2016 Repost from LJ: Aiba in Otona no TV Navi, February 2017

[aibanokokuhaku]

Otona no TV Navi: 02.2017

New Kouhaku Uta Gassen Theme: Dream

(And 3 audience participatory projects during the program!)

Short statement by the hosts, Arimura Kasumi and Aiba Masaki.


Arimura:

This is my first time hosting the red team and I am going to try to be a perfect match (for the white team host). Actually, the theme is fitting, as I have been asked to play a heroine in an upcoming morning drama. I haven't decided yet but I keep asking myself if I have the ambition to play it. Maybe hosting Kouhaku will help me decide. I hope I can generate excitement and racing hearts in audiences around the world. That thumping feeling in one's chest is the best! In the meantime, I will take each day to be lucky for these opportunities and hope red team does well. It will be so exciting! I have to make sure I prepare properly for the stage and familiarize myself with the stage and performances.

Aiba:

It will be nice to be able to spend some time with everyone in this year's white team. It will be fascinating to be able to build up everyone's energy. Arashi members have hosted Kouhaku for five consecutive years now, right? It's fun to tell people I am moderating, but I hope I can generate a fun atmosphere for the performers and audience. Usually I am just a performer too, so this is a special place I never thought I'd be. I do feel a lot of pressure to do well. This year's theme of "Dream" feels big and exciting. So I am thinking a lot about my future. As a member of Arashi takes one step, the other members do too as support. Sho told me to give off a relaxed aura, and not to show off my chattering teeth! (laughs) If white team can present the image of sharing their dreams through song and our future hearts, this year will be good I think.

*****
Author's note: The article also included a full performance list, but I figure it is already online so I didn't include it. Current win record is Red team-30, White team-36.