Good news

Yamapi hits the Land of Smiles

By Suwitcha Chaiyong

Attractive Japanese artist Tomohisa Yamashita (Yamapi) has been a star since the age of 15, when he acted in the TV series Ikebukuro West Gate Park. Now 25, Yamapi has a strong reputation as an actor, a member of popular Japanese boy band NEWS and as a solo star with his album Super Good, Super Bad.

Yamapi recently announced his first tour around Asia, which will include a stop in Bangkok. With the Tomohisa Yamashita Asia Tour Bangkok concerts set to be held on April 23 and April 24 at Thunder Dome, Yamapi came to visit his Thai fans last month to personally promote the event.

At the at Paragon Park press conference, the huge crowd of J-pop fans were well behaved, listening quietly whenever the star spoke. Yamapi was clearly happy to see so many fans. He showed off a few dance moves and even demonstrated some of the fighting skills that he learned for his boxing movie, Ashita No Joe, due for release later this year.

Student Weekly went along to Yamapi's meeting to hear what the star had to say.

Question: Are you excited to see so many fans here?

Yamapi: I'm very happy to see everybody here!

Question: How does it feel to be in Thailand for the first time?

Yamapi: I was given a great, warm welcome by a huge crowd when I arrived at the airport. I hope that it will be like that when I come to perform my concerts here.

Question: What did you do to prepare for your first solo tour around Asia?

Yamapi: I rehearsed my singing and dancing every day for my Thai fans. There should be some surprises at the concert.

Question: Can you tell us something super good and super bad about your life?

Yamapi: Today is super good because I got to meet everybody here. But it's also super bad, because I also have to go back to Japan later today.

Question: Why did you decide to perform in Bangkok?

Yamapi: Because I have fans in Thailand. I noticed that lots of comments about my videos on the Internet came from Thai fans, so I wanted to perform here.

Question: What was the main difference between working with NEWS and making your solo album?

Yamapi: The only difference was with the people I worked with. My determination to make good music was the same when I made my solo album.

Question: Since you recently acted in a boxing movie, have you ever watched any Thai boxing?

Yamapi: Yes, I like it a lot. And Ashita No Joe is an incredible production. I really want you guys to see it.

Question: Can you speak any Thai?

Yamapi: I know how to say "I love you" and "never mind." I plan to practise more Thai before my concerts here.

Question: Why shouldn't fan miss your concert?

Yamapi: This concert is especially for my fans. I'd like you to all have fun at the concert and go home happy. Please come!