[Trans] Yamashita Tomohisa, Ikuta Toma, Ninomiya Kazunari Formation! What is New Group "1 Riha?"
2017/10/31
There are many groups in Johnny’s, but the mysterious organization called “1 Riha” was quietly born last year. The members are Yamashita Tomohisa, Ikuta Toma, Kazama Shunsuke, Tackey & Tsubasa’s Takizawa Hideaki, Arashi, etc. Those that entered Johnny’s in the ‘90s. For what purpose was it (the group) formed?
““1 Riha” is the name of a LINE group. When they (the members) were still Johnny’s Jrs., they were regulars appearing in the televised variety program “8jidaJ” (TV Asahi) during golden time (7pm to 10pm). The rehearsal room they were using was TV Asahi’s number one rehearsal room. In short, “1 Riha” (1 Riha = Ichi Riha = Ichi Rihaasaru = one rehearsal). There, the nine of them spent their youth, and is the reason why they formed the group on LINE. Incidentally, it seems that current Jrs. are also using it as a room for lessons, and it’s packed with past idol’s sweat and tears.” (from an idol magazine writer)
In other words, if you call it a group, it’s because of the “LINE group.” However, there are episodes in which you can feel strong connections in this 1 Riha. On June 17, 2016, Yamashita left a LINE message of, “Kazapon, Ninomiya-kun, happy birthday!” That day was Kazama and Arashi’s Ninomiya Kazunari’s birthday. The year in which the two entered the agency is different, however their date of birth is the same. He (Yamashita) immediately congratulated the two who turned 33.
“Incidentally, that year was the 20th anniversary of Yamashita entering the agency and the 10th anniversary of his solo debut, which would become his memorial year W (w = win?). This year his leading role in the drama “Code Blue ~Emergency Lifesaving Dr. Heli~ THE THIRD SEASON” (Fuji TV) marked high viewership ratings, and the movie version is set for next year. He is a success as a leading actor of this generation.” (from previously mentioned idol magazine writer)
Original Japanese article written by Kitamura Tomoko