Playzone 2001 Shinseki Emotion, 2001.08.16
This was Ohnoâs final day/performance for Shinseki Emotion. And this is also the final year that Ohno participates in Playzone. Also the last time heâs on stage with MA in a musical/stage play.Â
Very very emotional final day.
And before I attempt to narrate/translate what went on during that final speech, just recall for a moment that this is 2001 and Ohno still felt insecure about being Arashi, that he lagged behind Arashi, and the most vocal fans questioned why he debuted and not Tackey.Â
This was his first stageplay as lead with Shonentai, while carrying the title and name of being Arashiâs leader. He also said he had worried a lot for this musical, because he couldnât give his all during practice and thought Shonentai despised him because of it even if they said nothing. Inoharaâs (V6) encouraging words gave him strength. Iâve always said heâs a Shonentai baby. This is among the reasons why.
Now you can look at that crying face again. And this is what happened:
He actually said âGoodbye! Ohno Satoshi!â in this just before the final song/performance for Show Time. Jokingly, of course, and the crowd laughs. Then a huge cake was presented of Playzone saying goodbye to the 20th century, and welcoming the new century. The cake was delivered by MA (with 2 from MAD, I think). MAâs been reduced to 4 people at this point: Machida, Yara, Yonehana, Akiyama.
Curtain went down, and the next time it went up, Shonentai and Ohno stepped forward. And it didnât take long before Ohno started bawling. Iâd love to translate Ohnoâs entire speech but I could only pick up very little (and he barely talked, what with all that bawlingâŚ)
Other than repeatedly saying his gratitude, he also said, âI did my best.â And, âIt was good to be in Playzone.â And, âIâm really grateful to Shonentai and MA.â
The entire time, people were clapping and cheering him on, shouting âGanbatte!â and âKawaii!â at the same time. All the while, Ohno kept on bawling on his arm while Shonentai (Nikki, I think) yelled at him âOhno! Donât pretend to cry (or something along this line)!âÂ
At this point, Ohno can barely speak and just said something like, "I canât stop my tears anymore. Thank you everyone. Thank you very muchâ in a jumble of words.
Shonentai took over because Ohnoâs incoherent. Not sure if it was Higashiyama talking, âI think that was one big step.â Cue laughter.Â
And then Nikki said, âArashi fans can buy at least two Shonentai singles/CDs. Iâll check at the office! In this industry, itâs called give and take.â Cue laughter again.
Shonentai then asked the entire crowd to give Ohno a banzai cheer. The whole auditorium gave him the traditional Banzai cheer (3 times).Â
Trivia: Banzai isnât actually a war cry. Itâs more like a cheer for victory, favor and enthusiasm.Â
I think this moment was when Ohno won the hearts of an entire auditorium/theater. You know that phrase, âBring the house downâ ? I also like to view this moment as the stage in Ohnoâs life where he finally began to build that momentum (and confidence) to take on the industry as an Arashi member with pride. It sure felt like watching his whole past support his future endeavors.Â
Sorry for the long text. The read more option wasnât available.
gummygunk
yousharknotpass
kianamaiart
