TOKYO – I’m writing this post from an outdoor cafe near the hotel, braving the somewhat cold morning for the sake of atmosphere.

It’s my last day in Tokyo and I hate saying goodbye to Arashiland, wondering when is the next time I can come back.

Next year’s tour? Maybe. Hopefully. And if Nino hinting about wanting to have a tour during his birthday (June) is anything to go by, then it might be sooner than expected. At least I won’t have to pack autumn/winter stuff that takes too much of my luggage space.

If for anything, idols are the best ambassadors of their own countries, making us fly thousands of miles just to see them. This is very true especially for Arashi since Japan is the only place where we can see them. If the mountain won’t come to Muhammad, then Muhammad will go to the mountain, deshou?

But any Arashi fan would know, seeing them in the flesh requires luck, fate, a sprinkling of rainbow pixie dust and help from fellow fangirls. Having fellow fangirls as friends is like having a support group and it matters. A lot.

I realised that most especially in this trip. Fangirl friends know the stress I went through getting these, including the CNBLUE ones, which had something more to do with technical issues (piece of advice: don’t mess up with the Japanese system, even if it’s just a little change, like address).

Fangirls’ help really matters, whether it’s translating Nihongo, drafting an email in Nihongo, searching the net and even just cheering you on. Of course, you also have to do your part. Fangirling is not just about sharing the same interests and spazzing together during good times, it’s helping each other out during trying times. That’s when fangirls become friends.

It helps to know you are not alone because, yeah, no fan is an island.

So thank you to my JBoice “sponsor” @azoruix, cheerleader @jhingnigami, and my concert/travel buddies @ailamarie, @slow88 and @wintercherub, and most especially to my Japanese friends M-san and A-san. The story of this Super Japonism Tour won’t be complete without them.

And to N-san, arigatou for this wonderful gift. It’s a coincidence that it’s also my 10th year as an Arashi fan.

Throughout my two weeks in Japan, I kept seeing Coke’s Christmas campaign and loved the song. I heard it again yesterday while in Tsutaya Shibuya so I asked the staff what the name of the song was. It’s ハピネス by AI.

 

 

I find the lyrics apt. Thank you friends.

When you got nothin and feelin blue
It’s alright
If you reach out a hand
We are all blessed to have someone
Someone who understands

And yes the world is full of drama
But that doesn’t matter
I know you’ll be right here
I won’t be alone no no no no
You make me feel stronger
I have no doubts
That I can do just what I want
So you can always
Every time I see you smile
It makes me happy
I know I know
There is nothing that I can not do
Just to put a smile on my face
I can always count on you
So you can always
You can always count on me too

La la Lalala

I turn around
And you’re right here beside me
When I need you
I don’t have to look too far now
With you I’m full of happiness
Never have to wonder where you are
Because I know you will come right
To my rescue

Whole world full of drama
But that doesn’t matter
I know you’ll be right here
I won’t be alone no no no no
Make me feel stronger
I have no doubts
That I can do everything I want

Every time I see you smile
It makes me happy
I know I know
There is nothing that I can not do
Just to put a smile on my face
I can always count on you
So you can always
You can always count on me too

Thank you, Japan. Thank you, Arashi. Thank you, CNBLUE. Thank you, fellow fangirls. Fangirling is more fun when you do it with friends.

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