To all my dear friends,

Were you naughty? Were you nice?
Now it’s time to pay the price,
Will the stockings by your chimney be empty?
Or will they be filled with gifts a plenty?
But, there is one gift that not even Santa can give,
No matter how naughty, no matter how nice, a gift only you will receive,
Of joy and good company, of blessings and great cheer,
Of memories brighter than the nose of Rudolf the Reindeer,
The gift of love from the people around you,
The ones so dear, to your heart you hold true.

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, and may this season bring unbridled happiness, uncountable blessings and all round good cheer. ♥

Anyone who is an anime and SMAP fan, or a fan of either one, should totally drop what they're doing and watch the latest SMAPxSMAP episode.

OMG. Epic doesn't even begin to cover it~ ♥♥♥

OMG.

OMG.

OMG.

As a fan of both anime and SMAP, this was truly and utterly a slice of heaven. xDDDDD

If anyone is curious, here is the full episode online: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMzI3MjYzNTQw.html



Taku/Goro/Shin/Tsu singing "Zankoku na Tenshi" from "Evangelion" (KAKKOII~ *_*).

ShinTsuyo singing "Odoru Ponpokorin" from "Chibi Maruko-chan" (KAWAII~~~).

Taku/Goro/Shin/Tsu singing "Sanpo" from "Tonari no Totoro" (I will never get enough of SMAP x Ghibli collabs ♥_♥).

TakuGoro singing "Touch" from "Touch" (*melts* Although I keep getting flashbacks to the "Tokimeki Meter" segment on SMAPxSMAP because the seiyuu from "Touch" provided the voices for the narrators. xDDD).

SMAP singing "Galaxy Espress 999" from "Galaxy Express 999" (Epic follow up to their 2003 performance. *_*).

Shingo singing "Makafushigi Adobencha!" (Sasuga, Goku! Although, it is different Gokus from different series. xDDD) and Goro singing "Romantic Ageru yo" from "Dragon Ball" (Goro is sooooo suitable for this song~ ♥).

Tsu singing "Ora wa Ninkimono" from "Crayon Shin-chan" (OMG, I will never look at Crayon Shin-chan the same way ever again. Kawaii~~~ ♥).

Best part: Singing together with the original legends who brought these amazing, iconic songs to such classic, iconic anime. ♥

And, bias is totally biased, but....

OMG, CAPTAIN~ ♥♥♥ "Hajimete no Chuu" with the legendary Anshin Papa, who has never performed "Hajimete no Chuu" on television before~ "We Are!" with Kitadani Hiroshi~ *CAN NO LONGER EXPRESS IN WORDS HOW MUCH SHE WILL EVER AND EVER LOVE THIS EPISODE OF SMAPxSMAP* ♥_♥

The reason why Anshin Papa decided to make his first television performance of "Hajimete no Chuu" on SMAPxSMAP?
(Thank you so much sarachan81 for this translation xD.)

Nakai-kun: You haven't sang this song on TV.
Anshin Papa: I haven't.
Nakai-kun: Then why tonight?
Anshin Papa: It's because he [Kimura Takuya] was the first to cover this song.
Nishio-san: You've sang a cover of this song in your concert, right Kimura-san?
Captain: I thought of this song as my solo in our 1995 Winter Concert.
Anshin Papa: Thank you very much.

*HEARTS*

And, the finale~ ♥♥♥

*TOTALLY ABUSING THE USE OF HEARTS BUT CAN'T BRING HERSELF TO CARE*



Bonus: I honestly don't know who was fangirling/fanboying more: the audience and us, fans, or SMAP themselves~ :P Seeing them in such high tension, is more than worth the episode. <3

P/S: In that outfit, Captain looks like a living, breathing real life biseinen who came straight out of an anime. xDDDD

The reasons for me being as hyper as an Energizer bunny?


This:

This update is long overdue. LOL! I know I promised more translations of comments, but over the past few weeks, I haven't been keeping up with compiling comments from the Nankyoku Tairiku official message board.

Until now. LOL!

We've watched as Kuramochi, the expedition team and the dogs survive disasters and the rough weathers of Antarctica, and strengthen their bonds of friendship; we've been through their hope, their joys and triumphs, their pain, heartbreak and desperation. Here is what the viewers thought after Episode 6 was aired.


( :: BEWARE OF SPOILERS :: )

♥ ♥ ♥

This is my second entry entirely dedicated to a song that hasn't even been released yet. LOL! Captain didn't disappoint us, as usual, and last night, he played the clear, full version of SMAP's new single, "Boku no Hanbun".

Title: Beautiful

Rating: G

Warning: N/A

Status: Complete

Characters: Nakai Masahiro, Kimura Takuya

Guest Appearances: Inagaki Goro, Kusanagi Tsuyoshi, Katori Shingo

Pairings/Friendship: Nakai Masahiro + Kimura Takuya, implied one-sided Nakai Masahiro x Kimura Takuya

Timeline: During the SMAP FaNxFuN meeting on the 13th of November.

Summary: Nakai Masahiro hated to admit it, but candlelight always brought the weirdest emotions in him. Always.

A/N: None of the characters/actors belong to me. This work is purely fiction and does not reflect the real opinions/lifestyles of the person(s) involved. Comments and criticisms are welcomed. ENJOY! XD


BEAUTIFUL


‘Uwaa… Kirei…’ [1]

Whoever had said it, Nakai Masahiro was placing his bets on Tsuyoshi, he fully agreed.

All the lights had been switched off; the stage lights, the spotlights, even the audience’s pen lights. The only light left blinking through the pitch black darkness that had covered the dome like a shadowy blanket were the red emergency signs at all the exits. Until the staff members had rolled out the birthday cake, the single candle flickering; its flame fiercer, more beautiful, gentle, luminous and surreal, unhindered by other more glaring sources of harsh light.

Despite the cameras that surrounded them, the SMAP members couldn’t help the boyish awe that lit up their faces as they stared at the sole candle flame.

It was beautiful.

But, Masahiro was no longer talking about the candlelight.

Caught up in the moment, the barest hint of embarrassment still flush on his cheeks, staining them in high colour, his expression a potent mix of shyness, and complete and utter pleasure and delight, Kimura Takuya’s eyes glittered softly in the dark, flickering expressively with a myriad of emotions.

He was beautiful.

Masahiro couldn’t help the way his heart rate sped up; thumping so hard he was sure that everyone could hear it.

It was like that Christmas Eve all over again; the one where, for whatever reason, he and Kimura had decided to pick up girls together under the glow of the illumination of celebration in Tokyo. They had spent a total of two hours, just wandering the streets of Harajuku, half-heartedly chatting with several girls before deciding to return to Masahiro’s apartment and crash at his place. Before they did, they had stopped to buy a Christmas cake, one complete with colourful frosting and even a free red-and-green candy cane shaped candle.

With empty cans of beer strewn on the floor around them, they had drunk and they had laughed; more than a little tipsy, as they talked about everything and nothing. Even now, Masahiro can remember the light buzz in his brain, the comfortable warmth in the pit of his stomach, but he was hard-pressed in actually recalling what their conversation was about.

Minutes ticked by, hours perhaps, and then, the clock struck 12; it was Christmas day. Kimura had suggested they eat the cake, and he brought it out. Masahiro was fuzzy on the details, but he does remember someone switching off the lights and someone lighting up the candle. The boyish look of wonder, the pure and innocent glow in his eyes, that was the moment that stood out in Masahiro’s memory as he looked at his fellow Member from across the cake and Kimura had gazed back at him with an open expression, a wide grin tugging at his lips, his entire face radiant with delight.

The memory flickered, the image overlapping with the picture he had before his eyes; of Kimura, over ten years later, the same expression of joy, not at all dulled by the years that had passed.

It was only for a split second, a fleeting moment, but Kimura must’ve noticed the way Masahiro had suddenly frozen. Tilting his head slightly, he gazed at Masahiro and his eyes softened. And, Masahiro knew.

His fellow Member too was thinking of the exact same thing.

Then, it was over, and before Masahiro could even blink, he was tugged into a semi-circle around the cake. Tsuyoshi’s arm was hot and heavy on his back, but more than that, Masahiro could feel the brush of fingers, barely reaching, barely touching. Another memory flitted across his mind, one where two young boys, merely 17 years of age, had talked boisterously, cake crumbs splattering as they chatted with their mouths full. Back then, in the face of the sudden lull, Kimura had looked at him before bursting out into laughter.

“So messy. You have frosting stuck to your nose.”

His fellow Member had reached out, intent on wiping away the frosting, his fingers barely brushing before Masahiro had pulled away, furiously scrubbing at his nose, trying to hide the flush that had climbed up the back of his neck and was threatening splash across the bridge of his nose.

Kimura had burst out laughing all over again, and though Masahiro had outwardly huffed in indignation, inwardly, he couldn’t take his eyes off his fellow Member. Kimura, on normal occasions, was good-looking. Kimura, on occasions where he was being mischievous, cheerful and carefree, was breathtaking.

Beautiful.

And, despite it being an utter coincidence, Masahiro was glad that the SMAP FaNxFuN Party had coincided with Kimura’s birthday. Seeing his fellow Member now, the shadow of stress momentarily forgotten, the weight of pressure and expectations temporarily lifted from strong and wiry shoulders, reveling in the special moment he could share, not only with his fellow Members, but also with their fans, Masahiro couldn't help the thought that flitted through his mind, the strange feeling that welled up inside him.

Kimura Takuya was beautiful.

And, Nakai Masahiro couldn't believe that he had just thought that.

Well, candlelight did always bring out the weirdest emotions in him. Always.


~OWARI~


[1] "Uwaa... Kirei..." Loosely translated to, "Wah... So beautiful..."


A/N: This fic is loosely inspired by Kimura Takuya's birthday celebration during the SMAP FaNxFuN Party at Tokyo Dome. The story about Kimura-san and Nakai-san hanging out, picking up girls and eating cake at Nakai-san's apartment is loosely inspired the story they told during the ending talk of SMAPxSMAP episode 2001.12.24. xDDD

OMG.

OMG.

OMG.

SMAP's new song. Have you heard it? Have you heard it?

It. Is. Brilliant.

Period.

LOL!

Okay, so I may be biased because OMG, it's a real dream come true. Saito Kazuyoshi + SMAP = a very, very happy fangirl. xDDDD Not to mention, Captain plays the guitar for this song~ *_* It's truly a triple threat to my heart. ♥♥♥

As for the song itself, it's really beautiful. T_T "Boku no Hanbun" means "My Other Half"; its a really melancholic, really nostalgic love song. There are many parts that I really love (well, from the ones that I can pick out anyway, LOL), but this has got to be my favourite lines.


I've always loved the imagery of the missing piece/shard. This song builds so beautifully on that imagery by starting of with, "That missing shard/piece, you are looking for it, right?" and ending with, "That missing shard/piece, it is right here."

As I've mentioned earlier, there is a very nostalgic, very melancholic feeling to the song. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be "setsunai". Listening to it feels like flipping through a photo album filled with sepia coloured photographs of love and relationships. Or even watching from afar, hiding in the shadows, as you watch your love be happy with another person, and even as you are happy that he/she is happy, you can't help the ache in your heart, the painful clench that never seems to loosen. There is a tinge of desperation, of need and passion, but the edge is smoothen out by a love so pure that there is a sense of reverence. Songs like these always get to me, so this one was no exception. ♥

And, one of the biggest reasons why I love it? OMG, the boys sound so good singing it~ I love the arrangement of parts (Nakai-kun to Tsuyopon to Shingo to SMAP; Goro to Captain to SMAP); it's the perfect flow and buildup. As much as I love SMAP's dance songs or fast-paced ones, their ballads never fail to wrap around my heart and make me fall all over again. There is something really special about a SMAP ballad; it's in their voices, the way they convey its message. It echoes in your heart, and the echoes linger. The song is also really equally suitable for all of them. Shingo and Tsuyopon in particular really caught me. Especially Tsu, whose voice is so, so, so suitable for atmospheric songs like these; very much like his part in "We Are SMAP". And, Captain, Captain, Captain~ *melts* His voice, the emotions, his voice~ *now completely a puddle of fangirl goo* When you couple it with this,




P/S: Despite my hyper ramblings, don't worry; I'm not on drugs or anything of the sort. ROFL! I am however addicted to SMAP's new song~ ♥

You taught me that unless a smile is true...
...it isn't a smile worth giving.

You smile from the heart, radiant and dazzling. Your smile lights up my screen. Your smile gives me joy.

You taught me to be strict with myself, to always push forward, to do my very best....
...and also to be understanding with others, to inspire them to do their very best.

Your "maemuki" attitude, your "makezugirai" character, your courage in giving your all even when the gamble is risky and the odds are piled against you; you give me strength, you give me courage.

You taught me that being the last one in a team doesn't mean that I'm simply allowed to follow, merely a follower...
...but that I have to be reliable, dependable, a safety net that will not let my teammates fall.

You have never given in to pressure, instead you have excelled. You have always been the one who gets your friends out of a tight pinch; the one who rises to the challenge and clinches victory for your team.

You taught me to me to be bold but never brash...
...to take risks, but never risk others.

You are fighting on the front lines, the top star of your generation, the pioneer who tested waters and carried the banner of a new era, and for me, a very real living legend. For over 20 years, you have met all your fans' expectations, answered our demands, and though you have faced hardships and challenges, insurmountable obstacles and fiery opposition, you have never backed down; you have never stopped. Yet, for every step you take, you are so aware that it would lead back to your teammates, your friends, and you have never pushed so far, risked too much, that you might jeopardize them.

You have taught me that an image can be binding...
...but honesty, a genuine connection, can be freeing.

Rather than guard yourself with a professional public persona, you have allowed us to truly connect with you. Your thoughts, your fears, your pain, how you once felt, how you feel now - you have always been yourself, and we love you for that; for giving us the chance to know you, to get a precious glimpse of who you are, despite the cutting judgment of your critics.

You are beautiful, you are talented, a man of many faces, complex, contradictory, and very real.

We love you the way you are. I love you the way you are. I believe in the power of entertainment.

I believe in you.

You have given me so much, so for a single minute, a single hour, a single day, let me express how much I want to thank you.

Please stay the way you are, and may the new year be filled with more happiness, more blessings, and a future that blinds you with its brightness.

Happy birthday, Kimura Takuya!

Happy birthday, Captain!

♥♥♥

Stop! Stop!

Chotto matte!

Before any of his fans start throwing stones at me (which would be nearly my entire F-list I think. LOL! xDDD), let me remind you that I'm one of you. ROFL! What brought this on? Well, I got into a little discussion on D-Addicts (by hijacking my friend's account and borrowing thoughts/opinions from yutakuya xD) about Captain and ratings. I loved the analysis that came from our discussion (and I can say this without feeling entirely too narcissistic because the brilliant yutakuya was the one who spawned a bulk of the discussion, and I merely compiled her points to construct this analysis ♥) and just thought to re-post it here at my LJ.

To make it easier to navigate through the entry, here is a link for quick reference to some of the ratings of Captain's drama: http://rz-jocelyn.livejournal.com/27387.html

Also, just a little warning beforehand. This is a post that discusses ratings trends, so there will be comparisons to other dramas. While I will try my hardest to avoid as much conflict as possible, in comparisons, there will be some unavoidable friction. So, I'm taking this opportunity to apologize in advance if I offend anyone; I truly mean no harm. Some of the dramas I make reference to (including Captain's dramas) are dramas that I love to bits as well, so I truly mean no slight/offense towards them.

And now, on to the discussion. xDDD

( Of Captain and Ratings Trends )

( A Little Extra: Actors/Actresses and Idols? )And, to make up for such a heavy entry, I will end with this little baby:

KYA~~~~ ♥♥♥

...and that's my random post for the day! xDDD


ETA: Genki dashite, minna~ ♥ xDDD We are still gonna hold together *cheers with pompoms*. And, speaking of which, the preview for the new corner of Baby SMAP. SMAP is going to goukon with non-celebrity girls?! xDDD