So right now I'm translating this TV sсript and I need to mark the male and female parts accordingly. It's a police show and every time I see 'police officer' or 'forensic specialist' or 'doctor' I automatically assume it's a man but half the time I'm wrong. It makes me realize just how well-conditioned I am.

@темы: issues, work

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"Even a struggle through a time of low popularity can become an integral part of a group’s image. Though nothing succeeds like success in America, Japan prefers to lionize ganbaru, which roughly translates to perseverance. A good example of the appeal of ganbaru recently played out in the pop charts as Johnny’s group NEWS returned from an 18-month hiatus. NEWS had been struggling through both poor sales and an identity crisis. The group had never really gelled as a unit and, during the hiatus, old tensions came to a head and their most popular member, Tomohisa Yamashita, left for a solo career.

Contrary to how this would play out in America, Yamashita finds himself sinking further and further in popularity while NEWS came out from hiatus with a renewed energy and chart-topping single. It’s as if Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River” was trounced in the charts by the remaining members of N*Sync!"

Source: http://www.popmatters.com/feature/166068-a-peek-inside-japans-tightly-managed-johnnys-entertainment/

That's an interesting look on things. I mean American articles tend to be very patronizing and include a lot of rumours as facts it's still fun to read.

@темы: J-Pop, NEWS.

---

Shitsuren Chocolatier

The drama is over and it's time to drop a line. Or two. Or dozen. Anyway.

Overall, it was a good watch, visually pleasing thanks to the setting and the cast. Also the awesome soundtrack. The actors did a really good job and I think Matsumoto really nailed it. There was also a good deal of humour which I really appreciate. But the plot is a different matter. At first I really found it quite exciting and was looking forward to new episodes but the further it got the more my interest dropped. I mean I likes some plot twists and some scenes but overall it felt they flunked a good premise. The last episode was very disappointing. Too much sap and everything felt so blurry and the ending had a bit of a WTF? feeling to it. I mean Souta had fucking 4 love interests and he ended up alone? It all just didn't make sense to me and basically I found it boring.

Initially I was very hopeful about Sekiya and Kaoruko. Meeting in a drama 9 years later I really wanted them to work out. But I lost that idea pretty soon. Kaoruko really disappointed me. I thought she's a strong and proud woman but she's awfully awkward and cowardly and keeps judging people even though doesn't even know what she wants. I don't like Saeko but at least her position makes sense. And her relationship with Sekiya was so pointless. (Actually, I was not only disappointed in Kaoruko but also Mizukawa Asami. From what I've seen she isn't much different in life. And while I was glad she's so different from all timid and kawaii hicks out there she's actually obnoxious even by my standards.) And Sekiya... well, he's not exactly a prince either. I dunno, he's a bit strange and it's not clear what he's thinking but at least he isn't hypocritical. And he's hot. Well, that didn't need to be pointed out.

Anyway, even though Shige's role was rather small and he didn't appear in all the episodes I think it was great for his career. His character is mature and cool and I'm sure he attracted some new fans.

Rating: 7 (Good)
Verdict: worth it!

@темы: dorama, Shige is my spirit animal

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Perhaps the saddest thing about becoming adult is when you realize that the things that meant the world to you when you were younger now seem futile or even malicious. But what's even sadder is the fact that you know the things you love now some day will also lose their meaning. It really scares me, you know.

@темы: musings

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Burn, baby, burn...

Could he get any more beautiful? It's pointless but I feel so proud of him. He's still so bashful but kind of bashfully bold? Confidently bashful? If that even makes sense. Anyway, I really hope I can read his books one day.

@темы: video, Shige is my spirit animal

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I think I figured it out. I love myself. It's my life that I hate.

@темы: myself, musings

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She is kind of perfect

@темы: video

---

Why do I feel like rather than getting wiser I just learn how to deal with myself?

@музыка: NEWS - Wonderland

@темы: myself, musings

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I finally made new avatars, 3 more. I actually deleted 4 though, too eager for change. I guess I'm still running away. From my memories, my past self, everything. But there is nowhere to run. It's like I made so much space for new things to come except nothing comes, I feel alone and empty.

@темы: musings

---

So I managed to get all 3 DVDs before midnight. Except I can't watch them, probably until next week. I'm gonna die from frustration. I didn't have work these past few days and I don't feel like doing anything productive either. Even the members posts. But lately I'm trying to stick to the things I really want to do which isn't much. I've been playing Neverwinter Nights 2 and it's kinda boring but I guess I'll go with it for now.

@темы: NEWS.

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Two phone calls, one text message and one u-mail. No answer. I never asked for much, did I? Never expected sympathy or understanding. Just someone to have a drink with once in awhile. Guess even that is too much to ask.

---

A sexy police officer and a sexy lab tech? Seriously? Now even my job is making me sexually frustrated.

@темы: work

---

大きな存在

I got up in a shitty mood, haunted by yesterday's encounter and tomorrow's doom. But then... then I watched NEWS and somehow everything got better. I devoted myself to picture-searching, reading and writing the next article and all the kanji are tough but by evening all the shitty thoughts have vanished as if by magic. Yesterday's happening seems no more than a dream and tomorrow my apartment shall be desecrated once again but today... today I am calm. As if standing on a rubble in the middle of a boisterous river of life.

ありがとうな。

@темы: musings, NEWS.

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Sometimes I Actually Go Out and Things Happen

I have some luck, you know. I'm kind of used to all sorts of "accidents" but this... So today is my mother's birthday and I went to buy her flowers around 4 PM (shame on me) and I was dressed lightly and feeling rather good about myself and then when I was in the mall I saw a familiar guy. The one I was in love with in high school. Well, I wasn't 100% sure but he seemed to look back too, after we passed each other which isn't really like him but we were too far and I would call out to him anyway. I continued on my way but of course all sorts of things happened in my head. I was like "Maybe I should have faced him though. And tell him what I really think." It was just like one of those romantic comedy moments where I imagined a scene. I'd be all cool like "Well, hello! Isn't it awkward meeting someone you proposed to 10 years ago?" All the while I was going back and forth looking for flowers but as a female in the background I figured he was probably going to the shop and shall be going back in awhile. I wasn't scheming, really. I still have some pride. It was more like "If it happens, it happens" And well, as I was going back a bit later we all but bumped into each other. I almost laughed. And I haven't really seen him in about 9 years and I was really hoping he's fat and bold by now but he didn't change much. Fucker. And there was a few second pause and then I was like "How's life?" and he was "How's it going?" - casual as ever - at exactly the same time. It was kind of perfect. We talked for a few minutes and my mouth wasn't cooperating all the time but I'm still proud of myself for keeping my shit together. I even had the guts to ask him if he were single. Which he is. He asked "What are you doing at such a place?" And I was like "What am I doing here? I live here." Which he should know. The thing is he doesn't live here. He doesn't even work here from what I gathered. What the actual fuck? Anyway, it was a bit awkward but not terribly so and then he just said "Well, I gotta go." Which came as no surprise, really. It felt like all those years never happened. It was just like a scene from a drama. Except it ended like life.

Thanks, life. You really know how to fuck me up. I have enough things to get depressed about as it is. They say time heals but it doesn't, really. Not if your memory is as good as mine anyway. Fuck, I really want to get wasted now. But I don't have anyone to do it with.

@темы: myself

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NEWS: Masuda Takahisa

* Name: Masuda Takahisa (増田貴久
* Nickname: Massu (used by bandmates), Taka (called by family)
* Birthday: 1986.07.04
* Zodiac sign: Cancer
* Blood Type: O
* Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
* Siblings: Older sister (by 2 years)
* Height: 171cm
* Weight: ~64kg
* Band colour: Yellow

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Childhood

Masuda Takahisa was born in the summer of 1986, an impressive for Japan 3.8 kilo baby. Massus's name "Takahisa" was decided by fortune-telling. Apparently based on his surname his name had to have 2 kanji with 12 and 3 strokes so this was what his parents came up with.

A face that never changes.



Like Tegoshi Massu was also very pleased with himself from an early age. Ha was a very lively and mischievous kid. Thanks to his parents he grew to love all sorts of sports: skiing, skating, rollerblading - a skill which came in handy later when he joined Johnnys. His father also taught him how to ride a bicycle and he was really into it. But Massu's favourite sport was swimming. He learned to swim when he was 3 and has been doing it ever since.

Massu says he was a noisy child and was often scolded by teachers but in elementary he had perfect attendance. At that time Massu was taking part in many competitions and sports festivals. Soccer, basketball, softball, swimming, relay - he says he liked everything but wasn't outstanding in any. He also did cheerleading.

Massu has an older sister but they don't seem to be close as she takes no interest in his work. He said she doesn't come to concerts and probably doesn't even know the members' names.


Entering JE and NEWS

Massu never thought of being a star but his fate was decided by a stranger. Apparently in Japan if you have an annoying little brother you can solve that problem by sending his application to Johnnys. When Massu was about 10 his sister's friend decided it was a good idea to send an application on his behalf so without telling him she sent his profile and picture to the agency. He was called to an audition and at first he was reluctant to go but there he was made to dance and he ended up liking it so when he was accepted he continued to come to practices on weekends.

Unlike Tegoshi Massu was in no big hurry to debut. He genuinely enjoyed dancing and it didn't really matter if he wasn't in the spotlight. But basically he was the one who joined JE earlier than other members and yet it took awhile before he was able to hold a microphone and seeing other juniors forming groups and acting in dramas made him feel a little sad. However, in 2001 Massu was casted in a popular school drama "3 nen B gumi Kinpachi Sensei" and once while he was filming he was stopped in a corridor by some gentlemen who later turned out to be TV producers and he was casted in a historical drama "Musashi". They weren't big roles but things were definitely looking up.

A 15-year old middle schooler Masuda as a 15-year old middle schooler Nagasawa.



Though Massu had a nice voice it wasn't until Tegoshi appeared that he was able to sing on stage. Apparently Johnny himself heard him sing and decided that his voice will match well with Tegoshi's. Which it really does. By the way, "Massu" is a nickname that Tegoshi came up with. He pretty much started calling him that as soon as they met.

Since 2003 the two of them began to sing together on TV shows and other groups' concerts and in September 2003 they became a part of NEWS. But since initially NEWS was meant to be a temporary unit after a month of touring with the volleyball team everyone went back to what they were doing before. For Massu it meant going back to backdancing and occasionally singing with Tegoshi. He says he didn't mind as long as he was needed.

Massu backdancing (or rather backrolling) for K.K.Kity in 2003.07.13. Two months later K.K.K. became a part of NEWS but Massu still continued to backdance for them.



In March 2004 a junior unit was formed out of the crowd Massu usually backdanced with. He wasn't included but the unit was called "Kis-My-Ft" (by the member's names) and one month later a member by the name of Matsumoto joined J.J.Express and Masuda filled in temporarily as the 'M'. However, another month later it was decided that NEWS shall officially debut so Massu withdrew from Kis-My-Ft.

In the band's early days Massu wasn't very popular. Which is outrageous to me, but it seems Massu is the type to take it slowly so his career follows that rule and apparently, now he is the most popular of the 4. Easy does it.

In 2006 Massu and Tegoshi debuted as Tegomass. The band was initially supposed to be called "Masutego" but they were debuting in Sweden and in the end much to Massu's chagrin it was decided that "Tegomass" sounded better for foreign listeners.

Both of them admit it was a little hard to get along at first since their personalities are very different, they fought and sometimes still do but in the end they learned to get along well and they say that it is because they have different views that they are able to achieve the best results. After all, their goals are the same.

Deceptively cute and innocent Tegomass around the time of their debut.



Though Masuda spends a lot of time with Tegoshi because of work he mentioned that in private he hangs out with Shige the most. But he's probably the closest with with KAT-TUN's Nakamaru. They auditioned on the same day and became good friends.


Career&Hobbies

Massu is pretty good at singing but I think he's the only real dancer in the band. I mean Dancer with a capital D. He's the only one who can do backflips and headstands and his solo songs are always dance songs. Massu seems to have a good sense of rhythm. During the 2006 tour he also played taiko drum and around 2009 he got really interested in a percussion instrument called asarato.

Fashionista is a word that really comes to mind when you see this guy. Rather than saying that Massu loves fashion I'd say he lives it. His sense of fashion is truly amazing and unique. He prefers baggy clothes, wears a lot of shorts and leggings and even long skirts for his stage outfits. Clothes are his passion. He goes shopping very often and his collection must be incredible since even his bandmates claim they never see him in the same outfit twice.



Even when the members are wearing the same outfit Massu's will always be a little different.

Two tour T-shirts: normal and Massu-sized!



Starting from 2010 Masuda also began to design the band's stage costumes and now he does it at every tour making sure to personalize them to each member's tastes.

Massu is a very athletic person. He doesn't do many sports like he did when he was little but he still loves swimming and does intense muscle training. That's right, behind the baggy clothes he hides a sculpted body. He even wants to appear in a fitness magazine but he says now he can't reach the level he had when he was about 19. He's also very interested in healthy lifestyle so he likes to try different techniques and tips to stay healthy.

Yup, that's not photoshop.



Unfortunately, because of his face Massu gives off the impression of being chubby and it upsets him. But it needs to be said that Massu does really like eating. It may sound strange because who doesn't but Massu really loves it, you know. His fellow members say he eats several times as much as others. His favourite food is gyouza (dumplings) and if I were to write a book about Massu I'd have to get gyouza a whole chapter. Actually, Massu has a special corner in Wink Up called "Tabemasu" (to eat) where he basically just... eats.



Personality

Massu is known as Sunny Man because apparently whenever he comes on location the weather is always sunny. But rather than the weather what really makes him sunny is his trademark smile. It's so warm and earnest that you can't help but smile back. Anyway, a picture paints a thousand words.

Massu: making world a brighter place since 1986!



Massu smiles a lot but he also can get too emotional and cries easily which you can see during the concerts.

Massu is a nice guy who is very considerate of others. He doesn't participate in the pranks that Tegoshi (and sometimes Kato) like to throw. He's also very nice to staff, treating them to coffee and snacks on tour. However, it's not like he's completely innocent. I mean it was his idea to make Koyama pay for everyone's meals when he said he wanted to become a leader. Massu isn't full of himself but he does like himself very much. When he is asked to say something he doesn't like about himself he says there isn't anything. I mean even Tegoshi has something he wants to fix.

Massu doesn't seem to read books (much to Shige's chagrin) but he's very curious. He likes to talk about all sorts of things and knows a lot of random facts and sometimes you may witness the wonder that is Massupedia.



Everyone knows Massu is a slow type of person. While he might be really hyper on stage and in TV shows most of the time he is very relaxed and hates being rushed. Other members often complain that he keeps everyone waiting because he likes to take his time. Massu also thinks about things carefully, he's very particular and attentive to details. He's cautious when it comes to making decisions which is a complete opposite of Tegoshi who rushes forward without thinking. Massu takes his work very seriously. He often goes to concerts of other JE bands and learns from them so he can come up with better ideas for his own concerts.

Massu is very individualistic. And it's not just about fashion. He really hates when someone says he looks like someone else or when someone has the same things that he owns. He gets a little paranoid about it, really and gets annoyed if someone tries to copy him.

Massu is very strong physically and can beat all the members at arm-wrestling in a second but he's terribly afraid of insects and sometimes animals. Ok, to tell the truth he's afraid of nearly everything. Even tiny bunnies. But he tries his best and he got a little better at it and was able to hold a puppy for a PV recently but he's still visibly uncomfortable around bigger animals, dogs included.



Another well-known fact is that Massu is a neat-freak. His place in the dressing room is always clear and tidy. He is very concerned about his things, never puts them on the floor and doesn't like anyone touching his stuff. Though Massu is friendly and talkative many people also say that he's a very private person and he doesn't reveal much about himself.

Sometimes when I look at Massu I think that one day God looked at Earth and decided there's not enough cute. So Massu was created. I've seen a lot of cute people but nobody was so absolutely adorable without trying. Just looking at him smile is healing. It's hard to describe Massu briefly because Massu is... Massu. He's that one special snowflake, one of a kind but I really tried my best.

@темы: NEWS.

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Why is it that the moment I find myself thinking "Hey, I'm kind of ok right now. I'm doing pretty well." The moment I think that everything seems to start crumbling and I know I'm sinking again. Tonight it was a mildly unpleasant dream but then I felt the teeth in my mouth shattering and falling out of my mouth.

@темы: Dreams, musings, snapshot

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So I'm mid-season on 4 shows and I realized belatedly that that's kind of too many. But two of them were on holidays and 1 episode a week wasn't enough. And now that I'm working on another series...

There's the Big Band Theory S7, visibly weaker but still passable

Shitsuren Chocolatier, I missed episode 8 since Sekiya wasn't even in it.

Then there's the Good Wife, it should resume today

And now I've taken Kinpachi Sensei which turned out to be triggering as fuck but it's too late now.

And then there's Rookie Blue S4 and I'm only on my second episode but you get attached to stuff you work on for days so. It's a decent watch but I have so many WTF about both the plot and the characters so it's not something I would recommend. It should have been named "Young hot policemen" instead and it seems like everyone has been dating everyone else at some point before. Also once again it seems the sсript writers get to express their sexual fantasies through the series, I mean right now there a hot blonde policewoman dating a hot brunette forensic lab tech.

@темы: series, snapshot

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So I was just on one of my search parties and…



Excuse me while I’m having a moment. I had this video for like 8 years.

@темы: match

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NEWS: Tegoshi Yuya

* Name: Tegoshi Yuya (手越祐也
* Nickname: Tesshi (his bandmates used it when he was younger), Tegonyan (a cute way to call himself), Ero-prince (given to him at ItteQ).
* Birthday: 1987.11.11
* Blood Type: B
* Zodiac sign: Scorpio
* Birthplace: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
* Education: Horikoshi Gakuen, Waseda University (Human Sciences)
* Siblings: None
* Height: ~168 cm
* Weight: ~55kg
* Band colour: Pink

A lot MORE

Childhood

Tegoshi was born and grew up on the outskirts of Yokohama. He said that his mother really wanted a daughter and apparently the doctor said she will be having a girl but she was in for a surprise. Yet while he was little she often made him wear skirts at home and let his hair grow long. I would have thought that's something people would never reveal outside of their shriks' office but Yuya seems to have no problem talking about it.



Despite what he may have looked like his personality could hardly be more boyish. At least that's what he says. At age 4 Tegoshi began playing soccer and it became his main passion. Since young age he was very energetic and playful and as he claimed himself his mother got many complaints from the teacher because little Yuya was often fighting with the boys and lifting girl's skirts up and kissing them without consent. Maybe that's partly why his middle and high school were boys-only. He also says in elementary school he loved stuffed toys and such, slept with them and took them with him for walks. He believed they were alive and he talked to them. That continued until grade 6.

Entering JE and NEWS

Initially dreaming to become a soccer player Tegoshi changed his mind deciding to enter the showbiz after seeing how cool Kimura Takuya was in dramas. One of his friends' mother has been telling him he's got a "Johnnys face" since elementary school and he got great scores at karaoke so he was confident he could make it and he did. Tegoshi came to the agency pretty late but he stood out because of his great vocal skills and was able to debut in less than a year which was very rare. He was originally supposed to debut with Masuda Takahisa but they both became a part of NEWS so their own debut had to wait another 3 years.

However, Tegoshi was still unsatisfied squished in a band with 8 people and unable to show his full potential. The first year was the hardest, he lacked dancing skills and Moriuchi whom he befriended left the band. So at that point he was thinking of leaving. But he hated to be a quitter so he tried harder. Koyama took him under his wing, other members supported him too and somehow he got through it.

While the band was on hiatus he wasted no time and along with Masuda debuted as Tegomass. Though considered a sub-unit Tegomass is highly acclaimed for their good vocal skills and high quality of music.

When Tegoshi entered the agency he looked like an average kid, woke tracksuits and did know how to style his hair. But he was a fast learner and when NEWS returned in 2007 all of a sudden he was well-dressed and criminally pretty. He also became the band's lead vocalist and since he was now the youngest he was spoiled rotten by some of the older members. Fuelled by drama appearances and TV shows his popularity was on the rise.

Magical transformation: new teeth, new hair, a few years... and voila!



He soon developed an unhealthy infatuation with skull patterns and accessories. Combined with his his love for leopard-print and bright pink it resulted in some very questionable outfits. But I guess when you're this pretty anything works.

Not only was he now the lead vocalist. He was also great at motivating people and though he was the youngest he soon ended up being the one making motivational speeches before concerts. Despite having great vocal skills Tegoshi never seemed to be interested in a solo career. I guess he's a team player after all.

But Tegoshi's full potential was revealed when the band faced a crisis in 2011. Other members agree it was his strength and will to go forward that helped them to get back on their feet. Koyama says that Tegoshi is a backstage leader, encouraging both members and staff.


Career&Hobbies



Tegoshi is a great vocalist but he can also play guitar and he does it sometimes at concerts. He also composed some of the music and lyrics to NEWS and Tegomass songs. Apart from singing in his two bands Tegoshi does his fair share of acting too. Though he usually plays supportive roles I think he's pretty good at it.

While Tegoshi took part in several TV shows he is best known for his participation in ItteQ. Basically it's a really great show where the cast travel all around the world, show amazing things and do amazing things. It suits him perfectly and showcases his talents. Since he was doing so well he got his own corner "Entertainer Tegoshi" is which he travels to different countries and learns new unusual skills in a limited time. Tegoshi's ability to learn combined with amazing determination and the desire to continuously challenge himself make it seem that nothing is impossible for him.

He might seem like a very brave person but he's actually easily scared. Haunted houses and insects are his worst enemies.



Bungee-jumping from a helicopter: I can do that!
Touching worms: No way!

The only thing Tegoshi absolutely sucks at is drawing. Not that he would ever admit it. His works are so bad he actually has his own corner in one of the magazines where he draws portraits of different guys from his agency.



Tegoshi is very athletic and good at many sports but soccer remains his biggest passion. He loves it so much other members worry that it might be more important to him than the band. He plays whenever he has free time and is friends with some J-League players. He always plays as a forward. He says that for awhile in school he was a goalkeeper but he realized that with his personality he couldn't be in defence, he needed to attack. He is also one of the hosts at the show called Soccer Earth which allows him to travel the world and interview his favourite players. The last two years he was also Japan's main newscaster for FIFA World Cup.

Tegoshi's other interesting hobby is crossdressing. The first time he did it (voluntarily that is) was at a winter tour in 2009. He dressed as Santa girl for the Christmas concert and also as a schoolgirl while participating in other members' song. After that he began to do it regularly at concerts, dramas and TV shows and every time he got better at it. And it's not just about looks, he tries to act like a girl too and he's got it down to an art. He says he does it because fans like it but it's obvious he really enjoys it. I bet his mother is very happy about it too.



Tegoshi does everything to please his fans which he calls "kittens". He's a professional when it comes to posing for the camera, saying mushy things onstage and doing all kinds of fanservice. That includes doing things with his bandmates. Now the people who like to ship have their own preferred pairings. I have mine too. But I think that in case of Tegoshi every pairing is perfectly legit because he flirts with all the members and does it gladly. Whether they cooperate or not.



Actually, Tegoshi is good friends with all the NEWS members. He doesn't really keep in touch with anyone else in the agency though. Instead he hangs out with older musicians such as L'Arc~en~Ciel's Hyde.

Currently Tegoshi lives with his pet dog Skull, a toy poodle which he bought in 2010. He alternates between NEWS and Tegomass. He is a part of the permanent cast of ItteQ and Soccer Earth. Along with Masuda has a radio show, Tegomass Radio.


Personality

Asked about Tegoshi other band members basically agree that he's a harmless egoist. He often causes minor stress for people around him but he's actually nice.

Tegoshi doesn't like formalities and neglects the social hierarchy speaking informally even to his seniors. Though the youngest and the least experienced out of the 4 he uses nicknames for all the other members. But while they admit that he might be a little rude and disrespectful it also helps to lessen the distance in relationships. His fellow members often have complaints about him being too noisy, showing off too much, making others pay for him, walking backstage nearly naked and many more. But whenever they scold him you can tell they actually love him the way he is. He is also well-known for his pranks which are so childish and ridiculous nobody can really stay mad at him. After all, that's just his way of showing affection.



Tegoshi is amazingly self-confident and never doubts his own abilities. He may come across as arrogant but the truth is he is really capable and hard-working. Tegoshi is also known for being very outspoken and frank. He often says things without worrying what people might think of him which gets him both a lot of admirers and a lot of haters. Despite this Tegoshi claims he is actually quite shy in private but once the camera starts rolling he turns into an idol and there is no more place for hesitation. He is insanely competitive and would do anything is someone dares him to.

Tegoshi admits that though he loves dogs his own personality is very much like a cat's. Which seems to be true since he looks cute and cuddly, but he does what he wants and likes to cause mischief.

Strong-willed, energetic, outgoing, cute, stubborn, playful, hardworking, mischievous, perfectionist, flirty, egoist, shy, pretentious, adventurous, ambitious... these are just some of things that come to mind when I think about the guy. But they are just words and can't even begin to describe the complexity of human nature. Yet, I hope my little discourse gave some insight regarding this strange and amazing human being called Tegoshi Yuya.

@темы: NEWS., Tegoshi Yuya

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NEWS: History

I. History

The band NEWS was originally formed under Johnny's Entertainment in September 2003. Their primary function was to support the female volleyball team. They traveled with the team for a month and performed before the games. They were basically cheerleaders)) Now it has to be said that the band's formation was very sudden. They were pretty much herded to a photoshoot without being told anything and then a few days later they debuted. Well, actually, they didn't properly debut and despite releasing a single it was only sold in 7/11 so it didn't make it into the charts.



Originally there were 9 members aged 19 to 15 but rather than the age the members' status and experience varied greatly. The band's leader Yamashita (Yama Pi) entered the agency in 1996 while Tegoshi Yuya was there for less than a year. Not to mention two of the members were already a part of the band Kanjani8. Basically, at that stage NEWS wasn't a proper band but rather a collection of people. Apart from Yama Pi and two members from Osaka - Nishikido and Uchi there was also K.K.K. (Koyama, Kato, Kusano) who already performed together before, plus Tegoshi and Masuda who were supposed to debut as a duo and the youngest member Moriuchi. Actually, it would be fair to say that NEWS was originally formed around Yama Pi who was already extremely popular and it remained so for many years to come. Initially NEWS seemed like a one-time project and after the volleyball cup everyone got back to what they were doing before. Well, except Takahiro Moriuchi who left the agency.

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However, in May 2004 NEWS was back to debut officially and their new single went to No 1. All was going pretty well until in July 2005, Uchi Hiroki was suspended indefinitely from NEWS for underage drinking. Which was bad enough but only 6 months later the same happened to Kusano Hironori (who was one of the band's best vocals) and even though he denied it until the end he was suspended and the band's future was uncertain. For a year the members concentrated on individual activities. The leader Yamashita debuted as a solo artist and two of the members, Masuda and Tegoshi also used this chance to debut as originally planned in a band called Tegomass.



NEWS made their comeback in March 2007 as a 6-member band and thankfully this formation was fairly stable. Their songs were still hitting No. 1 although they were never as popular as some of their fellow JE bands.

It needs to be said here that right from the start the band's leader and most popular member Yama Pi was not happy about debuting with people he didn't know and he never really wanted to be a leader in the first place. At the same time other popular member Nishikido Ryo was working in two bands simultaneously which was very hard on him. By 2010 both of them had a lot of individual activities and were investing less time in the band.

NEWS in 2010. Can you tell who’s planning to leave?



And yet it came as a shock to the other members when in summer 2011 the two announced that they would be leaving the band. For months it was unknown whether NEWS would continue as a band. Two of the remaining members, Masuda and Tegoshi had their own band so they would definitely continue to perform but the other two - Koyama and Kato didn't feel confident enough to continue on their own so that would mean no more singing on stage for them. In the end the four of them decided to keep NEWS no matter what.



NEWS came back as a 4-member band in 2012 with a new single "Chankapana". The single and the following tour was a big success so the band once more secured their spot in the industry as all of their following releases made it to No 1. Lately the members are busy with personal activities such as dramas, plays an TV shows so they haven't had any group activities in awhile but they still get together a lot for photoshoots and such.

@темы: NEWS.