AKB48 and NMB48 win Japan Gold Disc Awards

Last Friday on January 27th, the winners of the 26th Japan Gold Disc Awards was announced. Hosted by the Recording Industry Association of Japan, the awards given are based on actual single and album sales numbers.

Unsurprisingly, many of the awards went to AKB48. They were awarded a total of 10 awards from 6 categories, including the top "Artist of the Year" award. They also monopolized the "Single of the Year" category with all 5 of their singles. Below are the categories that AKB48 won in.


Artist of the Year:
Japanese: AKB48
International: Lady Gaga

Top 5 Albums (Japanese):
Beautiful World / Arashi
Ikimono Bakari ~Memberst BEST Seection~ / Ikimono Gakari
Koko ni Ita Koto / AKB48
Negai no Tou - EXILE
SENSE / Mr. Children

Single of the year:
Everyday, Kachuusha / AKB48

Best 5 Singles:
Everyday, Kachuusha / AKB48
Kaze wa Fuiteiru / AKB48
Sakura no Ki ni Narou / AKB48
Chance no Junban / AKB48
Flying Get / AKB48

Best 5 Songs by Download:
Everyday, Kachuusha / AKB48
Maru Maru Mori Mori! / Kaoru to Tomoki, Tama ni Mook
Jumping / KARA
Ryuusei / Kobukuro
Kono Yoru wo Tomete yo / JUJU

Best Music Videos:
Japanese: ARASHI 10-11 Tour "Scene" ~Kimi to Boku no Miteiru Fuukei~ STADIUM / Arashi
Japanese: ARASHI 10-11 Tour "Scene" ~Kimi to Boku no Miteiru Fuukei~ Dome+ / Arashi
Japanese: AKB ga Ippai ~The Best Music Video~ / AKB48
International: Michael Jackson’s Vision / Michael Jackson
Asian: BEST CLIPS / KARA

Upon receiving the award, Oshima Yuko commented "I was surprised at the number of record presented to AKB48, and to get the award really meant that we have worked very hard".
Takahashi Minami also comemnted "I am proud that AKB48 is getting an award reserved for excellent artists. It makes me want to sing these beloved songs endlessly to the fans."

In addition, NMB48 was among the winners the award for Best New Artist of 2011.
Congratulations to AKB48, NMB48, and all other winners of the 26th Japan Gold Disc Awards!

SKE48 8th Single [Kataomoi Finally] 1st Week Sales

SKE48's 8th single [Kataomoi Finally] completed it's first week on the charts, placing 1st in the weekly chart and selling just under 500,000 copies.

The exact sales number is 495,809 copies sold, just a little more than 4k more to reach 500k. But if you include today's (tuesday) sales of 5,918 copies, Kataomoi Finally has passed the 500k mark! It's unfortunate that it couldn't happen in the first week though.

For most of the week, Kataomoi Finally's sales closely mirrored that of their previous single Oki Doki. The big changer come on Friday, when they sold 90k copies all of a sudden. This was most likely caused by a late shipment. Compared to the 1st week sales of Oki Doki, Kataomoi Finally sold 113k more. And comparing the total sales, Kataomoi Finally has already sold 34k more! That's a great rise in sales! Keep up the good work!

Now on to my review

Senbatsu - Kataomoi Finally (片想いFinally)
It's amazing how SKE48 can communicate serious issues such as homosexuality and bullying in their music and promotional video in such a high-energy way. The 'sound' of the track is anything but morose and somber.

My initial reaction to the preview can be summed up in one word, 'messy'. Not only did the varying tempo of the song throw me off, I was shocked that Aki-P would allow for his idol groups to release yet another controversial video, this time featuring (even more) kisses exchanged between girls. Still, this song will have a listener hooked if he/she is willing to give it proper attention.

Highlights of the song are the intro with its powerful choreography, the hook (obviously), and hip hop-inspired middle eight and outro. Because this song does retain an idol sound, it can't be compared to the mothership's iconic a-sides, Beginner and Keibetsu Shiteita Aijou.


Shirogumi - Hanikami Lollipop ( はにかみロリーポップ )
Cute, as expected of Shirogumi. I'm happy that Jurina's unit is stepping up their game, both song- and PV-wise. The song can be described as a old-school idol tune with a modern twist; the retro and nostalgic look of the video is also an appropriate fit for the song itself. Though this isn't the best song on the CD, it's the most memorable, at least to me.


Akagumi - Koe ga Kasureru Kurai ( 声がかすれるくらい )
Again, a darker song for the fierce Akagumi. I love that this team is expressing their concept in a different style, and in rock, of all genres. This song shines where other stereotypical idol tracks lack, the bridge. The verses between the hooks are akin to those of a rock-ballad, rather than an actual j-rock tune. I was not a fan of Aka's previous song, but this proved to be a nice surprise. The promotional video, while not as visually stunning as that of Shiro, is inventive.


Kyou made no koto, Kore kara no koto ( 今日までのこと、これからのこと )
I had a feeling that the group song was to be a song with a slower tempo, and I was right. This honestly sounds like a forgettable theater stage filler song. At least the composer/arranger had the decency to add some guitar riffs in there to "spice" the song up; too bad it still lacks flavor. I hope the next group song will be more upbeat, so that the rest of SKE's girls would be done some justice. If it is any consolation to you fans, this track, while the worst of this single, is not that terrible a song as I described. I just do not prefer this type of pop-ballad.



(written by YING)

AKB48 Goes Danso in Commercial for Haruyama

AKB48 was recently chosen as the image character for Haruyama Trading's new "Full Freshers Campaign". Haruyama is a Japanese menswear clothing company, specializing in business suits. The commercial, titled "Handsome men's slim", hopes to attract the "freshers generation" that will enter Japan's workforce soon.

Official website: http://otokomae-slim.jp/
(scheduled to open on February 1st)

The members chosen to participate in the commercial are:
Oshima Yuko, Kashiwagi Yuki, Kitahara Rie, Kojima Haruna, Sashihara Rino, Shinoda Mariko, Takajo Aki, Takahashi Minami, Minegishi Minami, Miyazawa Sae, Yokoyama Yui, Watanabe Mayu

The commercial will feature the 12 members dressed in the suits and walking down a runway, high-fiving each other along the way. They even drastically changed their hairstyles in order to appear more manly. One of the things to watch for is that it's a first-time for most members to show their foreheads, since in most situations they have bangs and that they packed up their smiles to show their "cool" side.

AKB48 previously collaborated with another suits company AOKI back in 2010, but this is the first time the girls ever dressed up in men's attire for a commercial. They hope to appeal to men by expressing Haruyama's brand message, "Come and become a handsome man!"

The suits will have 11 variations, and prices start at 40,950yen.

Additionally, AKB48's upcoming single GIVE ME FIVE! will be used as the theme song for the commercial. It was already filmed last December, and will start airing nationwide from Wednesday, February 1st.

Honestly, instead of making them more manly, I think those hairstyles are horrible. Maybe they should have kept their bangs. Mariko looks okay at least.

SDN48's Final Single Titled [Makeoshimi Congratulation]

Details about SDN48's 5th single has been revealed. Titled [Makeoshimi Congratulation], it will be SDN48's last single before they graduate on March 31st. The release date is March 7th, 2012.

Unlike their previous 4 singles which have a sexy theme, Makeoshimi Congratulation will be SDN48's first and last idol type song. It is about the feelings of a person whose ex-lover gets married; "the 'I' in the song wishes nothing but the best for the ex-lover, to the point where 'I' feel a deep sense of regret"

The single covers will also reflect the idol theme and graduation season, and show the girls wearing school uniforms. The senbatsu members for the single are:

1st Gen: Akita Kazue, Umeda Haruka, Urano Kazumi, Ohori Megumi, Kato Mami, Kouchi Masami, Kohara Haruka, Sato Yukari, Serina, Noro Kayo
2nd Gen: Kimoto Yuki, Fujikoso Yumi

I'll stick to what i said about senbatsu in my post about Kudokinagara. Since this is the final single, there should not be any senbatsu and instead it should show all the members. I just don't get it. Or at least let the 2nd and 3rd gen members finally have a chance at the spotlight. The 3rd gens especially, since they haven't been in the group for long and are now forced to graduate.

Oh yeah, one of the coupling songs in the single is [Ue Kara Natsuko]. Whaaa??

In addition to a farewell single, SDN48 will also release a best-of album on March 14th, the week after. It is currently still Untitled, and it will come in a Regular and Theater version. There aren't any new songs in the album though, basically the album is just a combination of all the songs in SDN48's previous 4 singles.


SDN48 5th Single
Makeoshimi Congratulation
負け惜しみコングラチュレーション
07 March 2012

TYPE A [cover] 1,600yen	[CD] 01. Makeoshimi Congratulation 02. Kurikuri / Undergirls 03. Ue kara Natsuko 04. Makeoshimi Congratulations (off vocal) 05. Kurikuri (off vocal) 06. Ue kara Natsuko (off vocal) [DVD] 01. Makeoshimi Congratulations MUSIC VIDEO 02. Kurikuri MUSIC VIDEO 03. Ue kara Natsuko MUSIC VIDEO 04. Recording and MV Making (Type A version) 05. SDN48 stage 3min video highlight (Type A version)
TYPE B [cover] 1,600yen	[CD] 01. Makeoshimi Congratulation 02. Kurikuri / Undergirls 03. Owaranai Encore 04. Makeoshimi Congratulations (off vocal) 05. Kurikuri (off vocal) 06. Owaranai Encore (off vocal) [DVD] 01. Makeoshimi Congratulations MUSIC VIDEO 02. Kurikuri MUSIC VIDEO 03. Ue kara Natsuko MUSIC VIDEO 04. Recording and MV Making (Type B version) 05. SDN48 stage 3min video highlight (Type B version)
THEATER [cover] 1,600yen	[CD] 01. Makeoshimi Congratulation 02. Kurikuri / Undergirls 03. Ue kara Natsuko 04. Owaranai Encore

Senbatsu - Makeoshimi Congratulation (負け惜しみコングラチュレーション)
1st Gen: Akita Kazue, Umeda Haruka, Urano Kazumi, Ohori Megumi, Kato Mami, Kouchi Masami, Kohara Haruka, Sato Yukari, Serina, Noro Kayo
2nd Gen: Kimoto Yuki, Fujikoso Yumi

Undergirls - Kurikuri (クリクリ)
1st Gen: Kondo Sayaka, Chen Qu, Hatakeyama Chisaki
2nd Gen: Aikawa Yuuki, Akiko, Ito Mana, KONAN, Takahashi Yui, Tsuda Marina, Fukuda Akane
3rd Gen: Kojo Seara, Tojima Hana

Ue Kara Natsuko (上からナツコ)
1st Gen: Imayoshi Megumi, Okouchi Misa, Kaida Juri, Tezuka Machiko, Nachu, Nishikunihara Reiko, Mitsui Hiromi
2nd Gen: Oyama Aimi, Natsuko, Hosoda Miyu, Matsushima Rumi
3rd Gen: Komatani Hitomi, Shinahama Saemi, Siyeon, miray

Owaranai Encore (終わらないアンコール)
All SDN48 members

Because You Were There For Me: Hirajima Natsumi

Hirajima Natsumi's interview article from the Shukan Asahi's interview series [Anata ga Ite Kureta kara]. Because of her resignation from AKB48 last weekend, I set this translation to top priority. Yonezawa Rumi does not have an interview article though.

In this article, Hirajima talks about the difficulties she encountered as a celebrity in a normal high school, and her close friend "Y-chan".

---

A Very Important Friend I Met In A "Normal" High School
Translated by Bernard

For me, there exists a life that is very different from AKB. It is the life I experienced as a high school student at a normal high school.

In order to stay in showbiz and study at the same time, many members chose schools with an emphasis on the entertainment industry or schools that offer distance learning. I decided to enroll in a normal school. Preparing the school festivals with friends, studying for finals, and go after my dreams as an AKB member. These are the days I longed for.

But that sort of wishful thinking was quickly shattered. I had mentally prepared myself for this but it was very hard getting credit in school (*laughs*). My attendance was poor, I barely knew the material...but the real problem was that I stood out like a sore thumb because I was the only one who is in showbiz.

When we were still relatively unknown, older students would come around and tease me; some younger students would deliberately sing our songs in a funny way when walking down the hallway. Of course I know they were joking but it was still unbearable. I thought about transferring. That's when I met Y-chan.

AKB holds general elections to decide leading members on the CD, and I was 26th place during the first election. Classmates congratulated me the next day when I went to school. I am grateful for my fans. I was still not a leading member, which stops at 21st place. I cried all night because I was frustrated by this disappointment. But it's not something I could talk about with my classmates. It's not their fault that I can't talk to them about it, it's because I am the odd one attending a normal school. Whenever I was congratulated, I would fake a smile and say thanks. Y-chan saw this and told me, "What a pity - but no matter where you ranked, you are still you."

Then the dam broke and I cried in front of everyone while holding her.

Since then, Y-chan has been a very close friend of mine. She is great - she understands my circumstances and how I feel about things. She would scold those that came to tease me. When we are walking together after school, she would make sure there are no guys near me. Since AKB became famous, students from other school would wait at the gate of my school and try to get a glimpse, but Y-chan was always with me. Seeing her like this, and have everyone in my class finally understand my circumstances, going to school was finally something to look forward to.

This spring, we parted ways as Y-chan is going into higher education and I am going into showbiz. My 3-year experience as a "normal high school student" is irreplaceable and I will always treasure it. Thanks to Y-chan, I have a very accomplished "real life".

My fans always say, "wow, it's so cool that you can be in AKB and still go to a normal high scool." I am happy to hear this, but the truth is I am not the remarkable one, but it is my close friend (*laughs*). Thank you, Y-chan.

---

This is the only image I could find, which is quite low resolution, but the text has been copied over on this website:
http://blog.livedoor.jp/deepspace009/archives/51973567.html

Yonezawa Rumi and Hirajima Natsumi Scandals

So as you all have heard by now, Yonezawa Rumi and Hirajima Natsumi was caught in a scandal last weekend and subsequently both of them withdrew from AKB48. The previous post regarding this was the announcement. Here we will go into detail about the scandal.

DISCLAIMER: most, if not all, of the information came from 2ch, so please take everything with a grain of salt


So this all started when someone on 2ch posted a thread with the title "I found something incredible" which eventually lead to Yonezawa's private mixi account exposed. According to 2ch posters, these were discovered by Johnnys wotas when combing through Tegoshi's twitter. The ones who are familiar with AKB48 took this information to AKB board and asked if the girl is Yonezawa , and the rest is history.

The first things were screenshots that looked like status updates from Yonezawa's Mixi account. Two of these updates are very important and quite self-explanatory.

1. one of the posts on August 12 said,
"An 'official' sex friend is a boyfriend, and an 'unofficial' sex friend is a lover? I don't like the sound of either! It's 5am and I'm still not asleep because I'm thinking about stupid stuff. Concert in Sendai tomorrow."
Team K did perform in Sendai on August 12. Since she hadn't gone to bed when she posted this at 5am, one can assume that "tomorrow" is really "today", 8/12.

2. the post on August 29 said,
"I've been a lonely girl for 3 weeks. The last time I was a lonely girl was 4 years ago. Maybe it's time to get a boyfriend, but at this point there isn't anyone that I would jump to date, but I really want one..."

Next up was Yonezawa's private twitter account and her yfrog photo album. But they are all defunct by now because the accounts were deleted/deactivated. This is where  Hirajima's name started to come up because she was in some of the photos. Information from her official twitter account (@rumiii0606) matched with responses to her private twitter account, such as a haircut on January 23rd 2012, and photos from Guam just before the March 11 2011 Earthquake.

Then apparently Hirajima also had a private twitter account, and more photos were discovered. Most of the pictures were quite harmless, but one photo in particular showed what was possibly a sleepover with both Hirajima and Yonezawa. This was pretty much the last nail in the coffin.

All while this was unfolding, Yonezawa was still on the flight on the way to Singapore, with no clue to what was happening. Togasaki's twitter account was bombarded with requests for an investigation into the photos.

Yonezawa's last google+ post was also spammed with angry fans, but most of the mean comments was because they were angry she was trying to mislead other girls. It was said that she introduced guys to some SKE48 and NMB48 girls too. A lot of the later comments were like "please don't drag other people down with you".

Everything ended on the early morning hours of the 28th, with Togasaki's post on the AKB48 Official Blog. Both girls have sent in their resignations and Producer Akimoto Yasushi approved of them.
They will still attend the AKB48 handshake event on February 5th, which will be their last event under AKB.


At 6am Akimoto Yasushi wrote a post on his google+ account
https://plus.google.com/113474433041552257864/posts/XzUNoNL9jnY

We had an unfortunate announcement.
After discussing with the members involved, their managers and staff members, I approved the decision.

I don't want to put extra blame on them. If they were normal students, this would not have been a problem.
However, they are members of AKB48, and must abide by the AKB48 rules.
"But then how about that other member?"
Some will surely identify other members with rumors.
But how many yellow cards / warnings do you think their managers and our staff members gave?

They only violated AKB48 rules, and not rules of the society. It seems like they intend to stay in the showbiz even after leaving AKB48, so I will keep giving them my support.

And another at 8am
https://plus.google.com/113474433041552257864/posts/fukLcyCKY1f

I have diligently read everyone's comments. As Executive Producer, I have to apologize for my negligence/carelessness about this matter. I feel that they will need an opportunity to address this to the fans directly.

Please allow me to talk about something unrelated for a moment.

In one of the past auditions, there was a girl who sang well. She had a charismatic voice and had the right attitude. I was unsure until the very end, but I rejected her. I really thought I did the right thing. I believed that I was not able to fully utilize her talents.

But then she met Kobayashi Takeshi, who is the producer for Mr. Children and debuted.
She is Salyu. She probably would not have sold many records had I been the producer. I think she sells well now because she teamed up with Kobayashi.

Does AKB48 have future Salyus?
I am always anxious about this.
Are there members who will do better if I am not the producer?
This is why I am proactively working with outsiders [lit: external creators], leaving the casting for music videos, dramas, movies and TV shows to them.

AKB48 is not everything.
Producer Akimoto Yasushi is not everything.

I am going to talk with both members, see where their talents will blossom and help them get there.

At 9am Togasaki wrote a post on his Google+ account
https://plus.google.com/103388469578205010447/posts/ZcT6koUDsR8

Last night we were busy until the wee hours and couldn't really get any sleep after the announcement.

Since I started working on this project, we've occasionally had to make these sudden but necessary announcements. What happened was both regrettable and frustrating.

It's not just the members. We have said many times before that fans who break rules or behave poorly will be banned. Even if a fan was having a great conversation in my office, he/she would be asked to leave and banned from the theater immediately if he/she behaved improperly.

[I am not sure how to translate this next sentence
その時感じるこのやりきれない思い. maybe "This is just too much"?
If anyone knows please help :)]

All these encounters and departures have made AKB48 who they are today.
They definitely have learned something from what happened yesterday.

We have received a lot of messages from worried fans wanting to know what will happen to those 2 members - we would like to thank you for the messages.

We understand that many of you want to know what will happen to their personal careers more than the impact on AKB48.

With regards to the 2 members, who are 1st and 3rd generation, they had enough courage [lit: guts] coming into AKB48 not knowing where it will lead [lit: not knowing where the AKB48 boat will sail to].
During their time in AKB48, they experienced all sorts of happy and sad things together as friends.
And during times like these, there are a lot of fans who are worried about them.
The staff, just like everyone else, will keep lending their support to these two.

They have courage, friends, and experience.

These are assets that no one can take away from them.

So we think they will be fine wherever they go.
[this actually is a very warm statement but just sounds cold in English]

So long as they do not forget these assets, we have faith in them that things will be ok.

We ask you to keep supporting both AKB48 and the 2 of them.

Now I'm at the end of the post - with regards to their handshake events, we will announce them when we figure something out.

Then at 3pm Togasaki posted both on the blog and his google+ account about the resignations
http://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/page-10.html#main

Here I will explain the circumstances of the sudden resignation announcements of Hirajima Natsumi and Yonezawa Rumi, since many fans are asking to know more.

It started when a private photo was discovered online. The photo was the result of an AKB member's inconsideration and bad judgment.

We were told of this incident by fans and when we investigated, both admitted to breaking AKB48 rules; they are very sorry that they have made a huge mess by taking photos of potentially compromising situations, and that they caused concern/worry among their fans.

They then tendered their resignations from AKB48, and the management announced earlier that their resignation requests are accepted/approved.

They both will attend the handshake event on Feb 5th and greet their fans directly, and this will be their last event under AKB48.

[Singapore] 28 January AKB48 Concert Set List + Impressions

AKB48 performed their 6th stage concert in at the AKB48 Singapore Theater in Singapore last night. Here's the concert set list, as well as my thoughts about the concert below.


AKB48 Singapore Theater VOL. 11
AKB48 6th Stage in Singapore
28 January 2012 (Saturday)

Team A: Katayama Haruka, Kuramochi Asuka, Nakata Chisato, Nakaya Sayaka, Matsubara Natsumi.
Team K: Uchida Mayumi, Umeda Ayaka, Tanabe Miku, Nito Moeno, Nonaka Misato
Team B: Sato Amina, Sato Natsuki, Suzuki Shiori, Suzuki Mariya, Masuda Yuka
* Yonezawa Rumi did not participate in the concert

M00 - Overture
M01 - Everyday, Kachuusha
M02 - Aitakatta
M03 - Iiwake Maybe
-----MC1-----
M04 - Hajimete no Jellybeans (Suzuki Shihori, Suzuki Mariya, Sato Natsuki)
M05 - Junjou Shugi (Katayama Haruka, Nakaya Sayaka, Nakata Chisato)
M06 - Dakishimeraretara (Sato Amina, Matsubara Natsumi, Umeda Ayaka)
M07 - Kataomoi no Taikakusen (Nito Moeno, Katayama Haruka, Tanabe Miku)
M08 - Kioku no Dilemma (Kuramochi Asuka, Masuda Yuka, Nonaka Misato, Uchida Mayumi)
-----MC2-----
M09 - River
M10 - Beginner
M11 - Ponytail to Shushu
M12 - Hikoukigumo

-----ENCORE-----
M13 - Flying Get
M14 - Kaze wa Fuiteiru
M15 - Heavy Rotation
-----END-----

Announcement
AKB48 Singapore Theater VOL. 12
SDN48 3rd Stage in Singapore
17 February 2012 (Friday)

Photo taken by Sato Natsuki https://plus.google.com/102181587900817571440/posts/UeJvxCtE4Dz

---

Sorry this took some time. A lot of things happened last weekend and I'm still trying to recover from it. Where do I start...

As you guys probably know by now, news about Yonezawa Rumi's scandal was uncovered on the afternoon of the 27th, while they were still on the flight to Singapore. And in the wee hours of the 28th, it was announced on the AKB48 Official blog that Yonechan and Nacchan will graduate from the group immediately. And in the morning, AKB48 Singapore confirmed that Yonechan will not be performing at the concert later that day.

The concert was quite awkward because the members still performing had to hide their feelings about Yonechan during their concert. They couldn't mention anything about her either. The show had to go on.

And because there was only 15 members performing, for some of the song choreography there was an empty space between the members. Or like in Ponytail to Shushu there was a move where all of them were split into pairs and danced around each other, but one of the girls would not have a pair. It was during times like that where my mind snaps back and thinks about Yonechan.

Aside from all the gloomyness, overall it's a great concert, but all the unit songs they have performed previously. In fact the whole group songs setlist (M01-03, M09-15) was exactly the same as the previous AKB concert in Singapore on November 20th last year. Some change would be nice, maybe they could perform some of their coupling songs from the singles, or other unit songs/group songs from their current stages.

Photos taken by @mirurun48, click for bigger size.

The next AKB48 Singapore Theater concert will be SDN48's 3rd and last concert in Singapore. It will be held on February 17th (Friday). All SDN48 members will graduate on the end of March so don't miss this concert. The participating members have already been announced.

1st gen: Kouchi Masami, Kohara Haruka, Kondo Sayaka, Sato Yukari, Serina, Chen Qu, Nishikunihara Reiko
2nd gen: Aikawa Yuki, Kimoto Yuki, Fujikoso Yumi
3rd gen: Kojo Seara, Shinahama Saemi

More details will be announced later on AKB48 Singapore facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/akb48singapore

Yonezawa Rumi and Hirajima Natsumi leaves AKB48

Yonezawa Rumi of Team K and Hirajima Natsumi of Team B will be quitting AKB48 with immediate effect.

Japanese fans uncovered a scandal involving Yonezawa's use of a private twitter which also led to the discovery of Hirajima's private twitter. Tweets and photos from their accounts showed that both have been in relationships during their time in AKB48.

In less than 24 hours since the news began to spread online, the decision was swiftly made that both would be leaving AKB48. The official statement is that both requested to quit.

Both Yonezawa and Hirajima's Google Plus accounts attracted a substantial amount of hate messages which may have led to this swift decision. The blog post from theater manager Togasaki came at the wee hours of the morning which shows how serious this is.

This is the official statement, with messages from both girls:
(Translated by Aikyi @ Everyday48 forums)

Notice

Today, concerning Hirajima Natsumi and Yonezawa Rumi

They have stated, "We want to stop all activities as a part of AKB48"

This is a very sudden announcement, so I apologize from my heart.

Below are their messages that they would like to send to their fans.

I, Hirajima Natsumi, at this time has decided to
retire from AKB48 and Watarirouka Hashiritai.
I'm sorry for the sudden announcement.

For causing everyone trouble, I'm really deeply sorry.
To everyone who has always cheered me on, the members,
the staff and anyone related to AKB48, I'm really sorry.

Although I'm separating from AKB48 and Watarirouka Hashiritai,
from now on as Hirajima Natsumi, so that one day I can meet and be
supported by everyone again, I will do my best.
I'm really sorry.

Hirajima Natsumi

---

Yonezawa Rumi

I, Yonezawa Rumi
Today I have decided to stop my activities with AKB48.

For the sudden announcement, I'm sorry.

Right now I'm filled with thanks and apologies to everyone
who has supported me up until now.

Thank you very much for these 5 years.
They were 5 years of being constantly supported by everyone.

This time, as an individual I will continue to pursue entertainment activities.

To the members,
To all the fans,
To AKB48,
for causing all of you trouble,
I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry.


That is the end of their messages.

For handshake events and other planned events,
they will be addressed at a later date.

Original blog post here.


Both girls have been in AKB48 for such a long time that it feels crazy that suddenly we'll be left without them... Granted, they didn't exactly get much work within the group, but it just feels weird... And I really really like them. I mean, I know it's the right decision, but I wish they could stay on no matter what. This is really unfortunate.

The Next Big Push: Mitsumune Kaoru?

Last night, Shinoda Mariko posted the above image on her Google+ and blog. It's a behind-the-scenes shot from one of AKB48's new CMs. In the picture are (right to left) Itano Tomomi, Maeda Atsuko, Shinoda Mariko, Kojima Haruna and 13th generation Kenkyuusei member Mitsumune Kaoru.

Blog Link: http://blog.mariko-shinoda.net/article/248706869.html

The details of the CM are still secret, but it will feature those above 5 members. Also in line from her is a solo gravure shoot and will even be on the cover of the magazine!

Is Mitsumune Kaoru the next Komori Mika or Yokoyama Yui? The wotasphere has been alive since last night regarding this, and the response is mostly positive. I honestly think she already is!

Here's some more information about her:

Mitsumune Kaoru made her debut stage performance at AKB48's Kouhaku Taikou Uta Gassen concert last year, singing Heart Gata Virus together with Team 4's Shimazaki Haruka and Yamauchi Suzuran. Yet she didn't show any signs of nervousness and even knew how to excite the crowd.

Her mixi ranking is 1,811 (as of January 23, credit to YKT), which is already more than half of the girls in AKB48. Already she ranks higher than members like Katayama Haruka, who have been in AKB for more than 5 years.

She also took part in the Kobe Collection in Shanghai last year, after winning the first place in a modeling competition, and has modeled alongside some of Japan's top models like Hasegawa Jun. See video below for more.



So what do you think about her?

I think she has a nice cool beauty character and after seeing her stunning performance in Kouhaku, I am already expecting much from her. She already has a lot of experience in the entertainment industry, so she knows how to handle herself. I have no doubt that she will go far in AKB.

All 109 Google+ Heyakko Will Get Their Own Profiles

Good news for you Gugutasu (Google+) users! All "Heyakko" members will now have their own Google+ profiles!

Previously, Google+'s age policy restricted it to being used only by AKB48, SK4E48, NMB48 and HKT48 members over 18-years-old. All the underaged members (13-18) could still use Google+ however, but only through a "Heyakko" (kids room) account.

But this was quite troublesome as there are about 40+ underaged members in AKB48 all sharing the Heyakko account. This meant that if you wanted to find a post from a particular member, you had to go through the endless scrolling of doom.

But now, All 109 Heyakko members of AKB48, SKE48, NMB48 and HKT48 will get their own profiles! Yay! This comes after Google+ recently changed their terms to allow teenagers (13+) to use it just yesterday.

This is such a lifesaver. And time saver too. I seriously HATE endless scrolling, and finding my oshimen's post among all the Heyakko posts is such a pain. I wonder why they took so long to implement this though. Restricting Google+ to people over 18 doesn't make any sense.

Right now, only AKB48 Heyakko has made their profile pages, but we can expect SKE , NMB and HKT to join in soon.

NOTE: Members below 13-years-old will not have Google+ accounts due to the age policy.

https://plus.google.com/u/0/117147321771860727748/posts/Hwr7Ab2zGg2

Until now, some of young members have been able to post to Google+
only via the "Heyakko" (age 13-17) page...

…but as of today,
every single one of the 109 members of AKB48/SKE48/NMB48/HKT48
(age 13-17) will have their very own Google+ profile!

Add this circle,
and you'll get to see updates of newly joined AKB48 members
in your stream!

Please enjoy.


The AKB48 Management Team

Because You Were There for Me: Watanabe Mayu

From Shukan Asahi's interview series, Watanabe Mayu talks about her mother. Looks like robots have feelings too!~

---

The Text That Got Back My Bond with My Mother
Translated by mammothb

I passed the AKB audition when I was in year 6 of elementary school. During that time, I was close to being a shut-in. In school, I was the "ghost" in class, and when I return home, I immediately watch anime on my computer and draw various illustrations, I was fully into the 2D world. Even when we are having meals together as a family, I didn't talk to them...... I continued living this way for 2 years. I also knew of AKB through the net. At first my mother disapproved of me joining showbiz, but after realizing that this could make me become more outdoorish and active, she approved of my decision in the end.

After joining AKB, my mother started doing something new, texting with cellphone. It's hard to talk on the phone during work, and first of all I am not really good with chatting on the phone. To me, texting is better. That's why my mother started texting, in order to make up for all the lost chances of conversion with me during that 2 years...... I would text my mother more than 10 times a day, thanks to that, my mother and I were able to communicated with each other again, until just a few days ago......

I wrote on my blog that my mother was practicing dancing. That caused an unexpected quarrel between me and my mother...... My mother texted me, "I'm so scared of Mayu's blog that I dare not look at it anymore." I wrote it as a joke, thinking that it would be a good topic for fans to talk about. I snapped, why did my mother have to be so angry? After removing that post from my blog, I texted her back, "I've already removed it, you happy now?" After that, there were several texts and calls from my mother, but I ignored all of them...... They became bothersome. What I was feeling then couldn't be easily explained in just a couple of words through texts or calls. So I didn't know how to reply her texts. When I saw the text saying, "When are you coming back?" I became very depressed. I replied, "I'm staying over at Harugon's(Nakagawa Haruka) house." and switched off my phone. In the end, I ended up staying over at Harugon's house.

The next day's morning, as I'm bad at waking up, I waited for my mother to burst into the room to wake me up, but my mother wasn't around. I felt a little lonely...... Thinking about it, there were times when I quarreled with my mother and left the house feeling irritated. But when I board the train, I received a text from my mother. I opened up that text. It said, "Sorry for being angry with you just now. I thought that you might miss your train, so I just snapped. I understand that your job is tough. All the best for today!" I'm sure she wrote that so that I could be able to adjust my feelings during the train ride. Thanks to that, I was able to carry out my work for that day with good mood. Though I wanted to rebel, but being alone made want to read my mother's text. After thinking really hard for my sake, these words resounded in my heart. Even more ernest than normal conversation, these words warmed my heart. Even so I ran away from home and sleepover outside...... Thinking about how worried my mother could have been makes my heart ache.

I want to apologize to my mother. And I want to tell her that I'll be returning home immediately after work today. But as I'm not really good with making phone calls, so I shall think hard about the words I want to say and type out the text. But I've already decided what the last sentence will be. "Thank you for always sending these texts filled with kindness."

---

Watanabe Mayu Solo Single [Synchro Tokimeki] Covers Revealed

Another late post delayed by Chinese New Year. More backlog expected tonight.

The cover art for Watanabe Mayu's debut single [Synchro Tokimeki] has been revealed! The single will come in four different versions: three limited and one regular. See the covers below.

As per the style on her solo website, the covers are really lovely and girly!  They feature Mayuyu in four different styles: "Idol Mayuyu", "Stylish Mayuyu", "Natural Mayuyu" and "Usa Shijimi". The last version features her as the 38-year-old teacher who she plays in her drama Sabadoru. By the way, Synchro Tokimeki is also the theme song for the drama.

My personal favorite cover is probably the Idol version (because girly tophats and pretty dress makes for awesome), but I find the picture with the bun really cute too. Usa Shijimi just looks kind of... scary... but I guess cross-promotion is always good?

Unfortunately at this point of time there has been no other word about the single tracklist. However the ending theme of Sabadoru is [Saba no Kanzume] (サバの缶詰) which could be one of the coupling songs of the single.

Limited A, Limited B

Limited C, Regular version

PREVIOUS:
Watanabe Mayu solo debut in February with [Synchro Tokimeki]

NMB48 3rd Single [Junjou U-19] updates

Some updates regarding NMB48's upcoming 3rd single [Junjou U-19]. It's pronounced "junjou under nineteen" by the way.

Earlier in the month we posted the incomplete tracklist for Junjou U-19. Well now the full tracklist has already been released, revealing the 2 untitled songs. Track 2 is titled [Baatari GO!] and it will be sung by the Undergirls.

Undergirls - Baatari GO! (場当たりGO！)
Team N: Shinohara Kanna, Yamaguchi Yuuki
Team M: Ota Riona, Kawakami Rena, Kodakari Yuuka, Takano Yui, Tanigawa Airi, Hikawa Ayame, Fujita Runa, Mita Mao, Murakami Ayaka, Murase Sae, Yamagishi Natsumi
Kenkyuusei: Okita Ayaka, Koyanagi Arisa, Yamamoto Hitomi, Azuma Yuki, Ishida Yuumi, Uno Mizuki, Okada Risako, Koga Narumi, Sato Sorai, Nakagawa Hiromi, Nishizawa Rurina, Hayashi Momoka, Hara Mizuki

No actually the full tracklist was revealed some time ago, but I wanted to wait for Team M members to be announced before I publish this post.

Anyway the final untitled song on the Theater version is a solo song by Yamamoto Sayaka titled [Jungle Gym].
So the first solo song in NMB48 goes to Sayanee. Well she is a great singer and all but I didn't expect it so quickly. SKE48 only got their first solo song on their second original stage. The song is titled Jungle Gym, which sounds quite energetic, but it's actually a mid tempo ballad song as requested by Sayanee in a conversation with Yasusu on Google+.


[Junjou U-19] will release on February 8th, 2012.

NMB48 3rd Single
Junjou U-19
純情U-19
08 February 2012

TYPE A 1,600yen	[CD] 01. Junjou U-19 02. Baatari GO! / Undergirls 03. Doryoku no Shizuku / Shirogumi 04. Junjou U-19  (off vocal ver.) 05.  Baatari GO! / Undergirls  (off vocal ver.) 06. Doryoku no Shizuku / Shirogumi  (off vocal ver.) [DVD] 01. Junjou U-19  (Music Video) 02. Doryoku no Shizuki / Shirogumi  (Music Video) 03. Junjou U-19  (Music Video Dancing Version) 04. 1st NMB48 Kouhaku Taikou Cooking Competition (Preliminary)
TYPE B 1,600yen	[CD] 01. Junjou U-19 02. Baatari GO! / Undergirls 03. Migi he Magare / Akagumi 04. Junjou U-19  (off vocal ver.) 05.  Baatari GO! / Undergirls  (off vocal ver.) 06. Doryoku no Shizuku / Shirogumi  (off vocal ver.) [DVD] 01. Junjou U-19  (Music Video) 02.  Migi he Magare / Akagumi  (Music Video) 03. Junjou U-19  (Music Video Dancing Version) 04. 1st NMB48 Kouhaku Taikou Cooking Competition (Final)
TYPE C 1,600yen	[CD] 01. Junjou U-19 02. Baatari GO! / Undergirls 03. Renai no Speed / NMB Seven 04. Junjou U-19 (off vocal ver.) 05. Baatari GO! / Undergirls (off vocal ver.) 06. Doryoku no Shizuku / Shirogumi (off vocal ver.) [DVD] 01. Junjou U-19 (Music Video) 02. Junjou U-19 (Music Video Dancing Version) 03. NMB feat. Yoshimoto Shin Kigeki Vol.2 04. Junjou U-19 (Making)
Theater ver 1,000yen	[CD] 01. Junjou U-19 02. Baatari GO! 03. Doryoku no Shizuku / Shirogumi 04. Junjou U-19 (off vocal ver.) 05. Jungle Gym / Yamamoto Sayaka 06. Doryoku no Shizuku / Shirogumi (off vocal ver.)

Senbatsu - Junjou U-19 (純情U-19)
Team N: Yamamoto Sayaka, Watanabe Miyuki, Yamada Nana, Fukumoto Aina, Ogasawara Mayu, Jonishi Kei, Shiroma Miru, Kadowaki Kanako, Kondo Rina, Kotani Riho, Kinoshita Haruna, Kishino Rika
Team M: Jo Eriko, Kinoshita Momoka, Yagura Fuuko, Yogi Keira

Shirogumi - Doryoku no Shizuku (努力の雫)
Team N: Yamamoto Sayaka, Yamada Nana, Ogasawara Mayu, Kadowaki Kanako, Kinoshita Haruna, Kishino Rika, Shinohara Kanna
Team M: Jo Eriko, Yogi Keira, Kodakari Yuka, Yamagishi Natsumi
Kenkyuusei: Okita Ayaka

Akagumi - Migi he Magare (努力の雫)
Team N: Watanabe Miyuki, Fukumoto Aina, Jonishi Kei, Shinoma Miru, Kondo Rina, Kotani Riho, Yamaguchi Yuuki
Team M: Kinoshita Momoka, Yagura Fuuko, Hikawa Ayame, Murakami Ayaka, Tanigawa Airi

NMB Seven - Renai no Speed (恋愛のスピード)
Team N: Yamamoto Sayaka, Watanabe Miyuki, Yamada Nana, Ogasawara Mayu, Fukumoto Aina, Jonishi Kei
Team M: Jo Eriko

Yamamoto Sayaka - Jungle Gym (ジャングルジム)
Team N: Yamamoto Sayaka

NMB48 Team M Announced, Shimada Rena Captain

NMB48's Team M was formed this evening, January 26th. The 16 member of Team M are as follows.

NMB48 Team M
<1st gen>
Ota Riona
Kawakami Rena
Kinoshita Momoka
Hikawa Ayame
Yamagishi Natsumi
<2nd gen>
Kodakari Yuuka
Shimada Rena
Jo Eriko
Takano Yui
Tanigawa Airi
Fujita Runa
Mita Mao
Murakami Ayaka
Murase Sae
Yagura Fuuko
Yogi Keira

Congratulations to all the girls who made it into Team M!
The captain of Team M has also been announced. As expected, she is Shimada Rena. Now her promotion to Captain of 2nd Gen Kenkyuusei earlier this month totally doesn't make sense at all.

Of the girls in the newly formed Team M, Jo Eriko, Kinoshita Momoka, Yagura Fuuko and Yogi Keira are senbatsu members for NMB48's upcoming single Junjou U-19.

The NMB48 Profile page has also been updated to show the Team M members, and they now have new profile pictures to boot! I'm really liking the new pictures. They are much better than the original, which were truly horrible for some members and don't do them any justice.
http://www.nmb48.com/member/

But there's only 16 available spots in Team M, so not all members could be promoted. Those members that did not manage to get promoted to Team M are:

Not promoted
1st Gen: Okita Ayaka, Koyanagi Arisa, Hara Mizuki
2nd gen: Azuma Yuuki, Ishida Yuumi, Uno Mizuki, Koga Narumi, Sato Sorai, Nakagawa Hiromi Nishizawa Rurina, Hayashi Momoka, Yamamoto Hitomi

It's sad to see NMB48 1st gens still stuck in Kenkyuusei. I was hoping for all the 1st gens to be promoted. Among them is my Kenkyuusei oshi Koyanagi Arisa. I guess I will be waiting for her in Team BII? However long it might take. Don't give up girls!

NMB48's Yoshida Akari Returns from Suspension

On January 24th's Team N show at the NMB48 Theater, the voting results for Yoshida Akari's return to the group was finally revealed.

Yoshida Akari
Approve: 6,821
Disapprove: 873

Yoshida Akari has got more than 50% approved votes, and can now return to NMB48! Congratulations! She has already started practices and will return to the stage on mid-February.

Akarin voluntarily suspended herself from NMB48 activities on September last year, together with Matsuda Shiori. At least that's what the official blog says, Whether there a another reason for the suspension is not known. Some people say it was so she could concentrate on her exams.

I'm glad this is finally over and she's back to NMB48 now. Really have been missing her. Welcome back!

PREVIOUS:
NMB48 Fan Voting for Yoshida Akari's Return
Shimada Rena and Matsuda Shiori return to NMB48

SKE48 8th Single [Kataomoi Finally] 1st Day Sales

Sorry for the lack of updates, been really busy with Chinese New Year festivities.

SKE48's 8th single [Kataomoi Finally] hit the charts today, landing in the #1 position in Oricon and selling 285,467 copies on it's first sales day!

Ranking in 2nd and 3rd respectively are Kim Hyun Joong's [KISS KISS / Lucky Guy] with 71,821 copies sold, and Morning Musume's [Pyoko Pyoko Ultra] with 11,074 copies sold. Sales are good and there's a nice big gap so SKE48 is guaranteed to take the top spot for the 1st week sales charts too.

But comparing Kataomoi Finally's first day sales to that of their previous single, Pareo wa Emerald sold 283k copies for it's first day. An increase in sales of just 2k.

It seems like their sales are stabilizing around 250k to 300k. Oki Doki sold 264k copies on it's first day. I honestly was quite hopeful for this single breaking the 300k first day sales mark. Has SKE48 reached their peak? Or do you think that the theme of this single is just not the right for them? It is quite a taboo subject after all.

Well SKE48 will appear on MUSIC STATION this Friday, January 27th, so maybe sales will pick up afterwards. It's their first ever appearance on MUSIC STATION by themselves, so big congratulations to them.

[AKB48 Unit Matsuri] Concert Setlist

AKB48's Unit Matsuri Concert took place today (January 23rd) at the Tokyo Dome City Hall.

The Unit Matsuri (Unit Festival) was created this year in response to the large number of subunit songs taking up a big number of positions at the Request Hour 2011 concert last year. And it seems to have worked! Looking at the set list of Request Hour 2012, a good number of old stage songs definitely wouldn't have ranked if not for this.

A total of 33 songs was performed today, including a few shuffles. Here's the set list.


AKB48 Unit Matsuri
AKBユニット祭り

Date: 23 January 2012
Venue: Tokyo Dome City Hall
Time: 18:30 (17:30 entrance)

Set list
Kage-ana: Oshima Yuko

M01. Senaka kara Dakishimete (Kojima Haruna, Shinoda Mariko, Takahashi Minami, Maeda Atsuko, Itano Tomomi, Oshima Yuko, Kashiwagi Yuki, Watanabe Mayu)
-----MC01-----
M02 - Mujineki (Iwasa Misaki)
M03 - Tsuki no Uragawa (DiVA)
M04 - Shuumatsu Not yet (Not yet)
M05 - Naminori Kakigoori (Not yet)
-----MC02-----

M06 - Dear J (Itano Tomomi)
M07 - Kakkowarui I love you (French Kiss)
M08 - Saisho no Mail (French Kiss)
-----MC03-----
M09 - Sweet & Bitter (Sashihara Rino, Shinoda Mariko, Takahashi Minami, Maeda Atsuko, Itano Tomomi, Oshima Yuko)
M10 - Hetappi Wink (Watarirouka Hashiritai 7)
M11 - Kanpeki Guu~ no ne (Watarirouka Hashiritai 7)
-----MC04-----
M12 - Soredemo Suki Dayo (Sashihara Rino)
-----MC05-----
M13 - Kimi shika (No Sleeves)
M14 - Relax! (No Sleeves)
M15 - Kuroi Tenshi (Kimoto Kanon, Matsui Jurina, Takayanagi Akane)
M16 - Wimbledon e Tsureteitte (Kato Rena, Shimazaki Haruka, Iriyama Anna)
M17 - Skirt, Hirari (Ichikawa Miori, Oba Mina, Takeuchi Miyu, Nagao Mariya, Yamauchi Suzuran, Kawaei Rina, Iwata Karen)
M18 - Kuchi Utsushi no Chocolate (Watanabe Miyuki, Yamamoto Sayaka, Jo Eriko)
M19 - Itoshisa no Accel (Matsui Jurina)
M20 - Ue Kara Mariko (Shinoda Mariko, Fujie Reina, Minegishi Minami, Kobayashi Marina, Akimoto Sayaka, Oya Shizuka, Maeda Ami, Sato Sumire, Umeda Ayaka, Kasai Tomomi, Kojima Haruna, Yamauchi Suzuran, Kitahara Rie, Katayama Haruka, Kuramochi Asuka, Yokoyama Yui)
-----MC06-----
M21 - Synchro Tokimeki (Watanabe Mayu)
M22 - Fui ni (Itano Tomomi)
M23 - Lost the way (DiVA)
M24 - Kibou Sanmyaku (Watarirouka Hashiritai 7)
M25 - Kuchibiru furezu... (No3b)
M26 - Pedicure Day (No3b)
M27 - Pera Pera Perao (Not yet)
-----MC07-----
M28 - Flower (Maeda Atsuko)
-----MC08-----

-----ENCORE-----
EN01 - GIVE ME FIVE! (live band version)
-----MC08-----
EN02 - Flying Get
EN03 - Kaze wa Fuiteiru
EN04 - Everyday, Kachuusha
EN05 - Heavy Rotation
-----END-----

Looks like quite a good set list. Sadly there wasn't a live stream of the concert, so we are only left with our own imaginations.

What I'm surprised about is why Ue kara Mariko was in the set list. As far as I know it is definitely not a unit song. I can understand single songs being in the encore, but not in the main part please.

The shuffle songs were a nice inclusion too, though I can't really agree with some of the member placings. Kimoto Kanon in Kuroi Tenshi? Isn't she way too young for that? Also Jo Eriko does not fit Kuchi Utsushi no Chocolate at all. She is just not capable of sexy. I am extremely excited with Jurina's version of Itoshisa no Accel. I can't wait for the DVD!

AKB48 25th Single [GIVE ME FIVE] Covers + Baby Blossom

Yesterday on January 22nd at the AKB48 Request hour 2012 concert, you saw AKB48 perform a live band version of their upcoming 25th single [GIVE ME FIVE!].

The band, created just for GIVE ME FIVE! , is named [Baby Blossom]. Except for a few, most of them do not have prior experience playing instruments. They have been training in secret for the past 5 months to prepare for their first performance yesterday

Lead Guitar: Takahashi Minami
Rhythm Guitar: Maeda Atsuko
Bass: Oshima Yuko
Drum: Kashiwagi Yuki
Keyboards: Kojima Haruna, Watanabe Mayu
Trumpets: Yokoyama Yui, Matsui Rena
Trombone: Sashihara Rino, Minegishi Minami
Percussion: Matsui Jurina, Shinoda Mariko, Itano Tomomi
Backing Vocals: Miyazawa Sae, Kitahara Rie, Takajo Aki, Kasai Tomomi, Yamamoto Sayaka

This is not the first time AKB48 has played their own instruments for their songs. Well not exactly.
the song [Tomo yo] from Team K's 3rd Stage was performed with a live band too, and [Idol no Yoake] from Team B's 4th Stage was performed à la marching band.

Currently there is no word if GIVE ME FIVE! will be performed with a live band at all their performances.



And today, the covers of GIVE ME FIVE! have been unveiled and the members are seen in their Baby Blossom persona. The monochromic members on a contrasting colored background gives the covers a retro rock 'n' roll feel.

Check out the covers below! You can click the images to see them at their full size.


AKB48 25th Single
GIVE ME FIVE!
15 February 2012

TYPE A [Limited] Type A [Regular] 1,600yen	[CD] 01. GIVE ME FIVE! 02. Sweet & Bitter (Selection 6) 03. NEW SHIP (Special Girls A) 04. GIVE ME FIVE! off vocal ver. 05. Sweet & Bitter off vocal ver. 06. NEW SHIP off vocal ver. [DVD] 01. GIVE ME FIVE! Music Video 02. Sweet & Bitter Music Video 03. NEW SHIP Music Video 04. GIVE ME FIVE! Making part 1 05. Beautiful MIX Lecture
TYPE B [Limited] Type B [Regular] 1,600yen	[CD] 01. GIVE ME FIVE! 02. Sweet & Bitter (Selection 6) 03. Hitsujikai no Tabi (Special Girls B) 04. GIVE ME FIVE! off vocal ver. 05. Sweet & Bitter off vocal ver. 06. Hitsujikai no Tabi off vocal ver [DVD] 01. GIVE ME FIVE! Music Video 02. Sweet & Bitter Music Video 03. Hitsujikai no Tabi Music Video 04. GIVE ME FIVE! Making part 2 05. Beautiful Overture & Encore Lecture
Theater Edition 1,000yen	01. GIVE ME FIVE! 02. Sweet and Bitter (Selection6) 03. Jung ya Freud no Baai (Special Girls C) 04. GIVE ME FIVE! off vocal. 05. Sweet and Bitter off vocal. 06. Jung ya Freud no Baai off vocal.

Senbatsu - GIVE ME FIVE!
Team A: Kojima Haruna, Sashihara Rino, Shinoda Mariko, Takajo Aki, Takahashi Minami, Maeda Atsuko
Team K: Itano Tomomi, Oshima Yuko, Minegishi Minami, Miyazawa Sae, Yokoyama Yui
Team B: Kasai Tomomi, Kashiwagi Yuki, Kitahara Rie, Watanabe Mayu
SKE48 Team S: Matsui Jurina, Matsui Rena
NMB48 Team N: Yamamoto Sayaka

Selection 6 - Sweet & Bitter (スイート＆ビター)
Team A: Sashihara Rino, Shinoda Mariko, Takahashi Minami, Maeda Atsuko
Team K: Itano Tomomi, Oshima Yuko

Special Girls A - NEW SHIP
Team B: Sato Sumire
Team 4: Ichikawa Miori, Iriyama Anna, Shimazaki Haruka, Yamauchi Suzuran
Kenkyuusei: Iwata Karen, Kato Rena, Kawaei Rina, Takahashi Juri, Tano Yuka
SKE48 Team S: Kizaki Yuria, Matsui Jurina
SKE48 Team E: Kimoto Kanon
NMB48 Team N: Watanabe Miyuki
HKT48: Kodama Haruka
JKT48: Melody Nurramdhani Laksani

Special Girls B - Hitsujikai no Tabi (羊飼いの旅)
Team A: Iwasa Misaki, Ota Aika, Katayama Haruka, Kuramochi Asuka, Kojima Haruna, Takajo Aki
Team K: Akimoto Sayaka, Umeda Ayaka, Kikuchi Ayaka, Fujie Reina, Matsui Sakiko, Minegishi Minami, Miyazawa Sae, Yokoyama Yui
Team B: Kasai Tomomi, Kashiwagi Yuki, Kitahara Rie, Sato Amina, Masuda Yuka, Watanabe Mayu
Team 4: Shimada Haruka, Nagao Mariya
SKE48 Team S: Matsui Rena
SKE48 Team KII: Takayanagi Akane