hsjhoshi | Hey! Say! JUMP - Wink-Up November 2020 (English Translation)

This month, we interviewed JUMP, who have had various roles in dramas and movies, on the theme of characters!

Yamada Ryosuke

Self-analysis. I'm currently a ○○ character.

If I may say so myself, but there are times when I want to show a sparkling prince character, a funny character on a variety show, the face of an actor in a drama... I still haven't settled on one yet. Well, the strongest would be the face of an idol but as everyone knows, I can be sarcastic (laughs). When I was young, I would get told off by the staff when I'd finish an MC. I would say, "Okay! I'm sorry~" but eventually I didn't care what they thought of me anymore, so now I'm here. There's a corner on my radio that's Joushi VS me, and I can say whatever I want to say. It's a corner where I can be myself, and when talk about renewing it comes up, I appealed and said, "I want to keep this corner." I love how we can talk to each other about anything!

Memorable character played in the past

Kitazawa Shusaku from "Momikeshite fuyu~". I didn't think it was going to be a drama with that kind of atmosphere, and in the first episode I was really trying to figure out what kind of energy I should have. There was a lot of narration, right? I recorded all of it, but when background music and sound effects were added, we thought, "This is a bit off" so I had to reshoot them again. But once I got into character, I was good to go. After it aired, many people said to me, "I want you to do it in the spring, summer and autumn, not just in the winter!" (T/N: Fuyu means winter).

What you've gained or lost with your character

At this age, there's a lot of work, right? I might be asked to do some intense comedy, or play the role of a mature love interest. As I said at the beginning, there are some fans who only want to see me as a "sparkling prince character" and I'm disappointed that sometimes I let them down. I want to challenge myself in many different ways, so I'm happy to have people's support, including that part of me.

Recent situation

I just had my first hamburger with egg at this location a short time ago, and it was seriously delicious! When I go to a fashion magazine, they prepare small burgers with pickles on the side, or fancy brown rice dishes. I'm grateful for that, but I'm not really into that kind of food. Brown hearty easy to make food is the best!

Chinen Yuri

Self-analysis. I'm currently a ○○ character.

I guess the world thinks of me as a "younger, cuter character"? But outside the public eye, I'm a pretty teased character. In particular, I'm often a target of Inoo-chan and Daiki. Even if another member makes a mistake, they'll say, "Hey~ Chinen!" and blame me for it (laughs). I don't know if I've ever thought about finding my own character before. When people told me I had a sharp tongue, I wondered if I was a sharp-tongued character, but I didn't force myself to do it. But in a job like this, maybe I should think about my character a little bit more. I'm starting to see a lot of sharp tongue characters, so how about "a character who says everything they want to say"? But I'm sure the members would be scared of me (laughs).

Memorable character played in the past

Oda Nobutatsu from "Shinobi no Kuni". He is in a great position and pretty selfish. Up until then, it was standard for me to play the superior student character, so I didn't have that kind of character in me and it was very hard for me to play that role. Furthermore, during the filming, there were many people who were vassals (T/N: Someone in feudal times who received protection and land from a lord in return for allegiance and performing military and other duties). I was very nervous and embarrassed about acting alone in front of them. I'm still like that, and why I feel I'm not very good at performing.

What you've gained or lost with your character

For better or worse, I'm seen as being "young and cute" so when I say or do the opposite, it leaves a strong impression. People are often surprised when I say or do things that are very realistic, despite my pink and soft image (laughs). The other problem is people tend to think I can "do everything". When I read a script, the story progresses as if I had succeeded, like, "Chinen, be successful." I can't fail! And if I fail, people don't tease me about it. I really don't like that atmosphere of making people fussing over me. At least turn it into a laugh...

Recent situation

I heard that a new game console is going to be released in the winter. I got a message with a picture from Ryosuke saying "I'll pre-order Chinen's," but when I looked at the picture, I saw that it's a limited edition 24k gold model (laughs). I don't want that kind of shiny one, just a normal and original one is good enough for me!

Nakajima Yuto

Self-analysis. I'm currently a ○○ character.

Within the group, I'm still the character who "does impersonations of my own people". Recently, I created a new one called, "the guy in charge of JUMP at the record company with long hair". The impersonation, where he listens to Takaki-kun's riddles while fussing over his bangs, was a big hit with the members for a while! Speaking of impersonations, Kawai-kun (Fumito) has been coming to the forefront lately, hasn't he? (T/n: Kawai was on the Monomane Grand Prix on 29 September). Unlike Kawai-kun who does impersonations of people we know, I'm an "impersonator who does impersonations of people we don't know and whose explanations are long and detailed", so I don't think I'll ever get the chance to show it off (laughs).

Memorable character played in the past

The movie "Pink & Grey" was big. It was a strange sensation for me to take on the role of a celebrity in the dark side of the entertainment industry, and it had all the things that young people experience, like drinking and bed scenes. That was about five or six years ago, so I was a little nervous about acting in those scenes at the time. Up until then, I had played a lot of roles that were more like honor students. But at the same time, I remember being excited about a role I had never played before. There were scenes like that that surprised my fans, and I think some of them were taken aback, but I didn't get blamed for it. I was very happy that they supported me in what I wanted to do.

What you've gained or lost in character

I have both. When I say my age, people respond, "You're still that young!?" I've been in this world since I was little, and I seem to have the image of a firm character. It's because I'm used to talking to adults. I'm also a self-proclaimed "serious" character. I'm not saying honesty doesn't pay, but sometimes it can get a bit annoying when someone who is world-minded runs past me swiftly, or I'm doing things seriously and I don't get rewarded. It's not quite the same thing as a loss. But I'm sure people are watching, and I believe they're looking carefully.

Recent situation

Lately I've been lighting candles with a scent in the bath. The staff told me to call them "scented candles" (laughs). (T/N: Yuto used rousoku, the Japanese word for candle before is now using the borrowed word "candle") but I get tired when I'm filming a drama, especially in my eyes. So I turn off all the lights in my bathroom and let the "rouso"... no, the candle flames and the scent of geraniums soothe me.

Takaki Yuya

Self-analysis. I'm currently a ○○ character.

Within JUMP, I'm the character who "says what everyone's thinking when it comes to choreography" (laughs). What's something I've recently said that I've been thinking? "I can't!" "Impossible!" (laughs). Of course I'm trying my best to learn it, but it's really hard. I've been doing a fair amount of dancing for a while now, but the dances we're being given are getting more and more detailed, faster and complex. I'm also known for my 'moody' character to the members and fans. I was surprised to read a letter from a longtime fan that said, "You can tell what your mood will be like that day the moment you come on stage" (laughs). But when I'm trying to act cool, I'm asked, "Are you in a bad mood?", so even if they think, "Oh, he's not in a good mood today," maybe they think I'm just trying to be cool? (laughs).

Memorable character played in the past

I played the role of a member of the Hyper Rescue Squad in "Dr. DMAT," and I was nervous all the time. There were a lot of scenes that made me nervous in terms of the situation. The most nerve-wracking scene was the one where I smashed the car window. We only had that one car, so it was a one-shot deal. I was really nervous, but I got it right the first time. I also played a smart hacker in the drama called "HAMU~" starring Takizawa-kun (Hideaki). I studied the tone and pace of my voice to make myself sound smart, since that was something that I hadn't previously done. And Takizawa-kun was right next to me watching. I got nervous when he was looking at me, so I tried not to look at him (laughs).

What you've gained or lost with your character

At first glance, I seem like I'm hard to approach, so when I talk to people, they usually say something like, "You're a very talkative person." Speaking of downsides, people think I'm a flirt (charai). But I guess it's because of my looks so it can't be helped (laughs). And when people understand who I am afterwards, they think I'm "not a flirt at all" (laughs).

Recent situation

My hair is the longest its been in my life right now, and I'm not sure if I should change the colour to silver. I've been keeping my hair black for ~a long time, and now it's time for me to have more freedom, so I thought I'd be more adventurous. But if I have silver hair, it'll be quite a hassle to have to take care of it more often than I do now. Ah~ I'm torn!

Yaotome Hikaru

Self-analysis. I'm currently a ○○ character.

Would it be a "dog who roams free" (laughs)? No matter where I go these days, I'm told "I don't have to think about anything." When I do individual work, I ask my manager, "What stance should I take?" That's what the director at on scene says, and that's what the JUMP members also say (T/N: This is worded a little strange but it's referring to how "he doesn't have to think about anything"). Right after our formed, I was told, "Well, Hikaru will be in charge like this..." (laughs). But now I'm allowed to do things completely freely. But I do set my own aims and goals for each location.

Memorable character played in the past

Putting aside '~Kinpachi-sensei'... it would be the role of a doctor I played in "Becoming a Doctor at Age 37". It was a pretty realistic drama, but in this day and age, I can understand again how hard it is for people working in the medical field. Even though it was a drama, I was glad that I was able to get to know the medical field a little better. There are fights between doctors and patients, and doctors don't just say, "Okay, please take your medicine and get well". The medication is also very detailed, like "Let's reduce the dosage by 0.1mg next time". Theres a lot to remember everyday, right? The names of the drugs, the doses, the new treatments, the patients... it's really hard.

What you've gained or lost with your character

Along the way when I was considered an airhead character, I was honestly worried that the audience would laugh at me if I acted cool. But all the JUMP fans accepted me for who I was. I was so happy about that. Lately, when I look at the questions on Johnny's web asked by my fans and everyone, I see more and more of them are not about me, but more like representative questions to help many people, and I feel a bit proud that everyone is improving as a person.

Recent situation

Since I started I started to said, "I love camping", many people at work have said, "I love camping too", or they ask "Where do you go?". There are so many secret campers (laughs). Kochi (Yugo) also asked me to take him camping sometime. It's going to be a great camping season now that the weather is cooler. I want to properly avoid crowds and enjoy a safe camping trip!

Arioka Daiki

Self-analysis. I'm currently a ○○ character.

On "Hirunandesu!" I feel like I've become the character that somehow gets laughed at, whether I make serious comments or do a normal food report. But as long as I can get people to smile no matter what I do, I'm totally OK with it. With JUMP, I'm able to have fun being spontaneous. If I can say this, but when I'm on variety shows, I can feel the members' expectation of me. I've also become the kind of character that gets chewed out by Yamada, who says, "Well, Arioka's going to do a one-liner!", on scenes at where JUMP work together.

Memorable character played in the past

Well~ This character is really tough! I played a five-year-old android in a drama called "Koushoku Robot". I was a 5 year old with an innocent personality and there was a scene where I had to say, "Master! I want this polka dot dress!" In the drama, I was supposed to be the size of the palm of your hand, but in reality it was a green screen set Takaki and Hikaru-kun were watching from the side, and even though I'm usually calm about most things, that was really embarrassing for me (laughs). I knew I had to do something to turn on a switch somehow, so I forgot about being a member and did my best. The day after the drama ended, I was cast in "Code Blue". I think the range of roles I can play is impressive (laughs).

What you've gained or lost with your character

I've gained more. When we're asked for a comment as JUMP, Yamada's in a position where he has to give a closing statement or say something substantial, but if I joke around and say something carefree, he says, "Hahaha! Dai-chan, get on with it!" and forgives me. In the past, we attended a party for a TV station to celebrate its ○ year anniversary, and we were asked to comment on the event as a group. Even then, Yamada made a clear comment. I thought to myself, "This guy is awesome!" If it were me, I'd be so nervous.

Recent situation

Lately, I've been doing choreography for a dance, and everyone is wearing masks. I look back at the dance video for reference, and in the video I see that I'm out of breath and the base of my mask is really floppy. That was bothering me, so I couldn't really concentrate on the choreography (laughs). But dancing with a mask on seems to improve your cardiorespiratory function a lot.

Inoo Kei

Self-analysis. I'm currently a ○○ character.

In JUMP, I'm the character at the back being quiet and trying to be as unobtrusive as possible (laughs). I've always been shy. This has been the case ever since I became a junior. I've never thought, "One day, I'll be the centre!" It's the same on the "Mezamashi" shoots. I'm wearing a suit and tie, so the audience thinks I'm "serious". My co-stars and the staff don't know that I'm as "unserious" as when I'm in JUMP.

Memorable character played in the past

When I was in the drama "Soshite Daremo Inakunatta", I played a bad guy. When we started, I was told that I was a bad guy who was doing a lot of things behind the scenes, so every time I received a script, I was excited and thought, "What kind of thing is going to happen this time?" but there wasn't a scene like that. I ended up letting it out in the last episode, but it was fun~ But the amount of lines I had to say was insane. So I asked one of my classmates to read me the lines of Fujiwara Tatsuya, who played the other character, and I practiced hard. But that classmate was a fan of the drama. He got more and more passionate about it, like, "I'm sure that's the way Fujiwara-san would talk about it" (laughs). I was grateful to him for coming along with me to practice, but I was so distracted by him that I couldn't focus (laughs).

What you've gained or lost with your character

I'm often thought of as an "unserious" or "unmotivated" character, but when you add in the fact that I'm a university graduate, that "unserious" and "university-educated" character is a nice introduction. When I'm serious in interviews or at work, I'm told, "You're very level-headed," and if I said something more unserious, I'm told, "You have that kind of playful side," and it often goes both ways (laughs). I think I'm a great value character.

Recent situation

I used to be the kind of person who skipped breakfast before, but recently I've started to eat more properly. I'm addicted to breakfast delivery service. There are a lot of restaurants that have delivery apps and many of them start early in the morning, so I get tempted. You can order things like warm soba for breakfast. By the way, I ate delivery from a gyuudon restaurant. When you eat properly in the morning, your brain works better and you feel more energetic!

Yabu Kota

Self-analysis. I'm currently a ○○ character.

I don't understand it well myself, but with first impressions, I tend to be thought of as "serious". But other than that, I'm seen as a "hard working" person, "fussy" person and "proper" person. But I'm usually told I'm different when you talk to me (laughs). In JUMP, I'm an older character, but I don't usually act like I'm an older person. But when I have to do something for JUMP, I often feel I'm the one who has to do it.

Memorable character played in the past

The character I played in "Uchi no Otto wa Shigoto ga Dekinai" was a very sarcastic office worker. Well~ it was a lot of fun (laughs). But because of that, the make-up artist who was always in charge of me said, "My sister is watching that drama and she said, 'Yabu-kun is definitely not a good person. But I told her he's actually a good person" (laughs). As an actor, it's a great compliment to be able to get people to think that way. But I also have a habit of saying to women, "Oh, you've gained weight," and things that are difficult to say without hesitstion. But that's not a sarcastic thing to say. When people lose weight, I'll say, "Oh, you've lost weight!" The point is, I'm someone you can't wrap up in wafer paper (laughs). (T/N: I looked up the meaning behind this phrase and it means to wrap up something nicely before presenting it - so in other words, from what I understand, Yabu is saying he's a bit unfiltered).

What you've gained or lost with your character

A lot of my close friends say to me, "I'm saying this because you're Yabu...". In my case, there are a lot of people like that, but once we get to know each other, trust is really important. When you're trusted, you trust the other person, too. The people I've got in mind right now... they all love me and I have love for them. Maybe that's why they tell me about things that they haven't been open about yet, like, "You're Yabu, so..." I'm very confident in my ability to keep my mouth shut, so I never tell anyone. But when it's out in the open, I give off an aura of "I knew about it for a while..." (laughs).

Recent situation

When I was on a show, my prize was yams. That's why I'm only eating yams these days. I buy a wooden pestle and grind them myself. When I was a child, I had a bad experience with inflammations around my mouth, so I wash my hands over and over. I have about six more left, and I'm going to make "Isobe Age".