barbosa2007 | MORE Oct 2009 - The Scenery as Seen by Arashi

OHNO SATOSHI

He is wholehearted when it comes to his favorite things like art, fishing and dance. Rather than an idol, the air which Ohno-kun exudes resembles more of an artist. Whilst he can calm and soothe the environment around him by just being there, he wows the crowd with his spectacular dances. With a profound personality like his, once you’ve gotten to know him you won’t be able to forget.

How did you feel when you first debuted?

At 18 years...? I had planned to quit the entertainment world to become an illustrator. But for some reason I was arrowed for a debut and I said, that’s absolutely impossible! I could sort of remember how busy we were at the time, but what definitely remained in my memory was how uncertain I felt. The other four members appeared on television since their junior days, and they were able to get used to many things. Their names and faces were known [to the fans], but it was totally [different] for me. I was doing stage plays all the time and I had no idea on how to present myself, so I was always in a mess. Well, I think that hasn’t changed much. (laughs)

So why do you think you were able to carry on [with Arashi] for ten years?

It’s because of Arashi, I guess. I think it was for a purpose that Arashi was formed. If I had entered another group my life would probably be completely different. That, and the significant fact that when I debuted, I didn’t do it all by myself. The other members have helped me countless times, and to an extent, I have some responsibility too. In my first year, I overslept and was very late for a live broadcast. I caused trouble for the other members and the staff and regretted it immensely. I can’t act anyway I want now that I’m in a group.

And now you help to choreograph Arashi’s dances and also released a solo single. You’ve become quite forward looking in your activities!

Well, it’s not like I volunteered for all these things! (laughs) I do like Arashi, but I have no desire to say, “I want to do this.” It could be because I have a stronger desire for stuff like drawing and fishing.

Ohno-kun is really wholehearted when it comes to his favourite things.

I live to satisfy myself. (laughs) Although when people said that they wanted to see my works, I held an exhibition last year. Basically, I just have the feeling of wanting to become better [at drawing]. However, for fishing it’s slightly different. There really isn’t any goal [I want to attain] in fishing. All I think about is, “Will I get something? Let’s fish!” I like that state of nothingness. [lit: 無 “mu”]

What does Ohno-kun think he’ll be like in ten years?

I hope to do more of my favourite things. However, if I increase the number of hobbies I have, I’d surely have to go somewhere. (laughs) It’d be nice to be a traveller too.

Sakurai-kun talks about Ohno’s 10 years

Rather than Ohno himself changing, I think the people around him see him with different eyes. It’s like everyone has discovered Riida? (laughs) His experience in stage plays came through in his first drama, and his exhibition was merely a physical manifestation of his hobby. While he kept saying, “I wanted to run away during our debut,” if you compare it to how he is now, he’s become quite forward looking right? In addition, another change would be his ever darkening skin colour, I guess. (laughs)