Tribute post: Remembering Himitsu no Arashi-chan

[barbosa2007.livejournal.com]

The End of an Era: Remembering Himitsu no Arashi-chan



In case you haven't heard, Himitsu no Arashi-chan is ending in March 2013, i.e. it's got around 2 months left! I thought it was time for a tribute post of sorts, so I hope this doubles up as a HnA introduction for the newer fans and a reminiscence for the older more experienced ones.

For the fans who were around since 2008, HnA was actually Arashi's first prime time show; it coincided with Arashi's meteoric rise of fame, even as Japanese audiences were on a Hana Yori Dango* high.

T/N: Both HnA and HYD were TBS programs, this explains the tie-ups between the two shows, such as the "Hana Yori Matsujun" Arashi-chan Special.

HnA began as an investigative "social studies" program, where the members uncovered the secrets (himitsu) of different subjects ranging from Disneyland to Instant Noodles. As the producers seemed to run out of interesting social trivia, they then delved into the infamous Ageha Princesses, a corner which was spearheaded by a rather enthusiastic Aiba.

Since then, HnA has undergone several changes, which included...

Aiba and Ohno hunting for hornets…

Jun and Sho doing extremely ordinary things in a super cool manner…

dumping the guys in ice cold water (a JE first, apparently)…

...before finally arriving at the format which exists today.

What are some of your favorite Himitsu no Arashi-chan moments? Share your memories here! The more pictures and gifs rainbows, the better!

Here's mine: I call this "The Difference Between A Model Student and Leader".


Screen caps and gif credits: jharashi, AST, Stormy, yuckie-chan

Comments

[barbosa2007.livejournal.com]

Oh man, the T-shirt challenge was epic. Even though it must have been pretty horrible on Ohno's part. The image of Jun & Aiba feeding their beloved Leader will forever remain in my head. I need to rewatch the episode where Aiba and Nino disguise themselves and have their fortunes told. I haven't watched that in YEARS.

[lilischka.livejournal.com]

I am totally blaming you for all that nostalgia I am going through, by the way. You made me unearth my ancient external drive with all the goodies which I haven't watched in years. Damn.

This, you mean? Oh the glory. Also, they have worn worse outfits during their career. Which says a lot...

[barbosa2007.livejournal.com]

(http://barbosa2007.livejournal.com/pics/catalog/459/321885)

Always glad to be of service. And because I'm timing a translation right now (which I somewhat hate doing) so I need to distract myself by trolling others. =DDD

This is probably very irrelevant to our conversation, but do you have a favorite member?

[lilischka.livejournal.com]

Oh god, that question. The short answer would be: right now it's Jun. What drew me to Arashi back then was the dynamic between the members, not necessarily a member, since I change my favourite member about as easily as they change hair colours.

Prepare yourself for the long answer. Looong. I have a love/hate relationship with all of them. But, again, I love the dynamics between them.

Aiba is a genuinely nice person and manages to make me smile unconsciously, but I absolutely cannot stand his acting. At all. Yet awesome people skills! I would give up a lot to get a show which involves him + grandparents à la Mago Mago! Would instantly make me sway towards him as a favourite member! And he is super pretty - even Jun once admitted that is hair is otherworldly ;) Plus: best smile ever!
I like Jun much better now than a couple of years back, when he was trying so, so hard to be DoS and cool. Now he is reverting back to his Junior-self (seriously, I will make you watch those 8ji Da J! episodes, if you haven't already, because there is crooked-toothed precious Junbug!). Just look at the gif you posted. Also, he is surprisingly self-conscious and unsure. He had those weird phases of trying to find himself, which involved painted nails, a bratty character and general awkwardness. Now he is much more centered and calm. Which I like. Baby's all grown-up ;)
Nino and his multitude of talents stun me. And I was actually worried for him during that period three years back when he almost couldn't walk due to his back problems and he still kept going. I like his snark, but I wish he could sometimes be less of his trolling self. Which is a mask, imho, seeing as he is the member to grumble the most about having to take care of kids/animals/grandparents, yet he handles them the best - he is so natural with them.
Sho is hard to place. He was so conceited as a teenager, but mellowed during the past couple of years (umbrella incidents aside...). He is a workaholic, which is something I like - scheduling every single day, even holidays, is something I do, too... He sometimes gets too much into his fail!character - he is actually much more athletic than he pretends to be. Sho in drag is awesome. As is Sho with babies/kids. Give me a show which has either of those elements and he will be my favourite :D
Leader. I like him okay, but then he suddenly dishes out amazing paintings or awesome dramas or cool performances. I love that gap. Yet I cannot decide on whether I am annoyed at his dazed character or whether I just don't get him...

[lilischka.livejournal.com]

Now, dynamics. I adore it when Nino and Sho do their creative interpretation/drugged mating dance during every Hana Yori Dango theme song in concerts (and now during Shake It, to....). Aiba and Nino have this cute best buddies relationship which includes hitting and badmouthing each other, reverting back to their 14-year-old-selfs, when Nino was still taller than all of them... Jun and Aiba sometimes have bits of that childhood friendship thing going on, too, but much more subdued. But they look so pretty together - so they get the eye-candy bonus. And Jun is a closet nerd, so during A no Arashi he was as enthusiastic as Aiba about liquid nitrogen etc. Nino and Jun actually have quite a sweet dynamic underneath all that sadistic brattiness and snark - Nino calling him "J" his pure love. Aiba and Sho click somehow, mysteriously, seeing as they are really opposites with just about everything. Let's forget about Jun and Sho and their awkwardness :P And Ohmiya will forever be Ohmiya (remember when even Ogu-san was weirded out by them basically being attached at the hip/crotch/shoulder during Shukudai-kun days?). Jun totally admires Leader. And Leader lets him. Sho and Ohno have known each other the longest - Sho is the only one to call him "Satoshi". Those two ojisan <3 I can also see the dynamic between Aiba and Ohno - joint drinks or nostalgic bawling fits them and their laid-backness.
Throw Nino, Aiba and Sho together and Chaos will ensue. Aiba, Nino and Jun can tell all those stories from their Junior years - they basically grew up together (they were 12/13 years old when they met?), going through Nino's general disinterest in just about everything as a teenager, Aiba being super shy and Jun with hamster cheeks and a constant smile which turned into a period of bad skin, constant scowling and awkwardness sometime around Gokusen.

I basically grew up with Arashi - I am close to their age and thus could relate to them in a way. Observing their group dynamics since 2000 in e.g. the rowing boat episodes, the summer vacation trips, Aiba's board games, the PV making offs etc. made me love them. I never really got into the music or had a favourite member (most people were Jun- or Nino-baited, I know).

Erm, I am sorry for the rant...? Can I throw that question back to you now? Please?

[barbosa2007.livejournal.com]

I cracked at your comment on Nino/Sho’s drugged mating dance! Wasn’t that just an otagei imitation?? I’ve always thought that was the case. Actually, other than Yamataro, I don’t really see the dynamic between Sho and Nino as much.

Aiba-Nino: The Sobu line buddies! I love how Aiba catches onto Nino’s mistakes during their variety shows, he can be such a DoS to Nino sometimes (which I love).

Jun-Aiba: I’m rediscovering this pair this year. Aiba mentioned that he went to Jun for life advice during the Sapporo Popcorn tour, and spent time together in NY (when Ohno was out talking to birds).

Jun-Nino: The whole J thing! I bet no one remembers that it was Suzanne who first coined the term, but it was Nino who made it stick! I can really sense their mutual respect for each other when watching the Perfume Share House episode. Under all that teasing about J’s stoicism is sound respect for his professionalism. I can also see them sharing similar interests.

Jun-Sho: There’ll always be a distance between these two to tease the fans! I bet Jun put Sho on a pedestal when he was a Junior.

Ohmiya: It’s scary how this pair can communicate with just one look. Really scary. I don’t blame Ogu-san, I’d be weirded out too.

Jun-Ohno: Skinship! Lots of it.

Yama: Apparently, Sho calls Ohno “Satoshi” because when he addressed him as “Oh-chan”, Ohno said it was too cutesy and gross, so Sho has stuck to Satoshi ever since. This is another pair where I sense the profound mutual respect for each other’s talents and abilities.

Aiba-Ohno: Crying session in a hotel room. ‘nuff said.

Sho-Aiba: I love how Aiba gets the better of Sho even when Sho’s supposedly the smarter guy! Like during the Two-Man HnA tour.

I was initially determined to spread my affection equally amongst all 5 members, until I realized that there wasn’t a Purple member within the subbing team I belong to. So here I am, a firm Jun fan. And having been to a concert, I can only say, music’s just part of the entire experience. The entertainment value, teamwork and desire to interact with the fans made me reevaluate their concerts.

Sorry for my long winded reply! I get overly excited when it comes to breaking Arashi down.

[lilischka.livejournal.com]

Long winded is good, seeing as I am dealing with dreadfully boring law reviews, so I enjoy your comments!

No, Sho and Nino's mating dances start sometime in 2005, with Wish (The PV! The red velvet suits and performances! The concerts! Go watch, I dare you!) and then every other HYD soundtrack song makes them go gaga. Dunno why.

Sure, Suzanne and nicknaming was epic (Noniramen, Otton, Sasshon and Bungee, anyone?) :D

And we totally forgot Sho-Aiba joint bathing sessions and weird positions. Maybe thatÄs how they bond...?

Nino and Jun are my favourite duo to watch - Nino knows how to handle Jun - he is actually quite protective of him and does not make fun of his insecurities and fails (or less than he could, at least). Plus, he is always promoting Jun, in a way, as in talking about him in other shows.

I like the Jun-Aiba dynamic very much, as they are so comfortable around each other. Makes sense, seeing as those two were constantly together between 1996 and debut time: shows, dramas, concerts. Other than Leader, Jun doesn't touch the members much (molesting Nino in concerts doesn't count), but he is fine with Aiba, too.

Yes, Jun put Sho on a pedestal, to a point where it made me cringe. Also, I did not get the appeal of douchebag (sorry...), conceited teenage Sho (even if he was under a lot of pressure due to being in Keio prep school and being from a traditional, rich family etc.). Did you see old pictures from trendy!Sho? Very tanned, Kamisama no Karute hairstyle (I kid you not), gold necklace and tweaked eyebrows. And no smiles. So when Jun had his cool phase shortly after debut until 2003ish there must have been a lot of clashes between them. Thus the awkward energy at the moment, I guess.

Okay, this is getting long. Sorry. Stopping now. Analyzing Arashi is my secret pleasure.

[barbosa2007.livejournal.com]

Sorry for the late reply. I hope you managed to handle those pesky law reviews!

Hmm, now that you mention it, maybe Sho and Nino were sending out subtle snarky impressions during HYD performances. You know they NEVER take Love So Sweet seriously. (Only poor Jun does.)

I actually thought Sasshon and Otton were adorable. How come nobody picked those up!? Nino only stuck with J so as to irritate him.

Sho and Aiba~ mutual comrades when naked. Not to mention, Sho and Nino make the most awesome comebacks to Aiba's slip-ups.

Jun and Aiba had a lot of skinship in this Popcorn tour! Almost enough to rival the Juntoshi skinship! (And why doesn't molesting Nino count? Sexual harassment of a fellow member should always count. ;D)

Is the Karute hairstyle you were referring to the dreadlock look from Sho? I've seen those. Sho strikes me as rebellious in an unconventional way, he seems to be the type to insist upon certain things, especially when I read interviews of how he used to lose his temper almost instantly. I haven't seen the douchebag-Sho persona though... Maybe I haven't gone back that far. XD

[lilischka.livejournal.com]

Let's say Sho went through various hairstyles and a love for pastel coloured shirts plus necklaces while being overly tanned and being decidedly cocky...

Fivehead!Sho


Fivehead!Sho and Domyouji!Hair?


Domyouji!Hair part Two *sighs*


Then again, Jun wins the "best hair" battle. By miles.

[barbosa2007.livejournal.com]

All these Chibi footage!!

I don't think I would have become a fan then if I saw them that young and bratty. I had a superiority complex when it came to boy bands during my teenagers. I'm so glad I shed that complex.

[lilischka.livejournal.com]

True.

Then again, all of these shots were probably taken in their debut year... NO wonder they had mediocre popularity (at best) during the first couple of years.... lol

[barbosa2007.livejournal.com]

Were you a JE fan in general? Or focused on Arashi? The first JE group I came to like (and still do) is Kinki Kids. This duo packs more talent than some other multi-persons groups.

[barbosa2007.livejournal.com]

Let me start by saying that I'm currently timing a 20 minute video (a very tedious/boring task to me), so I'm enjoying reading every word of your comment!

You nailed it on the head with a lot of things I like/dislike about each member! (Be prepared for my rant too.)

Jun: Actually my least favorite member since 2001(?) when I saw him as the 2nd generation Kindaichi Hajime. I loved Tsuyoshi's portrayal of 1st gen Kindaichi so Jun seemed a poor replacement. The next time I saw him in a drama, it was HYD and it didn't help that I instinctively disliked Doumyouji's character from the start (but I understand the Doumyouji charm now). His whole "I'm an idol and I need to be cool on camera" phase put me off somehow, compared to bandmates Ohno and Nino who were just so natural. However, in the past 2-3 years, something just *clicked*. A lot of the awkwardness I witnessed in the earlier years felt like an earnest attempt to establish his identity, and it seemed as if he's finally comfortable with himself in the recent years. He's still very earnest, always has been; I think back to the MMA Rowing Boat incident where he got angry at Hikaru-san, he's someone who constantly strives to excel at a certain goal. And Jun is absolutely ADORABLE in concerts. I'm always charmed by his interaction with the fans, he has a genuine desire to entertain. Oh, and I love his uber competitive edge. (Ref: Jun's appearance on Nazotoki TORE) I need to catch more baby Jun and the crooked tooth you mentioned! Currently my favorite member.

Aiba: I was at a loss to describe what I really liked about him, other than he's a moderating influence in Arashi, until last year. Totally agree with you that he has awesome people skills. Case in point: The 2012 middle schooler VSA tournament, he was the one who could instinctively comfort the girls who were crying over their loss. Sometimes he reminds me of a pet dog (I mean this in a positive way), he has a way of reaching out to people with his presence when no words will suffice. Notice how a middle schooler flinched when Jun patted her on the shoulder. XD Not to mention that he seems like a genuinely, GENUINELY nice person despite all this success. I am also in love with Aiba's nose. =d~~

Nino: Pure wit and charm. With a look that haunts me sometimes. I love his wisecracks the most. Amongst all of Arashi, one could hardly make a better comeback. (Maybe except for Sho. Maybe.) Although he’s the member who’s really good with words, he also appears to be the least sincere. I like that he’s so contrary though.

Sho: Driven and calculative. I’m not sure I like his calculative side so much, I’m pretty certain he plans half the conversations he has on talk shows beforehand. The same goes for his “I suck at sports” persona he’s taken on for VSA. However, I’m very impressed by his drive and initiative; when I saw the story of how he went on the road to be a caster cum idol, I can’t help but be amazed at his work ethic. Sho with kids! I just watched his appearance on Eisai Kyoiku and he role plays as a daddy! Too cool.

Ohno: I just adore a man who’s good at art. Nara once commented that Ohno’s aptitude and attitude for art resembles a pro, although he may have amateurish techniques. And he draws me in with his acting! Unlike Nino, who makes the ordinary man character shine, Ohno’s a natural fit for oddball types such as Enomoto and Kaibutsu-kun.

[qonyta.livejournal.com]

sorry to but in, but i suddenly remember there was one of kpop boyband member who succeeded in this T-shirt challenge

when i read that news i suddenly remember oh-chan's challenge :P

[lilischka.livejournal.com]

Arashi - setting trends even for K-Pop Stars since 1999.