Category: Sakurai Sho

Sakurai Sho Talks About the Great Hanshin Earthquake

by Fiona

There’s loads of Sho-kun news today, here’s another article:

On the 11th, Arashi’s Sakurai Sho (27) appeared at the preview event for his Fuji Television special drama “Hanshin・Awaji Daishinsai Kara 15 Nen: Kobe Shimbun no Nanokakan~Hisaichi ni Ikita Kishatachi no Tatakai~” which airs on Saturday January 16th at 9:00pm. In the docudrama, employees at Kobe Shimbun must confront the crisis they are faced with during the aftermath of the earthquake. While the office building housing the newspaper suffered damages, they are determined to keep the paper running. Sakurai plays the role of a photographer who has been working at the newspaper for the past four years.

Sakurai is very grateful for the chance to play this role, “There was a sense of fear that was unearthed [from the victim’s feelings]. Afterwards, there was also the Sarin Incident that occurred. The coverage of the Sarin Incident overshadowed the earthquake, so there was a side of the earthquake disaster that was never brought to light. I’m happy for the chance to uncover [the reality of the situation].” Playing his colleague, a new photographer, Fukiishi Kazue (27) was in Nara at the time of the earthquake and recalls being awakened by the tremors. “I still remember it. When I went to where my mother and brothers were, I could feel the place shaking.”

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Note: The Great Hanshin earthquake occurred on January 17, 1995. The Subway Sarin Incident occured two months later on March 20, 1995. This act of domestic terrorism killed twelve people when sarin gas was released on the subway. (Information from wiki)

From AsianFantasics

I’m really excited about this special, really intrigued since this event had a large impact in Japan. Sho-kun’s role is perfect for him and he will be able to incorporate his own experience. Look forward to it!

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Sakurai Sho Reprising Role as Olympics Caster

by Fiona

NTV announced on the 10th the list of casters that will represent the station at the Vancouver Olympics, set to start on February 12th (13th Japan time to account for the time difference).

The main caster will be Arakawa Shizuka, gold medalist at the Torino Olympic Games for figure skating. The special caster will be Arashi’s Sakurai Sho. Sakurai will be reprising his caster duties following the 2008’s Beijing Olympics. “To be able to witness such a moment in history, it will always be something I’ll hold close to heart,” recalls Sakurai. There’s lots to be enthusiastic about in Vancouver as well. “I’d like to report the ‘crystals of athletes’ thoughts’ like snow shining in the sky in Vancouver,” said Sakurai. As well, Ogiwara Tsugiharu, who competed at the 1998 Olympics Games held in Nagano, will be taking on the caster role for the third time.

From AsianFanatics

I’m so happy for him, though it’s no surprise. Sho-kun is going to quite busy with the drama filming and the newscasting, hopefully, some rest time will be available during the second half of the year. Omedetou Sho-kun!

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Tokujo Kabachi Press Conference Held Today

by Fiona

Arashi member Sho Sakurai and actress Maki Horikita attended the press release conference for the new drama “Tokujo Kabachi/特上カバチ!!” in Tokyo a few days ago. The character played by Horikita, an administrative scrivener, is quite “S” and always torments the character of Sakurai. “It is my first challenge to a character of an aggressive career woman.” commented Horikita. “She becomes ‘S’ gradually during the hard work. She feels better when she is more dominant than others.” she said with a quick grin.

And Sakurai introduced himself with “This is Sakurai with the masochistic face”. The colleague actor Kenichi Endo commented Sakurai’s character: “Last time, Arashi appeared in a singing program, and I thought Sho-kun was going to sing. But suddenly he rapped fluently. I was shocked. Though my character in the drama is always angry (with Sho-kun), I admire him a lot.” On the other hand, Sakurai mentioned his experience with senior actors with his eyes sparkling: “I don’t have a lot of experience in playing with many seniors. I feel quite fresh with Endo-san, Katsumi Takahashi-san, and Masatoshi Nakamura-san. And I have learned a lot from them in a joyful way.”

Horikita said jokingly: “Though it is my first time to play with Sakurai-san, Tamura (Sakurai) and Misuzu (Horikita) hate each other in the drama, I try to be unlovely in the always.” “It’s totally not like this! We couldn’t stop laughing in the spot!” Sakurai explained quickly. According to the title of drama, Horikita was asked about the “Tokujo/特上”(premium) experience recently, “It’s quite not that luxury yet. I drink tea in a champagne glass. Some one sent me a set of superfine glasses, but I don’t drink alcohol in home and I don’t want to waste it…” answered Horikita.

From Music Japan Plus

I’m excited about this drama, cannot wait to see the interaction between Sho-kun and Maki-chan. They seem to be enjoying themselves on the set, who wouldn’t when Sho-kun’s around.

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