I'll translate any articles I find of his. My source would be all Chinese forums and blogs across the internet. Some have dates and some don't. Again, I would not be able to translate names and places accurately.

All those who turn 20 within the year appear at the ceremony with a chosen senpai who is usually at least 30.

1999:
Nagase Tomoya (TOKIO)
Morita Go (V6)
Domoto Koichi (Kinki Kids)

2000:
Miyake Ken (V6)
Domoto Tsuyoshi (Kinki Kids)

2001:

Ohno Satoshi (Arashi)
Okada Junichi (V6)
Attending Senpai: Joshima Shigeru (TOKIO)

2002:
Sakurai Sho (Arashi)
Hideaki Takizawa (Takki & Tsubasa)
Imai Tsubasa (Takki & Tsubasa)
Attending Senpai: Sakamoto Masayuki (V6)

2003:

Aiba Masaki (Arashi)
Attending Senpai: Yamaguchi Tatsuya (TOKIO)

2004:
Ninomiya Kazunari (Arashi)
Matsumoto Jun (Arashi)
Attending Senpai: Nagano Hiroshi (V6)

OMG, I'm sorry to keep you girls hanging. I haven't had time to gather his translated articles yet. But here is one small blurb.

In a Female Public Opinion 妇人公论 magazine of 90 years of publication history, Koichi was interviewed this month and in this interview, he said,

「女の人ってけっこう梦见るところがあるでしょう。
“ボ-イ·ズラブに萌え～”みたいなのが好きな女の子もいるので、
仆と刚の关系も、そんなふうに思いたいらしい（笑）」

Girls like to dream quite a lot. Like for example, Boy's Love (gay love), there are many girls who like it. They seem to hope that the relationship between I and Tsuyoshi is that type. (laughs)

:laughing1: :laughing2: :laughing1: :laughing2: :clap3: :clap3: :clap3: :clap3: :clap3:

OMG....I can't stop laughing!!! He actually said it.... :laughing5: :laughing5: :laughing5:

OMG!!! I think Koichi would have a heart attack if he came across our story! OMG!!! I'd love to see the look on his face! :lol: :lol: :lol:

He's smart, very smart!! So how does he know girls dream of this? Are we that obvious! :laughing1: :laughing1: Or does he do a lot of reading?

Wink Up September 2006

To the readers:

The concert has been decided. Please look forward to it. It has been a long time since I have been to other places. Even as Kinki, we have only stayed around Osaka and Tokyo for activities. With this in mind, I look forward to having people from all over to come watch.

Koichi

If you have to use a color to describe yourself now, what color would you use?
K: Transparent. Light could pass through it. Just like that.

Sigh…there is something very deep about Koichi that doesn’t show on the surface. People may think he is just a pretty boy but he actually has a lot of depth in his thinking and you could see it only when he wants to show it. I was rewatching the 2003 Johnny’s Power clip and he really doesn’t like being a program host I think. But he would do it because it is his job. Koichi is actually happiest being on his own designing things, creating structure out of nothing. He is actually a very intelligent person. Perhaps not witty but extremely creative and visually effective person.


Q1 What is the Natsu moyo of Koichi like?

K: Because I like cold air, so I think it would be most suitable to have an air conditioned room. Ah…it’s really nice and cool. It would be nice to pass it like that. If it were like that, then others would easily say, “It’s not healthy.” But, to always sunbathe under ultra violet rays is not very healthy. So in that case, to not change the normal ways, then passing it this way is perfectly healthy. I’m lucky I didn’t get a cold at all. (laughs)

Q2 What has caused you a sudden heart attack?

K: In F1, falling into the trap of Ross Brawn, that instant, success. It’s too good! It’s like a heart attack. The other is the year before when (something about a speedometer) being fixed onto a single frame structure…that moment, it was like a heart attack…because it is not common terms, if you don’t understand, please go look it up yourself. (laughs) (hahaha… Koichi has tired of explaining to female fans but the male fans would understand him right away.)

Q3 What words move you?

K: In the past, Suzuki Aguri said at the tournament stand for the first three winners. At that moment, Sato Nakajima said, “You got here before me.” This sentence really moved me. At that moment what Sato Nakajima felt, only he would know but to be able to say that with a smile, this alone I feel has a very manly feel to him. (Koichi is talking about F1 drivers one winning over the other.)

More to come

Exclusive: Please do not repost this translation outside of this forum.

Q4 What moment turns very romantic?

K: While watching CS channel about the force of air type of lecuture. I feel that this is very romantic. (laughs) For me, this is very very romantic. It’s considering how to use the world’s air to speed things up. Isn’t it romantic? Compared to being alone with a girl or so on, it’s totally more romantic. (laughs)

(You crack me up, Koichi. :lol: :lol: You can’t do without a girl in the long run, but I agree though. Knowledge is intoxicating and sweet. Have a good ride until your kids come around.)

Q5 For Koichi, Greenland is… (not sure if it meant Greenland, or a place somewhere imaginary representing ideals, or just a place somewhere)

K: No matter what, it is not purely my own home.

Q6 If you become a traveler, where would you go?

K: I want to see the Silverstone circuits. That is the origin of F1 races. That’s right. The first race was at Silverstone. The racecourse is high speed, “Ah, this, it’s this!” And to be able to enjoy the experience of speed. Monaco and so on, even though you could not experience the joy of speed, but to be able to go there once is good to. That type of atmosphere.

Q7 Something that you would bring no matter when and where

K: I’m the type who wouldn’t bring anything when I go out. Ah…but there is one person who would come no matter when or where. That’s my manager. (laughs) He already said he didn’t have to come but no matter when or where, he would still come tagging along. (laughs)

Haha…poor Koichi…no privacy?


Exclusive: Please do not repost this translation outside of this forum.

Ahh, yes I agree. I don't think enough people appreciate Koichi like they should. It's my opinion only but not many look beyond his looks. It's a shame too.

:clap2: More talk about F1! He's persistent. I like that.

Well, you know, he does have a point about air being romantic. Or maybe I'm thinking more passionate I guess. But I can understand what he's saying...I think. :rolleyes: But he prefers that to being alone with a girl....haha!! Wait until he meets me!! :lol: :lol:

Thank you Kimurafan! Looking forward to more!

Last part of Wink Up Magazine September 2006
Koichi On Natsumoyo

This time we have not come across this song but I think Natsumoyo is a very good song. But the song is very difficult to sing. Just the chorus alone, it’s very difficult to remember. The main melody is very difficult. Generally, KENJI HAYASHIDA’s songs are rather complicated because they are very unique. The first feel is it doesn’t feel like Kenji’s Hayashida’s style. Then you would still say, “Oh, it’s now at the special portions of Kenji’s style.” For example at the climax part, in the fifth phrase. You could feel his style in small portions. I know it’s difficult to understand. (smiles)

When I was in my teens, I listen to his songs already and so because I’m used to it, I don’t feel I have been betrayed. Still, it is good to listen to. But when it comes to singing, it was very difficult. This is the specialty of Kenji’s melodies. Very good song. Lyrics wise, it allows the grown ups to remember the summers of the past. I think it’s this type of a song.

The other three songs were chosen from many songs. We were also involved in selecting them. “星のロマンティカ /Romantic Stars”, first, from the title, doesn’t it sound funny? (laughs) for instance, セ二ョリータ、アミーゴ、フｱンタステイポ and so on. Our recording company likes that type of stuff. So, that is also the key. (laughs). And besides this song is very easy to understand and very close to people. Those who listen to it , wouldn’t they remember it easily? Singing Romantic Stars, the difficult part is the chorus. The pitch is very high ad feel that my throat is ready to bleed. (laughs).

Noasis has synthesizer and rock style combined. Even though the melody has a strange turn, (laughs) remembering it all is a bit difficult. For instance in A melody, I would say, “AH? What is this?” part. For instance, 君がそこに待つでいるのに, this line. Because my ear is used to singing it plaingly, even though it has no relationship. Noasis – doesn’t it sound like a car name? (laughs) like a light truck would use such a name. (laughs) Even though it is made of No Asis, but the workers said, The real name is Noasis”. (laughs)

いつでもどこへでも was made during H album and because we had to consider the balance with other songs and so did not use it. Now it’s finally here. Really good.



Exlcusive: Please do not repost this translation outside of this forum.

So basically this song is very difficult for them too. :o

SMGO September 18, 2006

Hi everyone. This is not....(someone). I'm Koichi.
At the moment I'm in Fukuoka's hotel writing this entry.
It's now 2.46 am. The solo concert has started in Nagoya. Even though it's a routine course of events, but there are many things I have to pay attention to in the actual performance. Of course for me, I would do my best to perform.

The staff finishes on the first day and already started making adjustments for the second show in many aspects. It seems that they finish at around 8 am.

Nagoya's performers and staff all are very united and work hard to this moment, how do you feel?

And because Fukuoka is affected by the typhoon, yesterday we hurriedly had to make changes. As to whether the show would go on would depend on the situation on the day.

The alert from the phone to my ears is terminated...

For this, with regret, I apologize to all those who had been looking forward to this. But because I don't want to waste time so including the venue, whatever could be improved would be amended.

I want to achieve the present state as I describe. If I write it this way, everyone at Nagoya might be mistaken but I definitely could not allow a less than perfect situation to open a show. And so as I said before, at that moment I had already did my very best. The amendments would last till the end.

As I talk about tomorrow, it is actually already here (today). Looking forward to meet with you all in Fukuoka.

Dsipel this melancholy!

Exclusive: Please do not repost this translation outside of this forum.

SMGO!!! :happyjoy: :happyjoy: :clap2: :clap2:

Thank you for translating!

Poor Koichi! What a shakey way to start his solo concert. I hope the remaining dates go smoothly for him.

thanx for the translation kimura, aah.. poor koichi..
recently i watched JSD 98 and i saw "small kocchan" so cute.. :D

i absolutely agree with this.. i think i can read that thru his eyes

Date FM E-Planets September 20, 2006

So, September is almost over. Have everyone been paying attention to themselves not to get colds?

I am Koichi Domoto. During flu season I get colds and I don't usually think about how to prevent them. Because on the stage I am most afraid of having colds or injuries. So I would pay attention when I cough. Even though at those times when I have a cold and I feel that it wouldn't work, I have to rely on medicine to cure myself.

But very incredible, talking about this, on the stage or during performances, as long as I am standing on stage, the fever would go down. Could it be I am sweating? I suppose it is because of the energy from the audience that come. Yee...I get cured that way. This situation happens very frequently.

Perhaps you might not have noticed, but when dancing or soemthing, on the stage while daning like this, how should I say it, when I am slightly turning around, the mucus coming out is very frequetn. But those who come to watch the performance might think that it is just sweat flying off. Yee...these things, perhaps it would come across.

In October, my concerts will be held in Miyagi. Everyone at Miyagi please look forward to it. But as for the situation of the concert, I would like to save it for next week before I introduce it.

Anyway, today's song will be Addicted from the Mirror album. Normally I compose with a guitar but this song I didn't use a guitar but the computer. But if I have to talk about it, this song is a strange song. Even though it's a song that causes headaches, it is already with that type of a melody. If everyone could enjoy that type of thing, it would be great. It is how I thought when I compose this song. It's a song that I put everything that I thought of into it type of song.

Then let's part with this song Addicted. I am Koichi Domoto. See you next week.

Exclusive: Please do not repost this translation outside of this forum.

I think in general, artists need the energy from the audience to feel happy.

I love these translations! I love how he wants us to know how he feels onstage and in general and its so sweet how he's concerned that we dont get colds!!!*sigh*

wow, another sugooi translation, thanx kimu-fan

LOL, the mucus-pretending-to-be-sweat part was hilarious! Baka kochan, how can he say that when he's an idol here? hahaha. But that's what I love about him, so innocently baka. Thanks kimuranfan for the excellent translation!

Just curious, is he going to be on this radio show on a permanent basis? Why did he say "see you next week"? I thought it was going to be a once off thing where he will be on it to promote his album and that's it?

Please pardon my ignorance here. But if there is more, keep the translations coming in, kimurafan! thanks thanks. ;)

Yeah, I thought it was a one off promotion too. Perhaps it might be regular. Anyway, I'll keep my eye open for everything now that I know you girls like these translations.

Alright, I found the chinese translations of this by chance and remembered that kimurafan mentioned that she would very much like to know what the article was about. Hence after reading, I realised its an interesting article to share and thus I did. Nevermind the fact that it almost killed me. I spent 4 hours on it, LOL, I'm such a loser. hahaha.

This is only the first part of it, if you girls still want to read the rest, let me know, then I'll finish it up since I'm not sure whether it will be your cup of tea. Bear in mind Koichi talks about his music and concert in this article, it can be quite heavy.

Well then, enjoy! ;)



***


Female Public Opinion September 2006 – Interview of Domoto Koichi PART I

It is impossible to imagine the Domoto Koichi san whom did this interview was the same fellow who stands on the ever glamorous stage. He himself also stated apologetically that “I’m a very shy person.”

“It’s difficult to express (this/myself) clearly using words.”

“How should I put it……?”

The interview that follows, let us feel his unwillingness to give slip-shod answers, his sincerity, and the Domoto san whom sometimes stutter a little.

***

Being rather stubborn when it comes to song recording tasks

I am 27 this year. As my age increases, my workload adds on one by one as well. As a result, my responsibility towards my work becomes heavier and heavier. It’s different from the time when I was 10 odd years old. When I was younger, it was ok to fail, but at this age, it is difficult to redo everything again once you fail. Even if my solo concert in September and October is very successful, I can’t say “I’ll do it again the next time”.

All along, I have the passion for composing (music). I won’t feel good if I don’t finish it completely. For instance like composing music, shooting PV and starring in stage plays, these are all the things I won’t delegate to others. I’ll insist on making the best out of even the smallest parts. My first solo album “mirror” has included tracks that are all composed by me. I spent a year on them.

I feel that “music” is something that develops naturally inside one’s body and not conceived forcefully. Therefore, there is no timetable for this album. It is under no pressure where songs are completed one by one. In terms of solo, I can pursue how I want to express myself better. I think this album also reflects the current me.

I started composing music when I was 16 or 17. Because I first started knowing nothing at all, I had to play the harmony which I remembered first and at the same time discovered that “hey, I can get the melody out this way?!” Because I had no knowledge, “I won’t know the feeling of fear”, therefore the songs developed without me realizing so.
I said to Yoshida Tatsuro san whom was co-hosting Love Love aishiteru with us then that “you always inter-change your harmony like this ne,” this made me feel very impressive towards him. He told me then to “do it this way”or “You can try doing it this way the next time”. Therefore I started composing music knowing what I am doing.

I realized that a melody can affect one’s feeling. No matter how it affects, it is different for everyone. But for the sake of composing a song that can affect the emotions of people, I kept on working very hard. From the birth of the melody to last stage of recording, there is no standard right or wrong answers to this process. As such it becomes very important to choose a method from all the countless choices. Even though it is rather hard work, but it is also because of this, it makes one feels interesting about it.

About the arrangement of the melody, the direction of the lyrics….and so on, I discuss with the staff and proceed along the way. Despite all that, I don’t want to give in, even though those are details that won’t make any difference under normal circumstances, I’ll still insist. I’ll listen to it countless times, keep on repeating to compare, then determine which one is better….. “I feel that this is better”, “Then we shall re-record it again!” the steps repeat again and again.

I think this is totally the world of a *宅男 (laughs). Therefore, time would always not be enough no matter how much is given. Once the recording starts, I’ll most probably work until the morning. The shooting of PVs are the same, for instance in terms of the angle to shoot, I’ll raise suggestions as well. Such as “I hope there are more close-ups” or “This scene must also be shot”. I’ll keep on insisting until I’m satisfied with the results.

*(Sorry, I really don’t know what this means. I tried using Babelfish to translate but because I don’t know if it’s in Japanese or Chinese, I can’t determine the correct meaning. I got a hunch its Japanese though, it means “house man” wth? LOL.)!

I did a Solo concert once back in 2004. This is the second time. Because our jimusho (agency) does not have concert planning specialists, we had to do everything by ourselves since young. I started doing all this when I was 15, before I debuted. This applies regardless of which group you’re in.

Regarding the number of times the songs are listened to, I think we were the ones who listened the most number of times. On the other side of the coin, I will not be able to understand the feelings of these people (concert planning specialists) when they’re producing a concert. I cannot help but think that “how are people like them whom don’t understand my songs more than me going to ponder about the design of my concert?”

To just simply arrange the song transitions, follow the arrangement and finish it, “Alright! Its over!” A concert like this may not be too bad, but I’ll feel very irritated when I watch this kind of concerts. I’ll be thinking “Hurry up and go on to the song then.” I don’t wish my own concert to feel like that. (I want) from the moment everybody enters the hall, the so called “Domoto Koichi’s concert” world will start to permeate the surrounding. I want to create the feeling as if you are in the twilight zone until its time to leave.

Although music is something we can’t see with our eyes, we can resort to using dances or the lights on the stage to enable everyone to “see” music. The concert that’s starts this month as compared to the previous one is totally different. But one thing similar is that I don’t only want to create an aurally satisfiable performance, but also a concert that can also satisfy the audience visually.

Nice nice nice. I like it! Pls translate more when you are up to it.

So he actually could feel the songs in him since a young age. Wow. I always wondered how much he is musically compared to Tsuyoshi in composition process.

He is so meticulous about stage and the flow of the concert :love4: :love4:

So the next bit is about him talking about what the girls think of him? :D :D :D

Thank you, Celine!

wow this is great! I LOVE how much he cares abut how the audience feels about being at the concert! its so great that he doest view entertaining ppl as another day another dollar way that most musicians over here think

no KOichi I have not LOL I can just hear Koichi giving me a stern lecture cos I now have a cold!!

Ray Magazine November 2006

This album Mirror is almost without restraints. A very relaxed atmosphere, one by one, and with a personal creative mode, using sounds to represent my original self.

During compositions, all that I thought along, the melody itself could move the feelings of others. That’s what I thought. Like the songs, I compose, and the lyrics, I let others do it. It is easier for the listerners to shift the focus to the songs and review.

That is also a challenge for myself. How does the music overlap with feelings? With different people, how would this song be reflected. And how would it reflect me? Would mirror succeed? Through this album to understand, but all is very dark. For the moment, if I have to say that the songs represent some of myself, the feeling is my personality. (laughs) My present state, what I keep inside my heart, is that really me? ….But I believe that it does not have the single album’s clear fast quality in songs, because I do not have a happy cute personality.

As for the overall songs uniqueness, I suppose it is a lot of sound overlapping together and so the song is created. I basically have a free day and I would write a song. If I feel that it doesn’t work, I would stop there. If I feel that it’s not right, then I throw it away. Writing that way, did I reflect my true self?

He who does not classify the type of music he likes, he likes many types of songs. From this you could tell his approach as a professional musician. Then what is the joy of his making music. Music could be expressed innocently from his heart – that’s one method of expressing it. Some people would receive the message through the lyrics and be touched. But I am not the type who could accept only a single way to receive the message.

I think that if I could use music to reach into the heart of the others that would be so good. I too am the type who could be moved in a way. For example = I like this song with this tonality. Before I accepted the guitar, songs indeed gives me that type of feeling. A certain part of a person’s memories gets awakened….I really hope that this type of things I could do it too. Of course, the lyrics are also very important elements. I have to base my way of singing on the contents of the lyrics.

But sometimes there is such a situation. For instance, when listening to western music, inside my heart some impression would swell. But after I read the lyrics, it’s totally different feeling. But isn’t it great that you could enjoy both the lyrics and songs…..there are times when I couldn’t catch that feeling. “Even though I don’t understand much, but I still like it very much” that sort. Focusing on that point, I want to let people feel a bit different every time they listen to it, every detail and so could lead them to say, “Eh?” response.
Exclusive: Please do not repost this translation outside of this forum.

agreeing with koi here

music and lyrics do give different feeling

when I heard +Million but -Love for the first time w/out understanding the lyrics it sounds like a nice melody and give you this feel good feeling

but when I heard the song and understand the lyric it makes me mellow and sad

such difference

Wah, it's been 20 days since I last translated a Koichi article. :lol: Here's today's make up. I'll do two! :love4: :love4: :love4:

This is a 1994 article where Megumi the elder sister was talking to her brother Koichi.



Koichi’s sister is 3 years older than her and at that time she was in high school third year. Her goal was to enter college and was working hard.

Megumi: Kochan, did you receive the CD that I sent you? Do you like it?
K: thank you, but that it’s not totally new. It’s a very old piece.
M: Sorry. I thought it was newly released. Wasn’t KENJI HAYASHIDA san is from an earlier time? (Kenji Hayashida is a composer and recently composed the Natsu song for Kinki Kids.)
K: Yee..it doesn’t matter. His pronunciation is very strange. Is he from other areas?
M: Is it not the same as the Tokyo Domoto?
K: Yes yes. Kansai’s Do in Domoto is heavier in accent, but in Tokyo it’s the same.

M: How are the friends in Tokyo?
K: Eh…how should I say it. A bit scary. But finally I am able to get used to it. Ma….it doesn’t matter. Sister you haven’t changed much. Still round.
M: Here you go again! So impolite. It’s always this. I know, I know.
K: I would say, “Go lose some weight”.
M: Then I would say in reverse, “Go put on some weight”. Kochan sometime call me a little fatty but when you are in a good mood, you would call me “elder sister.”
K: No such things. Don’t I always call you, “Oi..you there?” But even though I haven’t said it still, I actually hate being called Kochan.
M: You want others to call you King Koichi? You are so thick skinned. Ma…You sister is so gentle. I ‘ll try my best. (laugh)
K: Yes you are gentle but sometimes you make others feel bad. I wouldn’t comment on the person but living together, it’s very troublesome.
M: You are too much. When sister has some fruits like strawberries, I always give you more.
K: That is to help sister lose weight. Don’t you know that?
M: Rascal. I have always been patient. At 4 years old, my bike was taken away by 1 year old Kochan.

K: Yes yes. At one, I already ride a bike. I never suffered on the bike.
M: Kochan’s sports nerve is very cool. You could ride while carrying things. When you were young, you always find your own fun.
K: Was I very naughty when young?
M: Just like a monkey (laugh). Besides, you have a sunny disposition. Do you have much worries now?
K: No such things. It’s very normal.
M: Ma…nothing? But Kochan, when you were not happy, you could not throw a tantrum at others, and yet you couldn’t keep it all inside. Whenever you are unhappy, it could be seen at tonce.
K: Now I don’t throw tantrums anymore. And sister? Have you lost a bit of weight? This is not bad. Yee…this type of answer is not bad.

Exclusive: Please do not repost this translation outside of this forum.

It is so good to be able to read how they relate to each other. I could see Koichi's independence and stamina to tough it out himself already from this brief artcle, plus his very reserved state when it comes to feelings. Sigh!!! I like him more the more I know him through these articles, as to how strong a person he is. :love7: :love7: :love7:

日經 エンタテイメソト　October 2006

This is a very important article I believe for Kinki Kids fans to read because it tells of his pressure as a solo and KK artist.

Why did you produce this album and even have a concert tour?
Two years ago I held a concert tour and actually the company asked me if I wanted to hold another one. Because the content of the concert 2 years ago is a mixture of my total work, I felt that if I could not produce something that is totally different, I didn’t want to hold a concert. If I had to hold a tour, I suppose I could still do it but I didn’t know what I could perform, and I didn’t know what I hold the concert tours for. But if there are new songs, I would think I want to hold another solo tour. So from last year onwards, I spent a whole year to prepare for this album.

In case there wasn’t any solo songs, would you not consider using Kinki Kids songs?
I feel that Kinki songs should be performed at Kinki times. If at solos I used them it would….(laugh). Two years ago, even though I had sang a few Kinki songs, that was in consideration of the fans that they would be happy when they hear them. But as for me, Kinki songs are extra. If I sing a whole bunch of Kinki songs, then it would be more appropriate when both of us are together.

So when you are with Kinki Kids, you could not express what is burning in your heart and so you showed it all in this album?
For me, there is no such thinking as Kinki is Kinki, Solo is solo type of delineated territory. The only difference is that when working on Kinki, the sense of balance has to be grappled with. Because we both have composing abilities, if there is only the space of Kinki, it would invariably kill off the inspiration of personal thinking, don’t you think? That would be a pity. So that’s why I release this part of me in solo activities. This solo album is all composed by me and it directly expresses what is born inside me. That is the main subject of this album.

This album has many styles like Last Quarter and the Remembrance of Rain both give a very sorrowful impression.
More or less it’s because I don’t purposely make happy tunes? My songs in general is naturally prone towards sorrow. That’s because basically I’m a very subdued person. (laugh)

All the songs are composed by you but the lyrics, you handed it to all to others. Why?
That is a challenge to myself. If I only compose and not write the lyrics, when you all listen to it, you would be more aware of the tunes? It is one way to express one’s messages through the lyrics one writes but the present me, I wish to make music that has a melody and tone that moves others. After composition, I hand it to trustworthy lyricists and from their completed lyrics, I could feel how others view my compositions.

The lyricists work, do they surprise you?
SNAKE’s lyrics is quite amazing. It’s a song that is so X that I asked if such X rated ness is fine. (laugh)

Do you feel competitive with Tsuyohsi Domoto’s solo endeavor of Endlicheri Endlicheri?
I don’t have that at all. Really I am not worried at all. (laugh) I feel that as long as he is happy doing what he is doing, that’s good enough. So called solo activities, it’s to do something that you like. I would not mind and I feel I don’t have to especially mind.

Would you support him?
That is definite! Afterall, our solo activities to a certain extent would affect Kinki Kids.

Recently Kinki solo activities has increased a lot.
In this respect I have been talking to JE all along. If we don’t release more Kinki works, it’s not very good, right?

What do you think should be the frequency of the release of Kinki’s work ideally?
Each year releasing only one album is already very borderline. I hope at least to release one single every four months and so one year there would be three. If we do not release any albums, we would be forgotten by all of you! (laugh) At the moment we are releasing one every 6 months.

Kinki should really release more albums!
How should I say it. We are Kinki Kids and I believe that we could be so free in our solo activities is because we have this Kinki place we could return to. Kinki and solo’s production is totally different. Solo is an expression of whatever you feel like and is a very straight forward and open forum to express the construction of oneself.

If it were Kinki, even though it sound strange as I say it but because everyone around us is too focused on Guinness Book of Records and we could not not response to that expectation. Plus whenever Kinki releases a new song, everyone would look forward to, “What would the next time be like?” We had to positively turn over past works and make a new work. We want to satisfy everyone’s expectation in this respect. So, what should we release in the new work to make it refreshing for you all becomes a very time consuming thought process. Even though I have to say I personally do not insist on what no. 1 record. (laugh)

This is really very difficult for you who are at the pinnacle. The first place and music standard for both of you, you have to keep up.
I believe that as long as this is expected of me, I should respond to it. But so called real music should not be like this. When asked, “what is the standard of music?” I believe no one could answer it. I feel that to create music in a freer and happier mode, you could create better music. I plan to attempt this arena of solo activity.

But the Solo CD seems to sell well!
What would it become? I didn’t make this album with the hope of selling a lot in mind.

But it is better that it sold well?
That is definite! After all, it is my own creation and it is acknowledged by many. Suppose if I release a work that I believe is my best and even if the results is not satisfactory, and I still am intoxicated in the feeling of success of the work going public, I feel that is a totally self comforting way of thinking. But, this work, I really did not create it for the sake of “high sales”.

Let’s change subject. Do you want to substantiate your own personal life?
When personal time increases, it seems like I don’t have anything special that I want to do. (laugh) I am the type who would think about work anytime.

Don’t you find it hard?
I very much understand the nature of this work so I don’t have this problem.

Do you have the urge to get married?
When I was 15, I thought when I would be 27, I would get married. But now, in my mind, I don’t have this thinking at all.

You don’t plan to get married for the rest of your life?
No. No such things. I think one day I would have my own family and if I could have a family that could grow with me, that would be very good.

Exclusive: Please do not repost this translation outside of this forum.

Sigh, Koichi!!! I feel so much for you after reading this article. I could imagine the pressure on you in Kinki Kids matters. In truth, if Kinki Kids ends, we know it’s because the pressure is getting insurmountable and one or both of them grow tired of it. At that time, I think their solo acts should be solidified.

Here is another thought too. JE seems to promote the younger JE groups because they could reap more sales that way. Compare 1 million of Kat-Tun and Shuji To Akira sales each to KK's highest of 300,000 for the latest Natsu single. It's totally idol driven business.

I have a feeling that JE is allowing KK to get out of the idol business and allow them to do solo activities because the pair seem to want to go that way.

JE does not bank on KK getting top sales anymore and therefore does not promote them as much. See how few CM's they are in now.

JE is not even confident that the duo could continue the Guiness Book of Records and so allow more solo activities to maintain the name of KK.

In truth, KK will fade in the background and one day will no longer exist if future albums and sales continue on the low side and not hit the high numbers in their hey days.

Hopefully Tsuyoshi is not having ulcers and popping more medicine and Koichi is not losing sleep over the 24th single album sales.

Myojo Magazine September, 2006

Kocihi was invited to talk about his memories of summer as Natsu was released.

Honestly, I don’t have much general memories. (bitter laugh) According to my family, as soon as summer arrived, everyone would travel everywhere. I could not remember at all being taken to places for fun. I deeply feel bad for not having this memory on their behalf.

As for eating, I don’t have any either. I could say it’s all because I am not so particular about eating. (laugh). Thinking about it more…yee…I suppose there bound to be a watermelon.

But definitely summer days are hard to bear. (bitter laugh). In the past I went to Vietnam, I realized I am really one who is afraid of the heat. So, when sleeping in the summer I would definitely turn on the air conditioner. The temperature is around 27 degrees and then I put a blanket on.

There is also good point in opening the window to let air flow through but…eh…when it is very hot, it’s better….(bitter laugh). Right. I just remembered something very exaggerated. When making Ningen, we were on the roof in the summer when making the scene of Tsuyoshi dying. Because the weather was really very hot and the camera broke down, I had to use an ice pack to cool down and then we finished that way.

Also around 3 years ago, I was on a photo shoot and that was also on the roof. (laugh) At that time, there was a huge fireworks party and in the sky were a pair of spectacles shaped fireworks. We shouted aloud, “Glasses! Glassed!” and in the end, there was a pair of lovers who where doing this and that became totally worried. (bitter laugh)

No matter what, my memories of summer seems to be all related to work like filming for Ningen. I really like to listen to KENJI HAYASHIDA and I often listen to his albums. I never thought that he would compose Natsumoyo for hus. This song is quite incredible.

Exclusive: Please do not repost this translation outside of this forum.

awwww Koichi didnt sound very happy in the last article! if I could I would like to steal him and make him have fun if it was the last thing I did !I've been t old I can make anyone have fun! LOL LOL Koichi was a bad little kitten taking his sister's bike!!! :nono: JE could reap more sales if they would releasse the JE idol music internationally! I am meeting more and more ppl who like and know about Jpop and like it than I used to . Not the same ass the British invasion but not too far from it either

Oricon Style Magazine August 7, 2006

Q1. What do you listen to normally?
K: I don’t listen to any.
T: Country jazz and soul music.

Q2. Do you have a song that you really want to listen to during summer time?
K: It has nothing to do with seasons. As long as I like it, it’s find. In the summer, it’s not bad to listen to Christmas Night by Yamashita Tatsuro.
T: Sly & the Family Stone’s Stand.

Q3. What instruments would you like to take up the challenge in playing, or should I say, what instruments are you practicing at the moment?
K: Nothing in particular.
T: Folk instruments especially the percussion type.

Q4. Which artists would you like to work with in future?
K: Perhaps as you could see, the Domoto Brothers band is quite good!
T: Even though instanteously the image did not surface but those who has been reading Oricon Style and may be interested in me, please say hello to me.

Q5. What would you like to challenge in the next album?
K: Can’t say. Everyday is a challenge.
T: Don’t know what is for the best. The ideal is in the state of a clean sheet.

Q6. Where would you like to hold a LIVE?
K: Anywhere can do. Ah, but not on the streets.
T: I prefer in the countryside.

Q7. When would you get inspiration?
K: What inspiration?
T: During bathtime, I would suddenly have inspiration. It happens very often.

Q8. When you send mail, do you use Kansai dialect?
K: No
T: Depends on the other party.

Q9. Recently what makes you suddenly anxious?
K: Every time watching F1, I would feel very anxious. When I watch World Soccer, it’s not as anxious. (bitter laugh)
T: When I bought two guitars after work. When we were packaging it to take home, no matter how we wrapped it, it didn’t work.

Q10. Which part of your home could allow you to quiet down?
K: In the home? Eh…You ask which part of the home? As long as it is home, it would do. (laugh)
T: When sitting on the sofa watching funny DVD or playing the guitar. That’s most peaceful.

Q11. What type of work would you not like to do a second time?
K: The thing I don’t want to do is definitely eating strange things.
T: Skydiving.

Q12. If you have to compose a song for your partner, what kind of a song would it be?
K: I won’t consider things that could not happen. (Whoa, Koichi!! He sounded a bit pissed off here. Perhaps he has written a few songs and Tsuyoshi didn’t want to sing them even as duet, let alone solo.)
T: Medium pace plus a small amount of harmony. Rock songs that have been modified might be suitable too. (Tsuysohi seems much more friendly in this score.)

Q13. What is one point that you both agree that Kinki Kids is most attractive in?
K: Have to say what is my own attraction…not sure. It is fine to have different types of feelings.
T: Not interfering with the other party.

Q14. For both of you, what perception do you have of Kinki Kids?
K: Natural belonging.
T: No matter in the past or now, we have not changed.

Q15. Next year would be the 10 year anniversary of your CD debut. What is the deepest impression you have so far?
K: The release of 硝子の少年/ Garasu no Shounen /玻璃少年 (Their first single which has sold to date 1.786 million copies since it was released in July 21, 1997. It is to date the highest selling single for Kinki Kids and it was composed by Yamashita Tatsuro. You could watch the PV here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_hRDQL3fFY )
T: Without warning I was called to the office and was told, “Tomorrow is the debut press conference.”

Q16. In the year of the 10th anniversary , what would you like to try?
K: The staff would decide and I would be happy to do it.
T: Nothing in particular. At that time, no matter what is presented, I would do like to do it.

Q17. You would be welcoming the 10th anniversary soon. What kind of a mood are you in?
K: The CD debut has been 10 years already and before that we have different types of activities. Not much particular feelings.
T: To be able to wait with all of you that moment to arrive, that is so called destiny.

Q18. What goals would Kinki have in future?
K: Want to release 3 CD’s a year. (laugh)
T: Want to continue to release works that nobody could imitate.


Exclusive: Please do not repost this translation outside of this forum.

well maybe he thought it was a stupid question since he knows as well as we do that Tsu is perfectoy able to write for himself?

They are so different. Tsuyoshi was fine with eating durian on DB and I'm sure an F1 lover would enjoy activities like skydiving.

Is Tsuyoshi saying they haven't changed deep inside, because then that would fit Koichi's answer of feeling like there is natural belonging. I really want to believe they can still go on as KinKi.

This makes the situation seem hopeless. Or are they just being honest about how the KinKi things are produced by other people? At least they're saying they'd be happy to do it. lol

I'm sorry if I sound negative. I am looking forward to their new release and their activities as a group. I feel like if they could just reach a compromise about what they want to do as KinKi Kids instead of just going with the flow, they could last. Maybe they need to go away alone and work alone, with each other, in a rediscovery process, to find their way back.

Show us the harmony! Ah, sorry for being so corny. :) I think their staff is really trying hard already. lol

Do they have outdoor festivals in Japan? That would be a balanced solution for their LIVE. :D

Thank you very much for the translation.

Show Must Go On November 19, 2006

Very busy. The solo concerts have ended. I went to many places. I still haven’t updated for a long time. I apologize. Anyway, I feel from the bottom of my heart that to be able to hold concerts is really the best. It’s so nice to be able to hold concerts and spend great time together. I’m really happy. Because I want to continue to hold them, for that, I have to continue composing songs. But at the present state, I can’t think of those things at the moment because since the time the solo concerts ended, I have been super busy.

Right now I have just finished recording. I am heading towards to the studio to the mixing department to complete the work. So, from the moment the concerts finished, my brain has never rested. At once, I’m stuffed with Kinki and the Emperor’s Theatre.

After having said all this, perhaps I might give you a cold feeling but it is not as such. From a certain perspective, I want to convey many feelings but I couldn’t express them because I don’t have time.

Ma…simply said, the staff really work hard. MA and the dancers and the band. They are all so good.

The whole crew all work towards the same goal together. And also, to all those who came to the show, I’m very thankful. Now I have to return to work. Perhaps it sounds cold but you all should know that it’s not like that?

Hope all of you would look forward to the new Kinki album.

Exclusive: Please do not repost this translation outside of the forum.

SMGO!!!!! Thank you for the translation!!!! I'd love to read these in his original words....*sigh :love4: :love4: *but translations are better than nothing.

Well this is good news right? He enjoyed his second solo tour so much he'd like to do more solo work? (Please, Koichi, please!!! :pray: Give me another chance to see you shine!!!)

He's busy already? :( :( Which probably means no break. He'd better take care of himself this time around. Don't go around scaring your fans with IV's and all of that... :faint:

IMPORTANT　ETAILS OF KOICHI


This is not really an article by Koichi or interview but an important piece of information for Koichi fans. I don't want it to get lost int he KK news thread.

Article: November 19, 2006
Source: Chinese press

Koichi loves to eat Osaka's steak dinner. He orders a steak dinner and it comes with two steaks of around 260 gm (9.17 oz) of filet mignon and a side vegetable. He said, "Once you have tried it, you wouldn't forget how tasty it is." The price is 15,000 yen (US$127).

Restaurant: 料亭 金鍋太平
Address: Osaka 大阪府東大阪市東豐浦町1-20
Telephone：0729-81-2901
Time：4:30pm~8:30pm
Price: Koichi's favorite steak: 壽喜燒和風牛排餐 15,000
Public Transportation: 搭乘近鐵奈良線至枚岡車站下車，枚岡神社出口

Exclusive: Please do not repost this translation outside of this forum.

OMG....hahaha...so whoever goes to Japan need to hang out at that place!
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Well the article didn't exactly say whether he has two pieces of 9 oz each or two pieces totalling 9 oz. Haha...okay, I'm getting a bit obsessive with him now. But if he comes to my home, I could feed him as many filet mignon as he wants free of charge! :laughing1: :laughing2:

Let me update his peculiarities here.

Koichi likes to wash his ice cubes for reuse, brushes teeth with two toothbrushes.

Tsubasa said that Koichi couldn't drink much and the moment he drinks, his looks changes and he would be drunk and start laughing at little things like obasans. They usually let him be on such occasions.

On off days, he is very casual and wear very casual clothing. His motto is to be comfortable.

He doesn't dare look straight at girls and for the girls he likes, he never dares tell them and so, so far, his love life is nil.

duowhat do you mean scaring your fans with IV's? has he had some sort of spell or something where he was hospitalized once? I hear about his "condition" but dk what that means! young man!!! you better behave!!! I'll come after him with a spankin!!!

Hime---

Well, the SHOCK schedule last year was hard. On most days Koichi would have to perform two shows a day, several days in a row often without a break. I read this from a fan blog last year so I don't remember all of the details. Don't quote me, ok? He was either sick or just really tired and over worked but instead of resting he "healed" himself with IV's. :faint: :faint: :faint:

Now I love Koichi but I don't care what he thinks!!!!!! IV's do NOT count as taking care of himself like he said he would.

It got so bad that they even started to monitor his weight. From moving around so much and from probably not eating he was thin, very thin. :faint: :faint: :faint: I mean he's slim to begin with so weight loss for him scares me!!!

I loved watching Endless SHOCK it's an amazing show and I'm excited that there's going to be another one. I just hate what it does to him physically. And there's more shows scheduled this year than last year. :faint: :faint: :faint:

You know, this is something that has been on my mind too.

Why is it that they have to pack two shows a day? Poor Koichi is totally exhausted by the end of one show already.

I think with JE's muscles, couldn't they possibly book the Emperor Theatre for longer so that it could be spreaded out? And it's unthinkable that Koichi agrees to this type of killer schedule.

There is one thing I am very worried about both of them, but more so, about Koichi.

Koichi doesn't have enough work compared to Tsuyoshi.

Tsuyoshi has DB, Shindoi weekly, plus one drama at least every year - for one episode drama, on top of their year end concerts.

Koichi only has DB and Shock. If they spreaded it through longer periods of time, there is less pressure on Koichi in one short span.

They already are not releasing enough albums, and therefore has minimal promotions.

I don't know if you know what I mean. For a 10 year duo, their workload is decreasing accordingly as JE promotes more the younger groups. Therefore, I feel that's why they are doing such killer schedules.

Tsu has 100 concerts in 1 venue to break records.

Koichi has 81 shows in a short period - another record.

It's a gimmick to keep them in the news. But the rest of the time, JE does not promote them. It's a scary thought.

It could also be a strategy of JE to not promote old stuff but promote new stuff - like their new solo efforts.

Kinki Kids make a lot of money for JE, after SMAP. These boys need more promotion and love and care from JE. Theyy should not be treated as though they are just money tree being shaken whenever JE feels like it.

I dread the day when JE refuses to release albums for Koichi or Tsuyoshi prefering younger groups. That would be the end of them.

Btw, FYI, Hime. In 2002, Shock, the first day they started the performances as kick off, Koichi twisted his leg but he continued on, with others helping him to make a good first show. He was supposed to have a cast on but he refused because the first song in SHOCK was the Show Must Go On. Throughout the grueling 2 months of shows, his leg was bandaged tightly, at times bleeding due to swelling and overuse, but he insisted.

In ENDLESS SHOCK, his arms ligaments were hurt because he didn't use wire to do the flying but solely the strength of his lower arm.

I hope he doesn't do the flying bit again, nor rolling down the 20 steps for which he was grateful for 3 seconds rest at the bottom. Just a simple SHOCK with stylised dancing and storytelling and good songs are fine for me. I don't need a shock every three minutes as the show promised. Koichi needs to get out of the shock mode and circus routine and care more for his own well being. We watch him for his grace, not stunts. I truly hope one day he would understand that.

:( :( :( I understand all too well what you're saying, Kimurafan. I hate JE at times because of this. Koichi brings me so much joy and it makes me sick if I really think about what you mentioned. I don't know why he puts up with it either. I'm really starting to wonder now if there's some truth to all these rumors and he puts up with it because he has to or else... you know, that type of feeling.

I feel guilty too at times to be such a huge fan of theirs because it's like I'm contributing to all of this nonsense. :( :( :( It's depressing. I don't want him to suffer or to be miserable because I love him so much.

I don't know what to do or what to think as a fan at times, you know... :touched: :touched:

Actually, I feel sad for entertainers who are in JE who joined at the young age of 12-14. I feel their childhood has really been robbed.

Granted, there must be a willingness in these kids and a talent that have been discovered in every successful one. But because JE work them so hard, they all drop out of high school or barely made it through high school. One of the V6 member Innohara said his greatest wish is to get a high school diploma still and he's in his late 20's.

If these guys do not stick with entertainment, they don't have anything else they could do in truth!

It's like once an actor, always an actor. Who would hire an ex-actor who just has a high school diploma (the type which looks dubious since they graduated from that artist school) to be a salesman or office worker?

It's the same in Hong Kong. No one would think of hiring has been actors except perhaps as spokesman, that is, if they are still popular. Once they drop in popularity, that's it. These entertainers have to find a backup of work. They always say they would work behind the scene technical jobs but there are not many around. It's hard making a living once you are over the hill.

I worry about Koichi more because he's an idol and he is a dancer. When he stops being both, what would he do? Commentator for F1? That's only once a week, not enough to live on. He had better anchor himself with a management job inside JE but it may not be up to him if there are daughters and other senpais ahead of him. That's why I feel that Koichi is holding on to Kinki Kids more than Tsuyoshi because it adds.

Tsuyoshi at least has his own music and can be called a full fledged musician. Koichi perhaps seriously need to do more solo albums to stash up and not be extravagant. Once he marries, his popularity will drop if he doesn't develop a fan base of his music. (Having said that, I am curious when the next single that both release would have Koichi leading in sales again by over 100,000 copies. :lol: Perhaps it's the obasans who are supporting him. If that is true, he can't marry for a long long time.)

Look at TOKIO. I think they are really dumpy in terms of popularity. And so is V6. The only thing that's keeping V6 alive is their Gakkou weekly program which is meaningful. Their VVV6 program is really lame. Their music does not sell very well at all. Junichi is barely surviving as an actor with a few more dramas than the others but the rest are hardlly visible. SMAP is the only exception which continues to ride high with ratings nearing 20% even to this day for the SMAPxSMAP program.

Last week, DB has 12.3% ratings, better than the week before. But I fear that one day when the ratings go down, KK will be axed. That's why it's important for us all to buy their original works and not just download.

Potato Magazine December 2006

I'll translate briefly.

At the Fukuoka concert, because of poor weather, they had to cancel the first show. Koichi on seeing some of the things that has to be improved/fixed hurried to the site and at the entrance, was blocked by a policeman. "Do you have a pass?" he asked. Koichi said, "This is my studio." Koichi was glad that the security was doing their job.

As for the performance, it would be a very simple show compared to the solo concert of 2004 which was in much grander scale. This one would be solely singing and there would not be any flying apparatus, no stunts, or special effects.

When singing Addicted, he wanted to use mirrors to include all the audience in the scene but the staff did not want to due to reflection of the light. Koichi still wanted to try but in the end, they couldn't use it.

This concert was held because of the album released. So to be able to transmit to the audience the songs is the most important part. Not a grand stage performance.

My own solo activities would not be affected by concerts and CD releases. It's according to my own pace. Also worth mentioning is that even though the concert of 2 years ago was the biggest in stage set up, this time it is entirely my own songs from my own album. It is really a new start of my own solo. With the accumulation of experience, I would hope to be able to hold another huge concert like the one of two years ago. Ma...but next year, I don't have such plans.

This Mirror album, in terms of completion date, release date, I didn't have any restrictions at all. Doing solo is like this. No constraints. Quietly complete it on my onw. I want to put forth everything within me. But to be able to work at my own pace is because I have a fine home as Kinki Kids to return to.

Exclusive: Please do not repost this translation outside of this forum.

So the 2004 concert was a big deal after all. Now my question is why could he not do a big concert as in 2004 anymore? JE does not allow it? JE is not going to fund it? He seems to really want to!!!

Ah...I feel bad just imagining his inability to do so!

Sandra,
Thanks for the translation for the articles. I barely read any nowadays unless there are people who pointed out certain sections that he said stuff really "in depth". Saying that, I don't mean the rest of the stuff he said are "crap". LOL!

Regarding some of the worries you guys are having, I think there's nothing to really worry about. Koichi loves being on the stage (and I think it refers more to the musical side) Even though I fear most of the time, he will kill himself on stage for doing all those stunts, let's just say it's not that he is forced into it, but he wants to challenge himself and maybe you can call it a man's pride kind of thingy? that he won't allow himself to loosen up in that sense. It is one reason I hate SHOCK, but then at the same time I love him for pushing himself so hard. SHOCK really cost him a lot of things -- his health, his arms (that's why you don't see him really playing baseball anymore), and lots of other injuries he accumulated these years. Never one moment did he try to give up. As quoted by him, "I will continue as long as I can do it" @400th show speech this year at ES stage. It is not without reason why we have SHOCK cast (not only MA) feeling great about having the chance to join him on this fabulous stage, and to him, he said this is one of the greatest returns he has too, that the cast enjoyed SHOCK too. What we can do is only pray hard that there will be no more freak accidents like the major one he experienced in 2002, other than that, he needs our support more than anything else.

People tend to compare him with Tsuyoshi, saying Tsuyoshi is more like a "musician", but I think Koichi is no less a musician, just that his style is very different. He likes to get involved more in the making of music, in the sense of mixing, track down, back vocals.. and all the technical stuff... He said he really had a lot of fun when he was making "Addicted" this time coz he was just doing trial and error as he went along, and end up with such a weird song (He intended for it to be "weird") that he doesn't even know which is the main melody. He does these kind of stuff for his own music, he does it for KinKi albums these years, Tsuyoshi never really got involved until recent years as said by Koichi and he's glad that Tsuyoshi is taking an initiative to give more ideas to KinKi music too. You may say I'm biased but I always feel that Koichi gives more time and love to this group called "KinKi Kids", coz he understands it is precisely because there is KinKi Kids then they are able to do solo activities. It doesn't mean they can forgo the group activities too, because Koichi knows very well that if you don't release a single in every few months, or at least an album a year, people will forget about your existence. He talks about this to the JE management, expressing his wish for more releases. But sometimes I wish they don't rush into stuff just because they have to release something. I think Koichi does know what it means to have quality than quantity. If he can invest 1 year in his own solo album, doing everything at his own pace, I hope they can do that for KinKi albums too.

And I believe strongly he has a very powerful position in JE to have his own say. So I don't think he has any "inablity" to perform on a grand spectacular stage because of funding problems. The mirror concert this time, he has said that his main purpose was to portray his music to the audience in a way they can "see" the music, so I think he didn't want to distract us with too much flying or special effects. 2004 concert was (I feel) a stage branched out from SHOCK, coz he knows that a lot of people living outside Tokyo may not have the chance to watch SHOCK, so that's why he brought in lots of SHOCK elements (and songs) to dazzle the audience. He just explained the other day on Donnamonya that uchiwas are part of the concert goods initially but he decided not to have them as he wanted the audience to create part of the specutacular starry night scene with only the penlight, and he thought this will be so romantic. Actually I was surprised that he still has this "romantic" element in him. LOL! And again, it shows that he's very much involved in the concert planning this time. But then I wish he had some say in the costume designing this time, coz he did that for the 2004 concert but not this one... and we end up with pretty hideous material. LOL!! I only give my thumbs-up for LOVE ME MORE and Ai no Cross (2nd time) costumes. LOL!

Having said all these, as fans sometimes we worry too much about our babies. LOL! We just have to give our support by buying their stuff and spend rest of the time fangirling about them! LOL! Though I usually get more out from them than just drooling over their sexiness or screaming about their cuteness... I wouldn't be pursuing what I'm doing today if not for him. :P

I better get back to my exam revision. :ph43r:

elysia

Elysia, thank you for the insight.

You mentioned:

I didn't know Koichi plans/prepares the Kinki Kids albums more than Tsuyoshi. So, Koichi is probably gearing towards a music producer career in due course? I wonder why Tsuyoshi wasn't as involved in KK albums. Because Tsuyoshi is geared more towards his own solos? :think:

Good luck with your exams. :lol: