CHIA

Sakuma: We met at a dance battle! Hikaru: On the street. Sakuma: No, you're wrong. The stairs at school. Hikaru: Neither of those are really what happened (laughs). A long time ago, during Jr concerts, we used to have game sections like an east-west battle, or a red-blue battle a lot. Sakuma: At that time, there was an "east-west ballet battle" and you and I had a battle in that section. Shota, who was aggressive at that time saw Hikaru and was like, "I don't know that guy, he's new. Sakuma, beat his ass!" and that's what I remember the most (laughs). Hikaru: From there, we started to come together as a group like, "kids who can dance." Sakuma: You were doing the same thing as Senga (Kento)-kun, and you also danced solo with (Imai) Tsubasa-kun, too. I thought, "how nice! I also want to dance!" But, I also said, "how nice! That dance was so good." Hikaru: You've always said, "your dance now was great," a lot to me. Sakuma: When I see something good, I want to talk about my excitement. Hikaru: At that time, you had a shy side, but when it came time to be serious, I thought that you had more concentration and mental strength than anyone else. That hasn't changed even now, and I think it's wonderful. Sakuma: When it comes to a recent memory we've made, after all, wouldn't it be the trip plan for "Doyou wa Nani Suru?!"? Hikaru: It was a trip where I just relied on you, and I didn't have to do anything (laughs). Sakuma: You chopped the firewood! It didn't break in the first show, so you did your best three times! Hikaru: True. Since I chopped it in the end, am I the "person who can chop wood"? Sakuma: You'll be acknowledged as "a person who worked really hard so they can chop wood" (laughs). Hikaru: If I had to sum up my relationship with you in one word, it would be "comfortable." At work, I naturally find the balance like, I should go here, and Sakuma should go here, without having to think about it. We have similar personalities, so it's really easy to be with you. Sakuma: I agree. We're similar in how we pursue what we like to the fullest (laughs). Hikaru: We're both super nerdy (laughs). Sakuma: But, you know, even though there are people who are particular toward their own group, now, you're even directing the Jrs! That's amazing. I hear the "Shonentachi" performance is getting great reviews. Hikaru: Thank you. But, you don't have any plans to go see it, do you? Sakuma: Nope. Since you're not in it. Hikaru: To all of the readers. Sakuma is speaking with a straight face (laughs). Sakuma: If you were in the play, I would 100% go! Hikaru: Out of the members, you were the happiest that I was in "Catch Me if You Can."

Sakuma: It was so much fun! When will you do that again? Hikaru: You're always asking that (laughs). Sakuma: I don't want to be asked "what was so cool about Iwamoto-kun when he was on stage?" It's not "what was cool," since he's a person who is "always cool" (cool pose). Hikaru: For "Shonentachi", Fukka said, "I want to see what Hikaru created," and came to the dress rehearsal and gave advice to the juniors. I want Sakuma to call out to the juniors too… It's not like I don't have those feelings. Sakuma: Ehhh, you really want me to come? Hikaru: Do you think it's the opposite, that I don't want you to come? Sakuma: You're right (laughs). But, I'm a guy who is all or nothing. No matter how many things you've worked on, you'll know what I'll say, right? Hikaru: I'll just say that I want Sakuma, who has that kind of mind set, to come see it. Anyway, how about you come to the performance venue (in Shinbashi)? Sakuma: Just saying the performance venue is getting me all fired up again. How much sweat have I shed on that stage… Can you show me more than the cost of the ticket?! Hikaru: All of the Jrs are working hard. But, it's a given that it's a world of hard work. I want them to generate so much heat by the last performance that I want the people who see it to be worried like, "if they're using all this energy, will they be able to do the night performance?" Sakuma: There are things that you can see at that moment. Hikaru: I always try to do everything with the feeling of "I can do better." There are times where I'm told, "don't overdo it, this is already enough," but at times like that, it's only you who says, "no, if it's Hikaru, he can do more!" I can aim higher because I get peace of mind that you'll be there, saying that. Sakuma: I have an insane amount of faith in your potential. Hikaru: It's not always easy to convey things related to "expression." Sakuma: Right, right. It always happens. Hikaru: I'm the type of person who gets all fired up at meetings like, "well, I'll make you understand!" (Laughs) You're a person who can create a performance that will move people's hearts without saying a word. Acting, dancing, singing, voice acting, it's all like that. Once Sakuma targets someone, he finishes you off, and you won't ever be able to escape again. Sakuma: Nyahaha. I'm really happy that you've discovered the art of creating, and that you've continued it. I love the dances that you make for Snow Man, and they're so much fun to dance! On top of that, it's really amazing that you update the level of fun every time. Hikaru: You always say that. Sakuma: Every time there's a new dance, I'm like, "this is the most fun!" (Laughs) I've never once thought, "wouldn't it be better if we did this in the dance?" You properly hit the "this is fun~!" button. Hikaru: I especially like "Infighter." It might be because you chose the song but, all the members seem to enjoy dancing that creepy line (laughs). Sakuma: "Infighter" is the best! I laughed so much, and I thought, "I wonder how I can bring out that creepiness in my own way" (laughs). Hikaru: We're really abnormal about dancing (laughs). Sakuma: Yeah. Dancing perverts (laughs). (t/n: Hikaru used the word "hentai" lol) I love funny things. I hate things that are boring! Hikaru: The words that are no good for me are safe and stable. Sakuma: I need more inspirationnnn! Hikaru: If you knew that you were going down a hard path, but you said, "I have to do this or I'll regret it," I would support you.