transitions101 | [Repost] The Scenery As Seen By Arashi, MORE Oct '09

Reposting this interview in honor of Jun's birthday. ♥

With a beautiful appearance and a penetrating gaze, Matsujun has left several indelible impressions in the dramas he’s appeared in. It could be the fault of the characters he’s cast in, he has the image of a cool guy. However, the other members say that he’s really gentle and serious. In addition, he enthusiastically plays a hands on role in the production of Arashi’s concerts and displays love and passion. A man with a surprising number of different faces!

Matsumoto-kun conceptualises Arashi’s live performances right? The moving stage was born from Matsumoto-kun’s idea as well.

I started taking a genuine interest in the conceptualisation of our live performances in 2001. It was our only chance of directly interacting with the fans, and I really liked to entertain the crowds. However, I’m only responsible for the brainstorming. To bring something like the moving stage to life needs the participation and design of the staff team after I told them about the idea. It’s something that we came up with together, which makes it enjoyable.

Your career as an actor has been memorable to. Many people have come to know you through the characters you play, such as Sawada Shin from Gokusen, Momo from Kimi wa Petto, and Domyoji Tsukasa from Hana Yori Dango.

Recently, I put up a poll in my radio show, asking listeners how they came to know me or like me from the dramas I acted in. It made me happy. Hanadan played a really big part. Ever since that came about, I felt that the atmosphere around me start to change bit by bit.

So what part of yourself has changed or grown?

I wonder… I think I was really driven when I was younger. I had desires to do this or try that, so if I look at it now from a third person’s perspective, I looked displeased. Furthermore, I lacked the competence to [manage my time], so when I simultaneously did dramas, variety programs and live performances I ended up being really confused. It was very painful and I felt so terribly sorry for the people around me. Recently, however, I felt that on many levels I had been liberated. Even if I took on just one live performance, I was able to express myself freely as a performer.

By the way, whilst the idol Matsujun is extremely popular, how does the regular Matsumoto Jun fare?

Eh? I don’t know at all! (laughs) I mean, I don’t live day to day thinking about whether I’m popular or not. That applies to my relationships, marriage and my work. Anyway I don’t particularly aim at being popular and try to work at it every day. If you treasure each and every thing before you, it’s something that you come across inadvertently… right?’

Ohno-kun talks about Matsumoto-kun’s 10 years

This guy has been serious and methodical from the very start! His blood type is A, after all! He’s an honest person and frankly, what you see is what you get with him. I mean, it’s really not in my position to talk about his growth for the past ten years. (laughs) [Translator’s note: Oh Riida… Have some confidence in yourself!] He’s become increasingly diligent, yeah? He voices out his concerns honestly and tries his best to solve any problems. On the other hand, I’m definitely not someone who acts right after being told, “Please do it like this,” or “Just go with the flow”. I think it’s amazing for someone to have done that for ten years.