Another favorite corner from Non-No's annual feature with Arashi, the members write short messages to each other. I've also translated the 2011 version in an article here.
Translator’s note: The adjectives listed in capital letters in front of each member’s name was written in the magazine, so I just included it in the translation of the article.
To myself in 2011:
From acting in the drama, “Bartender”, to narrating for documentaries, I was given the privilege of taking on many challenges in my work in 2011. In 2012, I will work hard while having fun being myself.
To Sho-chan:
The drama which I greatly enjoyed at the end of 2011, “Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de”. I was solving mysteries in front of my TV together with you every time! I would love to see Sho-chan solving mysteries in a magnificent manner, so… How about I give out riddles, and you try solving them? (laughs)
To Leader:
If I were to talk about Leader’s year 2011, Kaibutsu-kun the movie would come to mind! Although I didn’t get to catch it, I really enjoyed the massive scale of the movie. In 2012, it would be nice if we could go out for a field trip together or something.
To Nino:
With Nino, we had so much fun playing numerous games together. Of course, what I enjoyed recently was Nino himself acting as Mario in a CM! He’s gonna hone his skills in 2012, yeah? I’m gonna work hard so that I won’t lose to you!
To Matsujun:
Matsujun in 2011 shone in the stage play, “Aa, Koya”. My heart skipped a beat at his physical beauty which he trained specially for the occasion. Show us your cool side in various roles and projects in 2012 too, okay? I will be checking it out while looking out for your muscles!
To myself in 2011:
The solo project which left an impression on me was, not surprisingly, the stage play “Aa, Koya” which I haven’t done for five years. I would love to have the luxury of spending so much time on a single project in 2012.
To Sho-kun:
For Sho-kun, I received lots of text messages from him in 2011. He sent me messages to encourage me when my stage play was about to begin, and also to inform me about the various activities that our seniors and juniors (lit: senpai, kouhai) were involved in. Please send me lots of messages in 2012 as well.
To Leader:
Thanks for all your hard work on the movie “Kaibutsu-kun”. I’m looking forward to your portrayal of other roles in 2012. I’m happy that together with Nino, the three of us managed to have a meal together. It would be great if we could find some time and go for a meal together again!
To Nino:
Thanks for coming to see the stage play amidst your busy year in 2011! You took a peep at the green room too… And ate my bento too. (laughs) Let’s have a meal at my place in 2012! I’ll try my best to cook your favorite hamburger.
To Aiba-chan:
Aiba-chan brought some refreshments during the stage play, yeah? It seems that he took the trouble to buy some rare item from a distant place, so that made me happy. He mentioned that he was cultivating a vegetable garden at home in 2011, so let me eat some of your tomatoes in 2012!
To myself in 2011:
Comparatively, 2011 was a more relaxed year. I was happy that lots of people got to watch the movie, “GANTZ” and the drama SP, “Freeter, Ie wo Kau.” I’ll be giving it my best in 2012 too!
To Aiba-san:
Starting with the drama, “Bartender”, you were really active during the year 2011, even landing jobs such as being the narrator on the Guide to the World Gymnastics Competition. It was a pride to have you as the first Arashi member to be the Best Jeanist! Please aim to win the award consecutively in 2012!
To J:
The stage play, “Aa, Koya” was amazing! For undergoing physical training for the role, J in 2011 was stoic too. It seems like it will be a hectic beginning to 2012 with the drama “Lucky Seven”, so take care not to catch a cold! <3
To Ohno-san:
Thanks for all your hard work in 2011, from the filming of “Kaibutsu-kun” the movie to its publicity. It was the first project in 3D to come forth from our midst, and I’m sure lots of people got to enjoy it, didn’t they? I’m looking forward to your superb acting skills 2012!
To Sho-chan:
In addition to NEWS ZERO, you appeared in various projects such as the movie, “Kami-sama no Karute” and the drama, “Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato De”. It was a hectic 2011, yeah? Please exhibit the charm that is uniquely Sho-chan’s to the fullest while taking care of your health in 2012!
To myself in 2011:
For 2011, the project that really left an impression upon me was the movie, “Kaibutsu-kun”. It was great fun to shoot in India for the first time with a crew that I was familiar with! I wonder what experiences I will be able to gain in 2012?
To Aiba-chan:
Congratulations on being awarded the Best Jeanist for 2011! I thought to myself, if it were Aiba-chan, he would definitely get the award someday. Please do get nominated for the second year in a row! And after you enter into the hall of fame… pass the baton on to me! (laughs)
To Matsujun:
The greatly successful stage play was the highlight of Matsujun’s 2011. After going to watch that show, I once again felt, “It’s great being able to perform live.” I would love to watch lots of stage plays in 2012 so… please try your best and appear in about 3 stage plays. (laughs)
To Nino:
It was great that you were able to become your beloved Mario in 2011. I was so touched that fitted perfectly into the world of games, as expected of Nino! For 2012, I would love for you to take on the challenge of portraying other characters and exploring the various possibilities.
To Sho-chan:
I watch NEWS ZERO every week! I kinda feel sorry when I see you working whilst I’m always relaxing. (laughs) In 2011, I had quite a few dreams about Sho-chan. For some reason, we were playing basketball recently [in my dream]. Let’s meet in my dreams in 2012 as well.
To myself in 2011:
In 2011, I had a renewed consciousness of the significance of journalism, and the movie, “Kami-sama no Karute” was also released in theatres. It was a year that was deeply etched in my memory. It would be great if I could discover new things and grow in various ways in 2012.
To Satoshi-kun:
You sent me lots of text messages in 2011, yeah? Stuff like, “You looked really good today too <3” right after the O.A. of NEWS ZERO. (laughs) Satoshi-kun is a person with various hobbies like drawing, art, fishing and remote controlled cars. Please enjoy your 2012 while living a balanced life!
To Nino:
I was really happy when I saw the photo which you texted me after you had filmed the Mario CM. I thought to myself, “A fellow member has turned into a hero!” You portrayed various characters in dramas and movies in 2011, but I’ve got to see Nino acting in 2012!
To Matsujun:
Once again, in 2011, you took the lead in conceptualizing our concerts and giving suggestions, and I’m really thankful for that. The year 2012 opens with the drama, “Lucky Seven”. I’ll be checking it out every week before NEWS ZERO!
To Aiba-chan:
Thanks for showing us your cheerful smile in 2011! I always feel led by that. Recently, Aiba-chan received a lot of assignments which involved him using his voice. I’m looking forward to the release of “The Tales of the Creatures on the Japanese Islands” in 2012!