Wota (in training)

Favorites of 2011!!!

2012-02-01T15:58:00.001-06:00

My favorite/most listened to songs of 2011! I know this was kind of late but ah wellz!

10) Piggy Dolls - Hakuna Matata

These girls really need more attention because they're soooo talented! I hated the fact that when they debuted they sort of used the concept of their weight. This usually then made people think of the awesome girl group Big Mama who also had great vocals and a heavier set weight. But back to the song. This is a catchy song and I really enjoyed it. However, the rest of the album except for the title track A Girl Who Knew was pretty mediocre.

Some of the songs reminded me of songs that could have been placed in dramas. Which is not a bad thing but with a more unique producer and a better concept these girls can do so much better. I know a lot of people are going to expect them to do epic ballads, which is not bad cause it'll show off their awesome vocals, but I kinda want to see a big set idol group make it in idol fashion. They're not typical beauties in Korea and like in the words of Fat Cat, "IS being pretty everything?" -_-'

9) B1A4 - Ok

These guys have got to be one of my FAVORITE rookie group of last year. Their whole debut ep was just great! I liked all the songs on the ep and I expect great things from these guys in the future. They sort of remind me of a more fun Beast. I'm not comparing the two but just the feeling of their music. Great on both sids of course :)

8) Sunny Hill - Marionette

Sunny Hill - The Grasshopper Song

I'm really digging this group and was really loving this album. But besides the title track Midnight Circus, this was by far my favorite off the album. The random rapping spazzes were kirky and you can tell they wanted that certain twang to it compared to other kpop groups where the rapper just don't have any style to them except the style of not being able to rap. smh* This groups a great turn around for kpop in the long run. Pure talent and originality in this group! <3

7) F.T Island - Hello Hello

Though F.T Island is a relatively popular group I wish they were more popular! I guess the reason is because I come from a rock background and would just like to see them do better! It's hard to get your hands on the names of some good rock groups in Korea because most of them are so overshadowed by the idol concept. Know a good site? please tell me....v.v" The song itself was done well and had this jazzy feel to it that made it so fun to listen to. It was also on the borderline of feeling like trot. love! <3

6) G.Na - Nice to meet you [ft. Wheesung]

G.NA - Black and White (I'm a Jinwoon fangirl!)

G.NA for sure is one of the most underrated kpop idol solo female singers out there, and honestly the most underrated kpop idol in general. She's a talent with the body. I've talked with one of my Korean friends about her and she said that G.NA was actually ugly in Korean standards but has a awesome body. I personally find her beautiful and even if she wasn't her voice is the bomb! Though this song wasn't promoted it's cuteness and especially with Wheesung's feature, it for sure is going to be a 2012 repeat!

5) Beast - The Fact

Kikwang being a loner to the left and Junhyun reading a
book like a boss....

When Beast debuted with Bad Girl I didn't think much of this boy group at all. However, after their song Mystery I was hooked. I listened to The Fact more than their title track Fiction during the course of 2011. I personally just like the whole feeling of the song more than Fiction and wish they would have promote more. Though Fiction was also a great song, The Fact takes it!

4)Park Bom - Don't Cry

This is Bom-unnie's second solo song and this girl just needs to release a ep or album or something! I'm sure all of us had tried to sing You and I before and just couldn't do it as well as Bom, of course! Her voice is unique and really stands out in the whole kpop scene.

But I really liked this song this year and hope to hear more from her in the future.

3) JYJ - Heaven

JYJ LOVE! This was their title track of their album and I immediately clung to it! The melodies were just wonderful and their voices couldn't have been highlighted any better. Plus Junsu as the lead in the MV was just the icing on the cake!

2) 2NE1 - Ugly

I'm sure people always hear how 2NE1 is the 'ugly' group with 'individual talent' and 'charm.' I just find this statement funny. I guess it all goes with the idol concept of not really HAVING to know how to sing to be an idol but still! 2NE1 with this certain type of talent and charm could they still be considered idols?

I remember an article going around of how some well known producers in Korea didn't even think Big Bang could have been considered an idol group because their 'talent' exceeded idol expectations. But either way I'm digging 2NE1 and for sure they are one of my favorite kpoppers. Dogging on these girls just because they aren't typical beauties don't mean they don't deserve their place. This song was a great song for listeners to relate to and a song to really exert the emotions of what 2NE1 must always get bombarded with through social media.

1) Phantom - Burn a hole in your face

This group! THIS! THIS!!!!! They haven't even performed live on a major broadcasting show and yet they already have so much love! At first when I read the translations for this I was a bit creeped out but it eventually grew on me in a Stockholm kind of way (was that a bad joke 0.o)

This trio is what 2012 should really look out for especially since they had such a powerful debut track. And the big thing for me is that they wrote the song themselves! Other groups such as Sunny Hill and Big Bang either write or produce their own stuff and that's what I really respect. I hope more groups in the future participate in the making of their music. Love this group and they have defiantly set the bar for 2012 for me.

One of the members actually speaks fluent English because he studied abroad in Europe for a while. I just love it when official videos give you English subs with it AND they even posted when it was the individual member's part in the song. Now THAT is fans service right there!

Differences Between Female Japanese and Korean Idols

2012-01-31T19:32:00.000-06:00

I'm doing a little disclaimer right off the bat because this went from one of my normal opinion pieces as a continuation of a topic related to my previous post to something bigger than I expected. Therefore I decided I'm going to try to make this as manageable as possible for you guys. I know when there is a lot of text thrown at me I tend to skim or get the gist of it. I took a lot of time writing this, so I hope people do read it all and enjoy it. [Let me know in the comments your thoughts on it, including if you would like to see more of these.] WARNING: the headers for each section aren't concrete so you if you want to skip parts you might want to skim at least the section before.

~Introduction~

While I was looking for numbers and articles to determine if Kara did in fact surpass SNSD in Japan I was surprised by a couple of articles I found. Now these weren't from K-Pop focused blogs mind you which made their arguments harder to ignore. [I'm throwing in pictures to jazz things up and stimulate comparison.]

Before I continue further I would like to clarify that I do not think J-Pop or K-Pop is better. (Hey, I've been listening to Lovey Dovey basically on repeat for weeks now.) It was only in the last couple of years that I got into K-Pop, while I started my fascination with J-Pop in middle school. This blog may look like it is only about J-Pop, but I think my loyal readers have noticed the shift. Plus, I'm just too lazy to work on a new banner especially since I haven't downloaded photoshop onto my new computer. (I should start thinking on who to feature because before it was just about both Hello Project and AKB48 now I like Korean and Japanese boy bands and female units.)

~'Biased' Articles Comparing K-Pop and J-Pop Critiques~

While reading these articles I was frustrated with their narrow view of K-Pop and J-Pop. Since I just read through them both and am sufficiently pissed off at what was said I'll do this point by point to keep things organized and easy to follow. Don't fret, quotes will be provides as well as links to the originals. I don't disagree with all that was stated, and I will get into the flaws of J-Pop. The majority of the flaws stem from the idol sect of the Japanese industry, which is where I believe there writers were looking at for comparison. [I will not even read the comment section for this post, but I noticed there is a handful.]

Anti-Hallyu Wave Protests

The Atlantic on September 13th, 2011 posted How Korean Pop Conquered Japan. The writer started to set the stage by discussing the protests that were spurred by the firing of Sousuke Takaoka, a famous actor and hottie. [He is the blonde yankee from the Crows Zero films.] Fuji TV has come under fire for airing a lot of content from Korea. I asked my Japanese friends from Tokyo who are studying abroad at my university about K-Pop in Japan. Neither are really interested in K-Pop but say a lot of women like it. They brought up Fuji TV on their own in this conversation saying that it seemed like it was pushing Korean culture. They also thought that the President might be part Korean, or something along those lines. When I heard about these protests I thought it was a bit of an over-reaction. I didn't really pay attention to the action which initiated the conflict. All I was aware of was that some actor tweeted about Fuji TV and protests followed. Now that I know who the actor is I'm a bit more supportive because he has been in a lot of films that I've enjoyed and I'm apparently an extremely shallow person. I've also started to reconsider the backlash because when I compare people's dislike of Fox News or MSNBC for being biased but hide under the claim of being news networks. I don't think foreign media or influences should be barred from Japan, but why is it only one network? Plus, if people are claiming similar things that are said about Fox News maybe there is a valid argument. I need to watch Fuji TV on a regular basis to give a final verdict, but I'm now more on the fence. Another way of thinking about it is the Occupy Movement. I believe a majority of people, not just in the United States, agree with the main point about money in government and wall street. It is just we see more radical point of views or actions at the protests because how many people can take the time out of their day to protest. I know I'm super busy. When there were the huge recall protests in Madison I could only go to one or two on the weekend during the entire debacle.

I'm just skipping over the whole issue whether Japan rejects foreign influences or not. I might pick it up at another time, but I want to stay a bit more on topic. I'm also not going to discuss whether Japan is stuck and bland when it comes to Pop music. I'm just doing a comparison of mainstream, female, pop artists from Japan and Korea.

Sex Appeal in both Genres

"Beyond straight-up sex appeal, K-Pop groups look and act like real adults, whereas J-Pop outfits often emphasize adolescent cuteness."

WTF! Are we talking about the idol genre or POP genre! And even then have you followed K-Pop? One of the examples is what happen to T-ara when entering the Japanese market.

"K-Pop unit T-ara's 2009 video for the song "Bo Peep Bo Peep" centered around a member of the girl group going to a club and hooking up with a guy in the bathroom, an elevator, and his apartment. The Japanese clip, in advance of T-ara's official Japanese debut later this month, finds the members wearing cat ears and playing un-erotically with one another: the sexuality of the original replaced with Hello-Kitty-approved cuteness."

If I ignore all other J-Pop artists and look only at Japanese idols, and even then cut out groups like SCANDAL, Fairies, Happiness, Perfume, SDN48, and other idol groups then yes we can make a general rule that Japanese pop is more cutesy and youth-orientated than Korean Pop. BUT, we would also have to look over the fact that the T-ara was doing the cat girl thing in Korea and it was not introduced in Japan as it suggests. We would also look over the fact that AKB48's PV which also had cat girl scenes was also sexual. I've heard both T-ara and AKB48's videos being criticized by foreigners like myself for being too sexual. Even if we did ignore T-ara's PV versus MV issue, they were promoted pretty much the same. Their live performances are pretty much identical. The key differences are that they wear cat ears more frequently in Japan and the clothing tends to be more demure. However, why is having hyper-sexual presentation a good thing? Japan does it too. I bashed SDN48 for it. It is one of the turn offs to Koda Kumi I have. I'm saying it is not uncommon for girl groups to be cutesy in Korea, nor is it for them to be sexy in Japan. It is just more common to see idol groups sporting school uniforms and focusing more on romance than sex. However the subject of sex is not taboo when in relation to youth and uniforms. The picture is the cover of a single released in 1985 by an idol group. [Here is a hint: the song was likely written by someone who had to write the lyrics to about 200 songs this last year.] The song talks about a girl with a bad reputation but is actually a virgin. She wants to have sex, but she is fighting off her boyfriend or potential sex partner saying she doesn't want to do it at the moment. I didn't read all the lyrics so it is either she wants to wait for a good moment to do it or she doesn't like the location. The whole song is about sex. (AKB48's Virgin Love is similar but focuses more on reputation and seeing virginity in a certain light. AKB48 also released a single about wanting to experience sex and be an adult but their uniform symbolizing society gets in the way.)

Sexuality Myth Examples

"Cool and Sexy" / "Innocent and Happy" Myth Examples:

Being Adult vs. Youthful

Let's consider the fact that they spend a lot of time in their school uniforms so it is a symbol of their youth. I don't think it is absurd to include a major symbol when on the subject. Just how I would not consider it odd for Americans to have a song which is set or includes school in some manner. I would think it odd if it wasn't used at all. K-Pop groups, like T-ara, have worn school uniforms. Western pop have also included it. . . Britney Spears *cough *cough.

Does Perfume not seem 'real adult' enough for you? We should also take into perspective what is the age of the members. Now, SDN48 is planning on doing a single in school uniforms. I would consider that a valid example because the members are adults. However, idol groups whom the majority of their members are still in high school or below I consider have a legitimate reason for wearing uniforms.

"The most popular Japanese act of the moment, AKB48, is a collection of 48 singers usually wearing high-school uniforms while behaving like 15-year-old girls."

They are portraying their age. It is the same thing as 16-year-old Britney Spears wearing a uniform and dancing around a school building singing about young love. The main controversy was that she showed off her midriff. There are members of AKB48 who have graduated from high school, so that is where the clarification of 'majority' comes from. One way they've gotten around it is that Shinoda Mariko, who is in her 20s, portrays a teacher. The problem with AKB48 is that part of their main concept is that their uniforms are based on school uniforms. If it makes you feel better they do have a graduation age, but then I've criticized that because it means the girls have a shelf-life. The reason AKB48 has the school uniforms is because they are suppose to reflect a classroom. The majority of members are 15 and older, but a lot of them joined at a younger age. For example, Manami Oku (who has graduated to focus on her studies) joined when she was 10. Are you suggesting that you would like members under the age of 18, as young as 10, to act, dress, dance, and sing like an adult? I think a lot of people would feel uncomfortable with watching Manami Oku trying to hook up with guys at a club. A more relevant example is Matsui Jurina of SKE48 who is 14. The best way to handle a group with a variety of ages is to round down instead of up so no one accuses you of child pornography. [I used AKB48 as my main Japanese example because they are the most often picked as a comparison in these types of argument.]

K-Pop also has groups that span a range of ages, like Chocolat. Chocolat has two members who are 14 then members who are 18, 20, and 22. They have yet to do a music video like Hyuna or Koda Kumi because they have 14-year olds. You will also notice them dressing their age, and even the older members dressed a bit younger. I've read comments from people who think they dance to provocatively considering there are members who are so young. Personally I get the point because you don't want to sexualize children or force girls who want to become pop-stars feel like they have to be that way to make it. The other side of me says if those girls are okay with it, so am I. I danced, and so did my friends, quite provocatively as early as 6th grade (which is middle school). My main point is that the differences between female pop artists in Japan and Korea aren't really true. It is kind of like a gut-reaction myth. On Kids React one of them said SNSD was demure! When I wasn't into K-Pop I did think that they were just more sexy than J-Pop IDOLS. I don't think it is anyway true for the J-Pop genre as a whole.

Second Article Critique
The Diplomat's article, K-Pop versus J-Pop (Nakagawa, 2011), had some similar statements, which I disagreed with. It is mainly an interview. Most of the points I made above overlap with my issues with the following opinion. [I did not read the linked article in the quote.]

"There’s been a big jump in the popularity . . . in Japan over the past year—a trend that’s being attributed to ‘cooler,’ more talented (thanks to a more vigorous training regiment) and more individualistic Korean female pop groups, especially compared to their Japanese counterparts."

I suggest you read it yourself because I could hardly sit through the whole thing. The points that I can get through, summed up, is that K-Pop groups show real women, J-Pop groups are fake, old-fashioned, and sexist. K-Pop groups are independent and feisty. He does say towards the end that the girls themselves are similar because both are controlled by management, that I will get to later. I do agree that when it comes to solo artists there hasn't been anyone new that challenges that level that is Hamasaki Ayumi, but I don't think K-Pop can fill that void either. Hamasaki Ayumi wrote and has a major hand in her music. Again, I'm not going to go any further on the subject about music style on a broad scale in J-Pop.

~Manufacturing Differences~

Hamasaki Ayumi started out as a rapper.

I'm a bigger noob when it comes to K-Pop than J-Pop. I feel like the issue of manufacturing has more to do with the differences between the two. If you didn't know, Korean idol groups train for years before debuting. The formation of the group is the same. Agencies, producers, or record labels audition new talent and form them into a group. Japanese idols do not spend years training as a group, not that there isn't any. Both have management watching what they say and do. BOTH in some way present an ideal for women. Neither tend to play a major role in writing the music. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. I did hear something about U-Kiss member writing a line for a song, but that is a boy band. One difference in training is that many idol groups start off as indie artists until they are popular enough to go major. As far as I know Korean units don't have to go through that process. My Japanese friends said the major reason why people like the K-Pop groups in Japan is because they are more professional. [Not that they were more cool or real.]

The issue of individuality is tricky and is sensitive. I do think AKB48 is more individualistic and a better role model for women. This is due to the lack of polish and wide range in members. We see more members with different heights and weights. I also think because there are so many they do get a little more freedom when it comes to presentation. For example, Takahashi Minami doesn't wear bikinis. She likes to keep things covered. I'm not saying there isn't variety in members in K-Pop. From what I've seen there is more consistency when it comes to weight and higher standards for looks. For example, my Japanese friends don't think Sashihara Rino is super pretty. Another example is when watching AKB48 the first thing I noticed was a mesh of looks but when I watched SNSD (Sunny is a hottie) I thought they were all thin and had long legs.

I do like the fact that K-Pop is more professional. I personally wish they spent more time sending Japanese idols to training lessons in singing and dancing. There are Japanese idols who are already good enough like Tokyo Girls Style and some Hello Project groups, other times there is a range in terms of members. I think K-Pop groups have a range as well. However, I'm not saying that their way is necessarily better. Western music tends not to work like that. It reflects the indie to major process that Japan has. I think it helps consumers trust the artists more because you can follow them from the very beginning plus there is less opportunity for the management to 'tamper.'

K-Pop and J-Pop on the International Stage

2012-01-29T20:07:00.003-06:00

For the holidays I got an iTunes gift card. I don't listen to American music much anymore so I had no idea what I wanted to buy (except for Florence + The Machine). There was of plenty of options for K-Pop, but my usual go to artists were missing, completely. I've purchased tons of music from Hamasaki Ayumi the past couple of years, but everything was gone. The J-Pop available was scarce with few artists that I was interested like Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, SCANDAL, and Brand-New Idol Society (BiS). AKB48 only has one of their albums and has not continued adding releases. The one group who does a decent job is Hello Project. Manufactured music from Korea, however, is doing quite well. Popular releases from units like 2NE1, Super Junior, and Kara have songs selling for $1.29.

Now hold your horses K-Pop fans who preach about how awesome it is and how it is taking over the world. Sit your butt down. Japanese artists don't expand to the Korean market (like how K-pop artists go to Japan) because they have the second largest music industry in the world. They are not going to go to a smaller market, therefore the only place they are going to go for is the United States. And we've all seen how well that goes over, for K-Pop artists too. Artists like Koda Kumi are comfortable with being successful at home. Korean culture will be a sub-culture in the United States, just like how J-Pop is. There will be some attempt to cash in on the boom. I don't want to be a wet blanket. I would just like to remind fans who are excited for the Wonder Girls TV show what happened to Puffy's program: it got pulled off the air eventually. Another major factor is that they are manufactured. The United States' and the UK's consumers tend to have a negative perception of artists that don't have power in the creative process. Even girl groups like Danity Kane wrote some of their own music.

I expect all of you to react to the reaction with an open mind. Many K-Pop fans had that same reaction when they first saw it. My perception of K-Pop wasn't too favorable either. They are children! They are asked to react to a little glimpse of the whole picture. It is suppose to be off-the-cuff and a bit outrageous because that is entertaining. Notice the majority of them are interested in listening to more of the genre. This video is to illustrate the major issues K-Pop faces when expanding to the United States.

What I'm curious about is the promotion of K-Pop groups in Japan. A fair amount of songs by Korean groups are Japanese versions and not originals. Those releases match their Korean image. [The following statement has nothing to do with the male groups.] However, to reach significant success they may dispose of their typical persona for a Japanese one. This is evident if we compare Kara to SNSD. I never realized how 'competitive' they are with each other until I did a Google search about their comparative activities in Japan. The results were mixed. Some sites claimed SNSD was beating Kara and are relevant in Japan. Other data suggested the Kara had a stronger foothold. Then there were others that suggested that the results didn't match up to the hype. One thing is clear is that the strategy between the two is different. SNSD basically re-released songs that were successful. Kara, in my opinion, actually went all out. Their musical style, with the exception of a couple singles, turned to a more care-free, innocent spirit that is common in Japanese idol music. Kara is the reason why I resent people who said as part of the hype of the Hallyu wave that K-Pop was more popular with women because they presented a less doll-like persona. First of all, those people were clearly not familiar with female Japanese artists (Namie Amuro, Ayumi Hamasaki, Kumi Koda, SCANDAL, members of AKB). Second, there were female K-Pop artists went all doll-like, cutesy, AEGYO as soon as they hit Japanese shores. Others followed through not too long after debut. These girl groups were doing it in Korea too! Personally I found that Kara was more present in the industry than SNSD, not by a ton but I felt like there was a difference.

SNSD in Korea

SNSD in Japan

KARA in Korea

KARA in Japan

Was there a Hallyu wave this year? Yes, and I don't think it is necessarily over. However, Korean groups in Japan were not the top dog in any way. AKB48 owned this year, they were head to head with Arashi in 2010. The other big hitter in the music industry of Japan was the song Maru Maru Mori Mori. They entered a market where idol groups are doing quite well. We could chalk up a portion of their success to an idol boom. JE debuted two new idol groups that made the top spot, and Hey!Say!Jump had a really good year. There were idol groups that made the top spot which I never expected to do so, like Passpo. The industries aren't that much different style-wise. There are some general differences, but I feel like people play them up to be much bigger than they truly are.

Mina Is A Bit Busy

2012-01-23T23:04:00.001-06:00

There are plenty of things I want to talk about. However, I am in a rush to complete all my paper work and applications related to studying abroad next year. Therefore I will not post anything until I have all of that taken care of. Hang in there!

Mina

Mina's Top AKB48 Girlfriend + Friend Material Ranking

2012-01-14T19:28:00.004-06:00

You know the game screw, marry, or kill (or some version of it). I thought it would kind of be a fun post to do. Now I don't hate enough members, nor do I really care to point out girls unless they do something wrong. I'm going to do a small ranking of my top picks of who I would want to be friends with or date in real life. If you haven't picked up on it yet I do go both ways, so this isn't I would go gay for kind of deal. I might continue this with SKE48 and other groups (including guys), but I want to get to know the members better first.

Girlfriend Material

1. Kasai Tomomi (B)
If I ever pictured myself with an AKB member it is usually her. She is unbelievably cute, sexy, beautiful, and fashionable. She just looks like a sweetheart. This is why the whole 'ero' deal keeps pissing me off. Since when did she go from one of the loli, Sayumi-esque cute girl to overly sexual. I find that there are other members who look just as 'ero' as she does. The main reason why she is at the top spot is I could picture us living together.

2. Sato Amina (B)
Ever since she got her hair cut I've been overcome with moe~feelings towards her. Her face, voice, and personality is adorable. I have a thing for curves, so I think she has a hot bod. If you guys haven't heard she also was a victim to a raving wota. The thing with healthy body types is that they all have their pluses and minuses; all you need is to know how to dress for your body. She wants to become a radio personality which sounds awesome to me.

3. Itano Tomomi (K)
Tomochin is promoted as this cool beauty, which I don't disagree with. However, when you watch programs like bimyo you see her goofy, normal side which is ten times more endearing. I love to cook and bake and she is infamous for her taste buds. . . more like lack there of. It would take some pressure off. It also gives the impression that she enjoys eating.

4. Nakagawa Haruka (A)

5. Ota Aika (A)

6. Minegishi Minami (K)

7. Kitahara Rie (B)

8. Miyazawa Sae (K)

9. Katayama Haruka (A)

10. Yamauchi Suzuran (4)

[If any of you dare to say anything about the above picture, I'll be very cross. It is the cutest picture of her, but she is unfortunately stuffing her face with melted cheese that looks like something else. It doesn't help that I feel like a pedo for putting her and Lovetan on the ranking. I'm 19 so everyone else is perfectly normal.]

Friend Material

1. Moeno Nito (K)

2. Sashihara Rino (A)

3. Oba Mina (4)

4. Maeda Atsuko (A)

5. Uchida Mayumi (K)

6. Miyazaki Miho (B)

7. Takahashi Minami (A)

8. Oshima Yuko (K)

9. Nakamata Shiori (4)

10. Nakatsuka Tomomi (K)

AKB48 - GIVE ME FIVE Audio + Info

2012-01-14T00:13:00.000-06:00

I know I don't usually do these kind of things, so also don't expect this to become a common occurrence. I just have more time on my hands since it is winter break. Although, I shouldn't be because I have tons of paperwork to get done because I will be studying abroad next year. (I'll be in Nagoya so I'm going to spend some quality time with SKE48.) I also wanted to do this because I'm excited, as usual, for AKB48's upcoming single. I think it is really catchy and I immediately liked it, which doesn't usually happen. Plus, it was quite different than what people were expecting. People are left guessing as to why. Akimoto might be doing away with the pattern because it is too predictable. He might be sick of writing slow graduation/ sakura singles. Some fans have hypothesized that five members are graduating. (The only problem with that theory is that they would likely announce it at a concert ahead of time in order to promote sales of those member's last single.) We can tell from the tracklist that he is trying something new, which is thrilling (well for me at least so I guess it is working).

However, I'm not planning on grabbing a copy. First of all I would need to wait until I heard some previews for the special girl units. Special Girls A looks to be a cute song, reminiscent of past Undergirls tracks. Special Girls B is a little more up in the air. It could be cool, sexy, sporty, or maybe a ballad. They have many of the stronger vocalists. The title translates to The Shepherd's Travels. My guess is a ballad. Both look promising so I don't know which copy I would want. Besides I'm on a budget being in college and all. I tend to only make one seasonal purchase and that was SKE48's upcoming single. (I would leave a link so you can indulge as well but the pre-orders are all sold out! I am so happy I got one when I did.) I'm hoping I can get enough points from people using my links this month. If it does happen I might splurge. Then again, there is a pretty looking photobook (besides Matsui Rena's) of AKB48 members wearing glasses. I LOVE IDOLS IN GLASSES! (Why do you think Mii-chan is my oshi. . . okay that's not the reason but it is a plus.) Or I could grab NMB48's upcoming single.

TYPE A
[CD]
1. GIVE ME FIVE!
2. Sweet & Bitter (Selection 6)
3. NEW SHIP (Special Girls A)
[DVD]
1. GIVE ME FIVE! PV
2. Sweet & Bitter PV
3. NEW SHIP PV
4. GIVE ME FIVE! MAKING Part 1
5. Utsukushii MIX Kouza

TYPE B
[CD]
1. GIVE ME FIVE!
2. Sweet & Bitter (Selection 6)
3. Hitsujikai no Tabi (Special Girls B)
[DVD]

1. GIVE ME FIVE! PV

2. Sweet & Bitter PV

3. Hitsujikai no Tabi PV
4. GIVE ME FIVE! MAKING Part 2
5. Utsukushii overture & encore Kouza

Member Lists:
[GIVE ME FIVE! - Senbatsu]
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: Matsui Jurina / Matsui Rena
NMB48: Yamamoto Sayaka

[Sweet & Bitter – Selection 6]
Team A: Sashihara Rino / Shinoda Mariko / Takahashi Minami / Maeda Atsuko
Team K: Itano Tomomi / Oshima Yuko

[NEW SHIP – Special Girls A]
Team B: Sato Sumire
Team 4: Ichikawa Miori / Iriyama Anna / Shimazaki Haruka / Yamauchi Suzuran
Research Students: Iwata Karen / Kato Rena / Kawaei Rina / Takahashi Juri / Tano Yuka
SKE48: Kizaki Yuria / Matsui Jurina / Kimoto Kanon
NMB48: Watanabe Miyuki
HKT48: Kodama Haruka
JKT48: Melody Nurramdhani Laksani

[Hitsujikai no Tabi – Special Girls B]
Team A: Iwasa Misaki / Oota 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: Matsui Rena / Takayanagi Akane

New PV Releases

2012-01-12T13:57:00.000-06:00

Nami Tamaki - LADY MIND Wonder Girls - The DJ Is Mine

SunnyHill - The Grasshopper Song

S/mileage - Please Wait A Little

Rainbow Pixie - Hoi Hoi
Morning Musume - Pyoko Pyoko Ultra
9muses - News
T-ara - Lovey-Dovey
Kikkawa Yuu - Early Snow
TEEN TOP - Crazy
SDN48 (Undergirls G) - Yaritagariya-san

Buono! - DEEP MIND

Buono! - Hatsukoi Cider

Jin Akanishi - Test Drive ft. Jason Derulo

Mano Erina - Doki Doki Baby

Thoughts on Lovetan Growing Up

2012-01-12T00:20:00.012-06:00

Last spring, during the fourth episode of Majisuka Gakuen 2, I really noticed Oota Aika, Lovetan, for the first time. And when I say really noticed, I noticed what I thought had been a change in her that caused me to begin to focus much of my attention on her. And when I say her, I have to say I mostly mean photographs of her. I have read just the smallest bit of her blog and I was also able to enjoy an older appearance of hers in an honesty chess segment of AKBingo! that had been recently subtitled into English.

Last Spring, in episode four, Lovetan appeared to do battle with Youran (Miyazawa Sae) and as she circled her opponent, it struck me that she was not a little girl anymore, but a young woman playing at being a young girl. (Nearly the exact frame is at the side.) I was quite surprised to learn she was not quite seventeen (as of this writing she is now seventeen). Despite her Gothic-Lolita attire, Lovetan struck me as a much more mature young woman. Since then I've been paying a bit more attention to her than I had and her calendar is one of the six from AKB48 members I purchased this winter.

Since engaging in this completely unscientific study of Lovetan's work I've come to some conclusions that are more than likely not entirely well founded, but I thought I'd share them anyway in the hopes that others who know more of Lovetan might be able to provide me with more insight into her character.

Oota Aika is a member of Team A and was an original member of Team B dating back to 2007. She was around thirteen years old when she began working for AKB48 and has working hard for the past four years or more, consistently placing in the middle range of senbatsu elections. When she began she was genuinely child like and cute. It took no acting on her part to play the cute little girl part as she would hide in confined spaces for AKBingo!

In the past four years, Oota Aika has grown up. She is a lovely young woman and I think she now has to make an effort at being 'cute.' She is still young enough to be cute, but there are moments when she has been photographed in more adult like ways. There are other moments still, when the look in her eyes seems to indicate a desire to be seen as a woman and not as a cute child. There are instances when I think Lovetan is dissatisfied with playing a little girl and wants to explore more of her range as a performer.

Part of this conclusion comes from my observations of Watanabe Mayu and the contrast that appears in what comes across in their photographs. The blessed and perfect God, Watanabe Mayu, is almost a year older than Oota, and she is just as consistently portrayed as a cute little girl. The difference I see is that Mayuyu has every appearance of taking pure joy from everything she is doing. Of course Mayuyu and Lovetan have been working hard for the same period of time and often work side by side in Watarirouka Hashiritai 7, but Mayuyu is one of the chosen, one of the most popular of AKB48. Watanabe has worked hard and everything is coming to her- a solo single, a staring role in a drama, an anime voice work. The world is here to make Watanabe Mayu happy, and she knows it. Watanabe, in her unbridled joy is portraying an image that is very close to who she is and needs no opportunity to show another side that she keeps hidden.

Oota Aika has worked about as hard for about as long, with a similar child-like image. Unlike Watanabe Mayu, who can remain more child like at her core as the world exists to please her, Lovetan has matured into a beautiful young woman that wants to been seen as a young woman and not only as child. I don't think it is the case that Lovetan minds being cute and child like, but that she minds only being cute. This touches her with a little bit of darkness as being cute has become a job where she might not quite respect those that only want to see her as cute. There is a beautiful young woman in Oota that is more and more demanding to be recognized and seen. Lovetan is now an adult and wants to be seen as one, and just a hint of this discontent appears in her more recent work.

Of course, this is the analysis of a fellow who fell in love with Kimoto Kanon when her character Miso stabbed Gekikara and she smiled about it with such beautiful menace. Young people go through a lot of changes from ages thirteen to seventeen. I think Oota Aika has experienced some of the rather typical growing pains for young people and I think it can be seen in her work. I'm curious as to how much others think I might be hallucinating all of this.

Change for Better or for Worse in Hello Project

2012-01-05T23:36:00.000-06:00

A lot of H!P fans weren't too far off when they predicted that Niigaki and Takahashi would graduate together. Niigaki announced that she will be graduating at the end of their spring tour. They may not have done it together, but Niigaki sure didn't last much longer. Although, I don't know why she didn't go with her. I guess Niigaki didn't want to be overshadowed. Now there are rumors flying around about graduations and new members being added to the other Hello Project groups. Hello Project is being weird like that. Their music and strategy at the moment seems to be to hold onto their core fan base, but with all the changes in members will they stick? Or better yet, will the other members? Key members of Morning Musume have jumped ship but that isn't surprising because it was only a matter of time. However, s/mileage was a surprise.

I've kind of lost interest in Hello Project. The main reason is that I'm not very intrigued by their music. S/mileage was a beacon of hope when they went major, but their singles following their first album were underwhelming like the rest of Hello Project (in my opinion). I finally got what I wanted for Morning Musume: graduation of Niigaki and Takahashi and new members. I fear that it won't help if the music side doesn't try harder. I'm giving up on seeing Hello Project take risks. I find it dull. My new dream is that they quit and audition for NMB, HKT, of start a new idol group. If they have ambition they would leave. Sorry if that opinion hurts your feelings. (Look at it this way. I think the girls aren't living up to their potential.)

Hopes, Fears, and Predictions for 2012

2011-12-29T23:00:00.020-06:00

This is going to be a strange and fascinating year. Before it has even started, it is apparent that many more will find their proper place in the universe- living to bring the reason for creation, Watanabe Mayu, more happiness. I am not going to waste time arguing what is obvious to all who are open to love in their heart- that Watanabe Mayu is God and the only reason the universe exists- but I am instead going to discuss how this coming year will be the year record numbers come to love her as she loves all of us.

February 29, 2012 will mark the debut of Watanabe Mayu as a solo artist. This monumental event of human history is even more rare and certainly much more significant than the leap year it falls on. The a-side of the single release in question relates to another monumentally significant event in human history- the debut of Watanabe Mayu as the lead actress in a drama. The song in question will be one of the songs for the upcoming 2012 drama. The world will have yet another opportunity to appreciate the beauty and perfection that is Watanabe Mayu.

2012 will also mark the debut of the AKB48 anime, AKB0048. Set in the distant future, the series will follow a group of idols, inspired by the work of the God Watanabe Mayu and the angels of AKB48, as they fight for the freedom and security of humanity. Humanity will again be blessed by another first for Watanabe Mayu. She will bless us with her work as a voice actress in an anime series. I am sure the series will provide us all with inspiration in our fight for a world based in love, justice, reason, and the worship of Watanabe Mayu.

With so many beautiful and amazing things happening in the life of Watanabe Mayu, my greatest pain is that I will not be able to return to Japan this summer. I have to take a class, Spanish for Graduate Students who don't want to learn a Language for their requirement (Spanish 4046), that is only offered this summer. This is because the history department feels my work in Japanese in no way relates to my degree in the legal history of American Indian religious freedom. To be fair, studying Japanese has nothing to do with my degree and everything to do with better understanding God.

Anyway, on to my my hopes, fears, and predictions.

Hopes:

I hope that all will open their hearts to love and accept the absurd beauty of AKB48 and the perfection of the divine Watanabe Mayu and elect her center by universal consent of the populace of the world.

I also hope that the Arab Spring and Occupy Wallstreet movements snowball into a worldwide anarcho-syndicalist revolution that places 48 member girl idol bands as the highest political authorities worldwide.

Fears:

I fear not everyone will open their being to loving and serving Watanabe Mayu. That she has not yet been enthroned as supreme ruler of the universe is symptomatic of human imperfection, rather than any failing with the blessed Mayuyu.

I also fear I will come to love SKE48 more than I love AKB48. This is really troubling me lately. I am finding the more recent SKE48 songs have excited me much more than recent AKB48 songs. With SKE48 now moving to become the queerest band ever with their first single of 2012, AKB48 really has some work to do. Fortunately AKB48 still has the divine and perfect Watanabe Mayu.

Predictions:

Even if the people of the earth fail to unite in peace and harmony behind Watanabe Mayu and AKB48, the world will be a little more beautiful and a little more peaceful for all their hard work.

SKE48 will become the queerest band ever.

Matsui Jurina of SKE48 will be caught dating a girl, and will claim she just loves to kiss pretty things, forgetting that the reason she finds girls so pretty is that she is gay and that when you go everywhere with someone and kiss them all the time- it means you are probably dating.

Kimoto Kanon of SKE48 will have a significantly expanded role in Majisuka Gakuen 3.

The Top 70 Singles of 2011

2011-12-26T00:31:00.001-06:00

Before I get into this year's ranking of the best singles from Japan and Korea, in my opinion, I am going to remind you last year's shorter list. In Japan, the anthem of 2011 was definitely マル・マル・モリ・モリ. I color coded artists that appear more than once. For determining the ranking for this year I tried to combine a number of factors: originality in general/ for the artist, how catchy it is, wow factor, and so on. I did not take PVs or any performance elements into consideration because that would really mess things around. I wanted to focus on the music. AKB48 had another good year, the funny thing is that the ranking of singles released during the same periods ended up in similar spots. The other big force of 2010, Arashi, not so much. In 2011 you'll see a lot of newer artists versus older idol groups. Hello!Project groups have been traded out for new idol groups like Fairies and Tokyo Girls Style. My expanded interests have led to the inclusion of more K-Pop and boy bands. Completing this ranking reaffirmed my dislike for Korea's Comeback rotation. For one, that is not a real comeback. The main thing is that they don't release as many singles. For example, AKB48 releases five singles, but Brown Eyed Girls only released two. TWO singles in a year is stupid, at least from the perspective of a fan. Personally, if you are going to do a comeback rotation I would like to see a tidal wave of singles, at least three.

Top 20 Singles of 2010:
1. Beginner - AKB48
2. Troublemaker - Arashi
3. 1! 2! 3! 4! Yoroshiku - SKE48
4. Monster - Arashi
5. Ikuze! Kaitou Shoujo - Momoiro Clover
6. Oh! - Girls' Generation
7. Love Song - Rain
8. BBI-RI-BOP-A - Narsha
9. Sakura no Shiori - AKB48
10. Makenai Kokoro - AAA
11. Ponytail to Shushu - AKB48
12. Otakebi Boy WAO! - Berryz Koubou
13. Akkanbe Bashi - Watarirouka Hashiritai
14. Lupin - Kara
15. HUH - 4Minute
16. Onegai Dakara - Mano Erina
17. GAGAGA - SDN48
18. Wild - Amuro Namie
19. Shock! - C-ute
20. ooGanbaranakutemo Eenende!! - S/mileage

The Top 70 Singles of 2011:

Sixth Sense (Brown Eyed Girls)
Hey和 (ゆず)
風は吹いている (AKB48)
Step (Kara)
Time (KinKi Kids)
桜の木になろう (AKB48)
Beautiful Target (B1A4)
ツブサニコイ (関ジャニ∞)
ミライボウル (ももいろクローバー)
You & I (IU)
ひみつ (YUKI)
Everyday、カチューシャ (AKB48)
Roly Poly (T-ara)
PONPONPON (きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ)
Change & Go (AAA)
I Am The Best (2NE1)
Why? (Tohoshinki)
Be Mine (INFINITE)
A-CHA (Super Junior)
Limited addiction (東京女子流)
Tempest (安室奈美恵)
Ultimate Wheels (KAT-TUN)
SUPERMAN (Super Junior)
Flying Get (AKB48)
オーマイゴースト？〜わたしが悪霊になっても〜 (私立恵比寿中学)
ふいに (板野友美)
Hero (Fairies)
Superstar (Tohoshinki)
LOVE & PEACH (ゆず)
OVER (Hey! Say! JUMP)
Mr. Simple (Super Junior)
Sexy! Honey! Bunny! (V6)
つけまつける (きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ)
Dear J (板野友美)
Tick Tack (U-Kiss)
Valentine Kiss (渡り廊下走り隊7)
Cry Cry (T-ara)
Cleansing Cream (Brown Eyed Girls)
Flower (前田敦子)
Midnight Circus (SunnyHill)
パレオはエメラルド (SKE48)
Lotus (嵐)
絶滅黒髪少女 (NMB48)
オキドキ (SKE48)
Min Min Min (SDN48)
Missing You ~Time To Love~ (玉置成実)
まじですかスカ! (モーニング娘。)
Love Like Candy Floss (東京女子流)
CALL (AAA)
Trouble Maker (Trouble Maker)
BTD (INFINITE)
In Heaven (JYJ)
月の裏側 (DiVA)
Goodbye Bady (Miss A)
If (フレンチ・キス)
鼓動の秘密 (東京女子流)
バンザイVenus (SKE48)
My Home (関ジャニ∞)
愛、チュセヨ (SDN48)
Pride (SCANDAL)
D'の純情 (ももいろクローバーZ)
RUN FOR YOU (KAT-TUN)
More Kiss (Fairies)
女子力←パラダイス (SUPER☆GiRLS)
Be My Baby (Wonder Girls)
Reconquista (HANGRY+ANGRY-f)
Kiss Me (Happiness)
Answer (No Sleeves)
Syndrome (ChoColat)
Go Go Summer! (Kara)

Here are the videos I could find on YouTube, but they are not in order:

The 48 Family 2011 Single Ranking

2011-12-23T22:13:00.000-06:00

1. Kaze wa Fuiteiru (AKB)

2. Sakura no Ki ni Naro (AKB)

3. Everyday, Katyusha (AKB)

4. Flying Get (AKB)

5. Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shojo (NMB)

6. Dear J (Itano Tomomi)
7. Flower (Maeda Atsuko)

8. Valentine Kiss (WH7)
9. Okie Dokie (SKE)
10. Min Min Min (SDN)

11. Fuini (Itano Tomomi)
12. Tsuki no Uragawa (DiVA)

13. If (French Kiss)

14. Pareo wa Emerald (SKE)

15. Ai, Juseyo (SDN)

16. Answer (No Sleeves)

17. Banzai Venus (SKE)

18. Kibo Sanmyaku (WH7)

19. Cry (DiVA)

20. Kuchibiru Furezu... (No Sleeves)

21. Shumatsu Not Yet (Not Yet)

22. Hetappi Wink (WH7)

23. Pedicure Day (No Sleeves)

24. Oh My God! (NMB)

25. Ue kara Mariko (AKB)

26. Naminori Kakigori (Not Yet)

27. Saisho no mail (French Kiss)

28. Perapera Perao (Not Yet)

29. Kakko warui I love you (French Kiss)

Why SDN48 'Failed'

2011-12-23T19:32:00.000-06:00

No matter how much fans, myself included, complain about Akimoto, I think we all know he is brilliant. So when I heard he was planning to disband SDN48 I was disappointed, but I trust his judgement. He gave AKB48 an end date too, therefore I don't think it is only money on his mind. I think he wants to have some quality; he does write all of their lyrics. We can then look past the fact that they were doing fine sales-wise. My guess is that he didn't see them going anywhere. We can clearly see SKE and NMB's sales increasing. However, I blame the not as stellar sales on the production of the group. AKB48 is popular because it is liked by both men and women and from a variety of age groups. AKB was a conversation starter for me when talking to Japanese people. (When a maid was leading me to the cafe we talked about AKB48 and our oshi.) It is obvious that this group is not targeted towards a female audience. Let's take a look at their last single. It is some women in sexy outfits surrounding some old guy like this is a hostess club. I'm not going to buy that. I don't care how much I like this group; this is by far the worst single they've put out. The PV preview from AKBingo! disgusted me so much I didn't watch the whole thing. Not even if Cindy was the center would I grab a copy.

I thought a more adult girl group was a wonderful concept. For one it pushes the age boundary for women in the entertainment industry. I did really enjoy all of their singles thus far. (The B-sides were sometimes a bit much.) I definitely liked their stage. They were, unfortunately, pushed as an adult (wink, wink) group. They appeared in lingerie or naked a lot, which isn't wrong in itself it is how it is done. Plus, don't do it that much. Keep it classy because it is coming off a bit desperate.

All I wanted was a single of them just having fun and not being overtly sexual. You can be sexy without being in my face about it. Don't take it personally, Hyuna sucks balls at it. You were funny and playful about it (the whole elbow thing was nice). They could of done something like Perfume: them just walking about in fashionable attire. They could of done an OL PV. A pervert gives a little love tap on one of their butts at work, she punches him in the face, and they break out in song. The girls can be funny, cute, or sexy. WHY! I would of just upped and quit as soon as I heard the concept of this upcoming single. These girls could of attracted a way hotter guy than that, besides why can't each of them have a harem of sexy male strippers?

Upcoming Releases (There is Girl on Girl Action)

2011-12-20T00:05:00.007-06:00

The one brilliant thing about the time difference is that I can wake up with wonderful news in the morning. It started off with the HEY!x3 Special where NMB, SKE, and No3b promoted their upcoming singles. It wasn't until I saw Melos No Michi's post about SKE48 that I started spazzing out. Unfortunately the news clip that previewed a lot of the PV has been put on private, but I hunted another one down.

TYPE A
[CD]
1. 片想いFinally
2. はにかみロリーポップ (白組)
3. 今日までのこと、これからのこと
[DVD]
1. 片想いFinally (music video)
2. はにかみロリーポップ (白組) (music video)
3. 特典映像「SKE48紅白対抗マル秘芸認定大会・PART1」special movie

TYPE B
[CD]
1. 片想いFinally
2. 声がかすれるくらい (紅組)
3. 今日までのこと、これからのこと
[DVD]
1. 片想いFinally (music video)
2. 声がかすれるくらい (紅組) (music video)
3. 特典映像「SKE48紅白対抗マル秘芸認定大会・PART2」special movie

TYPE C
[CD]
1. 片想いFinally
2. 寡黙な月 (セレクション8)
3. 今日までのこと、これからのこと
[DVD]
1. 片想いFinally (music video)
2. 特典映像I「SKE48紅白対抗マル秘芸大会」special movie
3. 特典映像II「Team KIIオリジナル公演への軌跡」documentary movie

Now NMB48 has also been impressing me with their choreography. Notice the lift they did 30 seconds into the performance. I kind of want to look into their ages since I find they are presented sexier than SKE48. It might be due to Osaka's flavor.

TYPE A
TYPE B
TYPE C

Fairies has improved in my mind. I know it is only one more member that is doing most of the singing, but the other members do have some lines which is more than I can say for Happiness. They are turing out to be a dance-version of Tokyo Girls Style (who has better vocals). I'm curious to see if these groups lasts considering the shelf life of units like SweetS.

Regular Edition [FIRST PRESS SOLD OUT]

CD+DVD Edition [Only 4 First Press Copies Left]

The final performance that caught my eye was No Sleeves (No3b). I didn't love the song when I saw the PV, but it has grown on me. Did I mention that the limited editions come with posters; I love posters.

Regular Edition [FIRST PRESS SOLD OUT]

Kojima Haruna Version

Takahashi Minami Version

Minegishi Minami Version

Do You Guys Think Sexy Zone is Sexy?

2011-12-19T22:46:00.000-06:00

Sexy Zone first got my attention when their debut single hit the top of the charts. I usually find out the charts from YouTube. When I saw the small clip of the PV I immediately could tell it was JE, but the name of the group. . . Really? Maybe they have different standards when it comes to male sexuality, but I thought we were on the same page considering Arashi's solo spreads in Anan. I mean, AKB48 is so much hotter in those recent AKBingo! cross-dressing episode. (I vote they release a single in drag. Mii-chan, Takamina, Tomochin, Tomo~mi, Yui should just get a sex change. . . well maybe not TomoTomo.) Anyway, so I decided that I was going to pay just as much attention to them as JE's other new group Kiss-My-@ss . . . I mean foot? I think they, when I mean they I mean three out of the five, could be sexy but they are produced waaay to cutesy. These guys are making me feel old, and I'm 19. The oldest is the same age as my sister who is a senior in high school, so I can get that. The next one is a year younger so that is okay because he would be a junior. The sophomore meh on age wise, but a definite NO after I watched them live on Hey!x3.

Now I came into this without ever hearing the full song. At first I still thought they weren't appealing to me in a sexy way. Then the two youngest members opened their mouth and I was like why is there two female members? Is JE doing a mix group! Wait. . . WAIT (check wikipedia) those are boys! I guess someone hasn't gone through puberty. I mean they are wearing different styled outfits from the older three. One looks like Ishida from AKB48 with a bowl cut. I'm curious. They got a hit so does that mean girls think they are sexy? I can see hot, but I don't want to have sex with them because it would be so wrong. (They look way too pure.) What do you think? Would you tap. . . no I can't even ask that.

Mina's Stand Out Songs of 2011

2011-12-15T20:33:00.002-06:00

I decided to do my own twist on 'The Best of 2011' list. I've broken it down to two categories. The songs that I found most addictive and the ones the grabbed me (had that little something extra). I need some more time to consider my favorite list for this year, but you'll probably see some overlap from both lists. Each list started with twenty songs and then whittled down, so artists like Arashi got cut.

The Most Addictive Songs:
1. オーマイゴースト？〜わたしが悪霊になっても〜 (私立恵比寿中学)
2. Roly Poly (T-ara)
3. ミライボウル (ももいろクローバー)
4. Step (Kara)
5. Everyday、カチューシャ (AKB48)
6. Beautiful Target (B1A4)
7. G.D.M (M.I.B.)
8. Bubble Pop (Hyuna)
9. Don't Spray Perfume (Teen Top)
10. Sexy, Honey, Bunny! (V6)
Runners Up - More Kiss(Fairies) / PONPONPON(きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ) /
OVER(Hey! Say! JUMP)
The Biggest Stand-Out Tracks:
1. ふいに (板野友美)
2. Hey和 (ゆず)
3. これからWonderland (AKB48)
4. Opera (Super Junior)
5. 風は吹いている (AKB48)
6. Chai Maxx (ももいろクローバー)
7. Time (Kinki Kids)
8. 地下水道 (DiVA)
9. ゼロサム太陽 (チームK)
10. Love Like Candy Floss (東京女子流)
11. 奇跡は夜生まれる (高橋みなみ)
12. Ultimate Wheels (KAT-TUN)
13. Limited addiction (東京女子流)
14. 頬杖とカフェ・マキアート (前田敦子)
15. ひみつ (YUKI)

2NE1 - Best New Artist in the World (MTV)

2011-12-12T18:28:00.000-06:00

Forgive me the poor screenshot the program I use didn't care for the live stream.

2NE1, a popular, female Korean-Pop group, just finished their first concert in New York City and received their crowns for Best New Artist from MTV. It was my first time watching 2NE1 perform. I was familiar with some of their singles due to K-Pop Music Mondays by Eat Your Kimchi. (I'm going to skip over all my comments on the entire show because they had a number of other artists perform that were nominated. Well, except with how much I adore Yuna as a person and I would totally go out with her. Sorry, I have a thing for Muslim women.)

My favorite, who is the best dancer of the group,
Minzy.

Their performance was short and only consisted of singles. They had some short interview and Q+A sections. For big fans of 2NE1 I bet they were disappointed because the show seemed to focus more on introducing a ton of new artists, not on the winning group. I thought their performances were solid and well organized. I'm surprised they didn't go completely live with the vocals considering American's hypersensitivity to anything lip-synced. My reaction to 2NE1 was what I expected for the most part. I came into this knowing that they weren't going to be my favorite thing. However, what I didn't expect coming in was how I would react to the members. Overall, I liked them. CL gave good answers during the talk-portion. Minzy tried to show off some cool moves. Their outfits were lively and funky as usual. Dara was wearing her hair in that ridiculous style. (I don't care if you are Korean, during the clips where you were running around the town you looked so much better.)

I never knew that Bom had gotten plastic surgery before
watching this.

The one thing that I couldn't stop obsessing over was Bom. Oh how plastic does she look. (Sorry killa, I know you hate when people mention that.) Here is a fact of life: East Asian noses look weird on Caucasian faces, and vice versa. You reminded me of Michael Jackson, which isn't a good thing!

TANGENT WARNING: My parents listened to the Beatles, my Dad would use MC Hammer to help me fall asleep, and I listened to Shaggy, Britney Spears, Aaron Carter, and boy bands. My exposure to Michael Jackson was the pedo trials and after ALL OF THE PLASTIC SURGERY. Let's say I didn't have the best opinion of the guy. I didn't start listening to his music until after he died and all of the tributes ensued.

Anyway, I couldn't stop focusing on her. This was combined with her uber-short dress which would show her butt or crotch if she opened her legs a bit, bent over, or if the camera was a lower angle (which it was). Not to mention I did not understand her facial expression during Lonely. It might of been due to too much plastic surgery so her face couldn't move? [I do not know how much work she has gotten done, but I checked with my 2NE1 friend and she confirmed that she did get stuff done.] I am aware that it isn't uncommon for Koreans to get work done. However, considering their edgy image and presenting themselves as a different kind of K-Pop girl group I did not think they would find it necessary. It just makes me doubt them from being different from the mainstream, manufactured groups.

There is a reason 2NE1 was nominated over all the other Korean acts, and we all know there is a boat-load of 'em. They would be easily marketable in the United States. Europe is a different matter, they are far more accepting of East Asian acts. They are original and have perfect timing, plus they can speak English. The United States may be opening up to Asian artists. Far East Movement had a huge hit, and Jin Akanishi's first single is doing well on the charts. However, that doesn't mean it will last or reach the same level as their Korean success. BoA and Utada had mild results. Far East Movement has had only one number-one hit, and another in the top ten. Their other singles have not done nearly as well.

Image is important in America. Acts like Lady GaGa and Ke$ha would not be where they are without it. 2NE1 has the image. But will the fact that Asians do not have a hold of major portion of the US entertainment industry prevent them. (What causes that I am not sure.) If I could see a Japanese group make it it would be Perfume. They have a stylistic appeal. The problem is that they have no interest in leaving the Japanese market. Japan has the second largest music industry in the world. Why lose their pretty much guaranteed continued success in Japan for an uphill battle? Perfume does not have that ambition. The other problem is that they don't tend to sing live, which is extremely important in the States. So, yep.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is Idol Royalty

2011-12-08T22:37:00.001-06:00

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is an 18 year-old fashion blogger and model who reached international fame after the release of her first promotional video, PON PON PON. The video went viral. MTV deemed it "One of the craziest videos ever!" It hit the Japan's Billboard Hot 100 at number 72. I was memorized by the song and video. But I never pass judgement on a artist based on one single; it could very well be a fluke. However, with her second PV she comes back at full strength. Well, this may seem a bit toned down in comparison, but this single is not inspired by decora culture which in itself is wacky. The title and the subject matter is a bit suspect. She has a line of false eyelashes. So am I surprised that fake eyelashes is in the title? What I adore about her style is the sense of controlled chaos. It isn't some overly cute fluff which is revealed in the details. Her videos create a wonderland that is sweet yet mysterious. She is definitely on my list of people to watch.

AKB48 LIVE @ Seibu Dome

2011-12-02T22:39:00.001-06:00

This is only one of their concerts performed this summer. It is a little over three hours long. I've found various places to download it, but I haven't been successful at finding a download that lasted past Itano and Maeda's duet. Either the files are corrupted or is not suited to work on my Mac. (I've tried VLC, Quicktime, and MPlayer but none were successful.) I'm the kind of person who is always excited to hear artists live because often I enjoy the live vocals over the perfected audio track. I tend to forgive AKB because I have some experience working behind the scenes, and I know that microphones can be difficult. However, it didn't stop me from tearing up when I heard Tomochin perform Fuini live. It has some behind the scenes clips mixed into the performances. It is, for the most part, split into sections:
- Opening Group Songs
- Majisuka Gakuen
- Sub-Groups and Solo Acts
- Trainees/ Team 4
- Album Units
- SKE, SDN, and NMB Singles
- Team Songs (the album and Chance No Junban track, plus a recent and classic stage song)
- Singles (including B-sides)
- Closing Groups Numbers

Message From Mina: Reaching Out to KPop Fans

2011-11-30T22:20:00.001-06:00

I've bet you've noticed some developments in the content posted on this blog. I've been expanding the content barriers to include other music facets in JPop like Super Cell. We've also crossed some water to include South Korean media. (Both of the new contributing writers are new fans to AKB48 as well so they are friendlies.) But I got off topic like I always do. Personally, I've been writing A LOT about K-Pop all of a sudden. My perception of K-Pop fans on the internet is very poor, but this is based on my limited interaction with them. It mostly comes down to two types: them bashing a Japanese group or them responding to any sort of criticism with a 'you're just jealous of how amazing they are' blah blah blah. I know K-Pop fans in real life, that combined with Eat Your Kimchi is how I really started to take a serious interest. I'm not going to assume that I'm the only one here who enjoys K-Pop. I would like to here some recommendations for blogs to follow. I might make a separate blogroll, or should I just combine the two?

Mina Is Back. . .again With MOAR PV Reviews!

2011-11-30T00:20:00.001-06:00

HYUNA stop wipping your crotch while people are looking at you! Oh, and rubbing your butt against his is not how you do sex. I get you want to be sexy. I think you can do it to. You are trying way to 'effing hard! Look at the dude. Everything is covered and he is just being chill and he looks smokin'. Why must girls be overtly sexual to be sexy, but guys can just be simmering under the surface! You just need to be confident Hyuna and people will think you are sexy. Hyuna ruined this video, well that and some of the clothes she wore were a bit how much leg can we show without showing her pussycat. Wait a second. . . did he just touch her crotch? The video is quite fashionable and I like how they play off of each other. I like the choreography where he goes to kiss her but she turns away.
☆☆☆☆

It might be because I love Takei Emi but for a ballad PV I was throughly entertained. When it comes to ballads the trick is to just keep my attention. The song is lovely. The sets and costuming is stylish, which makes sense since she is a charisma model. I was confused at first by the contrast between the spring and winter, which appeared disjointed. My first guess was that Emi was thinking back to the beginning of a love-relationship. In Japanese literature spring signifies the beginning of romance, the courtship period. Summer is when things get hot and heavy. The relationship becomes strained in the fall. And everything is dead by winter. However, it is revealed that the spring segment is in one of the crystal balls. I do enjoy twists, but I guess I could of realized it earlier because we get a glimpse of the crystal ball towards the beginning. Takei Emi does a wonderful job at singing a ballad in front of the camera without it appearing stiff.
☆☆☆☆

The beginning of this video reminds me of K-Pop teasers. It is very cool and serious and then you see the PV and hear the song, and it is rarely the same in epicness. Another super group? Is that going to become a trend now? Most of these groups irk me because a fair number of the members never sing. I get it, they are dancers. Still, this is a music group isn't it? I want them to at least sing back up. I wish Happiness' lead vocalist would just go solo. The dancing is good, as expected. I like how they approached the outfits. While the set matches the costumes well, it looks romantic and a bit gothic which does not match the song in the least. There is also a bit of the Super Junior trapped in a room thing going on too.
☆☆☆

It seems the world is going through a fairytale phase (there are two snow white films coming out). I love the childlike wonder or this video. My issues are with the length of her dress. Her dress looks like something I would wear as a child and the video itself seems innocent. I just want it a little bit longer, or shorts would work too. I want that duck by the way. The song is spectacular and playful, like I'm listening to a fantasy book. I find it odd that she is bubbly in the storyline shots, but dead-pan in the dance shot. It weirded me out. I guess she is suppose to be doll-like like the figures that pop out of clocks. My last critique was that the dance shot left something to be desired. Since she had a traditional style dance shot I would of preferred a bit more movement and dancing on her part. Either that, or more creativity in the angles and pans during the dance shot.
☆☆☆☆

The cityscapes and the desaturation/ use of cool (as in the temperature) colors. The problem here is that box! You can't introduce it as a major character if no one has any idea why it is there. You need to give at least a hint. I hate the close-up and solo, box-room shots. With all the outdoor shots, including the dance shot, using the typical room thing looks out of place. They needed to have a dance shot in a room complimentary to the outdoor dance shot. They then could of used the outdoor shots at the climax of the song to give it some extra umph. They should of introduced more variety towards the beginning because I started to get board.
☆☆☆

☆☆☆

In the dark room shot the introduction of different shirt colors was very interesting. I love when they try something that I've never seen. See! There is nothing wrong with a room music video, but you need to add some a little bit of spice to it. The shots, like of their feet, the consistent movement it all adds a bit. Notice how they never let there be no movement, either the camera or the members, for too long. This had an amazing dance shot! I could of been perfectly satisfied with just that.
☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆

Oh my word, I am loving every second. What I love about it is that it doesn't try to do anything that different. It is all in the details. The variety in cinematography combined with the basic style of a music video is brilliant. It is simple but still unique at the same time. Stylish.
☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆

☆☆

This is adorable. They are doing cute right, not the annoying aegyo thing. If you have fun and act natural you don't have to go over the top to look cute. This is my favorite winter wonderland of the year so far.
☆☆☆☆

Let's see, three dance shots in rooms with close ups. This doesn't sell it to me. There is nothing horrendous about any individual shot, bur I can see these three dance shots in completely different videos. Like the plain room could go with a gritty and or retro theme. The lightning room is kind of hipster. Then there is the bee-hive which makes me think of 4Minute.
☆

☆☆☆

Here is my deal with this video. I feel like their crotch is in my face! Those short, shorts combined with the camera looking slightly up at them tends to put their junk right near the center of the shot. Plus the forward pan at that low level doesn't help. I think 4Minute has a butt fetish. They keep on popping and touching their tush. I guess I'll give them a pass and assume that I just randomly noticed that area and started obsessing over it. (They get an extra star.)
☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆

☆☆☆

Same old, same old. Momoclo are idols on crack. They have a ton of great shots and they look like they are actually enjoying themselves. Wait! Where did the coconuts come from!
☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆

The brilliant thing about this video is that it appears to be just a typical idol video, but then all hell breaks loose. (I've tested it on my friends on Facebook, it is true.) I think they are hilarious and I love to join in. I don't love all their humor, but I understand why they do it.
☆☆☆☆☆

I like the styling of the video, it works well with the tone of the track. HOWEVER, I find the song and the video offensive. Women= a commodity on the same level of alcohol and cash. Plus, the concept of the song, and how it is incorporated into the video, is completely unoriginal. The majority of hip-hop songs in the US are all about men having a lot of all three. I hate that the song is catchy and video looks amazing, but the context is horrible. (Um, did you mean anything by taping girls' mouths shut. . .) They lost a star for the look how much hot ladies, money, and fame I got shots. Just a different cliche.
☆☆☆

TVXQ's Balloon and Furry Madness

2011-11-29T23:57:00.001-06:00

This video freaks me out like no other. I get that they are trying to be cute, but it is so wrong, so very wrong. Guys can be cute and adorable. This is, however, not the way you go about it. First off, Micky and Junsu have grown out of wearing fluffy animal costumes. They both look way to adult and manly. The only time I do approve of cute animal costumes is when the one wearing it looks young or is a child. An adult just looks silly. Like AKB48's stage unit. The younger girls look adorable, but some of them fit the part. It just looks ridiculous. Plus, the one that actually really pulls it off looks furious the whole time. Like when my mom puts reindeer antlers on my dog and he is just get these stupid things off of me. I just don't think they are enjoying themselves. B1A4 relished every second of Beautiful Target.

I do like the song. Although, it seems kind of consistent and I would prefer something with a bit more progression in the song. It reminded me of MINT's second song. (Yep, Eat Your Kimchi is right. . . it sounds just like J-Pop.) Actually the PV is kind of a better version of TVXQ's Balloons. It has the absurd costumes and the cracky fun. It just skips the cheesy furry suits.

The Internet Censorship Law in the United States Congress

2011-11-18T14:37:00.001-06:00

I try to keep politics out of things, but I believe this case is relevant to this very blog. If this law passes I will probably shut Wota(in training) down. Mostly because I know I've linked or posted copyrighted content and not only could I be fined but I could also go to jail. Even doing a cover song of something on YouTube could send someone to jail. Major internet providers and websites like Tumblr and Google are trying to stop it but they are up against the film industry and record companies. If the link is too much of a pain let me know by email or in the comments and I will remove it. I just want to get the word out. I am still completely serious about shutting this blog down if it passes because I do not have the money to pay the fine.

I'm Sorry Wonder Girls

2011-11-17T21:42:00.001-06:00

Let me start off with stating that my first thought while watching this video is WTF is JYP? Does that stand for Japan? Why would their Korean single do that. It was thanks to Eat Your Kimchi I found out that it was the music producer's identification marker. Like he is some serial killer who has to leave something behind in order for people to know that he did it. Do you know why they do that? Because someone has a bit of an ego and can't be satisfied by just producing good work.

This is a fun song to listen to, but I am not a huge fan of dancing to it. It is a breeze of fresh air from the majority of girl groups who are overtly sexy or aegyo (or both at the same time), but I still prefer to jam out to the powerhouses like 2NE1 or BEG. Trust me, I've tried jamming out in my dorm room to this but I can't get into it. The English lines in the chorus is what kills it for me. It is a bit to cliche.

Everything seemed like it was going along just fine, until nine seconds into the video. When a whirlwind of YOU ARE NOT SERIOUSLY TRYING TO COPY BEYONCE? passed by. While they do follow my golden rule about remakes (be different, or significantly better) [wondering which one . . . do you actually think this is better than Single Ladies], let me insert a note to that rule; IT IS TOO SOON. If you want to bring something back that looks almost identical it better be from a different time like the 80s or farther back. No one cares that the spectacular Emma Stone is starring in the movie because it was only like ten years ago since they made the first spider man movie. And before you even suggest that it isn't that similar let's go through the basics ascetics:
- plain white room, check
- tight black outfits that show off their legs, check
- center girl with a big hair bump, check
- it is a dance shot
- the lights slowly fade in and out of darkness

I don't care about the pops of colors, or the moving floors, or the fact that there are various types of shots. It doesn't stop me from seeing it and it won't go away. If they just didn't have that one shot! If they had only cut that all out for the circle stage room! The steps and the circle room would of been fine! You can't possible try to outshine Sasha Fierce.

Besides that I liked it. I can't review this video well because I can't stop seeing Single Ladies. (Which is said to be the best video of all time . . . hehehehe.)

The other song they've been promoting with it is GNO.

It isn't until 1:19 in this video that I like the song. The whole style of that section reeks of songs released from women in the states who have no business releasing music. So basically I hate half the song. Yep. You can see what I mean after the jump. (The Wonder Girls are much more talented, but the song made me think of this:)

Takei Emi, Will You Marry Me?

2011-11-17T21:31:00.001-06:00

To be honest, I am not a huge fan of her debut single. However, I am a huge fan of her as an actress and a model. I adore the only copy of Seventeen magazine I was able to pick up while I was in Japan. My favorite from Seventeen is of course Takei Emi, but I am also quite fond of Kiritani Mirei. Both are set to appear in live action films that I'm excited for. I am rewatching her appearance on VS Arashi, and oh jeez is she an adorable firecracker!

BiS are BAMFs

2011-11-15T19:52:00.001-06:00

First off I want to apologize for how glitchy Blogger/ Blogspot is. I've heard that people have had difficulty posting comments. If it makes you feel any better I have to suffer glitches as well: videos I embed disappear at random. I've decided that the BAMF awards will no longer be a weekly series. The idol scene lacks risk takers, or at least to a point where it is difficult to find something exemplary on a weekly basis. Now onto the topic at hand.

Brand-New Idol Society's whole concept is to break out of the typical idol mold. (I had hopes that SDN48 would be that group by throwing the shelf-life for idols out the window, which they did, but I couldn't respect some of their work.) I've adored their music thus far, and some of their PVs. I do respect them for trying something new (but some shots aren't that appealing). I've posted their new PV for primal. after the jump. There are a few shots I liked for being edgy and kind of documentary-like. However, the majority of the PV I find too disturbing to watch because of how graphic it is. My opinion is that it isn't a good PV. This is due to the fact that instead of accentuating the music, it distracts. After viewing it I couldn't remember a thing about the song. Plus, the infra-red shot looked low budget. I understand how it works with the concept of primality, but it isn't flattering for the girls who I sorely missed. They aren't as active in the media so I don't get to see them frolic that often, besides they have a new member. nerve is by far my favorite PV (My lxxx is a close second) they've released because it is different, but it features the members themselves. It is also quite effective because it is also my favorite song.

AKB48 Upcoming Releases!

2011-11-09T18:05:00.001-06:00

I LOVE YOU GUYS SOOO MUCH! Thanks to those who used my links I was able to buy the Janken single, and it only cost me $4 and that includes shipping! So, I am going to try to do more release posts. You helped make my day. So I ordered a copy of Type A. I don't think you can go wrong with any version. I've only heard previews for Team A and B's song. Out of the subunits I like Watarirouka Hashiritai 7's new single the best.

AKB48 - Ue kara Mariko [12/7]
1600yen
Plus Two Photos (one if First Press + one from CDJapan)

Type A
[CD]
1. Ue kara Mariko
2. Noel no Yoru
3. Rinjin wa Kizutsukanai (Team A)
[DVD]
1. Ue kara Mariko Music Video
2. Noel no Yoru Music Video
3. Rinjin wa Kizukanai Music Video
4. 24th Single Senbatsu Janken Taikai Documentary Video (part 1)

Type K
[CD]
1. Ue kara Mariko
2. Noel no Yoru
3. Zero-sum Taiyou (Team K)
[DVD]
1. Ue kara Mariko Music Video
2. Noel no Yoru Music Video
3. Zero-sum Taiyou Music Video
4. 24th Single Senbatsu Janken Taikai Documentary Video (part 2)

Type B
[CD]
1. Ue kara Mariko
2. Noel no Yoru
3. Yobisute Fantasy (Team B)
[DVD]
1. Ue kara Mariko Music Video
2. Noel no Yoru Music Video
3. Yobisute Fantasy Video
4. 24th Single Senbatsu Janken Taikai Documentary Video (part 3)

Not yet - Perapera Perao [11/16]
1600yen
It includes a photo and a connect card (whatever that is)

Type A
[CD]
1. Perapera Perao
2. Uminari yo
3. Moto Kare ga Kekkon Suru Toki
[DVD]
1. Perapera Perao Music Video

Type B
[CD]
1. Perapera Perao
2. Uminari yo
3. Fuusha ga Mieru Machi
[DVD]
1. Perapera Perao Music Video

Type C
[CD]
1. Perapera Perao
2. Uminari yo
3. Mikata
[DVD]
1. Perapera Perao Music Video

French Kiss - Saisho no Mail [11/22]

1600yen
The external bonus is a poster

Type A

[CD]
1. Saisho no Mail
2. Candle no Shin (Kashiwagi Yuki and Kuramochi Asuka)
[DVD]
1. Saisho no Mail Music Video
2. Candle no Shin Music Video

Type B

[CD]
1. Saisho no Mail
2. Last Train (Kashiwagi Yuki and Takajo Aki)
[DVD]
1. Saisho no Mail Music Video
2. French Kiss Off Shot Collection

Type C

[CD]
1. Saisho no Mail
2. Dragonfruits no Tabegoro
[DVD]
1. Saisho no Mail Music Video
2. Tour of Korea Shooting

Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 - Kibou Sanmyaku [11/30]
1600yen (except RE is 1000yen)
Plus it comes with one photo and a handshake ticket (Type A and B come with a trading card as well)

Type A
[CD]
1. Kibou Sanmyaku
2. TBA
3. TBA
[DVD]
1.Kibou Sanmyaku Music Video

Type B
[CD]
1. Kibou Sanmyaku
2. TBA
3. TBA
[DVD]
1. Kibou Sanmyaku Music Video
2. Kibou Sanmyaku Dance Shot Version

Type C
[CD]
1. Kibou Sanmyaku
2. TBA
3. TBA
[DVD]
1. Kibou Sanmyaku Music Video

Regular Edition
[CD]
1. Kibou Sanmyaku
2. TBA - Watanabe Mayu Solo

It's Gonna Happen!!!

2011-11-08T15:23:00.003-06:00

Do you hear the sound of biting nails? Yep. It's time for Riyoku's Supercell fan-girl-freak-out.

Am I the only one sad enough to call herself a 'fan-girl' of a group that doesn't perform live? THAT ASIDE!

Supercell is releasing "My Dearest" on the 23rd of November. The musical composition is amazing as usual, but I'm really sad that Yanagi Nagi isn't singing it! I feel like Nagi would pull this song off better, but Koeda isn't bad... especially for a, what, 15-year-old? So jealous! She has a slightly more abrasive base for her voice but she gets a great deal of power and very smooth high notes. <3

Dearest is the opening for "Guilty Crown."

HOWEVER!!!! That is not why Riyoku is freaking out. (What?!)

Supercell also put forth another single to be released: "Departures" under the name of a fictional group in Guilty Crown, "Egoist." Naturally, their spotlight song is "Euterpe," used as the first insert song of Guilty Crown. Absolutely gorgeous voice, Chelly! Chelly's voice is also a lower timber than Nagi's, and not as 'sweet' though their articulation and breathing style is similar though Chelly has a slightly more prominent vibrato. They're both clearly skilled pop singers.

I want to say Nagi has a clearer voice, but I haven't heard enough of Chelly's stuff to judge on that. Nagi's vocal flexibility is amazing regardless, and I hope to hear more of her things wherever she goes after Supercell!

This comes out on November 30th. I can't wait until after Thanksgiving for these, what are you talking about?!

And as a bonus, a song from Yanagi Nagi~

This is one of her older works, and is a cover of Raxephon opening, "Hemisphere."

This cover shows the naturally sweet timbre of her voice and her great control over the difficult repetitive fifth-jumps in the chorus. Her head-voice is stunning!

The Meaning Behind BEG's Recent MVs

2011-11-06T00:29:00.001-05:00

Let's begin with the recently released music video for Cleansing Cream. This beautifully shot drama features no cameos from the actual members. Due to the comments on YouTube over the confusion of the events that transpire, I will reveal my interpretation.

The tale follows the relationship between a married couple and the wife's younger sister who lives with them due to her disability(s). I've considered other people's opinion that she is mentally impaired and faking her blindness, due to the fact that the sisters make eye contact towards the end. But, after closing reviewing it I disagree. It would seem odd, yes, that a blind girl would blindfold herself, however I believe it is because she is losing her sight. I based this mostly on one particular sequence:

The sister seems to be thinking about something while staring at something, similar to how some people while pondering will look like they are staring cooly at something.

This is followed by a cut to her eyes being covered, the transition. She no longer has the ability to see.

The last segment of the sequence is her staring blankly, as if not looking at anything, like someone who is without the ability to see. This assumption is reassured by the fact that while her sister and her husband are sleeping she still acts as if she is blind. I would think that someone who can see would not be as careful or even put up this facade while no one is watching. Plus, I think we unknowingly try to look at something as a natural safety measure.

But why is she behaving like this? I assume that the odd behavior is either due to her losing her sight, which is an understandably difficult transition physically and mentally. Or she may also have a slight mental handicap. She loves and or looks up to her older sister. This is clear due to her obsession of her older sister and her things. She doesn't go to her sister husband first, but her sister. She is euphoric near her older sister. Her husband is an after thought, and only a curiosity due to her inability to see. He just happens to be there; she never seeks him out. Another scene is the younger sister in the closet. She bypasses the husband's garments in order to caress her sister's.

Unfortunately, her older sister is plagued with doubt in her relationship with her husband. When we first view the couple we see them facing away from each other, a strained marriage. The older sister is surprised to see her sister touching him. This causes her to be suspicious that they are having an affair. While watching her sister and husband through the mirrors we see her face broken into pieces.

The final climatic scene is a collision between the two sisters. The younger sister puts on make-up to emulate her idol. The older sister is already on edge. She is jealous of her younger sisters happiness while she is tormented. Her pent up emotions boil over and she takes her little sister to the bathroom in order to wash off the make-up. We can see the younger pleased by the attention unable to see her sister's frustration. It is not until she is thrown into the tub that the younger realizes that something is wrong. The older stops when they make eye contact, yanking out of her rage. And that is where we are left in the story.

_____________________

Let me start with the disclaimer that my interpretation of this music video is not the 'official' meaning behind the imagery. According to the representatives from NegaNetwork, "Their title track is an expression of the limitations of experiencing music with only five senses, and it asks people to feel it instead with their sixth sense." This matches the lyrics well, but I find it does not come across naturally. Immediately after viewing it I believed it to be a metaphor for North Korea including their relationship with South Korea.

The imagery is reminiscent of North Korea. The lights are focused on the soldiers, watched over by a hidden man seen through a video screen. Soldiers stationed on the DMZ, on the Northern side, are watched by fellow soldiers to prevent them from crossing into South Korea. The mask symbolizes Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung and how they are portrayed to their people is not a true portrayal. (Example, North Koreans believe Sung could fly.) The building is prison like with red flags. The flags are symbolic of socialism and communism. The building represents North Korea. Across the gap is South Koreans with messages of resistance and encouragement to escape.

We see Ga-In, hands tied, beaten, in a dark room. I thought this scene was an allusion to North Korean concentration camps. Her hair is sleek, possibly from sweat. Beatings are a common occurrence within the forced labor camps. The darkness of the room suggests the lack of awareness about these conditions. Products produced there are even exported to foreign countries like France, Russia, and Poland.

Narsha's situation is equivalent to the famine and other poor conditions that humanitarians struggle with. She is crawling around in sand, representing the barrenness of the land. Her behavior becomes more desperate. Animalistic instincts kick in when there is limited food like eating food off the mud. Lights flash around her like how media attention to these issues flicker.

Jea's section symbolizes religion. The branches reminiscent of the thorny crown that Jesus wore. Pyongyang was once the heart of Christianity in Korea during the first half of the 20th century. After the rise of the workers party it has been suppressed, however it is believed that there is a number of underground Christian groups. Jea seems to be in pain or at least discomfort struggling in the water. Rain continues to pore down on her, perhaps suggesting the persistent prosecution in North Korea of Christians. (Possession of a bible is enough reason for arrest and deportation to a prison camp.)

We see a soldier peak. The conflict between desiring freedom and fear of the state.

The last BEG, Miryo, gains our attention. I think the beautiful architecture and greenery symbolizes Pyongyang, the show capital. Miryo is chained, forced to preach the state's ideology. Koreans who receive the honor of living in the capital are only party loyalists.

What some people say is inevitable is North Korea's collapse. We see that possibility when the soldiers decide to revolt against the state.

However, that is not the current situation. Instead we see strained relationships between North and South, with aggression from the North. Displayed as the soldiers charging at Brown Eyed Girls.

On a happy note: The dot above an i is called a tittle. (happy face) If you are interested about learning more about the situation in North Korea I happen to have a documentary series that I came up with. Hey, it is better than reading a book.
1. National Geographic: Inside North Korea (An Overview)
2. A State of Mind (State Ideology)
3. Kimjongilia (Forced Labor Camps, the Lives of Soldiers, and tales from Other Escapees)
4. Seoul Train (The Underground Railroad)

This Week's BAMFs

2011-11-05T21:22:00.002-05:00

Shinoda Mariko and Takajo Aki

Again, I have too much of a life that I couldn't find anyone for this week. (sad face) So I picked out one not relevant for this week. This is in honor of their work in the phrase museum segment of AKBingo!. The evidence is after the jump. Enjoy.

______________

AKB48 Full Ranking, Corrected

2011-11-04T23:55:00.007-05:00

This listing is a minor corrective to Mina's valiant attempt to rank the members of AKB48. The main difference between these lists is that this one is objectively true.

Highest Ranking Member of AKB48:
Watanabe Mayu (B)

Mayuyu is God. The world exists for her. She is beautiful and perfect. All right thinking people worship her and seek only to bring her more joy and happiness; which is why we were put on this planet. This world is nothing without Watanabe Mayu. With her it can become a reflection of her: beautiful and perfect.

Tied for Second Place:
These angels are the most wonderful creatures on Earth and deserve only our love and support. These ladies are all so wonderful for doing so much to make this world perfect for Watanabe Mayu. They are agents of God and listed in no particular order:

Uchida Mayumi (K)
Ishida Haruka (B)
Maeda Atsuko (A)
Takahashi Minami (A)
Itano Tomomi (K)
Minegishi Minami (K)
Kasai Tomomi (B)
Nito Moeno (K)
Sumire Sato (B)
Sashihara Rino (A)
Yamauchi Suzuran (4)
Takajo Aki (A)
Nakamata Shiori (4)
Ota Aika (A)
Sato Amina (B)
Maeda Ami (A)
Yokoyama Yui (K)
Shimazaki Haruka (4)
Nagao Mariya (4)
Ichikawa Miori (4)
Iwasa Misaki (A)
Shinoda Mariko (A)
Miyazaki Miho (B)
Kojima Haruna (A)
Masuda Yuka (B)
Takeuchi Miyu (4)
Miyazawa Sae (K)
Akimoto Sayaka (K)
Nakagawa Haruka (A)
Nakatsuka Tomomi (K)
Oshima Yuko (K)
Kikuchi Ayaka (K)
Fujie Reina (K)
Kitahara Rie (B)
Haruka Katayama (A)
Kashiwagi Yuki (B)
Komori Mika (B)
Hirajima Natsumi (B)
Sayaka Nakaya (A)
Oba Mina (4)
Matsubara Natsumi (A)
Abe Maria (4)
Iriyama Anna (4)
Suzuki Shihori (B)
Kuramochi Asuka (A)
Nakata Chisato (A)
Umeda Ayaka (K)
Yonezawa Rumi (K)
Kobayashi Kana (B)
Suzuki Mariya (B)
Sato Natsuki (B)
Tanabe Miku (K)
Matsui Sakiko (K)
Shizuka Oya (A)
Shimada Haruka (4)
Nonaka Misato (K)
Nakamura Mariko (4)
Chikano Rina (B)

Mina's Mass PV Review

2011-11-03T12:35:00.000-05:00

Perfume never fails to be perfect. What is amazing about it is that it gradually provides the audience with new surprises. The video itself develops into something that we weren't expecting. We discover that they are dancing on a table covered in food. Then a whole 'nother color palette is added. I wouldn't change a thing.

☆☆☆☆☆

This probably reminds long-time fans of the games they used to play in their old crack shows (like Shukudai-kun). I don't believe many non-Arashi fans enjoying this PV. The overacting is adorable if you like them. Why is it that Aiba is the only one who doesn't look good in his outfit? It has the same gothic storybook feel that some of their past PVs had, like Monster. I like the playfulness of it, but like French Kiss' PV, probably not going to watch it again.
☆☆☆

I bow down to whoever decided to develop Tokyo Girls' Style into something different than all those other idol groups. It is the reason why I still follow them while I've gotten bored by groups like Momoclo. This is pretty standard when it comes to idols, but the gothic scenes are gorgeous. Their styling is perfect because they don't stray to far from being idols but they get some amazing edge.
☆☆☆☆

I don't like it. They are trying to be funny, but then they look like they are still trying to be cute. It makes me suspicious of them. One reason I like idols is because they are relatable and I could be friends with them. But I don't want to be friends with anyone in this group. Before they had the right mix of idol and humor, but now they look like a joke, The video is well done though.
☆☆

Oh god, where is Rebecca Black? Chad go away no one wants to touch you. It looks like K-Pop was mixed with Dragon Ball Z and Douche guys. There are a couple guys which are attractive, but seriously the styling on Chad! Who thought that was attractive! Did Lance Bass just decide to give his boy toys a video or something?
☆

This is a pretty strong video. The vocal shot is beautiful and suits the mood of the PV. I enjoyed how the storyline highlights the importance of friendship. It wasn't memorizing though. Their gimmick are the dramas attached to the song. I'm just one for variety, but I do enjoy it in the end. I wouldn't watch this again. It would of been nice to see some sort of dance shot because this wasn't a ballad. I would of also liked to see them goofing around more because their friendship is very sugar-coated, makes it a bit unrealistic. For example, the karaoke scene was awkward.

☆☆☆

I don't like the song, but this is what SDN48 should of done. It is a ton of fun and makes you feel like you are partying with your friends. SDN could of gathered a larger female audience instead of looking like more eye candy for men.
☆☆☆☆☆

I find that some of the scenes are beautiful. I love the use of lanterns to play with lighting and as pops of color. I don't understand the hair wigs. What does this have to do with China! I hate the fact that the girls look identical. The song is also as annoying as the girls. I like elements of the video but hate the girls and the music.
☆☆

I absolutely think this song sucks major BALLS! Who thought releasing this song was a good idea? I hate. . . I can't even continue watching it. She isn't even professional when it comes to her own dance videos. What you didn't practice? WTF is it doing on YouTube then?
☆

This is an amazing ballad PV, well was, in the beginning. I love the simplicity of the close ups and the background. Then the 360 camera. Woah, whole different song. Unlike Super Junior's Mr. Simple the mix of different song types as well as the video transition works well.
☆☆☆☆☆

The first dance shot looks cool, but the song and the members are trying too hard to look cool. Way too hard!
☆☆

AKB48 Full Ranking

2011-11-01T20:31:00.000-05:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Minegishi Minami (K) - Entertaining and an amazing dancer with a lovely voice, plus she looks great in a ponytail.
Maeda Atsuko (A) - The goofy, quiet, sweet-voiced actress with AKB48 resting on her shoulders.
Takahashi Minami (A) - Their conservatively dressed leader with strong vocals and a giant bow.
Itano Tomomi (K) - BOSS.
Uchida Mayumi (K) - Spunky girl willing to embarrass herself to make an impression.
Kasai Tomomi (B) - An idol transitioning from overly cute to quite sexy.
Nito Moeno (K) - BAMF.
Sumire Sato (B) - Cutie Pie.
Sashihara Rino (A) - THE fail master.
Yamauchi Suzuran (4) - Her dancing and cute-ness reminds me of Minegishi.
Takajo Aki (A) - I don't know how to describe her, she just fascinates me.
Nakamata Shiori (4) - The shining genius.
Ota Aika (A) - The every so often fiery but always cute girl next door.
Sato Amina (B) - Happiness.
Maeda Ami (A) - I see her as front-girl material.
Yokoyama Yui (K) - Poise
Shimazaki Haruka (4) - Mysterious
Nagao Mariya (4) - Mesmerizing
Ichikawa Miori (4) - CUTE!
Iwasa Misaki (A) - Dang, girl can sing.
Shinoda Mariko (A)
Miyazaki Miho (B)
Kojima Haruna (A)
Masuda Yuka (B)
Watanabe Mayu (B)
Takeuchi Miyu (4)
Miyazawa Sae (K)
Akimoto Sayaka (K)
Nakagawa Haruka (A)
Nakatsuka Tomomi (K)
Oshima Yuko (K) - If you look at old rankings you'll notice she was one of my favorites. However I can't get over thinking someone is fake. I can't forgive her that she faked being afraid of balloons even if it was for entertainment's sake.
Kikuchi Ayaka (K)
Fujie Reina (K)
Kitahara Rie (B)
Haruka Katayama (A)
Kashiwagi Yuki (B)
Komori Mika (B)
Hirajima Natsumi (B)
Sayaka Nakaya (A)
Oba Mina (4)
Matsubara Natsumi (A)
Iwata Karen (KK)
Kato Reina (KK)
Abe Maria (4)
Iriyama Anna (4)
Suzuki Shihori (B)
Kuramochi Asuka (A)
Nakata Chisato (A)
Umeda Ayaka (K)
Yonezawa Rumi (K)
Kobayashi Kana (B)
Suzuki Mariya (B)
Sato Natsuki (B)
Tanabe Miku (K)
Matsui Sakiko (K)
Shizuka Oya (A)
Shimada Haruka (4)
Nonaka Misato (K)
Nakamura Mariko (4)
Chikano Rina (B)
Ishida Haruka (B) - The only member I dislike. Even in photobooks she looks like a moody teenager, and I can't forget the fact that in tabloids people who claimed to be staff said she was a diva.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BAMF of the Week: Takahashi Minami

2011-10-31T00:06:00.000-05:00

Takahashi Minami

Jeez, am I just not watching enough Japanese TV or something? If you want to recommend one for next week please email me, evidence helps (my profile has my email). This one is somewhat recent (it was brought up in a variety program) but a long-standing reason. Takamina wears what she feels comfortable in. She doesn't like going to public baths or wearing anything too revealing. I'm not saying that everyone should, but it is nice to see someone stand up for themselves. She doesn't make any excuse or blame something else for it; she owns it. I love that about her. She is more conservative but she doesn't make you feel like your horrible or wrong for not being the same way. (I got some great subtitled clips after the jump for you guys to enjoy.)

The Most Infuriating K-Pop Group Ever?

2011-10-27T02:43:00.000-05:00

This post brought to you by the sponsor of caffeine and the college practice of staying up late at night.

This onslaught was instigated by the Japanese version that was recently released. However, I found the Korean original with English subtitles which was also upsetting (for the same reasons but with different details). Therefore I am posting both for you to enjoy.

JAPANESE VER.

KOREAN W/ (not the best) ENG SUBS

I despise their first Japanese single, Bo Peep Bo Peep, because of the annoying cat girl scenes coupled with the Mean Girl-esque dance shot. We again, with Yayaya, see a single with egyo girls with an incoherent title and lyrics. So, why does this one get a whole post? First of all it is insensitive and racist and ridiculous. Let me just say now that the song itself is catchy, so I put most of the blame of the video and choreography.

I've yet to see the girls outside of being egyo. Plus, none of the girls seem to break out of the mode. They characterize themselves, and women in general, in a negative light. In both singles they are superficial and lacking brain cells and individuality. No wonder they always have guy issues they are annoying! Read the lyrics of Bo Peep or watch the Korean version of Yayaya. The only reason you would want to date them is because of their looks!

The storyline is ridiculous, then again at least there is one in the Korean version. They kidnap this poor guy and tie him to a pole. They leave him there and then one by one they try to seduce him while he is clearly not into it. He thinks you are annoying too, so back off. Can T-ara take a hint?

Finally, there is the depiction of Native Americans. In the Japanese version they are viewed as violent. In the Korean version. . . they keep the poor guy tied to a pole! Even if we look past the actions, the fact that they dressed up makes me uncomfortable. What if they did black face? Here is a quote that I thought put it nicely:

"I will say this flatly - please do not dress yourself or your kids up like 'Indians'! Although it should not be necessary for me to have to explain why this is a no-no, I will elaborate briefly.... I have an African American friend who told me that on several occasions on halloween night he came to his door to find a white child who was dressed up like a 'black' person, complete with painted face and fake afro. He was never upset with the child, but did say he thought the parents needed a swift kick in the rear! I also have, as you can imagine with all the 'Poca-haunt-us' hoopla, endured countless cute little kids dressed up like 'Indians' by their folks. There are many problems with this. One big problem is that it trivializes the American Indian race. Our traditional regalia is much more than clothing. It is a sacred and personal spiritual expression of our most holy ways. When we paint our face a certain way, wear eagle feathers and design our incredibly complex patterns of bead, quill, leather, shell and so on, these are all very holy and sacred interpretations of our spirituality. To dress an innocent child in silly colored chicken feathers, a brown paper sack and paint their face with mock 'Indian' designs is an insult to the sacred spiritual expressions of American Indian people. That having been said, I think it is important to say that no one should ever 'dress up' like an 'Indian', an 'Asian', an 'African', or any other race. It is simple common sense. To do this is to make a game of somebody's ethnicity, to trivialize a race for the sake of 'fun'. (By the way, a 'pilgrim' is not a race) So, it is my hope that people will learn that it is insensitive and just plain morally wrong to dress up like someone else's race. May we all learn to be considerate of others......."

Now I will remind you the reason why I say these things, besides bringing awareness about insensitivity, but because I can like T-ara and they can be better than this.

Epik High Fever's End Mini Review

2011-10-24T13:58:00.000-05:00

Tablo's album release! woot woot! That's what's up!

I am so excited for this release! I've been a fan of Epik High for well over 4 years now and have been following their activities on a religious basis...hahaha (but really now)

This release is the first part of the album which contained 5 tracks [Airbag (ft. Naul), Home (ft. Lee Sora), Bad (Ft. Jinsil), The Tide (Scratch by DJ Friz), Try (ft. Bumkey)] The second part of the album contains another 5 tracks [Tomorrow (ft. Taeyang), Trace (Scratch by DJ Tukutz), Dear TV, Thank you for Breathing (Ft. Yankie, Bong Tae Gyu), Expired)

The track featuring Taeyang will actually become the Title track so I can't wait for Tablo's promotions with Taeyang. Even though it is rumored/reported that Tablo won't be actively promoting. Either way I understand as a fan and as a fellow music lover. Sometimes you just have to get your message out and have that be that. But I'm so happy that so many talented artists is showing their love to a fellow musician.

Honestly, I think that Tablo joining YG Entertainment has been one of the best decisions ever made by Tablo. If he would have been under a bigger and more powerful company like YG, I think the whole Tablo controversy might have blown over a lot sooner than with Woolim( now I'm not bashing) because even Tablo felt like his entertainment company didn't help him much.

YG to Tablo, I feel, is just a name and outlet for him to let his creative juices run. I think YG gave Tablo a lot of creative freedom on this album and I'm happy to see familiar names on this album from pass Epik High tracks. Tablo doesn't need YG, however, having YG as a backing doesn't hurt his reputation and is the right stepping stone for him to get back into performing.

Airbag was released first as a digital single and I immediately fell in love with it. If you followed the whole Tablo controversy this song touched your heart as a fan. I wanted to be Tablo's airbag!! <3 tehe But like a lot of Tablo's other works it's really airy, simple and beautiful. I love how all Epik High songs hold this type of feel. An effortless, epic, heartfelt rhyme. They nail it all the time.

The rest of the album also has this very airy, simple and slow sounding tempo. Probably a direct line to where Tablo is emotionally in his life. Maybe I'm reading too much into things again but that's what English majors do ya know! hehe

My favorite tracks on this first part is Try (ft. Bumkey). I just dig Bumkey's voice so much! He's featured in a lot of different khiphop artist songs and is such a good accent to this song and album. (Surpreme Team- Super Lady I like this song. Check it out! ^^) The beat for this is so simple, however, the combination of Bumkey's voice and Tablo's flow makes the song seems far greater. I love the pauses in the beat where it's just Tablo's voice. This song was done so artfully that I can't help but love it! FYI - This whole album is done artfully.

Another one I really enjoy is Bad (ft. Jinsil). It's nice hearing just Tablo rapping in this album (I love Mithra of course) But its Tablo's solo album and I think he holds his own quite well and doesn't lose any type of creativity during the process. It sort of reminds me of 1Minute 1second days, however, Jinsil has a certain twang to her voice that makes me prefer her voice over Taru's.

The music video for Bad was just released recently and was totally WTF material. At first I was thinking vampires then I thought better. Then I had this whole story running through my mind with hidden meanings jutting out here and there. I'll probably have this as a whole different post! ^^

I love all of the songs but those two just really stood out to me. The Tide was great too and DJ Friz is one of my favs from Planet Shiver. And Lee Sora's voice in Home sounded like an angel! I swear Home just hits home somewhere in the heart. (that was not intentional at all ;p)

All in all this was a great album and I can't wait for part 2 to come out and for Tablo's promotions!!

This Album is just chalk full of meanings everywhere. Even in it's title 'Fever's End'. If you guys know about the whole Tablo incident (I know I keep mentioning it because its a big deal) this is a meaningful title. I will probably talk about all that in my Tablo - Bad MV story time review. :)

Want the translations?

-Ramen

Riyoku Desu ~ Yo Ro Shi Ku

2011-10-24T01:01:00.003-05:00

To start off... I love Supercell. I love them. Ryo is too awesome of a composer.

This is one of my favorite Supercell songs. Please worship the lyrics. They're sooooooo well-done. -sob-

That aside... Harro. Riyoku speaking! Mina-chan introduced me to wotaintraining... and even though I'm not exactly huge on idols, I love Japanese pop music.

I love doing vocaloid covers. I'm looking for something (probably Chimu-san) to duet with me on Melt and Koi Wa Sensou. I can do both Miku and Luka voices, so please consider doing a cover with me~

To put things in persepective, Vocaloid is a digital voice synthesizer and can be used as a substitute for a singer in music. Supercell started off with Vocaloid, and then got a real singer who was known as Gazelle on Nico Nico Douga. Gazelle then debuted with Supercell as Yanagi Nagi.

Other Nico Nico singers also cover Vocaloid music. Some of my favorites are:

Choucho - Her cover of Melt has highly impressive high-ranges, and I'd say she's better than Yanagi Nagi of Supercell. The scream she did in World is Mine is spectacular. Her cover of Black Rock Shooter and Magnet are both superb. I'd say she's the most balanced Nico singer I know.

Hanatan - Known for her high ranges and vibrato. She does original music as well as vocaloid covers.

Valshe - Valshe is female and can pull off both girl voice and guy voice. She has a powerful sound and very good articulation. Naturally, she can do a duet with herself.

Ritsuka - The piece I like best from her is her cover of the Luka Vocaloid original song "Akahitoha." She has a sweet, traditional, and emotional rendition.

Yamai - Powerful voice with great range. My fave from her is Koi Wa Sensou.

Sekihan - Male and Ryouseirui (can sing both female and male voice.
Piko - Same as Sekihan.
The Sekihan-Piko duo's Magnet is a sight-- er... sound to behold. Gosh, they sound better than me when they sing as girls. -JEALOUSY- Graaaah! Their male voices are really good already. WTF!

Nodoame - Oooooh gaaaaawd! His Koi wa Sensou was SPECFUCKINGTACULAR. That scream at the end of the opening line expressed so much 'ikari,' it was great! It made up for missed notes in the verses. When he says "ore wa" in the end of the bridge right before the chorus, it was freakishly sexy...

Now I'm not even a million miles close to as good as any of them, but I've done rough covers (some shortened) of Magnet (with myself, urk... self-cest? Someone PLEASE duet it with me,) Romeo and Cinderella (piano+vocal version,) Meltdown, Cantarella, and Hanabi (which has nothing to do with Vocaloid; it's a Bleach ending... hurhur...) Psst... the only really half-decent one in there is Hanabi. (._.|||) I'm quite ashamed to say this. -despairs-

Sooooo... please duet with me for either Melt or Koi Wa Sensou! I can try to voice Len or Rin... I'm not good at either of them. Urk... What am I talking about? I sound like a Riyoku.

- end of introduction -

Fweee~

Holding Back Love

2011-10-22T12:49:00.007-05:00

I am still a little groggy from sleeping, but I had the strangest dream last night.

I was living in Japan for a visit. I was living with my Mother (who has been dead for more than fifteen years). We had dinner plans that night and were to catch a train the next day before we left the country two days later.

I decided to spend my morning going to the AKB48 practice studio to try and watch for a bit, though I was concerned I would be seen as a stalker, just hanging about. As I got to the studio, the angels were playing soccer outside. It was well organized and being run by their dance coach. It was not a proper match, but a stylized game designed to practice some skill or another. The ball got kicked off the pitch and I ran to get it, but some of the younger research students I did not know were quicker and got it first. I decided to sit and watch at a nearby concrete embankment.

As I sat there the dance coach came over and spoke with me. The conversation was pretty strange. He indicated that the ladies of AKB48 felt I was holding back. I was at first surprised that they had even noticed me, but did not know what he meant. He said they felt that I was not loving them as completely as I could, I was not giving myself over to AKB48. The members, who had noticed me, felt I was deliberately keeping distance between myself and them; that I was unwilling to share who I was with them. I explained I had tried all I could, but was unable to get tickets to a theater show. He asked when I would like to see them.

At this moment my mind raced, when was I leaving- early tomorrow. Was he seriously able to get me admission to a theater show? The only time I could do anything was that day! I asked about today. The dance instructor nodded and told me to be back at four. He indicated I could travel with the group when they went to an event that they were going to walk to together.

I went back to where we were staying and it had started to rain. It was a cold rain like none I had experienced in my summer in Japan. I told my Mother I would be going out at four and would probably miss dinner. She was not entirely happy, but accepted my decision. I looked through my clothes, and decided to wear pants because of the strange cold, as I tried to pick out a decent outfit.

As I picked out my clothes, I contemplated the dance instructor's words. Was it true I was holding back? I thought of the possibility that the angels of AKB48 might actually enjoy meeting me a little bit. And then, as I half woke up, I began to wonder if the statement about holding back applied to my waking life. I had a girlfriend for ten years and when she dumped me, it hurt quite a bit. Was I holding back so that there would be no possibility of suffering that kind of hurt again?

As I am more fully awake, I find myself asking, am I using AKB48 to hide myself from the world, yet meet some of my emotional needs. While I joke and write in hyperbole about my worship of Watanabe Mayu, I do love and care for her, Uchida Mayumi, Kimotoa Kanon and the others. It pains me to learn of Mayuchi's struggles with self esteem and her weight that come across in her blog. I can care and love without any of the danger. These angels will never reject me, and on rare occasion some of them have even noticed I exist. These angels play an important part in my need to love and I don't really ever have to be open myself and give myself over to the love, and possible rejection, of another.

Three-Way Tie for BAMF of the Week!

2011-10-20T20:52:00.000-05:00

Tomochin, *Sunny, and Shiorin

I would of just done Nakamata Shiori (Shiorin), but the main reason is kind of old news and the other two were only based on appearances so I'm doing all three.

SYKE!

It seems Sunny's new hair-do which 'is' amazing was only a wig. That is a disappointment. She is pretty enough to rock short hair, plus it is not like SNSD have a lot of members with short hair (none actually).

Tomochin got added because her performance on Hey!Hey!Hey! was flawless like usual, but more so for how natural it appeared for her to be with a white tiger. She was the first one to approach it and hold it with ease. She was super excited when they brought it out. Tomochin is a BAMF because she looks like someone who has a white tiger for a pet.

Finally the real BAMF is Shiorin. She is a member of Team 4 and besides being a stand-out from their first stage she is best known for her intelligence. Waseda and Keio switch back and forth between the best University in Japan, in other words, Ivy League. She was accepted into Waseda's Economics Department which is serious business. For her to undertake higher education of that level and an idol career means a lot to me. Any idol who does that gets major kinds of bonus points in my book, but Shiorin is above expectations.

Ramen's Epic Intro!

2011-10-19T13:44:00.001-05:00

Hi! Hi! Hi wonderfuls! I'm a newbie on this great blog about awesomeness so I thought I could do an intro blog. (And plus the head honcho of this blog recommended it ^^tehe) I realized from personal experience and how the world is changing in general that people don't really like to read. Probably why sites like youtube get a lot of views for there is no reason to read. However, if you are on a blog you probably know it comes with reading....I think I'm getting off track here but...v.v"

I'm a student of Japanese and English Literature. My plan is to teach abroad in either Japan or Korea and I do plan to learn Korean in the future. French is also on my list of languages to learn. ^^ I'm only a 2nd year Japanese student so don't expect epic translation pieces anytime time soon but I'd love to get into that too.

My main interest in idols or music, ranges from hiphop to jpop. I don't just limit myself to Japanese, Korean or American so if you have a good recommendation please message me or leave it in a comment.

I plan to blog about all areas of my interest. Film, food, music, videos, fanfics, youtube videos, actors, actresses or whatever I feel like. (Feel free to visit my personal blog that I recently started up for more goodness! ) However, my main contribution to this blog will probably be in the kpop area. I've been a kpop fan for well over 5 years now. And against popular belief I was actually a kpop fan before being a jrock/vkei fan. (It's usually the other way around in most cases from what I've heard)

JaeJoong was probs close to everyone's bias at one point

My history about getting into kpop: My aunt showed me DBSK - Hug. At this point they were already into their Triangle phase, so around 2-3 years into debut. My aunt knew I liked to read a lot so she recommended me a fanfic on soompi which was "Paper Airplanes" by babyanika. (I recommend it full heartedly) My aunt swore that reading this fanfic would be 100 times better if I had some awesome Korean music in the background. And I agreed. I stayed up till 6 am reading this fanfic. It felt like a Korean drama and I just couldn't stop for I wanted to see what would happen next chapter and the next chapter and the next!

When I first got into DBSK Changmin was my bias

However, at this point in my life I didn't watch Korean dramas nor did I read fanfics. I actually took part in poking fun at my aunt with my uncle that she listened to '"Korean" stuff and she's not even Korean!' But ever since being exposed to it with an open heart I've learned why she liked it so much. And ever since them I began my wonderful journey into dramas, kpop, jpop and etc.

Alice Nine - Number Six...dorks *cough

I got into Vkei/jrock my sophomore year in high school. I guess I was going through a little phase and jrock/vkei was just that creative, awesome and 'I don't give a F***' outlet that I found. The first band I got into was Alice Nine. And the first song I heard was Alice Nine - Number Six. That song holds a special place in my heart. I think even deeper than DBSK - Hug.

Well, enough with that. Let's give a run down on the music that I like. I've grouped them into different groups and ranked them in each group.

Japanese

Ayaka

Yui

M-Flo

Ayumi Hamasaki

Utada Hikaru

Arashi

AKB48

Takamina is my oshimen

Jrock

MUCC

Miyavi

Ellegarden

One Ok Rock

Dir En Grey

Alice Nine

The Gazette

LM.C

Antic Cafe

School Food Punishment

SuG

MUCC has grown to be one of my favorite Jrock bands. MUCC - 9gatsu 3ka no kokuin

Korean

Epik High

2NE1

Younha

Big Bang

JYJ

Shinee

Sunny Hill

BeG

Super Junior

B1A4

Infinite

Epik High - Fan performance. I just thought the dance was funny. tehe

SNSD (Girls Generation)'s The Boys MV Review

2011-10-18T21:09:00.003-05:00

Initial Reaction:
I did not like it at all, when it came to the song. I first watched it in Korea without subtitles. I didn't find it catchy and I do not appreciate artists who say how great they (as a group) are in the lyrics; so i was turned off early on. I did like the music video itself. It was nice to see them be confident and therefore sexy, not aegyo. However, I felt like the intro built up the rest of the video to be something completely different. First of all, the whole setting at the start was odd (a giant crystal in a cold wasteland) then she sees something within a jem. . . okkkaaaaay. Then we get Super Junior bass with all the girls in formal dresses in a super dramatic scene. I was expected a power hitting song and video like BEG's Sixth Sense which had a dramatic intro, but nope. Girls Gen blue balled me, anticlimactic isn't something you want to describe your video. What happened to that dove?

The Costume and Set Designs:
There were three different dance shot sets and two close up sets. The close up shots were gorgeous. The background for the dance shots were standard quality, some kind of cool set but nothing too colorful. The costume designers had some work to do. Each girl and dance shot had a different outfit, but both the close ups had the same dress. Unlike K-Pop boy bands (with the exception of Super Junior), all of their clothing choices were beautiful.

Now when it came to a particular issue, that I touched on earlier, I was unsure where to address it. Like the instrumental intro compared to the rest of the song, one of the close-up shots didn't fit. The black back-drop with the rose petals is absolutely lovely and I would love to see this used again, but where did it come from. Yeah and while we are at it, what about the dove? How does this have anything related to the crystals used everywhere else, and nothing seem to match the lyrics. I mean they have a floating crystal, but that is just lazy. My theory is they are dancing inside the crystal cave and then they dance in front of it and the rose room is just. . . there I guess.

Cinematography (Angles and Lighting) and Choreography:
Again the cinematography is pretty standard; no cool camera techniques like Super Junior's A-Cha. They do some variety, so it isn't too dull like Hello Project's dance shots. They do play around with the lightning, again nothing spectacular (for example BEG's Abracadabra). Everything looks great, but I wasn't in love when I saw it. I expect that from Girls Gen. They do the standard that most female units do but better (close up and dance shots in a studio). The choreography didn't grab me, they tend to do a good job. There wasn't any dance formations or moves that stood out. I did like something here or there, but nothing dance wise worth mentioning.

The Lyrics, Vocals, and Instrumental:
I don't love the instrumental or the vocals. The lyrics were alright. I like variety, I like different, so Girls Gen is kind of boring because there are like 50 other girl groups in Korea doing the same thing, maybe with a smaller budget. I do not approve of the English version at all. Kudos for trying it, but the lyrics are not as good as the original Korean and it is lame. The rhyming and meaning is generic. I don't believe it is worth it. Oh, and couldn't understand what they were saying at times. I much prefer the hilariously bad uses of English in foreign songs to generically poor English version. At least AKB's had the same meaning, but didn't sound as natural.

[I originally posted the English version of their song,

but apparently they don't have it available in AMERICA! WTF!]

Overall Opinion:

The video was kind of a less impressive female version of Super Junior. I like that played around with the chorus by doing a rap-like thing, but the lyrics were not up to snuff. They did a good job, but not something I would want to show people.

Mina's Idol Interests

2011-10-17T22:07:00.002-05:00

I feel since that I started this blog the groups I follow have changed. However, I do still keep an eye on units out of loyalty to my readers. (This usually only amounts to me including them in PV reviews now that I don't do as many release and news posts.) The biggest development is my interest in Hello Project over to K-Pop idol acts. I am going to explain as to why I like or dislike certain groups.

Ranking of My Favorite Idol Groups (subgroups excluded):

1. AKB48
2. Arashi
3. Brown Eyed Girls
4. SKE48
5. BiS
6. Tokyo Girls Style
7. NMB48
____________________________
8. Super Junior
9. Kara
10. 2NE1
11. Morning Musume
12. Super Girls
13. Fairies
14. 4Minute
15. C-ute
16. Miss A
17. Hey! Say! Jump
18. Chocolat

The lower they are the less attention I pay to them, but I consider them on my own personal radar. After the line are the groups I like, but am not invested in. They don't appeal enough that I would go to their concert or purchase their CD. Morning Musume is back on my list now that Takahashi has graduated and they have new members, so I am curious.

Groups I Am Not Interested:

S/mileage
Momoiro Clover
T-ara
Girls Generation
Rainbow
After School
Idoling!!!
Berryz Koubou
Dream Musume
KAT-TUN
Kis-My-Ft2
NEWS
Sistar

These could be separated into sub-groups. There are the boy bands that I just don't care about. There are the K-Pop, female units who do this sexy but cute girl act that I find unbelievable annoying. They fall back on my original stereotype of K-Pop girl units: barbies. Finally, J-pop girl groups who have not released anything attracts my interest. After Momoclo lost Akari I felt they lost a needed element. She was different. I also dislike their consistent 'mentioning' of Japan's biggest annual musical program. It tastes of desperate. S/mileage also suffered a significant loss, and at the same time they became diluted. I wasn't surprised because after they released their first album their singles began to dip in quality. Berryz Koubou and Idoling!!! seemed to have dropped off the face of the Earth, well not really. They just don't come up much, or at least I never notice them.

I hope no one gets upset by this, it is just my opinion.

BAMF of the Week

2011-10-14T00:22:00.000-05:00

Brown Eyed Girls!

Yeah, I am biased. However, the music industry is shallow and they have one member who is 30 and two are 29. Ga-In is youngest at 24, which isn't young in terms of idols. They come out with powerhouse vocals and performances as sexy, powerful women and not the stupid sexy, cute girl thing that a lot of those female K-Pop groups do. They are one of the, if not the most, talented girl groups in Korea you probably can include Japan there as well. LIKE A BOSS.

Mina's Last Morning Musume Album Review?

2011-10-14T00:00:00.004-05:00

I am going to say a not definite no to that question, but I'm getting there. I finally got what I wanted. Morning Musume has been sinking since Takahashi Ai became leader, but that not be her fault at least not all of it. They did the other thing I've been desperate for, new members. I wish Kame and the Pandas didn't have to leave, but nothing we can do about it now. Let's see if Tsunku can do it. Reinvent the group. There are tons of theories floating around as to why Morning Musume isn't popular anymore. It may just be a time thing (but if you look at JE groups that doesn't seem to ring true); Akimoto already said he plans on disbanding AKB48 once they've been around for 10 years and they are already past their half way mark. Back on topic, I no longer identify as a fan of Morning Musume or any Hello Project unit for that matter. I do like them all together, Mobekimasu was kind of awesome. Why is this album called smart?

1. Give me 愛 (☆☆☆☆)
This is a pretty good opening track. Not as powerful, actually out of character, compared to their last two album opening tracks. I guess it is due to Takahashi's graduation. It reminds me of their B-sides. It has a similar style to 10 My Me, which I loved and bought.

2. Only you (☆☆☆)
This would of been better without all the auto-tune. I actually really like it but those sections ruin it for me. I do want to mention that, while I do like it included as an album track, I do not think it is a good single. It sounds like a B-side or an album track.

3. シルバーの腕時計 (☆☆☆)
This song is packed with mix messages. At first it reminds me of Memory with the hip-hop combined with a ballad-like pop song. The verses are beautiful. Then there is the chorus. . . not so much. It may be the high-pitch, but I find it too pop-y compared to the rest of the song.

4. 好きだな君が (☆☆☆☆)
There is nothing I dislike about this song, with the exception of the first part of the dance section. The techno beat matched with the adorable cute lyrics. It lacks the punch needed to get the last star.

5. 怪傑ポジティブA (☆☆)
Nope. This conversely possess not quality that I do enjoy.

6. この愛を重ねて (☆☆☆)
My body wants to sway along to, but it is difficult for some reason. I just can't get into the beat. I like the vocals, but the instrumental is off. I do like elements of the instrumental.

7. この地球の平和を本気で願ってるんだよ! (☆☆☆☆)
This is pretty good, but that is it. It lacks what is needed for me to want to listen to it over and over again. . . I guess that means it isn't catchy.

8. 彼と一緒にお店がしたい! (☆☆)
I absolutely did enjoy the absurd PV for this song, but the song isn't my cup of tea. It reminds me of Break Out! 3! 2! 1! which I didn't care for either.

9. My Way~女子校花道~ (☆)
Everything sounds wrong. I can't help but making a concerned, confused expression.

10. 乙女のタイミング (☆☆)
I don't even care. Cliche and not catchy.

11. OK YEAH! (☆☆☆☆)
I dig the techno, similar style to ones of Team B's encore songs.

12. まじですかスカ! (☆☆☆☆☆)
Why couldn't Only You be this good. It is catchy, fun, and features all the members. I actually listen to this song more than once or look for it instead of it just coming up on shuffle or a playlist.

AVG Score: ☆☆☆ = I like it.

AKB48's Latest TV Program: Bimyo! Review

2011-10-13T21:51:00.001-05:00

I bet you AKB48 fans have heard about it by now. I was unsure about the quality or if I would even understand the humor, Japanese comedy can go over my head at times. Anyway, after viewing the first two episodes with my limited Japanese I have a clear opinion. . . I love it! Yeah, some of the skits aren't too funny because it doesn't suit my funny bone. However, the majority were hilarious. Unless someone starts subbing these you might need some background in Japanese to get it. You might also need some familiarity with AKB because it is mixed in to the sketches. The last thing that may be a disadvantage, it is Japanese comedy. It is usually very over the top acting. My favorite is Sae teaching some of the members like Ucchi how to perform Heavy Rotation. I highly encourage to check it out, especially now that AKBingo! isn't as awesome as it used to be.

YouTube Channels 4 Our Obsessions

2011-10-12T21:49:00.001-05:00

Here are a couple of my favorite uploaders, of various styles related to the things I usually talk about.

First I have someone who uploads the Oricon charts for the week, month, and year. I like to find new music and artists through this. Plus it is interesting to see what is popular in Japan.

These people plus my friends from college are responsible for my new love for K-Pop, which is maturing.

My final recommendation is for a subber of AKB48 songs. They are definitely the most consistent when it comes to AKB. Plus, they do a variety from singles to stage units.

I'm picky when it comes to OPVs, especially if they consist of photos. This is one of the few uploaders who actually does it right! If you want to see shots from AKB48's recent dome concerts and tour check it out, they were great.

Mina's Back with her Top Ten Idol Ranking

2011-10-12T15:25:00.000-05:00

I'm baaccck! Thanks to having a set deadline because of midterms I caught up with all my classes. After also getting over the worst cold I've ever had, as far as I can recall, I'm doing much better. Since I still have a lot on my plate I spend every school night and Sunday in the library. However, I need study breaks and this works well. Anyway I got some stuff for you guys. I am ranking my top ten idols of all genres (K-Pop, J-Pop, men and women). I'm also starting a weekly series: BAMF of the Week. Ideally it will be based on recent events, but if I don't pick up anything I'll use some that I want to recognize. I'm thinking Fridays. I decided to do it because it will be an easy way to keep blogging and I love me some bad-asses. They won't always fit the general definition, but idols who do something spectacular or boundry-pushing. Safe is boring.

1. Mii-chan (AKB)
She isn't always the frontrunner within AKB48. She also seemed to settle for the comedian role within the group. I miss her cute, cool, frontgirl presence she had. That is what I get from watching her variety. Put her in a single, concert, any kind of musical performance and she shines like she used to. She is beautiful dancer and singer. I think she should put her hair up more often because at the General Election she looked like perfection. At the moment I just want to see her as and idol. I'm not ready for her to become a comedian/ variety talent just yet.

2. Nino (Arashi)
The lonely, sexual powerhouse, handsomely cute, acting lyricist is Arashi's Nino. I half loved, half wasn't too impressed, compared to the one before it, with their album. However, one of stand-outs was Nino's solo which was absolutely lovely. He is gifted in so many ways. While I was in Japan my first host had a TV and Nino was on every other commercial break. I never got sick of it because he was refreshing. He got Oscar buzz for his role in Letters from Iwo Jima. He has written music for Arashi. He has a reputation as sex craved. Maybe it comes from him being lonely, which is how he identifies himself. Not to mention his TV personality is hilarious, sassy little bitch.

3. Narsha (BEG)
I'm quite anti-plastic, but I have a amnesty policy to those who are upfront about it. It lets us know that they are not a realistic image. Narsha always looks amazing, which mainly focuses around hair. I worship her solo singles and her singles with Brown Eyed Girls. Have you seen her hit that high note in Sixth Sense? Damn BEG, that is why I desperately wait for your resurfacing. I've watched some clips of Narsha on YouTube and I enjoyed watching her effervescence. Girl, you fierce.

4. Acchan (AKB)
I was tempted to put her as my number one, but I didn't. I just gravitate to her. She is relatable, introverted, hardworking, and awhhh desirable! I want to meet her more than Mii-chan. I don't know what I would do if she wasn't center; she would probably be forever my oshi. I am a bit disappointed that her next single sounds like another singer-songwriter track. I am one for variety, which is why AKB is my favorite artist. Infinite, well it is called a hyperbole, variety.

5. Riida (Arashi)
Ranking the rest of Arashi after Nino was difficult to say the least. I almost had them all at number five, but I beat myself down because ties are unacceptable (if you've looked at number seven well then that's better than a four way tie). Ohno is a great dancer, a wonderful singer, and adorably entertaining. He is definitely one of the more American-guy friendly member (her fishes). MatsuJun and Nino are both dedicating to getting in his pants, lolz. I adore his rawesome, spiky dragonball hair. Just look at his facial expression.

6. Sho (Arashi)
I think the picture says it all. . . ok not really, I'm not that shallow. I find it amusing that he is the rapper of the group and he is the one with the prestigious education. My parents want me to attend Keio while I'm abroad, but Nanzan has a better Japanese and homestay program. He is a good dancer and singer. Plus, he has a belly button piercing. He always does these over-the-top reactions/ facial expressions. He is unfortunate when it comes to animals, with the exceptions of small, cute ones. He reads the newspaper often, which is an attractive trait in guys. Hey I like 'em smart. Then again, with that body I wouldn't mind if he was dumb. I give idols who attend college tons of points.

7. MatsuJun and Aibaka (Arashi)

Come on! Aiba is hysterical (best person to watch for Engrish). Jun is amazing in dramas and has a nice butt. They are the weakest singers within Arashi. I've been talking too long so I'm running out of steam, plus I'm trying out The Vampire Diaries to see if I'll dig it. I can't even describe it.

8. Sayaka (NMB)
I was skeptical when she was pushed as NMB48's center. However, once I watched her perform Bird I was impressed. I enjoyed it more than Takamina's performances. She had an aura around her in their first stage. I've enjoyed the glimpses of her in AKB48's single PVs. I hope to see more of her.

9. Ga-In (BEG)
Meet the dark and sexy Ga-In. Watch Brown Eyed Girls version of Gee and you'll see it. She is a great dancer, one of my weak spots, that and being a bad-ass.

10. Takamina (AKB)
Wow, I know. All of a sudden she has just been spectacular. Before she was more of a comedian in my eyes, but she has been a bit more fashionable (without losing her personality) and has experimented with her hairstyle. She is one of the best singers in AKB48, and she isn't a bad dancer to boot. She has a complete package which is why she makes so many solo TV appearances. I respect her because of her terrific leadership.