30 September 2011

AKB48 23rd Single [Kaze wa Fuiteiru] Full PV + Impressions



The dance version PV for AKB48's 23rd Single [Kaze wa Fuiteiru] has just been released!  The PV features a mostly monochrome color scheme and what looks to be kind of a post-apocalyptic or barren planet type of setting, as well as interesting headpieces for the girls.  Check it out!



kwf48 by kk231mj


I've already seen quite a number of less-than-enthusiastic responses to the PV preview, but personally, I'm ALL over this one, both the song and the PV.  The overall feel of the song gives me a sense of angst tempered with a hint of gentleness, which fits perfectly with my musical taste.  It has emotional intensity, but also the soft lilt of a ballad.  Given this character, I think the PV and the choreography in particular do a wonderful job of supporting the feel of the song.

The dancing is full of attitude, plenty of sharp and strong movements, not to mention dramatic angles and body shapes.  But at the same time those elements are interspersed and combined with softer ballet-like gestures.  The outfits themselves also embrace this contradiction, juxtaposing a flowing chiffon gown with dramatic headpieces.  Now... I think the headpieces actually look kind of weird, but I guess it's appropriate for the eerie type of setting they chose.

Speaking of which, it looks like they were going for a post-apocalyptic feel or something, given the bareness and the color scheme.  Everything is really quite simple, no set changes, no costume changes, just the girls dancing.  I personally love the simplicity of the set and costume design.  The choice of having all the girls wear flats (quite unusual for a girl idol group), is definitely interesting, but I think fitting for the overall feel of the PV.

The thing I find most striking is how the lack of color and the extremely simple outfits with the bizarre headpiece all work to draw attention to the girls' faces.  And if you look closely, they're all very intense about their facial expressions, which I find interesting.  Maybe that's part of why I like this PV so much, is because you can see how much attitude the girls are putting into it.  Making everything simple seems to highlight the physicality of it.



The best part of the PV for me is the brief moment in the choreography when the girls actually make contact with each other.  For me, dancing in a group is all about making an overall organic form, which is why the closer the dancers interact, the more it comes alive for me.

I could wax poetic forever about this PV (so much that this is definitely the next dance I'm going to learn).  I feel like I might be in the minority, but I think even for those who don't like the song so much, it's definitely worth watching.  It's very different from AKB48's previous PV's, and I think that in itself is a reason to at least give it a go.

AKB48 X Just Dance Wii

Nintendo Japan has collaborated with AKB48 for the launch of their new product [Just Dance Wii]. The Japanese version of the popular Just Dance™ rhythm game, it will hit local stores starting October 13th.

The Japanese version of Just Dance Wii will have a nice mix of J-Pop, K-pop and western music. Featuring artists like AKB48, EXILE, Amuro Namie, Koda Kumi and even Morning Musume! KARA is also on the list, as well as MC Hammer and Rihanna.

The CM of Just Dance Wii will feature AKB48's Heavy Rotation. Check it out!



As well as AKB48, other artists's songs will also be included in the package. There will be a total of 27 songs. This is the full list, according to the Overview CM

ARTIST
SONG
AKB48 
 Heavy Rotation
BoA 
 VALENTI
Dream5 
 Koi no Dial 6700
EXILE 
 Choo Choo Train
EXILE & Koda Kumi 
 Won’t Be Long
Gorie with Jasmine & Joann 
 Mickey (Hawaii version)
KARA 
 Mister
KARA 
 Jumping
TRF 
 survival dAnce -no no cry more-
Amuro Namie 
 Sexy Girl
Kishidan 
 One Night Carnical
Ketsumeishi 
 Kimi ni BUMP
Koda Kumi 
 Cutie Honey
Tohoshinki 
 Why? [Keep your head Down]
Pink Lady 
 UFO
Morning Musume 
 Renai Revolution 21
Bollywood 
 Katti Kalandal
Boney M. 
 Rasputin
Donna Summer 
 Hot Stuff
Harry Belafonte 
 Jump In The Line
MC Hammer 
 Can't Touch This
Rihanna 
 S.O.S.
Sorcerer 
 Dagomba
Spice Girls 
 Wannabe
Studio Musicans 
 Crazy in Love
The Hit Crew 
 Toxic
The Supremes 
 You Can't Hurry Love

And finally here is the American trailer of Just Dance™. Just Dance Wii looks totally fun to play. In fact, I feel like getting a Wii right now. I love dance games! Unfortunately due to region locks, Just Dance will still not be playable even if I do. Bummer.

Wait so SKE48 supports Kinect but AKB48 supports Wii instead? Hmmm hard choice but I think Kinect's Dance Evolution has a more proper dance while Just Dance is more of the rhythm.


The American version trailer

AKB48 Official Cafe & Shop Akihabara


As AKB48 gets bigger and more popular, they face the challenge of providing for all of their fans. Where once a fan can win an average of 1 ticket per fortnight for AKB48 Theater performances, now it is down to as much as 1 per 6 months, or even longer! Even with applying for all available shows in the theater, Kenkyuusei and SDN48, chances are still very slim.

So in a bid to return more to their concept of "Idols you can meet", AKB48 is now opening the AKB48 CAFE & SHOP AKIHABARA. And today is the grand opening of the shop. Members attending the Grand Opening was the Janken Tournament winner Shinoda Mariko, as well as Miyazawa Sae, Itano Tomomi, Takahashi Minami, Watanabe Mayu and Yokoyama Yui.


Official Website: http://akb48cafeshops.com/wp/akihabara/
Official Blog: http://ameblo.jp/akb48cafe
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/akb48cafe


Now that AKB48 has this much money the build an AKB48 Cafe & Shop, I hope they do build a new theater too. Currently, the chance to win a ticket to AKB48 Stage shows in the AKB48 Theater are almost next to impossible. With the Super Enpou for foreigner fans visiting Japan, your chances are higher but I've heard plenty of stories of foreigners applying for Super Enpou but still not getting a winning ticket

The newest AKB48 expansion after the AKB48 OFFICIAL SHOP HARAJUKU will be divided into 4 parts. The Cafe and Shop just like the name suggests, as well as a mini-theater and a private area. Here is the entire floor plan of the AKB48 CAFE & SHOP AKIHABARA.


Well on to each of the 4 areas of AKB48's newest Wota Trap.



CAFE AREA(カフェエリア)

The CAFE AREA is similar to the many maid cafes that populate Akihabara, although you have to book a timeslot since the cafe will have an incredibly long queue if entrance is not regulated. The booking fee cost 2,000yen and includes the price of the meal, a free flow of drinks, a side dish and finally a commemorative photo. Customers aged above 3 years of age will need a ticket.

The menu includes dishes like Omelet Curry, Penne Tomato Sauce, Spaghetti with Double Tomato Sauce, Spaghetti Peperoncino with Bacon and Vegetables, Tako Rice with cheese, and probably the most delicious, the Hamburg Steak Loco Moco. Drinks include Banana Gold and Citrus Cranberry, and deserts include Cream puffs and Roll cakes.

The booking timeslots are 14:00 (14:00 - 15:30), and 18:30 (18:30 to 20:00).




SHOP(ショップ)

Next up is the SHOP. With this, there are now 3 official AKB48 shops in Japan. The one on the 5th floor of the Akihabara Don Quixote, The AKB48 OFFICIAL SHOP HARAJUKU (which I realized I haven't blogged about) and now the AKB48 OFFICIAL SHOP AKIHABARA. It is currently not known if the shop in the Don Quixote will close down and transfer to this one.

On sale at the SHOP are the usual souvenir-ish stuff. Keychains, fans, flags, notebooks, files, shirts, posters, more stuff with your oshimen's face printed on it, among others all priced much more than usual just because there is a pink logo printed on the item.

The SHOP is open from 11:00 to 22:30, with the last entrance at 22:00. You need to book in advance a timeslot that you




THEATER AREA(シアターエリア)

3rd in the list is the THEATER AREA. Featuring a 136 inch flatscreen, you can watch the latest LODs from the theater.

Whats more, a buffet meal is also included! On the menu are hamburgers, potato salads, takoyaki, a variety of fried food and sweets, just to name a few. Drink bar included. So now you can satisfy your stomach as well while watching the girls sing and dance.

All for the price of 2,700yen. And of course you have to make a reservation in advance



PRIVATE ROOM(プライベートルーム)

The last on the list is the PRIVATE ROOM. The official site uses the word "secret base" on their page. At just 10,000yen for 2 hours, you get to do whatever you want in here without other people disturbing you. View AKB LODs and DVDs, hold your birthday celebration, and more! Up to 16 people allowed per booking. Includes 1 drink per person.

And just like all the other areas of the AKB48 Official Cafe & Shop Akihabara, you will need to make a reservation for this.

An additional note, the signatures of all the members of AKB48 dot the CAFE & SHOP. If you do go there in the future, see if you can find your oshimen's signature!

28 September 2011

SKE48 7th single [Oki Doki] Tracklist


Avex recently just updated SKE48's Avex site with the tracklist for their 7th single [Oki Doki] which comes out on 9th November. With the return of Shirogumi and Akagumi, Selection 8 is also back! Type A, B and C each come with a handshake event ticket, the voting card for SKE's Request Hour Set List Best 50, 2011 as well a random trading card (1 of 16).


SKE48 7th Single
Oki Doki
オキドキ
09 November 2011

TYPE A
[cover]
1,600yen
[CD]
01. Oki Doki
02. Bazuka Houhatsha!
03. Hatsukoi no Kiri
04. Oki Doki (off vocal)
05. Bazuka Houhatsha! (off vocal)
06. Hatsu Koi no Kiri (off vocal)

[DVD]
01. Oki Doki Promotional Video
02. Bazuka Houhatsha! Promotional Video
03. Bonus Clip
TYPE B
[cover]
1,600yen
[CD]
01. Oki Doki
02. Bishou no Positive Thinking
03. Hatsu Koi no Kiri
04. Oki Doki (off vocal)
05. Bishou no Positive Thinking (off vocal)
06. Hatsu Koi no Kiri (off vocal)
[DVD]

01. Oki Doki PV
02. Bishou no Positive Thinking Promotional Video
03. Bonus Clip
TYPE C
[cover]
1,600yen
[CD]
01. Oki Doki
02. Utaouyo, Bokutachi no Kouka
03. Hatsu Koi no Kiri
04. Oki Doki (off vocal)
05. Utaouyo, Bokutachi no Kouka (off vocal)
06. Hatsu Koi no Kiri (off vocal)
[DVD]
01. Oki Doki Promotional Video
02. Bonus Clip
TYPE Theater
[cover]
1,000yen
[CD]
01. Oki Doki
02. Bazuka Houhatsha!
03. Bishou no Positive Thinking
04. SKE48 7th Single Medley
04. Oki Doki (off vocal)
05. Bazuka Houhatsha! (off vocal)
06. Bishou no Positive Thinking (off vocal)

Senbatsu - Oki Doki (オキドキ)
Not Known

Shirogumi - Bazuka Houhatsha! (バズーカ砲発射!)
Not Known

Akagumi - Bishou no Positive Thinking (微笑のポジティブシンキング)
Not Known

Selection 8 - Utaouyo, Bokutachi no Kouka (歌おうよ、僕たちの校歌)
Not Known

Hatsuoi no Kiri (初恋の踏切 )
Not Known

27 September 2011

NMB48 gets 1st nationwide CM 「ROUND1」×「NMB48」



NMB48, the x48 group from Osaka, has been chosen for the new CM of ROUND1, an amusement center where you can play various games and sports. The CM started broadcasting on September 26 and this is the first time that NMB48 gets to do a nationwide broadcasted CM.

The group has already done several CMs, including a promotion campaign for the switch to digital TV in Japan, but all those were regional ones broadcasted mainly in the girls home region, Kansai. But after their very successful debut in July it was only a matter of time for this to change.

Apart from the members appearing in the CM, NMB48's 2nd single Oh my God! was also chosen as the CM song.

The CM itself shows the NMB48 members having fun at ROUND1 as well as dance scenes of Oh my God. You can also see a short scene of the girls dressed as bowling pins.

You can check out the CM as well as bonus stuff like a making of and member interviews on the official campaign homepage: 「ROUND1」×「NMB48」Homepage

AKB48 23rd single [Kaze wa Fuiteiru] Tracklist

The tracklist for AKB48's next single Kaze wa Fuiteiru track list is out!

This time along with the Senbatsu and Undergirls, we also have Undergirls Baragumi and Undergirls Yurigumi! Brought back from the drawing board from back in late 2006, when Akimoto Yasushi had the idea of shuffling the then 2 Teams (Team AK, Team B was not formed yet) in AKB48. He made an announcement about it one time, but nothing happened after that. Well the shuffle did happen in the end in October 2009.

Baragumi and Yurigumi's respective tracks are called Vamos and Gondola Lift. Spanish and Venetian eh? Also the theater edition contains a Team 4 b-side! (even though they are sharing it with KKS). I have already decided I'm getting Type A but it might change once the covers are out.


AKB48 23rd Single
Kaze wa Fuiteiru 
風は吹いている
26 October 2011

TYPE A
[cover]
1,600yen
[CD]
01. Kaze wa Fuiteiru
02. Kimi na Senaka
03. Vamos (Undergirls Baragumi)
04. Kaze wa Fuiteiru  (off vocal)
05. Kimi na Senaka  (off vocal)
06. Vamos  (off vocal)
[DVD]
01. Kaze wa Fuiteiru Promotional Video
02. Kimi na Senaka Promotional Video
03. Vamos Promotional Video
04. Kaze wa Fuiteiru Music Video (DANCE! DANCE! DANCE! ver.)
05. Bonus Clip AKB48 Skit [Pheromone Keiji]
TYPE B
[cover]
1,600yen
[CD]
01. Kaze wa Fuiteiru
02. Kimi na Senaka
03. Gondola Lift
04. Kaze wa Fuiteiru (off vocal)
05. Kimi na Senaka (off vocal)
06. Gondola Lift (off vocal)
[DVD]
01. Kaze wa Fuiteiru (Promotional Video)
02. Kimi na Senaka (Promotional  Video)
03. Gondola Lift (Promotional Video)
04. Kaze wa Fuiteiru (Promotional Video) (DANCE! DANCE! DANCE! ver.)
05. Bonus Clip AKB48 Skit [Taxi]
TYPE Theater
[cover]
1,000yen
[CD]
01. Kaze wa Fuiteiru
02. Kimi no Senaka
03. Tsubomitachi
04. Kaze wa Fuiteiru (off vocal)
05. Kimi no Senaka (off vocal)
06.Tsubomitachi (off vocal)

Senbatsu: Kaze wa Fuiteiru (風は吹いている)
Team A: Kojima Haruna, Maeda Atsuko, Sashihara Rino, Shinoda Mariko, Takahashi Minami, Takajo Aki
Team K: Itano Tomomi, Minegishi Minami, Miyazawa Sae, Oshima Yuko, Yokoyama Yui
Team B: Kasai Tomomi, Kashiwagi Yuki, Kitahara Rie, Watanabe Mayu
SKE48: Matsui Jurina, Matsui Rena
NMB48: Yamamoto Sayaka

Undergirls: Kimi na Senaka (君の背中)
Team A: Iwasa Misaki, Maeda Ami, Nakagawa Haruka, Oota Aika
Team K: Fujie Reina, Kikuchi Ayaka
Team B: Ishida Haruka, Komori Mika, Miyazaki Miho, Sato Sumire
Team 4: Abe Maria, Ichikawa Miori, Iriyama Anna, Shimazaki Haruka, Yamauchi Suzuran
Kenkyuusei: Kato Rena
SKE48: Kimoto Kanon, Takayanagi Akane
NMB48: Jo Eriko

Undergirls Baragumi: Vasmos
Team A: Matsubara Natsumi, Nakata Chisato, Nakaya Sayaka, Ooya Shizuka
Team K: Nakatsuka Tomomi, Nonaka Misato, Tanabe Miku, Uchida Mayumi, Yonezawa Rumi
Team B: Chikano Rina, Hirajima Natsumi, Kobayashi Kana, Suzuki Mariya, Suzuki Shihori
Team 4: Nagao Mariya, Nakamata Shiori, Shimada Haruka, Takeuchi Miyu

Undergirls Yurigumi: Gondola Lift (ゴンドラリフト)
Team A: Katayama Haruka, Kuramochi Asuka
Team K: Akimoto Sayaka, Matsui Sakiko, Nito Moeno, Umeda Ayaka
Team B: Masuda Yuka, Sato Amina, Sato Natsuki
Team 4: Nakamura Mariko

Tsubomitachi (蕾たち)
Team 4 + Kenkyuusei

[Minogashita Kimitachi E] concert boxset




4 months ago, AKB48 and it's sister groups held their [Minogashita Kimitachi E] concert at the Tokyo Dome City Hall. [Minogashita Kimitachi E], "To you who missed". The concert was a revival of all the past and current stages in AKB48, SKE48, SDN48 and NMB48. It was a definitely a treat to both the newer and older fans as there was no way to see those past stages any more.

And finally after 3 months of wait, the concert DVD is here! To you who missed the concert, AKB48's biggest and most expensive boxset ever! With a total of 23 disks, inclusive of 4 Making Of DVDs, a 42 page photobook, and 19 bonus photos (1 per stage). And all that for just 34,800yen.

Yes 34,800yen. That's about US$450, or £300. Will you buy it? If you do, I wish your wallet a nice afterlife. I guess the only comfort I can give you is that each DVD in the set is cheaper then the original stage DVD.

AKB48 Concert [Minogashita Kimitachi e] ~AKB48 Group Zenkouen~ 
AKB48コンサート「見逃した君たちへ」 ~AKB48グループ全公演~
[To you who missed] ~AKB48 Group All Setlists~
AKB48 with SKE48SDN48NMB48

Event Date: 24 May to 12 June 2011
Location: Tokyo Dome City Hall (formerly JCB Hall)

Release Date: 15 October 2011
Order: http://akb48-dvdcatalog.com/tdc/
Price: 
Special (full) box: 34,800yen
1 box: 9,980yen

Disc1: Team K 5th Stage [Saka Agari]
Disc2: Team K 4th Stage [Saishuu Bell ga Naru]
Disc3: Himawari-gumi 2nd stage [Yume wo Shinaseru Wake ni Ikenai]
Disc4: SDN48 1st Stage [Yuuwaku no Garter]
Disc5: Team A 2nd Stage [Aitakatta]
Disc6: Team B 3rd Stage [Pajama Drive]
Disc7: Team A 5th Stage [Renai Kinshi Jourei
Disc8: Team A 6th Stage [Mokugekisha]
Disc9: Team K 6th Stage [RESET]
Disc10: Team A 4th Stage [Tadaima Renaichuu]
Disc11: Team B 4th Stage [Idol no Yoake]
Disc12: Team A 3rd Stage [Dareka no Tame ni]
Disc13: Team K 2nd Stage [Seishun Girls]
Disc14: Himawari-gumi 1st Stage [Boku no Taiyou]
Disc15: Team K 3rd Stage [Nounai Paradise]
Disc16: Team B 5th Stage [Theater no Megami[
Disc17: Team S 2nd Stage [Te wo Tsunaginagara]
Disc18: Team S 3rd Stage [Seifuku no Me]
Disc19: Team A 1st Stage [PARTY ga Hajimaru yo]
Disc20: MAKING (K5th / K4th / H2nd / SDN1st / A2nd)
Disc21: MAKING (B3rd / A5th / A6th / K6th / A4th)
Disc22: MAKING (B4th / A3rd / K2nd / H1st / K3rd)
Disc23: MAKING (B5th / S2nd / S3rd / A1st)

Or if you don't have enough cash but still want to support your idols and buy their goods, you can just boy one of the boxes instead of the whole set, for a cheaper price of 9,980yen. But basically you get only the box (and it's dvds) and nothing extra.


Disc1: Team K 5th Stage [Saka Agari]
Disc2: Team K 4th Stage [Saishuu Bell ga Naru]
Disc3: Himawari-gumi 2nd stage [Yume wo Shinaseru Wake ni Ikenai]
Disc4: SDN48 1st Stage [Yuuwaku no Garter]
Disc5: Team A 2nd Stage [Aitakatta]
Disc20: MAKING (K5th / K4th / H2nd / SDN1st / A2nd)

Disc6: Team B 3rd Stage [Pajama Drive]
Disc7: Team A 5th Stage [Renai Kinshi Jourei
Disc8: Team A 6th Stage [Mokugekisha]
Disc9: Team K 6th Stage [RESET]
Disc10: Team A 4th Stage [Tadaima Renaichuu]
Disc21: MAKING (B3rd / A5th / A6th / K6th / A4th)



Disc11: Team B 4th Stage [Idol no Yoake]
Disc12: Team A 3rd Stage [Dareka no Tame ni]
Disc13: Team K 2nd Stage [Seishun Girls]
Disc14: Himawari-gumi 1st Stage [Boku no Taiyou]
Disc15: Team K 3rd Stage [Nounai Paradise]
Disc22: MAKING (B4th / A3rd / K2nd / H1st / K3rd)

Disc16: Team B 5th Stage [Theater no Megami[
Disc17: Team S 2nd Stage [Te wo Tsunaginagara]
Disc18: Team S 3rd Stage [Seifuku no Me]
Disc19: Team A 1st Stage [PARTY ga Hajimaru yo]
Disc23: MAKING (B5th / S2nd / S3rd / A1st)





26 September 2011

AKB48 24th Single Janken Tournament - Special winner's spammage



Brought to you by SHINODA MARIKO CENTER FOR 24TH SINGLE!!!!  To celebrate her victory, here's a Maririn spam post!

Maririn over the years:




And now for random Maririn-ness!












Congrats, Mariko!!