49 posts tagged “morning musume”
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
I just returned to my hotel from my last evening in Japan. Let me just say that my friend Hiro has been a true saint on this trip. And even before that. He has been instrumental in making sure I had a great time here. He introduced me to so many other fans., showed me some of the post-show wota hangouts. And all the while he has done a great deal to make sure Meetan knew I was her big California fan who had been sending her letters and gifts. So I really wanted to take him out for a big night of dinner and drinks before I left Japan. And then, just when I thought he could do no more to make my latest to Tokyo so awesome...
ZOMG!!! An autographed Uchiwa from none other than Hatakeyama Chisaki, complete with sweat stains from her futsal match that night! Accordine to Hiro, she even asked why I wasn't at her event. Awwwwww? I so wish I could have been there! Chaki is so awesome! If you ever get a chance to see SDN48 perform, you will know what I am talking about.
Okay, the big story for this post is obviously about Morning Musume. I had the opportunity to attend the last show of the weekend at Nakano Sunplaza. And it didn't dawn on me until I arrived that this was Reina's birthday show. ZOMG x2, another birthday show? And for my favorite member of H!P no less. This was surely going to be great. But before I get to that, i had another new experience in Japan. One that I have been wanting to do every time I have come here. And no, it isn't a visit to Kabukichō. It was...
The moment i passed through the gates and into the facility, I knew this place was special. Wow! What a beautiful park! Once again the Christmas decorations were already up, adding even more beauty to the occasion. I must have taken a hundred or so pictures of this place. Oh, and just about every female in the place was wearing minnie Mouse ears. I was dying, they were all so cute!
The rides...well, it is Disney. They focus more on themes and detail rather than thrills. And I felt myself getting very sentimental while I was there. The Christmas music played a big part of it. But I think a lot of it had to do with Disneyland being a big part of my youth. Couple that with this being my last day in Tokyo and I am surprised I didn't break down and cry.
Morning Musume "Nine Smile" Tour at Nakano Sunplaza...Tanaka Reina Birthday Special
After a full day of rest I headed over to Nakano. I wanted to get there early because the Tokyo shows have a tendency to run out of merchandise, and I wanted to make sure i didn't get stonewalled like last Spring. It turned out that all of Reina's tour shirts were sold out, as well as her 11/08/09 photo. Drats! But wait...There was a new shirt on the board, one that just came out for this weekend...
I have seen the birthday shirts before and always admired them. And now I have one! It is hard to believe that Reina is no longer a teenager. It seems like yesterday when she was a spry thirteen year old cutting her teeth with MoMusu. And look at her now, a gorgeous and sexy adult. Also, great Engrish! The front of the shirt says "This is my twentieth birthday and want to thank everybody!"
While I waited for Celestia I decided to take a walk around Nakano. There is a new restaurant that opened in the mall across the street. And for the grand opening these guys showed up...
I don't know about the Michael Jackson guy, but the Jack Sparrow was almost a dead ringer for Johnny Depp, albeit a little tall! That said, nobody was better, or hawter for that matter than this girl...
ZOMG x3!!! It is the famous Tanaka Reina cosplayer!!! She is soooooo adorable. Actually, when you get really close to her she looks less like Reina. But from 20 feet away? I could have sworn it was actually Reina! That girl is so awesome! The things I would do to spend a few minutes "quality time" with her! But alas, on with the show...
I met Celestia, and we headed in to the venue. This is the third time she and I have gotten together for a concert. Hi Celestia! It was awesome to see you again! There were also a few people there from JPH!P and Hello! Online in attendance. I got to meet Pete, who attended Eurowota 2009. It was his first time in Japan seeing Morning Musume, so he was having a blast! Our seats were in the 5th row, far left. There were advantages and disadvantages to this. Since the first two rows don't go to the sides we were actually in the third row. And whenever one of the girls danced to the far side, they were practically on top of us. that made it easier to get some one on one face-time with the girls. And since we were right next to the speakers, it made the show sound even more intense and loud! The disadvantage was that we watched much of the show in "semi-profile". But we could see 90% of the stage and the video screen, so all was cool.
The show opened op with 3,2,1 Breakin' Out into How Do You Like This Japan? and wow! The show was already off to a breakneck pace. The girls were wearing cowhide costumes, and Koharu and Gaki were immediately dancing over to our spot to rev us up. At one point Risa looked directly at us and waved, but I think that was more at Celestia, who was decked out in Risa-green!.
After a rockin' VTR, it was time for the new single. Kimagure Princess was alright, it was funny to watch them sing with the sped up voices, heheh! What was more impressive were trhe jeans and chaps the girls were wearing. And to make it even more fun, after the song the girls were talking about their outfits. And in the process there was plenty of turning around and showing it off from the rear! It was like "Look how cute my butt looks in these" That was great!
I loved Nanchatte Renai live! I think it may be my favorite single from this lineup. After that there was plenty of playacting for Genki+, a song I had totally forgotten about and really like. LinLin was near us for most of this song, and had a priceless look on her face the whole time. I am honestly bored of Ame on Furanai, so thankfully they did an abridged version. Sukiyaki is one of my favorite MM songs. Risa and Koharu did a duet on it in similar costumes to those worn for GuruGuru Jump last spring. I enjoyed it of course, but would have really loved if the entire group performed it.
The rest of the unit songs consisted of Eri/Aika on Haru Beautiful Everyday, which had the throngs of Eriwota in a frenzy. Ai and Reina performed the High-King B-side, which was fine. I enjoy any moment when Tanaka is onstage. Finally Sayumi came out and solo'd the first part of Aruiteru. I honestly don't care for that song, but for some reason I enjoyed it live. Sayu's voice was cracking through some of it, so I guess it was a good idea to have the rest of the group come out and "save" her for the rest! And poor Sayu! Under the bright lights you could really see how bad her skin is getting.
Celestia reminded me of how much she didn't like Aki Urara. And Shouganai Yumeoibito I had seen before. But I was really anticipating the Sakura/Otome Gumi set of Sakura Mankai and Yuujou ~Kokoro no Busu ni wa Naranee!~ Those were my two favorite songs from those shuffles. And to me Yuujou was the best performance of the 2008 Winter show, the first live H!P concert I ever attended. I loved that the audience had their pink fans for the Sakura Gumi song so they could play along with the girls. And I thought it was even cooler that the Sakura Girls kept using the fans through the second song. It was really hawt, and on my shortlist of favorite performances of the night.
Dekai Ucchu ni Ai ga Aru never gets stale to me, and everyone had their "smileys" from the tour logo. At the end they perfectly formed the happy face logo at the center of the stage, so cool! The "Coupling Medley" was most of the recent B-sides. And the best part had to be during Gaki's solo in Bonkyu Bonkyu Bomb Girl, where she changed a line to yell "Happy Birthday" at Reina, much to her shock! By the way, when JunJun came over to our end of the stage I noticed her legs are even more impressive than Aichan's. I get so used to seeing skinny legs on idols (Hello Reina) So I find it sexy when they have such muscles in their thighs and calves.
Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari was great, and might have been my favorite performance. They did a new version of the song. And while I had trouble understanding any of it it was still cool to watch the rest of the groups' antics on stage when one of them was soloing. I also thought it was cool that the stage would turn the members' color when it was her turn. The main set ended with two songs I am getting bored of, Naichao Kamo and the neverending Resonant Blue. But now it was time for some real action...
The Reina encore chant commenced while the entire venue began to fill with blue light. Since the Reina Birthday Committee handed me blue glowsticks and mine were beginning to dim, i freshened up! It was quickly back to business as usual with Songs. I was waiting to see if Reina would react to the sea of blue, but she took it in stride and kept focused on the song. She of course thanked everyone during the closing MC's, and what would a MM show be without Love Machine? Fun version, mainly becasue it closed the show...
Or did it? The Reina encore chant resumed in full force. Celestia gave me a quizzical glance, and I responded "Hey, the doors aren't open yet" And after a couple of minutes out popped Reina. Hell yes, double encore!
She did a five minute solo MC talking about turning 20. I think deep down she is really sad that she technically isn't a lolli anymore. She said something to the affect that she hopes her fans don't abandon her because she is getting older. Awwww, Reina my dear that will NEVER happen as far as I am concerned! She also kept saying she wanted to perform one more song for us, but sadly that didn't happen. I guess they had nothing queued up in the DAT player! She thanked everyone one last time and that was it. I tried to get her attention as she went off stage right in front of me, but alas she didn't turn.
Celestia and I went out for a post show meal and reminisced about the show. It is so cool that she gets to live here and see so many shows, while I have to fly across the globe to get there. She laughed about that. "Geez, you are here often enough, are you sure you don't live here?" Hehe, maybe one day. After dinner we headed back home, separating at Shinjuku Station where we head in different directions. i always get a little sad when that happens. Awww, hopefully I will see you again this Spring Celestia! Heck, you know I'll be around!!!
This ends my reporting from Japan as my plane back to California is scheduled to leave this afternoon. But as always I will do one more summary post when I get home. It was another wonderful time spent here in Japan, one that I will never forget!
CK in Tokyo
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!
T
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
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
We've been good, but not the best
Hurry Wota, buy it fast!
Want a hit that tops the charts
---
CK in California
(inspired by...you know who!)
After spending the last 24 hours covering a multitude of blog posts about Koharu's graduation, there is very little I can possibly say that would be completely original. But the best part about reading all of those articles is seeing everyone's perspective. And even 20-25 posts in I can still find commentary that I am touched by.
So as this is the first Morning Musume graduation since I started this site, I feel it is my duty to say something. Even if it just a marking of the time. If nothing else, I think Koharu deserves that.
As surprised as I am about this announcement, I have learned that when it comes to idol graduations I should never be surprised. Idols leave their groups for so many different reasons. Some noble, some not so noble. Some leave when their popularity is at an apex. Some wait until the popularity train has long passed by. For Koha, she is a young and bright star in a twelve year old group. She has her entire adulthood ahead of her. And we have long known that her best talents aren't in the singing department. But she is talented...extremely talented.
She is funny
She is gorgeous
She is a great performer
She has a great voice for anime
Koharu has a lot to offer the entertainment world. And to have that kind of career in Japan you can't waste any time. So is it a surprise that she would want to test the waters of modeling and other realms of entertainment now? Some might say "Yeah, but she had a great thing going with Morning Musume, why mess with it?" To be honest I really don't know the answer to that question. But I do wonder what kind of success limits might be in place when one works for UFA and H!P...
For one, you are limited to working in mediums that fit UFA's sensibilities. For anyone who saw Koha's last photobook, it really pushed the envelope as far as H!P PBs go. Like Goto Maki before her, maybe her vision of the future differed with UFA's.
From a monetary standpoint, I have no idea what the girls of Berryz, C-ute or MoMusu make in a year. But given the amount of talent in the stable, coupled with mediocre sales and a sagging economy, I have a feeling they make less than we think they do. Perhaps there are more fruitful opportunities being presented to Koharu. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised.
At the end of the day, Koharu is the sixteenth member of Morning Musume to leave the group. Many of whom left the band in the prime of their careers. The good news is many of those former members are still seen on television, in movies and in print. And all of them are still well loved by their fans. Morning Musume will go on, and for me will be just as great as when I first layed my eyes on them.
And Koharu? Given what a great idol and a great talent she is, I am sure she will be fine.
Thank you Koharu, for being who you are!
CK in California
So the next couple of months are shaping up to be filled with exciting J-music adventures for me. In some ways I am completely overwhelmed, but it should be a total blast anyway. Leading off with...
This will be the easiest one for me to handle, as I just have to drive across the bay bridge for it. Actually...jeez! That's the day after the planned completion of the Oakland/SF Bay Bridge construction. I hope they finish on time, or else I am going to be in big trouble. I am actually covering this for International Wota. I have never seen Glay. And to be honest they aren't the type of band I am usually into. But I do get their history, and for that reason alone I am excited. It should be a great show, and you can count on a report!
Hehehe, did you think I would be missing this one? Actually, I originally wasn't planning on making the trip. But people kept asking me "Are you going? Are you going?" It finally inspired me to at least check the flight schedule. And when I saw how inexpensive the flights were it was a "no-brainer". $260 round trip from San Francisco to New York? The hotel cost does take a bite. Then again, this is New York City we're talking about. I love that town, and I haven't been there in ages. The thought of a combination of AKB, Broadway, Carnegie Deli and the New York Yankees? Pinch me, that is too awesome. I only wish I was getting there a little sooner. Just like LA's Anime Expo, I am showing up a day late. Hopefully I won't miss much.
And finally..........
So yeah, I should be pretty tired come Thanksgiving. Tired...but happy!
CK in California
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
The Anime Expo Staff has released some great photos of Morning Musume performing live in L.A. Here ya go, enjoy!
Excellent show! And more pics can be found over at International Wota. Check em out!
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
My Groups
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Japan lovers ... Updated: 11 minutes ago
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JPH!P Updated: 2 days ago
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Hello! Project Updated: Sep 22, 2009
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