MELOS no Michi

Idols, Chocolates and Valentine's Day

2012-02-02T19:51:00.001+09:00

It's almost Valentine's Day again. If you were to receive chocolates from your oshimen, ever wondered how it will look like? A collaboration between NMB48 X Pocky, you can now see the deco-pocky designed by members of NMB48.

Here are the designs for the pocky:

There will also be limited edition wallpaper set to be revealed on 08 February 2012, be sure to check out the site then! And you can also check out the photos of members making the chocolate at the site itself, http://pocky.jp/event/nmb48/index.html

*In case you don't know, giri chocolates are those you give to people who are just friends, colleagues and have no deeper meaning. Honmei chocolates are those you give to those you like, usually to a boyfriend level, or girlfriend if you swing that way :/

NMB48 will also be holding a Valentine's Day Special Handshake Event on the 18 February 2012 at ZEPP OSAKA. On that day, fans will be able to receive a "Pocky Valentine Original Package" from the members. Each member only have 90 of these packages so the fans will be assigned a random member and they won't get to choose beforehand. But this makes it all the more exciting...right?

French Kiss is giving away signed tumblers for Valentine's Day. In a Valentine's Day event organized by WatanabeGirls, the talent agency in charge of French Kiss, subscribers to its official mobile site or iPhone app can take part in the lucky draw and stand to win tumblers signed by French Kiss and other girls under the same agency, such as Sato Natsuki and Oya Shizuka. There will also be subscriber-only contents, such as wallpaper and flash-based handphone wallpaper during the Valentine's Day period. You can find the link to sign up at the event site, http://www.we-girls.jp/valentine2012/

Here's a AKB48 X 7&i collaboration for Valentine's. As seen in the CM above, among the 3 chocolates which are from the same package, only one is bitter(honmei)* and the rest are normal milk chocolates(giri). There are both the 3-chocolate package and the 5-chocolate package. The recipients don't know which is honmei and which is giri until they eat it. It could be used to secretly give honmei chocolate to the one you like with out all the teasing from everyone else. Or it could simply be used to play a Russian roulette-like game among friends.

When you purchase the chocolate, you will get a card of the members' kissing face. This only applies to the members who appear on the packaging of the chocolate. For the 5-piece set, they are: Maeda Atsuko, Takahashi Minami, Itano Tomomi, Kashiwagi Yuki, Oshima Yuko, Shinoda Mariko, Watanabe Mayu.

And for the 3-piece set, they are: Maeda Atsuko, Takahashi Minami, Oshima Yuko, Watanabe Mayu. For those four, the photos used in the 5-piece set are different for the ones used in the 3-piece set.

Not forgetting AKB48's official rival, Nogizaka46 is collaborating with Meiji for Valentine's Day, there isn't any special products but on the event homepage, there are lots of movies of the members making chocolates and recipes could be found on the site as well. Of course the ingredient used is Meiji chocolate. Check those movies here, http://www.choco-recipe.jp/milk/recommend/nogizaka/

AKB48 anime [AKB0048] updates

2012-02-02T15:09:00.000+09:00

The member's who will be voicing the which character for AKB48 anime [AKB0048] has been announced.

The plot of AKB0048 is set in the future, in the year 0048 where the original AKB48 is already extinct. And the series is about the girls as an illegal idol group trying to revive the once legendary group.

The member's will be giving their voice too:

Nakaya Sayaka（AKB48 Team A）: Aida Orine
Sato Amina（AKB48 Team B）: Ichijo Yuka
Hata Sawako（SKE48 Team KII）: Kanzaki Suzuko
Sato Sumire（AKB48 Team B）: Kishida Mimori
Ishida Haruka（AKB48 Team B）: Shinonome Kanata
Yagami Kumi（SKE48 Team S）: Shinonome Sonata
Watanabe Mayu（AKB48 Team B）: Sono Chieri
Iwata Karen（AKB48 KKS）: Motomiya Nagisa
Mita Mao（NMB48 Team M）: Yokomizo Makoto

So what are your thoughts about the character's each member will be voicing?

Iwasa Misaki Solo Debut [Mujineki] 1st Day Sales

2012-02-02T00:11:00.000+09:00

Iwasa Misaki's solo debut single [Mujineki] released today. Unfortunately it didn't manage to sell enough to reach the Top 3 position in the daily charts.

The first day sales figure is unknown because Oricon doesn't show the sales for singles outside the Top 3. But we can speculate the sales by looking at the 3rd place figures, which is ClariS's Naisho no Hanashi with 10,023. My guess is that Mujineki sold around 8-9k.

Well that is certainly lower than I had hoped for. I was expecting it to be around 30k, but less than 10k is just sad. Well idols releasing enka singles has never really been successful. Hello!Project's Maeda Yuki released a number of enka singles since 2011 but they didn't sell much either.

Hopefully the sales pick up later in the week.

Because You Were There For Me: Masuda Yuka's Mother

2012-02-01T13:04:00.003+09:00

From the Shukan Asahi interview series, here is Masuda Yuka's translation.

Even when she got betrayed by her best of friends, even when the whole world turned against her, Yuka's mother still gave her support. A very touching story about a mother's unconditional love.

Remember to thank your mother for all her support the next time you see her :)

The priceless love she gave me at a time when I trusted no one
Translated by emptystring

Before I graduated high school, my life was full of obstacles.

I entered AKB48 during my second year of secondary school, and moved to Tokyo by myself from Osaka. Around that time I was vehemently against my mother coming to Tokyo to visit me.

I would never forget her slicing cabbages on the kitchen counter while crying, because she was so hurt by my harsh words. How did it end up like that?

Not that I want to brag, but when I was a kid, I did well in school - academics, music, art, sports, you name it. So I've always had a lot of friends; but one day they turned against me just like that, and I was bullied for a long time.

I was still a secondary school student when I moved to Tokyo, and it made me stop trusting people. Frankly I don't remember much from that period.

Slowly but surely, I regained my emotions thanks to fans, friends from high school, and members of AKB48.

But I was still unable to be upfront with my mother, whose presence is closest to me.

Or maybe it's the other way around. Maybe I desperately want to be frank with her, as an outlet for my painful past.

She was always able to get back up, no matter how many times I knocked her down with my harsh words.

She didn't give up even when it came very close to the end.

Just like when -

When I was 2, I was diagnosed with cancer and almost died. When they found out that the cancer had spread, they all thought that would be the end of me. My mother stayed by my bed and took care of me despite knowing that I would die.

I only remember being really scared lying on the hospital bed with my eyes closed. The world was about to end for me...but I felt my mom holding my hand, and I went to sleep.

I wonder how she felt, seeing all those tubes coming out of my arm and all the injections they gave me. It makes me sick to my stomach just thinking about what she went through.

Why was I so mean to her?

Yesterday she came to Kobe to see me perform in a musical. We went to eat after the performance and she said, "it was great seeing you in the center."

I felt that if she went back to Osaka like this, the distance between us would only be further apart.

I spent the next few hours pouring my heart out - telling her about being bullied, about not trusting anyone, about not wanting my life to be intruded by parents, about how I want to improve our relationship but didn't know how.

Then at the end I said, "I really love you, mom. I am most thankful for you!" Suddenly she burst into tears. She was crying like a teenager, right in front of me. This was when I realized how much she worried about me.

My dream now is to become a solo singer. I want my songs to make people happy. I was saved once and I have to pay it forward.

And one of these days, I will get her a ticket to sit in the first row. It is the least I can do, given that she has shown me nothing but love.

Thank you, mom.

* TL note: it was really paragraphed this way

DiVA's 3rd Single [Lost the way] postponed to 21 March

2012-02-01T13:01:00.003+09:00

DiVA's 3rd Single [Lost the way], which was supposed to be released on March 7th, has got its release date pushed back two weeks to 21st March.

Announcement: http://avexnet.or.jp/diva/news/20120130.html

The postponement was probably to make way for SDN48's final single [Makeoshimi Congratulation] on March 7th, and album [currently untitled] on March 14th.

The competition is much lesser now at least. Arashi releases their single Wild At Heart on March 7th. But now they have to go against Kis-My-Ft2. Deja vu? DiVA went against Kis-My-Ft2 too when they released Cry, which lead to DiVA settling for 2nd place.
http://melosnomichi.blogspot.com/2011/08/divas-2nd-single-cry-1st-day-sales.html

DiVA 3rd Single
Lost the way
21 March 2012

TYPE A cover 1,600yen	[CD] 01. Lost the way 02. Untitled A 03. Lost the way (instrumental) 04. Untitled A (instrumental) [DVD] 01.Lost the way (Music Video)
TYPE B cover 1,600yen	[CD] 01. Lost the way 02. Untitled B 03. Lost the way (instrumental) 04. Untitled B (instrumental) [DVD] 01.Lost the way (Music Video)
TYPE C cover 1,600yen	[CD] 01. Lost the way 02. Untitled C 03. Lost the way (instrumental) 04. Untitled C (instrumental) [DVD] 01.Lost the way (Music Video)
Theater ver. cover 1,000yen	[CD] 01. Lost the way 02. Untitled A 03. Untitled B 03. Untitled C

AKB48 and NMB48 win Japan Gold Disc Awards

2012-01-31T18:24:00.000+09:00

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

2012-01-31T17:51:00.000+09:00

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

2012-01-31T17:13:00.000+09:00

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]

2012-01-31T12:20:00.001+09:00

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's Friend

2012-01-30T17:34:00.002+09:00

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 emptystring

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

2012-01-30T17:19:00.002+09:00

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

2012-01-29T23:03:00.001+09:00

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

2012-01-28T04:48:00.000+09:00

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?

2012-01-27T11:46:00.001+09:00

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

2012-01-27T10:06:00.000+09:00

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's Mother

2012-01-26T23:54:00.000+09:00

Sorry for the delay, the translator is on a family holiday celebrating Chinese New Year.

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

2012-01-26T23:52:00.000+09:00

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

2012-01-26T22:39:00.000+09:00

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

2012-01-26T22:28:00.000+09:00

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

2012-01-26T11:08:00.001+09:00

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

2012-01-25T22:27:00.001+09:00

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

2012-01-24T00:21:00.002+09:00

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

2012-01-23T14:42:00.002+09:00

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

[AKB48 Request Hour Set List Best 100 2012] Set List

2012-01-20T18:18:00.000+09:00

POST WILL BE UPDATED AS WE GO ALONG

Today was the start of AKB48's Request Hour 2012 Concert. Held over 4 days from January 19th to 22nd, the concert is a ranking of the songs fans want to see performed. This year's concert was held at the Tokyo Dome City Hall.

A total of 451,984 votes were cast for this year's concert, with 421 songs available for voting. Excluded from this year's Request Hour was the songs from all the subunits and soloists. Instead, there will be a special Unit Matsuri on the 23rd, a day after the Request Hour concert.

Just like the AKB48 Kouhaku concert, AKB48 Request Hour 2012 will also be live streamed on AKB48's Official Youtube Channel and Google+. However this will only be for the last day of the concert (22 Jan / #25~#1)

Setlist:

AKB48 Request Hour Set List Best 100 2012
AKB48 リクエストアワーセットリストベスト100 2012

Date: 19 ~ 22 January 2012
Venue: Tokyo Dome City Hall
Time: 18:00 (17:00 entrance)

DAY 1 (100 ~ 76)
Kage-ana: Takahashi Minami
M01 - Guruguru Curtain (Nogizaka46)
-----MC1-----

-----RANKING START-----
100 - B5 - Theater no Megami (Team B)
099 - B3 - Pajama Drive (Watanabe Mayu, Nakagawa Haruka, Hirajima Natsumi)
098 - K5 - Dakishimeraretara (Kasai Tomomi, Kuramochi Asuka, Sato Natsuki)
097 - A1 - Dear My Teacher (Team A)
096 - AL - Anata ga Ite Kureta Kara
095 - A5 - AKB Sanjou! (Team A)
-----MC2-----
094 - H1 - Higurashi no Koi (Takahashi Minami, Masuda Yuka)
093 - E1 - Wasshoi E (Team E)
092 - AL - High School Days (Team 4 + Kenkyuusei)
091 - B4 - Kataomoi no Taikakusen (Komori Mika, Nito Moeno, Yonezawa Rumi)
090 - K6 - Seifuku Resistance (Itano Tomomi, Yokoyama Yui, Nakatsuka Tomomi)
089 - K5 - To Be Continued (Team K)
-----MC3-----
088 - K4 - 16nin Shimai no Uta (Kobayashi Kana, Sato Natsumi, Matsubara Natsumi)
087 - AL - Seventeen
086 - SG - Nakeru basho (DIVA)
-----MC4-----
085 - SG - Ice no Kuchizuke (Shinoda Mariko, Takahashi Minami, Maeda Atsuko, Itano Tomomi, Oshima Yuko, Watanabe Mayu, Sasaki Yukari)
084 - K5 - Hikkoshimashita (Team K)
083 - SG - FIRST LOVE (Kato Rena)
-----VTR-----
082 - AL - Ikagen no Susume (Katayama Haruka, Kojima Haruna, Shinoda Mariko, Akimoto Sayaka, Miyazawa Sae, Matsui Rena)
-----MC5-----
081 - SG - Kimi ni Tsuite (Katayama Haruka, Maeda Atsuko, Nito Moeno, Matsui Sakiko, Kasai Tomomi)
080 - K2 - Blue Rose (Akimoto Sayaka, Yamauchi Suzuran, Masuda Yuka, Miyazawa Sae)
-----MC6-----
079 - K4 - Sougen no Kiseki (Team K)
078 - A2 - Nagisa no CHERRY (Maeda Atsuko, Aigasa Moe, Hasegawa Haruna, Murayama Yuiri)
-----MC7-----
077 - AL - Overtake (Team A)
076 - S3 - Koi wo kataru Shijin ni Narenakute (Team S)
-----RANKING END-----

AKB48 Singles / Albums: 9
Team A: 3
Team K: 7
Team B: 3
Himawari: 1
Team S: 1
Team E: 1

EN1 - Lost the way (DiVA)
EN2 - Mujineki (Iwasa Misaki)
EN3 - Flying Get (all)
-----END-----

Day 2 today!

DAY 2 (75 ~ 50)
Kage-ana: Oshima Yuko

-----RANKING START-----
75 - SKE - 1!2!3!4! Yoroshiku! (SKE48)
-----MC1-----
74 - AL - Wagamama Collection (Oota Aika, Maeda Ami, Komori Mika, Sato Sumire, Watanabe Mayu, Matsui Jurina)
-----MC2-----
73 - B3 - Tenshi no Shippo (Oota Aika, Nakatsuka Tomomi, Nakaya Sayaka)
72 - SKE - Gomen ne, SUMMER (Kizaki Yuria, Matsui Jurina, Matsui Rena, Yagami Kumi, Ishida Anna, Takayana Akane, Mukaida Manatsu)
71 - H1 - Himawari (Kuramochi Asuka, Shinoda Mariko, Akimoto Sayaka, Matsubara Natsumi)
70 - A5 - Tsundere! (Itano Tomomi, Kitahara Rie, Sato Amina)
-----MC3-----
69 - K4 - Saishuu Bell ga Naru (Team K)
68 - B5 - Locker Room Boy (Kitahara Rie, Takahashi Juri, Ichikawa Miori, Nakamura Mariko, Omori Miyu)
-----MC4-----
67 - K5 - Sasae (Team K)
66 - SG - Kimi no Senaka
-----MC5-----
65 - B5 - Arashi no Yoru ni wa (Miyazaki Miho, Komori Mika, Sato Natsuki, Suzuki Mariya)
64 - SG - Yankee Soul
-----MC6-----
63 - SKE - Banzai Venus (SKE48)
62 - K6 - Kanojo ni Naremasuka? (Team K)
61 - B5 - Honest man (Team B)
60 - K6 - UUHHO UHOHO (Team K)
59 - K6 - RESET (Team K)
58 - SG - Namida Surprise
-----MC7-----
57 - SG - Seishun to Kizukanai mama
56 - A4 - Only Today (Team 4 + Kenkyuusei)
55 - K2 - Korogaru Ishi ni Nare (Team K)
-----MC8-----
54 - SG - RIVER
-----MC9-----
53 - SG - Kurumi to Dialogue (Team A)
-----MC10-----
52 - SG - Chance no Junban
51 - K5 - End Roll (Umeda Ayaka, Oshima Yuko, Noro Kayo, Matsubara Natsumi)
-----RANKING END-----

AKB48 Singles / Albums: 8
Team A: 2
Team K: 7
Team B: 4
Himawari: 1
SKE48 Singles: 3

Announcement: AKB48 national tour in all 47 prefectures of Japan
EN1 - Synchro Tokimeki (Watanabe Mayu)
EN2 - Kataomoi Finally (SKE48)
EN3 - Aitakatta (Indonesian version) (JKT48)
-----END-----

Day 3 today!

DAY 3 (50 ~ 26)
Kage-ana: Kashiwagi Yuki

-----RANKING START-----
50 - K4 - Mammoth (Team K)
-----MC1-----
49 - S3 - Omoide Ijou (Matsui Jurina, Kinoshita Yukiko, Hiramitsu Kanako)
48 - B4 - Zannen Shoujo (Watanabe Mayu, Uchida Mayumi, Nakatsuka Tomomi)
47 - B4 - Kuchi Utsushi no Chocolate (Kashiwagi Yuki, Oota Aika, Hirajima Natsumi)
-----MC2-----
46 - K6 - Gyakuten Ouji-sama (Minegishi Minami, Uchida Mayumi, Nakatsuka Tomomi)
45 - S3 - Ookami to Pride (Yagami Kumi, Kizaki Yuria)
44 - K3 - MARIA (Umeda Ayaka, Kasai Tomomi, Masuda Yuka)
43 - SG - 10nen Zakura (HKT48)
42 - A3 - Dareka no Tame ni ~What can I do for someone? ~
-----MC3-----
41 - A5 - Kuroi Tenshi (Maeda Atsuko, Takajo Aki, Fujie Reina)
40 - SG - Yuuhi wo Miteiru ka? (Team 4)
-----MC4-----
39 - A6 - Pioneer (Team A)
38 - B3 - Temodemo no Namida (Kashiwagi Yuki, Matsui Rena)
-----MC5-----
37 - A6 - Enjou Rosen (Takajo Aki, Sashihara Rino)
-----VTR-----
36 - SG - Enkyori Poster (Oota Aika, Takajo Aki, Maeda Ami, Nito Moeno, Miyazaki Miho, Miyazawa Sae, Kashiwagi Yuki)
35 - AL - Shoujotachi yo
34 - A6 - Itoshisa no Accel (Takahashi Minami)
33 - SG - Oogoe Diamond
32 - B5 - Candy (Kasai Tomomi, Sato Amina, Masuda Yuka)
-----MC6-----
31 - SG - Choose me! (Kasai Tomomi, Kikuchi Ayaka, Kitahara Rie, Kuramochi Asuka, Sashihara Rino, Nakagawa Haruka, Minegishi Minami)
30 - SG - Sakura no Ki ni Narou
29 - SKE - Oki Doki (SKE48)
28 - A4 - Junai no Crecendo (Kojima Haruna, Takahashi Minami, Minegishi Minami)
27 - AL - Kimi to Boku no Kankei (Itano Tomomi, Maeda Atsuko)
-----MC7-----
26 - B3 - Shonichi (Team B)
-----RANKING END-----

AKB48 Singles / Albums: 8
Team A: 6
Team K: 3
Team B: 5
SKE48 Singles: 1
Team S: 2

Announcement: New concert on March 23 to 25 at Saitama Super Arena
EN1 - Soredemo Suki da yo (Sashihara Rino)
EN2 - Junjou U-19 (NMB48)
EN3 - First Rabbit (Kojima Haruna, Sashihara Rino, Shinoda Mariko, Takahashi Minami, Takajo Aki, Maeda Atsuko, Itano Tomomi, Oshima Yuko, Minegishi Minami, Yokoyama Yui, Kashiwagi Yuki, Kitahara Rie, Watanabe Mayu, Oba Mina, Shimazaki Haruka, Yamauchi Haruka)
EN4 - Everyday, Kachuusha (all)
-----END-----

DAY 4 (25 ~ 1)
Kage-ana: Sashihara Rino

-----RANKING START-----
25 - SG - Ponytail to Shushu
-----MC1-----
24 - K6 - Kiseki wa ma ni Awanai (Nonaka Misato, Miyazawa Sae, Yonezawa Rumi)
23 - NMB - Seishun no Lap Time (NMB48)
22 - NMB - Zetsumetsu Kurogami Shoujo (NMB48)
21 - KII3 - Omatase Set List (Team KII)
20 - K5 - Mushi no Ballad (Akimoto Sayaka)
19 - NMB - Oh My God! (NMB48)
18 - SG - Beginner
-----MC2-----
17 - S3 - Kareha no Station (Matsui Rena)
-----MC3-----
16 - SKE - Pareo wa Emerald (SKE48)
15 - A5 - Heart gata Virus (Kojima Haruna, Kitahara Rie, Takajo Aki)
14 - K3 - Kurukurupaa (Ohori Megumi, Kobayashi Kana, Matsubara Natsumi, Akimoto Sayaka, Umeda Ayaka, Sato Natsuki)
13 - A3 - Bird (Takahashi Minami, Shinoda Mariko, Miyazawa Sae)
12 - SG - Kimi no Koto ga Suki Dakara
-----MC4-----
11 - SG - Iiwake Maybe
-----VTR-----
10 - B5 - Yokaze no Shiwaza (Kashiwagi Yuki)
09 - K3 - Naki Nagara Hohoen de (Oshima Yuko)
08 - SG - Dakishimecha Ikenai (AKB48 Undergirls)
07 - SG - Kaze wa Fuiteiru
-----MC5-----
06 - B4 - Itoshiki Natasha (Katayama haruka, Sashihara Rino, Tanabe Miku)
05 - B5 -Team B Oshi (Team B)
-----MC6-----
04 - SG - Flying Get
-----MC7-----
03 - SDN - Kodoku na Runner (SDN48)
-----MC8-----
Announcements: SDN48 graduation concert at NHK Hall
02 - SG - Everyday, Kachuusha
-----MC09-----
01 - SG - Heavy Rotation
-----RANKING END-----

AKB48 Singles / Albums: 9
Team A: 2
Team K: 4
Team B: 3
SKE48 Singles: 1
Team S: 1
Team KII: 1
NMB48 Singles: 3
SDN48: 1

EN1 - GIVE ME FIVE! (live band)
-----MC11-----
EN2 - Aitakatta (all)
-----END-----

additional notes
- DiVA's new song [Lost the way] will release on March 7th, will be theme song for new Ultraman movie.
- AKB48 Nationwide tour. All 47 prefectures!
- AKB48 concert at Saitama Super Arena on March 23 to 25

DiVA 3rd Single [Lost the way] to release on March 7th

2012-01-20T10:42:00.000+09:00

Announced on during the the first day of AKB48's Request Hour 2012 concert, DiVA's new single [Lost the way] will release on March 7th.

https://twitter.com/#!/DiVAstaff/status/159960793859895299

Lost the way is the first single from DiVA to feature the new 6 members of the group. The song, first performed at the AKB48 Kouhaku concert last year, will be the theme song of the Ultraman Saga movie.

All four main DiVA members, Akimoto Sayaka, Miyazawa Sae, Umeda Ayaka and Masuda Yuka, will appear in the the movie as part of Team U. In addition Kobayashi Kana, Sato Sumire and Shimada Haruka will also be in the movie.

DiVA 3rd Single
Lost the way
07 March 2012

TYPE A cover 1,600yen	[CD] 01. Lost the way 02. Untitled A 03. Lost the way (instrumental) 04. Untitled A (instrumental) [DVD] 01.Lost the way (Music Video)
TYPE B cover 1,600yen	[CD] 01. Lost the way 02. Untitled B 03. Lost the way (instrumental) 04. Untitled B (instrumental) [DVD] 01.Lost the way (Music Video)
TYPE C cover 1,600yen	[CD] 01. Lost the way 02. Untitled C 03. Lost the way (instrumental) 04. Untitled C (instrumental) [DVD] 01.Lost the way (Music Video)
Theater ver. cover 1,000yen	[CD] 01. Lost the way 02. Untitled A 03. Untitled B 03. Untitled C

Akimoto Yasushi to Hire Lyricists to Help Write Songs for AKB48

2012-01-19T22:12:00.001+09:00

At a press conference for AKB48's new documentary movie on January 18th, AKB48's produder Akimoto Yasushi revealed to the press that he was considering hiring other lyricists to write the lyrics for AKB48 songs.

He commented "I wrote 200 songs for the groups just last year. I think there will be more this year, so from now on I will not be the only one writing, and I hope to get help from talented lyricists."

Aki-P has been the lyricist for all of AKB48's songs since the group formed at 2006. Not only that, he also writes the songs for the sister groups and subunits, writing a total of more than 600 songs.

However since AKB48 became national idols 2 years ago, and also because there are new sister groups and subunits constantly being formed, he is not able to cope with the load. In the past, a Team would change the stage they are performing roughly every half a year. But currently Team A , K and B has been performing the same stage for almost 2 years. And lets not talk about Team S and SDN's stage...

Thus he decided to explore new options and possibilities.

Personally I am quite happy with this news. A7, K7 B6, S4 and E2 is really late. But Aki-P still insists on creating more and more new groups and subunits. He doesn't have enough time to write lyrics. I'm also worried for his health.

But at the same time, this move might cause the quality of songs to degrade, and I definitely don't want that. Aki-P better choose properly the people who will write lyrics for him.

NMB48 Kenkyusei Okada Risako To Graduate

2012-01-19T22:12:00.000+09:00

As announced in the theater on January 18th, Okada Risako, a 2nd Generation Kenkyuusei, will graduate from NMB48. The reason is that she wants to focus on her studies.

Risako is the third 2nd Generation Kenkyusei to graduate from NMB48, following Takiyama Akane and Otani Riko, who just recently graduated for the same reasons. This means three 2nd Generation members have left (or are about to leave) the group in the short time of just about one month!

I actually wonder if anything is going on among the 2nd Generation members. Three graduations in such a short time is really unusual, and with the prospect of Team M to be formed soon, I was expecting the 2nd Generation to move forward now.

NMB48 Captain Yamamoto Sayaka made a comment about the graduations too, and she sounds quite devastated to me. Read a translation of her comment below.

Please let me write my true feelings here.
I am sorry if I have made you feel bad.
To be honest, I am perplexed.
Getting to know about the graduation of a member later than the fans is shameful for me as a captain.
This will be the third person and so, even though there is nothing to feel guilty about 'giving priority to school activities', I can't help but feeling insecure wondering 'what is not working in NMB?'.
On the other hand, the 2nd Generation members are even getting used to the graduation of their fellows.
Why...
Stay firm, Sayaka!

Iwasa Misaki [Mujineki] Full Radio Rip + Short PV

2012-01-19T00:31:00.001+09:00

Iwasa Misaki's solo debut [Mujineki] was played in full on All Night Nippon recently! And a preview of the PV has also been released!

Radio rip: Mujineki begins at 9:27

It is absolutely beautiful in all the ways I am able to find a piece of vocal music beautiful. The composition of the song itself is lovely, even if it's fairly typical of a modern enka style song. And Wasamin's voice... oh my goodness, her voice... it sounds amazing!! She has a wonderful wonderful alto voice, and the low range of this song really shows that off. Plus, the amount of vocal control she has in this range is really commendable, she manages to pull of just the right amount of subtle vibrato, so it doesn't sound like she's having a seizure, just enough to give the longer notes a bit of momentum and resonance.

No, seriously, this is amazing. I just wonder how many other amazing altos exist in AKB48 but are forced to squeak their voices out of their natural ranges and just end up sounding screechy (which is what Wasamin sometimes sounds like to me when she has to sing in the usual AKB48 vocal range). She needs to keep going with this, this style, this voice range, everything... it is soooo beautiful, and I have not been so much in love with anything from any of the pop groups I follow in a very long time.

PV preview:

As for the PV, it really goes with the song so well, both in terms of the literal sense of the song subject but also the mood. Of course, it's enka, so it's not like there's a whole lot going on, but it's very soothing and she's very pretty to look at.

The release is scheduled for February 1st 2012 and yours truly is totally going to be getting this regardless of how broke I am, because I want this to continue so much!!

Wotagei Guide for AKB48 Concerts [2.0]

2012-01-18T21:05:00.001+09:00

Recently a number of people have been linking to the old wotagei guide on the blog. Which is heavily outdated and missing a lot of info. The old guide was created before I started watching AKB48 concerts regularly.

Thus I decided to create a new one.

Learning this is not a requirement for an AKB concert.
This guide is for those people who do wish to learn.
You don't have to force yourself to learn it.
Sometimes the best way to learn is by experience.

1.0) What is it and why we should do it
If you watch an idol concert, be it AKB48, Hello!Project, Tokyo Girls Style etc etc, you would have probably noticed some form of cheering or dancing from the audience. That is one part of Wotagei (ヲタ芸).

Wotagei means "wota (idol fan) art". It refers to a type of dancing and cheering gestures performed by Wota. These involve jumping, clapping, arm-waving and chanting (not the type of chanting by priests or monks though). Wotagei is quite a broad field, encompassing many different skills. However in this post I will only talk about those used in AKB48 concerts. Which is quite little.

Fan participation is quite important in Japanese concerts. Wotagei helps to adds to the excitement in the concert. It also builds unity between you and the AKB48 members, and also with fellow wota.

Besides if we don't participate, we will just be swinging our lightsticks, which isn't as much fun.

Now on to the actual guide. Let's start with the one most prominent.

2.0) The MIXes

The MIXes are the chants the fans shout during lots of mid and high tempo AKB48 songs. Doing a MIX during a sad, slow, and especially ballad songs is unacceptable.

The MIX is only shouted when there isn't any singing, like at the beginning of the song, or during the instrumental parts. It helps to build up the intensity of the show without interrupting the girls. And it's also more organised than random shouting from the fans.

The words in the MIXes actually have no relation whatsoever to the lyrics of the song.

Just a word of note, the MIX did not originate from AKB48, nor is it limited to AKB48. It has been used for idol songs for a many many years before AKB48 was even formed. There are also many variations to the MIX, but below are the 3 used in AKB48 concerts

2.1) The Standard MIX

Aaaa	あ～	(or what I just simply call the 1st MIX) The Standard MIX is the one commonly used in AKB48 songs. It is shouted at the at the start of the song, and ends just before the members start singing. You first start with "Aaaa Yossha Ikuzo!", meaning "HERE WE GO!!!", then start the MIX. It is like a indication to MIX. The first MIX of a song is always the Standard MIX. You never start with anything else. Usually you only say the Standard MIX once, then you go on to the Japanese MIX during the next instrumental. The order of the MIXes are: Standard (1st) => Japanese (2nd) => Ainu (3rd)
Yossha Ikuzo!	よっしゃいくぞー！
Tiger (Taiga)	タイガー
Fire (Faiya)	ファイヤー
Cyber (Saiba)	サイバー
Fiber (Faiba)	ファイバー
Diver (Daiba)	ダイバー
Viber (Baiba)	バイバー
Jya Jya!	ジャージャー！

You can hear the Standard MIX at 0:07 of this video

2.2) The Japanese MIX

Aaaa	あ～	(or what I just simply call the 2nd MIX) The Japanese MIX is used in the 2nd instrumental of the song. In some cases it is used at the beginning of the song. You will see that in Section 2.4 Unlike the Standard MIX, for the Japanese (and Ainu) MIXes you start off with "Mou Iccho Ikuzo!", which means "HERE WE GO ONE MORE TIME!!!" Basically the Japanese MIX just a Japanese translation of the Standard MIX. Everything else is the same.
Mou Iccho Ikuzo!	もういっちょいくぞー！
Tora	虎
Hii	火
Jinzou	人造
Seni	繊維
Ama	海女
Shindou	振動
Kasen-tobi-jokyo!	化繊飛除去！

You can hear the Japanese MIX at 2:36 of this video:

2.3) The Ainu MIX

Aaaa	あ～	(or what I just simply call the 3rd MIX) The Ainu MIX isn't used much, but you should still know it. BTW here's what the Ainu is. The reason why it is not so commonly shouted is because since the MIX is shouted at the instrumentals, you can only shout it during only a song with 3 instrumentals. Very few AKB48 songs have 3 instrumentals. The Ainu MIX is still used in the 3-ren MIX (Section 2.5) and most importantly the AKB48 Overture.
Mou Iccho Ikuzo!	もういっちょいくぞー！
Chape	チャペ
Ape	アペ
Kara	カラ
Kira (Kina)	キラ (キナ)
Rara	ララ
Tusuke	トゥスケ動
Myohontusuke!	ミョーホントゥスケ！

You can hear the Ainu MIX at 4:50 of this video:

2.4) 2-ren MIX　(2連MIX)

Aaaa　Yossha Ikuzo!　Tiger　Fire　Cyber 　Fiber　Diver　Viber　Jya Jya!
　Tora　Hii　Jinzou　Seni　Ama　Shindou　Kasen-tobi-jyokyo!

あ～　よっしゃいくぞー　タイガー　ファイヤー　サイバー　ファイバー　ダイバー　バイバー　ジャージャー！
　虎　火　人造　繊維　海女　振動　化繊飛除去！

(or what I just simply call the 1-2 MIX)

The 2-ren MIX is used in songs with a long intro or instrumentals. It's just the Standard MIX and the Japanese MIX joined together. Just like the Standard, Japanese and Ainu MIXes, you end it just before they start singing again.

Note that you don't do the "Aaaa Mou Iccho Ikuzo!" at the start of the Japanese MIX. Like I said earlier, that's just an indication to start the MIX, which you already did at the start of the Japanese MIX.

You can hear the 2-ren MIX at 0:10 of this video

2.5) 3-ren MIX　(3連MIX)

Aaaa　Yossha Ikuzo!　Tiger　Fire　Cyber 　Fiber　Diver　Viber　Jya Jya!
　Tora　Hii　Jinzou　Seni　Ama　Shindou　Kasen-tobi-jyokyo!
　　Chape　Ape　Kara　Kira　Rara　Tusuke　Myohontusuke!

あ～　よっしゃいくぞー　タイガー　ファイヤー　サイバー　ファイバー　ダイバー　バイバー　ジャージャー！
　虎　火　人造　繊維　海女　振動　化繊飛除去！
　　チャペ　アペ　カラ　キラ(キナ)　ララ　トゥスケ　ミョーホントゥスケ！

(or what I just simply call the 1-2-3 MIX)

The 3-ren MIX is rarely shouted since you need an extra long instrumental for it. Just like the 2-ren MIX, the 3-ren MIX is the Standard, Japanese AND Ainu MIXes together. It is still used in the AKB48 Overture, and I don't think that will be changed.

It is also used in songs with extra long intros and instrumentals, but because the Ainu MIX isn't used so much, not many people know the words to shout. So instead fans nowadays use the 1.5-ren MIX (section 2.6).

You can hear the 3-ren MIX at 0:11 of this video

2.6) 1.5-ren MIX / 2.5-ren MIX　(1.5連MIX / 2.5連MIX)

Aaaa　Yossha Ikuzo!　Tiger　Fire　Cyber 　Fiber　Diver　Viber　Jya Jya!
　Tora　Hii　Jinzou　Seni
　　Aaaa　Yossha Ikuzo!　Tiger　Fire　Cyber 　Fiber　Diver　Viber　Jya Jya!

あ～　よっしゃいくぞー　タイガー　ファイヤー　サイバー　ファイバー　ダイバー　バイバー　ジャージャー！
　虎　火　人造　繊維
　　あ～　よっしゃいくぞー　タイガー　ファイヤー　サイバー　ファイバー　ダイバー　バイバー　ジャージャー！

(or what I just simply call the 1-2-1 MIX)

Because the Ainu MIX isn't used so much in songs, not many people know the words to shout. So instead of the 3-ren MIX, fans nowadays use the 1.5ren MIX. Sometimes also called the 2.5-ren MIX.

You start first with the Standard MIX, and then move on to the Japanese MIX. But after shouting "Seni", where "Ama" is supposed to be, you start all over at "Aaaa Yossha Ikuzo!" and then the Standard MIX.

Originally it was only used in a few songs like Pajama Drive, Melos no Michi and Only Today.

You can hear the 1.5/2.5-ren MIX at 0:17 of this video

But now a number of AKB48 single songs use the 1.5-ren MIX too. Ponytail to Shushu is a good example.

You can hear the 1.5/2.5-ren MIX of the 0:10 of this video

2.7) Miscelleneous MIXes

For songs with a sudden start, like in Heavy Rotation and Yaruki Hanabi, the MIX is delayed and you shout it at the next instrumental.

The MIX starts at 0:37 of this video

There are also two songs where you shout the MIX while the AKB48 girls are still singing. Those songs are:

Dear my Teacher (1:10)

Suifu wa Arashi ni Yume wo Miru (1:10)

In both cases, the MIX is shouted on the line just before the chorus, and without the "Aaaa Yossha Ikuzo!"
These are the only two songs which this is done.

3.0) Cheers

Apart from the MIXes, there are some other cheers too.

3.1) Oooo-ing
The word is literrally オーイング. I don't know any way to explain this other than just showing you examples.

3.1.1) Hai! Hai! Hai-Hai-Hai-Hai!

1:01 of this video:

3.1.2) oooOOO HAI!

1:05 of this video:

This probably originated from the PPPH (short for Pan Pa-Pan Hyuu!) but instead of clapping you just shout "oooOOO" (rising intonation) and then "HAI!". The reason for this is because in the AKB48 Theater, you have to sit down.

Some fans just do the "oooOOO", without the following "HAI!" It's just personal preference.

3.2) OGS!　(オージーエス!)
At the start of certain songs, after the drum beat, you shout "OGS!".
Many people mistake "OGS!" for "Fourty Eight". This is wrong.

A full explanation by Hana of Nihongogo:
OGS are the initials for a wota (one of the 7 who were there for the first Team A show). Them yelling his initials started as kind of an in-joke in the theater (back in the days when you could actually get into the damn theater), but then spread to the larger venues. But then more and more people who weren't regular theater goers started to come to concerts, and since they weren't in on the joke, they were hearing "OGS" as "48", repeating that, and now since then and since the majority of them are yelling that...

The songs which you shout "OGS!" are:

10nen Zakura

Seifuku ga Jama wo Suru

and lastly Team B Oshi

Please shout "OGS" and not "Fourty Eight"

3.3) Miscellaneous Calls

Certain songs have a special cheer. Since there are too many to list out, I will just list those that you are most likely to encounter.

Kimi no Koto ga Suki Dakara: "da-i-su-ki" and "yo-ro-shi-ku" the same time as when the girls sing it.
Skirt Hirari: "sekai de ichiban suki na no" at the same time the girls sing it.

Oogoe Diamond: "SUKI!!" together with the girls when they sing it (sukitte kotoba wa saikou sa).

Heavy Rotation: "I want you, I need you, I love you" etc. after they sing it.

Namida Surprise: "Omedetou" together with the girls when they sing it.

Dareka no Tame ni: "Dareka no tame ni" and "wow wow wow wow wow wow" (rising intonation)

RIVER: "Fourty Eight!", "Got it!!", "RIVER!!" and "Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho!" together with the girls.

4.0) Name Calls

When there is a short break between solo lines, you shout the nickname of the member singing. Sometimes it is also shouted during duet lines. It is up to you to choose which member to shout for

Name calls are limited to not more than 3 syllables (the 'ん' doesn't count), more than that and it would sound messy and not match with the music. For members with nicknames more than 3 syllables (e.g ta-ka-mi-na), you shout "Mi-na-mi" instead. There are also cases when the name calls are different from the member's nickname. For example Kuramochi Asuka's call is not "Mo-cchi" but "A-su-ka"

Examples
2 syllable: Mii-chan (Minegishi Minami), A-cchan (Maeda Atsuko), Mya-ooo (Miyazaki Miho)
3 syllable: Mi-na-mi (Takahashi Minami), Ha-ru-na (Kojima Haruna), Ri-e-chan (Kitahara Rie)

4.1) Chozetsu Kawaii　(超絶かわいい)
Meaning "Absolutely cute", it is shouted before the second name call.
For example in the video below, at 0:18 the first name call is "Ma-yu-yu". Then at 0:22 before the second name call, "Chozetsu Kawaii" is shouted, then "Ma-yu-yu".
Note that there isn't any name call at 0:30, as there isn't a break in the singing. However "Chozetsu Kawaii" is still shouted at 0:36.

You can hear "Chozetsu Kawaii" being shouted at 0:22 of this video:

5.0) Movements

There are also some specialized hand movements used in AKB48 performances. Most of it falls under these 2 categories:

5.1) Kecha 　(ケチャ)
Done during a slow song, or the slow part of a fast song. A lot of fast AKB songs actually have a slow portion before the last chorus.

A good example is AKB48's Ponytail to Shushu, at 2:00 of the video:

Instructions:
1. You extend both arms, hands outstretched, toward the member(s) singing.
　　1.5. If you are holding a lightstick, you don't have to open your hands.
2. Slowly bring both arms upwards.
3. Bring you hands back toward you.
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3

Demonstration at 3:09 of the video:

5.2) Furicopy　(振りコピ)
Furicopi is the art of copying the members arm movements. When the AKB48 members do a movement with their RIGHT hand, you do the same with your RIGHT hand.

Do take note that you are in a tight space, so beware of hitting the people around you.

A good example of Furicopy is in AItakatta, during "Aitakatta, aitakatta, aitakatta, YES! Kimi ni~" and also "LaLaLaLaLa" parts when the members are waving their hand. You don't do a Furicopy of the whole song.

More complete furicopies are mostly done with songs that have mike stands, because both hands are utilized.

You can see Furicopy being done at 0:51 and 1:55 of this video:

AKB48 members do Furicopy too! You can see it at 0:49 of this video:

Even so it is only done during the prominent parts of the dance.

Created with the help of
http://kazu-o-uzak.at.webry.info/201005/article_71.html

NMB48 fan voting for Yoshida Akari's return

2012-01-16T08:25:00.000+09:00

Some of you might remember that 2 months ago, NMB48 held a voting for the return of Shimada Rena and Matsuda Shiori from suspension. The two were accepted back into NMB on the first voting.

Today it was announced at an event that the final suspended member Yoshida Akari will go through the same fan voting.
http://www.nmb48.com/fukkitouhyou20120115/

Just like the previous voting process, she will have to get more than 50% approved votes before she can re-enter NMB. If she gets less than that, the voting will repeat until she gets accepted. The voting period will be from January 15th to January 21st, and the results of the voting will be announced during the Team N [Seishun Girls] stage show on January 24th.

I wonder what took them so long to do the voting for Akarin? Some people have speculated that she was busy with studies and I hope that's just the case. Since the voting will just get repeated if she fails, I want this voting over and done with as soon as possible.

A comment from Miss Moonlight
"I was at the event today when they announced the news about Akarin and fan reaction was very positive, lots of claps, screams etc. I am pretty sure fans will vote her back (even if not, they will repeat the voting until fans allow it). I already put my vote in for her."

PREVIOUS:
NMB48 to hold fan voting about the return of Shimada Rena and Matsuda Shiori
Shimada Rena and Matsuda Shiori return to NMB48
Mori Anna, Oba Mina and Shimada Rena scandals
Mori Anna, Oba Mina and Shimada Rena scandal investigation results

Nogizaka46 debut single titled [Guruguru Curtain] + [Aitakatta Kamoshirenai]

2012-01-16T04:15:00.000+09:00

notice: sometimes we don't have enough content to make a full post on the blog so there are late posts, but we will tweet about it on our twitter account.

At a press conference for Meiji on January 12th, AKB48's official rival Nogizaka46 announced the title of their debut single to be [Guruguru Curtain]. The single will release on Febrary 22nd with 5 versions.

Nogizaka46 1st Single
Guruguru Curtain
ぐるぐるカーテン
22 February 2012

Guruguru Curtain has been described as Nogizaka46's version of Skirt, Hirari, one of AKB48's early singles. The dance features quite a lot of skirt flipping movements, and they even lift up each other's skirts!

The senbatsu members have already been announced in a previous post.
http://melosnomichi.blogspot.com/2012/01/nogizaka46-debut-single-senbatsu.html

Like I said above, Guruguru Curtain will be used as the theme song for their collaboration CM with Meiji, [Meiji Tezukuri Chocolates] (Meiji handmade chocolates). There are 5 different versions of the CM, each starring different members. The CM has already started airing since February 14th.

All different versions shown in the bellow embed.

I quite like Guruguru Curtain. Although it's the usual generic idol song, it's catchy enough to stick in my mind. I was kinda hoping for something darker for their debut single. But not all is lost!

On tonight's Nogizaka tte, doko? (120115 airing), Nogizaka46 performed for the first time their new song [Aitakatta Kamoshirenai], their version of AKB48's hit song Aitakatta. It wasn't announced but this will probably be one of the coupling songs of Guruguru Curtain.

You can listen to it here:

You can see the shock the 3 hosts had when they first heard the song. When I first heard it I was all WTF this is weird, but then I realized it was actually quite good. After 3 years of listening to the same old thing performed at every AKB48 concert, this is a good refreshment.

Instead of a happy song Nogizaka46's version is more darker and rock 'n' roll. It has the exact same lyrics, the same dance moves, but this is just much more BADASS. Totally different vibe compared to the original version which is super happy, and in my opinion better.

It was a great decision for Nogizaka46 to remake the song that represents AKB48 with their own tunes. It just screams "We're gonna beat you at your own game". And the best part is that they both have the same producer. Whatever Aki-P was drinking when he thought of that, he needs to drink it more.

A win comment I found on facebook

they should change the lyrics coz they sound like riding motorbikes than bicycles rofl

This might be just what I need to get into Nogizaka46. Since it started I have been watching their weekly show Nogizaka tte, doko? however I just didn't really find them that interesting. Since they are rivals I treat them just like any other underground idol group, but they just didn't stand out to me. However after seeing their awesome version of Aitakatta I'm starting to like them. Guruguru Curtain is quite good too.

OFFTOPIC: The other underground idol groups I like are Sakura Gakuin, Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku, and Himekyun

PREVIOUS:
Nogizaka46 Debut Single Senbatsu Revealed
Nogizaka46 announces debut single

Maeda Atsuko meets her doppelgänger in [Docomo Gakuwari] CM

2012-01-14T10:49:00.001+09:00

Well not exactly but something like that. While we usually we don't blog about CM Collaborations because there are just waaaaay to many, I thought this was quite interesting.

AKB48 will be collaborating with mobile phone operator docomo, to promote their student discount plan [Docomo Gakuwari].

Official Website: http://docomo-gakuwari.jp/

In the CM, through the use of special effects, Maeda Atsuko will meet with her 14 year old self when she first joined AKB48. Together, they go through her past dance practices, times when she was tired and discouraged, times when she cried. Through all those events, the Acchan from now offers support to her younger self, encouraging her to get through these hard times. At the end, Yuko, Takamina, Mayuyu, Marikosama, Kojiharu, Yukirin, Sasshi, Miichan and Yuihan make an appearance, joining Acchan in offering a message of support for all students.

Looking back at herself, Acchan noted, "I'm surprised I haven't changed at all! Even now, I look the same when I don't wear makeup (lol)." As for her personal goals in the future, she commented, "I want to be told that I'm beautiful. I don't want to be just cute, but rather I want everyone to say 'Oh, she is really an adult now.'"

AKB48's upcoming single [GIVE ME FIVE!] will be the theme song of the CM. The campaign will run from January 20th to 31st May. You can check out the 30sec version of the CM below.

Watanabe Mayu Official Solo Website Opens!

2012-01-14T09:57:00.001+09:00

All ye Mayuyu fans may now rejoice!! Watanabe Mayu's official solo website has opened today!!!

Official Website: http://www.watanabemayu.jp/index.html

It looks they have a really pretty and girly design planned for the site, as reflected on the index page. I think they used a very sweet princessy photo of her, and I'm liking the faux-European theme they seem to have going on, with fancy frames and castles (not to mention the awkwardly placed Eiffel Tower...).

The Info page also now has some news on it, although the design is significantly more bare than the main page. And the Profile page is just sad... there's not even a photo or anything, just like 2 lines of text...

So, clearly, it's still a site under development, but if everything takes on the theme of the main page, it'll definitely be very lovely. I also hope that it does not continue to load incredibly slowly like it does for me right now...

And all this of course is in preparation for Mayuyu's solo debut [Synchro Tokimeki], to be released February 29th!! With the release of a solo website, it seems like her solo debut won't be a one-off thing.

Take a look at the additional screencaps of the other pages below:

AKB48 25th Single [GIVE ME FIVE!] Tracklist + Lineup

2012-01-14T08:20:00.003+09:00

KING RECORDS revealed today the tracklist and member lineup for AKB48's upcoming single [GIVE ME FIVE!]. The single will release on February 15th.

http://www.kingrecords.co.jp/cs/t/t2244/

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

There has been absolutely no change of Senbatsu members, it's exactly the same as in Kaze wa Fuiteiru. Which is so boring so I'm not gonna talk much about it. Well at least the song isn't a ballad, though I actually prefer a ballad to this...

GIVE ME FIVE will be used as the theme song for the Apaman Shop CM and the Docomo Gakuwari CM.

Oh and on the KING RECORDS site they didn't use the word "senbatsu" like they normally do and changed it to "All stars". Does this mean that SKE is there to stay in AKB singles? Even before I got into AKB, the fans were bitching about Jurina and Rena taking up senbatsu spots, claiming that SKE can hold their own now without AKB's help. Which is true looking at their current sales. SKE can already sell half a million copies.

Senbatsu isn't the only thing which got changed, The Undergirls have also been given an upgrade and are now called the Special Girls. Which I personally feel is worse than Undergirls. The Undergirls sounds like an insult, but Special Girls just feels like a big handicap. It's like "I pity this group, so here are some senbatsu members for you". Which then becomes unfair because the Senbatsu girls will get all the screentime in the PV.

There will be 2 Special Girls for this single, A and B, each with their own share of Senbatsu members. Special Girls A will include the first HKT and JKT members in an AKB single, Kodama Haruka and Melody Nurramdhani Laksani respectively. A lot of fans seem to be upset about JKT's inclusion in AKB singles. I personally don't have any issue with this and don't see what the fuss is about. You can see the full member lineup at the bottom of the post.

Oh yeah and fans are shortening Special Girls A/B to SG-A/B. Which irritates me because I think of SUPER☆GiRLS (shortened to S☆G) instead when i see SG

The final and probably the most drastic change in this single comes from Selection 6. Adopted from SKE48's Selection 8, it is made up of Sasshi, Marikosama, Takamina, Acchan, Tomochin and Yuko. I'm guessing this is the new Kami7? But where is Mayuyu and Yukirin? How did Sasshi get past those two? Why the loss of a member in the first place? It's just weird.

Before 2011, both Aki-P and Togasaki mentioned that 2012 will be a year of reform. Is this part of the reform? I'm not sure what to think about it. I'm not angry with it, instead I'm just confused.

AKB48 25th Single
GIVE ME FIVE!
15 February 2012

TYPE A cover 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 cover 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

Possible Piano Album for Matsui Sakiko?

2012-01-11T09:55:00.000+09:00

My left arm's movement is restricted because of an injury, making typing quite difficult. Thus posts will come in slow these few days.

Recently, Matsui Sakiko participated in a piano competition on the television show TEPPEN, which she won with her piano cover of Every Little Thing's Time Goes By (120107 airing).

After the show was aired, Akimoto Yasushi posted on his Google+ that he was "seriously considering making a piano album" for her. He has also spoke about a possible Majisuka Gakuen 2 soundtrack, in which Sakiko will play the piano. Label Pony Canyon have expressed their interest in the album.

We don't know if Aki-P's plan will come to fruition, but I really hope it does. Sakiccho is a very talented girl and it would be sad to see her talent not fully utilized. A solo piano album would also help secure a future for her after AKB. But album or not, I wish that Sakiccho will have a successful career in piano in the future.

Sakiccho, who is currently attending the Tokyo College of Music, has shown off her piano skills a few times in the past. Most famously, she performed Chopin's Revolutionary Étude as the opening of the 3rd day of AKB48's Surprise wa Arimasen concert at Yoyogi National Gymnasium in 2010.

You can check out her piano playing here

Because You Were There for Me: Kitahara Rie's Close Friends

2012-01-10T19:00:00.000+09:00

From Shukan Asahi, this is about Kitahara Rie and her close friends (or comrades if you prefer Danny Choo style :/). I really respect those that leave their hometown to chase after their dreams.

The "Yell" from My Bosom Friends Who Support My Decision to Go to Tokyo
Translated by mammothb

It was spring when the light red Higanzakura flowers on the bank of Kiso River^ were starting to blossom. 3 years ago, I, having just passed the AKB audition, decided to move to Tokyo on the day of my high school first year's closing ceremony. But I felt embarassed, and evaded questions from my friends about when I was going to leave.

On the platform of the station with barely any other commuters, I was holding onto my baggages while checking the my train's schedule on my memo. I wondered how much would I have changed the next time I return here. Just a while back, I was really filled with hope and expectations of my trip, but now, being unable to see what my future holds, I was assaulted by this sense of uncertainty. As I thought, maybe I should have told these things to my friends. With that thought in mind, I raised my head and I realized my close friends were standing in front of me......

My teammates from the handball club I participated in middle school came to see me off. Among them, Maki(fake name) was also there. Without mentioning a word, we formed a circle* like how we always do before a match.

"Rie, faito~!"**

At the moment, those words warmed me up like they always have. But, because of that, I didn't want them to see me cry. I wanted to leave on my journey with a smile. Hiding the feelings which were welling up in my heart, I boarded the train. Matching the speed of the train, everyone started running along the platform! And when they reached the end of the platform, Maki shouted, "No matter what happens, we'll always be Rie's supporters!"

Soon, the platform was no longer in sight, the moment I sat down, I bursted into tears. Thank you, everyone. With this, I'll be able to do my best in Tokyo......

When I first met Maki, I thought, "I definitely can't become friends with her." Unlike me who dislikes causing discord, Maki was someone who won't accept an opinion that's different from hers. She often got into quarrels with the senpais, and even with us too. And finally, the worst case scenario occurred...... The handball club's ace said that she wanted to quit the club as she couldn't get along well with Maki. We, the juniors, all gathered together and discussed. We put the blame on Maki.

"Why did such dispute occur?"

"Put yourself in others' shoes more......"

After hearing everyone's opinion, Maki stood in front of the ace and bowed her head and said, "I'm sorry. Please don't quit the club......"

At that moment, I realized I have misjudged Maki, she wasn't being egoistic, she just just being frank with her opinions. Because she believes that that should be the way to treat friends... She lost her father at a young age. So Maki really treasures friends more than everyone else. She's just a little different from us, that's all. That was time I truly understood the meaning of being an outsider.

There are various members in AKB. There are members you click with and there are also members you take some time to become friendly with. But, since that day, after I finally understood why Maki acted the way she did, I grew up a little. Maki gave me the confidence to believe that as long as we open up our hearts, we'll definitely be understood. I'm really grateful to her.

Soon it will be Sakura season. No matter what happens, I have my close friends who will always be support me... Even till now, my hometown is within that circle***.

Note:
^ it's this scene

* the "circle formation" like the one the AKB girls do before a concert, of like the one that Team B did during Team B 3rd Stage
** if you want a tl on this, it would be Rie, fight-! but that sounds weird, so I just left it in romaji
*** the circle formation she did with her handball teammates of course (:

AKB48 and SKE48 members Celebrate Seijin no Hi

2012-01-09T23:34:00.001+09:00

Yesterday was Seijin no Hi (成人の日), or Coming of Age Day in Japan. Held every year on the 2nd Monday of January, it is a day to congratulate all the teenagers who have reached 20 years of age, the age of majority.

20 members from AKB48 and SKE48 have reached 20 years old over the past year.
From AKB48, they are:
Itano Tomomi, Oya Shizuka, Kasai Tomomi, Kashiwagi Yuki, Kitahara Rie, Kobayashi Kana, Suzuki Mariya, Takajo Aki, Takahashi Minami, Nakagawa Haruka, Nakaya Sayaka, Nonaka Misato, Maeda Atsuko, Masuda Yuka, and Yonazawa Rumi.
And from SKE48:
Kuwabara Mizuki, Suda Akari, Takayanagi Akane, Hiramatsu Kanako, and Matsui Rena.

Dressed in exquisite furisode kimonos, 19 of them attended the Seijin Shiki (Coming of Age Ceremony) at the Kanda Shrine in Tokyo. SKE's Kuwabara Mizuki celebrated at her hometown instead.

At the event, each of the girls individually spoke about their feelings about coming of age, their aspirations for the coming year, and what they hope to accomplish in the future.

	Maeda Atsuko On approaching this important day of becoming an adult, my whole body became tense. From today on, I wish to continue working hard at singing and dancing. I also want to learn how to drive a car. None of the other AKB members have a license yet, so I would like to be the first to earn my driver's license.
	Kashiwagi Yuki I had always thought that I would celebrate this day in my hometown in Kagoshima, but becoming an adult like this, as an AKB48 member, makes me very happy. In becoming an adult, I have become more aware that I really want to become a capable woman. Of course I want to improve in my singing and dancing, so I will work even harder at my music lessons.
	Itano Tomomi I wanted to show you the grown-up "yamato nadeshiko" Itano that you see today, I have looked forward very much to this day. In the coming year, I hope to hold a nationwide live, travel, increase my bank savings, and continue to be a good daughter.
	Takahashi Minami Since the day that I entered AKB at age 14, six years ago, it feels like time has rushed by so quickly. This year, I want to continue moving forward even more. Last year was wonderful, so this year, together with everyone, I want to aim even higher.
	Kasai Tomomi Coming of age felt like something so far in the distance, it moves me deeply to see everyone appearing here today dressed in their finest. I look forward to going drinking with my friends from home.
	Takajo Aki Everyone looks so cute dressed in their personalized outfits. This year, I want to develop my hobbies and interests. Right now, I am raising a dog and learning to cook, after that I want to learn movie and musical appreciation, and eventually I wish to become a woman who is devoted to her home.
	Kitahara Rie I really feel like I have grown up now. This year, I really want to overcome my shyness. Also, I would really like to see my friends from home again.
	Nakagawa Haruka There are so many people I want to thank. I am always told that I am child-like, so I wish to become more adult-like. I want to learn to cook so so I can become more of an adult.
	Oya Shizuka Seeing all of the fans who put on their suits so they could come watch over me like a parent makes me very happy. Wearing a furisode and posing for photographs for you, it's like I am being a good daughter (lol). My aspiration for this year is a solo debut. After Sashihara Rino-chan's debut was decided, I also want to make a solo debut with avex. As for things to try, I'd like to go see a limestone cavern.
	Suzuki Mariya I'm am very thankful that I've had the fortune to have such an experience that normal girls do not usually have. I had the opportunity to be in a horror movie last year, and I hope to be in more movies this year too. I also want to learn English.
	Kobayashi Kana In the six years since I joined AKB, the tension and the happiness has increased a lot. Even though it's said I am child-like, I want to become more sexy, so that I won't lose to Tomo~mi I will work even harder.
	Nakaya Sayaka Although I had a stomach ache the day before yesterday, I came here today completely well. I want to become more independent. I also want to challenge myself with voice acting and stageplays. I also look forward to making a toast with everyone.
	Masuda Yuka Since my debut at age 14, six years ago, I feel like I have grown up a lot. Because I usually dres a bit like a Yakuza wife, today everyone is asking me "Oh, you're dressed normally?" (lol). Although I have been a singer for 10 years, I've also discovered an interest in acting, and want to challenge myself with making movies and stageplays. I also want to try skydiving.
	Nonaka Misato To be here today as part of AKB makes me very happy. Because I have little confidence in myself, I want to improve myself further so I can have more confidence. I want to try going to a batting cage.
	Yonezawa Rumi The feeling of "Finally today I am 20 years old" keeps springing up in my heart. I want this year to be the year with the most growth that I have ever done in my life. So that I can remember all the happy moments and all the sad moments of my life, I will keep a diary from now on.
	Matsui Rena Even the fans might think that I have really now grown up, I'm become aware again of the feeling of being 20 years old. Last year, I truly had the opportunity to have so many good experiences, I hope that this year, I can once again share good experiences with all my fans. To celebrate being 20 years old, I want to climb Mt. Fuji.
	Suda Akari While wearing a furisode, I want to stand firmly on my own two feet. Because I really like taking self-photos with my cell phone, and I am very good at it, I want to publish an album of my cellphone self-photos.
	Takayanagi Akane I feel really grateful to be able to be here with all these AKB members. After this, I want to fully enjoy myself performing in Nagoya. I hope to become someone who is not ashamed of trying to stretch myself beyond my current abilities.
	Hiramatsu Kanako I'm so happy to be able to wear such wonderful clothes. In honor of this day, I wrote a letter to send home to my father and mother. This year, if everyone across the country could remember my name as an SKE member, I would be very happy. After that, maybe a sudden short haircut might be nice.

No Sleeves [Pedicure Day] 1st Week Sales + Review

2012-01-09T23:31:00.005+09:00

No Sleeves' 8th single [Pedicure Day] had a fairly successful first week, taking second place in the weekly rankings with 85660 units sold.

They were up against some formidable competition from the JE empire, so I think they did quite well. It seems there's been a new spurt of promotional activities and collaborations (including the mini-live for [Pedicure Day] and the newly released No Sleeves phone app), so hopefully their hard work will be reflected in even better sales for their next release!

The single was released in four formats - a regular CD version as well as three limited edition DVD versions, bringing the combined tracklist to a total of six songs (if you count the French Pop Mix as its own song).

Pedicure Day (ペディキュアday)
Taken from a broad perspective, this is rather standard peppy j-pop fare. It's got a nice energetic backing track, and the vocal melody is quite sweet (and suits the girls well). It's not exactly catchy enough to be getting stuck in my head, but it's definitely a cute song! I do like how the arrangement brings out the fact that the three girls have very different voice types, and yet they blend fantastically in the choruses.

Pedicure Day (French Pop Mix)
TBH, I feel really bad for anybody who bought the regular version, because at first listen, I can't even hear any real difference between this version and the original arrangement... In fact, it just sounds like they're doing a mediocre fandub of themselves (painfully obtrusive reverb effects) to a bad home-made instrumental rip of the original (i.e., all of the bass disappeared). And I'm not sure what makes this "French pop" - is there some perception that French pop music has no bass?

Jessica wa Door wo Knock Shinai (ジェシカはドアをノックしない)
This song is a delightfully angsty contrast to the poppy A-side. I like when they have contrasting A and B-sides, because these girls do an excellent job of performing all types of songs, and this really allows them to show that off. I tend to find this type of song particularly catchy, so perhaps that's why it makes more of a impact for me than the A-side. Also, it creates a mental image of some fierce choreography.

Madoromi (微睡み) - Kojima Haruna Solo
This is such a lovely lilting ballad. I'm particularly a big fan of the lower range they set the verses in, because that's really the best range for showcasing Haruna's voice. I'm sad that they took her up a bit higher in the chorus again. I find that she starts sounding a bit pinched when she has to sing high, so I think it would have been more to her advantage if they really kept this fully in the middle of the alto range since she sounds absolutely divine in that range (I mean, just listen to the last 5 syllables!!! amazing!!).

Still - Takahashi Minami Solo
This song is PERFECT for Takamina's voice... just PERFECT!! The song has an angsty sound, and is something of a power ballad. Takamina has the vocal power to pull off this type of song that not every singer has, so it's really excellent that they chose this genre for her. In this case, having the low verses + high chorus format is great, because it shows off the husky expressionism of her low range, while also allowing her to really let go and show off that power and intensity.

Hanbunko (半分こ) - Minegishi Minami Solo
This is back to sweet and peppy, which I think makes for a nice spread of genres across the girls' solos. Plus, Miichan's personality and voice are nicely suited for this type song, so I think overall they did a decent job of matching song genres to the girls' individual vocal strengths this time. Unfortunately, this song itself I find a little bit repetitive and not particularly ear-catching (sorry Miichan... I love you but I don't love this composer).

Nogizaka46 Debut Single Senbatsu Revealed

2012-01-09T03:48:00.000+09:00

The Senbatsu members for Nogizaka46's debut single has been revealed! And they are...

Senbatsu: Ikuta Erika, Ikoma Rina, Ichiki Rena, Inoue Sayuri, Kawamura Mahiro, Saito Asuka, Saito Yuri, Sakurai Reika, Shiraishi Mai, Takayama Kazumi, Nakada Kana, Nishino Kanase, Noujou Ami, Hashimoto Nanami, Hoshino Minami, Matsumura Sayuri

Also announced are the new Shichifukujin ("Seven Deities of Good Luck", basically Nogizaka46's version of AKB's Kami7), who will be leading the single. They are:
Shiraishi Mai, Matsumura Sayuri, Hashimoto Nanami, Ikoma Rina, Takayama Kazumi, Ikuta Erika, and Hoshino Minami

The single's title is still untitled. It will be released on February 22nd, with 5 different versions: TYPE A, TYPE B, TYPE C, Regular and Limited Edition versions. No other information is known at this point of time.

Sashihara Rino Solo Debut Announced

2012-01-08T18:33:00.000+09:00

It seems Wasamin and Mayuyu aren't the only ones debuting this year. In a surprise announcement at the handshake event held today, it was announced Team A Sashihara Rino is set to debut under Avex!

Sasshi's solo single, currently still untitled, will be released in March under Avex Trax and will be used for the upcoming drama Muse no Kagami which she stars in.

But that's not the only surprise, Aki-P posted in his Google+ saying not to worry and that he is considering for another member to go solo! Who that is? As of now, Aki-P is keeping us in suspense. That member could be from any 48 groups for all we know.

I don't know how I feel about this, I like Sasshi and her popularity in AKB has been increasing and increasing but as a solo artist? I'm not really sure. Guess her being Aki-P's oshi is almost believable now. But either ways, I will definitely be on a watch out for Sasshi's debut single. Three members are now debuting this year, Wasamin, Mayuyu and now even Sasshi! Most probably we will hear of the 4th unknown member soon as well. I'm very curious to know who that person is that Aki-P is considering.

Watanabe Mayu's Drama [Sabadoru] Updates

2012-01-08T06:08:00.000+09:00

Some updates about Watanabe Mayu's upcoming drama [Sabadoru], which will start airing on this Friday, January 13th.

Mayuyu will be acting as a 38-year-old teacher Usa Shijima, who teaches classical literature in a certain technical high school. She has a gloomy personality and is constantly bullied by her students. What the students don't know is that Usa Shijima is actually the 17 year old (fake age) mega popular idol Watanabe Mayu, whom the students love.

The drama is directed by Sato Futoshi, and Akimoto Yasushi will be in charge of the planning and original work, and also casted in the drama is Ando Tamae, Sakata Tadashi, Kiminaga Keisuke, and Takahashi Hitomi.

Now that's an interesting concept for a drama. It's something like a "teacher by day, idol by night". Quite surprised at the reversed role.A 17 year old playing as a 38 year old who acts 17. Reverse Trap FTW!
Now I wonder if any part of the story is real......

Sabadoru will air every Friday night starting January 13th, at 12:53AM JST. The show has 12 episodes planned. In addition, Mayuyu's upcoming single [Synchro Tokimeki] will be the theme song for Sabadoru. It will release on February 29th.

French Kiss Announces 5th Single and an Album

2012-01-07T01:36:00.001+09:00

Today, Kashiwagi Yuki has given us a double surprise! She announced on her official ameblo blog that AKB48 subunit French Kiss will be releasing a 5th single as well as an album! At the moment, no details have been given out, Yukirin has only said that their working on the single and album.

French Kiss' popularity is slowly growing along with Yukirin's as well. Their last single [Saisho no Mail] is their highest selling single till now and was also their first weekly #1. I'm glad that there is going to be a new single and an album. At the same time, these songs could be used for stages. I'm still hoping 2012 will have many new stages though.

Yukirin's official blog post: http://ameblo.jp/yuki-kashiwagi-we/entry-11128805320.html

[Documentary of AKB48 +1] to be aired on NHK

2012-01-06T22:27:00.000+09:00

AKB48's documentary sequel [DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 Show must go on] will be shown in theaters on January 27th 2012. But before that, NHK will air an "Another Story" version of the documentary on January 23rd, titled [DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 +1].

Also directed by Takahashi Eiki, who has also directed a number of AKB48 PVs like Keibetsu Shiteita Aijou, Oogoe Diamond, Ponytail to Shushu and their recent single Ue kara Mariko, the NHK version will show additional clips not shown on the movie.

DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 +1 will air on January 23rd at 0:15AM JST on NHK.

AKB48 Highest Overall Single Sales (for a female group)

2012-01-06T09:13:00.000+09:00

AKB48 now holds the record of having the highest overall single sales (for a female group) on the Oricon charts!

The latest oricon data revealed that sales of all 25 AKB48 singles combined amounts to 11.787 million, beating previous record holder Morning Musume's 11.774 million with 56 singles in 13 years and 11 months. It took AKB48 just under 6 years to reach that number.

All of AKB48's singles in 2011, Sakura no Ki ni Narou, Everyday, Kachuusha, Flying Get, Kaze wa Fuiteiru, and Ue kara Mariko, have each surpassed 1 million. The total sales from all of them so far is 7.346 million, accounting for 64% of the 11 million.

They have finally did it. Not really surprised considering that AKB48 singles now sell over a million. It was either going to be Ue kara Mariko or GIVE ME FIVE! that would break the record. I'm still proud of the girls of course. highest overall single sales. Now that is a big record.

While AKB48 has broken Momusu's overall single sales, their highest selling single Flying Get still has yet to break Momusu's Love Machine sales of 1.64 million. It's close though, and just a matter of time.

Oh yeah if your wondering, I did take the title from Momusu's wiki.
"Currently, they (Momusu) hold the record of having the highest overall single sales (of a female group) on the Oricon charts."

Oba Mina is Reinstated as Team 4 Captain

2012-01-05T01:57:00.069+09:00

During Team 4's January 4th stage show, Oba Mina marked her return to AKB48 after a long suspension following a scandal. Minarun was also officially reinstated as captain of Team 4, taking back the reins from temporary captain Shimada Haruka.

Back then in early September 2011, Minarun was caught in a scandal involving things she wrote and posted in the past on a blog. You can read more about it here. The eventual result was that she proposed a suspension as well as resignation from the position of Team 4's captain, and the management accepted it. There was no set date for when the suspension would end. During this period, management decided that Haruu would be the temporary captain of Team 4 until Minarun returned. In mid November 2011, it was announced at a handshake session that Minarun would return to AKB48 in January 2012.

Here is the comment from her at the end of the show when it was announced that she would be reinstated:

Firstly, I would like to say sorry that I was not able to apologize until the end of the show. In September 2011, when I offered myself for suspension, I have caused a lot of inconvenience to all those who supported AKB because of my selfish actions. I am really sorry. And then, to the seniors who made AKB, everyone in Team 4, everyone of the kenkyuusei, I am aware of the fact that I have caused trouble and I am really really sorry.

Because Akimoto-sensei allowed me to become active again in AKB starting today, 4th January, I believe that this is a chance in my career to work diligently, from today I will cherish every single second to repay...this word might be weird maybe...make amends....I don't know what would be the right word but I think that the only thing I can do is to give my utmost best in everything I do.

I have really caused trouble to Team 4. Shimada was really helpful from start to finish. It is thanks to Shimada that I am able to return to captain, and it is also thanks to Shimada that I was able to become captain. I think this and nothing else.

From now on, I will combine my strength with Shimada to lead Team 4. From now on, please take care of us that is Team 4!

Being a huge Minarun fan myself, I am really happy that she has returned. I missed seeing her and hearing her voice so much and it feels like she was gone for so long. I am also glad that she has gotten back her position as the captain of Team 4.

At the same time, I do feel bad for Haruu being treated like a substitute by management. Even though it was said from the start that she was a temporary captain, it's probably quite hurtful to have to give up the position, especially for a team as new as Team 4.

In my opinion, they should never have had a temporary captain to avoid the hurt it would cause the girls and the fans. The Haruu fans were rooting for her to keep the position so they were angry about Minarun being reinstated. Honestly it was pretty much already decided and I wouldn't have expected any other outcome.

Fact is, having a temporary captain split up the fans of Team 4 into those who preferred Minarun and those who preferred Haruu. It also wasn't very kind to Haruu herself. What's more, is that we may not see it but Minarun will definitely have a hard time building up respect from her fellow teammates who were used to Haruu leading them and had already built up rapport over the past few months.

Whatever it is, I hope that Team 4 will get along well with each other. Congratulations to Minarun for her return to AKB48!

Shimada Rena Named NMB 2nd Gen Captain + Team M to be Formed

2012-01-03T22:08:00.001+09:00

During its New Years Show on January 3rd, NMB48 surprised its fans with two important announcement. First of all, Shimada Rena was named captain of NMB48's 2nd Generation Kenkyuuseis. Additionally, it was announced that Team M will finally be formed on January 26th.

It was about time for Team M to be formed. It has been almost a year since Team N was formed, and more than half a year since the 2nd Generation Kenkyuusei members made their first appearance, so I can only welcome this announcement.

In contrast, making Shimada Rena captain is a difficult case. She just returned to the group after being on suspension because of a big purikura scandal. I have nothing against her personally or her return to the group, but making a scandal girl captain might affect the group's image and cause criticism by a lot of fans. Letting that aside, there is another thing that bothers me: since when do generations have captains? They usually only announce captains for teams, so this is strange.

Iwasa Misaki debut single [Mujineki] Tracklist

2012-01-02T22:51:00.000+09:00

The full tracklist and single covers from Iwasa Misaki's debut Single [Mujineki] have been revealed.

Aside from Mujineki and Heavy Rotation <Enka version> which were already previously announced, 3 more tracks were included in the single. The 3 songs, all of them covers, are [Tsubasa wo Kudasai], [Seto no Hanayome], and [Kikyou <Iwasa Misaki version>].

Tsubasa wo Kudasai (Please give me wings) and Seto no Hanayome (The inland sea bride) are both very popular songs that have been covered by many other artists too. Youtube embeds at the bottom of the post.

As for Kikyou (Homecoming), it is highly likely that the song is the same one as from Team A's 4th Stage [Tadaima Renaichuu]. Originally performed by Nakanishi Rina, Sato Yukari and Shinoda Mariko, it ranked #47 in the Request Hour 2008 concert, and #64 in 2009.

The covers have also be revealed. Both covers feature Wasamin wearing a beautiful furisode, though on the limited version she has a jacket over, standing near some train tracks. Personally I prefer the limited because of the contrasting colors.

Mujineki will be released on 01 February 2012.

Iwasa Misaki Debut Single
Mujineki
無人駅
01 February 2012

Limited 1,600yen	[CD] 01. Mujineki 02. Heavy Rotation <Enka version> 03. Tsubasa wo Kudasai 04. Seto no Hanayome 05. Mujineki (karaoke) 06. Heavy Rotation <Enka version> (karaoke) 07. Tsubasa wo Kudasai (karaoke) 08. Seto no Hanayome (karaoke) [DVD] 01. Mujineki MUSIC VIDEO 02. Iwasa Misaki HISTORY MOVIE 03. Mujineki MAKING VIDEO 04. Iwasa Misaki CD Debut Congratulatory Comment from AKB48
Regular 1,000yen	[CD] 01. Mujineki 02. Kikyou <Iwasa Misaki version> 03. Seto no Hanayome 04. Mujineki (karaoke) 05. Kikyou <Iwasa Misaki version (karaoke) 06. Seto no Hanayome (karaoke)

Tsubasa wo Kudasai (Tokunaga Hideaki)

Seto no Hanayome (Rumiko Koyanagi)

Kikyou

NMB48 3rd Single [Junjou U-19] Tracklist + Covers

2012-01-02T06:13:00.001+09:00

NMB48's 3rd Single [Junjou U-19]'s tracklist and covers have also been revealed.

The single's coupling songs are [Migi he Magare] (Bend to the right) sung by Akagumi, [Doryoku no Shizuku] (Drops of Effort) by Shirogumi, and last but not least [Renai no Speed] (Romance's speed) from NMB Seven, which for this single consists of Sayanee, Milky, Nana, Maachun, Ainyan, Keicchi and Jo. Interestingly, track 2 of the single is still left untitled. I wonder when it will be announced.

The covers have also been revealed. While the covers for Type A and B are colorful and flashy, the cover for Type C and the theater version are school-typed and a bit low-key. What catches my attention are the pink highlights for Yamamoto Sayaka and the golden cannon on TypeA cover, I wonder if there is a special meaning behind that.

So, which covers do you like the best?

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

TYPE A 1,600yen	[CD] 01. Junjou U-19 02. (untitled) 03. Doryoku no Shizuku / Shirogumi 04. Junjou U-19 (off vocal ver.) 05. (untitled) (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. (untitled) 03. Migi he Magare / Akagumi 04. Junjou U-19 (off vocal ver.) 05. (untitled) (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. (untitled) 03. Renai no Speed / NMB Seven 04. Junjou U-19 (off vocal ver.) 05. (untitled) (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. (untitled) 03. Doryoku no Shizuku / Shirogumi 04. Junjou U-19 (off vocal ver.) 05. (untitled) (off vocal ver.) 06. Doryoku no Shizuku / Shirogumi (off vocal ver.)

AKB48's [Flying Get] wins the 53rd Japan Record Award

2011-12-30T22:35:00.000+09:00

AKB48's best selling single [Flying Get] has won the grand award at the 53rd Japan Record Awards! Congratulations!!!!!

Held by TBS today at the New Nation Theater Tokyo, the 53rd Japan Record Awards is an annual awards show for outstanding achievement made during the year, not restricted by genre. The Japan Record Award itself is given to the top artist.

Also nominated were Nishino Kana, KARA, AAA, JUJU, Mizumori Kaori, Hikawa Kiyoshi, FUNKY MONKEY BABYS, TVXQ, and Ikimono-gakari. We wish the the best of luck for next year.

With AKB48's tremendous growth and all 5 of their singles this year dominating the top 5 positions in single sales for this year, it might be no surprise that they won. Here's the comments from the members during the show:

Maeda Atsuko: "I would like to thank our fans and the staffs who have given us support. And i wuold also like to thank Akimoto Yasushi-sensei. And everyone else who has give us their support."

Takahashi Minami: "It's be exactly one year and everyone has worked hard and I'm very happy that we are able to receive this award. It's all thanks to the support we have received from everyone. I hope we are able to share this sense of joy with the fans."

Oshima Yuko: "We were filled with anxiety and expectations about the award. Flying Get is a Sousenkyo song, I don't think it would be wrong to call it a song chose by the fans. I would really like to thank all the fans."

Akimoto Yasushi: "Everyone really worked hard, I think they really gave their all during the 5 years."

OMG I'm super happy for them. Took them 6 years of hard work and lots of tears but they finally made it. A very great way to end the year. Well the song isn't really that great IMO, but sales wise it's the top of the top. Once again, congratulations to AKB48, and not forgetting Akimoto Yasushi too for their hard work!

AKB48 in 62nd Kohaku Uta Gassen updates

2011-12-30T13:11:00.000+09:00

Only one day left till the 62nd Kouhaku uta Gassen! Here's some updates about AKB48's appearance in this prestigious annual show.

AKB48 will be the 5th artist to perform on the show, with their song [Kouhaku 2011 AKB48 Special MIX ~Ganbarou Nihon~]. The song is a special medley of Kaze wa Fuiteiru, Flying Get, and Everyday, Kachuusha.

And accompanying AKB48 (75 members) on stage will be all of their fellow sister groups: SKE48 (48 members), NMB48 (16 members), HKT48 (16 members), SDN48 (39 members), and JKT48 (16 members). That's a total of 210 members on the stage. Do they really want to break the stage so much? It looks quite overcrowded up there.

By the way last year the number of performers under AKB48 was 130. An increase of 80 members for this year.

This will be SDN48's, HKT48's and JKT48's first time appearing on Kouhaku, although HKT48 and JKT48 have participated on the AKB48 Kouhaku Taikou Uta Gassen last week. Both of them just debuted only a few months ago.

You can view pictures of the Kouhaku rehearsal over at Modelpress
http://mdpr.jp/021163322

So I Created a 48 Glossary

2011-12-28T23:40:00.000+09:00

photo from rbbtoday.com

To help the newer fans of AKB48 and all it's sister groups, I decided to create a glossary of all the terms and other important stuff used in the 48 universe. It may be helpful as you go along learning about the groups.

This glossary is (as of December 28 2011) identical to the one located on the menu below the blog banner. Do leave a comment if you think there are terms that we are missing or incorrect.

Feel free to share it around but please credit back. Creating this took countless days and nights of research.

So let's start

GROUPS
AKB48:
The first group out of the 48 franchise. Formed in 2005, AKB stands for AKihaBara, as their theater is located in the Don Quixote in Akihabara district of Tokyo.
Akihabara48:
For a few months after AKB48 started out, they were known as Akihabara48. The entrance to the AKB48 Theater still shows the old name.
SKE48:
AKB48's first sister group, based in SaKaE, Nagoya. They were created in 2008 and their theater is located in the Sunshine Sakae building
SDN48:
A more adult version of AKB48, SDN48 stands for SaturDayNight48. All SDN48 members are above 20 years old, and do not have to follow the normal idol rules (no drinking, smoking, etc). SDN48 shares the same theater with AKB48
SDN48 is due to disband on March 2012.
NMB48:
The second 48 sister group, and the first in the Kansai region, based in NaMBa, Osaka. They debuted in 2010 and currently only have Team N.
HKT48:
The third and newest addition to the 48 family, debuting only in 2011. HKT is short for HaKaTa, in the Fukuoka prefecture. They do not have any Teams formed yet.

JKT48:
The first legitimate 48 group outside of Japan. JKT48 is based in JaKarTa, Indonesia.
TPE48:
Another overseas OOO48 group in the works, but we haven't heard anything about it since October 2011. TPE is TaiPEi, in Taiwan.
OJS48:
Stands for OJiiSan48, they are a group of 16 retired police officers. They released a single [Shinkokyuu] which didn't really sell much, and now work as security guards in AKB48 events.
Nogizaka46:
AKB48's official "rival group", also produced by Akimoto Yasushi.

COMPANIES
AKS:
The company that operates AKB48, SKE48, SDN48, and HKT48. AKS is also the talent agency for AKB48 members until an external agency recruits them.
It is rumoured that the name 'AKS' is actually the initials of the 3 most important men IN THE WORLD: 'Akimoto Yasushi', 'Kubota Yasushi', 'Shiba Kotaro'.
Pythagoras Promotion:
Used to be SKE48's operating company until November 2011, when they merged with AKS and the staff moved over. Pythagoras Promotion is also the talent agency for all the SKE48 girls until the merger. 'Pythagoras Promotion' is shortened to 'PYP'
Yoshimoto Kyogyo:
NMB48's operating company. Yoshimoto is the biggest comedy company in Japan.
Dentsu:
The company that deals with AKB48's advertising. Dentsu is one of the biggest advertising agency in the world.

PEOPLE
Akimoto Yasushi (秋元康):
Creator and Producer (and overall Boss) of the 48 groups. Nicknamed Aki-P (The 'P' stands for 'Producer').
Kubota Yasushi (窪田康志):
The boss of AKS. He is not related to Akimoto Yasushi btw.
Shiba Kotaro (芝幸太郎):
The boss of office48. The '48' in 'AKB48' also came from him (Shiba = 48).
Togasaki Tomonobu (戸賀崎智信):
AKB48 Theater Manager. Also known as TGSK. He writes the AKB48 Official Blog, and makes announcements at the end of concerts.
Nishiyama Kyoko (西山恭子):
More commonly known as Saruobasan (サルオバサン), she is in charge of Public Relations in the AKB Theater, and also the AKB and SDN members well-being.
Chino Shinobu (茅野しのぶ):
AKB48's stylist, in charge of their costumes.
Gunji Yoshitaka (郡司善孝):
Head of theater staff.
Ishitani Yasuhiko (石谷靖彦):
Head of AKB48 Ticket Center

Yuasa Hiroshi (湯浅洋):
SKE48 Theater Manager.
Kaneko Takeshi (金子剛):
NMB48 Theater Manager.

Wota:
Equivalent of the word otaku, wota are the fans of Japanese idol groups.

LOCATIONS
Don Quixote (Akihabara):
Where the AKB48 Theater is located in Akihabara, Tokyo. Don Quixote is actually a chain of discount stores in Japan. The name is often shortened to Donki. AKB48's Theater is on the 8th floor.
G-Rosso:
A theater in Tokyo that AKB48 used for some time back in 2008-2009 for their Himawari-gumi stages, and also for the Infinity theater play.
There have been plans to use the G-Rosso stage once again, but so far as of 2011 nothing has been announced.
Sunshine Sakae:
Where the SKE48 Theater is located in Sakae, Nagoya, on the. The building has a giant ferris wheel on the exterior. SKE48's Theater is located on the 2nd floor.
Yes Namba:
Where the NMB48 Theater is located. The theater is actually underground.
Hawks Town Mall:
Where the HKT48 Theater is located. HKT stands for the HaKaTa district in the Fukuoka prefecture, but the HKT Theater is in the Chuo District. The theater is located on the 2nd floor.

GROUPINGS
Senbatsu:
Meaning 'selection', the Senbatsu members of a single are the members selected by Akimoto Yasushi to promote the single. They get featured on the A-side of the single. Senbatsu is usually 16 members
Media Senbatsu:
The top 12 ranked members in the Senbatsu election, who get additional privileges such like performing on music shows, appearing on magazines, and other various media.
Undergirls:
The members that did not make the cut for Senbatsu. They get their own B-Side and even a PV, but their song is rarely played in the media. This grouping is not limited to the Senbatsu Election.
Theater Girls:
An additional grouping named the Theater Girls in previous AKB48 and SKE48 singles, which were populated by the remaining AKB48/SKE48 members who did not make the cut for Undergirls. The grouping has since been discontinued.

Frontgirls:
Not an actual grouping, but a loose term used by the fans for the usual 18 or so girls usually chosen as Senbatsu. They are called frontigrls because they are always at the front.
Kami7:
The term used for the top 7 members of AKB48. Kind of "The Untouchables" you could say". And those members are, in ranking order:
Maeda Atsuko, Oshima Yuko, Shinoda Mariko, Watanabe Mayu, Kojima Haruna, Takahashi Minami and Itano Tomomi.
Kami8 / (new) Kami7:
In the 3rd Senbatsu Election (2011), Itano Tomomi (ranked #8) got beaten by Kashiwagi Yuki (ranked #3). Some fans came up with the term Kami8, which was just the original Kami7 + Kashiwagi.
Others just removed Itano completely from the Kami7 naming.
Others still just called blasphemy and kept the Kami7 unchanged.
Just your preference which one you want to use.

Team PB / Team YJ, YJ7 / YM7:
A collaborative unit, between AKB48 and gravure magazine PlayBoy (PB) / Young Jump (YJ) / Young Magazine (YM), made up of 7 girls each.
In 2010 it was a battle between team PB and Team YJ, and in 2011 it was Team YJ again, now called YJ7, vs YM7.
Selection 8:
SKE48's version of AKB48's Kami7, and an actual grouping.
NMB Seven:
Just like Selection 8.
Akagumi / Shirogumi:
Meaning 'Red Team' and 'White Team', it is used by SKE48 and NMB48 in place of Undergirls. The names probably originated from the Kouhaku Uta Gassen

THEATER
Teams:
The members of AKB48, and each of their sister groups, are split into 3 teams each consisting of 16 members. Another reason why 'AKB48' is '48' is because 3 teams of 16 adds up to 48. The letters assigned to the Teams are from the 3 letters that make up the group name (AKB48: Team A, Team K, Team B).
Team 4 / Team 8:
Because no AKB48 members were graduating for quite a long time, the number of Kenkyuuseis kept rising and rising after every audition. So on July 2011, a new team was formed, called 'Team 4', for the kenkyuuseis . As of December 2011, only AKB48 has Team 4, and no Team 8 has been formed yet.
Kenkyuusei:
Officially translated to Research Students, the Kenkyuuseis are a support team whose role is to substitute for a member of the main group if she is unable to perform on that day. Additionally, when a member of the main group graduates, a Kenkyuusei is promoted to replace her.
Under:
Substitutes for a member if she is unable to perform during a stage. Usually by Kenkyuuseis but sometimes a main member is a full AKB member.
Usage: Izuta Rina is Maeda Atsuko's under
Bara-gumi / Yuri-gumi:
Back in 2006, Akimoto Yasushi had the idea of shuffling around the members of Team A and Team K, and naming the new teams 'Bara-gumi' (Rose Class) and 'Yuri-gumi' (Lily Class). That plan was dropped because of heavy opposition from the fans.
Then in 2011 for AKB48's [Kaze wa Fuiteiru] single, Bara-gumi and Yuri-gumi were revived as 'Undergirls Bara-gumi' and 'Undergirls Yuri-gumi'.

Himawari-gumi:
Meaning 'Sunflower Class', A side team formed in 2008 comprising members from Team A and Team K. They performed 2 stages [Boku no Taiyou] and [Yume wo Shinaseru Wake ni Ikenai], but then stopped.

Stages / Stage shows:
A group on songs, usually 16, which teams perform in their theater. Each team has their own unique stage. Usually after about a year, a team is given a new stage to perform.
Units / Unit songs:
For a couple of songs during a stage, the team is split up further into 5 units. Units usually consist of 3 to 4 members.
Unit Shuffle:
Sometimes during concerts, the members performing a unit song are changed.

2009 AKB48 Team Shuffle:
At the end of the [AKB48 104 Senbatsu Member Sokkaku Matsuri] concert in Nippon Budokan, it was announced that all AKB48 teams will be shuffled.

Kage ana:
Meaning "shadow announcer", it is the member making the announcements to the audience before the stage or concert starts.
MC:
A break between songs during which the members talk about a given topic. This is done so that the other members backstage have enough time to change costumes for the next song.
High-touch:
Wasei-eigo for "high five". At the end of stage shows, you get to "high-touch" with the members.

Shonichi:
The very first performance of a stage.
Senshuraku:
The very last performance of a stage.
Revival:
When the management decided that they shouldn't have ended the stage so early. So they revive the previous stage.
Seitansai:
Meaning 'Birthday Festival', Seitansai is a special stage performance where a member's birthday is celebrated. A seitansai can take place up to 1 month after the actual member's birthday.

LOD:
Short for 'Live on Demand'. It's a service where you can purchase a video of a past performance in the AKB48 Theater. SKE48 also has a LOD service.
DMM.com:
Where you can buy 48 LODs.

EVENTS
Akushukai:
Handshake events. The tickets to these events usually come in Singles.
Shamekai:
2shot events. A 2shot is a photo with 2 people inside. So a 2shot would be you + 1 akb member.
3shot would be you + 2 akb members, and so on.

Senbatsu Election:
Started in 2009, for 1 single each year the fans get a chance to vote for which members they want in a single. The Senbatsu Election is not limited to AKB48 members, so the sister groups get to take part in it too.
Only the top 40 members are shown during the election. The top 21 members get to be in Senbatsu, and the remaining are in the Undergirls.

Janken Tournament:
Janken is the Japanese name for 'Rock, Paper and Scissors'. The Janken Tournament is another of Akimoto's ideas to decide the Senbatsu members of a single, purely based on luck.

OSHI
Oshimen:
From 'oshiteru member' which literally translates to 'the member you want to push', generally it means your most favorite member whom you will always be supporting. You should never have more than one Oshimen in the same group.
Oshihen:
When you change your Oshimen from one member to another. Generally not accepted and heavily discouraged.
Kami-oshi:
Literally 'God Oshi'. Kami-Oshi is your most important oshi out of all your oshimens (from different groups of course).
DD:
Short for 'Daredemo Daisuki', which means 'I love anyone'. Applies to anyone with multiple oshimens in the same group.
MD:
Short for 'Minna Daisuki', which means 'I love everybody'. Similar to DD, but with an oshimen.

No Sleeves 8th Single [Pedicure day], SDN48 4th Single [Kudokinagara Azabu Juuban] 1st Day Sales

2011-12-28T20:52:00.001+09:00

No Sleeves's 8th single [Pedicure day] and SDN48's 4th single [Kudokinagara Azabu Juuban] both released earlier today. This is the first time 2 48-related groups released in the same week.

SDN48 managed to take the top spot, selling 57k copies. Despite this single possibly being the farewell single, there was barely any increase in sales numbers. Their previous single MIN.MIN.MIN also sold 57k on it's first day (actually it sold 600 more to be exact).

No Sleeves trailed behind in 2nd place, selling 47k. The good news is that it managed to increase it's sales compared to Kuchibiru Furezu... .

I really expected SDN's single to sell more seeing as this could be their last single but then again with the lack of promotion done for them, I shouldn't be surprised. They will be promoting their single in Happy Music next week and Music Japan in three weeks (its already been recorded) but beside these, there have been no other shows.

How will both of them fare for the weekly chart? Let's check back on sunday.

NMB48 Kenkyuusei Otani Riko to Graduate

2011-12-27T22:33:00.000+09:00

As announced in the NMB48 Theatre, 2nd Generation Kenkyuusei Otani Riko will graduate from NMB48. The reason given is that she wants to focus on her studies. The graduation date has not been announced yet.

Another 2nd Generation member, Takiyama Akane, just graduated from NMB48 a few days ago on December 22 for the same reasons and now we have another NMB48 graduation.

I wonder what is happening with NMB48's 2nd Generation. They aren't featured much and instead of moving forward, the members now start to graduate.

Anyways, I wish Riko all the best for the future.

Otani Riko Graduation Message
translated by Miss Moonlight

I have an important announcement to make.

I, Otani Riko, will graduate from NMB48. I am really sorry to everyone who supported me all the time since our appearance at TCD Hall in June until now. Since the audition, repeatedly I felt conflicts inside me. Every time that happened I remembered that I was chosen among so many applicants and that I was able to meet you all, and thinking ‘Alright, let’s do my best’ I worked hard.

I am a 3rd year junior high school student, so I had a big wall called ‘exam’ in front of me. I thought I could balance it with my activities in NMB48, but going to the senior high school I want to go to is difficult while balancing both activities and I could not completely give up on going to the high school I want to go to.

I was able to make a lot of experiences, like meeting with you all as an NMB48 member or things normal girls cannot experience and things that you just don’t know unless you enter (the group).

The theatre shows as an NMB48 member where I had fun with all of you, the handshake events where I could meet a lot of people, those were a great time. Thank you.

I am also really thankful to the staff who supported NMB48. I think that I was able to come this far thanks to you all and to all the members. Thank you very much.

Original Message

Sashihara Rino to Star in Drama [Muse no Kagami]

2011-12-27T12:34:00.003+09:00

Sashihara Rino will be starring in a new late-night drama, [Muse no Kagami] (Muse's Mirror). The show is a 24-episode drama which will be shown on NTV every Thursday at 25:55 ~ 26:10 starting from January 14th 2012.

The story is about a girl with no redeeming features, Mukada Maki (acted by Sashiko), who was discovered by Okita Ryuu (who used to be a famous actor) and how she grew and aimed to become an actress. The style of the drama will be a classic drama acted with a taste of Daiei Drama which was popular in the 70's and 80's. What we can look forward to will be how Mukuda Maki, who is only interested in acting, deter other guys' advances on her as she become famous and people start to realize her charm.

The scriptwriter for this drama series is "King of Late-night Drama", Fukuda Yuuichi, he has written the scripts for many drama series such as Yuusha Yoshihiko to Maou no Shiro, 33pun Tantei and my personal favourite, 1 Pound no Fukuin.

Personally, I think the script fits Sashiko perfectly, it's probably kinda like how her life in AKB has been like till now, from 27th to 19th to 9th placing in senbatsu sousenkyo, with her solo CM which started airing since December 23rd, and her solo photobook which will be on sale on January 19th. I might actually see this drama as a biography of Sashiko. Lol.

Sashiko's comments about starring in this drama, "This is my first time playing a main-role in a drama, and I'm very worried about my acting skills, whether they are good enough. I will definitely do my very best, in order no to cause trouble to the actors who will be working with me. I'm looking forward to finding out what kind of world has Fukuda-san created for me!!!"

Muse no Kagami (ミューズの鏡)
Channel: NTV
Schedule: Weekly every Thursday
Timing: 25:55 ~ 26:10
Official Website: http://www.ntv.co.jp/muse/
Starts: 14/01/2012

P.S. Filming starts on 06/01/2012. So now you know the date to start stalking her on G+ :)

SDN48 4th Single [Kudokinagara Azabu Juuban duet with Mino Monta]

2011-12-26T17:17:00.002+09:00

repost. the original got deleted somehow.

SDN48 will be releasing their 4th single, and possibly their last too. The single is titled [Kudokinagara Azabu Juuban duet with Mino Monta] (口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みのもんた)*gasps for air* and will feature them with famous TV Presenter Mino Monta.

Well who is he? You could say he is one of the most famous old men in Japan. I don't know why they picked him though... I mean, there are the guys in OJS48... Anyway the duet song is described to be a New Years song, which fits the occasion as the single will release on December 28th 2011.

Senbatsu for this single is only 8 members: Akita Kazue, Kohara Haruka, Noro Kayo, Ohori Megumi, Sato Yukari, Serina, Urano Kazumi, and KONAN. With just 8 members, this is the smallest Senbatsu SDN48 has ever had.

There will be 2 versions for Kudokinagara Azabu Juuban duet with Mino Monta, both with a common B-side and their own unique B-side song. TYPE A's b-side is [Kamujatan Bojou] (カムジャタン慕情). Kamujatan is actually a Korean dish Gamatang, and Bojou means "longing".

And TYPE B's b-side is [Kashaasa de Jihaku suru] (カシャーサで自白する). Cachaça, is a liquor that originates from Brazil that is made from fermented sugarcane. I never knew they have it in Japan. So Korean and Brazilian eh? Hmmmm do I have any readers from Brazil? Do give a shoutout in the comments!

Honestly, I don't know what to say about this single. I mean I'm glad that the management decided to give SDN48 a single before they head off, but of all things it has to be about them swooning over a rich old guy? Also if this is supposed to be the farewell single, why is there even a senbatsu? If it's farewell then it should be the group as a whole. Unless they plan to release another single in 2012. Milking the fans till the end I see.

SDN48 4th Single
Kudokinagara Azabu Juuban duet with Mino Monta
口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みのもんた
28 December 2011

TYPE A

1,600yen

[CD]
01. Kudoki nagara Azabu Juuban duet with Mino Monta
02. Yaritagariya-san
03. Kamujatan Bojou
04. Kudoki nagara Azabu Juuban duet with Mino Monta (off vocal)
05. Yaritagariya-san (off vocal)
06. Kamujatan Bojou (off vocal)
[DVD]
01. Kudoki nagara Azabu Juuban duet with Mino Monta
02. Yaritagariya-san MUSIC VIDEO
03. Gamjatang Bojou MUSIC VIDEO
04. Recording and MV Making-Of (Type A version)
05. SDN48 skit

TYPEB

1,600yen

[CD]
01. Kudoki nagara Azabu Juuban duet with Mino Monta
02. Yaritagariya-san
03. Kashaasa de Jihaku suru
04. Kudoki nagara Azabu Juuban duet with Mino Monta (off vocal)
05. Yaritagariya-san (off vocal)
06. Kashaasa de Jihaku suru (off vocal)
[DVD]
01. Kudoki nagara Azabu Juuban duet with Mino Monta
02. Yaritagariya-sanMUSIC VIDEO
03.Kashaasade Jihaku suruMUSIC VIDEO
04. Recording and MV Making-Of(Type A version)
05. SDN48 skit

Senbatsu - Kudoki nagara Azabu Juuban duet with Mino Monta (口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みのもんた)
1st Gen: Noro Kayo, Akita Kazue, Kohara Haruka, Ohori Megumi, Sato Yukari, Serina, Urano Kazumi
2nd Gen: KONAN

Undergirls Team G - Yaritagariya-san (やりたがり屋さん)
1st Gen:Kouchi Masami, Okouchi Misa, Tezuka Machiko
2nd Gen: Aikawa Yuki,Fujikoso Yumi,Fukuda Akane, Hosoda Miyuu, Matsushima Rumi, Natsuko
3rd Gen: miray, Siyeon, Tojima Hana

Undergirls A - Kamujatan Bojou (カムジャタン慕情)
1st Gen: Chen Qu, Hatakeyama Chisaki, Kondo Sayaka, Nachu,
2nd Gen: Akiko, Kimoto Yuki, Takahashi Yui, Tsuda Marina
3rd Gen: Komatani Hitomi, Shinahama Saemi

Undergirls B - Kashaasa de Jihaku suru (カシャーサで自白する)
1st Gen: Imayoshi Megumi, Kaida Juri, Kato Mami, Mitsui Hiromi, Nishikunihara Reiko, Umeda Haruka
2nd Gen: Ito Mana, Oyama Aimi
3rd Gen: Kojo Seara

Because You Were There for Me: Kasai Tomomi and Natsu-sensei

2011-12-24T19:55:00.000+09:00

From Shukan Asahi's interview series, we have a story about Kasai Tomomi talking about a valuable lesson taught to her by Natsu-sensei. Team K is family, 'nuff said.

The difference between "getting along well" and "true friendship" taught to me by Natsu-sensei
Translated by mammothb

In spring 2006, I entered AKB the same time when Team K was formed. Along with me were 16 other girls of various ages and characters. I thought that there were sure to be endless disputes among us, but on the contrary, everyone got along really well from the start.

I was being sensible as well and held back from making too much opinions. Honestly, I thought that as long as I compromise it would all be fine.

Our choreographer, Natsu Mayumi-sensei's hellish lessons were worse than I have imagined. We practised from morning to night, for more than 15 hours a day, these lessons continued for around a month. After overcoming the harsh lessons, it was time for our first performance. We won't lose to our Team A senpais! And so that was what we did......or rather, what we intended to do.

However, after the performance, the words that Natsu-sensei told us was harsher beyond our imagination.

"Today's performance, was the worst. The problem lies somewhere more fundamental than techniques. AKB doesn't need a Team like this."

We thought that Natsu-sensei would definitely welcome us with a smile and say, "You have done your best, good job."...... After hearing Natsu-sensei's words, some members broke down and some were so shocked that they went into hyperventilation. In our own way, we have survived this 1 month of harsh lessons. We worked hard in order not to have any arguments and disagreements among us. Tears rolled down my cheeks due to frustration. Even as a sensei, such words are way too harsh! It really pisses me off! I shall discuss with everyone and go on strike! Looking around me, I realized that there wasn't any member I could discuss this with......

If it's about cakes and TV programmes, we would all be able to talk about them passionately. However, even though we have worked so hard together, there is no one whom I can call a bosom friend. I think it's the same for other members as well. We all felt that there's no one whom we can really open up our hearts to. At that moment, I sort of understood the meaning behind Natsu-sensei's words.

After that, members of Team K began to voice out their different opinions and have disputes without restraints, and became a super sporty team. I no longer compromised and voiced out my opinions. "That kind of MC won't heat up the atmosphere!" "You always lag on the dance step at that place right? Correct it!"

I think I've also said some things that aren't correct. But I've learnt to voice out all my opinions. For example, (Akimoto) Sayaka is weak under pressure, and easily blow her fuse. And there were cases when people around her became victims to that. That's why I said it, "That should be the way right?!" and Sayaka would then apologize. At that point, (Miyazawa) Sae would follow up and say, "Sayaka works twice as hard as others, that's why it became like that, right?"

And our teamwork was born like that. Of course, my weakness was also pointed out, and worked hard to correct it. We would share each other's pain and became "Clashing souls".

After continuing like this for half a year, we performed our first solo concert in Nippon-Seinenkan. When it ended, we saw Natsu-sensei waiting for us. After seeing us, Natsu-sensei cried. "Everyone, you've worked hard...... You've all become one together......"

It was the first time that sensei has praised us. The joy and the memory of understanding each other more by pointing out each other's flaws played in our minds, we all cried......

Right now, we are able to show off our real teamwork instead of putting up a pretense during our performances. We are able to achieve this because of you, Natsu-sensei!

AKB48's 25th Single's Title is [Give Me Five]

2011-12-22T14:07:00.000+09:00

A leak on Chari-ani's website has revealed the possible title of AKB48's 25th single to be [Give Me Five]. An update a few hours later though, the title was changed back to [untitled] (see bottom image).

This is a rather interesting title as it is the first of the 5 sakura-themed singles without the word "sakura" in it.

There has been some speculation about what the "give me five" means, aside from the obvious "high five". For the Japanese readers, "give me five" is English for the wasei-eigo "high touch". Five could just be that this is the 5th sakura themed single. Some people have also noted that a sakura flower has 5 petals.

Some people have gone as far as to say that there will be 5 graduations from AKB48. Which is plausible. Mariko will be 26 on March 2012, well above the usual idol age

Whatever it is supposed to mean, the title feels rather upbeat, so we may be getting something like 10nen Zakura. Really looking forward to this song.

Nogizaka46 Announces Debut Single

2011-12-22T13:11:00.001+09:00

Nogizaka46, the "official rival" of AKB48 have announced that they will be releasing their debut single on February 22nd, 2012 right after AKB48's 25th single slated to be released on February 15th. At the moment no details about the single have been given beside the date.

I have absolutely no interest in them and I still have no idea what Aki-P is planning to do. But I'm curious to see how this single will fare because they already have quite a fan following but the question is: as the official rival, will they really be able to rival AKB? That is something we'll just have to wait and see.

Iwasa Misaki Debut Single titled [Mujineki]

2011-12-22T12:47:00.001+09:00

The title song for Iwasa Misaki's debut single has been announced to be [Mujineki] (meaning an empty train station). In addition, the single will feature Iwasa's enka rendition of [Heavy Rotation].

The limited edition will come with a DVD featuring a music video and making clips as expected, as well as an Iwasa Misaki history video and congratulatory messages from her fellow AKB48 members. Further details will be announced later.

The single will be released on February 01 2012.

Iwasa Misaki Debut Single
Mujineki
無人駅
01 February 2012

Limited Edition XXXXyen	[CD] 01. Mujineki 02. Heavy Rotation <Iwasa Misaki Version> others [DVD] 01. Mujineki MUSIC VIDEO 02. Iwasa Misaki HISTORY MOVIE 03. Mujineki MAKING VIDEO 04. Iwasa Misaki CD Debut Congratulatory Comment from AKB48
Regular Edition XXXXyen	[CD] 01. Mujineki others

SKE48 8th Single [Kataomoi Finally] PV Previews + Impression

2011-12-22T11:29:00.007+09:00

The PV previews for SKE48's 8th single have been released. Let's check them out!

Kataomoi Finally (片想いFinally)

I'm happy that SKE48 is shifting their musical focus away from bubbly idol pop to something more serious and dark. Both the story and dance are beautifully and artistically shot, making this one of the group's best music videos. However, I'm not a big fan of the song. I find the fluctuating tempo of the song highly unusual; I feel like I'm listening to a single mash-up.

Hanikami Lollipop (はにかみロリーポップ)

I've never shown much love for Shirogumi (despite liking Jurina more than Rena), but this is the best PV I've seen from the group. Everything, from the costumes, line-up, solo shots, and backdrop, are pure perfection. I also love the old-school lighting and color palette that are utilized to make the PV appear vintage. Still, I don't believe that Shirogumi will ever break out of their cutesy concept.

Koe ga Kazureru Kurai (声がかすれるくらい)

I'm really loving the rock sound of this b-side. SKE already has some pop-rock under their belt, but this song is much more true to the genre. This song naturally appeals to someone like me who is a fan of female-led bands such as Stereopony and the brilliant green. It's a shame that there's no choreography complimenting this great song.

DiVA's new song and addition of new members

2011-12-20T22:06:00.000+09:00

Today at the AKB48's own Kouhaku event, DiVA opened the event with their new song titled [Lost the way]. Nothing has been revealed whether this will be a new single or not. The opening wasn't live streamed so how the song is, we do not know yet. But that was not the only announcement. If you remember, there were plans to add new members to the unit and apparently the final selections are done and here are the 6 new members of DiVA: Kasuya Satoko, Futami Yuuki, Furukawa Atsuko, Fuku Noramu, Inoue Yuina, Yamagami Ayaka.

I hadn't heard anything about them in such a long time, I thought Aki-P had decided to discontinue them but then they come back with such a big announcement. I wasn't happy with their plans to add members and I'm still not happy that they finally did add members now. I mean its supposed to be "Dance & Vocal Unit from AKB48". Well, we'll just have to wait and see.

Introduction of the new members:

[AKB48 Kouhaku Taikou Uta Gassen] setlist

2011-12-20T21:49:00.000+09:00

The AKB48's own Kouhaku event has come to an end with Shirogumi winning. Congratulations. This was by far one of the most interesting AKB48 event ever because the songs were shuffled for the members. We also heard [Aitakatta] by JKT48 in Indonesian! At least we know AKB still capable of shuffling.

Check out the setlist and which members performed which song.
*Red colored names are Akagumi members.
*Blue colored names are Shirogumi members.

AKB48 Kouhaku Taikou Uta Gassen
AKB48紅白対抗歌合戦

Date: 20 December 2011 (Tuesday)
Venue: Tokyo Dome City Hall
Time: 18:00 (17:00 entrance)
Price: 4,800yen

SETLIST
(zenza girls) M00 - Lost the way (DiVA)
(zenza girls) M00 - Pedicure day (no3b)
M01 - Dear J (Sashihara Rino)
M02 - flower (Akimoto Sayaka)
-----MC1-----
M03 - Seifuku Resistance (Shimada Haruka, Takeuchi Miyu, Takayanagi Akane)
M04 - Itoshiki Natasha (Kasai Tomomi, Fujie Reina, Nito Moeno)
-----MC3-----
M05 - Heart Gata Virus (Shimazaki Haruka, Yamauchi Suzuran, Mtsumune Kaoru)
M06 - Nagisa no CHERRY (Kato Rena, Natori Wakana, Morikawa Ayaka, Kojima Natsuki)
M07 - Kuchi Utsushi no Chocolate (Matsui Rena, Kikuchi Ayaka, Sato Amina)
M08 - Blue rose (Sato Sumire, Nakagawa Haruka, Abe Maria, Nagao Mariya)
-----MC3-----
M09 - Oh My God! (SKE48)
M10 - Pareo wa Emerald (NMB48)
-----MC4-----
M11 - Kuchibiru Furezu (Miyazawa Sae, Takajo Aki, Kitahara Rie)
M12 - Perapera Perao (Kashiwagi Yuki, Ota Aika, , Miyazaki Miho, Nonaka Misato)
-----MC5-----
M13 - Kinjirareta Futari (Kuramochi Asuka, Komori Mika)
M14 - Ame no Pianist ( Minegishi Minami, Katayama Haruka, Suzuki Shihori)
-----MC6-----
M15 - Te wo Tsunaginagara (HKT48)
M16 - Aitakatta (JKT48)
-----MC7-----
M17 - Skirt, Hirari (Kawaei Rina, Takahashi Juri, Kimoto Kanon, Kizaki Yuria, Iwata Karen, Tano Yuuka, Kodama Haruka)
M18 - Glass no I LOVE YOU (Iriyama Anna, Jo Eriko, Sasaki Yukari, Omori Miyu)
M19 - Ame no Doubutsuen (Ichikawa Miori, Hata Sawako, Suda Akari, Hirata Rina, Nakamata Shiori, Nakamura Mariko, Mutou Tomu, Kobayashi Marina)
M20 - Dakishimeraretara (Yamamoto Sayaka, Watanabe Miyuki, Yamada Nana)
-----MC8-----
M21 - Anata to Christmas Eve (Yokoyama Yui, Matsui Sakiko)
M22 - Noel no Yoru (Masuda Yuka, Kobayashi Kana, Nakatsuka Tomomi, Chikano Rina, Hirajima Natsuki, Oya Shizuka, Uchida Mayumi, Sato Natsuki, Ishida Haruka, Umeda Ayaka, Iwasa Misaki, Nakaya Sayaka)
-----MC9-----
M23 - Yokaze no Shiwaza (Itano Tomomi)
-----MC10-----
M24 - Beginner (Acoustic ver.) (Takahashi Minami)
-----MC11-----
M25 - Temodemo no Namida (Watanabe Mayu, Matsui Jurina)
M26 - Tonari no Banana (Kojima Haruna, Shinoda Mariko)
-----MC12-----
M27 - Itoshisa no Accel (Oshima Yuko)
M28 - Kareha no Station (Maeda Atsuko)
-----MC13-----
M29 - Flying Get (Team B)
M30 - Heavy Rotation (Team K)
M31 - Kaze wa Fuiteiru (Team A)
M32 - Ue Kara Mariko (Senbatsu)
M33 - Everyday, Kachuusha (All)
-----MC14-----
M34 - Dareka no Tame ni (All)

Watanabe Mayu solo debut in February with [Synchro Tokimeki]

2011-12-20T03:16:00.001+09:00

It's been decided that Watanabe Mayu will have a solo debut too! Her solo single [Synchro Tokimeki] (シンクロときめき) will release on February 29th 2012.

Mayuyu is the 4th AKB48 member to go solo under her own name, after Itano Tomomi, Maeda Atsuko, and Iwasa Misaki. Of all the members in AKB48, Mayuyu is said to be the most idol-like.

Synchro Tokimeki will be used as the theme song for the drama [Sabadoru] which she stars in. The drama will air every Friday starting January 13th. Synchro Tokimeki is said to have a nostalgic '80s melody but arranged to be more upbeat and more modern.

I'm not surprised at this but to be honest I don't really see the point. Mayuyu already has a subunit called ~~Mayuyu & Friends~~ Watarirouka Hashiritai 7, in which she already has like a dozen solo songs. Even without it, 50% of the vocals in Watarirouka is Mayuyu anyway. But my main argument is that she already has a active subunit. What will happen to Watarirouka now?

Oh well. The song description looks optimistic at least. Modern version of a '80s melody? Wants.

AKB48 25th Single to be Sakura Themed as well

2011-12-20T01:33:00.001+09:00

AKB48 has announced the details of their next, 25th single. Their first single release of 2012, it will have a sakura and graduation theme, following AKB48's usual release pattern.

As of now, the single is still untitled. The release date is set for February 15th, 2012.

This will be the 5th time AKB48 is doing a sakura/graduation themed single. Starting with [Sakura no Hanabiratachi] in 2006, then [10nen Zakura] in 2009, [Sakura no Shiori] in 2010, and [Sakura no Ki ni Narou] in 2011.
6th actually if you count in [Sakura no Hanabiratachi 2008], which was just a re-release of the original.

The single will come in 4 different versions: TYPE A and B Limited, and TYPE A and B Regular

Akimoto Sayaka to run again in Tokyo Marathon 2012

2011-12-19T18:30:00.000+09:00

While attending a press conference for the [Tokyo Marathon 2012 Official Guidebook] release, Akimoto Sayaka announced that she will be running again in next year's Tokyo Marathon 2012 on February 26th 2012.

Official Website: http://www.tokyo42195.org/2012_en/

Earlier this year she ran in the Tokyo Marathon 2011, shortly after stepping down as the Captain of AKB48's Team K. Running a marathon is a way of restarting your life in Japan. And that's what Sayaka got. After completing her run, which she cleared in 6 hours and 50 minutes, just under the 7 hour time limit, Producer Akimoto Yasushi reinstated her position as Captain.

For next year's marathon, Sayaka plans to beat her previous record, and complete the marathon in under 6 hours. She will be running for the charity organisation [Charity to Connect Lives], which was chosen by her mother. It was also her mother who donated the 100,000yen needed for her to take part in the race as a charity runner.

No Sleeves 8th Single [Pedicure day] PV + Tracklist

2011-12-19T10:03:00.003+09:00

The PV and tracklist for No Sleeves' [Pedicure Day] have been released! It's super cute, and really hearkens back to the days of middle and high school girly sleepovers (dancing around using various household objects as imaginary microphones). Also, I'm kind of envious of their house ^_^

Needless to say, all three ladies look beautiful. I find it funny that Haruna is the aloof beauty-obsessed diva while Miichan and Takamina hang out together dancing on the bed. I'm not really sure what the storyline has to do with pedicures, since it seems more like they're having some sort of pop idol glamour party (but using cleaning supplies for their fake microphones?). Despite that, I really enjoyed the PV, and found the song to be catchy and fun. I can't wait to hear the other songs!

The single is set to be released 28 December 2011 (if you didn't notice the hint at the beginning).

Anyhow, PV below, enjoy!!

No Sleeves 8th Single
Pedicure day
ペディキュアday
28 December 2011

TYPE A 1600yen	[CD] 01. Pedicure day 02. Jessica wa Door wo Knock Shinai 03. Madoromi [Kojima Haruna solo] 04. Pedicure day -Instrumental- 05. Jessica wa Door wo Knock Shinai -Instrumental- 06. Madoromi -Instrumental- [DVD] 01. [Pedicure Day] Music Video 02. [Pedicure Day] Music Video Making 03. Bonus Video 1 Type-A ver. 04. Bonus Video 2 Type-A ver.
TYPE B 1600yen	[CD] 01. Pedicure day 02. Jessica wa Door wo Knock Shinai 03. Still [Takahashi Minami solo] 04. Pedicure day -Instrumental- 05. Jessica wa Door wo Knock Shinai -Instrumental- 06. Still -Instrumental- [DVD] 01. [Pedicure Day] Music Video 02. [Pedicure Day] Music Video Making 03. Bonus Video 1 Type-B ver. 04. Bonus Video 2 Type-B ver.
TYPE C 1600yen	[CD] 01. Pedicure day 02. Jessica wa Door wo Knock Shinai 03. Hanbunko [Minegishi Minami solo] 04. Pedicure day -Instrumental- 05. Jessica wa Door wo Knock Shinai -Instrumental- 06. Hanbunko -Instrumental- [DVD] 01. [Pedicure Day] Music Video 02. [Pedicure Day] Music Video Making 03. Bonus Video 1 Type-C ver. 04. Bonus Video 2 Type-C ver.
TYPE Regular 1000yen	[CD] 01. Pedicure day 02. Jessica wa Door wo Knock shinai 03. Pedicure day (French Pop Mix) 04. Pedicure day -Instrumental- 05. Jessica wa Door wo Knock shinai -Instrumental- 06. Pedicure day (French Pop Mix) -Instrumental-

AKB48 Documentary sequel [DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 Show must go on]

2011-12-19T08:06:00.000+09:00

AKB48 will release a sequel to their documentary movie earlier this year [DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 to be continued]. The sequel, similarly titled [DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 Show must go on] will open in theaters on January 27th 2012.

Just like the original, DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 Show must go on will follow the girls through the year 2011, and will include never before seen footage from the group's concerts, and many other events. The Dareka no Tame ni Project, AKB48 3rd Senbatsu General Election, and Oba Mina's suspension are just some of the topics covered in this year's DOCUMENTARY of AKB48.

Official Website: http://www.2011-akb48.jp/index.html
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/AKB48_2011movie

DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 to be continued really hit me hard when I first watched it. There were plenty of revelations through the whole show. The amount of hardships they went through for us, made me cry when I watched it. It really changed the way I think of them.

I highly recommend all fans, and non-fans too, to watch the sequel. It really is a side of AKB which you will never see live.

SKE48 8th Single [Kataomoi Finally] Covers + Tracklist

2011-12-19T06:16:00.028+09:00

SKE48 will be releasing their first single of 2012 on January 25, titled [Kataomoi Finally] (片想いFinally). The A-side will be a serious and mature track dealing with young adult issues such as violence, bullying, homosexuality, and rebelliousness; its PV will feature kisses between the SKE members and choreography footage shot in the vain of AKB48's [Keibetsu Shiteita Aijou] dance scene, on the top of a skyscraper.

SKE48 8th Single

Kataomoi Finally
片想いFinally

25 January 2012

TYPE A 1,600yen	[CD] 01. Kataomoi Finally 02. Hanikami Lollipop (Shirogumi) 03. Kyou made no koto, Kore kara no koto 04. Kataomoi Finally (off vocal) 05. Hanikami Lollipop (off vocal) 06. Kyou made no koto, Kore kara no koto (off vocal) [DVD] 01. Kataomoi Finally PV 02. Hanikami Lollipop PV 03. Extra Movie: SKE48 Kouhaku Taikou Maruhi Gei Kakutei Taikai PART 1
TYPE B 1,600yen	[CD] 01. Kataomoi Finally 02. Koe ga Kazureru Kurai (Akagumi) 03. Kyou made no koto, Kore kara no koto 04. Kataomoi Finally (off vocal) 05. Koe ga Kazureru Kurai (Akagumi) (off vocal) 06. Kyou made no koto, Kore kara no koto (off vocal) [DVD] 01. Kataomoi Finally PV 02. Koe ga Kazureru Kurai PV 03. Extra Movie: SKE48 Kouhaku Taikou Maruhi Gei Kakutei Taikai PART 2
TYPE C 1,600yen	[CD] 01. Kataomoi Finally 02. Kamoku na Tsuki (Selection 8) 03. Kyou made no koto, Kore kara no koto 04. Kataomoi Finally (off vocal) 05. Kamoku na Tsuki (off vocal) 06. Kyou made no koto, Kore kara no koto (off vocal) [DVD] 01. Kataomoi Finally PV 02. Extra Movie I: SKE48 Kouhaku Taikou Maruhi Gei Kakutei Taikai (FULL) 03. Extra Movie II: KII Original Kouen e no Kiseki
TYPE Theater 1,000yen	[CD] 01. Kataomoi Finally 02. Hanikami Lollipop (Shirogumi) 03. Koe ga Kasureru Kurai (Akagumi) 04. SKE48 8th Single Medley 05. Kataomoi Finally (off vocal) 06. Hanikami Lollipop (off vocal) 07. Koe ga Kasureru Kurai (off vocal) 08. SKE48 8th Single Medley (off vocal)

Senbatsu - Kataomoi Finally (片想いFinally)
Team S: Oya Masana, Kizaki Yuria, Kuwabara Mizuki, Suda Akari, Hiramatsu Kanako, Matsui Jurina, Matsui Rena, Yagami Kumi
Team KII: Ogiso Shiori, Takayanagi Akane, Matsumoto Rina, Hata Sawako, Furukawa Airi, Mukaida Manatsu
Team E: Kaneko Shiori, Kimoto Kanon

Shirogumi - Hanikami Lollipop ( はにかみロリーポップ )
Team S: Ono Haruna, Nakanishi Yuuka, Hirata Rikako, Matsui Jurina
Team KII: Abiru Riho, Ishida Anna, Goto Risako, Wakabayashi Tomoka
Team E: Isohara Kyoka, Shibata Aya, Yamada Erika
SKE kenkyuusei: Saito Makiko

Akagumi - Koe ga Kasureru Kurai ( 声がかすれるくらい )
Team S: Kato Rumi, Kinoshita Yukiko, Takada Shiori, Deguchi Aki, Matsui Jurina
Team KII: Sato Seira, Yakata Miki
Team E: Ueno Kasumi, Umemoto Madoka, Hara Manami, Mano Haruka, Yamashita Yukari

Selection 8 - Kamoku na Tsuki ( 寡黙な月 )
Team S: Kizaki Yuria, Matsui Jurina, Matsui Rena, Yagami Kumi
Team KII: Ogiso Shiori, Takayanagi Akane, Mukaida Manatsu
Team E: Kimoto Kanon

Kyou made no koto, Kore kara no koto
All members of SKE48.