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arashitranslation
The Greatest Night I Want To Deliver To You – Sakurai Sho
――NTV Music Program "Best Artist 2016". To Sho-kun as the Main MC for consecutively eight years, this program gives a feeling of start of year-end.
"For me it's like a program as the kick-off of year-end, with feeling like, so finally the year-end of this year comes. Recalling the "Best Artist" thus far, I particularly remembered my first MC task in 2009, when Kuwata Keisuke-san appeared on stage. I never thought that I would introduce Kuwata-san's song. On stage Kuwata-san talked about 'NEWS ZERO' and Murao (Nobutaka)-san and I was extremely happy about that [Kuwata-san said that he watched NEWS ZERO every night and was in the same age as Murao-san]... That memory was really phenomenal."
――This year there are artists representing Japan gather, performing the latest hit songs as well as precious classics too. Of course there will also be 57 people from 10 Johnny's groups to perform!
"It is not easy to arrange so many Johnny's people together. As a Johnny's person I have to say this is one high point (Giggle). There are so many people gathering together, the rehearsal is indeed full of exciting noise. Everyone is saying 'Ah, long time no see!' I also look forward to such feeling this year when senpais and kouhais meet."
――Music is something healing people and giving power to people regardless of time. What music does Sho-kun usually listen to?
"Recently I received the Best Album [Naked & Sweet] from CHARA-san when we met for the TV program filming *櫻井・有吉THE夜会, 16.11.10 O.A. (https://www.facebook.com/theyakai/posts/1152444564845902)*, later I also wanted to go to the live so, recently I have been listening to the Best [Album]. CHARA-san is really in the middle of the generation. I also like 'Swallowtail Butterfly 〜あいのうた〜' of YEN TOWN BAND and 'やさしい気持ち'. These songs which I have listened in the past are also included in the Best Album and this gives a reminiscent feeling. Then, during stand-by the band songs with bit black-music feeling were played. Though I make playlists for all the songs to which I usually listen, I have collected many favourite songs but haven't made playlist for them. For me, I categorise the songs by the year and month I got them. For instance I make [categorisation] like 'October 2016... Album『○○』', 'November... Album『○○』'."
――In regard to the title of the program, from Sho-kun's perspective, please tell us what the "best" moments of Arashi members are.
"Is the best moment of Ohno-san not that he finishes his work early? His facial expression is joyful, and leaves so quickly (Giggle). This is the same for Nino. Those two people are early [to finish their work] and then, when Nino plays games I think this is also the best [moment]. In the midst of playing game he doesn't say things like 'Let's go!' (Giggle). He just concentrates, just like when I am reading newspapers, and plays games silently. Matsujun['s best moment] is when he is in the contest of 'THIS IS MJ' of 'Arashi ni Shiyagare'. He seems very enjoyable in that corner and shines (Giggle). Aiba-kun['s best moment] is the moment he appears on stage for his solo in concert. In the past years there was unique view of world [for his solo performance], the stage of the dome tour this year is really great too. Though every time I think this is the best [moment], this year is quite interesting too (Giggle)."
――We are also concerned about the stage contents of Arashi's performance in "Best Artist" this year.
"We had the arrangement meeting. Though I can't yet convey any details, it would be great if Arashi, just like what we do in tour, would sing songs that have not been performed on NTV this year, and make a stage which delivers a feeling that everyone is having. This program really has a lot of artists to perform, it would be great if we make [this] a gorgeous music program as the end of Year 2016."