Hi mac_meister!

Yes, I figure if I posted here I would find kindred spirits.
Please come back and keep me company since I have only started on my Kimura san journey.

I started Change and I am totally in love with his curly hair, argyle vests, and tennis shoes. I don't want him to change.

Abe Hiroshi is looking good as well. I can't wait to dig in to the rest of the dorama.

So his role in ICWTR is only a cameo? But the trailer has him is various scenes. Maybe it got expanded?

Dear mac and kat,

Nice warm feelings to hear there are other true and serious admirers of Kimura san out there. For some time I had been out in the wilderness trying to get people to watch and find a wonderful artist. Now at last more people are coming out into the open. It is easy to rave in the teen style but when an old lady wants to explode with rapture it gets a bit tricky. I have adored Kimura for years and SMAP is just a phenom in the Japan show business world.

I can only d/l SMAP Bistro show from d-addicts and that is on the whim of the person who does it. Very good and complete d/l but hellish long time to get it. Is there anywhere else ?????

I have never been able to understand why Johnny's Office is so stingy with showing SMAP to the world. They don't allow photos of Kimura in many places. I am sure he would have made it big all over the world if the management had been more generous. His face is all over Tokyo in various commercials in magazines and papers and on billboards.

Re ICWTR. I think this is definitely a Josh Hartnet vehicle. Can you imagine Kimura being a supporting actor for this US guy. He is nowhere in the ballpark with Kimura. Anyway I think Kimura is doing these small international type things to enlarge his image and give him some more experience in making film apart from the Japanese system. He only needs to improve his English and he will get going in any country.

In the meantime I am content to watch anything that Kimura does and I even fall in love with the Pink Poodle every time that horny dog appears.

I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night and Kimura is in my thoughts. (Most of the time it is my own true love)... but I think it's the music that imprints also. They have such a great backlog of songs. Always liked Dynamite and Summergate and Sonomama and...well..all the rest.

Peg

I trhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFVuETkR0m8y to catch any of Kimura-san's work anywhere I can, always searching and surfing the net. Since I can't read Japanese, it's a bit difficult looking for them on their web so I rely on youtube, veoh and some other places.

One more thing that I love is his many commercials, so fun to watch. These are my faves...ENJOY!!!

NISSIN CUP:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFVuETkR0m8

FUJITSU CM: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUuik1jDFVY

TOYOTA COROLLA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7L5LHpvpqQ

XYLISH: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpWq3SaCzJg

New LEVI's CM: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFVuETkR0m8

Oh! PM Asakura Keita is in the Toyota commercial. I love it. There seems to be some really busy people posting Kimura and SMAP videos lately, which I am extremely thankful for.

I'm almost at the end of Change and as with his other doramas, I don't want it to end. Why can't Jdoramas be 16 episodes and kdramas be 10 episodes instead of the other way around.

I had such a fun time watching Episode 5. For some reason that episode with it's over the topness really appeals to my sense of the ridiculous.

Then wham-bam...Episode 7 has me sobbing my eyes out.

As for Abe Hiroshi, since I've only seen him in HERO and CHANGE, I'm calling him the "towel around my hips" man. Dang! He likes to show off his body. The only thing that would have made me squeal out loud would be Kimura san w/the towel over hips in the same scene. A girl can dream I guess. Hummmm.

brad2 wrote:

Dear mac and kat, Re ICWTR. I think this is definitely a Josh Hartnet vehicle. Can you imagine Kimura being a supporting actor for this US guy. He is nowhere in the ballpark with Kimura. Anyway I think Kimura is doing these small international type things to enlarge his image and give him some more experience in making film apart from the Japanese system. He only needs to improve his English and he will get going in any country. Peg

Hi Peg,

His upcoming movie is definitely not his but Josh Hartnett's movie created by renowned Vietnamese-French director Anh Hung Tran (44). �gI Come With the Rain�h, Tran�fs first movie in eight years, it's about Josh Hartnett (29) as former L.A. cop turned private eye, Kline. Hired to find Shitao (Kimura), the son of a Chinese billionaire, he travels to Hong Kong where he teams up with an old friend and local cop (Shawn Yue). His search leads him to the gangster Su Dongpo (Korean star Lee Byung Hun) and his druggie mistress (Tran�fs wife, actress Tran Nu Yen Khe). But he is haunted by memories of the serial killer Hasford (Elias Koteas) whose crimes almost drove him insane and made him quit the LAPD.
So you see why I call it a "cameo" for Takuya because his role does not stretch his acting chops that much. And based on the movie trailer, his little English speaking part is deliberately made to appear accdg. to his native accent.

In reality, Kimura-san can understand and speak English very well even with an American twang/slang accent (rapper-style too) if he wants to or when he really needs to. Check his episodes speaking English...very funny....

http://www.crunchyroll.com/media-282340/SMAP-Extras-Nikko-san-Magician-Zero.html

http://www.crunchyroll.com/media-305268/SMAPxSMAP-Kicho-Men-Skit.html


As for Abe Hiroshi, what eye-candy/great body, he reminds me of Hugh Laurie from HOUSE, a great actor with dry humor and I love Abe in comedies, like Kekkon Dekinai Otoko, Dragon Zakura and My Little Chef.

dear mac..

Yes you are right. Kimura has been able to understand English very well for a long time. His speech not as sharp although much better right now.
I think since he has been a rock and roll guy he became more Westernised as it were, and learned the lingo.
He and Shizuka wanted their girls to go to a very special school where they taught English. Very ritzy. Anyway, these people vetted all parents to see how well they spoke English and they did not let them enter the girls because they were not fluent. Can you imagine turning down Kimura. They went to another school which is as good apparently but not so snooty about their rules. also it was because they did not want all the publicity with people in show business. I think they goofed as even now they have a lot of privacy with the schooling.


Peg.

brad2 wrote:

Just going thru some old videos. the Western trips to the Four Corners. Been there so often and knew just what Kimura was seeing and feeling. also I thought that during the 2008 Olympics song 'We are Friends' they could have used an old SMAP song.... Wherever we go Whatever we do We live in future LET'S GET TOGETHER !!!!!!!! ***************** Love that song. Peg

Hi Peg,


I second the motion...love that ZUTTO ZUTTO song too. When I first heard it, it caught my attention because of the catchy tune, then when I realized it was Kimura-san singing, I was even more mesmerized. So I requested a Japanese friend to interpret the lyrics for me, and this is what she sent me.

http://www.imeem.com/kaorunaganociao/music/kG-6roXU/smap/

ZUTTO ZUTTO Forever, forever

Doshaburi no ame no hi mo
kumori nochi hareno hi mo

kanarazu kimi no te wo
hanasazu ni iyou
shiawase na toki di mo
kimii ga nayamu toki mo
boku ga nayamu you na
sonna futaride iyou zutto

"When it's rainy or cloudy but sunny later, I will never let go of your hand When you are happy or troubled We share everything forever


REFRAIN (2x)
whatever we do
wherever we go
we live in the future
let's get together

hanari dasu ude ni
nayami dasu mune ni
warai au koe ni me wo
mukete
mayoi dasu toki ni
tomadoi dasu tabi ni
namida suru kimi no
soba ni iyou

"If we find a slightest distance between us or we start worrying We think of the laughters we have shared When we start to doubt or we don't know what to do I stay by your side while you are tearful

kono ame ga agaru made
kasa no naka ni iyou
kurayami ga akeru made
me wo tsuburou tori no you ni
kaze ga tsuyoi toki mo
nami ga takai toki mo
kanarazu kimi no te wo
hanasazu ni iyou
tsuki ga kirei na toki mo
kimi ga kowai yoru mo
futari warau you na
sonna kimi to boku de zutto

We stay under the same umbrella until the rain is gone We keep our eyes shut like two birds until this darkness is gone When winds blow hard or the tide is high I will never let go of your hand In a beautiful moonlight or when you are scared We share everything forever

REFRAIN (1x)
whatever we do
wherever we go
we live in the future
let's get together

sawagi dasu kodou ni
fuan ni naru toki ni
hanashi au you ni
kimete okou
kawari dasu toki ni
wakari aeru you
nimawari ni naga
sarezu ni iyou

If our hearts feel uneasy and we are worried We talk and share We stay as we are forever So that we can understand each other even if we change

okata nga ga wakaru made
kenka shite iyou
sono namida kawaku made
hohoemi kakete iyou

We argue until we understand each other We believe in each others' smiles until the tears are gone

Te wo tsunagi yomitoru kimi no kodou
Toutou tomaranai kimi no namida moyou
Ame no you ni tareru shizuku
Aremoyou ni naranu you
Kimi ni todoku hodo no ai de tsutaeru kono kimochi
Ochitsuitara kudaranai koto wasure
Mata egao de niji wo egaite

MORE SMAP SONGS LYRICS TRANSLATION HERE:
http://www.megchan.com/lyrics/index.php?title=SMAP/Zutto_Zutto

Hi Mac...

Thanks for those lyrics. and for the link. I once had a good link for all the lyrics of their songs but lost it when my PC got very sick. Lost a lot of stuff then. Sad.

Their songs are so full of lovely sayings that you don't get when you don't understand Japanese. It is not just repetition all the itme but a whole story telling of feelings and how to be with people. Loved the episodes when Shingo and Goro went to Cape Canaveral and talked with the astronauts. The Japanese guy told them he played their songs from space which really gave Shingo a tremendous boost. The group then sang with that gorgeous background of our great Big Blue Marble called planet Earth.

I am always being surprised oll over again when I see things that SMAP have accomplished over the years. They will go down in history.

Peg

kat.......
Cannot access Jisub site. Out of order so cannot reply to your message.

What has happened do you know??

Peg

Peg,
JSA was down, but it should be up now. I 've just left there and sent you and Autumn a couple of PMs about Kimura san's Change and 2046. I'm on to Beautiful Life next, so you gals wait for me! I feel another gushfest coming on this weekend.

How are you dear? Everything go well?


mac_meister,
Thank you for those crunchyroll links. I didn't know crunchyroll has a whole forum inside there as well. I will have to check that out.

kat,

OK got all the messages. shall wait for you to do Beautiful Life.

I think I know what the problem is with autumn and me but I think I answered her with my solution idea. ( re the love scenes)

Peg

I have a question.

I was watching Beautiful Life last night (which I'm loving btw), one of the Tshirts Kimura san was wearing had Texas embazoned on the front. It reminded me of one of the SMAP videos I ran across on youtube. In the video, he was wearing a Houston Oilers Tshirt. It could be mere coincidence, but does he have ties to Texas or on one of his visits to the US was to Texas?

I'm curious because Houston, Texas is my hometown!


Peg, I think I know what you and autumn were questioning and my answer is yes, it is completely possible....but we'll get into that discussion this weekend. At the rate I'm going, I'll be done w/BL by then. I'll also be dead tired, but I think I have gotten use to the effect that Kimura san is having on my sleeping habits. (these emoticons are cute!)

kat

Please share links where I could find Kimura-san stuff (i.e., movies, music videos, tv features, commercials, newsboard, a translation of his blog ALOHA messages, SMAPxSMAP tv show synopsis w/ pics & other tv guestings or personal appearances, etc., etc., etc.,). I haven't seen 2046, Oda Nobunaga, Nemureru Mori and Chuusingura 1/47.

Thanks a lot for those little tidbits/info about Kimura-san. Yes, I noticed that he seem to be wearing US related stuff like a US state on a t-shirt or a cap with a very identifiable US sports team, US brand logos.

Keep posting your musings about him...so enjoyable to read. Any news if he's coming to the States? That would be so way, way cool!

Hi mac,

Peg is your source of information. She's been a devotee for years. I'm just a newbie...1 month, 2 weeks, and 3 days.

I'm just a random cyberstalker so I'm googling and hitting random sites. In fact, you seem to have more info, so I'm relying on you.

I have seen lots of k and j actors wear US stuff...like LA or NY, but rarely do I see Texas...specifically Houston, that's why I was wondering if there is a significance w/Kimura-san.

You can catch 2046 on webdrinkcafe.com. It's not bad quality. I usually prefer to download and watch on my monitor.

IMO, 2046 was disjointed. I was disappointed because I loved WKW's In the Mood for Love and heard that 2046 was sort of a sequel. It's not. It did not have the same passion.

Kimurasan had such a small role, his talent was wasted. But dang! let me tell you...the opening is his voiceover and he has such a seductive voice. I wanted more!

Here is a website that has a review of 2046. It's mostly Kimura-san related.
http://www.gel.com.au/koala/2046/2046.htm

She does alot of other Kimura san drama reviews too.

I've just recently discovered livejournal and have been reading lots of blogs there.

I'll be back w/my musings on Change. I'm not much of a reviewer.

So mac which Kimura san drama has been your favorite so far?

In fact, Peg, I haven't asked you what your favorite Kimura san drama is either. Give way Peg...I wanna know.

Peg, mac,

Not sure if you guys already have this link...but they have lots of SMAP megaupload.

A few of them has the Eng subs too.

http://community.livejournal.com/smapxsmap/

Kat,

My favorite Kimura san drama? I like all of them except the very early ones. Every drama he brings something new to the table. Of course, he has his quirks and mannerisms, but who doesn't. I noticed that in almost all of his dramas, typically: 1) he always plays the cool silent type, keeps to himself character 2) doesn't open up to anyone unless he likes the girl or slowly begins to fall in love with her then that's the time he becomes vulnerable 3) heroines in his dramas are the strong, independent type who doesn't easily give in and puts up a fight with him 4) projects a "baddie" image but actually has a heart of gold, and 5) he's good with kids on-screen, can relate to them easily.

Most of the younger actors are trying to copy him but there is only one TK. In order of most favorite (some are at par with each other), here are my top five Kimura-san works.

1. BEAUTIFUL LIFE - I like this one because it showed a love story between a handicapped person and a normal one, so touching, poignant and TK's role was not of the testosterone-fueled-macho image but a unique hairstylist. He really projected happiness and pain in his relationship with Kyoko the librarian.
2. PRIDE/ENGINE/GOOD LUCK - Testosterone-fueled macho dramas with a soft heart, fast-paced, cute, beautiful leading ladies, children
3. CHANGE/KAREI-NARU-ICHIZOKU - TK seem to thrive in an ensemble cast, great acting, facial expressions here in both dramas really took me in. Did not like the ending though of Karei and Change.
4. BUSHI NO ICHIBUN - This is a movie but I had to put it up there as one of my faves, simple gestures with deep meaning. He finally won and accepted the acting award for this which he truly deserved. I understood what a real samurai warrior was in this movie.
5. LONG VACATION/LOVE GENERATION - One of his earlier dramas that catapulted TK to stardom, fun to watch.

Is it true that Kimura-san loves to surf and at one point was thinking of moving and living in Hawaii so he could do more surfing???

wow..

i havent visited this forum for so long & it's still alive !

very happy to see other links where i can dl takuya's stuff, tks !

hi people !

can anyone adv where can i watch smapxsmap videos through streaming & not downloading..

or can anyone advise if we start downloading, will we get caught ? is it illegal ?

New Gatsby CM: http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=lIrMl1Rl3jg&feature=related

I don't think this is him actually dancing although some of my friends proclaim that it is. I think it's actually David Elsewhere with Kimura's head. Your thoughts?

re The dancing....my thoughts...

I think it has to be Kimura. He has always been a pretty good dancer. More especially when they have a music group as guests and he gets off on the music .

However, I think that this dance for the commercial is helped by camera manipulation. It is quite clever. I don't think Kimura would do a dance CM and just use his head with another person dancing.

Peg