A Preview of Nakajima Saki's 2nd PB Titled "W Saki"

Some previews of Nakky's new PB called "W Saki" which is 'double saki'..
According to Nakky, the theme will be white and black.
Here's an entry from Nakky:

I, Nakajima Saki will have my second photobook W Saki (Double Saki) releasing on July 15th from KidsNet-san! This time the theme is white and black! The pictures too have paired them together. The white was done with all my strength in natural makeup, and for the black I painted on fake eyebrows and red lipstick! Everyone, please support me!

This one is said to be the back cover. I'm not really impressed with idols wearing bikinis than wearing nice clothes. Even though fans like to see them with those bikinis for a big sale, I think that'll do it. We only got only few previews, so we can't really judge it in one to three photos. 

The front cover was Nakky wearing something like a sleeping wear? It does looks that way. The title somewhat distract me a little, wait! is that the logo of Wikipedia?!?!?! o_O What??! I doubt it when I first saw the photo as its cover. LOL!

I hope Maimai will have her 2nd PB soon. 

Anyway, there are only few previews from Nakky's blog. Hope more photo previews will be revealed since it'll be released this coming July 15th.
Don't forget to reserve your copies anyway!

Sources:
Blog Translation
Nakajima Saki's blog
Amazon
Tokyohive

Junjun, Linlin and Kamei Eri Came and Meet Morning Musume!

It's been a while since Junjun, Linlin, and Eririn left Morning Musume and Hello!Project.
But, this made me feel so happy and relieved when I found out that the trio came back and meet Morning Musume again.
How I miss them. I'm so happy that they're all well and healthy.. (^_^)
Here's a translation of Linlin's blog entry and some photos too.. 

Could Sayashi Riho be the future Ace of MM?

After the favors given to her at their "Only You" single, it's just been announced that 9th generation Sayashi Riho is releasing her first solo Pb + DVD w/c is set to release on August however the title is still unknown!!!

Tokyohive wrote : "Although the other 9th generation members have each put out DVD releases as part of the limited e-Hello series, Sayashi’s DVD will be a wide release, and will be tied in with her photobook."

To me, this is quite a big break to her since it wasn't been that long since she started her activities as a 9th generation member and not to mention she be the first to have a PB among the 9th generation and also it was faster on her part compared to her other seniors in HP. So the question that is going on my mind right now is that, is HP trying to tell us that after Ai's graduation Sayashi Riho will be one of the aces of HP now, particularly of Morning Musume?

Well, it's not much of a problem to me since she does have the potential,she got the charisma, she has a good singing voice and an awesome dancing skills! She's my personal favorite among the 9th gen and IMHO, I think she has more potential compared to Sayumi or Aika, of course that is if EXPERIENCE doesn't count. But nevertheless, whatever plans HP has for her, I wish that she could really uplift Morning Musume's current status now.

POLL CLOSED!

Our week's poll is now officially closed.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA.
Wondering what the results are...?

Tsugunaga Momoko: 24 (27% votes)
Natsuyaki Miyabi:21 (23.6% votes)
Suzuki Airi :44 (49.5% votes)

Total Number of Votes: 89

Our winner is Suzuki Airi .

As expected of Airi, totally swooping half of the votes. Honestly, our banner was already made two days ago XD Since the first days of the week, it's been Airi leading the poll. I think Banner-san already knew 'til the end it will be Airi at first.
... for our Ichiban Kawaii Leader. I think it is good she hadn't got the last place, but surely she won't be satisfied with the results (if she'll ever know this). For our dearest Miyabi, maybe better luck next time for her fans supporting her.

And so, we got our charming Airi in our banner. Isn't it cute???


For this week's next poll,

Your "Chanpuru Unit"?

• High-King
• zoku V-u-den
• Aa!
• ZYX-a
• Shinmoni
• Petit moniV
• Tanpopo#

 "Chanpuru" are the current shuffle units of Hello!Project. If you watched the last winter concert , these units performed.
Never thought making polls are hard. It is difficult to think what the next poll should be like. I chose this poll coz, I thought we also need a group appearing once in a while in our banner :D

I hope you will participate. Please do vote! Thank you!

Iphone4 case by Takahashi Ai

Coming from the Iphone lover, Takahashi Ai proudly present

Her own design of Iphone4 case :D

The design itself is Ai.
The black touch of front case shows how bold Ai had been, taking huge steps of changes lately. And of course, the cool "PUSH" is just so Takahashi Ai, even looks like it is her own English handwriting.
The sudden contrast of white for the back case made us not forget how innocent and cute our little Ai is (or had been), as we have always known, playfully decorated with splattered strawberry.

I won't doubt her designing skills, it is marketable.

And so, who wants that?

Please check out the source for better photos and original text : http://official.ameba.jp/shop/takahashiai-blog/01/index.html#takahashiai-blog/01/img/goods01_01.jpg

[translation] MM "Only You" hotexpress article (full)

 I shall note Takahashi Ai's "Not quite lovers, not quite something..."
what do you mean by that~?! Why term "LOVERS" be used when asked about 5th-6th gen relation ?
leader-san not spilling much,isn't she? XD


anyways, for people who really love to know more about Morning Musume, reading interviews is one of the best reference. It isn't just something instant and basic infos that most of us obviously know, but something that really came out of their own feelings and thoughts. Sometimes, you'll be surprised of facts they'll say out of nowhere. Or be delighted/overwhelmed of being able to know more than what we already see. And we're grateful that our fellow fans are willing to translate these precious articles.


credits to kurikaesu.haru of Hello!Online

Tokyohive very kindly translated parts of the hotexpress MM interview. Part 1 and Part 2 are available. They only did about half of it, though, so I thought I'd translate the whole thing in case anyone's interested. (The parts they left out are spread throughout the article, so to avoid confusion I don't wanna highlight them...and also because I'm too lazy. Please don't get me wrong, I really appreciate Tokyohive's translation and the more people that are exposed to MM, the better. I just found the left-out parts interesting as well, and I thought there might be others like me~)

Enjoy~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
--First, let's talk about the graduation of Kamei Eri, Junjun, and Linlin in Dec 15, 2010.  In a way for Morning Musume since Takahashi Ai became leader, it was a day that you faced a demise.  How did you feel?

Takahashi: It's only been half a year, but it feels like such a long time ago.....Their graduation was different from all the other graduations before then.  There was the fact that we were losing 3 of them at once.  We had also worked together for a long time.  Personally, a part of me thought, “We're gonna keep going with these members,” so despite the triple graduation announcement, it didn't feel real until the very day.  But for the first time, we did a lot of things like parties, right?

Michishige: We did!

Takahashi: Before the graduation, we held things like birthday parties and wrap-up parties.  We were very...how do you put it?

Michishige: Close.  We were very close.

Takahashi: Yeah.  A graduation is impressive every time, but [this time] there was a sense of accomplishment.  The graduation concert at Yokohama Arena was a one-time thing, a concert done at the very end, so it was filled with a great sense of accomplishment.  It's impossible to repeat.  We performed treasuring each and every song. 

Michishige: In Morning Musume, even when a graduation is announced, everyone holds back tears--the graduating member, and everyone around her as well.  But in Eri, Junjun, and Linlin's case, before [the concert in] Yokohama Arena, we were crying since the tour rehearsals.  It was as sad as the love between the members is deep, but those three looked amazing doing all they could with their best.  I thought we did everything we could with the 8 of us.  That's why it felt good.  Eri had facial expressions that were different from any she'd had up to that point, and I thought she was very elegant.  It's almost unthinkable that we've come along having done things together for 8 years, being in the same generation.  It's like, we've been just walking ahead (laughs). 

Takahashi: I also felt like I was being led by Eri.  Because Eri was desperately holding back her tears, I was like, “We have to do that, too.  It's no good to cry like this.”  She was very cool. 

Pocket Morning Weekly Q&A (week of 6/19/2011)

Morning Musume's Pocket Morning Weekly Q&A this week is ": If you could become another H!P member for one day, who would it be?"
I'm not really sharing about this, but since it's an interesting one, I'd like to share it with you all. =)
Anyway, read their responses to this question.. 

Tsuji Nozomi Produced Jinbei and Yukata for The Season of Summer!

Tsuji Nozomi produced Jinbei and yukata for this summer, and now on sale!

I'm quite surprise that Tsuji produce clothes like these, well, I'm may be a little-not-so-updated about her. Jinbei is said to be a traditional clothing wore by men, women, girls, boys, and also babies for summer. Yukata, as what we've know, it is a casual summer kimono which is used to be wore during fireworks display, festivals, and other summer events.

It is said that Tsuji sold 5,000 yukata and jinbei last summer.. 

Check out the photos Tsuji shared in her blog.. =)

Yagucgi Mari and Nakamura Masaya: A match made in Heaven "Newlywed life"

Just last month ago, it was reported that Dream MM member, Yaguchi Mari and Nakamura Masaya are married. Mari-chan made an appearance at the "Solatorobo Sore Kara Coda e" advertising department. “Solatoboro Sore Kara Coda e” recently won a Guinness World Record for advertising by having their 100-commerical run last year which spanned for eight hours. Yaguchi recommended this game by stating, “The game feels like a movie. If it becomes a movie, I would love to voice act it.”

But here's the best part, Mari-chan shares with us why they are the perfect match =P

“It seems like I cannot truly like someone unless our hobbies and preference match. I am a gamer but it seems like my husband is a hardcore gamer than me.” At times, the two of them completely immerse themselves in the game. “We can play games for two to three hours without talking to each other. It creates a very comfortable atmosphere for the two of us. He is the only one I know who I can be comfortable like that,” Mari says.

At 2nd grade, Mari-chan started playing games on Nintendo and started playing constantly until now “Usually, I don’t let anyone borrow my RPG games, not even my husband, unless I was completely done with the game. I can’t forgive myself even if I skip one story from the game,” comments Yaguchi. She continues, “I always carry my DS in my bag. If I leave it in my house, I’m afraid he (her husband) is going to play around with it. So we buy two games for each title we want to play.”

It seems that Yaguchi is the only gamer in Dream MM, so it's a relief that she could find company at Ai Takahashi who is also a gamer. “Talking about games is really fun, isn’t it? Currently, my staff members and I are talking about it at backstage,” says Yaguchi. “I know that the current Morning Musume’s leader, Takahashi Ai is a gamer. But for some reason, none of the members of Dream Morning Musume are gamers. They constantly talk about beauty and fashion and I just can’t keep up with their conversation. But first, I guess I’ve got to make sure they buy some games to try out~”.

Goto Maki on a haitus @ 2012; A reason to live for yourself

Former Morning Musume member, Goto Maki goes on a haitus starting 2012 and left a special message to all her fans on her official website.

Here's a brief english translation of her message:

“To my fans and those who will be affected,

Today, I have important news.

I, Goto Maki, will stop all entertainment activities starting January of next year.

13 years ago, during the summer, not knowing the world, as a daughter of a working-class family, I brazenly took the opportunity to audition for Morning Musume. And I became Gomaki; while I experienced many brilliant stages, I ran about in a daze.

I am truly thankful for all my fans who came to support and root for me in both clear weather and rain, for the staff and others who always assisted me, and for my family as well as fellow entertainers I have met.

In winter of last year, I lost my mother, who was a strong source of support; this led me to think about many things.

Looking back on the path that I had walked, I thought about how I wanted to live in the future and found it different from the path that I had chosen up until now.

I feel extremely thankful for everyone’s existence.

However, as it is, I cannot fill up a giant void within myself.

Up until now, I have always been living not for myself, but for someone else.

I have come to the conclusion that this time, that “me” should not be living for someone else, no matter who they are, but for myself.

That “me” is not Gomaki; instead, it is connected to my desire to change into a normal Goto Maki.

While I think about what I can do, I want to challenge myself to do whatever it is I think up.

I have agonized about this for a long time, but I have decided to stop my feet here.

For those who have supported me as singer Goto Maki, I will use all of my energy to run through the remaining half of the year.

In July, a new track will be released for distribution; in the summer, I will go to various places to sing for a-nation; in the fall, Avex, to which I have transferred to, will release my first album.

And in December, just like nearly four years ago, I will hold a solo concert.

While I wish that you will understand my selfish determination, in the period until my hiatus, even though I am just one person, I want my gratitude to reach everyone and I will do my best to open up all of my power.

Doozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

2011 June

Goto Maki”

The time I had known Hello Project, Goto Maki was no longer part of the agency so I don't have that much idea about her aside from being one of the most popular member in MM. But reading her message, it sounded so sincere and I'm happy for her that finally, she found a reason to live her life for herself and not for others. This must be hard for her fans and even harder for herself to leave the spotlight *for awhile*. But whatever it is that she wishes to have, I hope that she can find that place where her dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true. So I got 2 words for Maki and her fans "Be Happy".

Another 3 New Girls Has Been Added to Hello!Project Eggs!

Another 3 new girls has been added to the H!P eggs!
They were Ogawa Rena, and Otsuka Aina along with Mogi Minami who were the MM 9th Gen finalists.
It's also been announced that these girls will be one of the performers for the next egg event.
This was revealed in the official confirmation of their September event now titled Hello! Pro Egg 2011 Happyou Kai ~September no Nama Tamago Show!~.
I never expect that Aina and Mogi will be part of the Hello!Pro Eggs. It's most likely a surprise for me. But I think Tsunku has plans for the new eggs. 

Left: Otsuka Aina Right: Mogi Minami

Ogawa Rena has still no photo available to share, but I'll keep in touch to update.

So far, there are 14 eggs including the added 3 few days ago.

Here's a list of all of them:

1. Kaneko Rie
2. Takeuchi Akari
3. Miyamoto Karin
4. Katsuta Rina
5. Takagi Sayuki
6. Tanabe Nanami
7. Nagazawa Wakana
8. Kudou Haruka
9. Yoshihashi Kurumi
10. Hamaura Ayano
11. Taguchi Natsumi
12. Otsuka Aina
13. Mogi Minami
14. Ogawa Rena

• credits to Adode136 for the list

I'm excited to see these 6 new members perform, so to those who planned to attend to the next Egg event, don't missed it!

Berryz Kobou VS C-ute: It's ON!

The last Nakayoshi Battle Concert between these HP kids was and still is my favorite HP concert! And the announcement of having another round of battle concert just caused me to be so ecstatic! Although things wouldn't be quite the same now, considering the fact that C-ute lost 2 members unlike last time where they both have equal number of members but putting that aside, I still am excited and happy for this news! So thumbs up to HP for this spectacular event!

The HP kids in a battle concert just reminded me of "The Hunger Games" (*it's an awesome book btw), although in their situation it would not be a boy/girl tribute from 12 districts but an all-girl tributes from two awesome HP groups! They again will be sent in an arena, fighting each other, although not literally, just to give everyone a good show! And the question of who is the better group will be left for the audience to decide.

I just want to tell both groups to go out there and give us their best performance together! "May the odds be ever in your favor!"

Berryz Koubou on "Music on Saturday" [SUBBED]

On June 10, 2011, Berryz Koubou guested for single promotion in "Music on Saturday" or "MUSATA", which is hosted by Matsuo Midori.




As usual, it is funny to see momo acting as momo again, being all cute and yeah~ thankfully, there weren't attacks. I think the management forbade it after the little accident that happened on countered momo butt attack.

But, what's worth watching this, is that I finally understood how annoyed the members are during those momo moments. I know they're always annoyed, but I wasn't aware that it is, to that point.

And, I've been wondering if this is really just for laughs and again, finally...

The members quickly DENIED IT.

Yeah, they were just being plain honest and straightforward to one another :D

SO i left it at that, you'd better watch it whole and see their funny and interesting talks.

"Only You" PV has Reached a Million of Views!

Morning Musume's "Only You" PV has reached a million of views in Youtube!

YAY~! Another PV of H!P reached a million views again! It's quite amazing having PVs of H!P being reached in the whole world. This will make H!P be more active in Youtube and may be having many live streams just like what C-ute did..

Maybe I'll make a "Make Every H!P PV Reached A Million of Views" XD That'll be great.

So, many PVs has reached a million of views, and hopefully, there will be more to come. :)

Let's show the world what Hello!Project got!

C-ute's Concert Live Streaming [Additional Reports and Review]

Who watched the AWESOME (really awesome, I tell you) concert? *raises hand enthusiastically*
Hai, so i just wanna share some more infos about what actually happened in the concert (for those who are interested :D )
Note: there were actually 93,144 who viewed youtube's live broadcast :) Omedetou Kyuto!

People had started flocking on internet, some even had been waiting ever since the start of their day. Chatting and talking with each other in groups, gettin' noisier as time comes nearer. Even with time differences, despite it is late at night or VERY early in the morning, or even they need to wake-up early after few hours for school or work, still they waited. the event coming-up later on.

The dimly lit stage showed-up and everyone gasped, the intensity of excitement was felt even more. We actually waited for more several minutes before the lights started to dance and music blared on our beloved speakers. One by one, the members of Kyuto stepped out of the stage with their futuristic outfits. Truth is, I think everyone had their heart racing that time. Cum'on~ even it is just watching online, it is watching C-ute real-time along with those Japanese wotas live at the main venue. Yes, we're going to watch with them

Buono Blogpost [TRANSLATED]

This was posted in Buono's official Blog 3 days ago, sorry for posting it late ^^;

http://ameblo.jp/viva-buono/entry-10924606279.html

Staff here!

A long time without make an updated. Is the Staff
Well, Buono! starting again！！

First all！

July 20th, Is the release for the 12th Single: 「Natsu DAKARA！」

additionally！！
This year, Buono! Live Tour 2011 summer ～Rock'n Buono!4～
start on August 20th, in (Osaka) Nanba Hatch！！

Few day ago, the Jacket and PV for「Natsu DAKARA！」was finished ！
Also, it's a little different for the actual Buono！image, they going to have a classic style. （‐＾▽＾‐）

*The PV was taken for each girl separately！


We'll be given more information about Buono... stay tunned for more news m( _ _ )m

In the next days, the members will be updated the blog.

ohhh~Different from Buono Image, eh?
I'm supppperrr exccciiiteedddd~
I'm a big buono fan myself, so i'm always excited for every single release
and, Buono tends to surpass your expectations :D

Besides that, Single's tracklist was already revealed!
(well, I'm sure that there's the instrumental but it's not writed).
01 Natsu Dakara!
02 Ice Mermaid
http://artist.cdjour.../d/-/4111031953

[Limited Edition A] Natsu Dakara! (3Shot Lip ver.Sofa)
[Limited Edition B] Natsu Dakara! (3Shot Lip ver.white)
http://www.neowing.c...l?KEY=EPCE-5791
http://www.neowing.c...l?KEY=EPCE-5793

ICE MERMAID
Bwahahahah. Buono got the coolest titles everrrr~

Let's look forward to it together !!!

3 New Members Joined Hello!Pro Eggs!

New girls were announced  at today’s Shiodome AX event that they'll be joining Hello!Pro Eggs. 
I'm not really into H!P eggs, but this one's a good news since many eggs already graduated from their training. The new eggs are (Upper part)Yoshihashi Kurumi, (Middle part)Taguchi Natsumi, (Lower part)Hamaura Ayano. 

Tada~~! Yoshihashi Kurumi, a 6th grade student. She somewhat looks like Kanon :P
Well, she's cute, and looks comfortable with her photo.

Next is tada~~!! Taguchi Natsumi, a 5th grade student. She looks like someone in H!P, hmm.. Abe Natsume? The young Abe Natsume? She's so cute..

Last but not the least is taaddaa~~!! Hamaura Ayano, also a 5th grade student. There's nothing to talk about except that SHE'S CUUTTEE!!
Just by looking at their photos, makes me so excited to find out how well they sing and dance. Well, this brings me now to H!P eggs.
Here are their nicknames, anyways.. =))
Yoshihashi Kurumi  nickname: Kurumin
Taguchi Natsumi     nickname: Tagucchi
Hamaura Ayumi      nickname: Hamachan

Goodluck to the new eggs!

C-ute Concert Previews from the Broadcasted Performance

It's totally a wonderful time witnessing C-ute's live performance. They really rock the whole stage! Having the idea of making their today's concert to be streamed live on Youtube gives so much opportunity to all the foreign fans who wished to watch it live. Even though it buffers a little slow, and skips few seconds, it's quite successful, and hopefully the other H!P groups will do the same.. =)

So, for a preview, I printscreened almost the whole concert. I want to share this to the whole world how amazing C-ute really is. 

Check them all out below!

Poll Closed!

Saaaa~!!! 3rd week's poll is now officially closed!
hmm.. so our poll this past week, is about what is your favorite C-ute single between 2010-2011!
Did ya vote your favorite? Coz the one with the most vote is---

jan jan jan!

Kiss Me Aishiteru !

Shock	8 (10%)
Campus Life~Umarete Kite Yokatta~	17 (22%)
Dance de Bakoon	20 (26%)
Aitai Lonely Christmas	15 (20%)
Kiss Me Aishiteru	31 (41%)
Momoiro Sparkling	25 (33%)

Total Number of votes : 75
So as you see, we got Kiss Me Aishiteru as our week's banner!

And as for our new poll,
Who is your Favorite Buono Member?

• Tsugunaga Momoko
• Natsuyaki Miyabi
• Suzuki Airi

Please participate! Vote now :D

Niigaki Risa Changed her Blog's Title and Theme!

Gaki changed her blog from "Nee Nee…Chotto Kiite nano da " to "It was happy?" with a new fresh theme. The title is a phrase which she always say daily especially after events and concert performances. The new header is looking royal to me. The ribbon, and the tokyo tower is amazing, which may say that Gaki is the princess or even the QUEEN of the place.. 
Gaki stated  that she’d like to live every day by having fun, and renamed her official blog to reflect this goal.
So, what do you think of Gaki's Blog new look? :)


Go to Risa Niigaki's Official Blog

Suzuki Airi's Cover for Her New DVD "Kibun Tenkan"

Airi's new dvd cover is quite impressing.
She kept her cuteness and sexiness in one cover which is amazing. The DVD title means "Change of Mood". I think it means a new fresh start, a new beginning of a new theme. I just like how she pose, and so refreshing and just impressed me so much. I love the setting, it reflects perfectly for Airi's body figure.
Take note, don't forget to reserve your copies until july 10!

Source:
Site

[translation] ~article~ "The Morning Musume of 2007-2011: Before Being Appreciated Later On"

credits to kurikaesu.haru of hello-online.
hontou ni arigato gozaimasu!

This is an essay wrote by Tomi Abe on the site "Koi Hana"
It is a long one, but I tell you this is worth to read. And not just "worth", this is the one I have read so far that describes Morning Musume the best, even it is only mostly about Takahashi Ai's era, it is splendidly written.

Please do read and have fun.

*
The Morning Musume of 2007-2011: Before Being Appreciated Later On

Part 1

What time can be identified as that of the Morning Musume boom? When asked that, most people will probably think of “Love Machine" and the several years after it. As for when that boom ended, it's hard to tell since the mass media also has a tendency to prematurely write it off as already over, as they do with everything else. It certainly wasn't in these last few years. Perhaps, earlier. And then, if one were to speak of the current Morning Musume, then certainly they are viewed with the premise “the boom is over,” even while possessing members who are blessed with charming individuality and abundant talent. In evaluating the essentials, Hana [the reviewer] disregards that premise. For idols, it is not a serious handicap.

I am not coming from a well-informed standpoint about Morning Musume. I also do not have any particular emotional attachment. Although I have a basic knowledge of them to the point that I can match their faces to their names, for the past 6 or 7 years I generally have not been keeping up with them and wasn't aware if anyone had joined the group. Because I'm writing from that stance, Morning Musume's long-time supporters and critics will probably start saying, “why now, after all this time,” so I ask them to excuse me in advance.

The start line is the middle of last year. I happened to watch a music program. On that program, I heard Takahashi Ai and Tanaka Reina sing solo. Unguarded, I was attacked with a skillfullness beyond what I had previously assumed. Furthermore, after that, I watched the music video for “Nanchatte Ren'ai” on a video site and could not believe my eyes. I thought, “So they've become a group that can perform in such an enchanting way.” Then, after I finished watching, for me it was a very valuable experience of welcoming this group―I was struck with a miserable sense of loss, of having missed the period which can be designated as their true peak.

“Nanchatte Ren'ai” was released in August 2009 as their 40th single. Although it's a pretty song woven into a heartrending melody, it's not settled in safety, and the sprinting and uplifting feeling of the hook is prominent through the insertion of rap. Frankly, rap done by idols is often just something to suffer through, but in this song, the rap is entwined very well with the melody and fits in well with the tune. The overall composition is also done skillfully. While being bold, the build-up of the unfaltering rhythm can be heard at once until the very end. Like air that has cleared up after a cold wintry wind, a lonely and beautiful reverberation remains. It's just that, in stiff comparison, the sound is excessively sparse. This is where it departs from my taste.

The choreography for this song is also excellent. It is so impressive that it's unforgettable after watching it just once. I'm not one to only watch videos, so I bought the CD, but even that came with a “Dance Shot Ver.” clip that is many times more impressive than the normal version.

Thereafter, listening to their work and watching their music videos from the past few years with an open mind, I started discovering fascinating pieces of music. The album, “10 MY ME,“ is exceptionally completed to perfection. Each and every song is filled with individuality and the expression of the melody is flawless.

Speaking without reservations, there are many songs at a disadvantage because of the title. A while after I started checking out their songs came the release of “Onna to Otoko no Lullaby Game." From this, what anyone would be reminded of are the duet songs from the end of the Showa era which just could not be sung with a sober face. Won't people who overcome the hurdle of such a harsh-sounding title and say, “Ok, let's listen,“ be held back considerably? When trying to listen to it, it is highly toxic. It is that well-done.

Tsunku's lyrics are basically very straightforward. They don't have a sense of being riddled with poetic metaphors just for show. I don't know whether or not he has his own sensibility of not wanting to put on airs and expressing things in a roundabout way, but I think that there a lot of people who would say that they want him to write in a more indirect way.

However, these sort of lyrics, even though they don't strike home with the source of the sound, when sung in concert, stick with a sharpness and carry a certain weight to them.

Beyond the musical composition, what should be appreciated is the ability of the members to perform. There is the dance with a high degree of difficulty and tightly controlled synchronization. And then the live singing while doing an aggressive dance. I recognize that this group does not lipsync in concert, and going by that premise, the singing ability of several of the members is considerably stable. People who can sing while in the middle of an intense and complex dance choreography are a rare sight among idols. To cite an idol as a comparable object of worship might be impossible. Perhaps because of the choreography, there's quite a lot of strain put on their throat, but when it comes to voice quality, the majority of the members have a penetrating power and their singing voices come out very well. This is a huge weapon at concerts. At the very least, their singing is not to be made light of. They are assuredly singers through and through.

It is apparent from watching past concert DVDs that Takahashi is given a large role as a result of her established reputation as a very capable singer and her background in ballet. For example, now, when a fan says, “Momusu's songs and dances are at a high level,“ perhaps the grounds for his assertion are, first and foremost, her [Takahashi's] power of expression. Her performance has no sense of the idol-like “I'm doing it exactly as I was told“ attitude, like from an obedient employee. Beyond firmly assimilating the lyrics and dance moves, she expresses them. At a glance, she looks like the honor student type, but she might unexpectedly be the type that is intensely stubborn until she properly grasps something.

However, that same Takahashi Ai has been the leader from 2007 up until now, and I wonder just how many people in the world have started paying attention to Morning Musume. She will graduate from Morning Musume this fall. Knowing this, even writing about her is shadowed by a tinge of emptiness. This is what it means to be too late.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Part 2


That the Takahashi Ai-led Morning Musume has accomplished remarkable growth is perhaps because that's all they're building on. In an environment where the audience's reaction comes back directly to them, if for years they compete in earnest without getting too comfortable with each other, then naturally their ability to concentrate, their way of expression, and their way of singing will improve.

Be that as it may, of course I had yet to see it for myself, so I tried going to a concert. For the sake of the members' approaching graduation, with the humidity at the venue somewhat high, although even a newcomer like me was overwhelmed with the atmosphere, not a single flaw in the performance could be seen. It was easy to see that this is a perfectly trained and highly competent group. Their dancing skill is a given, but there were also times when a member's voice was sustained to a surprising degree, and the execution was even better than the original. (This is deemed by some as the most momentous part.) With regard to the MC, there are probably various criteria for judging its quality, but Michishige Sayumi's selection of words to insert here and there was exquisite and kept it entertaining.

As for Tanaka Reina, who is in charge of main vocals along with Takahashi Ai, she was evidently calm and composed even during the parts where it was difficult to get the rhythm and pauses in the music. At any rate, they are strong at performing. If only there was a farsighted view, almost as though to look for the one person who's different in the scene. Through that sort of focus that has no special stance, the idea of being motivated and exerting oneself is not delivered. The method of keeping one's own pace in sync with the rest is not mastered unless one adjusts to what is seen and heard--to one's surroundings (or, the surroundings adjust to one).

Although for idols the appeal “I'll do my best with all I've got” has become a universal indulgence, the members seldom use it. Rather, they don't want to. They operate on the premise “doing one's best is a given.” Even if they can use tears as a weapon, they seriously stand firm so as not to cry. (Well, seeing that is even more touching, though.) As for why they keep to that sort of style, more than having a high pride, it is probably because they have faith that the fans that are present understand them. That's the impression I got from the concert that I watched.

Kamei Eri, Junjun, and Linlin graduated at the end of 2010, 4 members joined at the beginning of 2011, and it has been decided that Takahashi Ai will graduate in the fall. Furthermore, a new member audition has been announced. What will become of the group, what will happen to their singing strength as a whole after losing the voice of Takahashi Ai, who carries a great deal of weight, I have no idea. Perhaps someone who demonstrates an ability to exceed expectations with the parts entrusted to her will emerge. I don't know who will take this form, so I want to watch over this baton of command. Personally, I am anticipating an onslaught of Niigaki Risa and Michishige Sayumi, who both seem to have potential that has yet to be brought out.

A few days ago, I also tried going to the Spring Tour. On top of it being the first tour for the new members, it must have been difficult to coordinate because of the earthquake, but on that pretext, strangely, one did not have to exert too much effort to watch it. Even if only a little, I was able to watch comfortably. Next time, if all goes smoothly, the performance of each and every song will probably become a “Presentation” and increase in importance.

The tour is still ongoing, so I can't write her name and the song title yet, but this time, the most thrilling part was the spectacle of a new member, who possesses a distinguished dancing ability, dancing with two senior members. That left me wide-eyed in surprise. Even the people around me (who also forgot that this is a song that they usually dance along to) were left dumbfounded and gazing at the scene halfway through. I think that while that kind of member is growing up well without illness, injury, or scandal, Morning Musume can continue to be defensible even while being verbally attacked.

Simply, even if Morning Musume continues for how many more years from now, the merit of the activities of the girls of these years [2007-2011], during what can be considered a severe and adverse era, will not be lost. The day when they are finally given due recognition will eventually come. Then, people will miss them: “Actually, they were amazing, huh?” This while being told “too late” by the fans.

Although the members will probably not be at all delighted at being appreciated only after the fact, it is a little hard to think that the circumstances surrounding them at this time will suddenly change for the better.

What people look for in idols is varied. If there are people who say, “It's fine for idols to show only smiling and crying faces,” there are also people who say, “I don't want singing and dancing ability in an idol.” Be that as it may, as a singer, actress, and talent, it is natural to have the mentality of wanting to be “the real thing” when coming into contact with colleagues at work. Behaving faithfully to that mentality and raising the bar without pride or conceit, the members of the current Morning Musume look quite charming.

Lastly

Since getting back into checking out Morning Musume once again, I'd been entertaining a naïve question. I would think that after the boom ended, it is typical for the members' motivation to lower and for the quality of the performances to decline, but for some reason, that was not the case and they improved instead. As previously stated, if they build on experience, they will improve. However, even with that, if there's no strong motivation, they won't continue. Why do they preserve that motivation?

It's probably because there exist fans who continue to demand high-quality staging. For the fans who have continued to watch the 2007-2011 Morning Musume led by Takahashi Ai (who continues to be the leader), they do so not because they are blindly enthusiastic and clinging on to the Golden Era, nor do they do it out of pity because the boom has ended. Isn't it because they simply and genuinely want to see their beloved members' excellent performance? That's why, for their part, strangely without getting spoiled, the members have been diligently raising the quality. As for the fans, they have come this far having bought into that true merit and personality and having supported them without worrying about media trends or feeling timid about having a sense for a title with questionable marketability. As for me, in that same regard, I will take it upon myself to make a conjecture. Being limited to that kind of fan, the true value of 2007-2011 Morning Musume will probably spread by word of mouth.


Natsumi Abe on "Arakawa under the Bridge"

Natsumi Abe to star in a manga-adapted film "Arakawa Under the Bridge" as P-ko.

As taken from Wikipedia, P-ko is a a young red-haired girl who grows vegetables for the village. The epitome of a klutzy girl, she is literally dangerously clumsy, often turning what should be a simple accident into a massive disaster. Despite an allusion to mishaps, P-ko is still intent on getting a drivers license so that she can travel further during Winter to gather seeds. Kou is strongly against this and in their argument he learns much to his horror that she already possesses a motorcycle license. It is implied she has a crush on the village chief.



Arakawa Under the Bridge is about a young man named "Kou", who accidentally fell from a bridge and was rescued by a girl named "Nino". Wanting to repay her, she ended-up telling him to love her. And that's when his life under the bridge started, where society of weirdos called "denpasan" live including P-ko.

Live-Action Film will be released in Japanese cinemas in the Spring of 2011.

C-ute's Link For The Concert That'll Be Broadcasted in YT

The link for C-ute's concert that'll be broadcasted in Youtube is now available..
I'm glad that they already make things ready for people to prepare their selves. I'm so excited to watch the concert LIVE. Since it's been my dream to watch a concert of H!P in very live, so this excites me the most.
I know it's not really necessary to make an entry about this, since people can find it themselves.
But, this will help you guys go directly to the link address.
Anyway, don't forget to watch C-ute's concert this coming Saturday, June 18, 2011, 14:45 JST. The time is quite advance that the exact time given in the announcement, but tune in so that you can catch up on time!
Here's the LINK!

Nakazawa Yuko: "We can't lose" to AKB48

Dream Morning Musume, Nakazawa Yuko who is a former member of the ORIGINAL line-up of Morning Musume and is considered to be the most popular MM leader, plans to celebrate her 38th birthday with her fans on June 19 during a special live in Tokyo.Yuko-chan talks about her career and their current rivals in the idol scene.

“It’s been (over) a decade since I graduated from Momusu and became a soloist – which was a big turning point for me – so I’m happy. Being able to have a fresh start as a 38-year-old with my fans at a live performance means a lot to me.” She continued, “I don’t think too negatively about my age (either). I want my fans to see a ‘life-sized’ Nakazawa Yuko.”

Nakazawa was also asked about her role as a leader to which she replied “Basically, I haven’t left behind (my position as) leader although we’ve each had our own responsibilities in our activities (since graduating)… It’s like I’ve become in tune with the members’ thoughts and feelings.”

When asked about AKB48, who is currently taking over the idol scene, she honestly said with a smile, "Personally, when I listen to their songs, I think that they’re such cute girls. Their great efforts are good motivation for us. And besides, we’ve been at it for a long time. We can’t lose!"

To me, her comments were honest enough and I admire her spirit as she's quite an optimistic person not minding about her age and saying that they can't lose to AKB48. I'm sure she doesn't mean it negatively but just a simple implication that the idol world is a complex wheel, and it will take alot of effort to stay on top. She's simply wants to tell everyone that although the golden era of MM is over they're not giving up. And I wish to see that on the near future when HP will be back on top of the female idols.

Berryz Kobou @ Hey!Hey!Hey!

Recently, Captain Shimizu Saki revealed on her blog that Berryz Kobou will be performing at one of Japan's most viewed music program, Hey!Hey!Hey!

Shimizu quoted "The truth is...we will be appearing on Hey!Hey!Hey! The broadcast airing date is july 4th but we recorded it yesterday. The last time we were on the show was back when we debuted, so I'm really excited! everyone, make sure to look forward to it!"

This is good news for BK and HP as well. Wether we admit it or not, BK has not been doing well with their sales in Ai no Dangan although it was able to make it on the Top 10 @ the Oricon charts. HP groups getting more promotions is debatable and BK having their second chance to perform @ Hey!Hey!Hey! is surely a good thing and could help them with their promotions. So don't miss it!

Hope to see more HP groups performing at popular music programs as often as possible =)

Morning Musume and C-ute PVs Reached A Million Views in Youtube!

C-ute's Kiss Me Aishiteru, Momoiro Sparkling, Aitai Lonely Christmas PV, and Chisato's Dance de Bakoon Dance cover; also Morning Musume Maji Desu Ska PV has all reached a million views already!
C-ute's Kiss Me Aishiteru PV has a million views already long time ago, but I still want to share it since it's almost going to reach 2million views. Also, Chisato's dance cover(even though it's not a PV), I still want to include this. :D
So, first of all, I want to congratulate both groups for reaching a million views in YT. This proves that H!P videos are one-of-a-kind. Especially to C-ute, since they're the one who's first to have their PV reached a million views.

C-ute's Kiss Me Aishiteru is most likely be called a 'BIG CHANGE' to C-ute. Since we used to see C-ute sing and have the image of being genki. This one is cool and mature, I think that's why it reached a million views because of this big change, and fans want to see it.

Next is chisato's dance cover of Dance de Bakoon. It's her first dance cover, and it successfully reached a million views too. Chisa has been taking challenges recently. It's quite interesting too. She once said that she hate her dancing, but when she realize that she like it, she tried making a dance cover.

Next is C-ute's latest single "Momoiro Sparkling". It's the cutest PV of C-ute so far. The pink color suits them the most. The effects do work at the whole PV, even though the setting is indoors, I like how it works. But I mostly want to have their PV setting to be outdoors.

C-ute's "Aitai Lonely Christmas" just reached a million views a while ago, and I'm so glad about it. This PV is quite different from the others, since it has no dance shot included(but they have one). Instead of having a dance shot, it has many different scenes, which makes the PV interesting and fresh.

Morning Musume's "Maji Desu Ska!" PV, has reached a million views. This is one of the genki-est song of MM, since they mostly have mature songs. I'm glad it's the first one that reached a million of views, since this gives a good introduction for the 9th gen members.
That's all the PVs that reached a million of views for now. Hopefully more videos of H!P will reach more that a million of views and be spread to the entire world..
Keep supporting Hello!Project!

Sources:
C-ute's official Youtube channel
Morning Muusme's Official Youtube Channel

Yajima Maimi Solo Chat

ocutechannel uploaded a video of Yajima Maimi, talking solo in Japanese.



And yes, we don't understand it.
Yet, English flooded in the comment area, proving how many international fans are supporting C-ute
I hope that'll help to convince them that at least sub future videos in English.. since we already have Maimi's own, i think there's more to come.. right?

For those who weren't able to watch the Live Streaming last Friday,

Here's the video of combi- Suzukyuu, as their Manager named it (why not Yajisuzu?!)
But it sounds cute, right? I just dunno where's Maimi's part on that name. It was said that both Airi and Maimi refused that name. hahah

Poll Closed!

The 2nd week's poll is now officially close.
The votes this week turns out good, which is great.
It's been a big battle between Riho and Kanon this week.
But, Riho's the winner.. Congratulations to her..
Mizuki got the most less votes, which is something disappointing.

• Sayashi Riho- 32 votes
• Suzuki Kanon-30 votes
• Ikuta Erina-24 votes
• Fukumura Mizuki- 13 votes

total of 78 votes.

As said, the winner will be featured in the weekly banner.

New Poll!

Since it's C-ute's 6th year anniversary today, I decided for a special poll for them. You guys have to choose and vote for your favorite 2010-2011 single/s of C-ute. This is still a weekly poll, and will be closed next saturday. 

• Shock
• Campus Life~Umarete Kite Yokata~
• Dance de Bakoon
• Aitai Lonely Christmas
• Kiss Me Aishiteru
• Momoiro Sparkling

Don't forget to cast your vote guys!

Happy 6th Year Anniversary C-ute!

Happy Anniversary to C-ute~!

I never thought that it's already 6 years since they were announced as a group. I'm glad that they're still active as they always used to. 

All of their songs from the very first song they released until now are still suiting their personality, and their image. Even the Ooki na Ai de motenashite song still suits them. I'm glad that they release songs that has their personality, it makes me fall in love with them even more. Honestly, I'm a veeerrryyy BIG fan of them. 

As for their anniversary today, a thought stroke in my mind, and wondered if I can make a poll for the next header with the C-ute theme, which is now approved.
So it's now decided, the next weekly poll will be C-ute, and this will be choosing your most favorite single of them. Also, it'll be the whole week's theme song for the blog. :)
So, please look forward for the surprises, and keep in touch for the future entries. :)

Happy 6th

Anniversary

C-ute!

Let's keep supporting C-ute!

Airi Suzuki and Maimi Yajima's Big Announcement!

So, Airi announced few days ago at their Youtube Channel about the big announcement which they'll announce in this day, 20:00 JST.
So, they announced that they'll have their concert this coming June 18 to be streamed live at Youtube. It will start on JST time 15:00. Also, they announced that tomorrow, June 11, will be their 6th Year Anniversary.
I'm so glad, and happy about their big announcement. I never thought that it'll be their 6th year anniversary tomorrow. Now that reminds me that they were announced as a group last June 11, 2005. Also, having their concert next Saturday being streamed live at Youtube is something amazing. It gives everyone worldwide a big opportunity to watch C-ute having their concert at the exact day.

Here's are some screenshots from the live stream that was shared by IkuzuSuzuki at twitpic.
Let's watch C-ute's concert this coming June 18, and happily celebrate C-ute's 6th year Anniversary!

Big Credits to:
IkuzuSuzuki for sharing the screenshots..

Edited--
To those who don't know what the link is.. Follow the instruction..

(Click the picture for a bigger view)

So, as you open C-ute Channel, you can find various buttons below the header. Click the button 'Live' and you can find the active events, upcoming events, and previews events..  :)

Suzuki Airi's 7th PB "Oasis" Cover

The cover for Airi's PB called "Oasis" has been revealed!
As expected, the theme would be something with swimsuits. Airi seemed to be a little pale here, but I like how her facial expression shown. I would prefer a little more colorful swimsuit than just having a white swimsuit for the cover. It makes me feel a little blank, but it's still impressive
Don't forget to reserve your copy everyone!.

Berryz Kobou @ PON

Last June 8, the girls of Berryz Kobou made a guest appearance at Nippon Telivision PON. Despite the rainy day, BK performed their Ai no Dangan outside the studio and didn't failed to make the atmosphere HAWT XD....And this is what we call PROMOTION!!!! Although it would be better if they made an appearance at some music shoes too.

So here's the video enjoy!

Berryz and C-ute: Sengoku Jieitai Stage Play

All memebers of Berryz kobou and C-ute will be the official star of the show!

The story already had many adaptations, 2 movies and a TV drama but this time it will be adapted as a stage play! The group will be divided into two the Moonbeam Group : Shimizu Saki, Tsugunaga Momoko, Tokunaga Chinami, Okai Chisato, Suzuki Airi and Hagiwara Mai and the Whirlwind Group : Sudo Maasa, Natsuyaki Miyabi, Kumai Yurina, Sugaya Risako, Yajima Maimi, and Nakajima Saki.

I personally liked Miyabi's pose in here and nakky being at the center seems like she's the leader of the armed forces..XD..I hope they could pull off well the fighting scenes well!

UFZS Member Colos Are Already Revealed!

The colors for each member of UFZS has been revealed!

• Sengoku Minami is Red
• Furukawa Konatsu is Pink
• Sekine Azusa is Orange
• Arai Minami is Blue
• Satou Ayano is Purple
• Saho Akari is Yellow
• Mori Saki is Green

Glad to see UFZS have their own member colors already. It seems that I'll be a big fan of Ayano, since she's the one who has my favorite color(well, that doesn't really matter, right?) Anyway, I'm glad that UFZS are making their selves more active, and maybe they'll going to be a long-termed unit.

Stay tuned and keep in touch for more updates!

Big thanks to:

The Hello!SayuNii blog for the photo and some Infos