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On Mask
I now realised that 37 shows are long and tough, but doing them were so full of fun. I also noticed that the bonding with other actors in the musical have grown so much firmer. But it was tough on me physically. The staff that takes care of my clothing told me that my waist was 6 cm slimmer. The belt that I used at the beginning of Mask no longer fits me now. When I was doing the musical, I even lost the interest of doing sit-ups which had been a habit of mine for so long. It was that tough on me. As the lead actor of the musical, falling sick is a strict "no-no", so I tried my best to stay healthy. But there was this one time when I caught a cold and had to go to the hospital, got an injection and I went straight back on-stage.
(The Television Date: February, 1999)
On becoming micro-sized
When asked what would he like to be if he became micro-sized, he answered:
I want to be one of those mascots in UFO catchers. I want to be grabbed by those steel tweezles once. But I want to play some tricks on those players depending on who are the players, and then do something like, " I don't like to be caught by you, let's take a dive!" (smiles)
Note from webmaster: UFO catcher is a game in the game centre in which you can control the tweezle to catch some dolls/mascots. Umm, Kou chan is so cute when he is so mischievous.
(The Television Date: February, 1999)
On falling in love
Now, I don't have any feelings for love. If someone nice turns up, that will be great. But I don't want to have the feeling of wanting a girlfriend real fast. In the past, I had had "love at first sight" experiences when I thought, "I like this person very much." But now, now, if I don't get to know that person real well, I can't come to like that person. So, there are a lot of lovely girls, but the feeling of developing from there is zero. In my case, there is almost no possibility of me saying it first (saying that he likes someone). So when someone tells me that she likes me, then I will start to think about it. I am this kind of person, so as long as I don't get to the mood, I think I won't fall in love.
(Wink Up Date: March, 1999)
A word to fans
Always, thank you! E? It became really just one phrase. (smiles) No, it's the same as food. After you ate something really delicious, there are no other expressions then "delicious". As I think from my heart , "Thank you", I can't come up with words other than "thank you." By the way, thank you for your support all the time. Please keep on supporting me in the future.
(Wink Up Date: March, 1999)
On the letter from Tsuyo chan
I got a letter from Tsuyoshi. (Before Mask commenced.) Although it is a letter, but it's more like something written on pieces of torn paper. Although I thought, "not even on a proper letter paper", then again if it's written on a floral patterned letter set, it will be wierd. I was surprised by the letter but was really happy about it.
(Potato Date: March, 1999)
On losing his voice
I lost my voice. I went to the hospital and was diagnosed as having an inflamation on my vocal chord. It was probably because I overworked the vocal chord with the concert at Tokyo Dome and the rehearsal for Mask. But it's not a situation when I can give it some peaceful rest.
(Potato Date: March, 1999)
On eating out
I can't go to a restaurant and eat alone. So, if I can't find someone to go with me, I will skip a meal. (smiles) So, even though in the past I felt shy about calling my friends, I will call them, "let's have meal together." There are many such occasions when I ask them out. On the other hand, if my friends ask me out, I never turn them down. Even if I have already eaten, I will still go. Even if, when if someone calls me at a restaurant where I am having a meal with someone, and asks me if he can come, I will say yes and wait there. Even when I have to get up early for work the following day, I definitely won't rush or go home first.
(Duet Date: March, 1999)
On readers' polls
Very often, there are readers' polls in magazines, such as "The talent who is the most desirable lover". When I come across such polls, I will think, what sort of criteria do these people use, and how are the data collected and calculated.
For me, the results to such readers' polls, there is this feeling of "it doesn't matter". Althouth I would rather not be elected as the "No. 1 Undesirable Friend", I don't care too much about such polls. Anyway, these are but the comments of a group of people. I don't know how the people around me look at me. But I don't like living a life whilst worrying about how others see me.
By the way, let's me be honest, in the past, there were occasions when I had a complex about how other saw me. In my case, my looks gave an image of "weakness" and "delicate-looking". Although, in reality, I have a very masculine character. So, in rebellion, I wouldl purposedly say some comments in interviews. There was this period when I hated an image of weakness and pretended to be tough. But now, I don't do such a thing. Being the way I am. Not being over-conscious, acting natural, and being myself are the best. No matter what others say about me, I still feel at peace.
Note from webmaster: Kou chan goes on to say in this article if there is a poll for "The Most Forgetful Talent", he will probably comes first. The editor of the magazine then remarks that very often on the way home from interviews, Kou chan has to return to the place of the interview cos he forgets something. (>-<;)
(The Television Date: February, 1999)
On the end of a millenium
When asked what would he do if Nostradamus' prediction of the end of the world in 2000 came true:
Can't do a thing then. I will just die. I don't like hiding away in order to live. (smiles) So I want to be killed instantly.
(TV Kids Date: January, 1999)
On J-Friends' "People of the World"
Everybody works together on the album and the promotion video, I really like this. Look, Tsuyoshi and I only have the two of us all the time. When we get together as J-Friends, there is a feeling as though members have increased. That alone makes me feel very happy. Maybe that's why I like it (being part of J-Friends).
But when the 13 of us get together, it is always very noisy and crowded. It's like "Wow" and with all us together, it's very tough. But it's fun too. Also, when you have listened to the Kinki Kids version of "Ichibyou no Othello" (One second's Othello), you will definitely think, "What???"
Note from webmaster: Yes, I feel "what???" as well cos Kou chan's voice sounds very different in that song and he sounds very sexy. When he sings, "When you kiss me back, that will be the answer", I almost faint...
(Popolo Date: February, 1999)
On his new year's wish
(Last year) the number of friends has definitely increased. In 1998, I really often went out for fun and for dinner. I begin to feel lonely about being left alone at home. In the past, I thought that (being alone at home) was ok. Maybe it's because of this change, I have become more positive. I begin to enjoy getting excited with friends. That's why, this year (1999) I would like to make more new friends and would like to have time to go outdoor, such as going fishing with Nagase (Tokio) and Tsuyoshi. Such times are precious to me. I enjoy work, but the joy I get from my private life is different. By doing that, I can release stress and be refreshed, and I will do better at work. I think that's great.
Although I want more friends, I don't particularly want love now. In such a mode (of thinking), the possibility of (falling in love) is zero. But if someone tells me she loves me, I will think about that though (smiles). I won't make the first move to tell someone I like her, I am completely on the receiving end. But when it comes to love, when it happens, it happens; when it does not happen, it doesn't. So, even if I say so now, in reality, I don't know what will happen.
(Wink Up Date: February 1999)
On going out with girls that he does not like
Aren't there people who go out with people whom they don't like? For girls, there are very often such cases. I can't understand this. I can't do that. Why do they go out with people they don't like? If they answer that it's because of loneliness, I think that's cowardly and rude to the one they are dating. That's not right. It's wrong.
In comparison, it is very often that guys will think seriously (about dating). It's not the world of "Titanic", but it's like being put in a sinking ship and what will you do. For me, I will try my best to save both of us, but if only one can be saved, I will choose to save my girlfriend. I want to date someone I can love so seriously. I want to meet someone like that.
Note from webmaster: During the interview for this magazine, Kou chan was very tired with the rehearsals for concerts and Mask, so a staff offered to massage his shoulders. While he let the staff to do that, he kept turning back to the staff and asking, "Are you ok? Not tired yet?" He is so sweet and caring to the others around him.
(Say Date: February 1999)
On girls going out with guys
I am very good at finding out about the truth by asking many indirect questions. If I get upset about not being able to contact my girlfriend (hypothetically) and my friends tell me something like, "She fools around in such a place..", I won't ask her directly. It might sound cowardly, but I will find some good excuse and make the other side confess everything to me. If she avoids the subject, I will know for sure (that she has fooled around).
Whether I will forgive her, it will depend on the actual situation and incident. If she goes out with a lot of boys who are her friends, I think it's ok. I will think, "yes, please go and have fun." But if it's on a one-to-one basis, I will get upset. I used to find it disgusting even if she goes out to have fun with friends (who are boys), but now I find it ok.
(Say Date: February 1999)
What will he do if he sees girl he likes?
Sometimes there are situations when a lot of people gather together and although I want to talk to the girl I like, I will end up talking to the girl next to her. When I feel nervous about talking to the girl I like, I will purposedly look cheerful and excited, cos I am feeling kind of nervous. I don't know if others will understand my feelings. It's so difficult... That's why if get approached actively by the other side.
(Say Date: February, 1999)
On Christmas
If I can get a day off on Christmas, I think I won't do anything special. Illumination? Those places will be crowded. Staying at home will be good. Just spending the day in the normal way. Even if I have a girlfriend, I will relax at home, (with her saying) "hey today is Christmas" and (me saying) "Um" and then the end. (smiles) That's why for guys like me, girls who say "Since it's Christmas, let's go somewhere" are not my type. Look, a day with me should be enough a happiness. (laughs)
(Wink Up Date: January 1999)
On fan letters
Reporter: Recently, what sort of mail made you happy?
Kouichi: When I get mail, I am always happy. But I am a bit slow in replying. So everybody, sorry!
(Myojo Date: February, 1999)
On maniac clinic(?)
On make-ups
On being a father
On his childhood days
On his birthday
On love and marriage
On sharing a bed (?!) with Tsuyoshi
On Kinki Kids
On his football shooting skill
On being popular outside of Japan
On his past relationship
On being alone
Will add in some more later. So please come back later.
Today's guest, Yoshino chan talks about nurses pursuing doctors,
Yoshino: Once they get together, they are inseperable.
Kouichi: A bit like having a maniac clinic and making her lie down on the examining table....
Audience: (Booing)
Chikako (co-host): Now 5 millions of your fans leave you!
Kouichi: Hey, I did not do the deed, just talking...
Mori (co-host): But guys will come following you now.
(Kinki Kids no Gyu Date: 29 November, 1998)
When I take off my make-ups, I feel so comfortable. Really, I think that it's tough for girls. But think, "why do high school girls wear make-ups?" When you are young, it's fine without make-up. When a girl enters middle-age, then it becomes a necessity. For me, I try not to wear any make-ups. But I agree that make-up has such a power. (smiles)
(Potato Date: January 1999)
I was a kid that seldom went out, so I had never lived a life with curfew. But, if I have a daughter, I might be a noisy parent. If she is still a high school student, I will make her come back at 9 pm. When she dates a guy, she has to introduce him to me first. If I think that he is a nice guy, I will eat with him every now and then, and let them go out as a couple "recognised by the parents". On the opposite, if the parents of the girl I am dating say that they want to meet me, I will go and see them properly.
(Potato Date: January, 1999)
Actually, rather than going out, I prefer to relax at home. When I was a kid, I did not go walking around with my friends. I have to say that when I was at primary school, I was ex~tremely conscientious. Going to a game centre was enough to make me feel that I had done something bad. In the place where I lived in Ashiya, there was no game centre around. In my primary school days, trivial things was enough to make me worry, "had I done something bad?" So I remembered that just opening the door of a game centre was enough to make me want to look backwards and get scared.
(The Television Date: December, 1998)
With this birthday, I will turn 20. That's 1st January. New Year's Day is my birthday. People often say that it is an easily remembered day and that it is good parting point, but from the past, it has been overshadowed by the festivity of New Year and surprisingly, nothing especially nice happened. (smiles) But for boys, it is commonplace that no such big thing as Birthday Party is held. That's commonplace. (E? Is it just my family?)
This birthday, as a continuum to last year's birthday, I will be welcoming it at the concert venue, so I think that my fans won't say something like "Oh! I forgot!" (smiles)
*Webmaster: Kou chan, I will always remember your birthday. For me, 1st January is your birthday rather than the New Year's Day. (Kiss, kiss)
(Seventeen Date: 15 January, 1999)
Reporter: Are you in love now?
Kouichi: No, I am not now.
Reporter: When do you want to get married?
Kouichi: At 27. There is no specific reason. But I have always said that. I still have not changed.
(TV Kids Date: 19 December, 1998)
Yes, there was this one time. This year, when Love Love Aishiteru went to Hawai for shooting, the staff wanted to treat us nicely and arranged a suite room for us. Isn't it exciting to have a suite room? It's great but when we got inside and took a look at the bedroom, there was just this one large bed..... "Hey, hey, wait a minute.... Does it mean that I will be sleeping with Tsuyoshi here?" It's ok to share a room, but sleeping in the same bed, I must be excused. (laughs) In the end, we changed to having seperate rooms.
(Popolo Date: December, 98)
I can't imagine forming Kinki Kids with anyone other than Tsuyoshi. But if we are in a larger group, I think we won't be the way we are today. Our character won't be the way it is now and our relationship will be different. Both of us are not the type who like to come forward, so if there are other members, others will do the talking and we will sit by the side and make a few answers when asked. We are both rather nervous. In concerts and TV programmes, we both get nervous. When one of us starts acting calmly, it still ends up feeling wrong though.. (laughs) But since we are the way we are, when something major happened, I think that our ability to help each other out will be big. But we have never come across such a situation and so we don't know for sure yet
(Popolo Date: December, 98)
He played in a shoot-out match at Johnny's Sports Day, shortly after he had a new permed hairstyle. He failed to score. When asked about his shooting skill,
Kouichi: (touching his wavy hair) I was thinking about shooting with a curve that resembles my current permed hairstyle which is always so unpopular among fans...
(Johnny's Sports Day Date: 4th October, 1998)
Really, I still can't believe that it's true. I don't think that I have changed a bit (by this popularity). I definitely won't be changed at all by it.
(Popolo Date: January, 1999)
It was a time when I was extremely busy at work. I did not have any time to meet up with her. I thought that although she tried very hard to understand my work, but there were times hen she though "what?" or "maybe just for a little while...". No matter how strong one is, when you can't meet (up with your lover), you must feel lonely. Although we talked on the phone everyday, we started to feel shy in each other's company and started to become absolutely quiet around each other. It was a bit like this: "Say something." "What about yourself? You have been speechless all that time." "....." "I have to get up early in the morning, so it's time for bed." We went on like this and then one day I decided that it had to end. It was painful and sad. But if we went on, it would be unfair to and sad for her. If she could have a normal relationship with someone, then she could be more relaxed and happier. I wanted to be relieved from that guilty feeling (of hurting her). So all that I could do was to say goodbye to her.
OK, this is the end of this story. Although the whole thing had ended, but I still feel my heart trembling over it. I don't regret what I did. But it comes to people's feelings, it is impossible to change instantly.
(Myojo January 99)
It happened within this year. I feel more comfortable when I am around others. In the past, I used to prefer being alone, but recently when I am alone, I feel lonely and want to be around others. Especially when work finishes early and I get to go home early, I get so much time in my hands that I don't know what to do. So, immediately I stare at the memory (of phone numbers) on my mobile phone. Then I will start thinking, "They might be busy? I might be a nuisance to them?". Then I end up not calling them most of the times and end up being alone with all that time.
(Junnon January 99)
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