Fukazawa Tatsuya: 10000 character long interview (Translated)
{Myojo 2020 June}
“Congratulations on your debut” are words probably most fitting for you, Fukazawa-kun.
Thank you. Debuting at 27, 15 years as a junior, both are record-breaking. But the junior groups that exist now, it would be alright for any of them to debut. Travis Japan, Naniwa
Danshi…, If I start bringing up names there won't be an end to the list. That's why, to any junior who is striving to debut, “I’ll be waiting for you”, I want to say to them. Does that sound conceited?! Is this going to cause trouble?! What I want to say is “If I can do it, then for all of you, there's still tons of possibility and chances.” But I want you to promise me. Whenever you debut is fine, just don't beat my record (w).
Ha ha. Were you always the Owarai character since you were little?
I don't remember much from when I was little, but I didn't talk much, and I didn't like standing out. But my Kindergarten teacher said to me “In the future, the people around you will probably be there to help you, so you'll be fine just like this.” Apparently when I went to kindergarten, even though I hadn't asked of it, there would be a girl who would take the hat I was wearing and the bag I was carrying and place them into the designated place for me. Perhaps I was the kind of person who you couldn't leave alone or you just really wanted to help (w).
Your Johnny's career started in grade 6 when your mother sent in an application for you for the additional audition for the variety show Ya-Ya-Yah.
That's correct. I was taken to the audition with no idea of what we were going to do. Back then my dreams were of becoming a soccer athlete or basketball player, and I wasn't aiming for the entertainment industry at all.
So as you passed the auditions your motivation began to grow?
Not at all (w). I kept going to the auditions because they kept calling me back. Before I knew it I was there at the final stage with my douki Yamada (Ryosuke), Hashimoto (Ryosuke), and Abe-chan (Ryohei).
So as you continued your activities as a junior, little by little, your goals began to form.
Yes. At the time I admired senpais on the kakkoii path. I was especially aiming to be like Yamashita or Takizawa.
You were quickly put into the group JJ express. Did you feel elite?
Not elite, I was just simply impolite. “Back then you were really cocky”, people say to me a lot. Like during shoots, even though they were drinks the editorial staff had prepared for us, I would tell juniors who came later “There's juice over there so drink as you like” and stuff like that. Who did I think I was? (w)
However in 2007 Hey!Say!Jump debuted, but of JJ express, Fukazawa-kun and Hashimoto-kun were not included.
For me, I wasn't thinking of continuing very long so it didn't have that much impact on me, but I remember that Hasshi was very shocked and took it badly. Backstage he was crying very hard. When I saw those tears, I began to first properly think about debuting.
How were your activities in Jr.BOYS?
In the group, including (Iwamoto) Hikaru, all members of the 6-nin era of Snowmen were there. But it was a very strange feeling. Around me were only people younger or my kouhais. I felt like I was being seen as “the one that was in JJ express but didn't debut.”
Did you have a hunch that these would be the people you debut with?
Not at all.
When you were in 10th grade Mis Snow Man was formed. However, apparently the group name was formed from the 1st letter of the members names, but your F isn't in there right?
This is the first time I've ever said this, but when the group was first formed, it was when I had been away from junior activities after injuring myself. After I was better I went to a ABC-Z and KisMyFt2 joint concert, where the members that I had been with in Jr. BOYS were announced as Mis Snow Man. “Oh, they became a group…” I thought. I panicked, thinking I had been left behind, and called Johnny-san. “I’m all better now” I said. Then he asked “Who did you used to do activities with?” and I answered “The people who have been named Mis Snow Man.” Then he said simply “So, just join them” (w). If I hadn’t called Johnny-san that day, I’m sure my fate would have been different.
After that, Mis Snow Man would go on to experience being at senpais’ back for things like DREAM BOYS, Takizawa Kabuki, Shounentachi.
I was very happy have the experience to be on stage a lot. I love the stage.
However, while you came to be known among those around you, didn't you have a dilemma where the general public’s knowledge of you didn't really rise?
After a few years that is what I began to think. “Is it OK for me to continue on this path?” I thought.
Then in 2011, members left the group, and additionally in the summer, Abe would put a rest to his activities to study for university entrance exams. What were the thoughts you had that year?
I felt lost. The group's activities were put to rest, I had no group name to myself, and I became just another junior. I think I was 19 then. Around 20, the people around me would start working, and I would often talk to the members “Is it OK to continue on this path? “If we aimed for a different path now it wouldn't be too late.”
KisMyFt2 and Sexy Zone debut. In December of that year, ABC-Z were announced to DVD-debut too.
I was happy for all the groups debuts. But Shori is 3 years younger than me and the same middle school. When Sexy Zone’s debut was decided, my teacher at that time told me, “You need to work hard too.” So of course, I had things I thought too.
Were there people you could consult?
I was always helped by Kawai-kun and Takizawa-kun. I first got friendly with Kawai-kun. When I was 17, 18ish I joined the KAT-TUN tour, and ABC-Z, espescially Kawai-kun looked after me. He was kind and good at talking. Before I realized it he had become a person I admire. But, at the time, I was still aiming for the kakkoii road, so in my heart I was thinking “This isn’t who I ought to be aiming for.” (w)
Haha.
Then, Takizawa-kun is the one that told me “That’s not the correct path for you.” On my 20th birthday, I got his contact details and we began to keep in touch. One day he said “The path that you've picked, it's probably wrong. I've only ever said this to you and Kawai.” (w) Of course when he said that I was shocked. “I’m wrong?” I thought.
Did your path change go well?
At first, it was terrible. “Busaiku” “Your face is big” people would tease me, and I would laugh, but inside I was crying. And, the band members weren’t used to teasing me either, so there would be an atmosphere with the audience like they couldn’t laugh. It was like I was just continually being showered with insults in public (w).
But you continued to accept the teasing.
Takizawa-kun told me “Anyone can be kakkoii. But, to be someone who can make people laugh, not just anyone can do that. You have one more weapon than others.” Takizawa-kun treated me like a brother. But, even as he had taken care of people like Kitayama-kun, Kawai-kun, lots of juniors and groups, he said to me “You require the most attention.” I’m certain that he’s gotten angry at me the most number of times.
And that Takizawa-kun is the one who named Snow Man.
It was very sudden. It was during Takizawa Kabuki 2012. Before the performance, Takizawa-kun told me “Look forward to when you go on the stage tonight.” On the stage, I heard the audience go noisy, and when I turned around, the group name “Snow Man” was being projected. During that time, the 6 of us were doing activities with no group name. And, the there were remnants of Mis Snow Man in the name. I was really happy. I remember celebrating with the other members. Because I had been thinking, I have to decide now if I move on forward or if I give up. Because we had been given a name, I felt, “There’s still a chance, there’s still a possibility.”
And after becoming Snow Man, you were given more chances to be on the stage, and in 2016, you were on the stage a total of 200 times. However, debut was still far away.
I was about 24. Back when we were around 20, I would discuss with the members “Is it OK to continue on this path?”, but in contrast, during this period, we just stopped talking about it entirely. No one can predict the future. There's no certainty, no idea of till when something should be accomplished or how things will go. If between the members we had an exchange like that “I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel” “Me too”, we already knew what conclusion we would have to draw. We feared that, so we shifted our eyes away from reality, and threw ourselves into our work on the stage.
How were you able to keep going?
The one who would always support me was Kawai-kun. I still remember even now. “I’m sorry. There’s nothing I can do for you in regards to debuting. But, especially for juniors like you, for groups like yours, I hope that debut will come.”
What a good senpai. We have the impression that similarly, Fukazawa-kun also takes good care of his kouhais.
Hmm, I wonder. I would often go get food with King&Prince. By chance, the first one I invited was Iwahashi, and Jinguji was good friends with Iwahashi, so I went to get food with the two of them a lot. Ah~ I remember now. King & Prince’s debut was announced, and back then, we were filming Eiga Shounentachi. Iwahashi called me saying “I am going to debut”, and I replied, “I know, congratulations”, and then, in a voice that sounded like it was about to cry, he apologizes to me. “I wanted to tell you sooner. But, especially because you’ve always taken care of me, I couldn’t tell you. I’m sorry.” I was lost for words for a moment, before I replied “All juniors aim to debut. And when it happens, it’s the happiest moment. Don’t mind someone like me and let it sully your joy. I’m really happy for you.” Soon after, I got a similar call from Jinguji. They were just casual conversations, but I remember them well.
I thought a lot about it. I had been thinking that when you are unable to debut, the only one who gets hurt is yourself. But, it had also become a weight on my kouhais as well. Maybe it had finally become time to make a proper break. During that time it was hard to keep my motivation going, but the one who saved me was, as always, Takizawa-kun. During Takizawa Kabuki 2018 I had my birthday. Takizawa-kun gave me a birthday present of a sakura bonsai, and said, “May Snow Man also bloom.” Being told that in front of so many people, there was no way I wasn’t going to try my best.
Then in 2019 January, Raul, Mukai Koji, and Meguro Ren would join bringing the biggest turning point in the band. What led to this?
The 6 of us were allowed to decide. The jimusho told us “You can add these 3 and do activities as 9, or you can continue on with the 6. The 3 have already decided that should the 6 of you accept, they would like to join.” Of course we thought a lot about it, and talked about it a lot amongst the 6.
What was the biggest reason that you guys decided to go with the 9?
What is what we need to prioritize the most, and what is the most important thing. We thought that that was to debut. Like I said in the beginning, there are tons of groups that ought to debut. So what should Snow Mando to stand out amongst those and debut. Given our ages, the time we had left was comparatively less than other groups. That’s why, we thought “If we don’t challenge now, we will surely regret it.” There was a road for us to continue as 6. But, on the other road was a chance for a big change to the present. What we needed then was a dramatic change. I said, “Adding the 3, I think it’s a good idea.”
I see.
As 6, we each confirmed that we were for the idea, and agreed on adding the 3. But, I think that the 3 must have thought about it for much more than we did. One is in his teens. One would come from Kansai. One would be joining while holding another group. If we become 9, the hate would be directed at the 3 more than the 6. The 3 must have known that, and strengthened their resolve, to have agreed to join. In addition, the 3 of them said that they didn’t want to cause a scale-down on Snow Man’s main weapon, acrobatics, so they would practice like hell. Because the 3 respected what the 6-nin Snow Man was, we have the 9-nin Snow Man of now.
What would we be like as 9. I was most concerned about the fans. The fans who had support us thus far, I knew their feelings the most. There would be fans that would accept us as 9. But there would also be fans that would have wanted us to continue as 6. That's why when it was decided that we would become 9, I decided that we had to debut. Because if we didn't debut then who would accept why we had increased members. I didn't want any fans thinking ‘What if they could have debuted as 6?’. We wanted our fans to be happy. So when we decided to become 9, no matter what happens, we had to debut.
Even then, weren’t you worried about what would happen when you became 9?
Of course. With many people there are many merits as well as demerits. It would raise the power of our performance, but when it comes to talking, it might cause some people to be buried. Right after we became 9, Koji also worried a lot about what was best for the group. When the two of us were talking he said “The owarai of Kansai and Tokyo are different, and at first I would like everyone to be able to stand out in their own way, so I think I should try to reign myself in as much as possible.” And I said, “Don’t do that! You are you!” I’ve known Koji from far before Snow Man. “Wherever you are, you are Koji. Be just the way you are.” If someone has to hold themselves back to be 9, then there’s no meaning in having such a group. He looked shocked for a moment, then then sunk into thought. I was thinking yeah, of course it’s not that easy, but by the next day he was completely Kansai Koji (w). That’s his strength.
That’s a good story.
I could say the same about Raul and Meme. The 6 and the 3, no one forced themselves to meld together. The 3 of the 6, the 6 of the 3, we respected eachother and were able to become the 9 member Snow Man.
In March, you did an independent concert at Yokohama arena.
I felt then that the 9 had a really good balance. Even during the MC, everyone had a chance to shine. It was then that I felt “We can do this!” And, the sakura that Takizawa-kun gave me, it was then that it bloomed. We were also confident that we could bloom.
I think many people were surprised that Raul-kun is center, weren’t there any among the 6 who felt frustrated about this?
Not at all. I've always liked watching other groups. Raul has always had a natural aura. If he was on the sides he would just stand out in a weird way. That's why I want Raul to stand out in the position that he's meant to be in. That's the center. Leader and ace are different. Hikaru is leader and ace is Raul.
Then, what is Fukazawa-kun’s position?
Me?! I’m best doing nothing (w).
Haha. In May, you had Takizawa Kabuki ZERO. May 5, on your birthday, you cried during your MC, right?
At first, I was intending to use eye drops and fake crying. But before I could put in the eyedrops, the crowd made me cry. I could hear people crying in the audience. I think that in response to Hikaru’s letter, not only the audience, but I myself was moved. “This is the timing. This is when I should say the truth I was never able to say.”
What was that?
When we became 9 in January a lot of things happened. There were lots of mistaken rumors and information going around in response to us becoming 9. No one was at fault but someone would be blamed. That period was a struggle. “Why can't you understand we decided to become nine of our own will?” I wanted to shout. I have a long history as a junior but I've never said any complaints in front of someone. It's embarrassing to say, but since I'm the oldest, I always felt that I had to protect Snow Man. I have to stand in the frontline and protect. But I can't, by myself. On that day, on that stage, with the atmosphere of the audience, I was able to be true to myself and release the feelings that I had been holding inside. Before I realized I was crying, and was able for the first time to say what I felt. “I can't protect this group alone, so everyone please let’s protect this group together.”
Then on June 28th, in Johnny-san’s hospital room, you were informed of your debut.
It was so sudden that I was at a loss for words it. “Eh?!” Of course, there was the situation of it being his hospital room, but, how do I say, I don't think I'll ever have the feelings that I did at that moment, that words can’t express. I was glad that I was able to say thank you to Johnny-san. He would often give us feedback during our rehearsals on the stage. It's saddening that he won't be able to give us feedback anymore, but I'm sure that he still watching us even now. We won't forget what he has taught us. We are Johnny’s.
Then, during Johnny’s Jr.8・8 Matsuri your debut was announced.
I think it was good that we were able to announce it there. Because there were a lot of groups there. Of course there were fans that would be happy for us, and there would be people that would cry, and the dome was filled with many emotions. I took those smiles and those tears and braced myself up towards debuting.
How do you feel about the first dual debut?
I'm happy that we have a rival in SixTones. However, our rival isn’t just them. Aiming for the world, we have infinite rivals.
Finally, this year on January 22nd, your debut. When did you most grasp the reality that you debuted?
When I went to buy a CD (w). I went with Shota and Meme. We were quickly found out and it was embarrassing. My parents were also very happy for me. My mother knows well about the tough times I've faced. That's why I told them “Hey your son's going to debut! Buy lots of CDs.!!”(w). CDs are amazing. For a Johnny’s, a CD is a proof of debut and it's a physical link to your fans. When I had a CD in my hands I was able to really feel “We've debuted”.
A debut is a new start. Do you have anything you'd like to say to your fellow members? Let's start with Raul.
Raul, you are a sponge. You learn things in an instant. Dancing and singing. I'm happy to be able to be able to see your progress closer than anyone else. Recently I said “I can only do acrobatics for a little more.” Then with sparkling eyes you responded “OK. Whatever Fukka-san is unable to do I will do it all, so please teach me.” It's very reassuring, thank you. We've decided, four years later, on Raul’s seijinshiki, us eight members are going to wear suits and join as guardians. We’ll celebrate Raul, and feel 20 again!
Next, Mukai-kun.
I have no message for Koji (w). Even recently we’ve gone for food 5 days in a row. We’re always together. I’ve said this before, but if I’m to say it again, Koji helps a lot with MC, thank you. What Snow Man didn’t have before in terms of owarai, Koji has brought upon this group. I do have one complaint. When we go out to eat, eat faster!
Meguro-kun.
Meme, you are very passionate and serious. Please continue to always be that way. From the moment you entered I knew that you are stoic and hate to lose. I know that more than anyone you're practicing your acrobatics, and when you can't do it, at that point when I would have given up soon before, you don’t stop until you can do it. You're younger but I have a lot to learn from you, thank you.
Miyadate-kun.
Date-san, please stay as you are. I think you realize this, but when I struggle with MC I always shift the conversation to you. It hasn't changed since we were juniors. No matter how suddenly I hand you a conversation you always have the perfect response, thank you. You're on the radio a lot these days so you've gotten very good at talking haven’t you. In addition you can do stage plays and kabuki; there's so much you can do. I'll continue to shift the conversation to you, yoroshiku.
Sakuma-kun.
Sakuma, like me, you were aiming to be the kakkoii character and didn’t talk at all (w). And now, you’re the loudest of all of us. When you’re there and when you’re not there, the group’s atmosphere is different. You are Snow Man’s mood maker. You’re always a big help, thank you. Let me just say one thing, though. Never be late again!
Watanabe-kun.
Recently I have many moments where I'm surprised by Nabe’s dependability. When we all talk together, I say whatever I want, but he says “This is what I think, how about it?” His opinions are doing good for the group, thank you. They’re so precise that I think “That way’s better!”, always changing my opinions at an instant, sorry. But, Nabe didn’t always used to be like this, right. Ever since we decided to be 9, Nabe has become a different person. Of course, up to that point he was doing right as well. Still, the person who has changed the most since that day is Nabe.
Abe-kun.
It’s after such a long time, but, you, resting your activities for your education or whatever! I was lonely baka!! Yamachan and Hasshi, our douki, debuted. Not only them, but also our kouhais debuted. We had been through that together. We have experienced the same number of tough times. I’m glad we debuted together, thank you. After our debut was announced, when I told Hasshi, he said, “Now all of our douki have debuted.” Last year, on MSute, there was a moment when Abe and Hasshi and I all lined up side by side. I’ve finally caught up, I felt, and was a little excited. From now on, too, let’s experience those moments together.
Last, Iwamoto-kun.
Hikaru, thank you for the choreography. The choreo for Crazy Fresh Beat is really amazing. But my first impression of you was terrible. Even though you’re younger, you were way scary. We were shinme from when we were in Jr. BOYS, and I remember going to talk to you while afraid. Shinme typically are either very good friends or very antagonistic, and I’m glad we’re the good friends type. But, when I invited you to our high school’s Bunkasai celebration. saying “Everyone’s going so let’s go” you refused saying “Nah, not me”, and we had a big fight, remember? Even now I still think you were the one who was in the wrong (w). We’re very different people. That’s why I think we make good shinme. Hikaru often refers to us as “isshindoutai” (=be as one). Did you know I answer the same in interviews to match your answer?
I think the 9 member Snow Man is a really good group.
Everyone knows each other good parts, as well as their bad. Normally, with 9 guys, there ought to be moments where you dislike each other. That you want to be alone. But for me, I get lonely when I can’t see them. I’m happy if everyone’s by my side. Oops, did I just say something really good? Please cut it out.
I guess we’ll have to do that.
I’m joking! Please use it!! Out of everything I’ve said today I want you to use that the most (w).
Before your debut, you were conscious of your age, right. How about now?
There’s no age limit to being an idol. I said jokingly to Raul that I might not be able to do acrobatics one day, but to be honest, I’m confident that I’ll be able to do it no matter what age. If people want it from me, I will continue acrobatics and being an idol forever.
To reflect on 15 years as a junior, 10000 characters isn’t enough.
Let me have 100000 characters (w). I suppose when I reflect, there was a lot of tough times, but when I debuted, all of those flew away. That’s how happy I was. The 9 of us, we have all walked our separate paths. The path to debut was long and harsh. There wasn’t even really a path (w). We don’t know which way to move forward, and we get lost, stand still, almost give up. Even then, you believe in your future ahead of you and continue moving, and before I realized I was surrounded by the 8 members that I love. If I look back now and see the path I’ve walked, I can see that the path I’ve picked is the correct one.
Like I said, the words “Congratulations on your debut” are most fitting for Fukazawa-kun.
But debuting is too big for me to accomplish alone. Even as 6, we couldn’t reach it. Because we believed as 9, we were able to accomplish… No. Because we are as 9, and because our fans believed in us, we were able to accomplish our dream. That’s why, to all our fans, I want to say “Thank you”. The fans who accepted us as 9, the fans who became fans after we were 9. Also to our fans who are still reminiscing our days as 6. These fans motivate us to hope for one day there will be a time when they turn back and say “The 9 member Snow Man is good as well.” That’s why, I want to say thank you to all our fans. Thank you for protecting Snow Man. Us 9 will continue to plow forward, so please continue to follow us.