Probably, everyone is very surprised about me reading a letter, but I was the one who was the most surprised. Because of this, I've tried to take up a pen in my hand and undertake the writing of this letter.
The theme for this year is "Oath". Thinking about it, I remembered a certain quote.
Four years ago, Aiba-kun stood in this spot and said: "We definitely have to get to the top to together." In order to prevent those words from becoming a lie, these past four years, we've worked hard with everything we've got to get to this point.
When I was faced with everyone's serious attitudes towards their work, I remember being very touched by it.
Just why was it these five people? But I think, if it isn't with these four people, it would have been impossible to get to this point.
Leader. Thank you for never showing expressions of annoyance, for always looking after us. Though you actually want to be alone, you're always joking around with us. It's precisely because we have a leader who would give us space like you that I feel we can definitely continue on together. Leader, I'm glad to have met you.
Sho-kun. Sho-kun is someone who can really grasp the mood of a situation. Sometimes you'd be hopeless, sometimes you'd be stupid, but these are things that only those who are truly intelligent can do. This open-minded willingness to do anything for the sake of everyone makes me feel like we can definitely continue on together. Sho-kun, I'm glad to have met you.
Aiba-kun. We've always been together, haven't we. Truly, for all this time. You are someone who would treat even us with care, so sometimes I would worry about you. Because of that, when I heard you were going to do variety programs on your own, I felt a bit uneasy. But I think the reason you've become an indispensable part of the field is because of your dedication. With your dedication towards our work, I feel that we can definitely continue on together. Aiba-kun, I'm glad to have met you.
Jun-kun. Though Jun-kun gives off the feeling of someone who is cool and scary, you're actually a very warm person. There are lots of gentle people around us, but your gentleness comes with a certain warmth. With this warmth, I feel that we can definitely continue on together. Jun-kun, I'm glad to have met you.
Of course, though we are five people who happened to meet by chance, these past nine years have been our pride. The only thing we can pledge about now is probably that "This is Arashi".
Lastly.
Those who worked on our shows and releases with us.
Those who have taken time out of their busy schedules for us.
Those who have created a place to go back to for us.
Those who have always supported us.
To the people who make up the sixth member of Arashi,
Daisuki desu。 (I love you.)
I am very grateful to you all. Thank you very much.
- Ninomiya Kazunari
Members' Reactions
Ohno:
To be honest-- to be honest, I thought it would be Aiba-chan again. But surprisingly, it came after all, Nino writing a letter to us. Thank you.
Aiba:
Truly, thank you very much for writing an easy to understand letter. (Nino: No no, this is just the result of four years of growth.) It really touched my heart.
Jun:
It really hit me. I think he's the type who doesn't reveal himself the most (out of us all). It feels like it's been a long while since I heard such direct words from him about his feelings. I'm very happy. Thank you.
Sho:
I can't really read situations, but... well, really, when I listened to Nino's letter about us five meeting, the sixth member of Arashi being our many staff members and fans, I thought it was great. Today, on this day, at this moment, to be able to be here the way we are now, it's bliss. Thank you very much.
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