[2012-07] Wink Up Vol. 145

Lately Alice Nine had a lot of “natural” photoshoots but the theme of the photoshoot for the 10th part of the series is the natural coolness of the band members. In the interview we had a heated discussion on the topic: “My real self”.

How much does Alice Nine’s Shou who stands on stage have in common with the real you?

Probably about 10%. I'm a human so of course there are days when I'm not in the mood. But it’s no good if I show myself like that. That would make no sense so rather than that when I stand on stage I feel it’s more natural to become the Shou of Alice Nine. When the people who find the time to come and see Alice Nine concerts become just a little more cheerful and it gives them the strength to do their best the next day it makes me want to express my gratefulness as much as I can. I guess that’s why I want to be Alice Nine’s Shou.

It’s not like it’s an adjusted version of you.

Right. Adjusting yourself is a different thing. I genuinely enjoy it and my smile is genuine. When I try to become the Shou of Alice Nine than stands on the stage I don’t think I’m being dishonest. I also don’t try to act. When I hear the voices of people in the audience I realize how much I am loved. I think when people feel loved they want to return that feeling. If you put it that way I remain myself.

The part of you that you can only show to the person you like.

I think to a person I like I am an uchibenkei.*I hate a relationship where you get too comfortable with each other so with a person I like I prefer to date while keeping a distance. I want a relationship where you can understand each other but also take care of each other properly. People think I am spoiled but it’s not true. Though many seem to think that I’m nice or that I’m pretentious. (laugh)

You’re nice but you’re not pretentious. You like good things so when good things happen, you get genuinely delighted.

Shou: Yes, that is true. (laugh) Back in the day, when I would say “This part of myself I don’t like" people would always answer with “there’s a lot of people who say one thing about themselves but in reality it’s the opposite" and I’d be all…"Oh…is…is that so…"

The part of you that you can only show to your friends.

I grew up in an all-boys school so I prefer being among men. That’s why being in a band really suits me. I don’t need to be self-conscious. I still don’t understand woman’s psychology. (laugh) But I really like it when people are able to connect so I’m happy to create such an opportunity. To become a kind of lubricating oil.

*内弁慶 - someone haughty and boastful at home but meek and reserved outside

Creditos: languid-trans/swoon21