http://barbosa2007.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] barbosa2007.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] transitions1012013-05-23 11:54 pm
Entry tags:

In the Garage: Ohno Satoshi [Iza Now concert pamphlet 2004] (part 1/2)

Can you believe that this interview took place close to 10 years ago? I can only imagine the uncertainties going through Ohno's mind as Arashi "struggled" during this phase of their career.

In The Garage - Part 1

Ohno Satoshi talks about the transition in his personality throughout the years and how the other members have changed.

[ll13jl]IzaNowPamphlet064

Talk about my personality? You know, I was a lively kid when I was young; then I underwent a complete turnabout when I became a middle school student. As a 7th grader, I was a truly serious kid. When you enter middle school, the lessons last for 9 periods instead of just 5, right? I had no idea why that was. (laughs) I was a serious kid, but I couldn’t really study. I thought, “What the heck was 9th period for!?” (laughs) That’s the way I was. However, when I became a Junior in 8th grade, again I changed drastically. It wasn’t my personality per se, but my life itself underwent quite a few changes. I met lots of people I wouldn’t have met, and who I was on the inside changed dramatically.

The reactions around me changed too, and all at once. Whenever my classmates saw me in a magazine, they’d say, “Hey, I saw your picture,” and things like that. Even people whom I didn’t really speak to began to talk to me, saying “Good morning,” and stuff. Just about everything changed. But when I first joined the Juniors, the staff often said that I was a gloomy person. And I wasn’t a kid who would express my intentions. For example, when I went for a meal with the staff, they asked, “What would you like to eat?” And I’d say, “Anything’s fine.” But I came to realize that I shouldn’t do that. Rather than realizing it, it was more of, “Oh, if I didn’t express my intentions properly, people would get angry at me.” (laughs) Thus I became more assertive, and I was able to say, “Hey, I don’t like this,” or “I would want that.” In a good way, of course. I was able to express my opinions properly. Up till that point, I was incredibly shy, but I’ve come to let loose, be it at work or play. My personality drew closer to who I am now, I guess.

Right now, I… feel neutral? Originally, like I’ve said before, I was a gloomy person; and I was filled with pessimism. Whatever I did, I had a tendency to always think of the worst possible outcome. How should I put it… I started building walls and obstacles for myself, I think. It wasn’t as if I built walls in response to what someone had said, but I just came to be that way. However, after I joined the Juniors, debuted as Arashi, bit by bit, I came to be more positive. Well, rather than being neutral, I guess I’ve moved up 2 steps in the positivity scale. (laughs) And I think my environment was a huge factor behind the way I’ve changed. Of course, the Arashi members played a huge part, but so did people outside of the group. There were truly lots of people who left a positive influence on me.

If I were to mention something recent, it would be my stage play with Matsu-nii*. At that time, Matsu-nii told me, “You’ll be fine, you’ll be fine!” Because of that, I was able to think, “Aah, I’ll be fine. Things will be okay.” I became confident of myself. That was truly a big thing for me. I love the phrase, “Things will be alright.” Whenever someone says that to me, I feel so at ease. It’s not just me, I think humans are pessimistic to begin with. But they rapidly change after being influenced by their environment, and I think that this transition is interesting. From here on, I have this feeling that I’ll rapidly turn into a positive person. It’s like my field of view was broadened, or rather, I now feel that positivity is such a wonderful thing! (laughs) Of course, I do feel depressed occasionally, but during those times I’ve come to relax and think, “I just need to work harder next time.” Recently, I’ve been very relaxed. (laughs) However, it’s easier on myself that way.

*TOKIO’s Matsuoka Masahiro.

If I were to speak about the other members’ personalities… Hmmm… I wonder what the fans think of me? What kind of person am I? Someone who’s fluffy? A weirdo? But the fans’ views don’t really affect me. Even though people may say, “He looks sleepy,” “He’s strange,” “Is he even interested in what he’s doing?”, I’m not bothered by it. Even when someone tells me, “You always look sleepy,” I’d say, “Yes.” (laughs) I think it’s fine as long as I know that I’m motivated. Even though I may not look motivated to the people around me, I do have the desire to do my job.

And if I were to analyze the members’ personalities, well firstly, I feel that Aiba-chan has changed drastically from who he was a long time ago. In a good way. When the group first came together, rather than gloomy, I’d say he was a docile person. During interviews, he’d say regular stuff like, “I’ll do my best!” or “I’ll go at this with all I’ve got!” without slipping up at all. Or rather, he seemed like a very earnest person. He then gradually displayed his airheaded persona as he became more active (laughs). Doesn’t he just do as he pleases? For him to come to this point, he has had his share of hardships, unseen by the public eye. I think he really thought about various things, worried over them… Perhaps he’s the smartest guy in Arashi? That’s how I feel. There’s a part of him that really views the group objectively; rather than someone who’s composed, I’d just say that he’s really smart. And I think it’s incredible that he never gives up, no matter what the situation may be. Even though things may be really tough, he works doubly or triply hard to restore the situation. Furthermore, he’s able to speak up clearly when he feels that there’s something which he doesn’t understand. Um hmm, he’s a hard worker who considers issues seriously.

Coming up…
- Ohno’s analysis of the other members!


Please do not repost this translation! I do not wish to see the whole article pasted on Facebook or Tumblr, thanks.

Scans were graciously provided by ll13jl. I LOVE this pamphlet and would gladly buy it off anyone.

Post a comment in response:

This account has disabled anonymous posting.
If you don't have an account you can create one now.
HTML doesn't work in the subject.
More info about formatting