11 posts tagged “berryz kobo”
I have made it back to California, but not before my traditional last-minute dash into Shibuya to find the newest releases to take home with me. I had three items on my shopping list. Fortunately I found two of the three, the only elusive product being Kojima Haruna's new photobook. "Sold Outo" was the response I usually got. I guess that is good news for Kojiharu, but bad news for CK...
Yes, I added the new CD/DVDs from Berryz Kobo and Watarirouka Hashirtai. Each one had multiple versions to choose from. Since I am not a big believer in buying multiple versions of the same CD, I chose version A for Watarirouka because it had the girls on the cover as opposed to the associated anime. For Berryz I chose the Watashi no Mirai no Danna-sama cover since I prefer that song to Ryuusei Boy. I always like to see what the big push items are at the stores on Tuesday. In front of Tsutaya was a booth with a girl carnival-barking for the new Mr. Children.
In front of Tower Records was a display for the new Otsuka Ai. When I walked into the store a familiar song was playing. But I am embarrassed to say I didn't know who it was. I was wracking my brain and finally asked the clerk who pointed me to Ai's CD. That's it, it is Sakuranbo!!!
I was torn whether or not to invest another 4000 yen on her new CD, which was a "best of" Instead I decided to pick up the old cd/dvd single. I headed back to Shinagawa for one last meal in Japan and my shuttle to Narita Airport. I always get choked up when I leave Japan. I'm not exactly sure why at this point as I visit often enough. I'm sure I will be back in the next six months or so. I think it's just that I am so happy while I'm there. It's like "This is where I belong!" Going back to California is such a letdown.
At risk of sounding like a broken record, this is the best trip I have ever been on in my life. I know I have said that on every trip I have gone on. But if you read my day to day activities you would have to agree this one was pretty special. Per usual I squeezed a ton of fun into 11 days. Again I found new areas to visit and new activities to do...
I saw 9 concerts/events, which is one less than my last trip...
SDN48 was the greatest find I had while in Japan. I saw them three times, and watched a fourth show on the AKB48 Cafe Monitors.
AKB48 Team Kenkyuusei: I managed to win two AKB48 shows, although they were for the "research students" I was slightly disappointed I got shut out on Teams A and K (Team B never performed) But Team RS has lots of cool girls in it, and they performed B4, Idol no Yoake which is the current stage I have seen the least. I did watch one Team A show in the cafe.
AKB Infinity: I am so thankful that I got to see both versions of this super play. My seats were great, and it gave me a chance to explore the amazing Tokyo Dome complex, complete with it's stadiums, shops and amusement parks. My only regret is at the end of the day I should have gone to meet Tanabe Miku instead of Sayaka. Oh well, next time!
Berryz Kobo: This show was so much better to me than the Berikore show I saw last year. My seats had something to do with it. But give the girls credit, they were on fire that night and it was a super setlist. And Maasa, oh baby!
Morning Musume: All I can say is Reina's Birthday show...awesome! I have to be honest, I have been getting a little bored with MoMusu as of late. I'm not sure how that will manifest itself in the future. But I am glad I got to see my favorite wonky-girl celebrate her birthday, and it was one last chance to see Koharu perform. Plus I always have a great time when I am with Celestia!
In addition to concerts I got to visit some great places and eat some amazing food. My visit to Tokyo Tower was amazing. The view from up there is incredible, especially while listening to to soothing DJ stylings of AKB48's Umeda Ayaka. I loved having manja dinner with my new friends in Ueno. Odaiba was tons of fun, hopefully they will have more Yazawa collectibles at the Idoling!!! store when I return...
DVDs
AKB48 Budokan Box Set
AKB48 Team K 4th Stage
AKB48 Team K 3rd Stage
Ohori Megumi Pre-AKB Gravure DVD
Erika Yazawa "Yazapai School" DVD
CDs
AKB48 Team A 5th Stage
AKB48 Team K 5th Stage
AKB48 Team B 4th Stage
AKB48 Team A 2nd Stage
AKB48 Team A 3rd Stage
AKB48 "River" Reg. Version
AKB48 "River" Theater Version (x2)
AKB48 "Iiwake Maybe" Theater Version
AKB48 "Namida Surprise" Theater Version
AKB48 "Sakura no Hanabiratachi" Original Version
Watarirouka Hashirtai "Ganpeki Guu no ne" Ltd Version A
Berryz Kobo "Ryuusei Boy" Ltd. Danna Sama-Version
Morning Musume "Kimagure Princess" Ltd. Closeup Vers.
Otsuka Ai "Sakuranbo" Ltd. Version
Idoling!!! "Kokuhaku" Ltd. Version
PBs
SKE48 Complete Book
Erika Yazawa "7ban Second Yazawa" (autographed)
Idol T-shirts
AKB48 NHK 2008 AKB-SKE
Idoling Yazawa #7
Berryz Kobo Fall 09 Tour "Maasa" (w/ Bandana)
Tanaka Reina 20th Birthday T-shirt (w/ wristband)
Misc.
AKB Infinity Playbill (x2)
AKB48 2010 Calendar (x2)
Ohori Megumi Biographical Book (Autographed w/ 2 personal pics)
Nissin Soup Mugs w/ AKB Autographs (x3, Tomochin, Tomo-mi, and Myao)
Ohori Megumi Ameba Pigg Uchiwa (2 versions)
Hatakeyama Chisaki Futsal Uchiwa (autographed)
Assorted Magazines and Newspapers Featuring AKB48
Then you have the pics. This is dangerous territory for me. I have never been much of a pic collector. But I have found people have given me so many that I have started to develop a collection anyway. Most of these were given to me as gifts, and many of them come with the DVDs and Calendars. But I also found myself purchasing a few on my own...Oh no!!!
Pics
Iwasa Misaki x2
Tanabe Miku x2
Komori Mika x1
Ishida Haruka x1
Ohori Megumi x12 (1 autographed)
Infinity Cast A (2 pics)
Infinity Cast B (2 pics)
Akimoto Sayaka "Infinity"
Iwasa Misaki "Infinity"
Tanaka Reina (3 sets of 2)
Sudo Maasa (2 sets of 2)
Takahashi Ai (1 set of 2)
AKB October Team A (1 set of 5)
AKB October Team K (2 sets of 5)
AKB48 Budokan Set (5 pics)
AKB48 Calendar Set (6 pics)
Errr, that makes 62 pics in total. No, I'm not a collector of pics. Really I'm not. You believe me, don't you?
Most of the AKB48 fans have always said to me that the handshake events are the best thing about AKB. And now I think I see why. What made this trip so extra-special was that I got closer to some of my favorite idols than ever before. Most of you know my favorite idol in the world is AKB48's Ohori Megumi. And to be able to "high-five" her three times. And each time it was a warmer experience because she then knew who I was. Seeing some of the AKB girls reaction to my being a fan, like Urano Kazumi, Iwasa Misaki and Nakaya Sayaka was awesome! And the fact that Hatakeyama Chisaki was wondering why I wasn't at her promotional futsal event just made me even sorrier I couldn't attend. I had never seen Chisaki before, and in just a few days she rocketed to the top of my idol pecking order. That's how incredible she is!
At the end of the day I am just a happier person when I am in Japan. I keep hearing the echoes of my friends "You are here often enough, why don't you just move here", "You should have an easy time finding work here". Obviously it would be different if I lived there. Life can't just be about seeing concerts and buying stuff. But the fact is that I have been home for slightly more than 24 hours, and I am already counting the days until my return....Sigh
Pardon me while I go check the flight prices
CK in California
Finally a post that is focused on Hello! Project. But first...
I love that all of the idol groups seem to be omnipresent around Japan. I was walking through a department store yesterday and they had Kimagure Princess playing in the store's audio system. I was LOLing at that. And on the JR trains I have seen a video ad for some website featuring Idoling!!!, and a promotion for Kojima Haruna's upcoming photobook. But what I really love are the billboards!
The first one I noticed was this ad for Pino featuring Perfume at Tamachi station. I haven't big as big a fan of them as some others, but I love the ad. Really cute! The next one is a little dark because I took it in bad weather at night...
I was walking to dinner with some friends in Ueno, and I grabbed this pick quickly as they weren't interested in hunting for Idol stuff. But that is AKB48's Fujie Reina and Chikano Rina promoting...ice cream??? I think that is what it's for, I'm not sure. Finally...
I think the funniest thing about this Manoeri ad is that it is right next to the AKB48 theater! (hehe)
Berryz Saiko! (clap clap clap clap)
Okay, I finally got to do something H!P related other than hunting for pics at the H!P stores. I was a little bit disappointed because I tried to strategize the day so I could see both AKB48 and Berryz Kobo. But the AKB48 email system screwed me up by sending me a phantom message hinting that I won a show, then it turned out I didn't. Some sort of glitch in the system. Whatever, I was kinda tired yesterday, so two shows would have definitely wiped me out! But I made it to Tokyo Koseinenkin Keikan in plenty of time, bought my Maasa shirt and photoset, and I was ready for action!
As I got to my thirteenth row seat i was a little bit further to the left than i thought I was going to be. That's okay, I was still in front of the stage. The best gauge is whether I am paying more attention to the monitors or the girls on stage, and I was definitely focused on the live action. Scanning the audience, most of the people around me were either Risako or Momo fans. Although there seemed to be a good mix of all the girls different colors. I would say the least represented color there was for Captain, but I did have a Saki fan right in front of me. A girl, and her wotagei-ing was as intense as anyone's! behind me was another girl in Yurina colors, to my left was a Miyabi fan, and to my delight another Maasa fan sat down on my right!
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After Madayade and Munasawagi Scarlet, they did a cute little skit (starring Maasa again, see a pattern forming here?) and went into Chinami's solo. As high a voice she has, I was a bit surprised she was having trouble hitting the high notes. So I was slightly disappointed, unlike the next two "unit songs". I especially like Helation Summer. But one of the coolest performances of the night was the "beatbox" version of Dschingis Khan. In fact I will go as far as saying that this version is better than the original. Chinami and Captain voiced the percussion parts, with Miyabi doing the bass. It is really cool!
And for those of you who know the setlist and were wondering, Momoko did an excellent job with Very Beauty. She is just a fantastic performer, and makes it look easy the entire show. The next great moment came in Special Generation. Huh? I usually complain about that song being overplayed. But the Sea Breem cosplay costumes were hilarious. And they kept wearing them during Nigiyaki na Fuyu, which I had never heard before. I loved it!!!
I was excited about the "special medley" because it had so many great songs in it. I only wish they had done more of Kiche Desse. And unlike what it says on H!O, it was Momo on the Xylophone for this show, But Maasa carried it onto the stage. Hehe, Maasa is strong! Suhada Pichi Pichi was another great performance, especially by the fans. For some reason my hangover came back during Monkey Dance. I dunno, maybe it was the song itself. I quickly felt better once they started singing Rival. And for the encore...
BTW, what is it the fans say during the encore chant for Berryz? "Berryz something or other" Whatever it is, I thought it was cool, just like the "Berryz saiko!" chant after the show. Clap was a nice song to end with.
Keep in mind that I watch the show with "Maasa colored glasses" on, but I thought she was absolutely sensational. She is a totally different performer from when i saw Berryz Kobo live last year. The only bummer is that she seems to be taking the leadership role away from Captain, who barely said a word throughout the show. I was also impressed with Risako. Her singing has gotten much better, and she was always smiling when I watched her. I think she is becoming slightly less self-conscious, which may have been her problem before. And Momo is always great! Miyabi is a great singer, but she just doesn't stand out to me for some reason. So at the end of the day I adore Maasa even more than before, and Riichan takes a huge leap in my BK pecking order. Who'da thunk it? Oh, and the coolest part...at the end of the show the guy to my right shook my hand as he was glad to meet another Maasa fanatic. Partners in battle!!!
So there ya go, Berryz are great. My next H!P review will be Morning Musume this Sunday. That will surely be an awesome show! between then and now i have more AKB fun in store, and you never know what surprises might pop up. I will leave you with another pic of my latest infatuation, the adorable Chisaki Hatakeyama from SDN48. I have also been checking out her Ameba blog, very nice!
CK in Tokyo
Wow did it get cold last tonight! I was out to dinner and shopping with some friends in Ueno, and all of a sudden this frigid wind and icy rain hit the area. Of course my warmest clothes were back at the hotel, so I got to shiver my way through the evening, The "good" news was we were all equally under-dressed and cold as hell, so i didn't feel alone in my discomfort. Hopefully things will warm up a bit tomorrow when I see Berryz Kobo in Shinjuku.
I have traditionally purchased my Hello! Project tickets through a deputy service before I arrive in the country. The good thing about that was 1) I assured myself of being able to see shows before I set foot in the Japan. And 2) I didn't have to go through the hassle of figuring out how to get tickets on my own. The problem was that I was paying outrageous amounts of money for mediocre tickets, and rarely getting close enough for a little face time with the idols. But that all changed on my last trip in May, and it is continuing with this trip.
The fact is that H!P tickets are readily available at the reseller shops throughout Tokyo. It is an easy process, they have all of the tickets in glass cases with the section, row and price. You simply grab a salesperson and point to the ticket you want...and that's it! Today at Gorakudoh they had tons of tickets for Berryz, MoMusu, Arashi, AKB Infinity, you name it! And the fact is I paid the same price for a great seat as I did for a mediocre seat through a deputy service. My friend Arden always told me this was the way to go, and Celestia confirmed it. This is why my seats have gotten a heck of a lot better on my last two trips.
Since I had no concerts to see today, I spent the day doing a little shopping. And I found some amazing stuff, and a few cool deals...
In a way I feel like a surfer giving away the best surf spot. But I think everyone knows about Trio2 by now. This shop is an absolute Wota heaven! Just imagine a store dedicated to all things J-pop, specializing in AKB48, Hello! Project, Idoling!!! and the like. That is Trio2 in Nakano. They have a huge supply of pics, just about every idol mag you can imagine, and tons of used DVDs and PBs. And anyone who was purchased used stuff in Japan can tell you, "used is new!" BTW, what the heck are these outfits in the window of the H!P Store Harajuku?
Suffice it to say i have spent far too much money already on this trip. I had anticipated this problem, and brought more Yen than ever before. I knew I had to pay cash for all of my concert tickets this time around, and I also knew I was going to be buying the new AKB48 7-disc Sokaku Matsuri behemoth. That thing was majorly expensive. But it has 6 different concerts, a "making of disc", a huge photobook and a great picbinder with pics. I was ecstatic because my random pics included Meetan...and Tanamin! But the greatest find was at Trio2.
I should be used to this, as it was hinted on the package. But as I opened my copy of Yazawa Erika's photobook something immediately caught my eye....
It was autographed!!!!!
Isn't that awesome? I totally adore this girl, although I have never seen Idoling!!! in person before. It also came with a nice little picset. Yazawa is the epitome of idol awesomeness. there is a ton of other stuff I want to buy, but I am pacing myself. Aww shucks, who am I kidding?
This just might be the greatest experience I have ever had as an idol fan. I had the chance to see SDN48 for a second time this weekend. And it just confirmed that what they are doing is taking the entire idol concept to an entirely new level. Their first stage is nothing less than sensational. The music is great, and the dancing is superb. And ever since the first show, I can't stop thinking about...
Hatakeyama Chisaki: CHAKIIIIIII!!!!! This girl is an amazing idol! I believe she is the 2nd youngest in the unit, but she stars throughout the entire stage. She apparently had a nice gravure career before joinging SDN. And I know Ray will love her because she looks a lot like Koike Rina. And the coolest thing is it is her birthday this week, and I have won a ticket for her birthday show! Oh, and don't tell Meetan, I wrote Chisaki a fan letter!
One of the coolest traditions of SDN shows is the post concert "High Touch". After every performance the girls line up in the hallway, and you get to "high five" them as you leave the theater. You can also get a few brief words in with them if you really quick about it. And you know what this means.......
NATSUKO!!!!!
Nachu is sooo funny!!! When I got up to her she decided she wanted to teach me her "hand gesture"., which is like a combination of the Hawaiian Shaka Sign and the Vulcan "live long and prosper". I kept fumbling with it, and in the meantime I started to hold up the line. Then one of the staff pushed me, which made me fly right by Sato Yukari and Noro Kayo. But I was able to stop my momentum at Meetan. Luckily Hiro had said to her that I was right behind him, so she gave me a big smile and "arigatou" as she grabbed my hand instead of slapping it. But I didn't want to get pushed twice, so I kept moving to the end of the line. That's okay, I am going to see SDN48 again on Thursday night, so I will have another chance to say hello to Megumi, and this time I will hopefully make eye contact with Nonti and Yukarin.
I am slightly hungover today from a bad combination of Suntory Hi-Ball's and Chu-Hi Strong. But I should recover in time for Berryz tonight. 13th row center...awesome!!!!!
CK in Tokyo
Yes, I am back in Japan, but it was "touch and go" for a while...
I am sure this is going to be another awesome trip. But the way it started made me a little unsure. So if you will indulge me for a moment, I need to lament. Beginning with Friday morning when I slept through my alarm, and woke up when I should have already been en-route to the airport!!! That was an even bigger issue considering the major bridge between my house and SFO has been closed for the last 5 days. Getting a taxi was just as hard, as the entire transportation system is in total breakdown. But I made it to the train, and made it to the airport on time. However, in my haste a forgot to pack a few important items...oh well!
My flight left on-time, which was important since I had a show to go to my first night in town. It was a nice flight up until about 1500 miles outside of Tokyo, where we hit MAJOR turbulence. It was the roughest flight I have ever been on. they even had to suspend the meal service because it was too dangerous for the crew to stand up. Then the plane was late because we had to sit in a holding pattern for 30 minutes due to Narita Traffic. Then the luggage was late for some unknown reason. And then...traffic into Tokyo was horrible, it took almost two hours to get to my hotel. All in all it took almost 3 1/2 hours from landing to hotel check-in, sheesh! The good news was that I still had time to make the show! But I digress...
This is my fourth trip to Japan in less than two years. People always find it remarkable how many shows and events I am able to see. There is a bit of a strategy to it, although it doesn't leave me a lot of time to explore the many other wonderful things about this country. That's okay, one day I will have time to do all of that stuff. But I come here with a specific purpose. So since AKB48's schedule is usually a last minute thing, I try to come when there are multiple Hello! Project events going on, and schedule my trip around that. As a result this trip is shaping up to be just as hectic as the last one, concert-wise!
Morning Musume: Going to the evening show on 11/8. According to Celestia, we have 5th row seats. Awesome!!!!!
Berryz Kobo: Planning on going to the 11/3 evening show in Shinjuku, but I don't have a ticket yet. That is my quest for today and tomorrow. Find a berryz ticket!
AKB Infinity: AKB48's new play!!! I have 7th row for both performances on Saturday the 7th. That means I will get to see both casts, Sayaka/Takamina and Sae/Yukirin.
SKE48; I have one last chance to win tickets for Wednesday 11/4. If i win it will be my first visit to Nagoya!
AKB48: So far i have won three shows, today for Team Kenkyuusei, Tuesday Team A matinee and Wednesday Team Kenkyuusei again. I will need to cancel that win if I win for SKE48.
SDN48: This is what I wanted to see more than anything else while I am visiting. The new "adults only" team from the world of AKB. I have won twice so far. Once for tonight...and once for last night. Yes, THAT was the show I was in such a hurry to see, and i made it. SDN48 on Halloween night!!!!
After the show, the girls all went into the lobby each with a basket of candy. As you left you got to pick a member and go up to her station for Trick-or-Treat, she then gave you candy and you could talk to her for a few moments. Since Meetan wasn't there I had to pick someone else. I thought about going to Chisaki because she is sooo adorable, but I ultimately went with Sayaka Kondo since she speaks English. She was excited that I came all the way from the US to see them, and then just as we started to talk about NYAF the theater manager ushered me away, My time was up!!! But the entire experience was great, and I can't wait for tonight's show!!!
Meetan Ameba Pigg fans!!!!! If you are familiar with Ameba Pigg, that is the little virtual world where all of the Ameba bloggers hang out and chat. And they get to create little characters that walk around in the rooms. I love Ohori Megumi's Ameba Pigg character...kawaii!!!!
Alright, so there is lots to do today, Hopefully this trip will have enough new and unique adventures, so it's not like i am just re-hashing my last trip. Until tomorrow...
CK in Tokyo
I am guessing Sigmund Freud might have something to say about this too...
Everyone has their favorite idols. I certainly do. And I adore the girls I choose to fanboy over. Whenever I see a J-pop concert live, be it Morning Musume, AKB48 or any of my other fave acts, there is always one particular girl that I seem to fixate on. And that's the way it should be. At least that is what the Japanese fans tell me. You need to pick an idol and support her 100%.
There is a little joke that has gone around the idol chatrooms regarding my idols of choice. Believe me, it has never been lost on me that my girls all seem to share a similar persona. I have even hinted about it on my many blogs. But the way I see it, all idols need love. And that can especially be said about my little "Dream Team". Apparently I have an "eye" for a certain kind of personality. It is probably the same quality I subliminally look for in my girlfriends. That is the little joke going around wotachat. It makes me wonder...
What would a group comprised of all of my favorite idols be like? With that spirit in mind here is my dream lineup, comprised of my #1 favorite member from each of my favorite idol groups, and probably a good look into my own psyche.
In fact, that is a great idea! Since my good friend Ray Mescallado, founder of Cult of Pop, American Wota and International Wota has tirelessly poked fun at me for my choice of idol, why not have him analyze me? Let's see what he really thinks about my idol fandom. This should be right up his alley. That is coming up at the end of the post. But first I present...
BTW, I am not joking. If you have read this blog for the past 2 years you'll know that those ARE really my favorite idols. Oh, and the Dream Team is looking for a good group name. Some suggested names include "JAV48", "ATM48", "The Reverse Cowgirls"...Any other suggestions?
The AKB48 Theater will soon be presenting a new show called SDN48, which is being touted as an adult-oriented idol show. Needless to say I am looking forward to the debut, as the dream team would fit that bill perfectly. When I look at my favorite idol collective I have to laugh, but I am proud that these are my favorite girls. And I will unconditionally support them despite whatever scandal might befall them in the future.
The "real point of this article is what does this say about me as an idol fan? As I said earlier I have asked Ray for his "expert" opinion.
Oh Ray...
For CK...
CK thinks I've been teasing him for his ability to single out - and champion - the most emotionally vulnerable member of an idol group. In actuality, I am in awe of this incredible gift he possesses.
Spider-Man has his spider-senses which tingle when trouble is imminent. In Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita, Humbert Humbert writes of how the true nymphophile is able to pick out the true nymphette in a group of girls, and not just the one adults find the prettiest. There is gaydar, which is when one is able to tell who is homosexual and who is not.
CK's gift falls along these lines, and should have a name of its own. I'm going to go with "preydar". (As opposed to praydar, which is in the urban dictionary as the ability to detect Bible thumpers.)
What does it say about CK that he possesses such gifts? Should we chase after him with pitchforks and rakes and declare him a foul creature of the night? Should we tie CK to a stake and beat him mercilessly in the groinal area until he moans for mercy, sweet sweet mercy, while we all stand and laugh and pass around the tire irons and lead pipes and vibrating plastic phallic toys?
Well, sure. For sport. But before we do that, we should also praise him for his unique generosity of spirit.
Look at it this way: when you boil her down to her core - metaphorically, that is, as opposed to disposing of a body with industrial-strength acid - a pop idol is nothing more than a young person wanting to be loved by as many strangers as possible. An idol wants to be worshiped, and on the flimsiest basis possible: the ability to look cute, the ability to sing half-decently, the ability to dance with a modicum of skill. In short, the pop idol wants to be loved for being charming, really, and little else.
But what if you're part of a pack of idols? And what if there are more charming girls in the pack, leaving you the runt of the litter? Or what if you're doing well enough as an idol but really really want more attention because you're a filthy attention whore who can't stop winking at the audience? Or what if you started at the top of the idol heap, only to plummet to the very dregs for placing certain objects in one's mouth and being caught by the tabloids for doing so?
Is it fair, then, to go ignored by the general wota crowd, who pine for the Nacchis and Acchans and Yuris of the idol world? Is it fair to be deemed "damaged goods" or lacking in idol skillz because you're at the bottom of the totem pole of idol hawtness and desirability?
Of course not! When placed in that position, a true idol - in spirit, if not in popularity - will over-extend herself in order to get noticed. She can allow herself to get slapped around (or at least pummeled by a dodgeball) and treated like a worthless bitch by the hosts of Utaban. She can die her hair a frightening blonde and cut it fugly short. She can offer to hug people who'll buy her solo recording - and in doing so, distill the whole idol-wota relationship to its purest, most creepy form yet. She can keep winking at the audience until people start wondering if she's a neurologically damaged cousin of Frankenhooker. She can get breast implants that make each boob the same size as her head. She can pose as a worthless whore in a poorly-lit poorly-shot poorly-posed photobook and hope nobody mistakes her as a real whore in the process.
What CK does is respect the effort of these poor, misbegotten creatures, these idols seeking attention and feeling they haven't gotten their fair share yet. CK is motivated, not just by a willingness to root for these girls, but to encourage these girls to continue doing what they do to try to earn extra attention. The triumph of the idol will in his selected dream team is stirring in that it crosses all hurdles of common sense and self-awareness in favor of blind adulation and the encouragement of predatory impulses.
One could even say that CK is willing to over-extend himself - or at least a part of his anatomy - for the sake of such idols, knowing full well that these idols would probably be more willing to accept this over-extensions than somebody with, you know, dignity and a conscience.
Oh, if only more of us were as strongly gifted with preydar as CK is. In such a world, the relationship between idol and wota would deepen - by inches upon inches - as the most desperate of idols will at least feel loved in the Sally Fields-ian sense of wonderment. They would show their appreciation with an intimacy and flagrancy that the current top idols would never dare attempt, and wota-dom would be richer for it.
CK in California
Driving up and down Interstate 5 in the middle of the summer is a truly harrowing experience. Around 300 of the 360 miles between my home and LA look just like the pic above...a lonely highway in the middle of nowhere dotted with the occasional set of gas stations. The 100+ degree heat and endless parade of holiday travelers were enough to fray anyone's nerves. But it was all worth it for this monumental event.
This will be the pic portion of my AX series...
I think at times we forgot this was Anime Expo and not Hello! Project Expo. But you were always reminded whenever you went down that long hallway between the buildings. I have to admit I eventually tired of traversing that sea of cosplayers and photo-oppers. But some of the costumes were really impressive...
I usually looked for the groups with the hot girls in it! I especially liked this cute little Sailor Moon...
Oh yeah, I forgot about C-Zone. This was just like being in Akihabara! Some random idol group makes the trip from Japan to sell their T-shirts and DVD. I just wonder why they didn't bring any CDs with them? I would have bought one!
Finally, the autographs. They touched my book...They touched my book!!! I will never forget this moment as long as I live! All of the girls were absolutely charming and adorable. I think that might be why I didn't feel as nervous as I thought I would. Their demeanor made me feel at ease. They all seemed to be genuinely happy to be there!
Can't forget about Yossie...errrr, I mean Hangry!
I think that's going to be a wrap for my Expo reports. I didn't do a full review of the actual concert. I had a great seat in the front row to the right of the stage, decked out in Reina blue with six blue glowsticks in my hand. When the girls came to the far stage left they would look right at me, which was great. I loved all of the songs they performed. But I think my favorite was Mikan, closely followed by that great medley of I Wish, Happy Summer Wedding, Koi no Dance Site, Souda! We're Alive, The Peace and RR21.
My next trip to Japan is tentatively slated for early November. Morning Musume and Berryz Kobo's fall tours hit Tokyo at about the same time. I can hardly wait...
CK in California
Aside from Tanaka Reina, Sudo Maasa is my favorite current member of Hello! Project. Early in my H!P fandom I was looking at some of the group pics in Wiki, and it was Maasa who stood out to me in Berryz Kobo far more than anyone else. I could have been that at the time she was probably the tallest. But I really think it is her face that draws me to her. She has such a gorgeous face! So it has never mattered to me that she has had issues with her weight over the years. Those beautiful eyes and adorable cheeks have always been there.
So you'd think that me purchasing her long-awaited PB would be a foregone conclusion. But purchasing photobooks by mail order is a real hassle, and the price of shipping is exorbitant. But what hooked me was the video on Dohhhup. Maasa looked so nervous while Momoko and Chinami were ogling her pictures. She was sooooo excited, but at the same time she seemed almost insecure.
After seeing that, I couldn't let one of my favorite idols down, could I?
Of course not! I received "Maasa" in the mail yesterday. It is a sensational set of photos. The photographer did an amazing job mainly because he focused on Maasa's best asset, that great smile of hers. This is a selection of some of my favorite shots from the PB...
The Cute Smile Shots...
These pics in that white outfit are some of the best in the book. She looks really sexy. Here are some more sexy pics...
Maasa at work...
And Maasa at play...
That was first pic I saw when I opened the book. Maasa taking a 10 foot jump shot, how hawt is that? And after a hard day of washing, cooking, posing, ballin' (as in Basketball) and looking cute. It's time for a delicious lunch???
Way to go Maasa! You look gorgeous in your new book. The accompanying DVD is very cute too. I notice that she has been rising on a lot of people's BK pecking orders as of late. It's about time everyone (including UFA) realized what an amazing star she is. And for the last pic???
It wouldn't be a PB without bikini shots. Maasa for the win!
CK in California
Aside from Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance, I have enjoyed the last few singles from Berryz Kobo, as well as their accompanying PV's. Their latest, Dakishimete Dakishimete is no exception. In fact on first look, this is the best PV they have done in a long time. Anyone who was worried about Berryz' material being too childlike needn't worry. If this PV is any indication, they are growing up...and possibly heading in a new and more contemporary direction.
The best thing about this song and video is it is fun...a helluva lot of fun! It moves at a lightning pace, has a very sexy dance, and the closeups...Oh the closeups! Tell you what, I'm just going to picspam the hell out of it!!!
Up first, the closeups. Oh my...
Has someone been on a diet? Maasa's face has never looked so thin.
Captain has gone from cute little kid, to awkward teen, to uber sexy soon to be adult. When does she turn 18???
I'm not sure if I am digging the hairdo, but there is no denying Chinami has a beautiful face.
I have always said that Yurina needs to grow into that lanky body of hers. This is probably the first time I didn't find her to be awkward in a PV. I think the curly hair helps. The same way it does for Gaki-san
LOLOL So serious! 14 going on 30. Risako is really good in this PV for so many reasons.
Poor Momo, she looks exactly the same. I think she got short-shrifted with that outfit and hairstyle!
Who said she shouldn't have cut her hair? Even with the hat, she looks awesome!!! Miya for the win!
Up next, those wacky "clone" shots. Kinda reminds me of "Mini Moni Telephone Rin Rin Rin!"...
These things all looked soooo 70's. But I liked the way the multiplied across the screen in the PV.
With that mini-skirt and the red and blue color scheme in the background, Chinami looks like a 60's go-go dancer!
One can never have too much Awesome Maasa. At least not on this blog!
Once again, I feel bad for Momoko. I like the top, but I hate it when the skirts cut so high on the abs. It makes the outfit look like a maternity dress.
Now for some of the hottest DJ's I have ever seen. Are they available for weddings and Bar Mitzvahs?
You spin me right round baby...
right round, like a record baby...
right round round round. Oooh, Maasa! Gotta admit, she is lookin' good!
Yurina, just having a good time! She looks like Michishige in this shot!
How about some drop dead gorgeous pouting. When these gals enter the disco, the music stops!
Oh yes, the hats work!
Overall? Very impressive. I'll buy that!
CK in California
The flight back to the U.S. is always easier than the flight over to Japan. It is around two hours shorter, and it is overnight, so it's easier to sleep. But wouldn't you know it, the moment I get back from vacation I get sick. I hope this flu passes quickly because I'm sure the boss won't be too pleased if I call in sick tomorrow! I hadn't been back in the US for an hour, and already I am annoyed with being back here. Slow/bad train service, horrible drivers, general inefficiency as a whole. I wish I was going back to Tokyo tonight!
So I thought I would give a summary of what this trip generally cost me. I know a lot of people reading this would love to go on a holiday to Japan, and do a lot of the things I did. Obviously money is an issue for many people. And also obviously my spending isn't law. You can do this trip cheaper, or more expensively...
R/T Ticket from California: $940 Can it be done cheaper? Maybe if you are in Hawaii (hint hint MB). But from North America or Europe I don't think you will find much cheaper airfare than that these days.
Nine night stay at resort hotel: $1350. Can it be done cheaper? Absolutely. I know there are hotels out there for less than $100 per night. You also have hostels. If you wanted to be really frugal you could surely do it for less than $500. And if you have a friend with a couch? Even better!
J-pop Concert Tickets: $500 Mind you, that was SEVEN shows. AKB48 is the cheapest, $30 for males. I believe females get in cheaper. Could you do it cheaper, definitely. I paid what I did because I used a bidding service for most of my tickets. But you could come to Japan emptyhanded and try to buy tickets from a reseller. The face value of my concert tickets was $375. However, if you are a Johnny's fan you will probably pay a lot more as I hear those tickets are much more expensive than H!P Keep in mind the chances to have so many shows coincide with each other is remote. In January I went to four, and three of them were the same show! (H!P Winter)
Transportation Around Japan: $350 Can it be done cheaper. Yes, much cheaper!!! I sort of "bricked" here as i paid for a Japan Rail Pass (which was great) but didn't use it to maximum value. If you are going on multiple Shinkansen trips, it is definiely worth it. But if you are staying around Tokyo, you could probably keep your transportation expenses in the $100 range.
Food: Eating is actually really cheap here. I really don't know what I specifically spent on food, but you could easily spend less than $20 per day on all sorts of different goodies like Rice Balls, Tokoyaki, Bento Boxes. The cheap Japanese eats are endless. And there is plenty of booze flowing. I love Chu-hi!!! Why don't they export THAT to the US?
CDs/DVD's/PB's/Gifts: The total of all of my spending money, which included food was around $1200. Could you do it for less? Of course! But would you want to? It depends on how "wild" you want to go. I went to some nice dinners. I went clubbing one night. And I bought a lot of cool stuff from Tower, BookOff, Tsutaya and the AKB48 Theater. Time to summarize my "booty"...
My first purchase, Scandal's new CD/DVD "Doll" which came with a sticker, The Ohori Meshibe CD, card and Poster, and the H!P Winter DVD. This was my first purchase. By the way, I'm glad I got the LE Scandal CD when I did. It sold out very quickly in Japan.
Pornograffitti's new CD. This was a total impulse buy. I wanted to participate in the prize contest. Too bad I got the lamest prize. I still haven't listened to it yet. I'll put it in my car tomorrow.
Five used PB's from Book Off, including the new Reina and the new Nacchi. PB's were so cheap here. I could have bought tons of them. But that was the problem. I stuffed all of them in my suitcase and it barely made weight! I love that battle Royale Book too!
These were a great deal, again from Book Off. They don't have too much AKB48 stuff, and each of these two concert CD's were selling for $45 less than what I would have to pay for them from an online retailer. And I threw in a cheap copy of an old Momusu "Single Clips"
AKB48 Part 2. The calendar was a "First Press" edition, so it came with five photocards. And the H2 DVD is a theater only release! I cannot wait to return to Akihabara to rejoin all the fun going on at that theater!
AKB48 Part 3. Actually I got the two "Theater Version" Oogoe Diamond CD's and pics for free because the fans all have so many of them from buying them for handshake event tickets. It's a genius move, to go to the handshake event, all you need to do is buy a CD from the theater, limit 5 per person. They are having a third handshake event this weekend, which means the hardcore fans now have FIFTEEN copies of it!
The "Maasa" souvenir set from the Berryz show. I got the keychain and t-shirt set. (Bonus Yurina photo not pictured)
The "Tanaka" souvenir set from the Momusu shows with one extra picture. I also got four "surprise" pics (shown on my last post). They were only $5, and they have a message from the idol. The mystery is you don't know who you are getting!
I finally decided to buy Berryz' "Five" after watching them live. It's a really good album. I bought the Manoeri mainly for the Tower exclusive bonus photo. KissKissKiss was only $4 at Book Off (man that place is great!) and of course I had to buy Reina's DVD! She works in a sausage factory in it and handles a lot of sausage...Priceless!!! And finally...
Awww, Dexter was so happy to have me home! Yes, I managed to find a copy of "Madayade" the day before it came out, but I had to go to three places to find it. The ladies at Tsutaya opened the crate for me! And my last J-pop purchase of all, "Aya the Witch". I would never have forgiven myself if I had come home with Pornograffitti and no Ayaya!
So the total amount spent was somewhere between $4000-$4500. You could probably do the trip for close to $2000-$2500, but that would be on a tight budget. So I hope that helps.
Tokyo Fashion is Awesome!
It goes without saying that one of the things I will miss dearly about Japan is the endless parade of uber-cute girls in their hot fashions! The look of the moment seems to be short skirt with knee-high boots and/or socks, and on some occasion fishnet stockings. Jeez, half of the women in Japan look like they are straight out of a Tanaka Reina photobook. I must have said "Kawaii!" under my breath at least 500 times while I was there! That being said, I got an email from my little friend I met in Tokyo saying she wants to get skype so we can talk more often...Yatta!!!
See you again Ayaya!
So there ya go, my 8-part Japanese J-pop tour. It was easily the best vacation I have EVER taken. And I can't wait to make it back. I'll leave you with the brand new single from a band they were promoting yesterday at Tower Records in Shibuya. They are called Breakerz, and this is one track from their double A-side CD single...
Now back to work!!!
CK in California
So the trip is coming down to the home stretch. I could seriously live here. Obviously I am on vacation, and if I was living and working here instead it would be a different experience. But Tokyo is such a great city! It has really encouraged me to "step up" my Japanese lessons!
The Fate of the Elder Club
We have already seen some examples of what the Elders are going to be doing. Melon Kinenbi will still perform, Yuko and Nacchi are continuing to act. And of course I got an idea when I saw Ayaya perfprming at a jazz club the first night I was here. The hotel I am staying at is huge, and it has many amenities, including a theater. And who is on the bill this December?
Wow!!! Yossie, Charmy and Sotoda Mai doing a Christmas dinner show. And judging by the outfits, I don't think they will be doing any Hangry & Angry material! Oh wait, someone else is doing a Christmas dinner show the next evening...
Oh, god, Ayaya is love!!! Now before you even start thinking that I am going to plan a trip here in seven weeks, my vacation time for 2008 is all used up. And my wallet needs a little rest before I head back over here again. Those dinner shows ain't cheap! $260 per person for Charmy and the gang, and $300 for Matsuura Aya...sheesh!!!
A Quick AKB48 Note
I got all of those for free from other AKB48 fans last night. Two copies of the Theater Version of Oogoe Diamond, and a bunch of older photos, including three of the lovely Meetan! I have Cancel Machi #61 for Team B matinee today. If I get in, that will mean I got to see all three teams perform while I was here! There are a bunch of crazy goings on with AKB48 this week. And had I known about them this trip would've looked a bit different. But I will explain that on a future post. Suffice it to say, many more reasons to love AKB48!!!
New H!P Releases!!!
So while I have been here a bunch of new H!P releases have hit the shelves. And sadly, a bunch more come out right after I leave. As much as I like Milky Way, I don't love Tan Tan Taan, so I am skipping that one. I'm torn on the Manoeri indie release. Not because I like the song, but because the Tower Records version comes with a LE bonus photo! I am definitely going to buy Berryz "Five" before I leave. And the new ones from Berryz Kobo and Buono! which sadly come out after I go home :(. I absolutely love the song and PV for Madayade, and Rottara Rottara is growing on me with each listen! I was really hoping Berryz played their new single when I saw them yesterday...
Berryz Kobo Live in the Shadow of Mt. Fuji!!!
Going to see Berryz Kobo in Shin-Fuji was a totally different experience. It was my first concert here that took place outside of the general Tokyo area. Fuji is about 100 miles south of Tokyo, and about a 70 minute ride on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train). BTW, thank heavens for my Japan Rail Pass. It made travel much easier here. And the Shinkansen trips are pricey. So it was well worth it! From the JR Shinkansen stop it was about a mile and a half to the venue. But I couldn't figure out the bus lines, so I decided to walk it. I needed the excercise anyway.
I know the setlist from Wiki.theppn, and I was most excited about Suhada Pichipichi, Yuujou Junjou oh Seishun, and 21ji Made no Cinderella. But I was also hoping that they would play their latest single, although they hadn't done as of yet on the tour, and this was the last stop! I went in about 40 minutes before showtime. I know a lot of people like to rush in right as the doors open. But I don't see the reason for it. I think everyone is afraid their favorite merchandise is going to sell out or something. But when I went in there was only one sold out photo set, and everything else was available. So I stocked up on my Maasa supplies!
T-shirt set and keychain, cool! They also have this cool thing where you can buy a picture really cheap. the only catch is you don't know which pic you are getting. My favorite members in Berryz are Maasa, Captain, and Chinami. My least favorites are Yurina and Risako. So who did I get???
LOL, I think Yurina is meant to be my favorite because she ALSO was the one who did my birthday on that Berryz "Calendar" DVD! Onto the show...
The other thing I was anticipating are the songs from the new CD. To tell you the truth, I haven't really given them a good listen yet. They opened with HAPPY! Stand Up, which is a nice upbeat number to open the show. But the second song, Kono Yubi Tomare! was awesome!!! I'll tell you right now that might be one of my favorite Berryz songs ever! I also enjoyed CLAP and Yumi wo Hitotsubu...
The MC segments were great! In the intro segment, Chinami and Miya got into a playful spat, with Chinami ultimately pointing at Miyabi and pouting. Then Miyabi told Chinami she could sit on her knee, huh? The MC with Chinami and Yurina just before "Cinderella" was also cute, with Chinami showing off her new manicure with little green studs around her cuticles to match her dress. But the best was the little skit. And Maasa again was the star of it. This is why Maasa is my favorite member. Not only is she adorable, but she is obviously their best actress!
After Yuujou, they left the stage. But I already knew that BE and Special Generation (regular version, not the remix) were coming. Finally the lights went dark, and the screen came on...
05/11/2008...
New Single...
Here We Go...
OMFG, My heart stopped, MADAYADE!!! The first performance ever!!! I loved it! And no, they didn't sing it in the costumes from the PV, sorry. But that would have been cool. Overall it was a great show! All of the girls did a great job. there was some pitchiness here and there by a couple of people. But that can be forgiven. No one is perfect, and they all did their best. So it was a great time for all!
Next Up, Morning Musume tonight! I can't wait...
CK in California (or Tokyo)
(Berryz Performance Pics from Hello! Online)
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