16.11.19 TVStation Best Artist Interview – Sakurai Sho [English Translation]

[arashitranslation]

It is the 8th year for me to perform as the Main MC for "Best Artist". When this program is broadcast there is a feeling that the year-end finally comes. The most impressive memory thus far is that, when I performed the Main MC for the first time in 2009, when Kuwata Keisuke-san appeared on stage. I was thinking if I managed to introduce Kuwata-san's songs. At that time, Kuwata-san mentioned about "NEWS ZERO" (NTV) and I was very happy, this was a very impressive memory.

We start the work meeting of Arashi's performance this time. This year, we would like to sing songs that have not been performed on NTV. And then, 57 Johnny's artists from 10 groups will gather, I have to say that this is a high point too (giggle). Various senpais and kouhais meet, we also look forward the time apart from official filming. We Arashi should be in the very middle of the generations, but there have been increasing kouhais when we are not aware of (giggle). As well, during Johnny's Countdown every year, we all gather, from rehearsal we were clamouring and joyful. We greet each other with "Long time no see~" and such atmosphere is interesting.

There are more music programs at the year-end, I think many families watch them together too. I also have memory of watching [music programs] with my family. But there is no kotatsu [foot warmer] in my family, I didn't have memory of… everyone being in the foot warmer (giggle). From the perspective of performer, the year-end music program to me is "festival". Wearing down (jacket) and going to Makuhari at where the venue of "Best Artist" is located, meeting other artists gives me a concrete feeling that "this year is going to end". The song of Arashi which gives a year-end feeling would be "WISH". There is snow and winter in the image of year-end. There was opportunity to sing "WISH" in Christmas SP, it is a song which is easy to sing in winter.

I think the characteristic of "Best Artist" is that splendid artists appear and perform gradually with a good tempo. Though perhaps many watch this program in order to watch their favourite artists, please also enjoy the performance of other artists. I think live broadcast is one charming point of TV program, artists also seem to have fun by the feeling of "live" during the program, I hope we would make a gorgeous music program.

So from now on, my year-end starts. I am getting busy, there is Arashi's tour, I can eat tasty food in various places (giggle). Encouraged by this I shall work hard!