary, so I thought about a lot of things and also reminisced about lots of things.
Q : What is it for example?
Hikaru : hmm.. for myself and the group, actually I wanted it to be bigger than now, since I’ve seen senior’s group when they celebrated 10th year. But at the same time, I feel happy that I reach 10th years with this member.
Q : Do you remember when this group just formed?
Hikaru : yes. When they gathered us for the first time, I looked around to see the member and felt insecure like “will we be ok?!”. But for example like the debut song, when I listen to the demo tape it doesn’t ring a bell but when it’s completed it become a hit. So I get the same hunch, even with this member, I feel like we can make it into a great group. And I’m right.
Q : All the member have different career and personality
Hikaru : It’s true that we all have different career, like keito, at first he couldn’t do anything. But I think it’s also fun that way. We are a big group so that also part of his character. Besides, when I taught him the dance, there are part that I actually said to myself as well, so I’d be able to remember the spirit when I started with. So there’s also good things coming up from that. But think about 10 years, I feel that chinen and yuto really grown up. They used to sit on my lap you know. Can you believe it?!
Q : 10 years is amazing
Hikaru : yes. Yesterday I also thought about fans. We keep running for 10 years. It’s kind of a hard work for fans to catch up with us. They also have their on life. I respected them, and made me think we must not stop to grow and transform to make them feel happier than now.
Q : Hikaru-kun often says on MC “We’re going to make you the happiest fans on earth”
Hikaru : I always feel that way. I want them to feel “I’m going to work hard today!” after they hear our song, or watch us on tv. I want to be like a life supplement that heal fans heart, that make them have a peace of mind.
Q : I have to apologize first, but in Nakajima-kun’s interview last month, during 2014 concert Nakajima-kun said “Hikaru-kun gave me signal to kiss yamada-kun’s cheek” but we wrote it as Yabu-kun. I’m really sorry
Hikaru : Did I do that?! I don’t really remember. I’m stupid so I don’t have a good memory (laughs)
Q : Fans also pointed out to us
Hikaru : aah~ then it must be true. Fans knows me more than I know myself. I got a few factors that makes me work hard everyday, and fans is definitely one of them. They really remember all the things that even I cant remember. If I can remain in someone’s memory then I will work hard again today.
Q : Don’t you remember giving signal to nakajima-kun?
Hikaru : Well it sounds like something that I would do (laughs) I often did it at the beginning after we debut. Takaki kind of holding back and put a distance with yabu even though they are the same age. That’s why I whispered on takaki’s ear “Say ‘yabu, shut up for a sec’ ”, and I did it a couple of time so it’ll break a barrier between them.
Q : But you also put yourself to become the bad guy
Hikaru : it’s not that I volunteer to become one, but more like I was anxious myself as well. When we need someone to scold the other member, It’s not that I was like “yosh let me do it!” but I was in a rush to get better. I always have this post-debut anxious feeling.
Q : At the beginning, if someone made mistake, the one who’d get scolded was yabu-kun and hikaru-kun right?
Hikaru : That’s right. I do feel frustrated but I just swallow it. After we get scolded, I’d discuss with yabu “So how should we tell the other member?”. Yabu is not a person who can say harsh thing, so it become my role.
Q : It must be hard to become the hated role
Hikaru : hmm how should I say this. It’s not that I mad randomly, I scolded them for the part that the staff pointed out to me. I don’t have space to protest as well, since that is the opinion from people who see us from outside so I think it must be fixed. And no one snap back at me at that time. Because if they did, I would be more furious than that (laughs)
Q : You were only 17th years old at that time. Normally people can’t do it. I will ask Okamoto-kun directly on next month interview, but I hope your real intention when you scolded member will be conveyed properly
Hikaru : either’s fine. Because I think keito now is really lovely so it turned out all right in the end.
Q : on August JUMPaper you wrote about fan’s manner. Even though there is possibility that you’ll be hated by fans but you still bring it to word, I think it’s amazing.
Hikaru : hmm, as expected I want to tell fans things that I witnessed… however, I think of it as a promise between me and fans. I want them to believe in JUMP. Probably for small group of fans, that would be the last time they ever gonna met us so they got heated up. That’s why I wrote the web as a promise that we will work hard to increase a chance to meet them again, that we’re going to see you guys again.
Q : Speaking of change in Hikaru-kun after debut, you’ve become someone who get teased in a group. Honestly, what do you think about that?
Hikaru : I’m sooo happy. I feel that they open their heart to me. I always open mine to them, so it’s completely fun.
Q : And when you start to think like that?
Hikaru : hmm I think after all member get more individual work and we can see what they’re good at. I expect myself to nag on member and urge them to do better, but before I realize it they’ve become someone I respect. Because you see, when we first started, we even have to plan what we were going to talk about during MC for concert. Now we’re able to talk as we like. I think that is the part that make yabu and I feel at ease the most.
Q : But now during concert hikaru-kun don’t talk as much as before
Hikaru : ah, perhaps so. Because now I can leave it to member. For serious part I leave it to Yamada and Yabu, and for jokes or something fun I’ll do it. I can do things the way I want to.
Q : Who was the one who tsukkomi you first other than yabu-kun?
Hikaru : how can I know (laughs) But I guess during “School Kakumei”. Chinen and Yamada start to tsukkomi me and it spread to other member.
Q : Don’t you ever feel iritated that they treat you like an idiot?
Hikaru : Not at all. I feel happy because they’re laughing.
Q : I think there are also fans who are worried when they see hikaru being teased
Hikaru : HAHAHAHAHA it’s ok to take it as how it looks like. We behave the same as in we’re in our dressing room. If we’re not ok with something, we’ll say it. That’s how our relationship are. So if you see me laughing, then it’s because I’m really having fun.
Q : So how about your “I don’t have friend” character?
Hikaru : it’s not that I don’t have friend at all (laughs) it’s just I have a small close group of friends. And also I often go out to eat with elders or senior, so I think to call them friend is a bit rude.
Q : So you often meet with someone older
Hikaru : Yes, especially these days. When I was a teenager it was more fun to hang out with someone around my age. But now it’s more interesting to go with elders as I can learn lots of things.
Q : Who do you hang out with in Johnny’s?
Hikaru : I often go out with massu. We talk about our own group, and I can also hear about his hardship stories. And also with maruyama-kun. We communicate a lot but always about bass, a detailed geek talk (laughs)
Q : Now please tell us about member’s change. First is Okamoto-kun.
Hikaru : He has more desire to do things. The biggest link between us would be the band. Now he started to come first to studio. It didn’t happen back then. He was lack of intention and always asked “What should I do?”. He just quietly and earnestly do whatever task that has been given to him, for example the dance. But now he can voice out his opinion, “Can I do it like this?”. I think it’s really good that he has a desire towards his work.
Q : You used to scold him a lot, but how is your relationship with him now?
Hikaru : hmm how is it. I often play a band song that I think is nice next to keito. If he asked “what song is that?” , deep inside I was like “yeaaahh!!” and I’d tell him what is that. I’d say “i recommend it” but actually behind it, there’s is a guitar technique that I wish for keito to learn.
Q : it sounds like a newly couple
Hikaru : Yes, we are couple, couple (laughs)
Q : How about Chinen-kun?
Hikaru : I think there’s something that changed and not changed. He is like a puppy since back then. First he would talk to each member. “Hey listen listen” he will go around the dressing room like a puppy. He didn’t changed at all in that aspect. But his focus when he have to do something is amazing. But I think he changed the most especially after SHIGOTONIN. When he came back from working outside the group, His words and the contents become mature. Because he got a great ability to absorbs new things since back then.
Q : As expected from genius.
Hikaru : However, I think he feel a great preassure whenever people told him genius or “if it’s chinen, I think you can do it”. The aiming that has been set for him is so high from the beginning. He always live up to expectations in a situation where he can’t afford to fail. I think he really make great efforts in the shadows.
Q : Next is Yuto-kun
Hikaru : When JUMP member is gathered just before debut, I was like “Oh Yuto is here as well”. He started to seriously learn how to play drum after debut. Because he enthusiastically practiced, I thought “Ah he is the persistent type, I think he will excel in the future”. And now he can play immediately the rhythm that i hummed. Chinen is the type that work hard in the shadows where people can’t see, but yuto is the type who will put an efforts anytime anywhere whether we can see it or not. He has desire and integrity. I don’t want to sum it up as “pure” but he is.
Q : So how do you see Nakajima-kun and Yamada-kun’s relationship back then?
Hikaru : I don’t think they were in bad terms. How should I say.. it’s misleading. If you have to put it into words, it might become “dislike”, but it’s not “hatred”. They consider each other as rival but the feeling is just too strong. It’s not a bad thing, and if they’re really in bad terms, I’ll do everything to make them get along again.
Q : I see
Hikaru : Just like what I told you about what I did with takaki and yabu, I like those kind of things. Lately also there’s junior who told me “This guy and this guy don’t get along”. So I bring around 10 guys including them to eat. And then I made them shake hands in front of everyone and said “I like you, let’s stay good friends” to each other (laughs)
Q : So what do you think changed Nakajima-kun who got a square (too serious) side in him?
Hikaru : I think is the strength of having 9 people in the group. We see someone ahead of us, and when listen to their story, we’d think “I have to work hard too”, “I have to change”. Because we often talk about “I’ve done this, and that. How about you?” I think the amount of stimulation that we got is a lot just like the number of our member. Just like how I changed to “idiot character”, some hard shield inside him has been broken up.
Q : How about Yamada-kun?
Hikaru : Yamada, back then he used to isolate himself. Think alone, suffer alone. I’m sure no one can understand the world that he sees other than himself. For example like the pressure that he get by being a center. Even if he got no confidence, he wont show it at all and get the job done no matter what it takes. have to rushes headlong, have to lead the group. And if he failed at something, it would be seen as JUMP’s failure. That’s why he looks lonely. That Yamada, after Osaka concert [I/O Tour 2017], he called all member to gather in one hotel room. It’s the first time in 10 years so I was surprised. When we all gather together, it was like we’re in a school trip. We just playing that day’s concert footage and talk with each other while watching it. Yamada keep praising all the member one by one.
Q : praising?
Hikaru : Yes. When JUMP just debut….no, I think for 5 years since we debut, Yamada seems like he has too much pride, he wont show weakness and at the same time he wont praise other member either. That Yamada, while saying “Normally I really don’t like to praise other people,,,” he showered us with compliments with a happy face. He become so affable to this extend. At that time I asked him “How about me? How about me?”. He said “Hika is amazing. You see, he can make 10.000 people excited with one bass!”, then I said “thaaaanks!” (laughs) it felt a little strange but in a sense I feel relieved.
Q : relieved?
Hikaru : I never said this before, but somewhere deep down in me, I thought he might look down on us. When I was in puberty, I went through this period when I think “Damn it, Yamada beat me”. Even though I love acting as well, only yamada got more and more and more acting job. I was frustrated at that time.
Q : Oh I see
Hikaru : It was such a great scenery to see that Yamada praising all member. Well, I got bored in the middle and didn’t listen to all of it though. I wanted to chat with other member as well (laughs)
Q : So next one, which part changes in Arioka-kun?
Hikaru : Daichan huh. I think of same thing when JUMP just formed, or when we start to be in Hirunandesu, “If Daichan is here then we can make it”. Plus we get along well since Junior days. We get along too well we’ve been told by Johnny-san “Arioka follows Yaotome around like a shadow” (laughs) He’s like a bundle of affinity, he’s loved by everyone so he’s able to become the bridge that connect 7 and BEST. He’s irreplaceable to this group.
Q : He’s really loved
Hikaru : He might appear laid back and careless, but actually before the show started he’d be nervous and worried. When I worked with Shimada Shuhei the palmistry, he did palm reading of this one comedian, he said “someone who has this kind of line is delicate”. I was like “Daichan has this line!” (laughs) He’s sensitive, brood on and worried about a lot of things, that’s why he understand others pain and feeling really well.
Q : Takaki-kun really changed, didn’t he?
Hikaru : Yes. Now takaki is being told by everyone that he’s honest and pure. He managed to get over his edgy times and became how he is now because he is honest to himself and not stubborn. Yup.
Q : Takaki-kun laugh and said “I’m troubled cuz hikaru-kun tried to go to the same hair salon”
Hikaru : Yes yes yes (laughs) It was a coincidence at first. Yuya is the type who will hang out with his friends from his hometown. That’s why I thought if we have something in common like ‘goes to same hair salon’, then at least we will have one topic to talk about. But then I heard he changed his hair salon, so I subtly asked him where he goes now, and I chased him. I wont let him be independent (laughs)
Q : What do you think about takaki recently?
Hikaru : He is a serious person to begin with, so when he got a job to do radio broadcast he study about it and listen to a lot of songs. He’s the kind of person who will make an effort. The studio is in osaka, and he don’t want to waste time on the journey so he read lots of books in between.
Q : How about Inoo-kun?
Hikaru : Inoo-chan. Takaki was an edgy person in the beginning, but for inoo-chan, it’s like he become edgy (laughs) He had this side of him that depends on member. Like ‘there’s 9 of us so if even i don’t dance properly nobody will found out’ (laughs) but it changed after ‘Inoo Revolution’
Q : Is that so
Hikaru : Well he’s a very responsible person to begin with. It looks tough once the Inoo revolution has started. He sleep until right before the live radio broadcast started. I let him sleep because he looks so tired, and I did the pre-broadcast meeting alone. But recently I think he grasp the rhythm already so now he wont even show his tiredness.
Q : He said he’s happy doing the radio with you
Hikaru : Aah~ that is something that he only able to say during magazine interview (laughs) He wont said it directly to my face.
Q : There was once he’s crying when reading a letter from an earthquake victim right?
Hikaru : I was surprised. Well he got the ability to sense what other people tried to convey. He’s someone who can considerate of someone’s feeling. That’s why when he read the letter I think it went straight to his heart.
Q : And lastly Yabu-kun.
Hikaru : I think the next revolution that will happen is ‘Yabu Revolution’. Because for me Yabu is a really an amazing person. His personality and knowledge is amazing. I’m looking forward for yabu revolution. It’s only a matter of time, I’m sure it will happen.
Q : You know him for years but last year was the first time you guys went out to eat just the two of you?
Hikaru : Yes we went.
Q : What is the reason you never went together last time?
Hikaru : It’s because we’ve been told “yabuhika, yabuhika”. Somehow it was embarrassing. It’s disgusting if we are also close outside work right? (laughs) But when I work with oriental radio, I see them get along really well outside work as well. And I think something inside me changed after I see them, so I asked yabu “Yabu, lets go out to eat”. But the table at the restaurant that I booked was smaller than I thought, so we were in a close distance and it was awkward (laughs)
Q : You suddenly said “Please be my friend!”
Hikaru : Because before that night, the feeling of him as my work partner is really strong, so I wanted to tell him lets have a relationship where we can had a heart-to-heart talk. But I don’t know why the words that came out from my mouth was “Please be my friend!”. well I’m not good at talking so.. now think about it, what should I do if yabu didn’t say “yes” (laughs)
Q : Please tell us about this year “Johnny’s All Stars Island”
Hikaru : Yabu asked me “Hikaru, do you want to go together?”. “Since it’s the two of us, how about we sing Ya-Ya-yah song?” and I said “that’s good!”. Because we’ve always wanted to tell everyone “Now we’re JUMP Yabu and Hikaru, but we’ve made it because of this [ya3h] group”
Q : And how do you feel now about Ya-Ya-yah?
Hikaru : Grateful. There’s nothing but grateful. Grateful to Johnny-san who created and put me into the group. Grateful to all fans who’s been supporting Ya-Ya-yah. And above all, grateful to member who’s been together with me at that time. Yes. Because Yabu and I carry a lot of thoughts when we become JUMP. We wanted to show people that Yabu and I who was Ya-Ya-yah is now the one who lead JUMP, and we wont let people to looked down on us and hurt Ya-Ya-yah name.
Q : Yuto-kun said “I’m sure when those two become JUMP, there are things that they have to let go”
Hikaru : …….we’ve been told that by JE staff right before JUMP was formed. “You guys wont be in center position, but I want you think about this”
Q : I see
Hikaru : When they told us, Yabu and I look into each other eyes and nod. Deeply. I wont forget yabu’s expression at that time. It was only a split second, but that time I feel like we’re communicating something way more than a long discussion. We both understand instantly what will happen to us if we choose to become JUMP, what we bear, and what we have to lose. That is the moment where we feel as long as I’m with you, we will accept and bear everything that will happen once the news is out. We never talk about it after that. The phrase “we understand each other even if we don’t put it into words” is true.
Q : Amazing
Hikaru : When we were Jr, Yabu came to stay over at my house, apparently my mom thinks it’s weird that we don’t have any conversation at all. She said “You’re like husband and wife”. The timing when we get hungry, or the timing for us to do everything is strangely the same. But if you want to say that is how it should be, then it is because since we were kid we’re always together like a twins, do the same job, see hear and feel the same thing. we’ve always seen the same scenery. Well even though our first impression was really awful (laughs) you see, the first words yabu said to me was “You, your name?”. I thought “urgh I don’t like tokyo people, they’re not nice”
Q : If there’s any, what is your turning point after debut?
Hikaru : Stageplay “SAPPUKEI” was a big impact in a lot of way. I was really nervous but I also feel such a sense of accomplishment. After that stageplay, I can also heard fans opinion when they told me through fan letter, that they wanted to see me do more acting. I also love acting. I couldn’t choose between acting and variety show. I thought I can’t be unrealistic. “what should I do?” then I decided “I’ll become variety show ojisan”.
Q : You have to choose one?
Hikaru : I think I have to. If I don’t do that, I wont be able to get over it when I’m doing variety show. If I have even a bit of feeling “well I’m an actor”, I wont be able to give all out and I don’t want that.
Q : I see
HIkaru : That’s why when i got an acting job in “KOSHOKU ROBOT” I was like “huh?!” (laughs) “I got an offer for acting? I already break my image in variety show, so is that ok?”. I’m so happy because it’s also one of my dream to act together with member. But honestly, because of doing koshoku robot, it revived my desire to do acting, and made me think I wanted to do some intense stageplay like sappukei again. I forgot… well more like maybe I forced myself to forget about that feeling. The feeling of “I want to do acting” come back to life again.
Q : So your feeling changed?
Hikaru : I want to be more flexible. Not the person who has to choose “I’ll become variety show man” in order to give 100% in that area, but I wanted to become a person who wont be panic and surprised when I got an offer for acting job as well and able to say “I’ll do my best” naturally. My way of thinking has changed, now I think I don’t need to sacrifice something in order to do something else. Maybe now I’m able to accept a lot of things, like how I’ve become member who get teased or stupid character.
Q : I think it’s a good thing.
Hikaru : It’s simply because the things I wanted to do is increased. Recently HIRUNANDESU producer told me, “You have to aim to stand next to Nanbara-san”, “Ah is that so”. it’s all linked together. Long time ago we were told “There’s no tsukkomi or someone in charge in JUMP”. if only I can do it and not just jokes around, not only me but it’ll also broadening JUMP’s ability. And it’s also a waste of chance to grow. I realized again how fun variety show is thanks to Hirunandesu. I wanted member feel it as well after ITADAKI HIGH JUMP shooting.
Q : You told me before the origin of your name is not to shine, but so you’ve become a light who can light up someone around you.
Hikaru : Yes, and I still think like that now. I want other member to shine more and more. There’s also group that have one person stand out than the rest. But I want to be a group like SMAP where all member is amazing.
Q : Do you have an aim what you wanted to be from now on?
Hikaru : I want people be able to tell all of our name one by one. This actually our aim since debut, but we haven’t achieved it yet and actually I feel frustrated. None of us was like “JUMP 10th year! Yeaah!” and satisfied with how we are now. I think that is a good thing. We wanted our 11th year concert better than our 10th, we always wanted to be better than last year. I often talk with Yabu, “What should we do on our 11th year?” it’s actually difficult. But we’ve been planning lots of things so please look forward to that.
Q : JUMP fans is blessed
Hikaru : That’s because I want to make them the happiest person on earth. Those who support us for 10 years, or maybe even before that when we were still Jr. At concert I remember some of them like “I saw you before at SHONEN CLUB!”
Q : So you remember
Hikaru : Yes I do. I even remember the face of first person who gave me fan letter. I remember a lot of fan’s faces, like that person was in what concert. That’s why I noticed “Ah she changed her uchiwa” (laughs)
Q : What is JUMP for Hikaru-kun?
Hikaru : I can’t live without it. If JUMP is gone, then my existence is not valuable anymore. That’s how big it is.
Q : Do you also have something that you can only say in magazine just like what inoo-kun said just now?
Hikaru : Yes I do. “Thank you” is something I can’t say face to face…. I used to think I have to lead the group. I was naggy, so I think there are member who feel tired of it. But I don’t know since when, every time member got an individual job, I feel happy as if it was me who get the job. I think I realized it.
Q : What did you realize?
Hikaru : The one who always beside me during tough and difficult times was member. I’m not the one who support them. I’m being supported by them. That’s why I want to support them as well. That’s my biggest motivation for now. I’m sure I will never say this directly to them, so I’ll use this opportunity to say it, “Thank you for supporting me”.