21 posts tagged “sho sakurai”
Finally! What I've been waiting for! I found this video somewhere and downloaded the file. No need to expound on this more since we are talking about Arashi here.. This is the latest AU cellphone CM, which of course, starred Arashi.. I loved the phone Sho had.. Lolz! The part where Aiba made very careful movements to avoid the alligator made me laugh so hard! I'm gonna post the actual AU CM and the making of the CM. I also added some bits of the AU CM series.. There's one of Jun and Aiba, Sho and Ohno.
Enjoy and please do comment ^_^ Anyway, to those who are interested to visit the main website for AU phones, visit here.
[2008.04.02] Got all Arashi AU KDDI ads. Enjoy them! I do love the CM of Sho and Ohno.. Lolz! I don't mind being carried away like that as long as the one who caused it is any of the Arashi members..
Here's another set of AU CM collections for you to love. What do we have? The first one is Aiba's Mother's Day CM.. Next is the subbed version of ShoToshi CM ^^ Followed by MatsuJun with him watching a Spiderman movie.. It's kawaii.. Lolz! Then another one by MatsuJun and something with News >.< Lastly, a SakurAiba KDDI CM Quiz.
Okay.. Right after the Ohno birthday bash, Em and Teeny (our beloved SakurAiba duo) planned to hold a joint birthday bash for our fave hentai, ecchi, kawaii couple~ Sho Sakurai and Aiba Masaki.. Yaaaay~ Mark your calendars minna!
We had our first Aibakaland Fan Gathering at the same place.. Please do come and spazz with us~ Games, foods, costumes, spazz sessions are positively hosted here! Updates will be posted here.. To those who came to the Ohno Birthday Bash, please do attend this one..
Conditions:
To those who want to join in, feel free to PM/YM/IM/text message/email me.. All Arashi fans from various Arashi groups are welcomed! To those Arashi groups who want to help us on this, please feel free to PM me for ideas or information..
- All Filipino Arashi fans are invited
- Php200 per head to cover for the expenses such as food, etc.
- It can be an overht event so to those who wanna stay, you are free to do so
- Costumes are highly encouraged. There will be a prize for best costume
- If you can't come in costume, wear anything with red or green in it.
Arigatou~
I finally got it! OMG!
I was so ecstatic after receiving the photo book! Actually I was a bit pissed off at first since the mailman didn't delivered it right in our office.. I have to go out and claim the parcel from the post office.. To add, it started raining while I was on my way.. But then, as soon as I had the parcel in my hand, I immediately opened it and.. Voila! ARASHIGOTO!
I don't have any ideas on how to scan the images though T_T Poor me but then, I'll be posting the translations here! The photo book contains a lot of Arashi pics from 1999-2005. Yes, it's a back issue but who cares?! Lolz! A very interesting photo book indeed.. I can't place everything here in once bunch since it's gonna be a long.. Long entry.. Imagine.. A.M.N.O.S 10,000 words interview.. Lolz! Get ready to read, minna!
Thanks to say_it_again @ LJ for the translations and links!
10,000 Words Interview: Aiba || MatsuJun || Nino || Ohno || Sho
Funny Flashback Interview: Clickeh
Enjoy! Comments are very well loved..
Yup.. My second post for the day.. We are all aware of the sentiments of Arashi fans all over the world and Rin was very nice enough to create a post, gathering all recovery/get well wishes and message from fans to Sho-kun. She will then try her very best to let Sho-chan read all our messages. If you are interested to post your message, just visit her LJ post and comment your messages for him: Well Wishes for Sakurai Sho
Among the posts there, there are some which I find really amusing and caused me to smile. If ever Sho-kun has the chance to read some of them, I'm sure he'll also be smiling.. The messages ranges from warm, friendly and funny.. Definitely an Arashi fan type of message. I really do hope Sho-kun get to read them ^^
Sakurai-kun! My reaction when I heard about your accident: " o_O EH?!?!" And I really want to give you an effective medicine to stop the swelling ^^ We really got worried as soon as we got words that you got into an accident.. Good thing that nothing serious happened to you ^^ And it's also great that you have Arashi to count on! Demo.. Keep a look out for Masaki-kun when showering.. Kidding!
We really do hope for your quick recovery.. As fans, we really do worry about Arashi's health a lot ^^ We know that you guys are always on the go and busy demo.. Take some rest whenever you can, ok? Gambare on your concert and though we weren't able to see you concert live, through the pics we saw, we can say that your concerts are a huge success! Arashi, Arigato for the dedication, love, support and for being our inspiration!
We'll continue to support you and Arashi!
ARASHI ARASHI FOR DREAM!!!From: Lei / (23) / Philippines -> Me!___________________________________________Look at all these messages from people all around the world worried about you and hoping for your quick recovery. News sure spreads fast! Wow, so your first broken bone? I haven't broken one yet, but I have had more than my fair share of accidents, so it's only a matter of time for me, I guess. What about your cast? Did you have anyone sign it? If I were you, I would have Riida draw on it. Did you scream "CHESUTO!" as you fell down? Because you should have. I mean, you still would have broken a bone, but it would be a much cooler way to do so. Take better care of yourself! Keep working hard, withAsabuzaNews Zero, Arashi, and anything else you put your mind to. Please give my regards to the rest of the group as well.Supporting you all from California,Starr (19), United States___________________________________________
You broke the first bone of your life. When and where, that's really something one could remember forever. However that hasn't left any big "mark" on your wishes to perform, to try to give your best and to continue being just the way you are. Well I'm glad, Sakurai-san. I've always admired that of you. There's always time for everything, so please take your time to get better. You and Arashi always always have the support from your fans :D
Judy, 24, Colombia___________________________________________Sakurai-san,
Daijoubu desu ka? I really got worried when I heard you fell during rehearsal & was injured. I had the same experience before. I dislocated my knee when I fell off a chair. I still remembered it was MAXIMUM painful so I really hope you're okay now. Don't push yourself too much ne. I'm sure Arashi fans will understand. Though I have to really commend you for going on with the concert despite your injury. I'm sure the fans really appreciated that. Now we know Mr. Air Muscles is really strong ne. Even Yatterman can't fly like that! =) Gambatte nii-chan! Arashi saikou desu!Kim, 20, Philippines___________________________________________
This letter intends to call the attention of yatterman.
Due to recent incident, an idol named Sakurai Sho was hurt. Is it possible to think that he was you? Coz if thats the case.. he seems to be having a lot of trouble doing all your stunts. Recently, he just hurt himself and the fans were all shocked and worried. If its not too much to ask.. can you pls teach him do all your stunts and share your secret with him so he could all those things safely? ^__^ and can you pls tell him to take care of himself more.. and and.. give our warmest regards to the four guys who was with him while he was hurt. We are really touched with what they did to him. We really love this group. MAXIMUM! ^___^ and and tell them that we love them and we will support them.. ^_^
*sending the best and fastest medicine*Cathy, 24, Philippines
Yup.. Our beloved Sho-kun got into an accident while rehearsing for their concert.. He fell on the stage and he was able to perform the Dream "A" Live concert with a bandaged hand.. Poor Sho-kun.. He's not the clumsy type, neh? If it's Aiba, I'll understand it.. Demo.. Hm.. Maybe he's sticking too much with Aiba lately but his clumsiness rubbed a bit on Sho.. Lolz! Anyway..
Now, now.. Be fore you guys go crying.. He's ok now. From what I've heard, Nino was the only one who saw the whole accident.. So.. He was with Sho until the hospital.. They also told Sho that he can skip the concert after what happened to him but Sho insisted to come (aww.. Sho love his fans a lot..) So, Arashi did some changes with the choreography so that Sho can perform with them without the need to dance or do some difficult routines.. He did the concert with a bandaged hand though..
-Giggles- Aside from the Arashi love, I also read that there's a wee bit of love triangle which formed all throughout the incident.. Aiba - Sho - Nino Rabu Triangle.. Lolz! Aiba was the one who did Sho's eye makeup and from a reliable source of mine, he even volunteered to bathe Sho.. Lolz! During the performance, Sho can't even take the bottle cap off his drink, so Nino did this for him.. Aww.. Um.. He can't even zip his own zipper >.<
Here's an actual post from Aivana ^^ Arigatou for the information!
Sho chan broken joint of his right thumb.
According from what NINO chan who witnessed said, Sho chan flew sideways like a human cannon and thought that Sho chan hit his head. Sho chan's right sleeve of his shirt of costume was cut. Aiba chan helped Sho chan change his clothes and Aiba chan did Sho chan's eye make up.
Well, Sho kun was injured..
Sho: I've lived for 26 years and this is first time ever..
Aiba: First time? It's a bone fracture! ! Have you broken your bone?.
Sho: I have. 3 times. I did a hip joint. It was hip joint. Hip joint!!
Enough of Aiba san's talk. Let's hear Sho san's story in detail.Sho: Let me explain it! It's a joint of a right thumb. (showing it on big screen) I fell from a stage, and NINO was just there watching it..
Nino: I happened to watch that, He was turning while he fell, first I thought he hit his head.. Then thought it could be his side.
Sho: I'm alright! (Sho chan shows his cast. and showing his muscle saying this is fine too) I had Soba for lunch. It was very inconvenient since it was my right hand. I ate with fork. It was hard to wear pants. The little things became hard to do. (Sho chan tried to drink water. A member rushed up at once and removed the lid. As usual Sho chan drank it while crushing the bottle) Aiba kun put the make-up on for me today
Aiba: From now on, I will do everything for you! (Sho chan and Aiba chan hug each other, then Sho chan touched Aiba chan's back..)
Sho: It's Bisho Bisho soaked. It's making a Bisho Bisho noise
Aiba: That's right. It's Bisho Bisho. Shall we take shower?
Sho: There are 2 showers. MatsuJun already using one of them, and ask who wants to take it and Aiba chan and I raise our hands. And Aiba chan insists to take it together.
Nino: You want to take it together huh?
Aiba: No, just want to take a shower. That's all!At the Encore..
Aiba: I felt how thankful that I was able to do this with the five of us, right? Sho!
Sho: I am sorry that I couldn't show my marvelous dance to the audiences who were looking forward to this for long time. I am sorry that I couldn't show my marvelous dance.. What?!You know, Sho san, I hear laughing
Sho: I was able to do it until the end while being helped by members. Thank you very much.
It's been some time since my last post.. Anyway.. I will be updating my fanfic by tomorrow so.. Please do read on it ^^ I appreciate readers a lot.. Anyway.. A quick post on something I found on YouTube.. I really find this funny and cute.. So.. I need to show it to you guys.. I love the reaction of one of the guys when he raised the 'NO' sign.. Lolz! Here's Kawai Fumita on Shonen Club doing a fantastically superb imitation of MatsuJun! Enjoy!
Another video post! Here's one of MatsuJun dancing Pop Dance.. Kytana's gonna love me for this.. Lolz! I dunno where I got it but he looks good in it.. So.. I posted.. Guys, wanna impress your GFs? Do follow MatsuJun's move.. If possible, do get some of his great facial features.. That'll immediately make your GF's fall over you all over again.. Lolz!
And last but not the least.. A video where Arashi does some recording ^^ Notice their looks and some unsatisfied expressions.. To top those, they looked a bit tired, neh?
Seriously, people do tend to get things into a verge of hype when they tend to release something that is not worth while.. When they said that Sho apparently had a scandal, I was so into searching the internet for it.. Good thing that I found this post.. Really now.. After reading the whole article, I really don't see the scandal part in it..
Anyway, these past few days, we have been hearing things about Sakurai's so-called scandal.. Just to get things straight, it is not a scandal at all.. Maybe it did pointed out some of Sho's shortcomings during his Junior days but it definitely was NOT a scandal..
Read on. I got this post from a Livejournal blog of buttrflikissr. Thanks for the translation!
It starts out with how the magazine found out that Sho booked a popular club (on Feb 17th 2008) for a wedding reception. Bubka thought perhaps Sho was secretly getting married (following the trend of his senpais) but when they were there, they found out that it was actually for Sho's best friend (that he's been close since kindergarten.. The one of many guy friends that Sho goes on trips and stuff with :) Sadly, Sho couldn't attend because he booked a job last minute. he congraualted the couple through a VTR.
If you remember, Sho mentioned recently that he was planning a reception for his friend's wedding and he likes doing these and can't say no when asked.
Then the article goes into explaining how he's unlike other Johnny's because of his education and personality. He doesn't get into horrible scandals and keeps his fans happy; Except when he was a Johnnys Jr., he did sleep around...
Then the article goes into his past when he was at the top of Johnnys Jr.. At first, he wasn't unlike many other Johnnys Jr., who dressed up in expensive brand names. Sho dressed like a smart boy (aka cute dork xD) and was too shy to get intimate with girls. Many Johnnys Jr. made fun of his virginity apparently. This all changed when he started dating one of Johnnys Jr.'s older sister, who was infamous for sleeping with a lot of juniors. Sho fell hard for her, but she was a player and dumped Sho. After this, Sho changed and became a pimp (Lol). BUT, he was still different from all other juniors because he was smart. He was super careful w/ everything. He wouldn't easily take pics with girls, go into restaurants and stuff at different times, wont walk next to each other etc. The girl in the picture is apparently super pretty and was lucky that she was able to take a pic with Sho.Apparently, he made a rule for himself that he'd never sleep with a fan since they have big mouths. The article says that Sho probably didn't even think of his fans as HUMANS (Yeah right..). The article points out how he treated his fans.. He often punched and kicked annoying yarakashi. (remember, when he knocked a girl's camera down and broke it? At least Sho changed and learned to control his anger! - sorry i had to say that!) Sho got his 2 channel name "kasa - meaning umbrella" from an incident when he got mad and stabbed a fan with his umbrella.
The article ends with how Sho is currently rumored to be dating an older woman, and how much he changed and grew into a serious mature guy. It says that Sho became into a great person because of these experiences from his junior days..
There! I hope that made a certain clarification on this.. Arashi had been through several scandals and I can say they were able to put through it all.. What I really hated was a certain Aiba scandal pic.. They said a certain girl placed it in her blog.. I WAS THOROUGHLY PISSED OFF! They are indeed famous and get their dose of intrigues but these types really pisses me off.. Here's a pic of the Aiba scandal.. Don't have the heart to post the actual pic.. Just click on the link: Aiba
As Jo watched Sho being placed in a tense situation, she suddenly laughed then gave a smile at Johnny. “If you quit staring at my models from the photos, then you would have seen Sho’s reply.” She said and the rest of the eyes flew at her direction. “He simply nodded his head since he was taking a sip from his drink, neh?” At this, Arashi nodded, excluding Sho took a big gulp of his drink. “No need to get uptight over such small matters, Johnny-san.. These guys won’t last 9 years if they weren’t abiding to JE’s policies..”
Johnny nodded at this then laughed at Sho. “You should’ve simply told me that you have answered..” He pointed out.
“How could he since you had your right eyebrow raised and looked as if you were about to pounce on him..” Jo answered good naturedly then smiled as Johnny gave her a dirty look. She simply shrugged it off. Johnny then laughed and agreed at her words, turning his head to look at the remaining photos and Jo gave a very obvious relieved sigh. One which only Arashi can see. She then looked at Sho then winked, giving a thumbs up signal.
Jun closed his eyes for a moment and thanked Jo. She was remarkable. She can easily see other’s problem. Aiba nudged Jun to imply that he was also relived at Jo’s reply. Nino took another sip if his drink since his throat suddenly went dry through the ordeal and Ohno simply played with the pages of the photobook in front of him, as if calculating what happened and relieved that it passed. Jun’s eyes looked up to Sho and smiled as the rapper gave a smile of relief in return.
“Anyway Johnny, I wanted to talk to Arashi personally.” Johnny quirked his eyebrows once more and Jo frowned at this. “And you really should stop that.. As you have your JE policy, I also have my own and one of them is personally talking to my models, which in this case happened to be Arashi..” Johnny was about to comment and Jo raised her hand in a sign which told Johnny that she will not have any of his words. “I think you’ve heard how stubborn I can be, Johnny-kun and I'm telling you that I am definitely more stubborn than you can ever imagine.. I won’t let you leave until I have some words with Arashi..” She pointed out. “I won’t sexually harass them or anything, for Kami-sama's sake.. I have Rina and Mako to do those tasks.. I leave those pleasures to them..” She added and laughed. Seeing that Johnny refused to even budge out of his seat, she then gave a playful sigh.
“Okay.. How about this.. As temptingly delectable MatsuJun may seem to me..” At these words, Jun’s eyes widened in orbs and the rest of the Arashi members, including Johnny looked at her in an aghast manner. She then raised her right hand. “I hereby promise not to lay any hands nor body parts on MatsuJun as long as there’s anyone in the room.. I also promise to keep a 2 meter distance from him and restrain myself from literally jumping and harassing him within my vicinity.. Clothes ripping is also a definite no-no as long as the contract is proved valid..” She then brought her hand down, laughing as she saw Jun literally gaping at her words. She beamed at him then pointed at herself. “Jun-bait.” She agreed and shook her head afterwards. “And I promised myself that I won’t admit it to anyone..”
“That was.. Surprising..” Jun commented as he flushed slightly at those words and the group fell into a roar of laughter. “OI!” He shouted at the others but he himself fell into a fit of laughter. Jo gave a very uneasy look as she blushed a birght red color. “That could be a famous line when we do our Shukudai shows..”
“Very well then, with those words, I think I can trust you..” Johnny agreed and Jo called in for Rina through her intercom. She then instructed Rina to take Johnny into their photo gallery and show him around. “If the gallery contains girls in summer wear, I can leave Arashi to your for an hour or so..” Jo laughed at this and Rina agreed that there is indeed such photos inside the gallery. “Good.. Toodle-oo then..” Johnny waved and followed Rina out.
“And after humiliating myself with such promise, I still will say that I am a fan of MatsuJun..” She finished and smiled at him. “Mako is all for Sho .. Though I think he's kinda sliding a wee bit for OhMiya tandem.. And Rina is our infamous SakurAiba fan..” She informed them as they laughed. “Keep clear from their sights when their eyes held a certian spark in them.." Jo suggested over Arashi's laughter. "I do hope I didn’t scared you, MatsuJun..”
Jun shook his head. “That was.. Quite original..” He admitted, feeling a wee bit light headed and giddy. "That was the first time someone ever gave such proposal to Johnny.."
“Oh.. He’s very very happy with it actually..” Aiba commented and hid behind Ohno as Jun reached for him. “Missed me..” He simply commented then stuck out his tongue at Jun. Nino, who saw all these, rolled his eyes and mumbled 'How mature..' for Jo and Ohno to hear, earning a laugh from the trio.
Jo laughed at this then looked at Sho. “And I’m very sorry for the tight situation I placed you in before..”
Sho shook his head in reply. “No. Actually, I really wanted to thank you for saving me back then..” He admitted and bowed his head. “Thanks a lot.”
Jo smiled at this and waved her hand in a manner which said it was not a big deal. She then twisted her mouth in a manner which looked a smirk. "Follow policies.. HAH! Those who literally followed every policies lined up for them had their careers ended after a year or so.." She added, shaking her head. “So.. Whoever she is might be someone you really treasure the most, neh? Sho-kun?” She said and all heads turned her way. “What?! You don’t expect that I wouldn’t notice it right? Your eyes are a dead giveaway Sho-kun.. Aside from the fact that I'm a photographer, I'm also female to remind you.. We are quite sensitive with matters of the heart..” She said then sat at the edge of her desk. “You didn’t deny her even in front of your boss. I was really amazed with that.. And to add.. That girl really receives a medal for bravery and loyalty that she agreed to be in such a secret relationship with you..” She finished.
Sho smiled at this and nodded. “She is indeed remarkable..” He commented and Jo caught that spark in his eyes. He was positively relieved. He was sure that Jo would keep it as a secret and he was thankful that he won’t have to worry about hiding his relationship from her. She was obviously supportive of it.
Jo nodded and looked at them once more, her expression changing to one of a serious photographer. “I’ll keep it short and sweet.. We’ll start the shoot next Monday since Johnny said it’s the day wherein all of you are free, though you all have to be back at the studio around 7PM for Shukudai.. I hate tardiness as you all know and any incident like before, I would literally walk out from you guys.. I will also be having your numbers and please do expect personal calls from me about work.. If any incident was to happen and causing any of you not be able to attend the shoot, please do inform me ahead of time. I dislike runing my scehdules for something I will not be able to do..” She finished then took a quick breath.
Arashi was taken aback by her professional manner. ‘So, this was the professional Jo.. Scary..’ Jun thought as he looked at her. But.. As scary as she may seem, she had that certain air of dignity in her. He noticed Aiba writing something into his palm top and smiled as he saw that those were Jo’s words. Aiba, being absent-mided as he is, he realized that he didn’t want to see Jo angry.
Jo straightened up and continued her words. “During photo shoot I can be a wee bit touchy especially on fixing hair and clothings. If you hate to be touched in a certain manner, inform me and I will stop. If not, bear the feeling of having a female touching you.. I tend to be very straight forward when commenting during work.. I tend to call models “baka” and I do tend to get into disagreements with some of them. If you carry those anger even after work, I don’t care but for me, those emotions will be left at the work place, completely forgotten after work.. I’m a perfectionist.. If I am not pleased with a shot, I can repeat those shots again and again until I’m pleased with it.. Such acts can last a hour or two.. Worst, a day. Bear with it.. And that’s it..” She finished and nodded. “Will I be hearing anything from you guys? Any objections on my policies?”
Arashi simply shook their heads meekly and she smiled at this. “You just seen a professional part of me.. I can be scarier on an actual photo shoot and before deadlines.. Try to bear with me then..” She admitted as she took a bow in front of Arashi. “OK then, we can now call Johnny. I know you guys are perfectly tired from today.. Thanks a lot for coming.” She said and walked to each of them, giving them a firm hand shake.
As she reached Jun, she smiled and shook his hand. “To tell you frankly, I only became your fan after watching 'Kimi wa petto'.. And I really don’t have any plans on harassing you or anything..” She admitted then gave him a wink of acknowledgment before opening the door, allowing them to exit.
Jun, on the other hand, was simply smiling at her and he was feeling certain tingles as their hands met. Jun was aware of the fact that he liked her personality but was afraid of her professional side. He was still confused on the reason why he was thinking of such matters even. He was walking towards Liason lobby and searched for Aiba. As soon as he saw him, he tugged him towards a corner. “What do you think of her?” Jun simply asked and Aiba smiled erratically. “If you gave me a smart ass or a hentai-ish answer, I’ll hurt you.. Honestly.. I would..”
Aiba laughed at this. “Professional, mature, good reader of emotions and inner thoughts.. Quite scary.. But there’s still a soft side in her which you find amusing, neh?” He asked and Jun nodded. “So.. You're delectable, neh? Are you thinking of the same about her?” Jun flushed at his question then decided not to answer, leaving Aiba laughing.
‘Hell, yes! I find her delectable, Aiba-chan..’ He inwardly thought and gave Jo another waning look as she talked to Tomi about something wherein she animatedly laughed as Tomi frowned. She turned towards them and caught MatsuJun looking at her. She smiled and gave a small wave of goodbye which Jun returned. ‘Interesting, delectable and sweet.. I really do wanted to know her more..’ He thought one last time as he followed the rest and gave Jo and the Liason group one last wave before they exit the premises.
Jun’s eyes followed the young photographer as she walked into the conference room. Like the rest of the group, he was surprised that the person Johnny referred to as very professional, short tempered and mature happened to be the very same girl she saw near the vendo machine. Young and witty but had proved that not all youth these days only knows how to have fun. ‘Interesting..’ Jun thought and gave an inward smile at the fact. Jun snapped out of his reverie when he saw Aiba trying not to laugh. ‘Damn.. Aibaka really does see through me..’
If there’s someone in Arashi who can easily read in between the lines, it would be Aiba. He may seem clueless and childish most of the time but it was Aiba whom they can easily talk to. He may not give the smartest advice but he does listen with full interest and attention when one talks about something. And at this point, he reads Jun’s thoughts but decided not to pester him with it. Realizing this fact, Jun also wondered why he was thinking on such matters. He was paired with countless girls on various projects. There were even rumors on girls who were linked with him but he simply ignores them. As a matter of fact, whenever he got close (in a friendly manner) to a girl, it was because the girl approached him first. That’s why he was very confused as to why his thoughts ran in only one direction and that is, he wanted to know Jo more.
‘No!’ He stopped himself. ‘I only find her cute and I’m a sucker for anything or anyone cute!’ He reminded himself as he sat down the chair by the table. ‘This is business and nothing more! I’ve met a lot of girls and she is just one of them.. An acquaintance and nothing more..’
Jo opened the door wide as she walked into the mini conference room of Liason, allowing Johnny and Arashi to enter and be seated before she sat on a chair herself. After the interesting encounter she had with Johnny, she was placed in a good mood. She was not a fan of Arashi but she had to admit, she now realized why Rina and Mako was so into the group. All five were handsome, carries a certain air of confidence and famous. Very, very famous in fact.. As soon as she told some of her photographer friends that she will be having magazine photo shoot job with Arashi, they all fell in awe and congratulated her.
Before arranging this meeting with Arashi, she researched some facts about them, wanting to know something about the group and the personality of each member before diving into work with them. She downloaded mp3s and listened to them. She even asked Rina and Mako to lend her their shows, dramas and concerts. Listening and watching them amused her in more ways than one. She learned that all of them started at an early age and was trained by the agency to turn into idols. She was amazed by the number of their fans worldwide and she was immediately taken in by their series and movies.
Ohno, in her perspective, was a quiet person. Though he was referred as the leader of the group, it is obviously seen that he gives his group freedom to voice out their opinions and suggestions. There are times when he gets unsure of his status as their leader but the rest kept on insisting that he is one and he does act as a very effective leader of the group. Jo was also mesmerized by his powerful voice. It’s not a wonder why he was referred to as Arashi’s lead vocals. In terms of vocals, she thought of Nino as another powerful singer. Being a guy with high pitched voice, she was amazed at how he can control it. Personally, she made a mental note that she would have a difficult time getting along with him. To her, Nino was the one who showed least interest in some of their tasks but one thing Jo finds attractive in Nino is that once he got into something and finds it interesting, he would continue the task and will do his beat at it.
As she was making a mental notes of her past observations (while listening and commenting on small discussions with Arashi and Johnny), she then continued her inward observance on the rest of Arashi members. Her eyes then landed on the group’s rapper, Sho. She was too shocked when Mako (being an ultimate Sho fan), told her that he came from an elite family. Having a father with government position and a professor of a mother, Jo was shocked that Sho was able to pursue his entertainment career. During this part, she also realized that she had met his parents on one of the government gathering where she was hired to be the occassion's official photographer. She also remembered the time when she had a small conversation with Sakurai-san when he mentioned that he had a son who was in the entertainment industry. Jo, since she just returned from France at that time, was clueless on whom the person was talking about. Jo instantly remembered that Sakurai-san was not too happy with this fact but there was a certain proud spark in his eyes whenever he talked about his son’s achievements and fame. Then we have Aiba; the most cheerful and lively one in the group. He was referred to as the group’s baka person because of his senseless comments but Jo knew that he was the one who is closest to every Arashi members. Aiba had this aura which can befriend anyone. As Rina (a die-hard SakurAiba fan) said, Aiba can make even the toughest person open up for him and after seeing Aiba that day, Jo can’t argue with that fact. To her, Aiba was the one whom she can openly talk to and she was sure, a hundred percent, that she won’t be having trouble with him.
Lastly, Jo looked at the group’s fashion-guru and so-called woman expert, Jun. Being known to the fact that he was personally chosen by Johnny, she was sure that there was something with this person that Johnny found special. Truth to be told, Jo cannot still decide on this person’s personality. As she watched their series, shows and movies, she still cannot grasp on Jun’s personality. All she can surmise is that he easily gets irritated, had a certain air in him which shouts ‘look up to me!’ and most of Arashi and Jun fans called it the 'Do-S syndrome'.. But if there’s one thing she’s certain about, Jun is positively passionate with his work. A bit hard to understand but he's someone she can work with. And as much as she tried to hide it, she have to admit that she was Jun-baited.. Despite the collected persona and ‘touch-me-not’ aura, she grew a liking on how he carries those outrageous concert outfits and of course, superb acting. But then, she made sure that her fanatic side would always be kept in check and not be like those absurdly stalking fans.
“So, what do you think of my boys?” Jo quickly looked up as Johnny asked the question. She inwardly thanked the gods that she was done with her internal recollection as Johnny shot his question. Her eyes landed immediately on Arashi as she heard the frustrated groans and hid her laughter as she saw Arashi rolled their eyes. “WHAT?!”
“You asked as if you own us or something..” Nino complained as he took a sip of the juice Tomi placed for them.
"My boys indeed..” Ohno repeated the exact phrase as he sighed. “Are we items which you have placed under bidding and asked for a buyer to comment on? We’re people, Johnny-san.. H-U-M-A-N-S..” Ohno spelled the last words to emphasize his point as Johnny continued to look unabashed by his talent’s reactions.
Johnny’s eyes widened comically at this. “I do own you, Nino-kun..” He stated in a matter of fact tone. “In fact, I invested quite a lot for you guys and I can say that I officialy have my brand on you..” He added as he gave a satisfying laugh. “You all are under my mercy..” He joked as he crossed his leg, getting comfy on his seat.
“Well and precisely said..” Sho commented and railed back as he received the glares from his group. “I didn’t said I was happy with it!” He added.
Jo gave a soft laugh at the exchange. She was relieved that this group, as famous as they are, were able to get along well with their boss. As far as she knew, Johnny only talks this way to his talents who had proved their worth and no doubt, Arashi was able to pass Johnny’s expectations. “Well, aside from the fact that you already know that I positively hate tardiness, they are way beyond famous so I can say they’re professionals in the modelling field.. I don’t know what else you wanted to hear from me Johnny-san.” She safely answered. “Fishing for compliments, Johnny-kun?” She jokingly added, earning a laugh from the group.
“Not quite.. We got a daily dose of compliments from fans already..” He admitted off-handedly and Jo didn’t retorted back since she herself knew that this was true. “We can start on who you think you can easily befriend with.. Or.. Do you think they can be a problem to you?” Johnny pressed on. Jo looked at Arashi at this and was a wee bit surprise that they were also waiting for her honest opinion on them. “Go on.. If one of them reacted quite violently, I can immediately replace KAT-TUN with them.” At this comment, the conference room was filled with Arashi’s replies of “EH?!”s and “NANI?!”s. At this, Jo realized that KAT-TUN was probably their virtual rival in all of the JE team.
“Well, I don’t think I have problems working with Riida-kun, Masaki-kun and Sakurai-san..” She admitted, earning smiles from the three. “Though I may have a problem with Matsumoto-san and Kazunari-kun..” She added then quickly added an explanation. “I’m not saying that you guys are not what I’m expecting you to be but I was inclining more on the professional side!” She finished, blushing a bit as she caught Nino and Jun’s amused looks. Relieved that they are not offended, she continued. “From my reference, which also happened to be photographers Arashi had worked with, Nino and Jun are the.. Um..” She stopped as she searched for a right word to describe their personas without offending them. “The.. ‘Touch-me-not’ types..” She finished, hoping that they got it.
Johnny laughed at her comment and nodded. “They do give that aura, don’t they?” He returned then smiled. “Personally, I can’t say that would be a problem, neh?”
Aiba nodded at this fact. “Though these two may look snobbish..” He was cut short as Jun and Nino threw a piece from the nuts they were nibbling on, indicating that they are not too flattered at his choice of words. “Anyway.. They are really nice.. It may take time for one to adjust with them but they are quite friendly.. All you need are the right words and coaxing abilities, then you’ll have them at your fingertips!”
“And now, he referred to me and Nino as kids..” Jun hissed as he gave Aiba a whack on the head. “Baka..” He mumbled and folded his arms at his chest. “It’s just that unlike Aiba, we seldom speak and open up to those we just met..” He admitted and Nino nodded in affirmation.
“Maybe you’re description for us are correct..” Nino admitted then smiled. “But we will do our best to meet your expectations, Sashika-san..” He finished, earning a lot of agreement from Arashi. “And do work on your choice of words, Aiba.. It irritates me..” He said and Aiba simply smiled his reply.
“Good to hear that then..” Jo said then smiled as she placed her elbows on the table and propped her chin over her hands. “No wonder you were chosen as Yamada Tarou, Kazunari-kun.. That smile of yours is quite addicting.” She commented and Nino scratched his head from embarrassment and mumbled thanks. “And please do call me Jo.. I think I’m the youngest one in the group..”
Jun bit his lower lip at Jo’s comment on Nino. Jealousy? He doesn’t know but he was quite irked at Nino. He quickly brushed the thought then smiled. “Are you? Nino and I happened to be the youngest here..” He added as he looked at her.
Jo nodded in reply. “Born in 1984, only I was born on October 29.. I’m currently 23. So, calling me Sashika-kun or Sashika-san makes me feel I’m way over your senior..” She said then looked at Jun as she tilted her head to the side. “Also.. Unlike Nino, your smile is more of charming people rather than amusing them..” She commented and heard the rest laughed at the comment. As she realized what she said, she bowed her head in apology. “Gomen.. I was used on commenting on people’s smiles since I’m a photographer and all..”
“Jo-chan then!” Jun simply said then waved his hand in a non-offending manner as she made her comment. His irk for Nino was placed with amusement. “No worries.. We’re used to it.. People often say the same thing” He joked then the rest laughed once more..
“Do-S in the house, y’all!” Sho rapped as other laughed more. Jun gave a Domyouji-like smile at them then settled in his seat. Truth to be told, all were relieved that they can talk like this. It was a start of a good working relationship between Liason and JE.
“Another thing..” Jo added as she remembered something. “If there’s something I need to know about your schedules, I mean aside from the common work-related schedules, I would appreciate it if you would tell me when’s your day off and such..” She suggested. “I hate it when your girlfriends come barging in here and start attacking me on taking your time and ignoring them..”
And after that comment, everybody went silent. Jo looked around and she saw Arashi had their eyes downcast but still trying to look as if nothing was happening. Jo, being a very experienced photographer can immediately detect their sudden change in expressions, especially Sho’s. ‘Did I asked a wrong question?’ She asked herself, wondering what's the cause of the sudden change in their expressions.
Johnny laughed at this. “Looks like you are not oriented with our policies, Jo..” He stated. “While they are in JE, they are not to be involved in serious relationships since it can destroy their concentration, thus causing havoc to their work..” Johnny said and laughed as Jo’s eyes widened in surprise. “It’s been a part of the working contract and Arashi can attest to this..”
Arashi members nodded and agreed on this. All except Sho who suddenly turned quiet and literally paled. ‘Uh-oh.. Me and my big mouth..’ Jo thought as she realized she placed one of them in a tight spot and mentally cursed herself for this mess.
Sho’s mind was reeling. He didn’t expect this coming and he can’t blame Jo for this. She was just doing her part. He looked at the rest of Arashi and they also gave him a look which said that he should agree with Johnny. Problem is, Sho was the type who hates lying and agreeing would mean denying Hikari. Aiba bit his lower lip as Ohno looked from Johnny then back at Sho.
Johnny was looking at the photos on the wall as they agreed but as he didn’t heard Sho’s reply, his attention returned to him and he quirked his right eyebrow. Not a good sign and Arashi knew this. He was still expecting a reply from Sho. “Well Sho? I didn’t heard you..”
Jun noticed the tension around the room then laughed. “Come on, Johnny-san.. You know Sho’s answers.. We are all aware of that line..” He said, hoping that Johnny would simply get off the topic.
“That’s right, Johnny-kun!” Aiba added enthusiastically, trying to replace the dead air rising in the room. Nino and Ohno also attested to this fact, saying that there’s no need to state that policy since they were all too aware of JE’s rules.
“No.. You know me.. I want the answer coming out from the person’s mouth..” He finished. The tone of his voice was in a ‘final decision’ tone and he returned to Sho. “We’re waiting, Sakurai..” Johnny said in a very deep tone. He used Sho's surname.. Not a good sign..
Sho swallowed the sudden lump in his throat as he struggled to answer. “I.. I.. Um..” He stammered as he looked around for help. ‘Kami-sama.. Help..’ He prayed and this was the only time Sho thought that lying can sometimes be a good thing.