The why of 2009 rankings

I didn’t have time to go into detail on rankings when I put up the original post, but now as I have some free time to myself that doesn’t involve cleaning/sorting/trashing/unpacking, I thought I’d go back and explain. Let’s get started.

A comment from Rad in my earlier post got me thinking a bit about why I chose who and for what reasons, also noting that I hadn’t chosen any junior members. The truth is I’m just not into them. I really like Berryz and C-ute, listen to the Eggs units that come and go, but it’s Momusu and it’s OG that make me a fan of Hello!Project. They’re the ones I have to own every album of. They’re the ones I own trading cards and photobooks of. They’re the ones I’m paying almost $2K to fly out to L.A., all the way across country and I hate flying, to see. If it was C-ute or Berryz it wouldn’t be the same draw for me. Maybe it’s the age difference, maybe it’s because Momusu has (or had) something they don’t? Who can say? It’s just the way I feel.

1. Tsuji Nozomi
Tsuji-chan! Ah, I miss the duo of W so damn much! I’ve always really liked Tsuji and was kind of sad when she left showbiz for maternity leave, thinking that was that and she’d taken her final walk in the spotlight. Color me ecstatic that she hasn’t! Writing magazine articles, appearing on talk & variety shows, starting a kid’s line of clothing… Nono is a very busy young woman! Reading her daily blog (translated here) has really brought her across and not just her idol image. I love reading about her work, cooking and taking care of her daughter. My only hope is that she’ll grace us with some music in the near future. (Though I’m not holding my breath. Chances are she’ll become a variety show idol).

2. Yaguchi Mari
Yagu-chan! Arara. Now if I had filled this out today Hitomi and Mari would be switched out. See what I said about my daily mind? Anyway who can’t love Mari? She’s so cute and little! Apparently we read some of the same manga too. (Skip Beat FTW!) I was disappointed that she’d seemingly retired from singing when she had such a great voice, but she’s come back this year with a brand new rockin’ single! I can’t wait to hear more from her! She was a driving force behind what was awesome about Momusu and Hello!Project in general. Mari was always funny on talk shows and has a great spirit. She’ll always rank up there for me!

3. Yoshizawa Hitomi
Yossie! Yossie! Yossie! You really are an inspiration to me! So strong, both physically and in character. I want to be a strong person like you. I can’t put into words how much I love Yossie. She’s been my favorite for so long, I look up to her so much. She really is my idol. ♥♥♥

4. Konno Asami
Konkon I will always love because she’s such a girl. She’s got a great girl next door personality and appears to be someone that you could easily become friends with. Someone you’d love to close up the restaurant with when you went out to eat. I was so moved by how moved she was at her graduation. She’s an underdog, knows it, but still tried so hard and managed to become a success. I love that determination.

5. Tanaka Reina
Reina is Reina. I don’t think there is anyone else in all of H!P with a personality like hers. She’s all attitude, but not at all obnoxious. Reina is the kind of cute, strong girl I want to be.

6. Kusumi Koharu
There’s no way I’m going to be an apologist for liking Koha-chan. I will admit that at times she can go over the top, her personality is very in your face and I understand how that can irritate some people. But she brings everything she’s got to the table every time. I can’t help but admire her for that. She’s not afraid to be goofy for the sake of entertainment and I think that’s lacking in some of the others. Go, go Koharu-chan!

7. Mitsui Aika
Aika strikes me as someone who will call it as she sees it with no qualms. I can relate to that and like it when other people are straight shooters. I was so jazzed when she made it into Momusu and she’s really proven she was a terrific choice. Aika shines. She’s one of the only members that looks like she’s genuinely smiling in her official photo releases, and I mean smiling with her eyes as well as her mouth.

8. Linlin
The more I see of the Pandas the more I like Linlin. Linlin has settled very well into the role of being an idol. She’s visibly comfortable and at ease and that makes her a delight to watch. When she’s doing something she’s doing it as herself and doesn’t come across as an “image” at all. I really like that.

9. Ogawa Makoto
Makoto! I love Mako-chan. She’s so funny and always smiling! She isn’t really doing much these days, hopefully that’ll change soon because I’d love to see her on variety shows and such. She has a great sense of humor.

.10. Michishige Sayumi
Sayu, Sayu, Sayu. How do you keep creeping into my top 10? Somehow I can’t deny her. I like her. I couldn’t tell you why – I just do.

And there you have it. My Top 10 and the reasons for…. or lack there of. Sometimes you just like people and can’t really explain why. It actually took me quite a while to do this post, several weeks or revisiting… as I sat here and blankly stared at the screen and tried to figure out just what the draw was. In some cases it was immediate, and in others, a light bulb came on, and in others…… I’m still clueless. But I’m sure everyone feels that way!

2009 ranking

I’m in the process of moving, today, so I can’t really go into depth about why I chose who for what spot, but here’s my list anyhow. I’m a little amazed at the outcome of this myself. Seeing the poll the first person I thought of for my number one slot was Tsuji-chan, then Mari, then Hitomi. Who would have thought? In reality Mari and Yossi should be tied for second, but Tsuji gets #1 because her blog has totally made me love her. I was a fan before, but she’s rocketed to my number 1 slot. The first five were very easy to do, the next 3 pretty easy, but it was hard to pick my final 2. But this is just how I feel today. I wonder how this would change in a month or so?

Rated Platinum 9

I just purchased my airline tickets for the trip out to L.A. I am still in disbelief that I am going. Nervous about flying, I’ve done it a zillion times, but I still don’t like it.

Morning Musume’s 9th album, Platinum 9 was released yesterday, March 18th, I checked iTunes on a whim and there it was! Sweet! I’m not sure why Cover You was unavailable there, perhaps something with licensing issues? Yet Pepper Keibu was available….

Songs ★★★
This song has such a weird intro and outro. The more I listen to it the more I like it, it just really struck me on first listen.

Resonant Blue ★★★★★
I still love this song. Love the attitude, love the beat. It’s just awesome. I am so hoping they perform it live, that and Egao Yes Nude.

Ame no Furunai Hoshi de wa Aisenaidarou? ★★★★
This song was leaked several months ago by one of the girls auditioning in the Taiwan H!P auditions so I’ve heard it before this. It such a pretty ballad. I love the quiet piano.

Take off is Now! ★★★★★
I’ve heard A LOT about this song before now, but haven’t listened to it yet as I wanted some songs on the album to be a surprise. By the title alone I was expecting something along the lines of Ambitious! Yashinteki de Ii Jan or even Koko ni Iruzee!, but it’s not at all. It does have a great rock sound to it. It’s just taking me a moment to adjust to what I thought the song was going to sound like to what it does sound like.

Even on first listen I can definitely state that this is going to become one of my favorite Momusu tracks. Wicked attitude.

Naichau Kamo ★★★★☆
Another single. When I first heard it I was really kind of underwhelmed by it. I thought it had a cool sound but the PV was really bland. Since then I’ve ignored the PV and listened to the song only and it’s really grown on me. Since I’ve heard it so many times since it’s release I don’t have much to say.

So on to the next track shall we?

Watashi no Miryoku ni Kizukanai Donkan na Hito ★★★☆
Poor Aika. In a way I think her singing voice has been ruined a bit by Momusu. She sings through her nose now, much more so than when she joined and struck that ball out of the park in Egao. Her voice is really nasal in some points of this song. I’m really glad she got a solo song on this CD, and that it has a really upbeat, poppy, anime-theme song sound. It’s just, at some points, if I had been coaching her while she sang this, I would definitely have told her to drop her voice out of her nose and into her chest. It’s a problem I notice with a lot of idols.

Guruguru Jump ★★★★
Koharu, Junjun and Linlin’s song. God this is cute! This is definitely a song to get them going at the concerts, jumping around and flailing. I bet there’s a cute dance on stage too. Tailor-made for wota. I won’t even pretend it didn’t get my foot tapping at my desk. It almost sounds like something you’d hear from Kirarin Revolution.

Mikan ★★★★☆
Mikan gets such a bum wrap, and I don’t understand why this is because I freaking LOVE it.

Jounetsu no Kiss wo Hitotsu ★★★☆
I like this song it almost sounds like something Melon Kinenbi or T&C would sing. It’s got that mature quality to it. Even still it’s not that stand out for me.

It’s You ★★★☆
Oh man did I go into this song with some trepidation! Sorry to all the Sayu fans out there, but I was nervous. A solo song from one of the weakest singers in the group? But color me both pleased and surprised with how well she does with it! A solid effort from Sayu-chan! It’s got a pretty interesting sound to it as well. A bit heavy, a bit sexy, but with the undeniable level of cute that Sayu has. Nicely done.

Onna ni Sachi Are ★★★★
It’s been out for so long I don’t have much to say. I don’t think they rerecorded the single because Junjun and Linlin are still sporting a pretty good accent.

Kataomoi no Owari ni ★★★☆
This is such a sweet little song, it has such a relaxing quality to it. I’m not quite sure why it was sandwiched between two songs with a much heavier/energetic sound. Song placement on H!P albums is kind of strange sometimes. Anyway, this is Kamei’s solo song. It’s about time! She sounds fantastic! Her voice is pretty clear. I think it really fits her personality well. The melody reminds me of a classical piece I can’t quite put my finger on at the moment.

Kanashimi Twilight ★★★★★+++++++++
Being that this was Hitomi’s graduation song I’m a little peeved that it’s on the album. I really like this song, but it will always be Hitomi’s song for me. It really shouldn’t be on here. This is the first Momusu album that’s all 5th Gen+, it should only be their songs.

That being said, it’s one of my favorite Momusu songs. It gets +5 rating. Two awesome to be legal! (Hitomi ~ I miss you!)

Anf there you have it, my rated review of Platinum 9. Overall I think it was a very solid album.

Nanase Aikawa – Prism

While I wait for my latest order from CDJapan (which seems to be taking an inordinate amount of time), and since Nanase’s latest album is included in that order… I thought I’d do a little review of one of the songs from it, and on that’s been getting a lot of play from me lately Prism.

My love for Nanase started quite a while ago, but I’m going to admit I hadn’t listened to a Nanase song in a while. In truth it’s been 3 years since she put anything original out, so when I found out about the upcoming album I was stoked. Purana and Foxtrot still get a fair amount of play, but usually I put them on in the background while doing something else. I haven’t listened to them as a mood enhancer for quite a bit. The past few weeks I’ve been listening to Prism a lot. It harkens back to what made me a fan in the first place. It reminded me just how awesome Nanase is. I love Morning Musume for how upbeat they are, but I love Nanase because of how strong she is. She’s empowering. She doesn’t have to fake the attitude with leather jackets and chains – or to fit the mood of her current single. She doesn’t appear (to me anyway) to be selling an image. It’s just clear in her character and voice.

The song is incredibly upbeat, great beat, great sound. I love Nanase’s voice. She has one of the most unique singing voices in Jpop. As far as being instantly recognizable she’s equal with Utada for me.

I need to make a mix CD (or playlist) of cruising summer songs because this is another that would definitely be on it.

I’m not going to say much about the PV, as it’s apparent there wasn’t much budget for it. It’s quite obvious they put her in front of the camera, turned on the music and told her to just move around and lipsync. I love the rainbow effects, it reminds me of sunlight and summer. On a rainy and cold day like today I look forward to warmer days.

Kago’s latest “scandal”

Apparently according to FRIDAY (again with them?) Kago is a home wrecker, blah, blah, blah. You can read the whole article over on Hello!Online I’m too bored with it to recap it.

Reading the comments I’m really quite amazed at how people jump so quickly to conclusions. Do these same people stand in line at the supermarket and read the shit about Brangelina and think that’s all true too? Seriously. There’s no proof yet except the ex-wife’s word and she might just be a vindictive bitch. As for the evidence she has….. pictures of underwear, clothing and cosmetics? How the hell do you prove they belonged to Kago? Why is she bringing this up after the divorce became final? It’s not like you can walk into court and say “I want a divorce today.” and get it. That takes months of legal maneuvering. Why is this an issue or news now?

As for the script with Kago’s note on the back about getting married to the dude, not only does it say right after it that she was joking…… what were the roles of the two in the movie? Were they lovers? It could have been an in-joke or something. Not only that, but how does she prove Kago actually wrote it?

There’s just too much evidence that could be explained away – along with the timing of the whole event. Unless either Kago or the guy come out and admit it I’m just going to wave it off as gossip.

Guess who has tickets?

Online registration opened yesterday evening for Anime Expo, guess who has tickets? If you buy the weekend pass and book the hotel through the Con you get a free event ticket. I’m willing to bet you knew exactly which event I picked. Oh, yeah! I was so excited about it last night I had trouble falling asleep.

Strangely enough the concert is listed as taking place between 12:30 and 3:00 on Friday afternoon. I thought for sure it’d be scheduled for Saturday, but maybe there’s business reasons behind this… previous engagements in Japan? Will this be part of the summer tour that they usually hold? I wonder what songs they will sing?

I hope they have merchandise for sale. The whole ride to work this morning I was wracking my brain trying to figure out if I should cosplay a Momusu outfit, and if so which one? I’d really like to do the letter jackets from I Wish…. would that be hard too pull off? Should I do something more recent? It’s gotta be something layered so I can lose pieces if I need to. (I plan to be dancing at the concert and don’t want to get too hot).

I think the girls are going to be pleasantly surprised by the reception they receive, especially by the amount of Momusu fans online that appear to be going to the con specifically for this concert. (Unless someone else really awesome makes the guest list I’m ditching the con on Saturday to hit up Disney). Yes! We do know their names! Should I learn the wota call outs during songs? I plan on buying a shit ton of glowsticks to hand out. I hope they allow cameras… though I doubt it.

Arara! I am just so excited!

Momusu in the U.S. in July? I AM SO THERE!

You better freaking BELIEVE IT!

I am so goddamned excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You can read the press release on Hello!Online for more info.

Registration is yet to open for Anime Expo.

This is HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thoughts on the end of an era

As everyone knows, Elder Club graduated from Hello!Project yesterday. I’m really sad to see so many of the founding members go with no real idea of where they are going or what they will be doing now. At the same time, from a business standpoint, I can understand why. A lot of the members of the EC weren’t doing much of anything, and to keep them on the payroll just because is bad business. Now they can be filtered through UFA and maybe have their talents put to better use.

At the same time I don’t think the members of EC were given a fair chance. After their graduation from Morning Musume it seems the H!P just didn’t know what to do with them and they were kept on as recognizable faces to keep the older fans around and hopefully get them interested in the new gens/groups. H!P assumed that the solo efforts of the girls were not going to generate the same kind of income they made while in MM, so no effort was made to even try. It’s a shame to me, but really, what do I know of the intricacies of the Japanese idol business world?

Love Machine, both Morning Musume and Hello!Project’s biggest single to date was retired at this concert as well. Honestly I breathe a little sigh of relief. It’s a great song, but I’m tired of getting beat over the head with it. Especially since 2007’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen, when MM performed it AGAIN, despite a new single having been just released and none of the members having been present in MM at the time LM was released. Let the new gens stand on their own merits.

The biggest news of the night accorrding the the Japanese news shows I’ve seen, was the return of Tsuji Nozomi to the stage. I am SO excited about her return and the start of her blog. She looked fantastic! I think it’s somewhat amusing that the younger fans are actually surprised by the fact that Tsuji is her same old loveable self, as if motherhood and marriage, while huge events in a person’s life, are inhibiting to personality.

I can’t wait to buy this concert on DVD. I know I will be crying right along with the girls on stage, especially when Hitomi starts crying. It’s inevitable.

I bid a fond farewell to the members of the Elder Club, wish them ALL the best of luck in their new indentures and hope that the spotlight only shines brighter from here on out.

さようなら.

I am not dead!

This is just a post to let you know that I’m not dead and do have several things in my roster to review!

~ Buck-Tick’s newest PV and single: Galaxy (my fave of the two newest. LOVE!)
~ 2 Buck-Tick albums: Six/Nine and Kyokuto I Love You
~ Allo! Hello DVD vol 3
~ Morning Musume’s Naichau Kamo
~ Maki’s Fly Away (I *love* this)

I actually came down with a horrendous case of the flu the week before Christmas, was getting better the week of Christmas, and then ended up in the ER with severe dehydration the Saturday night following. I had to have 2 IVs and take 2 massive potassium pills. I had to have my blood taken 3 times for testing and was told it could be anything from anemia to mono to chronic fatigue syndrome. In the end I finally started to recover, everything came back positively A-OK, I thanked my lucky stars and decided it is time to get back to work. (Let’s hope I didn’t just jinx myself!)

Shugo Chara Egg – Minna no Tamago

I haven’t been able to stop listening to this song since I first heard it this morning. I’ve listened to the song half a dozen times and watched the PV more than that. It is so infectiously cute and poppy and just generally upbeat – it is warm, colorful and very bright – perfect for a freezing, gloomy winter’s day.

I actually watched the opening animation for the Shugo Chara Doki! anime first and was so charmed by the song that I sought out the PV. I originally became interested in the Shugo Chara series because of Buono’s songs and the fact that the main character Ayumu’s attitude and look reminded me a lot of Reina. Also, I’m a sucker for magical girl anime/manga.

The song is incredibly poppy and cute, the epitome of genki. It has kind of an 80s teen pop feel to it. I was in a terrible mood this morning and was seeking out something upbeat to raise my spirits. (I first turned to Milky Way’s Tan! Tan! Taan!) Well I’ll be damned if this didn’t work immediately. It was like a warm day in May, a tonic for what ails you (or me in this case).

I’ll admit I know nothing of the H!P Eggs, and the only group in H!P I know the names of every member is Morning Musume (or groups comprised of ex-Momusu members). I can already see many people frowning at this, but really, I work 40+ hours a week and don’t have as much time to commit to J-Pop as I wish I could. So I’ll freely admit that I had to look up her name, but Fukuda Kanon is going to be a girl to watch as she reminds me quite a lot of a young Aibon – in face and voice anyway. I know next to nothing of her character.

It was nice to see some actual production work and effort go into the PV. It looks really, really nice. The costumes are indescribably cute, seeing them realized from Peach-Pit’s designs is a real treat. I can’t remember a PV for quite a while that was this cheerful.

All in all a great new release from a great new unit. I wonder if there’ll be any more releases or if like Athena & Robikerottsu they’ll disappear after 2 singles or less. That’d be a shame, but completely understandable as both groups were assembled to promote an anime series which will end at some point.

(Youtube us down for me at the moment and Veoh won’t post properly, so expect video links later.)