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A few thoughts...
I just want to let you all know that this is going to be an extremely long post. If you can manage to get to the end I'll give you cookies. XD You've been warned.
I know I may seem like a totally crazy fangirl with the way that I talk about these guys, Sho in particular. But there are reasons as to why I love Arashi so much, and Sho is a different story altogether. You know, a lot of people know think I'm out of my mind because a Japanese group is my favourite artist. As soon as they hear that they're Japanese I get comments such as 'they suck', 'they have no talent,' 'they're not even hot,' etc. And the best line that I continue to hear on a regular basis: you don't even understand them. There are things called translations, and with Arashi sometimes you don't even need translations to know what the song is about. You can just tell by the melody and the tone of their voices. Plus, I'm studying Japanese on my own, as in not taking classes. I just can't afford it. But I'm setting reasonble goals for myself. I don't expect to read or speak it fluently, but at least manage to communicate and get the basic message across. I won't give up no matter how long it takes.
I've only been an Arashi fan for about 6 months now, but it only took about 5 minutes for me to realize that they weren't like any other group I've come across. How I found out about them was a complete accident. I was on the internet one day looking for something and up popped a picture of the boys drawn by another fan. Me being the curious person that I am just had to find out who they were. So I clicked on the link underneath the picture and there was their We Can Make It! PV. And boom. I was hooked. I thought they were really cute. At first I only kept my eyes on Aiba-chan, but when I saw Sho and heard his voice...that pretty much did it for me. At the time that I found out about them I was going through a really hard time. You can say that I had hit rock bottom. I had problems with a certain relationship, friendships were falling apart, and I just wasn't happy about my life in general. Arashi turned everything around for me. If it weren't for them I honestly don't know where I'd be today. When I listen to their music I feel happy and full of energy. On those days that I'm feeling sad and that everything is against me I'll listen to them and I'll know that there's hope. The smallest things make me happy. Even if it's a new photoshoot or an episode of Shukudai Kun. They always manage to put a smile on my face no matter what. And by listening to their music I know that it's ok to cry sometimes and let it all out. They've taught me to live my life to the fullest and be happy. They've taught me how to be a better person and smile more. I owe these five so much.
But sometimes I really wonder if it's worth it, being a fan when others constantly look down on me. I try to brush it off, but it really does hurt, especially when it's people close to me that have something bad to say. The teasing sometimes gets to the point where I just can't take it. But then I think of why I've come to love them so much in the first place. There's Aiba's baka smile that never ceases to make me laugh on a bad day. There's Sho's silliness and the way he raps in a song. There's Ohmiya SK who always make me smile by showing off their *affection* for one another. There's MatsuJun who always looks gorgeous and so full of energy in the group's live performances. They've eased my pain through all the hard times and make life so much more bearable. Not only that but never have I seen a group so close. You can really see how much they love each other and how strong their friendship is. They also do so much for their fans and you can tell how much they love them.
Getting the boys' stuff isn't cheap though. When I told my friend how much I paid for Time she practically fell off her chair. I'm not one of those fans that can order their stuff as soon as it comes out. The fact is, I just can't afford it like most fans can. I can't buy every single and DVD out there. I'll admit that when everyone got their AAA DVD I was a bit upset. I really wanted that DVD but just couldn't afford it and I don't think I'll be able to anytime soon. If I really like the songs and cover art of a single I'll buy it, but that's pretty much it. The albums are, of course, a must-buy for me. I wish I could do more to support our boys but I try my best. Although, I'm really thankful to all the fans out there that take the time to upload scans, music, and videos. If it weren't for them I doubt we'd even know who these wonderful guys are. And as for concerts, I already know that that's completely out of the question for me. But I'm already super happy watching fancams and just owning one of their albums. ^^
Now as for Sho-kun...I really do admire him, and not just because of his looks. I fell for his smile at first, then it was that amazingly sexy voice of his, and the belly piercing + the arms pretty much did it for me. But then I found out that he graduated from Keio while still performing and working with Arashi. I was really impressed! Not only that, but he graduated while other people, including some fans, told him he couldn't do it. And he did. He proved them all wrong. Really, I have so much respect for him. Even though Oh-chan is the Riida, Sho-kun is a leader in my eyes. It's just the way that he carries himself. He's so ambitious, really loves his group members, loves his fans to death, loves children (like me XD), and he's so fully of energy during concerts. The list goes on and on...I look up to him so much. There are times when I feel like giving up on everything, but I look to him and I just feel so much better. He gives me confidence and incredible inner strength. Look at him. He kept pushing himself and look at where it got him. He makes me want to work harder to achieve my goals. He makes me want to be kinder to those that show kindess to me. And you know what? His raps aren't the usual s*** that rappers today come up with. You know what I'm talking about. His lyrics are real. Not only that but Arashi's music as a group isn't just the usual 'i love you.' No. It's more than that. They give me courage when I can't seem to find it in myself. Like I said, I owe them so much. And Sho Sakurai...he's done so much for me, and I can only hope that one day I'll be just like him. Kind, compassionate, ambitious, successful...
Gomen ne for making this post so long. But I just felt that I had to post this. Hopefully it shows a bit more about myself too. ^^ If you managed to get to the end of this without getting bored, congratulations! *gives cookies* Good night minna-san!
*EDIT* This is my only public post here on Vox. If you want to see the rest either add me (but let me know first) or sign up. I always upadate, and the most that I go without updating is a week.
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Comments
My dear..I love your post..think I'm feeling the same way as you Hikarichan, a lot of people don't understand the emotion and energy that these boys transmit through their songs!! Don't worry darlin' a lot of girls around the world feel the same way we do! So let's be happy for having the opportunity of know them!! Send u a lot of hugs from Mexico ^_^!
'they're not even hot' is that person blind or something??? 'they have no talent' and not common sense neither...
you don't even understand them yeah I get that one always... but I just read from someone, *sorry I don't remember whom* that music is the best of all arts cuz you don't need to understand it to enjoy it, it speaks to our hearts *ok it's just the main idea, but I like it ^^*
They always manage to put a smile on my face no matter what. I sooo agree with this, there's something really special about this boys... dunno what it is *the Arashiawase gen?? XD* and although I like other groups it's not even close to the feeling they gave me...
The teasing sometimes gets to the point that I actually cry about it. ok, never thought it was that hard, maybe cuz people around me already think I'm weird so they don't bother me that much... *you don't bother crazy people, it may be very danger XD* *double biiiiig hug*
I know that feeling towards Sho-chan, when I knew how hard he worked to graduate, made me want to do my best in everything, I'm always telling my friend how hard they work and how I'm so proud of them... ^^
*shares cookie*
*hugs*
ganbare!!!! CHESUTOOO!!! *I think this is going to be my "war chant" from now on XD
but don't worry about them. if they can't see how awesome Arashi is, then that's their bad. ^_^
btw, i added you to my neigborhood. hope you don't mind.
But some things you wrote made me laugh too, because I think everyone can relate to the energy that Arashi brings to our lives, whether it be from their voices, smiles, or baka-ness that reaches us so far away. I don't care how daggy it is if it gives me this feeling.
minaviga: it's true that a lot of people don't understand, but that's what makes these boys even more special to us. ^^ they make us so happy! *gives hugs from Canada* thank you for your words! ;)
Nianna: lol! you don't bother crazy people...hahahaha so true, so true. ^__^ though i don't even get upset because of the teasing. it's more from the frustration of having to explain myself again and again. but you know i don't feel the need to defend myself or the boys. they are who they are and i love them all the same. i'm going to support them no matter what and i don't care what anyone thinks of me. for some reason they do stand apart from other groups and artists. they're so special to us ne? ^^ *gives more cookies to share with other fans and friends* XD thanks so much for your kind words! <3<3
immortal_rain: i thought that other people might feel the same way, so that's one of the reasons why i decided to share my thoughts. ^^ yeah, no one seems to get it, but as long as us fans understand one another that's all that counts. we'll keep supporting Arashi no matter what. they make us so happy it's amazing. ^__^ thank you for your post. *hugs*
i've added you too. ^^ it's pretty incredible how many friends i'm making because of these 5. =D
nah, just kidding.
anyways, i think why most of us are fans of theirs are probably the very reasons that you've posted?
although i myself hadnt gone through hardships when i found them, whenever i watch them, listen to them... i have this huge smile on my face.
people say im crazy but... I DONT CARE.
hahaha, and yes, i feel for you!
and just continue watching and supporting Arashi, better days will soon come!
=)
yay a cookie! XD wow i think your post can be related by a lot of us foreign fans. i get that a lot where people think i'm so weird because i always tend to listen to the alternatives in music. but mostly those alternatives are in another language or it's broadway songs. i like broadway songs because they mostly tell a story and/or message. foreign songs are just very catchy to me and it helps me to see how other countries are. Arashi is like that but in its own category. XD yea Arashi is that good in their songs that us foreign fans that know only a little japanese can understand what their telling us. they speak to us through their songs with a message that is more than just your simple R&B or pop song.
i definitely love them because i feel that they are the realest and truest idols i have ever seen. like when i hear regular singing artist or actors/actresses getting an award for their talent and thanking their fans it doesn't seem as thankful and real as how Arashi would express it to us. Arashi is definitely a group that is worth supporting.
yea and its hard for us to be able to afford their merchandise though too. =/
but i'm definitly gonna try my best to raise money to see them at a concert. i've already started saving money for it too. ^^ hmm... i'm hoping to go as a graduation trip after i graduate from high school. well hopefully it'll come true. ^^V
*Sigh* I wrote a long comment just when my internet connection decides to go out so here I go again...
I totally agree with your post. Every single bit of it. I became an Arashi fan the momemnt I heard them and I was totally obsessed with them when I first got into them. Not some pointless kind of obsession though. I really admired them for various reasons. Anywho I was always talking about them to my friends and showing them pictures or trying to get them to watch their PVs or listen to their songs but every time I tried, they would put me down. They would go on and on about how ugly the boys are (totally pissed me off because its so not true.) and would say how they cant sing and why would I even bother listening to them when I don't understand what they are saying. Like you, I am teaching myself Japanese (though now I am starting to take real lessons) but I know what you mean about it being expensive. My friends also make fun of me because of this but I actually really like the language and plan to major in it in college. So yea...
I also know what you mean about the stuff costing so much. I spent a lot on the Time cd while I got all of their other songs through other fans but it sucks not being able to get the stuff because its so expensive.
Anyway I just wanted to let you know that you are totally not alone because I agree with every bit of your post.
Aww...there there *hugs*
I know how it feels to be teased abt a fandom. Not many ppl around me would understand my Arashi fandom, and even though they might haf their own fandoms, they still tease me about it. That's why I've stopped talking about it outside the few frds who accept it. And on Vox insted.
It's really hard being an overseas fan. Not only is it expensive, there's also the mental torture of waiting for the orders to arrive. But at the end of the waiting, hearing their voices or seeing their faces makes it all worth it. It's truly Arashiawase, ne?
Arashi came into my life at a time when I was sorta disappointed with myself. They walked in, turned on the lights, and made my world a lot brighter and more enjoyable than before. And learning Sho's story made me so motivated to work my hardest at whatever I'm doing, so that I won't have regrets later on in life.
His raps aren't the usual s*** that rappers today spout. You know what I'm talking about. His lyrics are real.That's so true. And its true for Arashi songs as well. It's so refreshing to hear songs about self motivation, friendships, and love without all the sex that's so omnipresent in a lot of western pop.
You're not alone! So many of us feel the same way.
Do I get a cookie?
Was in the same position as you in terms of the criticism that I got from friends and family...the most stinging comment was from a colleague who said that I was shallow to still be liking this kind of thing...and she said that the boys are ugly and showed me the 'good-looking ones' (which by the way, is super ugly to me...very gangster-like). It stabbed me bad and I was really hurt by it.
But I realised these people just don't appreciate differences...and if they criticise, then they dun appreciate you as a person and accept your likes and dislikes..
I often ignore their comments because I know myself how Arashi changed me...Because of them, I'm more open to people, I meet new friends online and am willing to try new things. I'm learning Japanese right now because I want to do it...and for me, it's a big step considering my cultural background. Moreover, I'm inspired by their hard work and the drive to always do their best - like Jun who wants thgs perfect, or Sho who always tries to break the stereotypes and so on...
Every morning, I need to listen to at least 3 Arashi songs to start the day. When I'm super down I turn to Arashi. When I'm happy, I use Arashi to express my feelings. I need Arashi concerts to get me started on my essays....haha, and the list goes on
I think that's the life of a fangirl...when the world turns against you, we should all band together and support each other!
but it takes courage to be/stay different=)
I do get teased a lot because of my fandom.. One of my officemates even called Arashi as "Gaymen".. I was looked at in a very weird manner since I sing Japanese songs and collects tons and tons of pictures.. I was like.." One comment that really got me into deep thinking was "Will Arashi know your conviction to them? They won't even know you'd exist.."
That really made me think for quite some time.. But then.. We are Arashi fans because of the simplest reason that we like Arashi and we look up to them as inspiration.. Face it, there's not much group nowadays who had Arashi's aura and charm.. Personally, even if Arashi would know that I support them, I would continue to do so because I WANT TO DO IT.. Idolatry? Not quite.. Obsession? A wee bit? Commitment and loyalty? DEFINITELY!
At times like this, I always end up saying "You drool on your fave artists and I drool on mine.. Can i help it if I'm a full-hearted sucker for good looking guys?!" I'm an Arashi lover and will always be an Arashi lover.. Even if Arashi is showered with endless scandals/rumors (as I have in my post), I know that I will continuously support them..