#Nagano Hiroshi | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

akai-anna · 10 months

Note

So I just recently read your post about decto relationships with the bingo card thing, and I enjoyed it a lot and wanted to hear more of your opinions on other relationships. I would like to see which other relationships you choose and how you view them.

Firstly, I would like you to know: I cannot even put into words how happy this ask made me (the fact someone was curious enough to ask something from me unprompted! the fact that SOMEONE TOOK THE TIME TO APPROACH ME TO ASK!! AND ABOUT DETCO!!!), so thank you very much for making my day with this and giving me that dopamine rush. (Also, thank you for your patience, I got too busy and took me much longer to answer than expected!)

Secondly, notes still apply:

as in the previous ask about relating to this topic, i interpret relationships in the broadest possible sense

i check everything that makes sense to me, even if they seem contradictory; i view them applied to different situations/universes/possibilities

ship opinion bingo in question

*cracks fingers and rolls up sleeves* Now, let's get down to business.

I. Kudou Shinichi/Edogawa Conan - Miyano Shiho/Haibara Ai - Detective Boys Trio

The Elementary Squad

I have A LOT OF THOUGHTS ABOUT THEM SO GET READY.

In general, the friendship (friendship is a canon relationship!) these 4 (then eventually 5) little menaces of my heart share, is so very precious. The way these 3 latched onto him, and integrated him into their little group, how Shinichi LITERALLY ACTS LIKE HIMSELF AROUND THEM DESPITE THE KIDS HAVING NO IDEA ABOUT HIS TRUE IDENTITY. HE IS AUTHENTIC AROUND THEM. Also I forgot the number of times the kids called Shinichi out on his BS (like him switching between his adult and child speech patterns when interacting with adults/the police and disappearing acts) and how many times they all get in soooo much trouble because they are lil troublemakers, so curious, never saying no to adventure.

Shinichi is a mentor to them, teaching them about stuff but also their friend. Shinichi is Big Brother material, and the kids know that they can count on him, turn to him in need, and Shinichi cannot help but indulge them, involving them in stuff to an extent, while also trying his damnedest to keep them safe and protect them (even at his own risk and safety, bodily protecting them).

And then you add Ai to the mix, and she gets integrated into their tight-knit little group. Not only Shinichi finally has a connection to the BO with her, but also someone who is in the same situation as himself and someone who needs his protection. (AND SOMEONE WHO TEASES HIM LIKE HE DESERVES IT! AI-SHINICHI BANTER IS SO GOOD! LOVE THEM!) And Ai finds herself not only friends but a family. (Sometimes a family is one middled aged man, 2 fake and 3 real elementary students.)

She encounters unconditional kindness, which melts her cool exterior and as time passes she not only comes to care about these people, but also learns to lower her barriers. And ultimately makes the choice to be with them despite the risks.

You can give me these 5 kids in almost any combination and I would be so happy to see them (and could talk about them for hours without stopping, almost did them in different combinations separately, God, save my soul). Special mention: Mitsuhiko-Shinichi/Conan dynamic gets to me so bad because Mitsuhiko is the most curious of the 3, when it comes to knowledge. He LOVES learning, and applying what he knows (just like a certain someone we know). And Mitsuhiko learns well; he absorbs what Shinichi tells and shows him. (And I love how complex his feelings are about that.) Also the parallel between Heiji and Mitsuhiko, my HEART-

I could go on forever about these children of mine (AYUMI AND MITSUHIKO'S PUPPY CRUSHES ON SHINICHI AND AI RESPECTIVELY, HOW THEY ALL PLAY SOCCER AND HIDE AND SEEK TOGETHER, THEIR LIL ANTICS, HOW THE KIDS LEARN TO THINK FOR THEMSELVES- *GETS SMACKED WITH A PILLOW IN THE FACE*), so have this utterly adorable lil thing to close this section.

⊱✿⊰

II. Vermouth/Chris Vineyard/Sharon Vineyard -Kudou Shinichi/Edogawa Conan (- Mouri Ran)

This is such a delightfully precious and weird dynamic. I don't even know how to describe it, really because 1) there is so little content of this (WHERE IS MY VERMOUTH BACKSTORY/ARC!!! WHERE!!! WHERE IS MORE OF THEM!!! WHERE!!!) relationship in particular and 2) how do you even label something so unusual? Vermouth having such a solid opinion of Shinichi and Ran while the other two are so unsure what is exactly going on. (Shinichi is definitely suspicious of her with GOOD REASOn but also Weirded out I feel while Ran knows even less.) SO BEAUTIFULLY IMBALANCED AND WEIRD.

I guess, in short: Vermouth having a life-altering meeting with these two, only for Shinichi and Ran for it to be The Most Natural Thing?

I JUST LOVE HOW VERMOUTH IS SO FOND OF THESE TWO. (SHE LITERALLY HAS PHOTOS OF THEM!!!) HOW MUCH SHE WANTS THEM TO BE SAFE. SO MUCH SHE EVEN RISKS HER OWN LIFE AND SAFETY.

SO MUCH SHE WOULD SCHEME AND LIE TO KEEP THESE TWO SAFE. (SHE FCKIN!!!! DRAPED HER OWN COAT OVER HIM I'M!!! KDSNVKJSDVNKJSD *SCREAMS AT TOP LUNG CAPACITY* SHE FREAKING MADE AMURO PROMISED NOT TO HARM RAN AND SHINICHI, I'M GOING BONKERS!!!)

SO MUCH SHE WOULD EVEN TURN A GUN AGAINST ANOTHER BO MEMBER, WOULDN'T LET ANYONE ENDANGER THEM NOT EVEN HERSELF.

I'M! SCREAMING!! Love me a morally grey woman with her own agenda.

NOT ONLY THAT BUT SHE WOULD ALSO HELP THEM OUT? HER COVERING FOR THIS GReMLIn i'M DEAD, The WInK-

BUT SHE ALSO WOULD DO THIS:

(THE FREAKING GIRLY RUN SHE DOES AND THE LITTLE HEART, SHE KNOWS SHE'S OPENLY BEING A LIL SHIT TO SHINICHI AND I'M THRIVING-)

THEY ARE HER TREASURES YOUR HONOUR!!!

Each and every interaction with them has me IN ABSOLUTE HYSTERICS, MAKING ME GO CRAZY. For closing this section, I leave you with a (bad quality) gif I made (in a rush) because this part in the anime MAKES ME LOSE IT EVERY TIME. THE SLOW MOTION, THE WAY HE HOLDS HIM BY THE HANDS AND GENTLE WAY SHE SETS SHINICHI DOWN, I CANNOT.

⊱✿⊰

III. Hattori Heiji - Tooyama Kazuha - Mouri Ran - Kudou Shinichi/Edogawa Conan

THE OSAKA DUO (AKA FIRECRACKER PAIR) and the Tokyoites (AKA THE BIGGEST HEIZUHA SUPPORTERS OUT THERE)

I'll be honest, at first I planned to include only Kazuha & Heiji in this but then I started looking for scenes in the manga and got obliterated by my love for the 4 of them. (And yes, I know I already did Heiji & Shinichi in the previous ask, I love them, sue me. Also, i wanted to count "Not dating but married nonetheless" for Heizuha BC THEY ARE, but this ended up as a 4 character thing so. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)

To make it short: I FREAKING ADORE THEM.

In more detail: Heiji-Kazuha AND Shinichi-Ran both come in sets, DO NOT SEPARATE THEM. Then you put them all together THEY MAKE A WHOLE SET, A UNIT, A SQUAD.

But also there are different combinations: The Detectives And Cursed Bad Luck Duo, The Superstitious Girl Duo, The Not Dating But Married Couple, THE DATING HUSBAND AND WIFE DUO, THE SEPARATE TRIO COMBOS. *RIPS OF CLOTHES AND ROARS* ALL SO VERY GOOD.

THEY ARE JUST SO PRECIOUS TO ME, and they are just So- *CLENCHES FIST* THE BACK AND FORTH TEASING IN ALL KINDS OF COMBINATIONS, THE RUNNING INSIDE JOKE MOMENTS OF KAZUHA SAYING SHINICHI SOLVES CASES FASTER THAN HEIJI (TO HEIJI'S ETERNAL ANNOYANCE), OR HOW THE GIRLS THINK HEIJI AND SHINICHI/CONAN ARE LIKE BROTHERS-

BUT ALSO BEING A WITNESS TO ALL THE WEIRD CONAN-THINGS, OR HOW THE BOYS BOND OVER THEIR LOVE FOR THEIR GIRLS AND THE GIRLS BONDING OVER THEIR LOVE FOR THEIR BOYS, AND BEING THE BIGGEST SUPPORTERS OF EACH OTHER'S HAPPINESS (CONFESSING FEELINGS TO THEIR BELOVEDS).

MY BI ICON KAZUHA, NOT TO MENTION RAN'S CONFESSION IN KANSAI-BEN I'M FERAL, THESE GIRLS LOVE AND CARE ABOUT EACH OTHER (and the boys too, but more on that later) SO DEEPLY, IT'S ENDEARING.

RAN LITERALLY, ON HER SECOND MEETING WITH KAZUHA, NOT ONLY SEEING SHE IS UPSET, BUT ALSO GOING OUT OF HER WAY TO CHEER HER UP I'M!!! BEST GIRL!!! TRULY AN ANGEL!!! (Ya really are a nice girl, Ran, I CONCUR.)

THEN OF COURSE WE CANNOT NOT MENTION THE OSAKAN DUO. THEY ARE SO COMFORTABLE AROUND EACH OTHER, it's one of my favourite things, so UNABASHED WITH EACH OTHER IN WAY. They are (not dating BUT) MARRIED YOUR HONOUR, they really are like an old married couple.

Honestly, I Just keep THINKING of them all BECAUSE THEY ARE SO DEAR, I'M SCREAMING-

Also, it's so rarely mentioned but (because there is just so little of it in canon WHICH IS A CRIME, GET ON THE CASE BOYS) SHINICHI/CONAN-KAZUHA IS ESPECIALLY PRECIOUS TO ME, they have such great potential. Every time I SEE THEM INTERACT EVEN FOR A SECOND I GO APESHIT, ABSOLUTELY BONKERS. There is just something about Shinichi calling her "Kazuha" and "Kazuha-chan", the possibility of them BONDING OVER THEIR BELOVEDS AND YEARS OF PINING (because both Heiji and Ran can so oblivious it's endearing) but also bonding over HOW STUPID HEIJI IS AT TIMES, but also how much they both care for him and Ran. My dream is to see Kazuha make/get Shinichi a protective charm (let's be honest, hE NEEDS IT, and Heiji's seems to be sorta effective). There is a parallel there (now only if I could find the post for it). Also Shinichi not only being OK with Kazuha picking him up (LETTING HER!!!) BUT ALSO BEING FINE WITH KAZUHA HOLDING HIM!!! (FOR A WHOLE CONVERSATION!!!)

Also, ShinRan sharing that braincell.

I hope you enjoyed this wild rambling ride, dear Anon, and thank you for asking, I HAD SO MUCH FUN!!! May you have a blessed day, darling!

#asks #anon #detective conan #manga #detco posting #la junk talks #oh my god... i went overboard again #but it was too fun...#also i wanted to include but couldn't manage to fit in:#1) the kids separately: ai-shinichi and ayumi-shinichi and ai-ayumi and mitsuhiko-shinichi and mitsuhiko-ai #(i'm sorry genta i'm not as attached to you as the rest)#2) NAGANO TRIO BC THEY ARE AWESOME OH MY GOD ALSO OFFICIAL OT3 OF MY HEART IN DETCO #3) MOURI FAMILY TRIO (and eri if she was around more god i LOVE HER) BC FAMILY UNIT YOUR HONOUR!!!#4) also about the last section: i can ramble about my children in all kind of combinations and i could do them separately too but... god #and lastly 5) PROF AGASA HIROSHI IS A GOOD MAN AND I WANTED TO INCLUDE HIM SO BADLY TOO #however i actually reached pictures limit in my post (and the magic number is 30)#i enjoy these way too much and at this point it's just me screaming #hope you enjoyed my word vomit haha #truly thank you for this IT MADE ME SO HAPPY

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naniwa-archive · 1 year

Text

10000 Characters Long Interview

『When I was a Jr.』

Nishihata Daigo (Naniwa Danshi - 7th Issue)

During the era when Kansai Jr was ridiculed as a “burnt field”, Nishihata remained standing as center.

While feeling uneasy thinking “Why am I in this role?” being in a position where he receives both praises and criticism by himself, the days of taking in and enduring everything was not short. Then, Naniwa Danshi was formed and where Nishiahta stands again is the center. But everything was different from back then.

With comrades he takes pride in and strength from accepting himself, let’s go to see new sceneries.

Vividness and Power are Kansai Jr's Charm

We have Daigo as the last person of the Naniwa Danshi serialization.

Please take care of me.

Naniwa Danshi, of course, but the spirit of Kansai Johnny's where Daigo has spent his time is amazing.

Thank you so much. Kansai Jr. truly is amazing. After watching Ae! group's solo stage and Lil Kansai, Boys Be, AmBitious' "Kansai Johnny's DREAM LIVE 2022", I felt that power. I think that Kansai's greatness is their vividness and power. That power reached me. After debuting, now once again, I felt that I should never forget my days as a Kansai Jr. I can not forget those days when I gave my best to make the audience think to themselves "I want to come again"

I want to ask you various questions right now, what kind of kid you were as a child?

Apparently I was bossy inside but shy outside. I have heard that I used to be loud inside the house but once outside, I would hide myself behind my parents. That characteristic of me has not changed till date. Also, apparently instead of playing games that required me to move my body I would rather play house with girls. I never really did much sports. The most I did was playing softball during middle school. My father who had previous experience in baseball was the coach but my older brother got in the team before me. I also took part in it from the 4th year of elementary school. My father probably wanted me to enter the baseball club in middle school but, because I did not want to go bald I entered the track and field club instead.

Yet, the number of times you have shaved your head is amazing.

I did shave my head 3 times (laughs)

What was your dream as a child?

I liked kids so I vaguely thought if I should become a daycare teacher. There was a daycare near my house that's why I thought that it would be convenient for me to work there.

Then, what is the backstory behind passing Johnny's audition?

My mother likes Arashi, so I believe that this is a result of that, but she had sent in my resume without my knowledge. On the day of the audition she pushed me in and took me to the venue by saying "I will buy you anything you want!". It was a public audition but I think there were about 100 people. That was a completely different world. As for Johnny's, I did not know much about them either. My knowledge was limited to knowing the existence of Arashi and Ninomiya (Kazunari)-kun only. But, I did not know that Arashi was Johnny's. About Ninomiya-kun too, when I watched his drama "Yamada Taro Monogatari", I thought to myself "this actor is really cool", but I did not know that he was a member of Arashi.

Did you think that you would get selected?

Instead of thinking whether I will get selected or not, I just wanted to go home early. When I had to show a special skill, that's when I showed them cushion spinning and also learned a dance that I had never done before. Finally when they said "it's a wrap" I went back home. Right when I was about to take off my shoes, I received a phone call. It said "Can you come back?". They said that they will give the transportation cost, hearing that made me think "Lucky!!". When I went I saw about 10 people there. It made me think that "I messed up" and that "Did I possibly get accepted??"

Hahaha.

As for my name though, before my birth, the name of the character that was played by Nagano (Hiroshi)-san in "Ultraman Tiger" was Daigo, apparently I was named after that. Of course I don’t think my parents did that back then thinking "he will be a Johnny's someday", so this is just pure coincidence.

I wonder why was I at the center?

We have heard that right after Ohashi (Kazuya) -kun entered, he soon started to teach dance to Daigo-kun, but because you did not have any motivation you thought "What's up with this person?"

No offense to Hassun, but it was because at the beginning it was kinda annoying.

However, right after entering, you were selected as a member of AeShonen along with Nagase Ren -kun and Masakado Yoshinori -kun

I was happy that it was a 5 member group like Arashi but, it was then when I took my first step towards finally understanding "What is it to be a group?"

After a year, (Onishi) Ryusei-kun entered.

I remember Ryusei during his audition. He danced so lively and his smile was beautiful/pretty too. I remember blurting out "He's a strong rookie!" After that I started to get along with Ryusei right away.

Together with Ryusei-kun and Nagase-kun along with Daigo-kun, the three of you became Naniwa Ouji. Additionally, with Mukai (Koji) -kun and Hirano (Sho) -kun's Kin Kan "Maido! Jyani" had started.

I was surprised to be honest. It all happened suddenly. But it was no longer something that I could treat like another club activity. It felt like I had to carry out and do everything properly. Because, the fact we were chosen amongst so many seniors, it had to have an important meaning behind it. Moreover, when I heard what Johnny-san had to say, the atmosphere felt as if the debut was approaching us as well.

Did you expect the 6 of you to debut together?

I did expect, yes. How do I explain, Kou-chan (Mukai) had a long experience and was a person on whom we could rely on, Sho was there as well. Sho is a person whom when I saw for the first time, I thought to myself, "Ah, this kid is a star". Along with them, there was Ren, and Ryusei as well. "Isn't this team strong!?!" is what I thought.

It was around that time when you were casted for the Asadora "Gochisousan".

Suddenly I received a call from my manager where he asked me "Can you shave your head?". As I was thinking about what it might be about I was told that it was for an Asadora, to which I replied "I will do it!" without any hesitation. How do I word it, it felt good to be able to do something that would help me to be of some strength to NaniKin."

Well then, what did you think of Johnny's WEST's debut in 2014?

I was super happy. Because, not only were they my immediate seniors, they were someone who had taken care of me a lot, they were also the ones who had taught me a lot of things starting from courtesy and everything else. We jumped on the momentum that Johnny's WEST had developed, which made me think that we will be the next to debut and such.

But, Hirano-kun and Nagase-kun had to move to Tokyo because of their parents.

Ren and Sho, I carried on thinking that they will come back here someday. That was at the very beginning. But around the time when they became Mr. KING, that's when I realized "Ah, our paths will be different from here on".

Even then, when Daigo-kun and others became the seniors of Kansai, you guys kept everything lively.

If I am being honest, it was nothing all that cool. Johnny's WEST debuted, Ren and Sho were not there as well. I could imagine Kansai having a hard time from there on. Initially I thought that I would quit. It was right around my third year of high school too, which is the timing I have seen other Jrs quit. But unlike them who quit because they had clear dreams to pursue, in my case I would consider it as something close to running away. Because I only had vague thoughts of going to a university that specializes in daycare / nursery school and becoming a kindergarten teacher.

Why did you stay back?

Having stage plays and similar other works being confirmed was a big reason, besides that there was the fact that I had fallen in love with this group and community called Kansai Johnny's. But the main reason is that, I had not consulted with anyone about this but, when I talked with Ryusei about how "I might quit", he said "Let's give our best together, but if Dai-chan quits, I will quit too". That flipped a switch in me. "I can not let a kid with such a bright future quit" and such. That's why, I don't know how to say this, it's not because we have spent the same time together. His existence is really precious to me.

However, although it was unexpected, the Kansai group as a whole was in a situation where they were ridiculed as a burnt field.

I was anxious about how much we could liven up the audience with those of us who were remaining in Kansai. Besides, I thought that if we messed up then the existence of Kansai would be in danger, I couldn't let it disappear, I desperately wanted to stop it from disappearing. That's why, during the 2015 "Shonentachi", I was desperate to death. I was worried the entire time thinking "Will the seats be filled at all?. That's why, when the staff told us about the show being sold out, we celebrated by giving each other a high five.

However, there was a time when you collapsed on the stage of Shochikuza because of living a busy day to day life, right?

Something like that too happened, yeah. That makes me a failure of a professional but, during that time I did not think of things like preservation or distribution of my physical strength. I was so obsessed that my field of vision became narrow. Because I desperately wanted to become the gateway for people to get to know Kansai Jr. When we get solo jobs, in the credits, we get labeled like "Nishihata Daigo (Kansai Johnny's Jr.), right? I started to think that it was my mission to get people to know about Kansai Jr's existence through the credits, even a little bit by doing as much work as possible. It did not matter how I ran or what I ran towards, it was a time when I was just desperately pushing forward.

The boy who was shy enough to hide behind his parent's back, standing in the front row of Kansai, moreover in the center. All while bearing the brunt end of criticism at the same time.

I knew all too well myself. The fact that I never had anything / any merit to offer. Because I think that I am the average type at everything. For someone like that to have increasing offers for solo jobs while standing at the center, how I would be perceived by my surroundings, it was quite obvious. But, by then I had made up my mind that it is such a position. I wasn't as skillful as to be able to take in / receive all the criticism while being nonchalant and as long as I was in the lead, I could do nothing but accept everything instead of dodging them. Of course I had to accept the criticisms though. I could not stay unharmed.

Wasn't that lonely?

Yeah, I might have been lonely in that sense. But I never did for once think that "I am lonely" to myself but looking back, I could not really consult / discuss with anyone. Of course it's not because I did not trust the Kansai Jr members, but because I am not the type who is able to put his thoughts into words.

Even then you continued to stand in the center with a smile.

Once I accidentally asked Shigeoka (Daiki) -kun "Why am I in the center?". To which he said "No one knows the reason behind that. But Johnny-san chose you. Be proud of that." Those words have really saved me. The fact that I don't have much confidence is still true till this day but, whenever I am in any trouble I have always been supported and helped by the people around me. The only thing that someone like me, who is average at everything, can be proud of is that I have been blessed with the kind people I meet.

Wait for us to go over there!

2017 winter, Kansai Jrs were separated from the older team and younger team for concert shows.

At that time, Johnny-san said “Change is needed”. We talked with the agency and Shochiku [Theater staff]-san and reached the conclusion that “Isn’t it better to separate to let the younger members grow?” I ended up having the same thoughts. Of course quality is important but I think the most important thing for Jrs is the quantity of practical experience. To become amazing idols by experiencing different things, by repeating failures and success. I think idols are about the process of repeated polishing. That’s why by separating the shows by age and letting the younger members get more practical experience, it will raise the level of Kansai Jrs. Of course I think the pressure of it was heavy for the younger team but they overcame it. I went to watch the younger team’s last show and seeing Ryusei cry during MC made me cry too. I thought Ryusei did a great job as a leader and that he grew so much.

Ryusei-kun said in the interview that when you two were in different units, he did not want to be apart, was worried, and that he had to have the resolve for the sake of Kansai Jrs.

Sorry, I did not know he had those thoughts. I thought it was going to be a transitory separation. We were fighting solo or rather, because I thought if there is going to be a debut from Kansai Jrs, it’s going to be chosen from the whole Kansai Jrs regardless of units, or that a few will be chosen to debut with Tokyo Jrs. I thought it would not be strange for anyone to get chosen and that maybe someone would suddenly get called to Tokyo.

Then, what if you were to get called to Tokyo at that timing?

Me…? I think I wouldn’t have gone, yeah. I feel like I would not go. I love the Kansai Jr community and the tradition of Kansai Jr that has been passed on by seniors. That’s why I had the strength to stand firm in the front with Kou-chan (Mukai Koji) and Ryusei. If I was called at that timing, I think it would have been impossible for me to go.

Then, what did you think of 2018’s King & Prince debut?

I was happy. I thought they would so I fully congratulated them. Ah, after their debut announcement when Masakado, Ren, and I met up, Ren seemed like he felt sorry when he said “We won’t turn distant just because I debut. I’m worried that you two might quit Johnny’s”. That’s why I told him “Don’t underestimate us!” Of course Kansai Jr was still not stable but I did not want Ren to feel sorry or guilty so that’s why I told him “We will debut and go over there, so you just wait!”

In the same year in October, finally, Naniwa Danshi formed.

I was surprised. I was like “Eehh”. My senior Jo-kun is here. My friend Hassun is here. And the three, Micchi, Kento and Kyohei, who are much younger than me, are here too. I panicked at the thought of myself, who was already 21, to be grouped in with 16 year old kids. Also, the group name is Naniwa Danshi. Ranked down from Naniwa Ouji (laughs). (T/N: Danshi=Boy. Ouji=Prince) And what I also thought was “Kou-chan and Ryuta-kun aren’t here. Why!?”

Other members also said this but was it more of a worry in the beginning?

Yes. For Jo-kun, Hassun, and I, this group was no doubt our last chance. If we had let this chance go, I thought our road to debut would be cut off. But for the younger 3, it looked to me that they had more mental leeway. That gap was really worrying. I especially wonder what was on Micchi’s mind when we just formed. In my eyes, there seemed to be a phase when Micchi did not like Naniwa Danshi. I think he had other ideas of a group and form of debut. But as time passed, he started to say “I love Naniwa Danshi” and that he’s happy that we are these 7 members. I remember feeling very happy and relieved.

So you guys overcame that kind of phase after Naniwa Danshi formed.

But I think we were impatient. After debut, Jo-kun and I had the chance to re-watch Ride on Time. There was a scene where we scolded the younger 3 when we had just formed. Seeing that, I thought “We were impatient during that time”. Even thinking back now, I still think we still should have scolded them but, I also think “Maybe we should’ve let them act freely” and that “We were too serious because of our impatience”.

Sometime after Naniwa Danshi was formed, it seemed as if your expressions loosened.

That might be true. I had always thought “I have to carry everything on my back” and thoughts like “I have to do something” were always so strong. I was plunging forward to make myself the reason and to be the gateway for new people to learn about Naniwa Danshi. But seeing members on TV and with the credit “Naniwa Danshi”, made me realize that “Ah, I’m not the only gateway”. Each member is active on their own on variety shows, dramas, movies, and other media. I should say that it’s then that I felt the essence of being a group.

Essence of a group?

To help and support each other. Everyone having something only they can do and complementing each other is what it means to be a group. Before with Ae Shonen and Naniwa Ouji, I was in the position of being fully reliant on other members. After that, I thought it’s all about fighting solo and stubbornly thought that I had to do something. But after this group was formed, I realized that sharing the burden which I thought I had to carry alone with 7 people is not being weak and that’s what it means to be a group.

I see.

Other than members, it’s really with everyone’s support that I am here now. I just said this but I’m really blessed with the kind people I meet. Ohkura-kun and Yokoyama-kun also really helped us a lot. They really were like saviors to us. Long before Naniwa Danshi formed, Yokoyama-kun has been praising us a lot. He said “Dance, singing and comedy. You guys are at a much higher level from when we were Jrs so no matter how you think of it, it’s such a waste to leave things as it is”. He really encouraged us and worked with people from tv stations and other entertainment personnel for us so, to Kansai Jrs who were in darkness with no vision of the future, he really was our savior.

Right.

I also can forget the words Ohkura-kun said to me. I was told “Seeing Daigo and everyone working hard makes me feel that we also need to work harder. I’m glad to be able to take part with you guys”.

Then, since when were you certain that Naniwa Danshi would debut?

Ever since we formed, I was sure we would debut. But of course there was no certainty that we would until we saw the words “CD Debut” on July 28 at Yokohama Arena.

What actually happened when you saw the words “CD Debut?”

I had flashbacks. All the days I spent as Jr flashed before my eyes.

Immediately after that, you hugged Ryusei-kun, patted his back, and said “[...] worked hard”, right?

I don’t remember that at all (laughs). But after all, more than anyone, I had activities with Ryusei the most. We have been together since Ryusei was 10 years old. There was a short time when we were apart but the one who has always been beside me is Ryusei. Maybe that’s why I said “[...] worked hard” but to add a subject, it’s “We”. (T/N: 頑張る = to work hard/to do one’s best. 頑張った = past tense. Daigo said 頑張ったね which would normally be assumed as “You worked hard” when no subject is specified.) Many things happened to us but we did not give up and worked hard up until this point. I’m happy that I got to debut but above all, I’m happy to debut with Ryusei being in the same group.

Did you get congratulated by many people?

Yes. Parents are a given and many other people too. I got a message from Ninomiya-kun that said “Today’s weather is nice. Make sure to not forget this day”.

What about Nagase-kun?

He gave me a call. He simply said “Congratulations”. We don’t particularly have passionate talk. It would be impossible unless I’m drinking alcohol (laughs).

My strong point is I’m blessed with the kind of people I meet

Message to members please. Starting with Joichiro-kun.

His entertainment career is long. Not just long but he is someone who has seen many sceneries. Even more so that he’s seen his batch mates and juniors debut. I think it’s because he has lots of experience that each of his words have persuasive power. His thought patterns are also similar to mine. We would sometimes think of discussing similar topics at the same timing. I really am depending on him.

Ohashi-kun.

I get energy from being with Hassun. Before debut, we went out eating together a lot and I will never forget that he frequently told me “You can put down more of your weight, okay?” After our debut and coming to Tokyo, there has been less time for us to go out to eat and talk face to face but, I think it’s the result of our bond deepening. The time may have become shorter but instead of surface level discussion, we exchange our honest thoughts and opinions with each other. That once again made me realize that we are adults now.

Nagao-kun.

Kento is the youngest but he’s mature. His ideas are well rooted. At the same time, he doesn’t know to fear from being young. Saying “I want to do something like this!” and “How about a performance like this?” he gives us many opinions and ideas. It helps a lot and also makes me realize different ways to think of things. I remember the day of the audition. I remember talking with Johnny-san about him saying “That kid is cute” “He really is”. At that time, Kento was such a quiet kid that it would be hard to imagine now. And now, he states his opinions firmly. It surprises me and makes me think he really grew after overcoming a lot of situations.

Kyohei-kun.

Kyohei is a kind kid. I have a moody tendency so when I feel “I somehow can't bring up my energy” and I’m just sitting alone in the green room, he would come near me before I realize. He would come near me but does not particularly talk or do anything though. For him, maybe he wasn't thinking of anything and just sat next to me because the seat was empty. But it didn’t happen just once or twice. He is a considerate person so I guess he sensed something and stayed beside me. I’m really happy for his consideration. The group’s comfortable air, or like, the pleasant environment is created by this kid. He’s seen to be cool and a person of few words but he’s just simply shy around strangers. I wonder why but even if there are times to scold him, you would just forgive him. It’s hard to hate him. I think that is Kyohei’s charm.

Michieda-kun.

Micchi is, well, really amazing. He has an overwhelming grace to him. His aura to attract people is outstandingly strong. But in the green room, he doesn’t show that grace at all and is like a little puppy seeking attention towards members. That is more than anything, his charm.

Michieda-kun wondered how you noticed and sent him a message of encouragement when he was tired due to his stage play.

Anyone would notice (laughs). He was obviously worn out. That’s more the reason that makes him amazing. He didn’t whine at all. I’d whine if it were me.

He said he was happy that you called him “Micchi” for the first time when you sent the message.

I don’t remember (laughs). But um, it was like a small challenge, or rather a step forward to shrink the distance between Micchi and I.

Lastly, Ryusei-kun.

Ryusei, to me, is maybe close to what comedian partners are to each other. There are many types of comedians but he’s like my partner of many years. I don’t cling onto him more than needed now, and there are days where we only say “Good morning” to each other but we can basically tell what the other is thinking.

Right after Naniwa Danshi formed, did you notice that Ryusei-kun was troubled with what position he held in the group?

I did think that he was troubled. This sounds weird but I was not worried about him or rather, I believed that he can find his own path. I believed with his potential, he would definitely find it. Because I know about that potential more than anymore else, I have nothing but trust in him. Isn’t he actually amazing too? Collaborating with a make-up brand and producing merch. Only Ryusei can materialize what fans want. It was Ryusei who taught me that a group is completely different from solo fights and it’s about division of tasks.

Naniwa Danshi, really gathered great members.

It really did. I really think the members are great and that we are a great group. I will say this again and again but my strong point is that I’m blessed with the people I meet, that includes staff and related personnel. And above all, I strongly feel that I’m blessed with my members and fans. That’s the one thing I can be proud of myself for.

Syncing pace and strides with 7 members and Nanifam

Right now, do you have any message for Kansai Jrs?

I want to tell them that I think you guys will face walls as you gain more experience but you don’t have to force yourself to take it all in on your own, because I couldn’t do that. If you feel that you can not keep on running, I want you to relax your shoulders, take a deep breath, and look beside you. There are comrades that will lend you a hand. I think that’s all I can say. And then, just do the things you want to, do the things you think are fun while running towards your own envision of an idol. If you don’t forget to have gratitude towards lots of people who will support you, I believe a great scenery and a great world awaits. I said this in the beginning too but if you have the vividness and power that is Kansai Jr’s tradition, which is also the Kansai Jr color I like, everything will be okay.

Then, do you have personal goals?

I want to try holding a late night radio. Until now, I was partly trying to appear tough. The off mode Nishihata that I was only able to show members and family till now, I think it might now be the time to show/bring that out. The gap is insane (laughs). But if it is now, I think it would be nice to show sides of myself that I couldn’t show before. Only on late night radio without video though.

You may just be trying to appear tough but what do you think is the reason why you could work this hard for Kansai Jrs?

There are a lot of reasons but after all, I didn’t want to lose the Kansai Jr community that I love. At first, I was unwillingly there but I think it’s because I came to like being an idol. Idols can become power for someone’s something. All jobs in this world eventually cause someone’s happiness and smile. Within them, we idols are a little unique. What we do directly reaches people and causes them to smile. I believe everyone’s smiles have been our driving force for that day and for right now as well.

Lastly, a message to fans.

11 years counting from Jr, the reason why I am here right now is really thanks to the many fans that have supported me. People who are currently fans and people who used to be fans even for just a short while, all those people brought me and Naniwa Danshi to this point. Even with just one less person, even if one short moment of support lacked, we could not have reached this scenery. I will keep running with gratitude in my heart.

What kind of scenery will Naniwa Danshi show us from now on?

As much new scenery as possible. But as important as the place we reach, it is who we want to see it with. So, I want the 7 of us to walk at our own pace with matching strides. To achieve that, it’s alright to sometimes slow down our speed. And not just the 7 of us but I also want to match the pace and strides with Nanifams as well. To walk altogether and to accumulate the time spent together. I want to treasure that above everything else and move towards new sceneries.

The End.

Translation: @nin248nd & @nishihatas

#shirolations #なにわ男子 #johnny's #naniwa danshi #西畑大吾 #nishihata daigo #10k interview

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