Pure, easily hurt, with his own self as his only weapon to challenge his teen years. Yamashita Tomohisa talks to the serial publication "The naked days" of his memories. Even Yamapi, who might seem to have shot into stardom in one breath, has tasted bitterness and frustration time and over.
Childhood period in which he easily felt lonely, the potato he ate while crying
What's your oldest memory ever?
It's my mother's voice. She was telling me, "You'll have a little sister." There's a 3-year gap between my sister and I, so I must have been 2 years old then. I don't remember the circumstances, and I was little so I probably didn't understand what was going on, but I remember thinking, "The family members will increase by one person."
What kind of kid were you when you were little?
Until I went into elementary school I easily felt lonely. When my mom went out to do grocery shopping, just by that little, I would start crying. I would make a big ruckus (laugh). In those moments, the oneechan living next door would watch over me. I wonder, she was 5 or 6 years older than me!? She was super gentle, so much I thought to myself, "I will marry this oneechan!" (laugh).
When you entered elementary school, did you have a dream?
My friends would say they wanted to become pro baseball and soccer players, but I would say, "I want to become famous." Not how to become famous, just vaguely that.
Then, what triggered you to aim for showbiz?
It was watching the drama that Takizawa-kun was in, "mokuyou no kaidan" [Thursday ghost story]. I watched it every week while having dinner. I thought, "So even kids can have main roles. I want to be in a drama, too!" Then, when I was in 5th grade, since I wasn't able to write my personal data on my own, I asked my mom to write it and I sent it.
About you aiming for showbiz, what was your mother's reaction?
She didn't approve nor oppose it. It was more like, "If you want to do it, go for it."
After that you were contacted by the Jimusho and you went it for an audition.
Actually, that contact just didn't seem to come in. It was probably 2 months later when I was about to give up, thinking I'd failed, that I received a letter informing me of the day and time of the audition.
How was the audition?
It was clearly obvious that I was the youngest, so I was extremely nervous. We were told to dance, but I just couldn't, at all. I just looked around and imitated others. At any rate, I was giving it my all. There was an interview as well. I was asked, "Why do you want to enter Johnny's?" I did not think they'd ask me something like that, so I just answered, "Hmmm, I want to do the backflip!" That was the only thing I could think of on the spur of the moment (laugh).
Did you think you'd pass?
I did not have a clue. But I was frustrated because I couldn't dance during the audition, so when I got home I practiced in front of the mirror. Several weeks later, I got a phone call telling me, "There's a lesson, so come." After that it was just like I was being called in for lessons.
Is that when you thought you finally passed?
Not at all. Lessons were on Sundays, but they were irregular. I would get contacted on Saturday night, but then I was always tense on Saturday nights, wondering if they'll contact me or not.
How were the lessons?
Each lesson was about 10 hours long. There were about 50 persons per lesson, and they were all older than me. I was shoved so suddenly into the adult world, so it felt like I was all alone in a foreign country where my words didn't get through. About half a year later I was put on stage. That first time I was a back dancer for V6's "WA ni natte odorou."
So you were progressing in huge leaps?
Not exactly. I think I was in 6th grade. Lesson-mates who entered the same time I did were doing magazine interviews, but I was often left out. That made me really bitter. But I didn't know what I should do. All I could do was do the things I had in front of me, one at a time. I thought to myself that I won't lose to them when it comes to passion. I didn't know how far I could go, but I practiced thinking I will absolutely never give up.
It was pretty tough on you just by the fact the you were the youngest.
Yeah. I was also worse in dancing than my lesson-mates. The things I wasn't able to do during the lesson I practiced at home so I could perform them properly in the next lesson. But then we'd do something totally new and I'd be yet again the only one unable to perform properly. There was also an order of higher and lower among my lesson-mates, depending on age, so it was tough.
Like what for example?
When lessons were over, I would take the same train as other lesson-mates, but I'd be told, "omae hitoride kaere yo" [You, go home on your own]. I was bitter and sad, but I couldn't answer back. To delay things, I would go to the fast food place, buy french fries, go to the train station and eat my french fries while riding the train. I would bear it until I got on the train, but then that's where I'd reach my limit and start crying inside the train car. In order for other people not to see me, I'd stand near the door with my back turned, eating my fries while crying.
Things like that happened, huh.
But those hardships turned into motivation to never lose to them. Now that I think about it, kids have their hearts fully open, that's why I was easily hurt. But now I feel that those scars in my heart were a good experience.
You mean that, because you didn't lose back then, you have now?
Yes. I'm a sore loser at heart after all (laugh). Plus, I was watching my seniors from behind shining on stage. Feeling that, "I want to become a star like that."
The Jr. period when he called Takizawa Hideaki, "Papa"
Back then was there someone who would listen to you and support you?
Takizawa-kun's presence was quite huge. He was the one that gave me the nickname "Yamapi." In magazine interviews he often would say things like, "Yamapi's adorable," thanks to which many people came to know my name, I think.
You entered showbiz because you admired Takizawa-kun, so how did it feel to have him right in front of you?
At first it was like, "It's Takizawa-kun!" Like a far-away entity. But I was often allowed to go and hang out over at his place. He'd make pasta or treat me to yakiniku. During a tour, he'd teach me how to wash my socks in the hotel. I felt everyone around me was an adult, but especially Takizawa-kun felt like an adult. So much there was a time I called him, "Papa."
He was really nice to you.
He also scolded me, of course. "This is like this so you can't," or, "In times like this you should use your head more." Takizawa-kun is the type of leader that would do things to show and teach you. The times he scolded me, he had the best for me in mind and got mad for real, that's why I could obediently reflect on my actions.
I see.
I think Takizawa-kun is the one that created Johnny's Jrs. At the time, he had a Prime Time TV show, and the Jrs. that got on it are people who are now Arashi, Kanjani8, and Toma, and myself. People under Takizawa-kun have properly debuted. It shows how big Takizawa-kun's presence was. Showing respect to seniors and having professional awareness, there are different things that Takizawa-kun taught us. Thinking back on it now, I think they are important things, no matter what society we live in.
What's your relationship with Takizawa-kun now?
We don't meet as often as we used to, but I still go to him for advice whenever I'm in a pinch. I think that's what a genuine relationship between men is. It's not a relationship of continuous restrictions. It's like, even if we don't meet for a long time, the moment we meet we just fit together perfectly. That's why, even now, when I can't find a solution with my own strength, I go to "Takki~".
A strong bond with his Jr. buddies
When you entered junior high school you became busier with your activities as a Jr., right?
We did things like dance as back dancers in concerts of 3 groups of seniors in the same day. A single show was 20 pieces, meaning we had to learn the choreography of 60 pieces. While worrying, "Will I ever be able to debut?" things I had to do kept piling up in heaps in front of me. I had no choice but clear them all, one by one.
Weren't lessons considerably hard, too?
We practiced until late at night everyday. After practice ended, before riding the train, I'd call my grandmother from a public phone to come pick me up. My fingers still remember that number. Sometimes I'd oversleep on the train, and when I'd realize it, I'd be only God knew where (laugh). I was busier than I am now.
Do you remember the harshest job you had to do when you were a Jr.?
The traditional "sennen medley" Johnny's song was decided to be done by Takizawa-kun. I guess it was the time I was his support. In one day there were 6 shows, and the day before that a person from the Jimusho showed us the video and asked us to do it. If that happened to me now, I'd probably say, "Sorry, that's impossible" (laugh). It was Toma and I, and Toma gave his all to teach me the choreography.
You mastered it in one night.
Yeah. In the end, I'm blessed with the people around me. If it had been someone else beside Toma back then and felt it a drag to teach me, I'm sure I wouldn't have been able to dance. Then I probably wouldn't be where I am today. But of course Toma and I had our share of fights, too.
For what reasons?
For trivial matters (laugh). And it was fundamentally always my fault (laugh). Toma said nothing but fair things. For example, when we were both in junior high, there was a time I was late going on location.
Well, that would be your fault, Yamashita-kun (laugh).
Exactly. But I had a reason for that. I waited at the place from which I was told a Jimusho person would come pick me up, but missing the meet up time, no matter how long I waited that person didn't come. So then Toma called me saying, "Where are you!" In the end, the location bus that picked everyone up came to fetch me. I apologized, but Toma was like, "Don't be late!" I was immature so it became like, "What, it's my fault?" That was the first time I had a huge fight with Toma. Until that day, I always called him "Ikuta-kun," but from that day on I've been calling him "Toma" (laugh).
Hahahaha.
The period I was a Jr., I think it lasted about 5 years, I felt it was really long, probably because it was tough. But really, that time, and the buddies that were with me then, are extremely important. Moreover, thinking on it now, the Jr. period was not harsh, I feel it was fun. I often went home along with (currently Arashi's) Ninomiya-kun and Aiba-kun since our houses were in the same direction. We were tired because of the lessons, but in the short period of time we were on the train together, we'd talk about dreams and stuff. Thinking now about that time I feel it's very precious.
More so because they were buddies in joy and sorrow.
Yeah. I think that bond is strong. We went through so many different things together. As a result, even though we're now progressing on different roads, when we meet we can immediately go back to the relationship we had back then.
I met my best friend at the high school I didn't feel like going to
Did you have a rebellious phase?
Totally. Maybe since second year in junior high. I couldn't stand my mother's nagging. She'd go on and on about my friends as well. And I was like, "Ha?!" Then I had an attitude as if saying to my mother, "Don't talk to me." The times I didn't go back home were many. At first my mother kept nagging about that too, but after a while she just gave up. I think she let me do as I pleased thinking to let me realize on my own.
Until when did this rebellious phase continue?
Maybe a little after I entered high school. But I actually did not feel like going to high school. Not because I was determined on succeeding in showbiz, but because I hated studying. So I didn't want to go. That's all. I knew nothing about the world, I think I was just being self-indulgent.
So why did you decide to enter high school?
I was convinced by my teacher, family, and the people around me. The thing that had the biggest effect was a person from the Jimusho saying, "If you don't go, I won't let you work." I'll go then. I had no option but to go.
What was your life as a high schooler like?
It took me one hour to go to school from Chiba, changing trains during the high peak of rush hour. I had to get up everyday at 6.30 in the morning, when I had to work late it was very harsh. During the first year I kept thinking I wanted to drop out.
Nonetheless, you didn't drop out. Why?
Because I made a new, close friend. It was the first time I met a guy I could really call a best friend. He thought of me in various matters. So much I wondered, "Why does this person do so much for me?" He also expresses his opinions properly. Like, "You, it's better if you do like this." At first he irritated me, like, "What is up with this dude!"
You did have other friends up until then, right?
Of course. However, when I met him I realized that you can't just call anyone you hang out with a "friend." At times he'd even say strict things for my own good. That's what a best friend is.
Do you have any special memories with that friend?
At the end of the first year I was told that, if I didn't get at least 85 on my exams, I'd have to take supplementary lessons. Ever since junior high I didn't study at all, so just when I thought that was going to be absolutely impossible, he came and said, "I'll teach you." But it was the time I was filming for "Long Love Letter," so I told him I didn't know at what time I'd finish. But then he said, "I'll wait for you until you finish filming." In the end, he stayed up and waited for me until I finished filming. There wasn't much time before the exam, but he still kept teaching me. I got 86 then.
You did it!
We were like, "Yay, we're so glad we worked so hard!" But I still had to go to supplementary lessons because I had low attendance (laugh).
Your miss caught up with you (laugh)
Yeah (laugh). But after that I couldn't bother him again, so I started studying on my own. I still remember asking him, "You've done so much for me, but is there anything I ever did for you?" At that he said, "It's fun just being with you." I was very happy. The encounter with that friend has something to do with my rebellious phase ending. At his place, they help their parents a lot. Doing grocery shopping, looking after siblings, walking the dog. And doing housework. When I thought about myself, I realized I was only doing and saying what I wanted, I wasn't doing anything. I thought that wasn't good. It's after that that I felt I had to treasure my mother. *
*He actually says, "oya" which means parent/parents.
When did you decide to enter university?
It was around the end of my second year in high school. When I told my homeroom teacher I wanted to go to university, he said, "Haa? You'll never get in." But since I said on my own that I wanted to go, I decided to show him and get in (laugh).
Fire lit inside the sore loser (laugh)
That's right (laugh). But we only live once, during which I want to have all the experiences I can. That's probably the reason for which I decided to go to university. I didn't want to go to school, but after I went I made a lot of good encounters, and my way of thinking changed in a good way. I thought, then if I step into a new world once more, there will probably be more new encounters and I'll be able to make new experiences.
It seems that at the time you'd come to MYOJO shoots in your uniform and study maths in the waiting room when you had some free time.
That did happen (laugh).
You worked so hard so you must have been happy when you passed, right?
Yeah. But I was even happier at the university entrance ceremony. My mother was there, so were many journalists and I thought, "Oh, give me a break!" But my mother seemed really happy. Seeing her face, I was happy, too. I felt that, even if it was a little bit, I was able to be a good son. I was extremely thankful to my mother. For my 20th birthday I received a mail from her.
What did she write?
"Thank you for being born." I can't say it to her, but I'm thankful she gave birth to me.
It was sudden, but a debut with NEWS
You debuted with NEWS when you were in 3rd year of high school, right?
Yes. We were formed for the World Cup Volleyball. At first I thought it was a temporary group. Even Toma said to me, "ittekoi [go and come back]. We'll be waiting for you to come back." Since then, somehow that's still open until today (laugh). [meaning, he still hasn't gone back, so Toma is still waiting]
There were many members you didn't know?
I pretty much only knew Ryo-chan. Plus they were all younger than me, I was very confused.
It wasn't exactly what you imagined for your debut?
I was certain I'd debut with the guys I was always with during the Jr. period. Moreover, Arashi debuted 4 years before, after that TakiTsuba debuted, with Toma and the others it was the time we felt, "It's frustrating but let's hang in there."
It's normal to feel confused.
Yeah. I only talked to Takizawa-kun about it. I was reprimanded, "A group helps each other out." That's why NEWS is a little different from other groups, but I was able to interact a lot with the fans like that. I aboslutely want the people that come to see NEWS to enjoy themselves.
What do you think of the fans?
The fans don't exist because I exist, it's rather I'm here because the fans exist. They're the most important thing. Important, or rather a presence that is fundamental - without which I'd be in trouble. I want to work hard and grow and progress to have them be fans even just a little longer. If after a concert they think, "I want to see the next one," it's the best, because then I myself would be motivated to work hard again.
Do you remember your first fan?
I do. It was the time lessons had started and really not much time had passed by. I hadn't been in any magazine yet, and no one knew my name. Back then someone talked to me, "You became a Jr., huh. Tell me your name." A few days later I was given a fan letter. It was a high school girl, so from the point of view of a grade schooler like me she was an adult. I was surprised and happy. I read that letter so many times. On the train back home I wrote a reply, wondering if she was going to become my first fan. Now I've become busy so I can't write replies anymore, but I do scan over the fan letters. A few years ago a single mother wrote me, "I want him to grow to be a fine man like you, Yamapi, so I gave him the name 'Tomohisa'." I was very happy.
That would make you happy.
Yeah. During the Asia Tour I had a little while back, something nice happened. In Korea there was a fan gathering, and among those fans there was one I recognised. When I said, "You were present another time in the past, right?" She was surprised, "You remember!" But, how can I say, there's an emotional attachment to people who have been cheering for me for a long time. That kid that was present a long time ago was still supporting me, I was extremely happy.
One time I got heart-broken and cried in front of Jin
Have you ever thought you wanted to quit showbiz?
I have. I was constantly anxious, wondering if it was really alright to go on like that. I was the most anxious around high school and university. When I was in junior high and worked in concerts I only thought it was fun (laugh). When I was around 18~19 years old I was in a condition in which I was unable to see anything in the future. Sure I was working, but I wasn't exactly a full-fledged member of society, and it was a half-hearted period. I was anxious about what was going to happen to me. Now, whenever I have doubts about a job, I can ask someone from the Jimusho why a certain something is the way it is. By communicating like this my anxieties have decreased. Of course there are still things I don't know.
So, when were you most popular in your life?
Hmm maybe from second year of junior high until second year of high school. I probably gave off the idea I was popular (laugh). I was going through puberty, and in junior and high school girls are all around you. It was real fun back then (laugh).
You don't have any broken-heart experience, I'm sure.
I do. See, even if at first sight you both feel you're each other's type, there are surely differences in personality and even tiny details, like food you like/hate or daily habits.
The worst heart break you had?
When I was in junior high. Back then I practically spent everyday with (Akanishi) Jin, and once I was broken-hearted and cried in front of him. I was glad he was with me, not to cheer me up, but because he was there.
What's your philosophy for love and marriage now?
Just maybe, a person that has had similar experiences and education might be best. I think habits you had when you were little have a big effect. Like, "In my home this was OK, but in your home it wasn't?" Things like that are unexpectedly important. Even if that person seems your type at first sight, there are cases in which you fit together and others in which you don't. If that then turns into marriage, the comfortable atmosphere between the two is really important.
I want to be near the fans always
I'd like to ask about acting as well, which role do you think put you on the crossroad?
I think it's "Kurosagi." It was right after I turned 21, I realized what it meant to make a drama. I talked about it several times with everyone beforehand, and read the original work. Before "Kurosagi" it felt like my job was being an idol then do dramas in my spare time. But from "Kurosagi" onwards, when I'm an actor I forget everything about being an idol and just get absorbed in acting.
Preparing for your role in "Ashita no Joe" must have been quite tough.
Losing 8Kg was indeed tough, but the most pressure was in taking on a main role of such a historically enormous work. Nonetheless, watching Kagawa (Teruyuki)-san and Iseya (Yusuke)-san I learned that, "Being an actor means having to go this far," and, "Doing all this is ok."
You who wanted to act in dramas so aimed for showbiz when you were a kid, what do you think of yourself now that you're standing on top of the stage that was your dream?
Seeing from my current point of view, it's the result of piling one step on top of the other, so I don't find it odd. But seeing it from the point of view of myself back then, that guy that thought he wanted to be in dramas got leading roles, the guy that wanted to be an idol has become one. Two dreams have come true. I think that's amazing. But there's something someone told me recently. "No matter how far away things might seem, become a person that can feel them closer than expected." I find that kind of attitude to be cool. No one knows the distance to reach one's dreams. But, instead of thinking they're out of reach, I want to become a person that can feel, "They are this close!"
Those are lovely words. So what's your dream now?
I really love acting, but narrowing the distance between one's fans is the singer. It's an extravagant problem, but actors don't get their fans' reactions. I want reactions, after all. Both acting and singing are fun, of course. However, it's not really something to say to people, but preparation and practice, there are much more strict things to go through. In my case, my motivation to go on with that is hearing people say, "It was fun!" That's why, even small halls are fine, I want to visit several places during the year [to do shows], and in the remaining time act. Then I want to go around again and ask people, "How was it?" I'd really like it if I could create such a cycle.
Finally, tell us what type of Yamashita Tomohisa you want to show your fans from now on.
The first time I had a solo concert, Johnny-san told me, "A star comes to being just by putting his hands in his pockets." That left quite the impression on me. It was something that made me think about different aspects, made me realize that, simply dancing frantically doesn't make me a star. It's hard to express it in words, but it's not that I want to become an artist. Of course, I'd like to become an artist as well, but just striking an attitude and trying to be cool would make me insignificant. Positionwise, I'd like to be between an artist and an idol. That's why I'd like to continue changing and always be near the fans.
Childhood period in which he easily felt lonely, the potato he ate while crying
What's your oldest memory ever?
It's my mother's voice. She was telling me, "You'll have a little sister." There's a 3-year gap between my sister and I, so I must have been 2 years old then. I don't remember the circumstances, and I was little so I probably didn't understand what was going on, but I remember thinking, "The family members will increase by one person."
What kind of kid were you when you were little?
Until I went into elementary school I easily felt lonely. When my mom went out to do grocery shopping, just by that little, I would start crying. I would make a big ruckus (laugh). In those moments, the oneechan living next door would watch over me. I wonder, she was 5 or 6 years older than me!? She was super gentle, so much I thought to myself, "I will marry this oneechan!" (laugh).
When you entered elementary school, did you have a dream?
My friends would say they wanted to become pro baseball and soccer players, but I would say, "I want to become famous." Not how to become famous, just vaguely that.
Then, what triggered you to aim for showbiz?
It was watching the drama that Takizawa-kun was in, "mokuyou no kaidan" [Thursday ghost story]. I watched it every week while having dinner. I thought, "So even kids can have main roles. I want to be in a drama, too!" Then, when I was in 5th grade, since I wasn't able to write my personal data on my own, I asked my mom to write it and I sent it.
About you aiming for showbiz, what was your mother's reaction?
She didn't approve nor oppose it. It was more like, "If you want to do it, go for it."
After that you were contacted by the Jimusho and you went it for an audition.
Actually, that contact just didn't seem to come in. It was probably 2 months later when I was about to give up, thinking I'd failed, that I received a letter informing me of the day and time of the audition.
How was the audition?
It was clearly obvious that I was the youngest, so I was extremely nervous. We were told to dance, but I just couldn't, at all. I just looked around and imitated others. At any rate, I was giving it my all. There was an interview as well. I was asked, "Why do you want to enter Johnny's?" I did not think they'd ask me something like that, so I just answered, "Hmmm, I want to do the backflip!" That was the only thing I could think of on the spur of the moment (laugh).
Did you think you'd pass?
I did not have a clue. But I was frustrated because I couldn't dance during the audition, so when I got home I practiced in front of the mirror. Several weeks later, I got a phone call telling me, "There's a lesson, so come." After that it was just like I was being called in for lessons.
Is that when you thought you finally passed?
Not at all. Lessons were on Sundays, but they were irregular. I would get contacted on Saturday night, but then I was always tense on Saturday nights, wondering if they'll contact me or not.
How were the lessons?
Each lesson was about 10 hours long. There were about 50 persons per lesson, and they were all older than me. I was shoved so suddenly into the adult world, so it felt like I was all alone in a foreign country where my words didn't get through. About half a year later I was put on stage. That first time I was a back dancer for V6's "WA ni natte odorou."
So you were progressing in huge leaps?
Not exactly. I think I was in 6th grade. Lesson-mates who entered the same time I did were doing magazine interviews, but I was often left out. That made me really bitter. But I didn't know what I should do. All I could do was do the things I had in front of me, one at a time. I thought to myself that I won't lose to them when it comes to passion. I didn't know how far I could go, but I practiced thinking I will absolutely never give up.
It was pretty tough on you just by the fact the you were the youngest.
Yeah. I was also worse in dancing than my lesson-mates. The things I wasn't able to do during the lesson I practiced at home so I could perform them properly in the next lesson. But then we'd do something totally new and I'd be yet again the only one unable to perform properly. There was also an order of higher and lower among my lesson-mates, depending on age, so it was tough.
Like what for example?
When lessons were over, I would take the same train as other lesson-mates, but I'd be told, "omae hitoride kaere yo" [You, go home on your own]. I was bitter and sad, but I couldn't answer back. To delay things, I would go to the fast food place, buy french fries, go to the train station and eat my french fries while riding the train. I would bear it until I got on the train, but then that's where I'd reach my limit and start crying inside the train car. In order for other people not to see me, I'd stand near the door with my back turned, eating my fries while crying.
Things like that happened, huh.
But those hardships turned into motivation to never lose to them. Now that I think about it, kids have their hearts fully open, that's why I was easily hurt. But now I feel that those scars in my heart were a good experience.
You mean that, because you didn't lose back then, you have now?
Yes. I'm a sore loser at heart after all (laugh). Plus, I was watching my seniors from behind shining on stage. Feeling that, "I want to become a star like that."
The Jr. period when he called Takizawa Hideaki, "Papa"
Back then was there someone who would listen to you and support you?
Takizawa-kun's presence was quite huge. He was the one that gave me the nickname "Yamapi." In magazine interviews he often would say things like, "Yamapi's adorable," thanks to which many people came to know my name, I think.
You entered showbiz because you admired Takizawa-kun, so how did it feel to have him right in front of you?
At first it was like, "It's Takizawa-kun!" Like a far-away entity. But I was often allowed to go and hang out over at his place. He'd make pasta or treat me to yakiniku. During a tour, he'd teach me how to wash my socks in the hotel. I felt everyone around me was an adult, but especially Takizawa-kun felt like an adult. So much there was a time I called him, "Papa."
He was really nice to you.
He also scolded me, of course. "This is like this so you can't," or, "In times like this you should use your head more." Takizawa-kun is the type of leader that would do things to show and teach you. The times he scolded me, he had the best for me in mind and got mad for real, that's why I could obediently reflect on my actions.
I see.
I think Takizawa-kun is the one that created Johnny's Jrs. At the time, he had a Prime Time TV show, and the Jrs. that got on it are people who are now Arashi, Kanjani8, and Toma, and myself. People under Takizawa-kun have properly debuted. It shows how big Takizawa-kun's presence was. Showing respect to seniors and having professional awareness, there are different things that Takizawa-kun taught us. Thinking back on it now, I think they are important things, no matter what society we live in.
What's your relationship with Takizawa-kun now?
We don't meet as often as we used to, but I still go to him for advice whenever I'm in a pinch. I think that's what a genuine relationship between men is. It's not a relationship of continuous restrictions. It's like, even if we don't meet for a long time, the moment we meet we just fit together perfectly. That's why, even now, when I can't find a solution with my own strength, I go to "Takki~".
A strong bond with his Jr. buddies
When you entered junior high school you became busier with your activities as a Jr., right?
We did things like dance as back dancers in concerts of 3 groups of seniors in the same day. A single show was 20 pieces, meaning we had to learn the choreography of 60 pieces. While worrying, "Will I ever be able to debut?" things I had to do kept piling up in heaps in front of me. I had no choice but clear them all, one by one.
Weren't lessons considerably hard, too?
We practiced until late at night everyday. After practice ended, before riding the train, I'd call my grandmother from a public phone to come pick me up. My fingers still remember that number. Sometimes I'd oversleep on the train, and when I'd realize it, I'd be only God knew where (laugh). I was busier than I am now.
Do you remember the harshest job you had to do when you were a Jr.?
The traditional "sennen medley" Johnny's song was decided to be done by Takizawa-kun. I guess it was the time I was his support. In one day there were 6 shows, and the day before that a person from the Jimusho showed us the video and asked us to do it. If that happened to me now, I'd probably say, "Sorry, that's impossible" (laugh). It was Toma and I, and Toma gave his all to teach me the choreography.
You mastered it in one night.
Yeah. In the end, I'm blessed with the people around me. If it had been someone else beside Toma back then and felt it a drag to teach me, I'm sure I wouldn't have been able to dance. Then I probably wouldn't be where I am today. But of course Toma and I had our share of fights, too.
For what reasons?
For trivial matters (laugh). And it was fundamentally always my fault (laugh). Toma said nothing but fair things. For example, when we were both in junior high, there was a time I was late going on location.
Well, that would be your fault, Yamashita-kun (laugh).
Exactly. But I had a reason for that. I waited at the place from which I was told a Jimusho person would come pick me up, but missing the meet up time, no matter how long I waited that person didn't come. So then Toma called me saying, "Where are you!" In the end, the location bus that picked everyone up came to fetch me. I apologized, but Toma was like, "Don't be late!" I was immature so it became like, "What, it's my fault?" That was the first time I had a huge fight with Toma. Until that day, I always called him "Ikuta-kun," but from that day on I've been calling him "Toma" (laugh).
Hahahaha.
The period I was a Jr., I think it lasted about 5 years, I felt it was really long, probably because it was tough. But really, that time, and the buddies that were with me then, are extremely important. Moreover, thinking on it now, the Jr. period was not harsh, I feel it was fun. I often went home along with (currently Arashi's) Ninomiya-kun and Aiba-kun since our houses were in the same direction. We were tired because of the lessons, but in the short period of time we were on the train together, we'd talk about dreams and stuff. Thinking now about that time I feel it's very precious.
More so because they were buddies in joy and sorrow.
Yeah. I think that bond is strong. We went through so many different things together. As a result, even though we're now progressing on different roads, when we meet we can immediately go back to the relationship we had back then.
I met my best friend at the high school I didn't feel like going to
Did you have a rebellious phase?
Totally. Maybe since second year in junior high. I couldn't stand my mother's nagging. She'd go on and on about my friends as well. And I was like, "Ha?!" Then I had an attitude as if saying to my mother, "Don't talk to me." The times I didn't go back home were many. At first my mother kept nagging about that too, but after a while she just gave up. I think she let me do as I pleased thinking to let me realize on my own.
Until when did this rebellious phase continue?
Maybe a little after I entered high school. But I actually did not feel like going to high school. Not because I was determined on succeeding in showbiz, but because I hated studying. So I didn't want to go. That's all. I knew nothing about the world, I think I was just being self-indulgent.
So why did you decide to enter high school?
I was convinced by my teacher, family, and the people around me. The thing that had the biggest effect was a person from the Jimusho saying, "If you don't go, I won't let you work." I'll go then. I had no option but to go.
What was your life as a high schooler like?
It took me one hour to go to school from Chiba, changing trains during the high peak of rush hour. I had to get up everyday at 6.30 in the morning, when I had to work late it was very harsh. During the first year I kept thinking I wanted to drop out.
Nonetheless, you didn't drop out. Why?
Because I made a new, close friend. It was the first time I met a guy I could really call a best friend. He thought of me in various matters. So much I wondered, "Why does this person do so much for me?" He also expresses his opinions properly. Like, "You, it's better if you do like this." At first he irritated me, like, "What is up with this dude!"
You did have other friends up until then, right?
Of course. However, when I met him I realized that you can't just call anyone you hang out with a "friend." At times he'd even say strict things for my own good. That's what a best friend is.
Do you have any special memories with that friend?
At the end of the first year I was told that, if I didn't get at least 85 on my exams, I'd have to take supplementary lessons. Ever since junior high I didn't study at all, so just when I thought that was going to be absolutely impossible, he came and said, "I'll teach you." But it was the time I was filming for "Long Love Letter," so I told him I didn't know at what time I'd finish. But then he said, "I'll wait for you until you finish filming." In the end, he stayed up and waited for me until I finished filming. There wasn't much time before the exam, but he still kept teaching me. I got 86 then.
You did it!
We were like, "Yay, we're so glad we worked so hard!" But I still had to go to supplementary lessons because I had low attendance (laugh).
Your miss caught up with you (laugh)
Yeah (laugh). But after that I couldn't bother him again, so I started studying on my own. I still remember asking him, "You've done so much for me, but is there anything I ever did for you?" At that he said, "It's fun just being with you." I was very happy. The encounter with that friend has something to do with my rebellious phase ending. At his place, they help their parents a lot. Doing grocery shopping, looking after siblings, walking the dog. And doing housework. When I thought about myself, I realized I was only doing and saying what I wanted, I wasn't doing anything. I thought that wasn't good. It's after that that I felt I had to treasure my mother. *
*He actually says, "oya" which means parent/parents.
When did you decide to enter university?
It was around the end of my second year in high school. When I told my homeroom teacher I wanted to go to university, he said, "Haa? You'll never get in." But since I said on my own that I wanted to go, I decided to show him and get in (laugh).
Fire lit inside the sore loser (laugh)
That's right (laugh). But we only live once, during which I want to have all the experiences I can. That's probably the reason for which I decided to go to university. I didn't want to go to school, but after I went I made a lot of good encounters, and my way of thinking changed in a good way. I thought, then if I step into a new world once more, there will probably be more new encounters and I'll be able to make new experiences.
It seems that at the time you'd come to MYOJO shoots in your uniform and study maths in the waiting room when you had some free time.
That did happen (laugh).
You worked so hard so you must have been happy when you passed, right?
Yeah. But I was even happier at the university entrance ceremony. My mother was there, so were many journalists and I thought, "Oh, give me a break!" But my mother seemed really happy. Seeing her face, I was happy, too. I felt that, even if it was a little bit, I was able to be a good son. I was extremely thankful to my mother. For my 20th birthday I received a mail from her.
What did she write?
"Thank you for being born." I can't say it to her, but I'm thankful she gave birth to me.
It was sudden, but a debut with NEWS
You debuted with NEWS when you were in 3rd year of high school, right?
Yes. We were formed for the World Cup Volleyball. At first I thought it was a temporary group. Even Toma said to me, "ittekoi [go and come back]. We'll be waiting for you to come back." Since then, somehow that's still open until today (laugh). [meaning, he still hasn't gone back, so Toma is still waiting]
There were many members you didn't know?
I pretty much only knew Ryo-chan. Plus they were all younger than me, I was very confused.
It wasn't exactly what you imagined for your debut?
I was certain I'd debut with the guys I was always with during the Jr. period. Moreover, Arashi debuted 4 years before, after that TakiTsuba debuted, with Toma and the others it was the time we felt, "It's frustrating but let's hang in there."
It's normal to feel confused.
Yeah. I only talked to Takizawa-kun about it. I was reprimanded, "A group helps each other out." That's why NEWS is a little different from other groups, but I was able to interact a lot with the fans like that. I aboslutely want the people that come to see NEWS to enjoy themselves.
What do you think of the fans?
The fans don't exist because I exist, it's rather I'm here because the fans exist. They're the most important thing. Important, or rather a presence that is fundamental - without which I'd be in trouble. I want to work hard and grow and progress to have them be fans even just a little longer. If after a concert they think, "I want to see the next one," it's the best, because then I myself would be motivated to work hard again.
Do you remember your first fan?
I do. It was the time lessons had started and really not much time had passed by. I hadn't been in any magazine yet, and no one knew my name. Back then someone talked to me, "You became a Jr., huh. Tell me your name." A few days later I was given a fan letter. It was a high school girl, so from the point of view of a grade schooler like me she was an adult. I was surprised and happy. I read that letter so many times. On the train back home I wrote a reply, wondering if she was going to become my first fan. Now I've become busy so I can't write replies anymore, but I do scan over the fan letters. A few years ago a single mother wrote me, "I want him to grow to be a fine man like you, Yamapi, so I gave him the name 'Tomohisa'." I was very happy.
That would make you happy.
Yeah. During the Asia Tour I had a little while back, something nice happened. In Korea there was a fan gathering, and among those fans there was one I recognised. When I said, "You were present another time in the past, right?" She was surprised, "You remember!" But, how can I say, there's an emotional attachment to people who have been cheering for me for a long time. That kid that was present a long time ago was still supporting me, I was extremely happy.
One time I got heart-broken and cried in front of Jin
Have you ever thought you wanted to quit showbiz?
I have. I was constantly anxious, wondering if it was really alright to go on like that. I was the most anxious around high school and university. When I was in junior high and worked in concerts I only thought it was fun (laugh). When I was around 18~19 years old I was in a condition in which I was unable to see anything in the future. Sure I was working, but I wasn't exactly a full-fledged member of society, and it was a half-hearted period. I was anxious about what was going to happen to me. Now, whenever I have doubts about a job, I can ask someone from the Jimusho why a certain something is the way it is. By communicating like this my anxieties have decreased. Of course there are still things I don't know.
So, when were you most popular in your life?
Hmm maybe from second year of junior high until second year of high school. I probably gave off the idea I was popular (laugh). I was going through puberty, and in junior and high school girls are all around you. It was real fun back then (laugh).
You don't have any broken-heart experience, I'm sure.
I do. See, even if at first sight you both feel you're each other's type, there are surely differences in personality and even tiny details, like food you like/hate or daily habits.
The worst heart break you had?
When I was in junior high. Back then I practically spent everyday with (Akanishi) Jin, and once I was broken-hearted and cried in front of him. I was glad he was with me, not to cheer me up, but because he was there.
What's your philosophy for love and marriage now?
Just maybe, a person that has had similar experiences and education might be best. I think habits you had when you were little have a big effect. Like, "In my home this was OK, but in your home it wasn't?" Things like that are unexpectedly important. Even if that person seems your type at first sight, there are cases in which you fit together and others in which you don't. If that then turns into marriage, the comfortable atmosphere between the two is really important.
I want to be near the fans always
I'd like to ask about acting as well, which role do you think put you on the crossroad?
I think it's "Kurosagi." It was right after I turned 21, I realized what it meant to make a drama. I talked about it several times with everyone beforehand, and read the original work. Before "Kurosagi" it felt like my job was being an idol then do dramas in my spare time. But from "Kurosagi" onwards, when I'm an actor I forget everything about being an idol and just get absorbed in acting.
Preparing for your role in "Ashita no Joe" must have been quite tough.
Losing 8Kg was indeed tough, but the most pressure was in taking on a main role of such a historically enormous work. Nonetheless, watching Kagawa (Teruyuki)-san and Iseya (Yusuke)-san I learned that, "Being an actor means having to go this far," and, "Doing all this is ok."
You who wanted to act in dramas so aimed for showbiz when you were a kid, what do you think of yourself now that you're standing on top of the stage that was your dream?
Seeing from my current point of view, it's the result of piling one step on top of the other, so I don't find it odd. But seeing it from the point of view of myself back then, that guy that thought he wanted to be in dramas got leading roles, the guy that wanted to be an idol has become one. Two dreams have come true. I think that's amazing. But there's something someone told me recently. "No matter how far away things might seem, become a person that can feel them closer than expected." I find that kind of attitude to be cool. No one knows the distance to reach one's dreams. But, instead of thinking they're out of reach, I want to become a person that can feel, "They are this close!"
Those are lovely words. So what's your dream now?
I really love acting, but narrowing the distance between one's fans is the singer. It's an extravagant problem, but actors don't get their fans' reactions. I want reactions, after all. Both acting and singing are fun, of course. However, it's not really something to say to people, but preparation and practice, there are much more strict things to go through. In my case, my motivation to go on with that is hearing people say, "It was fun!" That's why, even small halls are fine, I want to visit several places during the year [to do shows], and in the remaining time act. Then I want to go around again and ask people, "How was it?" I'd really like it if I could create such a cycle.
Finally, tell us what type of Yamashita Tomohisa you want to show your fans from now on.
The first time I had a solo concert, Johnny-san told me, "A star comes to being just by putting his hands in his pockets." That left quite the impression on me. It was something that made me think about different aspects, made me realize that, simply dancing frantically doesn't make me a star. It's hard to express it in words, but it's not that I want to become an artist. Of course, I'd like to become an artist as well, but just striking an attitude and trying to be cool would make me insignificant. Positionwise, I'd like to be between an artist and an idol. That's why I'd like to continue changing and always be near the fans.
Zdroj:https://suketeru.livejournal.com/91893.html?fbclid=IwAR1iWSVAKXKUwq5zHckqdEFrDXB0GZvy-NimH7KzLzqbgmAg3XHNxDa0G7E
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