[Disclaimer] All translations are done from Chinese text thus accuracy may deviate from the original Japanese text. Enjoy! [/Disclaimer]

(....) = descriptions from the magazine
[....] = my own add-ons, except for the headings

Nishikido Ryo

[Performance] It's finally starting. This time it is split into 2 parts, the second part is the sing-and-dance SHOWTIME, the first part is a serious stage play. The plot this time is very strong, that's why I think our performance this time will have a good result. Even though Kanjani 8 waited a while before accepting this production, but because we've been together for a long time, when we're together the feeling is quite safe. As well, everyone will pay attention to me. In NewS, aside from Kusano and Tegoshi, no one else will care about me (laugh). Although I was just kidding but Kanjani 8's MC really is more comfortable. Just by looking at the faces in the group you can tell. Even if I don't speak it is not a problem at all (laugh).

[What good thing you've done recently] A charitable thing, right? This was a while ago when Uchi and I were still in Tokyo. Uchi and I went to eat ramen and came across an elderly man whose walking was not good. The elderly man asked us "Is there a combini around here?". Even though he was using a cane, he still walked quite slowly. Uchi and I were very worried about him so we stayed with him and helped the elderly man all the way to the store. Aren't we so caring, but I'm only caring to the elderly (laugh). With girls, I'll only be caring to the one I like (laugh).

[Thing you've started doing recently] Guitar I suppose, Yasuda gave a guitar to me. I have one of my own, but the strings came loose and I don't know how to fix it so Yasuda giving me a new one is perfect timing. My master is Yasuda of course, but he doesn't really know how to teach (laugh). Lately, when I have time I will play the guitar, but the time when I can perform in front of people is still very far away. Wait until I have improved, then I'll play the guitar for everybody to see.

[Person you've taken an interest in recently] No one. Other people's stuff, I won't pay attention at all. ...Un, I should say, just my stuff/problems are enough already (laugh). But, if I have to say, then it will probably be Tegoshi. I wonder if he's trying his best in faraway Tokyo? I haven't sent him a message or phoned him. No, I am waiting for him to reach me first (laugh). On the first show in Osaka, I thought at least one person from NewS would send me a "Do your best on the first day" this type of message, but in the end I did not receive even one. Un, actually I didn't send them any messages so I don't really have the right to complain (laugh). In conclusion, this summer we're all very busy ne.

[..... recently] My recent eating habits. I ate Korean stuff for 4 days in a row. Not barbeque though. There's this Korean family restaurant, I always go with Kanjani 8. Each time we go, the members are always different, yet everytime I'm always involved, I'm quite incredible ne (laugh). Hope that after the last show ends, all 8 of us will be able to go together.

Yamashita Tomohisa

[Performance] Everyday spinning round and round, it's very happy! Even though looking at it, I'm not very good at this kind of thing...actually I really am not good at it (laugh). Just when I thought "Oh, it's this way over here", the machine will start moving, really is nerve-racking and energy-draining (laugh). I've never thought that at this age I can still perform these kind of stunts. When I perform that stunt my arm will hurt, brain will be empty and white. I really want to see my expression when I am flying. It must be like a fish being hooked up, the mouth opening and closing (laugh). In the NewS Q&A just then wasn't there a question "What do you add on your poached eggs?". I actually wanted to say "savoury sauce and saucy oil" but it came out as "savoury oil and saucy sauce". Looks like my brain has been affected quite badly ne (laugh). I am very happy being able to perform with KAT-TUN this time. Originally NewS and KAT-TUN has separate resting rooms, but this has nothing to do with us. There has been a NEWN and KAT-TUS surfacing amongst the rooms, and this is not like the "savoury oil and saucy sauce" mistake (laugh). KAT-TUN on the stage, I really think that they are incredible. By the history of group formation, they are our senpai's. They understand how to perform, their determination is very strong. Looks like NewS will have to work harder!

[What good thing you've done recently] On my J-web blog I posted a picture of the word "Passed" on it for all the exam students. For the exam students, summer is the most important time period. This time last year I was really struggling too...had to stop worrying about whether my hair would fall off or not. I was on the set of "Stand Up!!" so I had to learn my lines aside from studying for my university entrance exams.

[Thing you've started doing recently] What I've started doing recently, I don't have any, but I do have things that I want to do. I want to communicate more with everybody. I don't want like a meeting, but I just wish to go out and play with the NewS members. Aside from NewS, if KAT-TUN can come along...it would probably be fun too, right? However, when that time comes, I bet half of the people won't show up (laugh). I strongly feel that Tegoshi and kamenashi will definitely not come. Don't look at Ueda that way, he may be the most interested one and accept the invitation immediately. As for Koyama, whether he goes or not, we'll have to find out when that time comes...sorry, the above are just my predictions (laugh). But really, if the 12 of us can go to the hot-springs together, it will be so much fun. At that time we will hold hands together in the hot-spring and do the spinning stunt like in SUMMARY (laugh).

[Person you've taken an interest in recently] Toma! When I opened the T.V today I saw Katori Shingo in his drama [sorry dunno name] and I saw Toma. Even though I was watching T.V by myself, but I couldn't help it, stood up and yelled "It's Toma!" Don't know if Toma is doing well lately. At the same time I'm doing this interview, he's probably in Osaka doing "West Side Story". I occasionally send him mail. If it's Hasegawa, because he often goes to the same salon as me, sometimes we will call each other up. When SUMMARY is over, hopefully we'll be able to have dinner together. Also, I am very concerned about Uchi and Nishikido! Without the two of them, it is certainly lonely ne~. I heard that they're doing well in Osaka, I'm pretty relieved. Right, right, I heard that the 2 of them have to sing "Kibou" during the second part in SHOW TIME. It really is lonely ne (laugh). Having 2 people sing the song is too unbearable. Once, I tried singing it by myself at KTV, I really wanted to yell out "Kusano~ come help me~!" (laugh). Actually, we really want to go to Osaka with them and sing "Hooray Hooray", but the schedule is too packed, can't even go watch each other's shows. So disappointing! When summer is over, let's all go out for dinner!

[..... recently] Recently the relationship in NewS is pretty good. Even though before NewS was formed we didn't hang around that much, but recently when we are together it was really fun. It made me realize, indeed, how important time is. From the time we formed to now it has been a year right? Even though it was just one year, but in that year we released 3 singles and they're all great songs. Also, attending events, participating in the volleyball tournament etc. it was time well spent. Due to this, our relationship has improved quickly. Even though compared to our senpai groups, our experience and power is still low, but I believe that as the time passes, our determination and unique grouping will slowly reveal itself. With that, we are just a one year old baby, from now on please teach and lead us on!

Kusano Hironori

[Performance] The 12 of us flying around in the air, when it just started, I was so scared. You guys sitting at the bottom looking up, it seems quite slow right? But when we are flying around at the top, in actuality the speed is very fast. As well, the fighting scene near the end was very tough! I occasionally would get hit or kicked, and Ueda even wore shoes (laugh). But because of that, the reality of our expressions in the scene were to the max. The stunts that A.B.C does were really incredible ne. Especially the single hand flips of Goseki and Kawai! Saying this, they are the only ones who can do it. The only thing I can say is "You two are iron men!"

[What good thing you've done recently] During the production, I will prepare all the ice cubes for use in the resting room. That is why the amount of ice in NewS' resting room is always a bit ahead of the other rooms. Lately, it's not just regular ice, I even freezed juice and health drinks, preparing specialty ices. Other good deeds, while on the stage sometimes the members will throw their clothes off, right? I will use natural movements and pick up the clothes and throw it to the side of the stage all the while singing. In that situation, I can't help but say to myself "So kakkoii, Kusano, you've just done a good deed" (laugh).

[Thing you've started doing recently] Manga! I've recently started reading [this type, dunno what it is] manga, it really is a good read ne. I bought 33 books all in one go. I would bring them to the resting room of SUMMARY, and I would read it during the train trip home. If I sleep during the ride, when I wake up I would feel awful, so I would read and not sleep. Thus, reading manga is a good way to spend time.

[Person you've taken an interest in recently] [I don't know who this person is so I'll just skip the name] I don't need to say this since everybody must know but he is really witty ne. I taped the 27-hour television and I watched it a few days ago. Him and Nakai-senpai hosted the midnight segment, and during that, he mentioned NewS. I felt so touched! My goal right now is to go on his show [dunno name]. I believe that my performance then will be very eye-catching (laugh).

[..... recently] Wait a minute! (After saying this, he ran to the front of the television in the photography set. The other NewS members were also gathered in front of the T.V. Each of them had their hands clasped together, swallowed nervously, in a position like they were praying "Please God" while staring at the "Music Station" ranking. When they saw that "Akaku Moryuru Taiyou" successfully reached number one, all the members screamed for joy, yelling and clapping.) Sorry about that! I'm back! Recently...probably it's that, I guess! Uwa~ really super happy~. Really thankful for this kind of support to NewS! Wa, indeed, so happy! Too great~~~!

Kato Shigeaki

[Performance] This performance has made me realize one thing, that Yamashita is a carefree person because his zipper is always left opened. Just me, I've seen it 2 times. Good thing both times were noticed right before going on stage... But, in this kind of situation, I guess sooner or later the audience will find out about this side of carefree-ness!? (laugh) As well, in the last half in the fight with KAT-TUN, my opponent is Koki. When the production first started, I was wary whether he was really angry or not. However, as the production rolled on, I slowly understood that he's not really angry at all. But, as I was a person that underwent Master Ryo's training, this kind of abuse and hurt is small potatoes (laugh).

[What good thing you've done recently] The reason why the NewS resting room is so clean is because I actually cleaned it up myself. Before leaving, I would throw away all the empty drink bottles and food wrappers into the garbage bin. However, it seems like no one has noticed. My also kept my desk in the room very clean. But everytime I come back into the room, if it's not my stuff being missing on my table, then it's having more stuff on the table (laugh). The stuff missing on my desk is usually my blowdryer, this kind of stuff, and the stuff that's added to my table are usually drink bottles. The offenders are mostly the members of KAT-TUN (laugh). When everybody has finished something it has to be thrown away! And also, please throw your own garbage away!

[Thing you've started doing recently] The members have always said to me "You should build up some muscle too!" so recently whenever I'm alone in the room, I would borrow Masuda's equipment and practice. Because if other people see me so determined while working out, I would feel very embarrassed (laugh). However, in a few days, my muscles became sore and I thought "Looks like during SUMMARY I can't work out" and stopped immediately. Yamashita, Kusano, Masuda were still working out, even Koyama said that he was drinking amino acid [WTF? health drinks maybe?]. What kind of goal is NewS aiming for really? (laugh)

[Person you've taken an interest in recently] Recently I've been noticing one of the Jr.'s, "Suzuki". Un, actually I've never seen him before. In this production, before we went out on stage, this "Suzuki" would go out to the audience and say a speech and his pronunciation is always superb (laugh). Everytime I'm in the backstage listening I would think "Uwa, really want to take a look at Suzuki~" ne. However, up to now I still don't know who he is. Really want to hurry up and break open this mystery~~ (laugh)!

[..... recently] I will speak about the recent Masuda. He's become very strange lately. At one period of time he would start off his sentences with "Un, I indeed did not..." and then start speaking in a serious manner. But lately he's started telling strange jokes, and they're all quite lame (laugh). Even when everybody says "stupid" [phrase doesn't really mean "stupid" but it's hard to translate. Roughly means: {you} don't have anything better to do, he'll keep on saying them. That's why lately in my heart, Masuda has become "Ah, this person likes lame jokes, is deliberately being lame I guess", this kind of image (laugh).

Masuda Takahisa

[Performance] In this production, it is the first time that I get my own uchiwa, really happy ne! If I see someone holding it too, then I'll feel really blessed ne. Whenever I see someone holding my uchiwa, I would always acknowledge them. In this production, my most outstanding performance would probably be the singing portion. Singing "Hakka Candy" and "Dreams" etc. I would sing very intently. As well, in the wooden sandal dance [sorry, literal translation] I also put my best effort. Because this production contains a long historical content, I have to do my best. One time I used too much strength and the bottom of the sandal flew out ne (laugh).

[What good thing you've done recently] What good thing did I do lately... Un? Seems like I really did nothing at all! But I have been doing good deeds all the time. When walking on the street I would not litter, bubble gum is of course out of the question. Sometimes when the garbage can on the street is full people would just put their garbage beside the can right? If I came upon this situation I would bring the garbage back home to throw it away. Speaking of which, why is the NewS resting room always so messy (laugh)? According to my prediction, the culprit must be Kusano because he is very careless. When he opens the fridge to get a drink, he would not close the door, quite exaggerated huh (laugh)?

[Thing you've started doing recently] Recently, I often drink soya bean milk. I used to like drinking soya bean milk. After SUMMARY started, each day I drink 1-2 bottles. I usually put 10 bottles in the resting room fridge. A while ago, I even gave one to Yamashita to drink. No, to say correctly, it was him buying one from me (laugh). I kept saying "No, it's ok, my treat" but he still gave me money.

[Person you've taken an interest in recently] I am still caring about the Kansai duo, Ryo and Uchi. About their performance in Osaka, I've heard people talking about it, but I don't know whether they are doing well or not. Before [each performance of] SUMMARY starts, someone different each time will appear on the screen to advise the audience of important rules. Last time on the screen, Ryo suddenly appeared and gave me a fright. Even though I did not exactly see him on the screen with my own eyes, but when I heard the voice I knew it was Ryo. When I heard his voice it made me really want to see him. After August is finished, I will be able to see him again, I can't wait.

[..... recently] Lately, I sure can sleep! When I arrive back at home, I would lie on the sofa and watch t.v. It was when I woke up did I realize that I actually fell asleep. Now everyday, I would wake up around 2 AM then take a shower then go back to bed and sleep... However, I don't feel like it's a waste of energy, I can be full of energy anytime of the day!

Tegoshi Yuya

[Performance] This year's SUMMARY really requires a lot of engery. Good thing there are the cheers from the audience so that we are able to forget about the body's pain. When we hear the cheers, mysteriously, the tiredness will disappear ne. As well, in the resting room I would take extra care of my throat. I would rinse my throat and be sure to speak quietly. Furthermore, the stage this time really is grand ne! That 360 degree screen, the water fountains etc, when I first saw it I thought "What is this!!" and was quite shocked. I feel that the performance of my singing is better than my dance. This time being able to sing "Naniwa Iroha Bushi", "Hakka Candy", I am very excited. I am also excited that we're able to work with KAT-TUN. Especially Koki, he is a super nice person. One time, while I was performing I accidentally slipped, he even came over and said "It's ok". Really want to thank him!!

[What good thing you've done recently] I finished the homework for world history [not sure]! However, actually I've put aside a lot of my summer homework ne~(laugh). The one that gives me the most headache is English homework because I have to write an essay. At the production set, before going on stage I would be very nervous(?), and being together with everyone is also very fun, so I can't even concentrate on my writing. Ok, I will make good use of the rest of the summer vacation working hard on my summer homework!

[Thing you've started doing recently] Stretching exercises! Tsukada's body is very flexible. He's really alarmingly flexible! Compared to a normal person, my body is considered quite flexible, but if my body can become as flexible as Tsukada then I think I won't get injured that easily. So, recently after taking a shower, when the body is still warm, I would take the chance and stretch my body. [skipped last sentence]

[Person you've taken an interest in recently] Nishikido and Uchi. I wonder what they're doing in Osaka...really curious. I've also heard that the two of them sang "Kibou"...this point I've taken notice. The rap portion, how are they going to do it? I want to go to Osaka and watch them too, I want to hear Subaru-senpai sing! Subaru-senpai really can sing ne. This time in SUMMARY I also sang "Naniwa Iroha Bushi". I've deeply felt that Subaru is incredible. The beginning [of the song], if you use a normal singing voice, the feeling [of the song] would change completely ne.

[..... recently] Recently Koyama and I have been raising electronic chickens [Tamagochi?]. While we were deciding their names, we would always add in "Shigeaki" (laugh). "It's Shigeaki again." "Baka Shigeaki", everytime we start over we would change it (laugh). By the way, everyone, today Koyama and I left our chickens in the resting room, in the end when we came back, his Shigeaki and my Shigeaki both died (laugh). When I fed him this morning, he was still alive. This is my third chicken that I've raised. I beg you, Shigeaki, your will to live must be stronger, please live longer for me ok! (laugh)

Uchi Hiroki

[Performance] In this performance, because me and Nishikido have to do promotions for NewS' new single and attend the volleyball events, we nearly didn't have time to do rehearsals. Before the opening show, we've only had 4 actual rehearsals with everyone in attendance. On the first day before the show started, I kept worrying "Will there be any problems?". In the end the performance went smoothly, it really let me sigh a breath of relief. But right now thinking back, that feeling will make one feel "I'm gonna show you I can do it~" this kind of concentration and effort. No matter how busy, I can't become other members' and the audience's burden...I have also felt this kind of pressure. Not sure how their side at SUMMARY is doing. Even though I want to go see it, but I just can't leave right. Tegoshi, Masuda, you guys do your best yo (laugh)!

[What good thing you've done recently] A while back when I was standing at a bus stop, I saw a girl around her twenties accidentally drop her spare change all over the floor. It seemed like all her change from her wallet has fallen out... (laugh). At that moment I was helping very much in picking up the coins. Un, I did a charitable thing. Did it have a feeling of a starting romance like in a dorama? Eh, at that moment? It didn't feel like that at all I guess (laugh). Because the girl was picking up her coins furiously (laugh).

[Thing you've started doing recently] I've been working out. But having said that, I've been only doing it in the resting room, doing push-ups. Because doing it alone is very stupid, that's why I would drag Ryo and Okura to be with me, but after 10 push-ups I will stop (laugh). If I said it's for building muscle, it's rather more like warming up the body before showtime. Yamapi and others are so incredible. Even when sitting down and chatting, they will lift weights on their legs to build up their abs. For me I wouldn't be able to do it. Yamapi is really incredible!

[Person you've taken an interest in recently] Koyama! I did send him mail, but he never replied back at all. I really want to ask him right now "When did you become this aloof? When did you start thinking so highly of yourself?" (laugh). Just a while back, we were like lovers, everyday communicating with me. Even though last time you called me via video phone, but you immediately said "Bye!" and hung up. I actually wanted to talk to you for a little while longer! Unless you are recently being close with someone else? I'm really hurt...I'm speaking like I'm really in a long distance relationship with Koyama (laugh).

[..... recently] The recent passionate(?) thing is that after doing the performance, I would go home and watch the Dragonball DVD! I'd be tired after performing and supposedly go to sleep earlier, but I would get curious towards the developing storyline so I would often watch 2, 3 episodes. That story can really bring you back to your childhood. As I watch it, I can't help but think "Yes, I also want to become ____ [sorry dunno name]!", and would become very energetic (laugh).

Koyama Keiichiro

[Performance] This time there's singing and dancing...and also "talking". I am responsible for this MC. I have to incorporate all the members on stage into the talk, have to make sure the things we need to say are communicated to the audience, and when there are special guests, I cannot NOT introduce them...everyday I'm really still learning ne. Usually Kame is in charge of these things, but this time Kame stated that "this time I want to go the silent route" (laugh), that's why there's this challenge for me. In it, the hardest to handle is KAT-TUN! Un, they are really energetic (laugh). At first I didn't know what to do and I even went to ask Kame's opinion. In the end he said "To unify KAT-TUN, it is impossible. That's why you don't need to reply to their sayings, just one 'Shut up!' will suffice in bringing the conversation ahead." This gave me some important advice (laugh). After gaining experience from this production, I think I have grown a lot in many aspects.

[What good thing you've done recently] Probably, before the official show, I would lead Tegoshi to where he should stand...I guess. Tegoshi is the one with the least experience in NewS right? So that's why up to now, he would still mix up his directions, won't know where he should stand. His little experience is inevitable so that is why I would stand next to him, softly say to him "Right side!" or "Stepped too far!" and lead him back to the correct spot.

[Thing you've started doing recently] During the performance time period, the latest I would go to sleep was 12 AM. In the production I have deeply learned...that sleep is very important to humans (laugh). Because this performance is really dependent on strength. Last vacation I had, I went to sleep at 12 AM, I ended up waking up at 6 PM, really frightened me a lot. The members of A.B.C are are too incredible. We were always standing at the side of the stage watching A.B.C doing their stunts while exclaiming "So incredible~!"

[Person you've taken an interest in recently] The members of KAT-TUN! I wonder what they will say during the MC. Everytime it will make me very nervous (laugh). Their uncontrolled way of speaking, and I'm like the middle player in volleyball, having to receive each of their words. I really want to ask them "What do you want to do with me?" (laugh). However, speaking truthfully, they are really fun. KAT-TUN and I have developed an invisible bond of wittyness, our compatiblility feels quite good yo.

[..... recently] Yamapi recently has become really strict. He's become strict on himself. After the performance, he would return to the resting room and work out! Just a while ago he was just doing difficult stunts without safety ropes/belts twirling in mid air as well as singing and dancing for a good couple hours. Yamapi is really incredible. In that mid air spin, for normal people they would scream and shout, he [Yamapi] would just calmly say "Ah, my head is dizzy". He really makes one feel like he is a reliable person.