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Chapter Twenty Four - Nick's Tour Diary, Part One - Japan

There's nothing like completing the first concert of a tour to get you back in the swing of things. The amount of adrenaline coursing through my veins as we left the stage was incredible.

After we showered and headed back to the hotel, we were all too wired to sleep. Everyone piled into my hotel room.

"I had an idea," Sam announced. I glanced over at him. He was already going through the soundcheck and concert footage. I saw a really nice shot of me thrusting in mid-air. I had a damn good thrust if I do say so myself.

"What's your idea?" I asked. Sam grinned. I had a feeling it involved me.

"I want you to keep a tour diary. That way every night after the concert I can post the events of the day through your eyes."

"That's scary," Howie said.

"And I have a feeling it's probably not going to be rated PG," Kevin said.

"Damn straight," AJ said with a smile. Snap went the rubber band on his wrist.

"Hey! I tend to be a good observer," I said. I looked at Sam. "I'd love to do that."

"Great. You begin tomorrow." Sam looked at his watch. "Er, today."

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March 19 - Tokyo - Saitama Super Arena

It's now day two of my bet with Kevin. What bet you may ask? I've made a bet with Kev that I won't have any fast food for a month. I have no doubt that this is going to be a bet I could win with my eyes, and mouth, closed.

I was walking around the hotel lobby this morning and this douchebag ran into me that looked like a Japanese Danny DeVito. He started yelling at me and trying to stomp my foot...until his daughter came running up. Comes to find out that she's going to our concert tonight. Guess who wanted to be my friend then?

Howie asked me to lunch and I figured it was a pretty safe bet that we'd eat somewhere healthy. Howie rarely touched McDonald's. We went to this little shop and Howie ordered all this weird-ass sushi. I tried a little of everything. Unfortunately Howie punk'd me in retaliation for the carmel corn incident (see attached video). When I went to the bathroom he smeared the undersides of my sushi rolls with wasabi. I can honestly say that it was so hot it burned every single nose hair I ever had. Looking back, I guess I deserved it.

Soundcheck went well. A fan asked Brian what his favorite cartoon theme song was and he burst out into the soundtrack from 'Speed Racer.' For anyone that wants to know, my favorite cartoon theme song is from 'Tiny Toon Adventures.'

Concert was a blast. All sold-out for the second time in a row. Halfway through The Call, I belched so loud the entire place heard it. Go me!

My wife called me a few minutes ago. Even she doesn't have faith that I will win the bet with Kev.

Just you wait...I will be victorious. My Bucs jersey is on the line. There's no way I'm burning it.


March 20 - Tokyo - Saitama Super Arena

We visited an all-girls school today. We did that once before on our Black and Blue Tour, but now that I'm in my thirties I actually felt like a creep. I know that when my daughter Brooklyn's sixteen, I don't want no thirty and forty year old men doing any meet-and-greets. Wait...did I just call myself old?

After the school trip we visited a fish market. I don't think I need to describe how it smelled. You get the picture.

Brian took his wife and kids to McDonald's for lunch after the fish market (I told him to get a Filet o' Fish, haha). Kevin gave me a look, but I ignored him. Instead of feasting on delectable crisp fries made from mouth-watering potatoes, I went to the Meiji Shrine with AJ. I totally made the right choice. I feel like a much better person after visiting sacred land. I have inner peace. All Brian has to show for his afternoon is a Hello Kitty toy from Baylee's Happy Meal. Ha.

Tonight was the last show in Tokyo. I have to say that our Japanese fans are amazing. The love you guys show us is what keeps us coming back every time. Kisses to you all.

March 21 - Kobe - World Hall

Greetings from Kobe, Japan! The water here is beautiful. We saw the Kawasaki Shipbuilding Company on the way in. I was looking for some jet skiis to borrow but no such luck.

Went toy shopping with Brian today. Just a word of warning...never go toy shopping with Bri. I was locked in a small pink playhouse for an hour while he leaned against the door greeting everyone that walked by. The only good thing that came out of the trip were the two small stuffed panda bears I bought for my son and daughter.

Brian also decided to test me by going to the food court. There was a KFC and I had delusional visions of Colonel Sanders beckoning to me...but I resisted. I ended up with some white rice and lean chicken. Bri gnawed at his extra crispy legs and thighs like he had lived in a cave half his life.

Soundcheck was great. One of the fans couldn't wait to show me her new tattoo. She had my face inked onto her arm. Even my wife doesn't love me that much, haha. Just kidding, Livvy.

We had a technical issue during the concert. The trapdoor I used to go down for a costume change wouldn't open. I stood there staring down at my feet while the sold-out crowd screamed my name. I had a blonde moment and forgot that I could probably get down one of the other guy's doors. Finally Kevin had to poke his head out and grab my leg. Score one for Kev.

March 22 - Kobe - World Hall

Everyone went to Harborland today. It's a really neat place with awesome shopping and a gigantic Ferris wheel. I'm missing my wife and kids horribly. I think both AJ and I got the blues watching the other guys go on the Ferris wheel with their wives. It was a perfect make-out opportunity that I couldn't participate in. I couldn't help but scream 'Get a room! at the guys as each basket slid by.

I'm pretty sure I've lost about five pounds since I made the fast food bet. There's not a lot of calories in rice and I'm feeling pretty weak. Last night I had a dream about stuffed crust pizza. I woke up chewing my pillow. We dined at Nankinmachi, which is Kobe's Chinatown, before heading to the arena. I impressed everyone by ordering a large fruit plate and yakitori, which is basically grilled chicken kabobs. Howie tried to psych me out by telling me they even cook up the chicken balls for yakitori, but I was so hungry I plowed through the whole thing. If there really were balls on the stick, they were pretty tasty.

I think we had our most memorable soundcheck ever today. One of the fans was in the middle of asking Howie a question when her water broke. I hope she named her baby Nicky-san considering I was the one who whipped out my cellphone and called the ambulance.

Concert was great. It was awesome to see so many fans singing along to All My Heart. The album flopped in the U.S., but I could probably sing the phonebook backwards and people in Europe and Asia would happily wave lighters in the air and recite every word.

March 23 - Kobe - World Hall

I had a video chat with Liv and the kids this morning when I woke up. Brooke showed off her new found skill of using a sippy cup. We played an across-the-world game of peek-a-boo and I sang good-night to both her and Noah. Then Liv and I had a little chat. No need to go into details...

In the afternoon, AJ and I visited the Maritime Museum. AJ accidentally swallowed a fly the size of my knuckle and our trip ended early. AJ headed to Wendy's to get the taste of fly guts out of his mouth. I ended up in the gym with Kevin.

I think the fans were sad to see us leave Kobe. After the concert our van was almost tipped over by the fans trying to rush at us. Howie's son James flipped out and started rambling in Spanish like a two and a half year old Ricky Ricardo. Baylee was bouncing all over the seats even though Leigh kept telling him to sit down. I'm not sure he even realized that we weren't supposed to be leaning at a fifteen degree angle.

March 24 - Traveling and a Day Off

We arrived in Nagoya, Japan in the middle of the night. By the time we checked into our hotel and crashed it was almost morning. Good-night, good-morning...I'm going to sleep.

I'm awake now. The thermostat says thirty five degrees. Way too cold for me. I see a few snowflakes floating by the window. I think I'm going to catch a few more hours of sleep.

I don't think I've ever slept so long in my life. It took three phone calls from Kevin before I finally woke up. I regret waking up. My head feels like a balloon and my nose is dripping like a garden hose that was left on overnight.

I hate to say it, but it's going to be a long stay in Nagoya. I'm probably the worst person to be around when I'm sick.

March 27 - Traveling and a Day Off

I'm finally feeling better. I want to apologize to all of the fans that had to hear me sound like Kermit the Frog. My nose is nicely dry and crusty. Sorry for TMI. We're ready to head back to Tokyo and rock Budokan!

March 28 - Tokyo - Nippon Budokan

Did a photo shoot today. Let me just say that I hate having to wear makeup. Someone as naturally beautiful as me should not have to wear inches of foundation, right?

I kept teasing Brian about taking off his shirt but he wasn't having it. After all these years he's still extremely sensitive about his scar. I did manage to get him to show a little belly button. Ladies, fyi...Brian has a cute belly button.

I'm glad to announce that I think after two weeks of touring that we now have our dance steps down. Even Howie. As I grabbed Brian and Howie's hands for our stage bows I felt a good sense of accomplishment. All you guys that came out to Budokan send me some feedback, okay?

March 29 - Tokyo - Nippon Budokan

The guys and I had the opportunity to participate in a martial arts lesson today. Baylee tagged along and let me tell you, I think he could be the next karate kid. Once he's a little taller he's probably going to kick his Uncle Nick's ass.

One of the fans at soundcheck made me a huge painting of cherry blossoms. I plan on putting it up in my studio for some good zen. Or is it feng shui?

Kev and I did an official weigh in today before the show. I've lost seven pounds. Kevin had to admit that I've held onto the end of my bargain. I told him he should start growing his hair out. He told me 'not so fast.'

During As Long as You Love Me I gave my rose to a little girl that couldn't have been older than three. The smile on her face made my day.

March 30 - Tokyo - Nippon Budokan

Today was incredibly special for all of us. As we walked off stage after the concert, we all let out a sigh of relief. We just completed the last official part of our contract for Jive. We are now one hundred percent Universal artists.

Now to tackle the rest of the world. Backstreet's Back bitches!