![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
amnosxmatsujunSurprise! There's been a lot of Sho posts from me lately, but how could I forget about my ichiban? ;)
WHY?! HOW?! Is he not the cutest creature you've ever seen...? ;_;
This is the 99th "It". Nino reflects on past interviews and talks about how thankful he is to be an idol. There's a part in the article that makes me heart hurt a little bit, when he talks about how idols are basically reflections of an image that the media and fans have of them. And yet, he is full of gratitude for it all. I feel nothing but respect for this man.❤
☆ My translations are not available for retranslating purposes. ☆
Ninomiya Kazunari’s “It” – 99th
99th: A Constant
This series started back in 2009. Seeing 8 years’ worth of his life laid out in front of him, what thoughts cross his mind? What unwavering values remain in his heart?
I laid out 8 years’ worth—that’s 96 interview photos—on the ground and said to him, “Pick your favorite one.” He looks back with a wry smile and tells me he can’t choose his own face. Still, when I revealed to him that several staff members had chosen the same photo as their favorite, he excitedly responded, “Then, I’ll try and guess which one that is!” He walked around slowly for about a minute, then picked one up and declared, “It’s this one, isn’t it?” Could you believe it? He hit bullseye! Out of a massive collection of photos, he chose one without hesitation. To this, the staff members were full of surprise as gasps and wows filled the room. How did he know that was the photo?
Ninomiya Kazunari (hereafter “N”): I just had a feeling. But I look like I’m thinking about absolutely nothing in this picture… It’s rare, so I thought you staff members would be fond of it. I’m not trying to look good for the camera [laugh].
Yoshi Rei (hereafter “Y”): It’s been 20 years since he became an idol. He’s posed for thousands of cameras and for just about every medium of media. Responding to requests for him to smile or pose for the camera come second nature to him.
N: What is demanded of an idol is not dependent on era, age, or the type of media. If it’s a photo, they want a smile or suave look. If you’re asking me if I like how I look when I make such faces, I’d say ‘no’ [laugh]. But I’m satisfied. Answering to everyone’s expectations is an idol’s job. I can see faces of staff members who clearly look like they stayed up all night to put things together for us. “I don’t want to do this.” I’m not going to complain like that. You want a suave look? A smile? If there’s a request, I’ll do my best to fulfill it [laugh].
Y: And yet, during our special feature interview 8 years ago, back before this series existed, he told us something different. I asked him to portray the range of human emotions: joy, anger, sadness, and happiness. “I can’t make myself cry unless I’m actually sad,” he mumbled. This is coming from a man who chooses to approach work by keeping his opinions and complaints to himself.
N: I don’t remember clearly, but I probably thought it would be a waste of a series project if we did something everyone else has already done. I’m not saying that fake tears and smiles for the sake of art is wrong. But, is that really what people want to see? Photos and conversations are the same. The value of publishing a series is to capture someone’s moment to moment, just as he is. I suppose in doing so, this series doesn’t seem very idol-like [laugh].
Y: Once upon a time, he wanted to “redefine what it meant to be an idol” through his work and way of life.
N: I think it was around the time I was on Jounetsu Tairiku. I earnestly thought I could break the stereotype of what an idol should be. It’s been 10 years since, and I don’t think that anymore. Maybe I became calloused [laugh]. I realized that the definition of an idol will never change. Regardless of the era, regardless of age, what people expect from an idol will remain the same. I’m not being negative here. I’m an idol because what others desire of me remains constant.
Y: Because he’s made up his mind to fulfill others’ demands instead of his own, he’s “stopped thinking about himself” and he “doesn’t care what others think of him.”
N: Even if I took time to think about myself, that’s not what people demand of my profession [laugh]. I’m okay with everyone having their own opinions of who Ninomiya Kazunari is. Sure, I find some opinions a little off, but who am I to say there’s a correct opinion?
“Idols” cannot live their lives as they please, but…
Y: He doesn’t intend to, but by being true to himself, people desire to work with him. That’s because Ninomiya Kazunari was born to be an idol. When I told him that’s how I felt, he jokingly laughed and replied, “You’re probably right.”
N: You can’t become an idol simply because you want to be one. Besides, things don’t go the way you want them to in this profession. Still, I love what I do, and I’ve been an idol for this long because I feel gratitude. To be honest, I don’t know what kind of life I would have led if I hadn’t become an idol. I stuck out like a sore thumb in society and among the majority [laugh]. If I remained the same person I was before all this, I probably wouldn’t have fit into society, wouldn’t have relations with others, and would have most likely stayed at home and rotted away. But, since I became Arashi, I had to force myself out of the house. I can connect with others. The struggles and joys of working, societal norms and why they exist… everything valuable and vital to humans, I learned through my profession. Some idols will proclaim, “I am first a human being, and an idol second.” For me, it’s the exact opposite. Being an idol has taught me how to become a decent human being [laugh].
Y: You say, “I don’t think about myself.” Could this perhaps be because you already know so much about yourself?
N: I feel never-ending gratitude for my profession as an idol, for the existence of Arashi. There’s nothing but gratitude. That’s why I wish to continue contributing and serving this industry. This is my honest perspective on how I approach work. That being said, I dream of staying at home indefinitely, playing games for the rest of my life if I didn’t have to work [laugh].
“Being an idol has taught me how to fit into society, how to become a decent human being. I feel nothing but gratitude. Everything valuable and vital, I learned through my profession.”
WHY?! HOW?! Is he not the cutest creature you've ever seen...? ;_;
This is the 99th "It". Nino reflects on past interviews and talks about how thankful he is to be an idol. There's a part in the article that makes me heart hurt a little bit, when he talks about how idols are basically reflections of an image that the media and fans have of them. And yet, he is full of gratitude for it all. I feel nothing but respect for this man.❤
☆ My translations are not available for retranslating purposes. ☆
Ninomiya Kazunari’s “It” – 99th
99th: A Constant
This series started back in 2009. Seeing 8 years’ worth of his life laid out in front of him, what thoughts cross his mind? What unwavering values remain in his heart?
I laid out 8 years’ worth—that’s 96 interview photos—on the ground and said to him, “Pick your favorite one.” He looks back with a wry smile and tells me he can’t choose his own face. Still, when I revealed to him that several staff members had chosen the same photo as their favorite, he excitedly responded, “Then, I’ll try and guess which one that is!” He walked around slowly for about a minute, then picked one up and declared, “It’s this one, isn’t it?” Could you believe it? He hit bullseye! Out of a massive collection of photos, he chose one without hesitation. To this, the staff members were full of surprise as gasps and wows filled the room. How did he know that was the photo?
Ninomiya Kazunari (hereafter “N”): I just had a feeling. But I look like I’m thinking about absolutely nothing in this picture… It’s rare, so I thought you staff members would be fond of it. I’m not trying to look good for the camera [laugh].
Yoshi Rei (hereafter “Y”): It’s been 20 years since he became an idol. He’s posed for thousands of cameras and for just about every medium of media. Responding to requests for him to smile or pose for the camera come second nature to him.
N: What is demanded of an idol is not dependent on era, age, or the type of media. If it’s a photo, they want a smile or suave look. If you’re asking me if I like how I look when I make such faces, I’d say ‘no’ [laugh]. But I’m satisfied. Answering to everyone’s expectations is an idol’s job. I can see faces of staff members who clearly look like they stayed up all night to put things together for us. “I don’t want to do this.” I’m not going to complain like that. You want a suave look? A smile? If there’s a request, I’ll do my best to fulfill it [laugh].
Y: And yet, during our special feature interview 8 years ago, back before this series existed, he told us something different. I asked him to portray the range of human emotions: joy, anger, sadness, and happiness. “I can’t make myself cry unless I’m actually sad,” he mumbled. This is coming from a man who chooses to approach work by keeping his opinions and complaints to himself.
N: I don’t remember clearly, but I probably thought it would be a waste of a series project if we did something everyone else has already done. I’m not saying that fake tears and smiles for the sake of art is wrong. But, is that really what people want to see? Photos and conversations are the same. The value of publishing a series is to capture someone’s moment to moment, just as he is. I suppose in doing so, this series doesn’t seem very idol-like [laugh].
Y: Once upon a time, he wanted to “redefine what it meant to be an idol” through his work and way of life.
N: I think it was around the time I was on Jounetsu Tairiku. I earnestly thought I could break the stereotype of what an idol should be. It’s been 10 years since, and I don’t think that anymore. Maybe I became calloused [laugh]. I realized that the definition of an idol will never change. Regardless of the era, regardless of age, what people expect from an idol will remain the same. I’m not being negative here. I’m an idol because what others desire of me remains constant.
Y: Because he’s made up his mind to fulfill others’ demands instead of his own, he’s “stopped thinking about himself” and he “doesn’t care what others think of him.”
N: Even if I took time to think about myself, that’s not what people demand of my profession [laugh]. I’m okay with everyone having their own opinions of who Ninomiya Kazunari is. Sure, I find some opinions a little off, but who am I to say there’s a correct opinion?
“Idols” cannot live their lives as they please, but…
Y: He doesn’t intend to, but by being true to himself, people desire to work with him. That’s because Ninomiya Kazunari was born to be an idol. When I told him that’s how I felt, he jokingly laughed and replied, “You’re probably right.”
N: You can’t become an idol simply because you want to be one. Besides, things don’t go the way you want them to in this profession. Still, I love what I do, and I’ve been an idol for this long because I feel gratitude. To be honest, I don’t know what kind of life I would have led if I hadn’t become an idol. I stuck out like a sore thumb in society and among the majority [laugh]. If I remained the same person I was before all this, I probably wouldn’t have fit into society, wouldn’t have relations with others, and would have most likely stayed at home and rotted away. But, since I became Arashi, I had to force myself out of the house. I can connect with others. The struggles and joys of working, societal norms and why they exist… everything valuable and vital to humans, I learned through my profession. Some idols will proclaim, “I am first a human being, and an idol second.” For me, it’s the exact opposite. Being an idol has taught me how to become a decent human being [laugh].
Y: You say, “I don’t think about myself.” Could this perhaps be because you already know so much about yourself?
N: I feel never-ending gratitude for my profession as an idol, for the existence of Arashi. There’s nothing but gratitude. That’s why I wish to continue contributing and serving this industry. This is my honest perspective on how I approach work. That being said, I dream of staying at home indefinitely, playing games for the rest of my life if I didn’t have to work [laugh].
“Being an idol has taught me how to fit into society, how to become a decent human being. I feel nothing but gratitude. Everything valuable and vital, I learned through my profession.”
Tags:
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 02:09 (UTC)no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 02:22 (UTC)no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 02:29 (UTC)no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 03:14 (UTC)Thank you soooo much!
Ill read it later :)
no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 03:30 (UTC)But rather than sticking out like a sore thumb, he might get left behind and blend right into the crowd, almost becoming invisible. He might be the type who would just ignore the world and live in his own (world). That makes me extremely sad.... but also extremely happy and proud that he had the courage and dedication to remain in Arashi and not quit like he initially intended.
Thank you for translating the interview!! Its okay if you did it a little before the magazine release, us fans are always grateful.
Sorry for the rant XD Nino is my ichiban since 2008. So when i read his interviews, my love and admiration for him just explodes. My heart warms when it comes to Nino hahaha and i think.. wait scratch that I KNOW it will never go away.
no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 03:57 (UTC)no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 04:58 (UTC)Nino is your ichiban? May I know why your livejournal amnosxmatsujun not amnosxninomiya? :D
no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 05:06 (UTC)no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 05:15 (UTC)"...To be honest, I don’t know what kind of life I would have led if I hadn’t become an idol. I stuck out like a sore thumb in society and among the majority [laugh]. If I remained the same person I was before all this, I probably wouldn’t have fit into society, wouldn’t have relations with others, and would have most likely stayed at home and rotted away...." This part hit me the most. I'm so glad he has arashi <3
no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 05:28 (UTC)Nino is so great ;_;
I have this huge amount of respect for him ;_;
Thank you for the translations <3
no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 07:04 (UTC)I'm glad that nino chose the idol path in his life.
I remember in one of his show he said that Arashi is the reason he kept on going. And yes, you are born to be an idol
Thank you for taking your time doing this Emkay
no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 07:05 (UTC)no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 09:01 (UTC)no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 10:02 (UTC)no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 10:56 (UTC)So that means this MORE is already out then??? I can't find it, but it's probably around somewhere...
What an absolutely perfect and cute photo.
no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 10:57 (UTC)It hurts me too.. T_T
But, I think there he is.. always trying to be honest to himself, being true to himself.. that's why I like him..
Well.. thankyou so much for translating this.. ^^
no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 13:16 (UTC)I love how he embraces being an idol, but at the same time it's sad he gave up trying to change their stereotype image. I don't blame him though, it doesn't matter how talented one may be, it's almost impossible to break the stigma of only being successful thanks to strong agencies that know how to appeal to men or women. For some people you'll always be an idol even if you did it for only a month...
That said, i'm happy he has found something that made him connect in some ways to other people. I remember how he hated being in tv shows in his teens and how he loves doing variety now, being able to talk a lot and compensate for when he's alone at home, happily playing games. Plus he's on friendly terms with a lot of people, so he probably doesn't get super lonely in private. He sounds satisfied with how things are, i guess he has found his happy medium =)
no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 13:53 (UTC)Thank you for translating this lovely piece ♥
Thank you for translating! <3
Date: January 27th, 2017 13:57 (UTC)no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 16:07 (UTC)no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 16:43 (UTC)Why does it hurts so much? T.T Regardless, I'm still happy if Nino is feeling thankful for his job. I'm happy if he thinks that by being an idol, it helps him turning into a decent cute human being. You are truly, truly my ichiban ♡
no subject
Date: January 27th, 2017 17:26 (UTC)no subject
Date: January 28th, 2017 08:24 (UTC)no subject
Date: January 28th, 2017 08:52 (UTC)no subject
Date: January 28th, 2017 08:53 (UTC)