BBC記事パート２訳「日本のアイドル２０年間トップで」

「プリンスチャーミングなんかじゃない」

SMAPのデビューは成功とはほど遠いものだった．
「SMAPのデビュー曲はトップ１０にさえはいらなかったんだよ。」
江戸川大学の芸能評論家でもある教授が言う。
SMAPの前までは、顔がよければすべてがいい世界だったが、１９９０年代に入ってまもなく、各局の音楽番組が終わり、ちょっとそこらへんの人よりかっこいいだけではやっていけない世界へと早変わりしていったのだ。

「ジャニーさんは各局へ回り、スマップを使ってくれて言って回った。前代未聞の行動だったが、すごく効果があった」評論家がゆう。
「はじめて、中居さんを見たのは、９４年のバラエティーばんぐみです。」当時からのファン、オノさんはいう。
「いろんな事を器用にこなす彼が大好きです。真剣なお芝居から、日本中を笑わせてくれるコメディーをこなす所まで。」


Not 'Prince Charming'

When SMAP made their debut under Johnny & Associates in 1991, it was not exactly smooth sailing.
"SMAP's debut song didn't even make it to the top 10," said Associate Professor Noboru Saijo of Edogawa University.
"Previous groups were seen as Prince Charming types and became popular instantly but by the 1990s, music programmes were in decline and fans wanted more than just good-looking boys who could sing and dance."
"Johnny went to local TV stations and asked them to use SMAP on their variety or comedy shows," said Prof Saijo, who is also an entertainment analyst.
It was a surprising move - but one that worked out.
"I first saw Nakai on a variety show in 1994," says 46-year-old Natsumi Ono, who has been a dedicated fan ever since.
"I love the range that he has - his serious acting and commentating side and his charming comedy side."

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