Sakurai Sho’s T.A.B.O.O. Birthday - 2012

From ARASHI LIVE TOUR “Beautiful World” 2012

On the last day in Fukuoka, the members had “Happy Birthday Special T.A.B.O.O” to celebrate.

When Sho-kun was doing the MC alone, suddenly came an announcement: “To ARASHI LIVE TOUR Beautiful World spectators, for attending today, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude. To Sakurai Sho-sama who is performing at the concert, please go to the left stage passageway.”

After Sho-kun moved to the left stage passageway, another announcement came: “We would like to extend our deepest apologies. Sakurai Sho-sama, please go to the center stage.”

And when Sho-kun arrived at the center stage…

“We have a request, please do an impression of Kitano Takeshi.”

Sho-kun did the Comăneci gag, but it wasn’t that good…

“We would like to deliver a message. Please wait.”

A Junior with butler outfit handed something to Sho-kun.

S: Thank you very much.

S: “To Sakurai Sho-sama. It might be a little bit early, but we would like to give you a small surprise birthday party. To begin, please read messages from us.”

S: “Sho-chan, you’ve worked hard finishing your 20’s. I think nothing will change much, I hope it’ll be a wonderful year. Thank you as always. Ohno Satoshi.”

S: “I’m really happy to be able to celebrate Sho-chan’s birthday this way. I’d like to say this to Sho-chan’s mother. Thank you for giving birth to Sho-chan. Aiba Masaki.”

S: “Sho-chan, happy birthday. It’s a little bit early and it hasn’t passed yet but I’d like to congratulate you properly. Ninomiya Kazunari.”

S: “Dear Sho-kun, we’ve been together since Junior, 15 years have already passed. From now too, please stay the intelligent and funny Sho-kun. Even though you have sloping shoulders, suits still suit you. Matsumoto Jun.”

And then, here…

The intro of  T.A.B.O.O started playing, and on the screen the words “Special T.A.B.O.O for SHO SAKURAI” appeared. Then, a video of the four members with the same setting as Sho-kun’s solo last year started playing. Just like that it plays until the rap part.

The rap part is Sho-kun, the video is exactly the same as last year’s.

Before entering the chorus, at the “Get down” part, Arashi reappeared on stage.

Miniskirt policemen and Matsumoto officer. The miniskirt policemen wore knit tights.

S: Ahahahaha! My stomach hurts-! What’s with that appearance-?

Here, Jun-kun came over with a box.

M: Here, a present.

The content is, this time’s T.A.B.O.O. DVD.

On the DVD jacket, there’s a “30th” written, and there are four kiss marks.

S: These kiss marks are everyone’s?

N: They’re everyone’s. There are four so please make it a spare.

S: In that case, I will treasure this.

Finally, they took a commemorative picture with a cake in the background.

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Source

The original poster speculates that this is the “ridiculous” DVD Sho mentioned he liked watching while drinking. I really like it when Sho says, “Kudaranee,” whenever his friends do something stupid. I’m sad not knowing when the next time will be.

It’s really been a while since the last time I read this story. Most likely, I watched the news snippet on this or read an English version of this story when I wasn’t an SJ trash yet. Apparently, I didn't think Dear Sho-kun is cute or the fact the Jun is repeating how long they've been together is so on brand SJ or that Jun handing out Sho his present is something to be celebrated in itself.

Reading it again, it made me smile. Watching the video again, it made me smile. Actually, even as I’m translating this several months after finding this again, I’m smiling. (If I don’t plan in advance like that, I won’t be able to stick to important Arashi dates. Also, this will be one of the last planned posts. I used to keep wondering how long I can do this. Tbh the guy getting married dealt a bigger blow than I anticipated lol)

Thanks to my mom reminding me about this, I fangirled all over again in the middle of 2021. Such a funny and heartwarming story and yet it makes me sad and lonely. 

Arashi. Come back.