――What kind of path did you take before photographing the Stones?

In 1988, Ron Wood came to Japan to perform with Bo Diddley, and I had to take a lot of photos there. Afterwards, I don't remember how I did it, but I tracked down the hotel where Ron was staying, and I left a photo of myself at the reception desk and said, ``Give it to Ron.'' Ron really liked it and said, ``We don't have a tour photographer this time, so would you like to come with us?'' So I followed up on the American tour. Mick Jagger, who came to Japan as a solo artist for the first time in the same year, was also able to take a press photo shoot in the magazine.

After that, I made a connection with Yuji Ikeda, the chairman of the Rolling Stones fan club, and I started working with Mr. Ikeda to find out what the Stones' next move would be, thinking that the Stones might be the next to start. It was. So in 1989, while both of us were staying in Manhattan, we got the secret information that a surprise press conference would be held in New York tomorrow. The press conference was an announcement of a new album and tour, but from the fans' point of view, this was more than just an announcement. Since the mid-1980s, there had been talk that Mick and Keith might break up due to falling out, so this was like a comeback announcement saying, ``We're back.'' I was able to get such a big scoop.

Then, we received a request from a Japanese record company to film the first day of their US tour. The live photos I took were also seen by Stone's Side, and they started to appreciate them. So, when they first came to Japan in 1990 at the Tokyo Dome, the Stones said, ``This would be great,'' and I was able to film it. Everything just happened in a lucky way. Even though I wasn't just starting out, I was still in my 20s at the time.

--What do you think the Stones found appealing about Mr. Ariga's photographs?

My personality may be a delusion that has been accumulated over many years. It is said that the Stones' golden age was from 1972 to 1973, but Japanese people had the misfortune of not being able to see the Stones back then. In 1973, five Budokan performances were planned in Japan, and tickets were even sold, but the band was suddenly canceled because Mick had a drug arrest record. That's why when I photographed their first performance in Japan in 1990, I thought it would be great if I could photograph the Stones in front of me in such a way that they overlapped with the Stones when I first thought, ``Amazing.'' I felt that my role as a Japanese photographer was to unite the image of the Stones in my mind with the real Stones. I think that became my taste.

――I think Mr. Ariga took photographs that evoked the romanticism of rock bands for both the viewer and the photographer.

I guess so. But the Stones really liked it, when they first came to Japan. I guess that's why I keep taking pictures. Of course, most artists and bands end up trying someone else after a few years. I also took pictures of all the top Japanese people. However, it is not a relationship that lasts for decades like the Stones.

--You've been fascinated by rock ever since you first listened to Angie when you were 13 years old.

that's right. That's when I started dreaming of photographing the Stones someday. Then, when I became a professional, the first time I saw the Stones live was the first time I took a photo of them...That's the luckiest pattern ever. But I still get that feeling when Keith comes out on stage and makes the opening bell (intro to "Jumpin' Jack Flash"), and then Mick runs into the center a step behind. The shooting location is quite far away now, but regardless of that, I'm overwhelmed by their power. It's the same even after 30 years of photography. That's amazing, what is that?

--Is there anything you want to accomplish in the future?

(Thinking about it for a while) I have a desire for a leather jacket. Well, the leather jackets from the 1990s are really cool. Keith also wore them on stage. But in 1990, when I started filming for the Stones for the first time, I was so busy that I didn't have time to go to the stores. I used to go to the dome every day. That's one thing I regret. I also met the members. We were able to talk. But what really sticks in my mind is that I couldn't buy a leather jacket from a store. But this time, when I saw this leather jacket from glamb, I was able to regain that feeling. Not a lie.

--If the members saw you wearing Glamb riders, do you think they would say something to you?

If the members see it, they'll probably call out to you. I think Charlie would be like, "Huh?". I think Keith would say it's cool. I don't think Mick would compliment me if I wore it (lol).

--What do you think of Ron Wood, who was photographed first?

Ronnie would say, "Where did you get that?" This blue leather jacket is perfect for Ronnie. I think if Ronnie or Keith said something like that, I would be in a situation where I would have no choice but to give it to them. Keith loves leather jackets and wears them better than anyone else. If Keith told me it was cool, as a fan, I would just take it off right then and there. That's dangerous, isn't it? My worry is that they'll think I'm cool. I also feel like I want to be proud of them.