[Eng Translation] Popolo Nov 2020
With Love... Messages from 5 People
Everything really is thanks to our fans
These 10 years, I really feel like I've been dreaming. The scenery of large numbers of fans, gathering together in a huge venue just to see Arashi, somehow, feels bizarre. Also, all the records we've made so far, those are beyond amazing, I can't really wrap my head around it (bitter laughs). Those numbers, undoubtedly, are made by all our fans. Without you, we can't do anything. Everything really is thanks to our fans. Therefore, I have nothing but gratitude for your devotion and support. We want to respond to your feelings as much as we can. We're trying every day to find the best we can do now. Thus, I can't think of anything but the present. Though, honestly, I want to draw and go camping too. I don't understand myself either (laughs).
Our fans existence is our motivation
When we first debuted, I never thought that we would continue doing this for 21 years. We're able to run up until now, of course, because there are fans who support us. They listen to a lot of our songs, memorize our choreography so they can dance with us. Compared to us, I think they cherish Arashi and each member individually more. Those people have become our biggest motivation. From here on, Arashi's songs or videos will remain, I'll be happy if Arashi can be an existence that works as an accent of everyone's daily life. Regarding the future… In terms of reporting work, although exploring a new world could be exciting, "war" and "earthquake" are two important themes for me. So, I want to continue to convey them.
The ones who raised Arashi are our fans
I think those who have raised us are our fans. I truly have nothing but gratitude. Rather than “Because I always have Arashi, I was able to come this far without giving in my heart” it’s actually “Because I always have our fans, I was able to come this far without giving in my heart”. Last year, we held 50 shows in total at 5 major domes, that was one of our ways to give back our gratitudes. We wanted everyone who supported us to see it. As for what will happen from here onwards, I guess I want to take on challenges from various genres. For example, we had lifted the social media ban. I’d like to try things I haven’t done up until now. I think we’re trying to find something that everyone can enjoy. Long term goals? Hmm. I guess I don’t really think about that. Speaking of which, I wish I could enjoy what I’m doing forever.
You who only think about Arashi for 20 years
"Let's do this for exactly 20 years", even though I think there's no one who thinks about things like that, being able to work for more than 20 years is honestly incredible. I have nothing but gratitude for you who support us. It's such an unfortunate and frustrating situation that we couldn't hold the Beijing concert, since we were looking forward to that too. We share the same feelings as you on that matter. Up until now, I've only done work that can give something back to Arashi. I didn't decide based on "I want to do this or I don't want to do that". Once again, in the future, when Ninomiya, as an individual, faces work, I don't know if there would be something I want to work on or if there would be work offered to me. It's something I wouldn't know until 2021 comes. It's something I can't think of at the moment. 2020 isn't over yet, this isn't the level of conversation to talk about our individual works from here on. Because we feel the importance of it (the suspension activities) the most. For the time being, until December 31, I want you to enjoy it with us.
I want you to feel the current Arashi
It’s thanks to the support of our fans that we celebrated our 20th anniversary last year and now on our way to our 21st anniversary. It is frustrating that we couldn’t do what we wanted to do due to this unfortunate COVID-19 situation, but now, we’re thinking, “What we can do for the sake of our fans?” Also, thank you Popolo for letting the 5 of us be featured at this timing! Back when we were young, I was honestly happy when I got called to be featured in magazines every month. I hope our fans can enjoy seeing this. I’d be happy if the fans of the current junior groups that are featured in Popolo can also know what Arashi currently feels and what we’re thinking. We’ve done a lot of things up until now, but there are still plenty of things we haven’t done. From here on, I’d like to challenge those things. I can’t envision it at all… But it'd be nice if there's something unexpected!
Arashi Talks about Arashi; A Playback Quotation
“For me Arashi that brings out the change within myself is a treasure.” September 2014
The feeling hasn’t changed since then. Without the other members, I wouldn’t be who I am now. They’re people who care about me. In a positive way, because they interacted with me while they sensed the atmosphere, I’ve come to notice various things and become a person who’s minding my surroundings. Each one of us mixed together in an exquisite balance that is Arashi. “I’m glad that I’m Arashi” “I’m glad that it’s these 5 people”. Those feelings truly are getting stronger as we grow. When I think I’ve reached the maximum of those feelings, the next time, I can experience something that is above them. I’m packed with “adoration” feelings for the other members as it has passed the “like” phase.
“Arashi’s existence for me is like a futon. Somehow it’ll calm me down when I put it on. And it’s warm.” March 2000
When the group first formed, the members surprisingly made me think, “What a bizarre combination.” But since our age gap isn’t that huge and we’ve spent the same period as juniors, soon Arashi became a really cozy place for me. It was truly a miracle encounter. That’s thanks to Johnny-san. I used to be someone who wanted to get it settled once and for all. But I was told by Johnny-san, “You always have wrinkles between your eyebrows”. I felt like I was prickly. But those 4 are such a gentle human. I feel like I also changed to be gentle. For me, Arashi is the one and only. I’ll never encounter such an existence ever again and it’s always important.
“Because I always have Arashi, I was able to come this far without giving in my heart.” May 2009
There’s a limit to what I can do for my own self. So, I'll do my best for other people and Arashi. It’s not like I specially consult or seek advice, but just having some company to do something together has saved me a lot. But I guess that’s because Arashi’s members consist of these 5 people. If we had different members, I don’t think I’d have the confidence to stand firm into this entertainment world for 21 years. It’s been 21 years since we debut, within that time, each one of us gained something from dramas, variety shows, or any solo works, and brought it back to Arashi. We also piled up our experience as Arashi. But our relationship and the core part haven’t changed at all. If there’s something that changes, then our bonds are getting stronger. Even now, Arashi is still my everything.
“Even though we’re put together as Arashi, we’re not destroying each other's personalities and talents.” August 2009
I don’t remember how I felt when I said this comment, but even now, I still feel like this. I’m sure the general public has the same impression. Because the value of Arashi’s members that is seen by us and our fans is the same. But I wonder if everyone has matured. As for us, it’s not only ourselves, but we also have to at least watch over our managers, families, and people that are directly involved with us like stylists and make-up artists and the lives of their families. Inevitably, it creates a sense of responsibility. I didn’t feel like that right from the first year of our debut. I guess I’ve matured compared to me back then.
“In my case, it’s November 3rd. It happens once a year. That makes me think, today’s our debut day.” October 2009
I still think like this every year on November 3rd. It’s the day where I feel the strongest feeling of gratitude and no matter how many times have passed, this feeling won’t change. If there’s something that changes, I guess it's how I feel towards Arashi. Since our relationship is getting more and more deeper, I think our feelings are getting bigger as the years pass by. That’s why it's not like I’m content with things now. In my case, as I execute something, I never really think, “This is perfect!” Basically I’m not content, because as I think, “I could do more than this” it’ll lead to another thing. Especially when it relates to my works, I’m not content. This is something that never changes since way back.
Everything really is thanks to our fans
These 10 years, I really feel like I've been dreaming. The scenery of large numbers of fans, gathering together in a huge venue just to see Arashi, somehow, feels bizarre. Also, all the records we've made so far, those are beyond amazing, I can't really wrap my head around it (bitter laughs). Those numbers, undoubtedly, are made by all our fans. Without you, we can't do anything. Everything really is thanks to our fans. Therefore, I have nothing but gratitude for your devotion and support. We want to respond to your feelings as much as we can. We're trying every day to find the best we can do now. Thus, I can't think of anything but the present. Though, honestly, I want to draw and go camping too. I don't understand myself either (laughs).
Our fans existence is our motivation
When we first debuted, I never thought that we would continue doing this for 21 years. We're able to run up until now, of course, because there are fans who support us. They listen to a lot of our songs, memorize our choreography so they can dance with us. Compared to us, I think they cherish Arashi and each member individually more. Those people have become our biggest motivation. From here on, Arashi's songs or videos will remain, I'll be happy if Arashi can be an existence that works as an accent of everyone's daily life. Regarding the future… In terms of reporting work, although exploring a new world could be exciting, "war" and "earthquake" are two important themes for me. So, I want to continue to convey them.
The ones who raised Arashi are our fans
I think those who have raised us are our fans. I truly have nothing but gratitude. Rather than “Because I always have Arashi, I was able to come this far without giving in my heart” it’s actually “Because I always have our fans, I was able to come this far without giving in my heart”. Last year, we held 50 shows in total at 5 major domes, that was one of our ways to give back our gratitudes. We wanted everyone who supported us to see it. As for what will happen from here onwards, I guess I want to take on challenges from various genres. For example, we had lifted the social media ban. I’d like to try things I haven’t done up until now. I think we’re trying to find something that everyone can enjoy. Long term goals? Hmm. I guess I don’t really think about that. Speaking of which, I wish I could enjoy what I’m doing forever.
You who only think about Arashi for 20 years
"Let's do this for exactly 20 years", even though I think there's no one who thinks about things like that, being able to work for more than 20 years is honestly incredible. I have nothing but gratitude for you who support us. It's such an unfortunate and frustrating situation that we couldn't hold the Beijing concert, since we were looking forward to that too. We share the same feelings as you on that matter. Up until now, I've only done work that can give something back to Arashi. I didn't decide based on "I want to do this or I don't want to do that". Once again, in the future, when Ninomiya, as an individual, faces work, I don't know if there would be something I want to work on or if there would be work offered to me. It's something I wouldn't know until 2021 comes. It's something I can't think of at the moment. 2020 isn't over yet, this isn't the level of conversation to talk about our individual works from here on. Because we feel the importance of it (the suspension activities) the most. For the time being, until December 31, I want you to enjoy it with us.
I want you to feel the current Arashi
It’s thanks to the support of our fans that we celebrated our 20th anniversary last year and now on our way to our 21st anniversary. It is frustrating that we couldn’t do what we wanted to do due to this unfortunate COVID-19 situation, but now, we’re thinking, “What we can do for the sake of our fans?” Also, thank you Popolo for letting the 5 of us be featured at this timing! Back when we were young, I was honestly happy when I got called to be featured in magazines every month. I hope our fans can enjoy seeing this. I’d be happy if the fans of the current junior groups that are featured in Popolo can also know what Arashi currently feels and what we’re thinking. We’ve done a lot of things up until now, but there are still plenty of things we haven’t done. From here on, I’d like to challenge those things. I can’t envision it at all… But it'd be nice if there's something unexpected!
Arashi Talks about Arashi; A Playback Quotation
“For me Arashi that brings out the change within myself is a treasure.” September 2014
The feeling hasn’t changed since then. Without the other members, I wouldn’t be who I am now. They’re people who care about me. In a positive way, because they interacted with me while they sensed the atmosphere, I’ve come to notice various things and become a person who’s minding my surroundings. Each one of us mixed together in an exquisite balance that is Arashi. “I’m glad that I’m Arashi” “I’m glad that it’s these 5 people”. Those feelings truly are getting stronger as we grow. When I think I’ve reached the maximum of those feelings, the next time, I can experience something that is above them. I’m packed with “adoration” feelings for the other members as it has passed the “like” phase.
“Arashi’s existence for me is like a futon. Somehow it’ll calm me down when I put it on. And it’s warm.” March 2000
When the group first formed, the members surprisingly made me think, “What a bizarre combination.” But since our age gap isn’t that huge and we’ve spent the same period as juniors, soon Arashi became a really cozy place for me. It was truly a miracle encounter. That’s thanks to Johnny-san. I used to be someone who wanted to get it settled once and for all. But I was told by Johnny-san, “You always have wrinkles between your eyebrows”. I felt like I was prickly. But those 4 are such a gentle human. I feel like I also changed to be gentle. For me, Arashi is the one and only. I’ll never encounter such an existence ever again and it’s always important.
“Because I always have Arashi, I was able to come this far without giving in my heart.” May 2009
There’s a limit to what I can do for my own self. So, I'll do my best for other people and Arashi. It’s not like I specially consult or seek advice, but just having some company to do something together has saved me a lot. But I guess that’s because Arashi’s members consist of these 5 people. If we had different members, I don’t think I’d have the confidence to stand firm into this entertainment world for 21 years. It’s been 21 years since we debut, within that time, each one of us gained something from dramas, variety shows, or any solo works, and brought it back to Arashi. We also piled up our experience as Arashi. But our relationship and the core part haven’t changed at all. If there’s something that changes, then our bonds are getting stronger. Even now, Arashi is still my everything.
“Even though we’re put together as Arashi, we’re not destroying each other's personalities and talents.” August 2009
I don’t remember how I felt when I said this comment, but even now, I still feel like this. I’m sure the general public has the same impression. Because the value of Arashi’s members that is seen by us and our fans is the same. But I wonder if everyone has matured. As for us, it’s not only ourselves, but we also have to at least watch over our managers, families, and people that are directly involved with us like stylists and make-up artists and the lives of their families. Inevitably, it creates a sense of responsibility. I didn’t feel like that right from the first year of our debut. I guess I’ve matured compared to me back then.
“In my case, it’s November 3rd. It happens once a year. That makes me think, today’s our debut day.” October 2009
I still think like this every year on November 3rd. It’s the day where I feel the strongest feeling of gratitude and no matter how many times have passed, this feeling won’t change. If there’s something that changes, I guess it's how I feel towards Arashi. Since our relationship is getting more and more deeper, I think our feelings are getting bigger as the years pass by. That’s why it's not like I’m content with things now. In my case, as I execute something, I never really think, “This is perfect!” Basically I’m not content, because as I think, “I could do more than this” it’ll lead to another thing. Especially when it relates to my works, I’m not content. This is something that never changes since way back.