Main points of Sho's interview in MISS, as translated by Jen.

1) We are always in quest for the meaning of "Arashi" rather than the definition of an "idol".
    自分たちは、『アイドル』の定義というより、　『嵐』の定義を追い求めている。
    Is that why Arashi is so unique, so un-idol-like? The meaning of Arashi...is the 5 of them.

2) We do feel scared stepping out onto the 11th year.
    １１年目に踏み出すにあたっての怖さを感じている。
    Raised expectations, past results, the push for change...those are sources of immense pressure.

3) Its impatience and uneasiness that push us to move. And, its because the 4 guys are with me that I can continue so far.
    自分を突き動かすのは、焦りと不安。　そして、この４人がいてくれたから続けてこれた。
    But with the support of each other, surely they will find the courage to move, to try, and to fail.

4) Everyone always talk about sales figure and number of variety programs that we have but for us, we have always enjoy ourselves at those times.
    売上数とか番組数とかいいろ言われるけど、ぼくらは、その時その時が楽しかった。
    Stay that way! The memories you make are more important than chasing after figures.

5) I want to carry those loads with me, however heavy, but in reality we have to leave some things behind in order to move forward. I want to make sure that those loads left behind are not shameful.
    どんな大きな荷物でも持って歩きたいけど、実際は何かを置いていかないとならない。だから、置いてきたものに恥じないように
    Put them down if it makes it easier for you to take flight. A new chapter is drawing open.

6) I feel even stronger the importance of us not changing when our surrounding is. We still have to move forward. Please watch over us when we do this.
    周りが変わっていく中で、僕らは変わらないことの大事さを、さらに強く感じる。それでも前へ進まないといけない。そんな僕等を見守ってほしい。
    Yes, everything has been changing a lot since 2007. But I'm glad you guys are still the same dorks from 2002.

7) I want to fall in love but I think I cannot. Its all about this principle I have.
    恋愛はしたいけど、できないと思っている。その価値観しかないから。
    Principle...? Regarding work? Regarding being an idol?

8) We have always been described as a pentagon (5 corners) but we are more the potter's wheel turning on top. Depends on the moment you hold it the shape changes.
    僕らは五角形みたいに言われるけど、「ろくろ」の上で回ってるイメージ。そのときに応じて、形も配分も変わる。
    That's a great comparison. External forces (the media, fans, critics, opportunities) may come hitting, but you'll change shape to turn them into forces that make you all progress and mould you all into an even better group.

9) We are just the image of 5 guys goofing around beside the blackboard after school.
    放課後、黒板の横でバカやってる５人というイメージ。
    And that ends it all well. May you guys stay like that!

From sanspo

嵐１０年ぶり全員でドラマ「最後の約束」

 

Angeline directed me here to watch the letter segment.

I was pretty shocked when I first heard that Nino wrote this year's letter. Like what Jun said, Nino doesn't usually talk about his feelings, so I was a little apprehensive about how it will turn out to be like. But, I got touched by his letter. Not as much as I did Aiba (most probably because Aiba had such a ke lian face, while Nino doesn't) but I still got so touched. I wonder if we'll get to see each member do one in the years to come. =)

I love it when he said, "でもぼくは、この四人とじゃなきゃここまで来れなかった気がします。"
I remember reading one of the members (Nino or otherwise) saying something along this line too!!

And when he commented that although Jun seems cool, he's actually a 温かい人. That's how I feel too.

And the last part:

一緒に番組や作品を作ってくれる
忙しい中支えてくれる
帰る場所を作って待ってくれる
いつまでも応援してくれる
六人目の嵐の皆さん
大好きです

感謝しています。ありがとう。

=) Kazu, I think the same too!

リーダー、出会えてよかった。

翔くん、出会えてよっかった。

相葉くん、出会えてよかった。

潤くん、出会えてよかった。

そして、

ニノくん、出会えてよかった。

でも、本当はまだ会いませんね。

もう出会えた人たちに、
まだ「出会えてよかった」って言われないけど、
いつか「出会えてよかった！幸せだ！」って言いたいん！

もういない友達なら、
「私に出会えてありがとう。」