#weekendhk

Q: Does Hey! Say! JUMP has any special memories from your last visit?

Yabu: When we came to Hong Kong in 2012 for the tour, we met, shook hands, and took a picture with Jackie Chan, which was great! We were so excited!

Takaki: The most memorable thing happened during the concert.  The fans prepared a surprise for us; they sang Star Time in Japanese during the concert.  That was unforgettable and moving.

Q: This is your first time participating in the overseas event for The Music Day. How do you feel about that?

Yamada: Even though we perform in this program every year, we had only ever performed in Japan. This time, we have the opportunity to perform overseas, so we hope that more people from abroad can see our performance.  Even though we are a bit nervous, we are really looking forward to this at the same time!

Arioka: Since we are performing with the “million dollar night view” as the stage and backdrop, we were very excited about it.

Q: For your current visit to Hong Kong, are there any places you want to visit, or any foods you want to try?

Nakajima: Watermelon!  Watermelon is delicious! [Text in italics are in Cantonese.]

(Reporter: [He had] very quick reflexes! Super exuberant!)

The organizers had already prepared watermelon juice for the guys to try, and Yabu said he was very happy! The host taught JUMP to say “cheers” in Cantonese. After they tried the juice, they asked excitedly how to say “Oishii” in Cantonese.  Everybody were in super good mood!

Q: You are also going to have a fan meeting, do did you learn some Cantonese in advance? Are there any phrases you want to learn in Cantonese?

Yabu said they learned how to introduce ourselves.  At this time Yaotome started his one man show, pretending to call and said “Where are you?” Suddenly, Arioka shouted “What the heck are you doing!” and when the members all burst out laughing; it was then the reporters started to wonder if they heard wrong and asked Arioka for clarification.  Arioka said “助けて(Tasukete)... (Help)”. Ah, he wanted to say “Help!” (laughs).

[Aside: “Help” in Cantonese is “gull meng”.  Daiki mispronounced it as “gao meh-yeh”, which is “what are you doing” but in an exasperated tone.]

Takaki asked to learn some meaningful phrases and Yabu asked for currently in vogue phrases, so the host taught JUMP to say “Do not waste your life away!”  It sounded especially funny when it was spoken by these sparkly idols!

The topic turns to food, and Yaotome said “チャーハンパオ (fried rice bao)”, [the host] was baffled until someone explained he meant to say “char siu bao (bbq pork bao)”.  Nakajima said “bird’s nest egg tart”.  Turn out the guys knew how to say quite a few Hong Kong foods in Cantonese, so did they order their own food at the restaurant?  Yamada immediately said he could order Coca Cola, [that’s about it].

Q: Last year was HSJ’s 10th anniversary.  In these 10 years, are there any performance that is the most memorable to you, that you think is your best work?

Yabu: Last year we had a great celebration for the 10th anniversary.  We received many blessings from everybody, so it was a very wonderful and memorable year.

Q: What are your future plans? Goals?

Nakajima: It’s a rare opportunity for us to come to Hong Kong.  If possible, we would like to do another Asia tour!

Q: Okamoto Keito will go study in the US in September, so the tour will be done by the 8 person group.  A lot of fans would like to know if this performance (The Music Day) will be the last performance for the whole group before Okamoto’s hiatus?

Yabu: If we are talking about the current year, this is not our last performance as a whole group, but it will be the last one in Hong Kong.

Q: How do you currently feel about Keito studying abroad?

Okamoto: My goal for studying abroad is to improve my skills.  I know that the sudden announcement had caused many fans to feel confused and worried, but I hope you guys can support the decision I made to equip myself for the future. Not only will I miss the members, I will also miss the fans very much. Once again, I miss you and I love you. [Italic texts were originally in English from here on.]

Yabu: Keito has a strong desire to build himself up through education, and he communicated his wish to us properly. I myself really hope that Keito can grow and then come back to HSJ. In order to proudly welcome Keito back, we are not going to take it easy and stay put. I hope JUMP can also grow more [during this time].

Chinen: Even though we will continue as 8 people for a lengthy period, I hope that even as the 8 person JUMP, we can be more active than now such that we may grow as a group.  When Keito comes back, we will show you guys the powered up HSJ. The 8 of us will first focus on our activities in Japan and we can't afford not to work harder.

Nakajima: Keito has already said in English that his sudden announcement has caused a lot of unease among fans.  But no matter what, I hope you guys will support the 8 person HSJ and Keito.

Inoo: Whether it is the Hong Kong fans or Keito's fans, perhaps our announcement have caused you to have some uneasy memories, but I truly believe that when Keito comes back from the US, he will be the Okamoto Keito who is active on the world stage.  I hope everyone can look forward to Keito's return. I hope the Hong Kong fans can support Keito as well as the 8 person HSJ.

Arioka: I believe going to study in the US is a good thing for Keito. In order to avoid [future] Keito telling us “you guys are still at the same level?!”, to avoid being dismissed by the new and improved Keito, the 8 person HSJ will work extra hard to make us a powerful group.

Yaotome: Looking at HSJ, Keito, who is good in English, is the only person who can experience studying in the US. So obviously, I want to be the force behind Keito’s journey.

Yamada: We have journeyed together as a 9 person team, and now, Keito is going to be on his own, away from HSJ, as he undertakes the journey to re-examine himself. For Keito, I hope this time of self reflection and learning is a good experience for him. For the 8 of us who are staying in Japan, on the one hand, we will witness Keito's growth; on the other hand, we will also make sure we strive for improvement, using this time wisely to re-evaluate ourselves.  So we hope that the fans can continue to watch over HSJ warmly.

Q: Since you have travelled so far to Hong Kong for The Music Day, is there anything special you prepared for the Hong Kong audience?

Arioka: Because we are going to use Hong Kong’s night view as the backdrop, we obviously don’t want to lose to it.  We want to use our beauty to enhance our performance, so we worked very hard on our skincare routine prior to the event! (All of HSJ laughed)

Yamada: In addition to skincare, we will perform a lot of songs we have not done in Hong Kong before.  Also, since this is a chance for the world to see us perform, as overseas representatives of Japan, we want to make sure we won’t bring shame to the country, so we rehearsed our performance many times before we came here.  Please look forward to and enjoy our show.

Q: During the Asia Tour, HSJ once used Cantonese to sing ”Thank you~僕たちから君へ~” (Thank you~From us to you~).  Do you find it difficult to use another language to sing your own songs?

Nakajima: Since the melody changes, it is very hard.  (Takaki: Yeah~)

Takaki: But when we were singing, the fans were singing with us, so it felt very harmonious!

Q: To JUMP, what is the best way to remember foreign phrases?

Nakajima: Well, I just force myself to remember! Or I write cheat notes on my hand. (Laughs)

Yamada: It may be easier to use songs to remember a foreign language.  Since there is a melody, you can hum along as you memorize the words, which seems to make it easier.

Q: If you are able to perform in Hong Kong or overseas, will you add Cantonese lyrics to the song?

Arioka: Hmmm… Although we won’t do a whole song, but we will probably pick the chorus or something to sing in Cantonese.  Please watch out for it!

Yamada: We will greet the fans in Cantonese, but if we have to do it now…. Adding Cantonese will be very difficult for me!

Q: Your senpais Kanjani8 recently went to Taiwan to promote the September concert.  Johnny’s haven’t organized concerts in Asia in a while, will you guys plan to come to Hong Kong and tour again?

Yamada: Even though we don’t have any plans currently, for us, we want to hold concerts at various stops in Asia, in Hong Kong.  This time in Hong Kong, we saw so many fans waiting for us. In order to repay you guys for the long wait, we definitely want to be able to have a concert here someday.

Q: If you have a chance to do another Asia tour, or even world tour, will you do any special performance for the overseas fans?

Chinen: We want to show Japanese style, cultural performances to the fans. In fact, maybe we will infuse the styles with local flavours, showing the fans a different HSJ.

Yabu: We want to sing the songs in various languages.  Since fans from various countries are waiting for us, if we can use their language to sing the songs, I think the fans will be very happy.

Q: If you can choose, where will you want to hold the concert in Hong Kong?

Arioka: I want to perform at the Avenue of Stars, where there are all those statues [of famous people]!

Yamada: Since we are not familiar with Hong Kong, I kind of want you guys to recommend some special sites to us!  

Yabu: Monster Mansion! (Reporter: Yik Cheong Building in Quarry Bay, a super popular tourist spot among Japanese tourists!)

Another reporters at the event recommended Mong Kok to HSJ. When the translator described Mong Kok to JUMP, everybody thought that was interesting and said they would think about it.

Q: Tomorrow is Tanabata (July 7th, Star festival day).  What are your wishes?

Yabu: Obviously, for all the members, it is to go on an Asia tour again!

Takaki: It is Tanabata~ I wish Orihime(Vega) and Hikoboshi(Alter) can meet.  (Nakajima: So cute!) But tomorrow, we can meet with you guys (our fans)!  (Reporter: As expected of idols!)

[Aside: According to legend, each July 7 the weaver star and cowherder star traverse the Milky Way to renew their ancient bond of love.]

Q: Are there any good places or gourmet you can recommend to friends from other countries in Asia?

Arioka: Sometimes, the tourists know more about this than us!

Takaki: We have all experienced “reverse recommendation” before~

Nakajima: But in Hong Kong, I think tea is very famous? Kind of very famous like the matcha in Kyoto!

Q: Please pick a member and tell us about his charm or strength.

(Reporter: Since it was kinda confusing if they pick random members, they decided to talk about the person next to them.)

Inoo -> Chinen: First, let’s talk about Chinen who is sitting beside me.  As you can all see, he is very cute! But Chinen is not just cute. When he takes off his clothes, he is unexpectedly muscular. So, what are these muscles used for? He uses them to perform the backflips.  I think you will be shocked when you see Chinen’s backflips. These are Chinen’s charms.

Chinen -> Yamada: Everyone, look over here.  (Nakajima: Oh, we are all going to present this way?!) Isn’t this a beautiful face?  He attracts all sorts of women in Japan just using this face. Not only that, he also has great leadership skills; he has the powerful force to lead our group.  Without a doubt, beautiful, strong, and cool; this person is Yamada Ryosuke!

Yamada -> Arioka: Hmmm~ I was thinking very hard just now and discovered he has no strengths!  (Laughs) Just kidding. Daichan has this ability to make everyone like him, not just in Hong Kong, but throughout the world.  His lovability is his greatest strength. Furthermore, in the live performances, he is the DJ, raps etc.; he possesses many talents, so I hope everyone can see his charming gap.

Arioka -> Yaotome: He is the mood maker in HSJ, a very funny guy.  In addition to his live performances, he also love to make funny impressions, mimic others, showing us many different faces.  Even though he is normally very reliable and capable, there are times when he shows his natural, relaxed side, which are part of his charms.

Yaotome -> Nakajima: Yuto is one of the tallest in JUMP, having a model’s build, and can wear all sorts of fashionable stuff. (Nakajima: Oh… I’ve been exposed.  Everybody laughs) He looks really cool, so this is one of his attractive traits. Also, we have a band and Yuto is our MVP drummer. I think this gap is very attractive to others.

Nakajima -> Okamoto: Keito is one of the few Johnny’s who is bilingual, so he can do what he is doing now (translates and speaks in English) on the world stage, this is something I’m very proud of and respects.  Ah… even though he is going abroad soon, I am looking forward to Keito further polishing his linguistic skills. Recently, he started teaching me English. That’s our gentle Keito! Yesterday on the plane, we were sitting together and I was reading at that time.  However, the cabin lights were turned off and I couldn’t figure out which button was the light switch. (HSJ burst into laughter) Keito told me which one to press. Even though it is a small thing, he is very attentive!

Okamoto -> Takaki: To the readers out there, please imagine.  If there is a cool guy, with a hot body and a sexy voice, what do you see? (Yamada: No such guy exists, right~) Guess what, there is such a guy in JUMP!  Takaki Yuya! Please take a look. Check it out!  (HSJ bursts into laughter)

Takaki -> Yabu: Even though we are the same age, since Yabu is the eldest, he is very reliable.  I can discuss anything and talk about any problems with him. He just accepts me openly and listens to what I said, so I think he is completely reliable and trustworthy.

Yabu -> Inoo: I think Inoo is someone with many faces.  He seems a bit flippant normally, always saying weird stuff, but in Japan, he is an honour student who graduated from the architectural program at a prestigious university and even hold an architectural license. (Inoo: I didn’t take the exam….) Oh… he doesn’t have it. (laughs)  (HSJ bursts into laughter again)

Q: What are the differences between shooting overseas and shooting in Japan?

Arioka: The drones are crazy! So many of them flying around, so cool!

Yamada:  When I am filming in Japan, I don’t meet a lot of fans.  Somehow, I will meet all sorts of fans while filming overseas.  Also the working style is very different due to cultural differences.  So it is a bit harder to get used to.

Q: Will you guys go visit Okamoto Keito together?

All: If the schedule permits, we would love to go!

Yamada: While I definitely want to see Keito, I think I probably want to vacation in New York more. (laughs)

Q: Inoo Kei just had his birthday.  Did you celebrate with him?

Inoo:  We celebrated at work.  Also, Daiki gave me a model from Avengers 3!  (Thanos’ infinity glove) Q: Yamada and Arioka came to Hong Kong a while ago to film “Kindaichi”.  Do you have any special memories?

Yamada: Actually, we only stayed for about a week.  We were so busy with the filming and didn’t have much time to go sightseeing.  I just remember we shot some promotional segment in between filming, and we ate ducks’ feet, frogs, bugs, and all sorts of rare things.  We also rode a double-decker bus.

Q: What live action characters did the members say they want to play?!

Live action movies are very popular and JUMP member Yamada Ryosuke had done “Fullmetal Alchemist” last year.  What kind of characters do the members want to play? Inoo Kei said “Chinen can play Doraemon!” Hey!Say!JUMP members laughed at the suggestion and even said Chinen has a broad range!

If they can work on an American adaptation, what will they choose?  Arioka Daiki said: “The Simpsons?” The members said he just need to dye his hair yellow and he will fit right in with “The Simpsons”!  Fans, please help Arioka out with this!

Nakajima Yuto said Chinen Yuri can try “Spongebob”, while Nakajima said he can play “Kenny the Cat”.  Everybody used their imagination, and Yabu said they could adapt “Peanuts” (Snoopy) and Okamoto Keito can play “Charlie Brown”! The members want to try these very challenging roles, huh! (laughs)

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After reading these cute thoughts of Hey! Say! JUMP, don’t you ant to check out their Hong Kong performance? Then remember to tune in to Now TV Channel 151 on July 7th and watch GEM TV’s broadcast of The Music Day!