snowmaniaph

[snowmaniaph]

Abe Ryohei - Everlasting

Changes that happened around me

I’m about to enter the recording for the drama “Nice Flight!” (TV Asahi), but I was told to take my temperature even on days without recording. Taking my temperature immediately after waking up has become a daily routine! Memorizing my lines within that time has made me feel that the drama is finally starting. People tend to think that I am good at memorizing lines but because I’m a science person, even if I can roughly remember my lines I forget about the sentence endings and other minute details. Including that work, my lifestyle rhythm will change for a while. I’m really looking forward to it!

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Something that hasn’t changed at all since before

That I drink a lot of milk. Some people got turned off by it, but I drink milk with my meals. I don’t feel weird because it’s the same milk that was provided in the school lunch (when he was a student). It would be good to make your mouth feel fresh! A long time ago, someone told me that I had to drink 600 milliliters of milk to reach the daily calcium level I need, and believed it as the truth. If that’s the case then I thought I needed to drink milk during mealtimes and gain enough calcium (laughs). Of course, I do this when I’m at home but even when I have to stay for a long time in the countryside I always stock on milk and put it in the refrigerator and drink it! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A view or scene that moved you and is still engraved in your heart

As expected, it’s Tokyo Dome during the 8.8 Festival~. I tried thinking of another answer so I don’t give the same answer as the other members but the one that really made a deep impression on me is the scene that day! It’s hard to express the scenery and feelings that time in words but it feels like I was directly hit by the atmosphere where more than 50,000 people were, in a good way or a bad way, “shocked” by the news. I think I won’t be able to experience the mysterious feeling again, so instead of calling it “unforgettable” I’d rather say it’s something I don’t want to forget. The atmosphere at that time was that amazing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Daily conversations between members

Sakuma and Koji made “Kieta SakuKoji”, a parody of “Kieta Hatsukoi” for live MC and I smile whenever I see Sakuma and Koji doing their best to think of a story for the sake of the audience who are looking forward to it. I was surprised when I saw that they were doing it outside the dressing room during “Takizawa Kabuki”. I sometimes see them but besides that, they are mostly doing with zero audiences. It’s already scary (laughs). The other day Koji did kabedon on Sakuma. And then the 2 faced a shocking development (laughs)!

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Recent Talk

I can now play the game I used to play a lot during my early elementary school years on my current game console, and I immediately downloaded the game. Just when I was getting emotional over the graphics being the same as the old game, it become surprisingly hard to clear the game (laughs). Even though I cleared all the stages of the game when I was a child; I am disappointed that I’ve become weak.

Source: Potato

[snowmaniaph]

Sakuma Daisuke - Everlasting

Changes that happened around me

I’ve been into knitted wear since winter last year. I suddenly started thinking they were cute, and bought a lot of knitted clothes like turtlenecks! And that continued on through early summer and even until now. When I see a store selling them I immediately buy them. I bought 5 just recently (laughs)! I bought one white and one brown turtleneck, a loud-colored sweater, a fluffy dark blue knit that really feels good, and a checkered knit. Maybe in preparation for the next season? But every now and then I line them up side by side! The peak of summer hasn’t even come yet but I want the season to quickly become cold!

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Something that hasn’t changed at all since before

This is bad. I just changed all the items around all at once (laughs). I use them for a long time once I start using them, but there are times when I suddenly think “Okay, let’s change this!”. And when I do, I get hooked on the process of changing things. The things I recently replaced are wireless earphones I’ve been using for 6-7 years and my eyeglasses. As for the eyeglasses, I bought 6 pairs all at once! Asei-san from Miki (comedy duo) wears cute eyeglasses, so I asked him where he got them and bought a matching pair of glasses. We said that we should both wear it the next time we appear in “Love It!” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A view or scene that moved you and is still engraved in your heart

My grandfather and grandmother’s house in Kyushu. I get a little nostalgic every time I remember it. I haven’t gone there since I was in elementary which is why I want to go again now that I’m an adult. The stairs are really steep, and falling down has also become a good memory (laughs). And also, Snow Man’s live performances. The penlights shine all at once with the lights bursting. Every opening gets my tension up and makes me go “It’s here! It’s here~!”. I want to raise my voice soon and feel my body tremble with everyone’s cheers. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Daily conversations between members

Fukazawa~, he’s always playing funny man for some reason. He’s always playing the foolish guy so it’s hard having to be the straight guy... (Fukazawa: It’s not like that!!). Wahahaha. Well, conversations like this. We’re always being like this even if it’s just the members without the cameras rolling (laughs). I want to see everyone smiling that’s why I always make the shooting locations enjoyable. I want to be in Snow Man even if I become an old man. I will do a backflip in front of my grandchild. (Fukazawa: You, do you plan on falling in front of your grandchild?) Saying stuff like “Why are you sleeping? Grandpa-!” (laughs). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recent Talk

Today I’m wearing the watch I bought to commemorate my turning twenty. It caught my eye when I incidentally looked at the watch case as I was about to go out of the house. I thought I want to treasure this intuitiveness. It’s cool when I look at it, I can’t help but look at it because it feels good. I want to keep it beautiful and someday give it to my child!

Source: Potato

[snowmaniaph]

Meguro Ren - Everlasting

Changes that happened around me

I tried changing my usual bath salt a little. The usual is, what is it called? The usual packaging is the one with the drawing of a hot spring. And then it was a huge success when I mixed a sulfur-scented bath salt. It really felt like I was in a real hot spring, and I’ve been using it ever since! The blend ratio is about 9 of the main bath salt to 1 of the sulfur-scented one. It’s amazing because if you sniff it as is then it really smells like sulfur, but putting just one drop of it in a bathtub really makes it feel like I’m in a hot spring! I want to recommend this to everyone too.

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 Something that hasn’t changed at all since before

At my core, I am someone who doesn’t have the flexibility to respond to changes. I am not someone who frequently makes changes, and if I have to it's just small ones. If it’s something that especially hasn’t changed then it’s my personality and the way I face my work. For example in music shows, I really think about my expressions when the camera is on me beforehand. I properly make it depending on the song, but there are also times when I do the opposite and do it at the moment. I’m going to receive that valuable scene like that, so I don’t want to forget to be thankful.

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A view or scene that moved you and is still engraved in your heart

The time when I took a shower after hearing confidential information about our debut. I tend to think about the day’s events while slathering on shampoo, but on that day I suddenly recalled all the different emotions I had since I became a Jr. and unconsciously cried. Don’t you normally go to your room when you want to cry or when you feel like you’re about to cry? That’s why I really didn’t plan on crying; it was on impulse.  I can still remember clearly how I felt inside the bathroom, and I think I won’t ever forget that.

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Daily conversations between members

I don’t know if I can say that it’s a conversation but I’m always saved by Sakuma-kun’s liveliness. It’s something I’m grateful for but my eyes become very tired on the final camera flashes during photo shoots. During those times Sakuma-kun would cheerfully talk to those around him; and just hearing that makes me think “Okay, one final push!” and fills me with energy. I think everyone around him probably feels the same. Also, Sakuma-kun interacts with everyone equally; and I think that is also amazing. As expected, the one who handles that well is Fukka-san (Fukazawa).

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Recent Talk

My recent obsession is putting my leg on top of a slightly big cushion that I leave on my bed. It feels nice, and I thought it would be best if I make an incline and let the lactic acid from my legs circulate. But the cushion probably gets out of place from my leg after I sleep for 10 minutes (laughs). My current favorite is a warm, lavender-scented eye mask.

Source: Potato

[snowmaniaph]

Proverbs about living royally with Miyadate Ryota

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Q: I tend to quickly get anxious, get angry, and go around in circles then get disappointed. I want to become an adult like Date-sama who isn’t agitated by anything and can act calmly...

A: When I’m asked “Is there that made you fret or blow your fuse?”, I answer “None” because I think it’s a waste of time. I can’t go back in time to fix what made me anxious, if anything, I’m wasting the time that passes the more I fret. As for when I get angry, it’s definitely when I act without deeply thinking about it and do stuff like say “This is okay like this” and half-heatedly prepare for something.  It’s because I can do something without panicking if I just prepare for it properly. That’s why I want to ask myself once “Am I unconsciously taking it easy?”.

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Q: I like eating delicious food and always fail in my diet... What should I do to have a strong mentality so that I would not lose to temptation?

A: Not just sweets or delicious food but also limited items and popular food, I think there are a lot of tempting food items in the world! That’s why I want you to ask “Do I really want this?” and have a suspicious mind (regarding food). And for that, you would need another self who would remain deeply doubtful (of your cravings). Even I myself have times when I feel like I’ll lose to temptation. When that time comes another me who is stoic and deeply doubtful appears. He is “Date-sama B”.

"Miyadate A: It looks delicious Miyadate B: Is that really delicious, though? Miyadate A: But “bestseller” is written on it Miyadate B: Is that really a bestseller? Do you really want to eat that? Are you really fine that all your hard work until now will become nothing? Miyadate A:  I’ll give up on eating that!!"

I’m always having that conversation inside of me (laughs).  

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Q: I always get nervous when I present at work. It ends with me not being able to show even half of my abilities. Is there a way to overcome my nervousness when I’m in front of people?

A:  I couldn’t even say my name in front of everyone at a birthday party at kindergarten that's why my teacher said my name for me. That was how much of an introverted shy boy I was when I was younger. That’s why I painfully understand the feeling of being nervous (in front of people). But nothing changed when I continued repeating the words “It’s scary” and “I’m anxious”. What’s important is that you put in the effort while heading towards your goal and properly reflect upon that effort every day.  Even if the people around you kindly say “It’s okay!” you wouldn’t be able to think that it’s okay without basis. What gives courage is always thinking “I did this much yesterday” and “I did this today”; and the time and effort you devoted to moving towards your goal.

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Q: I’m worried that I don’t have a personality because I can’t help but blend with my surroundings no matter what kind of situation. Like how Date-sama has established that he is “Sexy, Royal, and Beautiful”, what should I do to find my own personality?

A: In my case, when I consciously spent every day trying to get closer to “what I want to be” it somehow became my trait before I realized it. I think polishing your traits is important but, in the same sense that there are no two people who are the same, I also think that everyone has a trait that they have from the start that they don’t have to try hard to find. I think “blending with your surroundings” is an amazing trait that not everyone has because there are people who find it hard to do. Being able to show your different selves while meeting different people and taking in different atmospheres... Doesn’t that make you a really high-spec person?!!

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Q: I’m not good at communicating with others.  I am so scared of silence that I can’t bear but blab about unnecessary things and end up regretting it. What should I do to be like Date-sama who can break through even silence without being afraid?

A: If you’re not good at talking with your mouth, then become someone who can speak through their eyes. “Your feelings are not only conveyed through your mouth” - once you know this you would stop relying on words. Actually, my eyes are more talkative than my mouth because when our eyes meet I will make sure that I keep looking at the other person until they look away and then I am able to think “Okay, that’s my win!” (laughs).

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Q: I can’t like myself. Without being able to stop thinking “Someone like me...”, I always make myself small and do not say what I think.

A: First I want to send these words: “Who would love me if I can’t love myself?!” I also hated myself before but one day I realized something. That I was born in this world and living this way; that I am here right now is in itself something amazing. It’s already a miracle that I am alive, can walk, and can speak. Once you realize that who you are now is not something “commonplace” but is a “miracle”, does it not make you want to cherish yourself more? It’s also important to properly know yourself. If you properly face yourself without averting your gaze even when you find things you hate about yourself, then you would definitely see not only the bad things but also see the good. Wouldn’t you see how precious you are the more you study yourself?

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Q: What does Date-sama do when he hit the wall (thought) that’s called “I can’t do it no matter even if I work hard”?

 A: Unfortunately I don’t have something “I can’t do”. When I have something I can’t do now, it just means I haven’t reached that level yet. If that’s so then I should try stepping back. For example, if I can’t jump high right now, then instead of training my running I will first practice doing squats. Try seeing what you lack from an observer’s point of view. If you polish squats, the skill before doing high jumps, then even if you take the longer route you can be certain that you can jump higher than before. And just like that, if you work hard and climb each step without skipping the process, the day when you can do what you cannot do right now will surely come. I think that way that’s why I believe that “There’s nothing I can’t do if I work hard”.

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Q: I can’t help but feel brokenhearted and think “I can’t do this anymore” when something unpleasant happens. I quickly give up on my dreams and goals, but I want to fix this trait!

A: If you hurry while walking, you get angry and say “What the hell?!” when you trip a little. All you can see are your flaws and faults. And that is why when my heart is about to break or when I’m about to give up, I stop for a while and confirm what I feel. And if my motivation still doesn’t go up after doing that, I try thinking about it from a different direction (t/n: the word he used was vector). For example, I am able to make the people around me happy even if my dream hasn’t come true. Then, for now, I will make everyone happy while unhurriedly moving toward my dream. Using just your dreams and goals as compasses (t/n:  again, he used the word vector) will make you think “I can’t do it” or “I’m not improving” and make you impatient.  If you look at yourself from various perspectives (t/n: again, he used the word vector), you will see a different good trait that you have now. Sometimes that realization changes to motivation, and it’s alright to walk slowly at your own pace.

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Q: I want to confess my feelings to the person I like but I’m scared and can’t quite do it. Won’t Date-sama please give me the push I need through your words?

A: Before giving you the push you need... “Is it really fine like that?” If you really like that person then you would have already said how you feel before you consulted with me.

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Q: I am not good with complimenting myself. Date-sama, how do you compliment yourself?

A:  I rarely compliment myself. That’s because I would feel satisfied when I get complimented. Whenever I accomplish something I prefer that I give myself a reward, like clothes or bags or shoes, instead of complimenting myself because I can think “I still have more I can do” and “I can do better” if I do that. And then I can think “I can work harder for the next reward!!” and push myself forward.

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Q: I always brood over my error at work and mistakes in interaction with others. How can I get better at mentally switching gears?

A: Imagine someone who crams all their worries and failures in a big bag and walks with that bag for countless hours. They spend countless hours even if that distance can be walked in an hour. That is how you are right now. If you imagine that someone as yourself then you would realize it: “I want to let go of this immediately”.

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Q: I often spend the whole day sluggishly without turning on my engine (t/n: getting motivated). If there is a Date-sama style of “turning on an engine” then I would love to learn about it.

A: The engine will stop someday if you keep on forcing it to turn on. That’s why I don’t forcibly turn on my switch on days I don’t feel motivated. I think it is fine to have a day when you just let your switch stay on the “off” side.

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Q: Between “I’m good at it but I don’t want to do it” and “I’m bad at it but I want to do it”, which does Date-sama prefer?

A: It’s definitely “I’m bad at it but I want to do it”. I can feel the energy of still wanting to do something despite being bad at it, isn’t that very valuable for the heart?

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Q: I am an amateur and bad at cooking. What kind of dish should I start with to be able to be good at cooking like Date-sama?

A: The first time I cooked was when I helped my mother. If you ask me why it was fun for me, it was because I cut the ingredients. More than cooking, being beside my mother the whole time I was cutting the ingredients was memorable to me. That’s why how about starting by cutting ingredients first?

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Q: Ever since I’ve become a corporate person, I’ve been spending the days just going to work and coming home and then going to work again. What should I do to add color to my gray-colored every day?

A: How about adding “Miyadate Ryota” to your life? I think it would be quite fun.

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Q: I’m indecisive. I always overthink when I buy ice cream... If Date-sama decides for me, I will eat that one flavor for the rest of my life!!

A: Wouldn’t it be boring if I decide on one flavor? Then it would be good if you buy a different flavor each time you go for ice cream. That would be 7 flavors in a week and 30 flavors in a month. I think it would make your life more enjoyable if you get to know different flavors.

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Q: I’m indecisive. I always hesitate when I’m at the convenience store so please tell me the best ingredient for onigiri!

A: If it’s onigiri then it’s kombu/ kelp (decisively). I like it. It’s delicious no matter how many times I eat it (laughs).

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Q: I want to be like Date-sama who is overflowing with elegance!

A: When I’m asked “Where does grace dwell?”, I’d answer “a person’s back”.  People hunch their backs when they feel down, and stand straight when they feel confident. It’s exactly because I am in a place where I can express myself that I want to constantly stand straight and be elegant.

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Q: Date-sama is the ideal gentleman that I can’t see anyone else. What should I do?

A: Miyadate Ryota, he really is a sinful man.

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Q: I am very stressed. Please tell me your recommended way to refresh!

A: Soak in the bathtub and then take 3 deep breaths. Please try it. It’s like you’re breathing in a different air and you’d feel your own breathing change.

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Source: More Magazine

[snowmaniaph]

Mukai Koji - Everchanging

Changes that happened around me

I’ve become unable to wake up in the mornings... Rather than saying it’s because I’m busy with work, it’s because I’ve become more lenient on myself. I’ve become someone who hits snooze on their alarm and says “I’ll sleep again”. I really can’t get up lately I even asked my mom to wake me up, but I couldn’t get up today even with my mom being my alarm. I guess the reason is Tsubaki (Taiga) going to the Kis-My-Ft2 tour that’s why he can’t wake me up. Tsubaki not being here might be the reason for all the other changes lately (laughs). I want to go to the sauna with Tsubaki once he gets back. It’s lonely going alone. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Something that hasn’t changed at all since before

That I drink coffee at home every morning. It’s a routine that triggers the start of my day so my day greatly changes depending on whether I do it or not. But I couldn’t do that today because I woke up 20 minutes before I had to go out of the house. The beans I pick out daily, the way I put prepare them, and the ambiance at home are all important that’s why coffee from a shop doesn’t cut it! I might be someone who doesn’t like change much. My tempo gets destroyed when the environment changes and I can’t help but think about why that change happened. I like a stable environment. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A view or scene that moved you and is still engraved in your heart

The starry sky from when I went to escape an island for the show “I am Bouken Shonen” (TBS). I saw it when I casually looked up as I was finally about to sleep after doing my best. There was no light! Not even one lamp. During that time I felt like there was more light above and when I looked up I saw the Milky Way. How should I say it...? I thought there wouldn’t be stars in a place with no person. I didn’t bring my camera and I didn’t have time, that’s why I didn’t even think of wanting to take a picture of the night sky back then. That night sky is especially burned in my memory. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Daily conversations between members

The scenery during meetings. We are overflowing with thoughts of wanting to make something good for our fans to enjoy. I always think “We’re a good group” whenever I look at it from a higher point of view. Sometimes everyone gathers in one room even though we have separate rooms backstage during “Takizawa Kabuki~”. That also brings a smile to my face. Lately, everyone glares at me when I imitate a girl character from an anime (laughs). Drama group gatherings when we have boke battles may also be common scenery for Snow Man. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recent Talk

My mom and dad went to watch “Top Gun: Maverick” and sent me messages like “I was moved”. I deflated when they spoiled me with their reactions (laughs). It’s my favorite movie so I want to see it soon! I like it a lot that why it might be good to first watch it alone, and then watch it with Tsubaki for the 2nd and 3rd time.

Source: Potato

[snowmaniaph]

Watanabe Shota - Everchanging

Changes that happened around me

I feel like I became more easily tired. I started getting sleepy at around 11PM. There was a time when I slept until 3PM because the next day was a day off. This is extreme but it has become usual to for me to spend most of my day off sleeping. Moreover, I don’t think “Oh no!” or “I’ve wasted my precious day off!” when I wake up. I think “Ah- that was a good sleep”, feeling refreshed and without guilt. This might be the biggest change (laughs). I heard that sleep is essential to have stamina so I do have energy!

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Something that hasn’t changed at all since before

That I like snacks. I still eat the snacks provided as refreshments even now (laughs), and I can’t help but reach out my hand when I see them. Rather than say it’s nostalgic, it’s better to say that I’ve been eating it since I was a kid. The instances to eat expensive food and sweets increased when I became an adult but that deliciousness is different from the snacks’ tastiness and charms! My love for snacks hasn’t changed but I’ve become a nasty adult that buys snacks in bulk while a kid is clutching pocket money and frantically calculating which snacks to choose inside the snacks shop (laughs).

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A view or scene that moved you and is still engraved in your heart

No matter what it was when our debut was announced at Tokyo Dome on August 8. Of course, the fans gave us a very beautiful view during our own live performances but that day the audience also had fans from other groups. Aside from a lot of happy “Congratulations!” there were also other reactions and emotions, and I felt that atmosphere. It became an incident where we were able to build the resolve of sorts, that “But we’re going to come to terms with that and still debut”.

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Daily conversations between members

I clean up the garbage that the members leave lying around. I’ve already been doing it for years so there’s the sense that it’s a given that I’ll do it but, to put it into words, I’ve started questioning it like “Why do I have to be the one to do it?” (laughs). It’s not like they asked me to and they might notice (their trash) if I leave it as is, but I can’t bear leaving it alone when it’s in front of my eyes. But maybe they don’t notice their trash because I keep on cleaning it? Then that means it’s better to leave it alone... No, I can’t do that... This is hard!

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Recent Talk

I tried buying a pair of black shorts in preparation for summer. When I got home, there was a slit at the sides that I didn’t notice when I was at the shop. Moreover, my underwear can almost be seen because of the deep slit when I wear the shorts on my waist. The design was too strong (laughs). When I wore it last time, the staff said “That’s sexy".

Source: Potato  

[snowmaniaph]

Miyadate Ryota - Everchanging

Changes that happened around me

I now appear in a lot of different places after being part of a variety show. I was able to bicker with a lot more people after meeting different celebrities and talents. The times when people say to me “I saw OO” have also increased, and the times when conversations start from that statement have also increased. Honestly, I don’t realize the changes that happen to me. Maybe the people around me notice and says “Miyadate, you’ve changed”. I feel like my adaptability supports me even if the environment around me changes.

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Something that hasn’t changed at all since before

Though the things I want might have changed. They made my usual self interesting, which made me aware of my unwavering self. Those really made me think that I’m not on the wrong path. I think the time will come when I definitely have to evolve, so now it feels like I am preparing for that. Even in private, nothing has changed. In my human relationships, my values, and in the clothes I like. Thinking about it, I am a boring person (laughs).

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A view or scene that moved you and is still engraved in your heart

There are a lot~. For example, the year when we inherited Takizawa Kabuki from Takizawa (Hideaki)-kun, the view when the curtains were raised on the first day of Takizawa Kabuki in Minami-za (theater in Kyoto). There were people in the audience who were crying. I was moved that there are people who are very happy that Snow Man became the main. Recently I saw a birthday flashmob on Youtube and cried. The celebrant didn’t know the people part of the mob but they seemed very happy. Seeing the scenery where people share the feeling of happiness and joy and the celebration of another person... really pierces my heart!

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Daily conversations between members

I often see the scene where Raul teases Shota, and Shota says “Ha? You! Stop it!”. Doesn’t Raul feel more accomplished because Shota reacts properly? I watch it while thinking “They’re at it again-“, and “Being teased seems troublesome” (laughs). If you were to draw the 9 members of Snow Man in one picture, then I would be looking at everything from a bird’s eye view. Snow Man doesn’t have a central person, but it is a group where loud laughter can be heard in the center.

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Recent Talk

Whenever I meet Jo (Fujiwara Joichiro) in recordings, I am baffled with having a conversation with just “Love It!”. Like “Love It!” “Love It?” “Love It (laughs)” (laughs). What is the correct way of doing that? We’ve become able to interact with each other after all; I want to have a proper conversation.

Source: Potato

[snowmaniaph]

Fukazawa Tatsuya - Everchanging

Changes that happened around me

It becomes easier to sleep when I turn on the cooler in the room beside my bedroom. I’m sensitive to heat so I already use bedclothes that feel cool to the touch, and I still find it hard to sleep even with that. After thinking “But what will I do when summer peaks if I already turn on the cooler in my bedroom now?”; I used the tactic of turning on the cooler in the room beside mine and setting it on a not-too-cold temperature and then used a fan to direct the cool air into my room. The tactic was a great success. I wake up drenched in sweat when it’s hot. That feels disgusting and also it’s hard to sleep so I would pay a lot of attention to my sleeping condition this summer!

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Something that hasn’t changed at all since before

Isn’t it my stance regarding work? I experienced a lot of new things after debuting and received advice. Personally, there have been a lot of times when I realized things and thought “I should have done this”. Changing that, I guess I have now become more established. I wonder if I can be active in this industry while keeping a grateful heart and maintaining my initial resolve. Even in private, I do have the ability to adapt to changes. I’m good at matching other people! But I don’t really want to change my cellphone. The reason is simple: it’s troublesome (laughs). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A view or scene that moved you and is still engraved in your heart

I don’t want to say something obvious but... as expected, it’s the moment of our debut announcement! It’s at “Johnny’s Jr 8.8 Festival~” in Tokyo Dome. It’s something that I won’t ever see again, and while it’s the best thing that happened there is also that mysterious feeling. I think I won’t be able to forget that sequence of events in my whole life. My colleague Hasshi (Hashimoto Ryosuke) came to the venue to watch. When the trolley was going around in the perimeter after the announcement, Hasshi was shouting “Congratulations-!!” in a loud voice from below the trolley. That will also remain in my heart forever. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Daily conversations between members

Abe-chan sends a picture of his painted face on my birthday. This annual event has been going on for over 10 years. The theme of the painting is what I’m hooked on at that time; for this year it’s a certain Pokemon character. He rarely sends the making video, but he sent it! On the contrary, I haven’t done anything; maybe I should do it around this year? I’m happy about it every year and it feels like “I’ve waited for this!”, but I also think “Maybe Abe-chan can’t find the timing to stop?” (laughs). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recent Talk

I am always quick to decide when I’m shopping but recently I really thought about whether I should buy a bag or not. It’s a sling bag that I could also wear with the clothes I wear for (dance) lessons. I want it but if it’s this size then it can hold other things. I said, “I’ll buy it if they’re still selling the bag the next time I pass by.” I said something wishy-washy for once.

Source: Potato

[snowmaniaph]

Iwamoto Hikaru - Everchanging

Changes that happened around me

I gained muscles in the lower half of my body. I haven’t done my legs until now but I started doing squats after Takizawa Kabuki and have come closer to my ideal. I’m still doing it, I feel like I gained muscles above my knees. I was told “You’re still doing it” but I still have a long way to go! I still have other parts I want to train. I still have things to work on in my upper body. For me to improve first I have to train my lower body so that it can properly be my foundation. It’s fun because it doesn’t end!

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Something that hasn’t changed at all since before

My sense of taste. I’ve always liked chocolates and tapioca, and my love for sweets hasn’t changed in forever. In my mind, tapioca isn’t a trendy item that’s why I can continue drinking it! Even for food, my taste hasn’t changed at all. Even if I come across new delicious food I didn’t know about when I was a kid, as expected, I still like the food that I’ve always liked. This is not only limited to food, the things I like might increase from now on but I think my “like” for the things I’ve liked will never be gone.   

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A view or scene that moved you and is still engraved in your heart

The scenery from when I cleared the 1st stage of the first SASUKE. I don’t think I would forget that in my whole life. I saw comrades who were happy as if it was their own achievement when I pushed the clear button. It felt real that there are people who are happy for me even behind the camera! (Darvish) Kenji-san shouted, “This view, don’t forget it!”. I also answered back “I definitely won’t forget it!” but I couldn’t see the scenery well because there were tears in my eyes. Including that feeling, it became scenery I won’t forget.

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Daily conversations between members

Deciding who would pay for the others’ food and drinks through rock-paper-scissor has become an everyday scene. At first, we talked about it like “Who would pay? How should we decide?”, but now no one says anything and just start the rock-paper-scissors. It saves time so it’s a good thing (laughs). By the way, it’s a good-natured rock-paper-scissors where the winner treats the others. We did this often; we even did it in Shimbashi Theater but I think the one who has the highest winning percentage in that venue is me. Well, I don’t regret it at all because I earned points for a tapioca store. 

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Recent Talk

It’s becoming hot so I want to wear short sleeves, but I’d quickly get tan so I can’t wear them... I spend a lot of time outdoors during my private time for training and biking so I really have to be careful.  It’s somewhat fine if I put on sunscreen but I don’t like putting on sunscreen (laughs).

Source: Potato

[snowmaniaph]

Raul - Everchanging

Changes that happened around me

The system changed; people are now adults at 18 years old (versus the old system where people in Japan are considered an adult when they turn 20 years old). Even though the members and the staff kindly said “Congratulations on being an adult!”, I don’t really feel like it’s real. There are also no changes in me as of now. I want to have adaptability and responsiveness to various changes. I want to properly live as myself even if I suddenly lose my job tomorrow. Conversely, I might like changes in the environment. I also like moving houses. If anything, I seek new stimuli as something that will be good for me.

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Something that hasn’t changed at all since before

Human relationships. I’m very close to specific people. I don’t get along with everyone but it’s not because I’m closing them off. I feel happy when I meet people I think are interesting; that’s why I want to get close to them. Something that hasn’t changed at all since about 3 years ago is my large water intake. The reason is simple: my throat gets thirsty (laughs). I don’t think about continuing to do it that’s why I think, on the contrary, I kept on doing it. I can easily drink 2 liters in 1 day! I drink flavored carbonated drinks for pleasure; I drink water to live.

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A view or scene that moved you and is still engraved in your heart

When they played Moriyama Naotaro-san’s (singer-songwriter) song and Sugawara Koharu-san (dancer, choreographer, and model) performed a dance with 3 dancers on the same show we performed “Brother Beat” on Music Station. We didn’t watch that through a monitor; we saw it live. I think that was this year’s best view. I like the dance video a lot. I watched Sugawara-san’s dances a lot but watching them live is 100 times better! I was able to realize again how good watching performances live is, and I was happy to be able to be in that place.

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Daily conversations between members

Koji-kun and Sakuma-kun imitate anime characters. They do it frequently so I get curious and watch the anime, and when I do I realize that their imitations are totally off the mark. Furthermore, they were imitating a cute girl-type character but their imitations weren’t cute at all. I want them to show self-restraint (laughs). Also, I think my teasing Shoppi (Watanabe) is an everyday scene. I want to tease him because he’s cute. It’s really interesting how Shoppi doesn’t find it bothersome and just says “Oi!” and pretends that he’s angry (laughs).

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Recent Talk

There is also my graduation, so the busy days are continuing. I’m mostly inside the room that’s why I intentionally go out during my breaks to take in the sunlight and refresh! I space out on my veranda when I’m alone, or talk if I’m with Meguro-kun. Unexpectedly, there are a few opportunities for us to be alone together and talk.

Source: Potato

[snowmaniaph]

Watanabe Shota x Miyadate Ryota

"Honestly, I am really dyed in Date-sama’s color... saying this makes me sound like a stalker." - Watanabe Shota

Miyadate: For this time, it seems like there were requests like “I want to see Yurigumi’s talk in Weekly TV Guide once a year” that’s why we have this pairing!

Watanabe: “Once a year”... but you actually want to see us more, right (laughs)?

Miyadate: But I feel like we’re doing it more (laughs).

Watanabe: First, regarding “This is LOVE”, the song I chose for the album; what do you mean that there are some fans who think “They are singing about Yurigumi”?

Watanabe & Miyadate: Ahahaha!

Miyadate: That’s such a terrific idea.

Watanabe: What leads them to think that!? Did they think that because there was a line like “Fate that surpasses coincidence and inevitability”? Well, there is certainly a line like that... that’s such a strained interpretation (laughs). Everyone’s fantasizing too much!

Miyadate: But everyone’s free to think whatever.

Watanabe: Tha- that’s right.

Miyadate: We are here to make everyone fantasize about us.

Watanabe: You’re right. That’s why I will not... it will be weird if I say that I don’t deny it (laughs), but you are free to use that interpretation!

Miyadate: Yes (laughs).

Watanabe: By the way, how are you lately?

Miyadate: I wonder how I am lately.

Watanabe: Aren’t you really active in “Love It!”? I watch the show a lot. There are times when I can’t watch it from the start but my body has been set to wake up at the time the show would be on air; I wake up at that time even during my days off!

Miyadate: Ahaha, thank you very much. On the other hand, what are you doing lately (Watanabe) Shota? We don’t talk about these things so lately he has become someone whose private life is a mystery.

Watanabe: No, look, this is serious but lately I’ve always been feeling sluggish. And then, when I feel like I have to look stylish I look at Date-sama (Miyadate Ryota) because I think he always wears really stylish clothes.  I get influenced by that, ano~... I go to another branch of the store you probably frequent, and I buy something different after hearing about Date-sama’s purchase history from the store personnel.

Miyadate: Ahahaha!

Watanabe: Because you have a really elegant style! You’re always dressed up like a mannequin from head to toe that’s why I’ve always thought “That’s nice~”. But I’ll feel sorry if we’re entirely matching so I try on the clothes that the store personnel tells me “Miyadate-san hasn’t bought this”, and often buy them (laughs). Even the sandals I introduced in the show “Sakurai and Ariyoshi THE Yakai” the other day, I was just copying Ryota, who liked the brand first.

Miyadate: Purchasing history... I knew about it.

Watanabe: Fuhahaha! You knew!? I was thinking it was really about time for me to let you know “I’ve actually been consistently buying clothes” and officially ask for your approval.

Miyadate: No, I already knew (laughs). This is really embarrassing!

Watanabe: No, it’s like this, okay? Of course, in reality, you shouldn’t be showing a person’s purchase history to another person! But on top of the store personnel knew we were members of the same group, they don’t show me a list of what you’ve bought but tell it to me orally “He hasn’t bought these yet”.

Miyadate: But I’ve already said to the shop to not have a record of my purchase history.

Watanabe: ... Really? Then, are we already in an unknown territory?

Miyadate: Un. I mean I already bought everything for this season.

Watanabe: Eh, amazing.

Miyadate: That’s why there’s a possibility that we will have a pair look!

Watanabe: Are you serious. But don’t worry, I only wear those clothes in private. I won’t come to work in them. I also feel sorry that you have to be conscious of it. Eh? Youtube? No, no, I definitely won’t come to a Youtube shoot wearing the same clothes, okay?

Miyadate: You know... we’re already 30 years old?!

Watanabe: Yes, yes. And it’s the part I like about Date-sama after all. I simply think that “As expected, my mood also improves when I’m more stylish.”, and am just imitating a style that I admire without asking the person. Also, if I make the mistake of going to the workplace wearing clothes I copied from you, then the members and the fans would probably make fun of me.

Miyadate: Something like that, everyone would eat that up!

Watanabe: That’s really true (laughs).

Miyadate: Well, anyone has clothes they like. I also have clothes that changed my life.

Watanabe: Oh, ooh something magnificent? But I understand! This person has getups that really make me want to have them myself. Doesn’t everyone have a time when they got curious and thought “Where did this person buy the clothes they’re wearing?”. I am like that.

Miyadate: I also like Shota’s lifestyle. I’m the type to quickly collect stuff I like so the house has quite a number of things but, according to what I heard, Shota doesn’t leave things around in his house, and things are arranged simply. I think that the part of him that gets absorbed in one thing he “likes” is good.

Watanabe: That’s right, I properly declutter. That’s why the clothes I bought to copy Date-sama increased. In exchange, I threw away the clothes I already don’t wear. Honestly, I am really dyed in Date-sama’s color. ... Saying this makes me sound like a stalker.

Miyadate: Ahahahaha!

Watanabe: I might be unable to tell my purchase history in the future, so I’ll be careful (laughs).

[snowmaniaph]

Mukai Koji x Meguro Ren x Raul

Mukai: When the 3 of us look back at 2022, everyone had a lot of individual jobs, right?

Meguro: (Mukai) Koji was also in a drama.

Mukai: Un, we spend time apart but that’s why we can say our thoughts when we meet. I think that’s why we have more conversations than usual. If it’s with Meme (Meguro Ren) then it’s my thoughts about Meme’s drama; if it’s with Rau (Raul) then it’s my thoughts on PariKore. I contact them with their works I watched as a start-off point and then we say our thoughts to each other.

Raul: I can’t help but cry because of Meme’s drama “silent”. He properly cried during the scenes where the person who wrote “silent” wanted him to cry.

Meguro: Fufu.

Raul: 100 points for the way he cried.

Mukai: Ooh~, isn’t that nice?

Raul: I watch it again if there’s something I’m curious about, but my eyes use up a lot of stamina with watching an episode once.

Mukai: Un, I know how you feel!

Raul: That’s why I protect myself when I watch it for the 2nd time (laughs). Like “I see, yes, yes” while watching.

Mukai: It’s like you’re watching the whole thing.

Raul: But I properly cry on the 1st watch. It’s fun. A masterpiece!

Meguro: It’s possible that the people watching the drama are watching it like Raul; they get carried away during their 1st time watching. Me too, we don’t just have 1 take while shooting the drama, the same scene is shot from different angles and I cry every take. I’m always in that state of mind...

Raul: It’s a lot, right?

Meguro: That’s why I feel quite tired.

Raul: I also listen a lot to the song by HigeDan (Official Hige Dandism)-san!

Meguro: I also listen to it.

Raul: You let us listen to it a little!

Meguro: Right.  We were allowed to listen to the song first when it was finished because we already had the worldview of the drama. Since that time, I’ve always thought it was a nice song and will listen to it forever.

Mukai: As for me, I listened to it in an endless loop when I drove for 4 hours the other day!

Raul: I read that the producer-san made a passionate speech for the drama and requested HigeDan-san; I think that the producer-san’s passion is cool, and the artist who responded to that is also cool. There’s also drama in that! HigeDan-san The way HigeDan-san weaves words really doesn’t disappoint! That was Sakura (Sou)-kun’s (Meguro’s character) feelings, right?

Meguro: But when you watch the drama you start thinking that it could be anyone’s song.

Raul: That’s right!

Meguro: That it could be a lot of people’s song is one of HigeDan-san’s amazing points.

Raul: The lyrics where the crystallization of the snow is used as a metaphor are good. The words would probably apply to a lot of people.

Mukai: It also applied to me!

Meguro: Hahaha!

Raul: Meme has always talked about this situation since he joined Snow Man has now become real, I want to say to him that it isn’t an empty dream. As a fellow member, I’m happy for him that his dream came true one by one; and as a friend he is always with, I think he is a good man.

Meguro: Thank you. That makes me happy!

Raul: Koji-kun will definitely appear on TV twice a week, so the times I see him on TV have increased.

Mukai: Thank you.

Raul: We always have this conversation. I think that fans also tell their friends about what they thought about the variety shows and dramas they watched, but there is happiness in being able to tell it directly to the person.

Mukai: That’s right. You can do that if it’s a member.

Raul: You can tell it directly to the person, right?

Meguro: Not only that, but we also see them working hard behind the scenes. For example, we see it when Koji gets sad and says “I couldn’t make them laugh today...” about his variety show work; we can feel “Yosh!” from the bottom of our hearts when he actually makes people laugh in public.

Raul: Rather than say we laughed, we feel moved.

Mukai: I know that feeling.

Meguro: When Raul walked for PariKore too, I was constantly messaging him and asking him about his mental state, everything was just... (while clutching his chest) this also knew it.

Raul: That’s why I can’t help but go “Uwa~, amazing!”!

Meguro: Right, you can’t help it.

Mukai: I know. For this year’s TGC, it’s embarrassing so I went to see it without telling Rau.

Raul: So you went!

Mukai: Yes. And then, he was nervous when I saw him waiting for his turn backstage! But it didn’t show during the show. But I was also watching him backstage. That’s why seeing their works are with the addition of seeing expressions that only members can see.

Raul: That’s right. That could probably be it. These 3 people are together even backstage, and time feels long when we are together.

Mukai: That’s why 2022 also feels like we got closer! The difference is that before it was I and Raul fighting for Meme’s attention, but now it became “Everyone’s Meguro-kun”.

Raul: That’s right!

Meguro: You’ve become an adult (laughs). What’s with “Everyone’s Meguro-kun”?!

Raul: As expected, we want to remain good fans!

Mukai: Right.

Raul: I want to remain a cool fan.

Mukai: I don’t want Meguro-kun to hate me.

Meguro: Isn’t that refusal to cooperate (laughs)?

Raul: Refusal to cooperate isn’t cool!

Mukai: Right. It isn’t cool so I want to properly be a fan of the whole group.

Meguro: Hahaha!

Mukai: It’s why the 3 of us get along well; because we want to be loved.

Meguro: Even though I thought that Koji’s possessive nature is strong (laughs).

Raul: He monopolizes a lot of things even though he is possessive. It’s the most troublesome type.

Mukai: A people pleaser (laughs).

Raul: I mean, you don’t monopolize just one person, but have the “Everything is mine” attitude (laughs).

Meguro: He means that you want a lot of people to come to you when you’re on the defense. But when it’s the opposite, you want to monopolize when it’s time for you to attack (laughs). That’s why both are bad.

Mukai: “Both are bad”, huh (laughs).

Raul and Meguro: Ahahaha!

[snowmaniaph]

Day he wears it, Day she wears it

Date clothes shared with Meguro Ren

“I can wear a matching outfit with the girl I like if she wants me to, and of course, I’m open to sharing clothes too.” Meguro Ren-kun says these sweet words in a straightforward manner and without feeling shy.

Bookstore date x Shared eyeglasses and knitted clothes

“I think a girl who wears the clothes they like with confidence has a completely different aura.”

I am perfectly fine with sharing clothes with a girl. On the contrary, there’s no man who would hate seeing a girl loosely wearing men’s clothes. That would definitely give them “kyun”. My usual fashion is basically simple. I used to wear loud-colored clothes and layered accessories that clinked together. Now that I think about it, I was lame before (laughs). If I don’t then I think I won’t be able to remain confident.  Now I don’t wear a necklace, a ring, and a watch at the same time. I also don’t wear earrings. Even the hole in my ear is closed. That may be why I like women who don’t accessorize much too. When I walk in town, my eyes go to people who are enjoying themselves rather than what kind of fashion they are wearing.  Also, I look at their aura. Someone who isn’t fixated on the trends and rules, but wears the clothes they really like with confidence makes her look stylish in a unique way and imbued with the aura of happiness.

Girl's outfit for the bookstore date:

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Café date x Shared outer shirt

“I’d like for the two of us to decide on the theme of the autumn date coordinate outfit in advance. Even just imagining it is fun!”

At any rate, I want to enjoy the date to the fullest so, first, we’d decide on the date theme together. Even just at that point, won’t it definitely be fun? What I suddenly thought of just now is a “chestnut” coordinate (laughs). We will decide on our outfits while saying stuff like “Don’t these clothes look like chestnuts?”, then we’ll go to a place where it’s pretty and bright red (filled with bright red autumn leaves). And then when she goes to the powder room during our date, I’ll dangle by the tree using my clothes and keep my face expressionless. Of course, it’s with the intention of becoming a chestnut. I wonder what reaction she’ll give when she gets back. I think it would be fair to expect that she won’t ignore me, and I hope she’ll notice that I’m a chestnut. It would be best if we could both enjoy fooling around like that! If we go with the chestnut theme then, naturally, it will be brown-colored clothes. But since I don’t have clothes like that, it might be nice if we could go shopping for clothes together. Like today, I also want to wear a cap. If it’s a beret, then doesn’t it look like a chestnut? Ah, it looks like an acorn (laughs).

Girl's outfit for the cafe date:

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House date x Shared sweater

“I would treat the girl I like completely differently from how I treat my friends. I can’t help but want to do everything for her.”

I used to be a completely outdoor type of person. I ran away and chased people with all my might and always played tag until I was a high school student. But now I practically don’t go out of the house. It’s comfortable and I realized that it (being at home) is unexpectedly fun. Lately, I’ve been raising lots of plants on the veranda, and in the summer I harvested tomatoes and lemons. The time I spend on the veranda is very fulfilling. I bought a coffee maker with a mill so I mix different varieties of coffee beans and make and drink my own blend. I don’t have any hobbies so it might be fun to start one with my girlfriend on our house date. For example, drawing each other’s faces through wood painting. It’s not unlikely for a quarrel to happen depending on the finished product, but my feelings of giving it my all to draw would most likely be conveyed to her. Also, if we’re spending time at home then, it’s just a self-taught method, but I would give her bed massages and dry her hair. I can’t help but want to do everything if it’s for the girl I like.

Girl's outfit for the house date:

[snowmaniaph]

Q: Tell us behind-the-scenes stories from the movie “Osomatsu-san”!

Choromatsu, the character I’m playing, has a fast tempo and is the complete opposite of me. That was the factor that I was most worried about. That’s why I watched the anime a lot of times and prepared for my role. I want everyone to focus on the sense of brotherhood that naturally shows because I’m acting with the members!

Q: What are your memories during the shooting of Snow Man’s calendar?

Everyone played the crane game whenever we had breaks in the amusement park shoot! It was really fun! I want our calendar to be displayed on the shelf at the house’s entrance. So that you can display and spread it open at the entrance in case a visitor comes (laughs).

Q: What is the most memorable happening this year that made you feel joy, anger, grief, and pleasure?

My “joy” is eating crabs and oysters as much as I want during the New Year holidays! Even if the worst comes to happen regarding the oysters, I would still have the next day to recover. I thought “I can only do this now!”. On the other hand, my “grief” is that I got complacent and couldn’t enjoy the feast. As soon as I finished eating I thought will I not be allowed to eat much starting tomorrow... (cries).

[snowmaniaph]

Meguro Ren-kun’s Happy Hospitality

August 2020 and January 2021 has the very popular date project. For the 3rd time, he provides hospitality for a “relaxed home date”. Please enjoy exceptionally happy moments with Meguro-kun.

- Plan -

“If it’s for the important hospitality then I will carefully look over recipe books. And I also want to grind coffee beans (to prepare my kind of hospitality).”

For hospitality and surprises, I’m the type to want to do it rather than be the one it’s done to! The other time too, I gave our member Sakuma (Daisuke)-kun an Osmanthus-scented cream as a present that’s not for his birthday. I like catching a person off-guard. But I’m really bad at making plans... Even if I think of plans beforehand, I reason out that It probably won’t end up happening as planned, and then I’ll panic because I would feel like I’m being chased by time, and then I end up making a really crude plan (laughs). Though I say that, if it’s hospitality for a special person then I’ll think of a lot of things that will make the other person happy.

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- Preparation -

“I can’t help but smile when imagining the other person’s happy face while I’m out buying things.”

When I have a plan, I end up wanting to start preparing right away! I want to be all ready so I’ll list down the things that are better to have on hand early and things that are better to buy right before executing my plan. I feel like my hospitality will go to waste if I don’t prepare well... I want to casually research what the other person likes beforehand. But I am pretty easy to read so even if I want to hide, I think I will be surprisingly found out (laughs). Going out together to buy things would also be nice but I like to buy a lot of things in large amounts so buying stuff will be done individually!

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- Cooking -

“It’s exactly because I don’t have a specialty dish that I will do everything in my ability; from earnestly researching to arranging the dish.”

I started cooking for myself during the self-restraint period; I still don’t have a repertoire so please don’t expect a lot from my cooking for my hospitality (laughs). If it’s something like tamagoyaki then I cook it even without looking at anything! Once I decide on a menu that would make the other person happy, I won’t just wing it on the day itself but I want to make a lot of test dishes and master it by the time I’ll present it to the other person. It’s an activity that brings out my devotion! So that it will be okay even if I fail, I will also have ready-made food on hand as insurance. On the other hand, if I’m going to receive hospitality then I will request “shabu-shabu” without hesitation! Even though it’s something you can do without fear and just by cutting and boiling, it’s a menu item that brings the tension up.

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- Enjoy -

“I want to spend some sweet time frying pancakes together and serving them with a lot of fruits we like.”

Eating something store-bought is also fine, but it would be nice if we could chat while frying pancakes on the prepared hot plate, and enjoy the changes in taste after decorating the pancakes with fruits. Being with someone who likes the same things and has the same feelings, makes even ordinary things fun. The other day, I looked at the stars with King & Prince’s (Hirano) Sho-chan. We both aren’t knowledgeable but we both looked up at the sky with a sense of relief. It’s comfortable to have a relationship with someone who is fine with not talking for 20 minutes! My type is a person who can interact with pure intentions.

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- Special Interview -

“I want to stay in a relationship where we can say compliments to each other without feeling shy, even after being together for a long time”

I put my thoughts into words without having to make elaborate plans. It’s said that Japanese people are not good at giving compliments but when I find something lovely then I want to say my thoughts in a straightforward manner. I also get shy when receiving compliments but I know that the happiness (of receiving a compliment) surpasses that. I think having a relationship where you can naturally say anything without feeling shy is important. I don’t feel like we can stay together for a long time if we just say “right, right”.

Within the group, we members say compliments to each other and talk about anything, and contribute to making solutions. It’s exactly because we are in a pinch that we can deepen our relationship; that the 9 of us can build a bond where we talk to each other without restraint and say things like “Let’s do this!” or “This didn’t work out...” whenever and be what we are now.

People might think that being in a large group is troublesome, but I think that being able to express our true feelings to each other is what makes us grow. When I heard that Snow Man will be doing the live-action adaptation of the movie “Osomatsu-san”, I had worries like “Will we be able to properly make a live-action adaptation?” alongside the feelings of happiness. There was pressure to represent the work’s worldview without destroying it, but we watched the anime a lot of times and each of the members worked hard to prepare for their characters so I think the work was finished well. Choromatsu, the character I’m playing, has a personality that is the complete opposite of mine. I did a lot of practice saying my lines quickly because it’s a role that does a lot of tsukkomi/ quips so the tempo is of the utmost importance. That way, I can follow advice on how to fine-tune it like saying my lines a little slower. The movie is packed with plot twists and scenes that will make you unintentionally laugh. It’s because we are in times like these that I want the viewers to laugh a lot in the theaters and feel happy. I think that increasing the number of times you laugh will definitely bring you happiness.

source: Baila 04/2022

[snowmaniaph]

A Christmas Date with Snow Man’s Meguro Ren!

“I want to spend a Holy Night with this person!”

The imaginary date project in the August 2020 issue received a lot of popularity, so we offer a 2nd installment! This time “If we were to spend Christmas together...”, from decorating the Christmas tree while listening to Christmas songs, and relaxing in the room...  there is a lot to dream about!

Christmas - “Decorate a tree with everyone in the family. It’s one big event in the Meguro household.”

If we’re a couple then we’ll spend it in a romantic way. I admire an adult Christmas date.

Among the events in a year, Christmas is probably within the best 3 and makes me excited. Eating bone-in chicken during Christmas dinner with family is a tradition! When I was in preschool we had a mini-sized Christmas tree; when I entered elementary school they bought a big-sized tree that was taller than my height then and changed the mini-sized one. Once December comes, our family decorates the house and eagerly waits for Christmas. On the morning of the 25th, our presents would be on our bedside, and then we’d go to school in high spirits. There was even an instance when I was overjoyed and prayed “This, won’t I get another present tomorrow if I make a wish to Santa-san again tonight!?” (laughs). I only asked inside my heart so, of course, I didn’t receive any present (laughs). That’s just how much I believed in the existence of Santa.

I’m the type to want to casually prepare what the other person wants so, to a certain degree, I will research for a Christmas present.  So I want to always put out my antenna for things she might want or might be interested in! I don’t want us to shop together (laughs). I probably won’t need to receive a present because I don’t have materialistic wants. Instead of gifting things, receiving stuff like massage coupons would make me happier. Nonetheless, because I’m an adult now, I want to look forward to a Christmas dinner where we can make a toast with champagne.  

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Winter Fashion - Because I get cold easily, this is a season when a long coat is a must-have!

I’m not good with winter... I find it hard to get out of the futon in the morning, and I don’t want to go out of the house when it’s cold! But I like winter fashion because the number of items you can wear increases. My usual style is long coat x turtleneck knit x loose bottoms. I think I probably won’t make big changes to my style even when I have a date. Even though I get cold easily, I just can’t seem to wear a muffler ever since (laughs). I first bought one when I was in middle school but wearing it felt like I was getting strangled so, in the end, I became unable to wear one. For women’s fashion, it would be nice if her style was similar to mine - a simple and beautiful outfit rather than a flashy one.

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I want to try having a natural illumination date - looking at the beautiful stars in the sky

Winter is limited to having house dates! I really like kotatsu ever since so it would be nice to watch movies or play games together while being warm under the kotatsu~. Recently, I bought a mini-kotatsu for one person. I was determined to throw away the sofa I have been using until now and rearranged the space to fit the kotatsu. It wasn’t that cold in November when my kotatsu got delivered but I was so happy that immediately set it up so I could use it. When I did, as expected, I fell asleep under the kotatsu (laughs). If it’s a date then at the end we will slip out from the kotatsu and go on a drive to see the night view and illuminations. I am normally interested in looking at the nightscape so I actually have a few favorite viewing spots. Among those, I want to show her my treasured nightscape viewing spots.

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I cut my hair short in preparation for my role in the special drama “Kyoujou II”

My whole body trembled when I heard that I will be able to act alongside our big senpai, Kimura (Takuya)-san. It’s with thoughts that the chance of being in an amazing set like this might not come again, that I challenged and digested each scene. The feeling of nervousness that comes with thoughts like “How much of my abilities can I bring out?” is connected to the sense of satisfaction! In the set, Kimura-san was always a “teacher”. I think it’s thanks to making that atmosphere that we were able to continue in our roles as students. I say my group name and my name whenever we greet each other on set, and when I came to greet him he kindly said “I already remember you!” and that made me happy.

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It would be nice if the Snow Man members decided on a budget together and had an exchange gift

I haven’t had the chance to spend Christmas with all of the members, but I want to do even just exchange gifts with the members. We have 9 members and I give birthday presents was all I could do (laughs). When it’s close to a member’s birth month, Fukka (Fukazawa Tatsuya)-san makes a group chat without the birthday celebrant. In there we share information about things the celebrant might want as a gift, and it’s a rule in our group to give one present to the celebrating member as a group. But I think it would be nice if we could do something together apart from that (birthday gift giving) for Christmas. Also, please watch Sore Snow Man ni Yarasete Kudasai on the New Year ~!

source: Baila 01/2021

[snowmaniaph]

Spending a day off alone with Snow Man’s Meguro Ren-kun

A special imaginary date with Meguro Ren, who is experiencing a sudden rise in popularity

Ren’s afternoon - Relax Time

“I will absolutely not make use of strategies when I have someone I like. I will directly convey my feelings and approach them in a straightforward manner.”

I’m the type to get completely absorbed in love. I can work harder when I have something to protect!

I only live once so when I meet someone that I think is nice, I want to approach them in such a way that my feelings will be properly conveyed.  I don’t want to use strategies or tactics for someone I like; there’s also no need to hold my feelings back. Of course, I will do my best to make them look at me! I am also confident that I can entertain them (laughs). I’m the type that instinctively moves my body before I think something through. The feelings of “like” will be obvious through my facial expressions and behavior so I think the people around me will definitely notice.

If the person I like notices me after doing my best to make them look at me, then will put in more effort to make them enjoy themselves more. Not just in the beginning, but having a version upgrade because I want them to be happier! It's precisely because it’s a time when I’m busy with work that I want to prioritize the times we can meet and contact each other even if I have to carve out time from my sleeping time.

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Ren’s afternoon - Cooking

“A breakfast full of love. I am healed from the morning, so I will eat this with gratitude.”

Not through telepathy, but I will immediately convey my feelings of love through words that are easy to understand!

My requirements for my girlfriend are 1: being good at cooking; 2: being tolerant; 3: being someone who kindly gives compliments. I started cooking for myself during this self-restraint period and became aware of how hard it is to cook. I’m not used to cooking so my skills are bad, and it’s maybe because I’m bad at it that I’m attracted to women who know how to cook. I definitely won’t eat something indifferently without saying a word, and I also won’t complain about the flavor or doneness. After all, it would be rude to criticize someone who took the trouble to make the preliminary preparations and clean up. I have to thank them first. I want to properly express my love. I think it’s not something to be embarrassed about, and there are a lot of times when the other person won’t understand it unless it is put into words.

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Ren’s afternoon - Date

“As expected, I’m the type to want to lead the date. I want to bring them to the places I like and have fun together.”

I will definitely not be disillusioned by her behavior during the date.

I will bring her to a candy shop for our first date. It’s a place I know well so I’m confident that I can entertain her there (laughs). It would be nice to buy a snack with a winning ticket and get excited about it together. Of course, I will go to a place with her if she requests it, and I will lead her a lot. The reason why I won’t research beforehand is that it seems like it won’t happen according to plan once we both start to enjoy the date (laughs). I definitely want her to wear sneakers because we will likely be active during dates. Rather than discovering a new side of her during the date, becoming closer to her is ideal. I definitely won’t ask her out again if it ends up disappointing.

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Ren’s afternoon - White shirt

“I’ll listen to all her complaints. I want to lend her an ear, and I also want to know the changes in her feelings.”

I will also welcome her into my territory.

I usually take about 5 minutes to get dressed in the morning! I won’t change that during the day of the date, and just choose my outfit based on what I want to wear. I won’t wake up earlier either; on the contrary, I have strong feelings that “I won’t be able to entertain her for the whole day!” if I don’t get a lot of sleep (laughs).

As for the frequency of contact, I want us to mail each other a lot. I will probably send a message like “What are you doing?” if I get curious, I also won’t let you wait for too long for my reply. It won’t be good to go into too much detail, but I don’t mind letting you into my territory! If anything, I want to introduce her to my good friends at an early stage. I’m the type to keep things to myself and not ask others for advice about my worries, but I probably would talk to the person I like about a lot of things. I don’t want to spend our time together feeling down, so I will do my best even if I have to be obstinate.

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Tell Us, Meguro-kun Q&A

Q1 - What do you like doing at home?

I am greatly healed by the time I spend playing with my beloved dog!

Playing with my dog at home has become my healing time. Also, lately, I’ve been studying the Chinese language. I can’t concentrate for a long time so it’s really only for about 20 minutes... (laughs). But I think being able to continue diligently is what counts!

Q2 - Do you have a preferred style for loungewear?

T-shirts and a tracksuit. It’s very normal (laughs).

Loungewear is like what I wear for lessons; I spend my days in comfortable clothes. I’ve become able to wear pajama that has buttons in front when it’s time for me to go to sleep.

Q3 - Do you wake up well?

I wake up really really bad... In the first place, I haven’t woken up in one try.

I set a lot of alarms 1 hour before I have to go out and I keep hitting snooze and falling back to sleep... I don’t set alarms on my days off, and there was even a time when it was already evening by the time I realized it... (laughs).

Q4 - What is the frequency of contact between you and the members?

I contact our youngest, Raul, every day.

This morning too, I received a message saying “Do your best at BAILA shooting today!” from Raul. We keep having childish conversations and sending silly pictures! I also generally know the timing of when a message is coming.

source: Baila 08/2020