Think Note Vol #96: With
Myojo 04.2021
(I’m paraphrasing a bit more than usual this time. Please let me know if there are any errors.)
I want to discover things that I can do because I am alone
The novel coronavirus has taken away the time and place where people may interact with each other. He thought about [what it means] to be a person living alone in this “with corona” era and the type of entertainment he could deliver as an idol.
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When 2020 became 2021, I was watching “Johnny’s Countdown 2020-2021” on TV. At midnight, we all sent [happy new year] messages to JUMP’s group chat at the same time and we went back and forth talking about what we saw on air, like “Why was the lighting so dark during our song?” and “That’s true. (laughs)”. Although it was lonely since we could not spend New Year’s Eve with [the others], our senpais and our kouhais on stage like we used to, I could still feel our bond despite being away from the members, so it was special.
During the New Year’s holiday, I mostly stayed at home and gamed alone. Since I spent so much time gaming, my game room has been enriched. I bought an ottoman online and 100 packages of snacks, so I spent my time gaming & grabbing a snack when I felt like it. Ya~ It was the ultimate entertainment. (Laughs) "When I buy my own home, in the place where you can only see the wall, I’ll build a game room behind it and [throw in] a small bar counter to make this game room the best entertainment centre!" I daydreamed about such things. (Laughs)
When I go walking, the things that do not leave my side are my phone, wallet, lip cream, eye drops, and lucky charm. Each year on New Year’s Day after Johnny’s countdown, everyone from the agency will go to for Hatsumōde* and I'll get a lucky charm from them. This year due to covid, the staff went to the temple for us to exchange the old one for a new one. The function I used the most on my phone is texting. I also read a lot of manga with it. I really like “Chiruran: Shinsengumi Requiem” that talks about the Shinsengumi; I’ve been reading this long before I got cast as Okita Souji in the movie adaptation of “Moeyo Ken”. Of course, I also checked out JUMP’s original MV and making-of videos on Smash. Since it’s a vertical video, it is hard to imagine how things will look until I see the actual video. [When I watched] I will think about things like “I want to look like this, so I’ll have to be careful moving this way at this spot next time.” Once I installed the app, I can see it whenever I want. So convenient!**
* This is when the Japanese go visit the first temple of the year.
** Product placement time! 😅
Right now, [the entertainment industry] has to coexist with novel coronavirus; i.e. it's a “With Corona” entertainment [era]. For dramas or movies, we have to wear face shields during rehearsals on set, so it could be a bit stressful. Also, when I think about those fans who look forward to meeting us, nothing hurts more than not being able to hold an in-person concert. Furthermore, I don’t update my blog on “Johnny’s Web” that often… I am aware of that. But other than what I said in interviews, I don’t have anything to write about. Although I could just write about random things, I don’t want to treat the blog similar to platforms like Twitter. So when I have something I want to tell you I’ll post right away, so please excuse the long wait. (Laughs)
Even in our normal life, I don’t think there are people who are happy with the current situation. That’s why I think in addition to take precautions against infection, it is important to take stock of your “With Corona” life. Find something that’s fun to do at home, find items that can let you fulfil your time at home. Although I am probably not the right person to say this… don’t go crazy with gaming to the point where it affects your daily rhythm. (Laughs)
“I’m looking forward to the live concert!" - Yamada~










