Get It Whilst It's Hot: No Sleeves (No3b) First Album!

I am SUPER excited about this album!  When I had some extra cash to spend I was considering buying all their singles, but then news came out about their album.  Me being a smart college student, not that smart because I am still spending my money, I knew that buying their album would be more affordable.  Luckily, it will be released on New Years Day.  My family celebrates Christmas and my birthday falls in mid-January, so what better to ask for this as a gift.  Since my parents used my account for CDJapan I of course got confirmation emails for everything (surprise!).  I asked for the regular edition because the price tag can be intimidating.  However, when you think about it each single is about $10 each, so $35 for seven singles is pretty good (but it won't include the coupling tracks but I never thought much of those).  The covers look amazing.  I wish I had worked something out to get Minegishi Minami Version (like I pay half of something).  If you have the cash it might be worth getting your favorite's limited version because of all the bonuses included.  The good news is that the other sub-group from Ogi Pro had quite a few new album tracks.  The track list hasn't been posted but these are the songs I know will be included:
Junai no Crescendo
Bye Bye Bye
3seconds
Relax!
Christmas Present
Tane
Kiss no Ryusei
Lie
Kimi Shika
*Limited Edition Member Versions includes a Solo Song

No Sleeves [Regular Edition]
2913yen
24 First Press Available @ CDJapan
1 Disc
External Bonuses:
-Handshake Ticket
-A Photo

No Sleeves [w/ DVD Limited Edition]
3714yen
28 First Press Available @ CDJapan
2 Discs
External Bonuses:
-A Photo
-DVD

No Sleeves [Limited Edition / Type A (Kojima feat. Version)]
4571yen
3 Discs
Kojima Solo Track
External Bonuses:
-A Photo
-Photobook
-Misanga with charm
-Trading card

No Sleeves [Limited Edition / Type B (Takahashi feat. Version)]
4571yen
13 First Press Available @ CDJapan
3 Discs
Takahashi Solo Track
External Bonuses:
-A Photo
-Photobook
-Misanga with charm
-Trading card

No Sleeves [Limited Edition / Type C (Minegishi feat. Ver)]
4571yen
3 Discs
Minegishi Solo Track
External Bonuses:
-A Photo
-Photobook
-Misanga with charm
-Trading card

AKB48's Chance no Junban PV Review + Single Info

CHANCE NO JUNBAN
Uploaded by dleesys. - Discover more animation and arts videos.
I extremely appreciate high production value in a PV.  This promotional video doesn't deliver that.  It was lazy for them to turn this track into the song for the PSP game.  If that wasn't enough, they made another cop out when they made it about the Janken Tournament.  I wanted to see a PV that could of been released even if they hadn't had the tournament.  I guess you can't always produce gems there can you Akimoto?  I saw this as an opportunity for them to release something different.  If you always use the same voices you risk the singles becoming a blur.  So far, I think AKB48 has done well to avoid it.  I'm still disappointed.  Uchida Mayumi was the center for the PV, but I still think she got shafted.  I noticed more close up shots of Kojima Haruna and Ishida Haruka.  The costumes are good.  However, there is too much white here.  This PV severely needs contrast.  The dancing was forgettable.  It doesn't have to take too much time or money to produce an entertaining PV.  I adored Lucky Seven's PV.  It was low budget but fun.  If you have a playful enough theme you can make me overlook things.  Before I continue to bash this title track let me mention one good thing about this single: the Team tracks look promising.    

Chance no Junban [Type-A]
1524yen
First Press Sold OUT @ CDJapan
1. [CD] Chance no Junban
2. [CD] Yoyakushita Christmas
3. [CD] Kurumi to Dialogue (Team A)
4. [CD] Chance no Junban (off vocal ver.)
5. [CD] Yoyakushita Christmas (off vocal ver.)
6. [CD] Kurumi to Dialogue (off vocal ver.)
7. [DVD] Chance no Junban PV
8. [DVD] Yoyakushita Christmas PV
9. [DVD] Kurumi to Dialogue PV
10. [DVD] 19th Single Senbatsu Janken Taikai Document (Part 1)

Chance no Junban [Type-K]
1524yen
26 First Press Left @ CDJapan! (First Press includes a Photo)
1. [CD] Chance no Junban
2. [CD] Yoyakushita Christmas
3. [CD] ALIVE (Team K)
4. [CD] Chance no Junban (off vocal ver.)
5. [CD] Yoyakushita Christmas (off vocal ver.)
6. [CD] ALIVE (off vocal ver.)
7. [DVD] Chance no Junban PV
8. [DVD] Yoyakushita Christmas PV
9. [DVD] ALIVE PV
10. [DVD] 19th Single Senbatsu Janken Taikai Document (Part 2)

Chance no Junban [Type-B]
1524yen
First Press Sold OUT @ CDJapan
1. [CD] Chance no Junban
2. [CD] Yoyakushita Christmas
3. [CD] Love Jump (Team B)
4. [CD] Chance no Junban (off vocal ver.)
5. [CD] Yoyakushita Christmas (off vocal ver.)
6. [CD] Love Jump (off vocal ver.)
7. [DVD] Chance no Junban PV
8. [DVD] Yoyakushita Christmas PV
9. [DVD] Love Jump PV
10. [DVD] 19th Single Senbatsu Janken Taikai Document (Part 3)

Release Date is Set For December 8th! = About 8 Days Left!

While the idols themselves are a major factor in terms of sales, to me they are in a way separate.  I'm not going to buy a single if I don't think it is worth the cash.  So unfortunately I will be breaking my cycle of purchasing a limited edition, first press copy of each AKB48 single since Ponytail no Shushu.  To be honest, the music video reminded me of Morning Musume, Idoling!!!, or something released from Hello Project.  (All of those groups have released impressive PVs, but they also tend to release PVs that aren't or songs that are expected.)  The song is a typical idol song, which sounds nice but lacks what past AKB48 idol-esque songs had.  To release as the title track a happy song it must possess one of these characteristics for me to be happy: catchy, an excellent PV, addicting, fun to dance to, or interesting lyrics.  Know this doesn't mean I dislike the song.  I just won't listen to it over and over again for over a week like I did with Beginner (that song is never getting old).

Let's go over past idol singles released by AKB48.  (I'll start since their last best of album.  Now since I don't know Japanese lyrics aren't a major factor unless I've seen a subbed video and it stands out.)  Baby! Baby! Baby! Baby! is about the same level as Chance no Junban song-wise.  However, that PV was fun in the sun and had a ton of special PVs for individual members.  Oogoe Diamond wasn't impressive in the PV department, but it did have a storyline.  What it has is that it is catchy and fun to dance to, if you know the choreography.  10nen Zakura basically had twice as much as OD had.  It was more catchy, better to dance to, had a better storyline.  Unlike the first two I mentioned I would light up when this song came on shuffle.  The other two, and Chance no Junban, are just pleasant.  Now both Namida Surprise! and Iiwake Maybe both have spectacular PVs.  Ponytail no Shushu and Heavy Rotation are both overall high quality; they deserved those sales.  Both are catchy, addicting for me, fun to dance along with, and make me light up whenever they come on.  What about an example of one with interesting lyrics? Skirt, Hirari.

Late Update and Hiatus

Minna-chan!!
Sorry for this month because I have to go to my father's house in Bali so it's hard to find the internet service here.
Honestly, Inow I'm addicted with hello!project idols, so I really confused should I put their lyrics here but I think there is a very complete lyric web of that agency.
Then, is there anything I can do for it?
Well I do have prepare for another vocaloid lyric but it's hard to correct the romaji translation ^^;
And I also want to give some special present for the twin but I can't >.<
Well may be I'll just put their popular songs here :D
And for spoiler, me and my friend will make a blog that contains our vocaloid lyric romanisation(?). I hope it will be a complete and nice blog ^^

So, please wait for my other postings ^^

Rant Time: K-Pop doesn't Equal Sexy!

I am about to go off my flippin' rocker!  I've had it with everyone saying that SDN48's song is Korean Pop-esque or whatever.  For one, SDN48 is an adult idol group so they aren't going to release the same kind of music as those younger than them.  Now I don't disagree completely with the notion that they are targeting the same audience that likes K-Pop.  (I heard that they even have Korean in the song which I'm not sure of but could be just because they are releasing it in Korea too.)  I am bothered by the fact that everyone is making it out like a sexy pop unit was a completely foreign idea from Korea.  (At least that is how it comes across to me.)  SDN48 has always been a sexy unit, (maybe) even before K-Pop became a huge fad in Japan.  Have you ever seen Koda Kumi?  What about another adult idol group: Dream?  Just because most K-pop girl groups follow a formula doesn't mean that the formula is specifically theirs.  What I am trying to say is that SDN48 would have probably released this single even if K-Pop wasn't hugely popular in Japan right now.  I would of just like to have heard someone else make this distinction.

This frustration might also stem from my frustration when people say that other Japanese music is inspired by K-Pop because I don't see the originality.  For me, I would have said [Japanese Pop group] had a similar style to [Korean Pop groups].  (I'm trying to explain why it upsets me, but it isn't the easiest thing.)  For me to consider something inspired by, the original has to have a unique (somewhat original) element.  Having a rap section in a Pop song isn't something new.  Having a girl group being sexy, also not original.  Auto-tune (I thought I heard that somewhere) isn't something original from Korea either (as far as I know it has been popular in the States for a while too).  I like Korean pop music.  I'm not trying to bust their chops.  I just think people might be giving them too much credit.  (I might be just misinterpreting or reading way too much into what people are saying.)  Oh by the way, Congrats SDN48 for getting the #1 spot (above Idoling!!!).   

Hello! Project 2006 Winter Wonderful Hearts Review

Did I mention that I wanted to review for everyone one of my favorite concerts?  Well, I am.  Don't worry Berryz Koubou is next on my list.  This was the best period for Morning Musume and Morning Musume graduates.  Nacchi and Maki Goto had both moved onto solo careers.  We had both W and v u den.  All the current Morning Musume members were stunning and were on my good side (even though I wasn't a fan back then.  I was around 14/ 15 then.)  Plus, the setlist is pretty spectacular.  I've been told I am pretty harsh on Morning Musume and Hello Project lately, so why not some love! 

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:

Suki Sugite Baka Mitai (ALL)
Woot!  I love this performance.  Group by group they come out instead of a stupid VTR.  Each team has a select color, but then each individual member's costume is different than the rest.  No question I love the song.  It builds up the anticipation for the rest of the concert.  Look how cute Berryz Koubou and C-ute are!  I think this is when W were at their peak.  V u den is still rough around the edges, but they are just starting out.  Then comes Morning Musume.  Wow, everyone looks amazing.  These were the days when they were so many strong aces in Momusu that no one was the only center.  And look Yossie is leader and her hair doesn't look like crap.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Koko ni Iruzee! (ALL except v u den)
This is the performance where I began to like this song.  There is so much spazzing going on, and they look like they are having fun with it.  Yossie looks like C-ute's older cousin (I don't have a big sister).  This was just overflowing genki energy.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Kurenai no Kisetsu (v u den)
This is one of those moments where I can clearly see that this was basically Ishikawa Rika's solo project.  It is abundantly clear based on their costumes, because Rika's dress is a better shade of purple.  Besides that the line distribution isn't bad.  You can tell that the two are still new because they look less polished than Rika.  The song is pretty good.  It kept my attention, but it wasn't amazing.  Very elegant.  
Rating: ☆☆☆

Ajisai Ai Ai Monogatari (v u den)
I prefer this song, but the vocals don't sound as good.  The choreography seems kind of off, maybe it is the costumes or possibly it doesn't suit the girls.  
Rating: ☆☆☆

Suki ni Naccha Ikenai Hito (Reina, Megumi, Airi)
Bam!  This was the first time I ever heard this song and I loved it.  I'm surprised that Megumi there never sparked my curiosity as to why she wasn't around.  I only started to pay attention to C-ute after they had lost like half the group.  Airi is as cute as a button.  Reina is sparkling more than ever; I love those sparkle strands they put in her hair.  
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

LOVE Namida Iro (Risa, Nozomi)
Here is the classic Ayaya song!  I thought it was an interesting combo to put Niigaki and Tsuji together, but their voices makes a nice contrast.  Now I have no idea what turned me against Niigaki lately.  Here she is and I think her goofy mannerisms are adorable.  She also looks beautiful with her hair done like that.  I've always loved Tsuji, but recently one of my friends made a comment about her and Yaguchi's eyes which won't stop bothering me.  When I watched this performance I was surprised at how Christian Tsuji seems to be (because of the shiny, big, crosses dangling from her ears).  However, I've talked to someone who is from Japan and apparently it is uncommon for people to believe in God and attend church a lot.  If you do you are probably in a cult.  Crosses in jewelery are mostly just fashion, which makes me happy because then in Japan I can wear them and not be construed as religious.  (Christmas is the holiday where a lot of couples make love for the first time too.)  Okay back to the concert.  I was just thinking how those costumes are pretty light for a winter concert, but that is me just reading into the small things.  That was beautiful.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

SCRAMBLE (Miki, T. Ai, K. Ai, M. Erika)
See where did they come up with these combinations?  I love it!  Gorgeous!     
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Wakyanai Z (C-ute)
This may possibly be C-ute's worst set of single costumes to date.  I can see past that considering how CUTE they are.  They song isn't their best either, but it is catchy.  Megumi was stupid to date, but stupid stalker who ruined her career!  She has such a wonderful voice.  How old is she now?  You could audition for AKB48!  One of the members got the boot for dating but now she is back in.  
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Pittari Shitai X'mas! (Makoto, Koharu, Yurina)
This was also the first time I heard this song.  Everyone is so adorable and charming!  Kira Kira power!  
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Nagisa no Sinbad (W)
I LOVED THIS UNIT SO MUCH! (Bawahaha)  They are never going to do a reunion thing ever because of all the scandals they both had.  This is a cover they did, and a wonderful job they did at that.  These are personally one of my favorite sets of costumes for W.  W for some reason look spectacular then.  I'm going to CRY!  I miss them so much, and they are both still cute!  I really want them to get back together!  They are so SEXSHII!  I know that everyone refers to the pairing of Matsui Rena and Matsui Jurina and Matsui W, but they don't remind me of W.  W was a wonderful mixture of cute, then later sexy, cheekiness, and two girls who many noobs would mistake for twins. 
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Miss Love Tantei (W) 
This is my FAVORITE song from W.  This is just depressing me you guys.  I want them back!  Everything is perfect.  The costumes, the song, the singing, the dancing, them!
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 

Morning Musume no Hyokkori Hyoutanjima(Sayumi, Yui, Yurina, Miyabi, Chinami, Momoko, Maimi and U. Erika)
Woot!  Guess whose favorite is the senpai!  Do you see me smiling?  Of course you don't, but can you feel it.  Wah!
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

BE ALL RIGHT(Hitomi, Rika, Nozomi, Asami, Miki, M. Erika, S. Saki, Risako, Maasa, Megumi, N. Saki)
Amazing!  High energy, good vocals, sparkling personalities!
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 

Uwaki na Honey Pie(ALL)
Oh snap!  They are bringing out the pom poms! Okay someone's stupid head is blocking a third of one of the cameras.  And we are going to spell out something in English.  LOL.  
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

FIRST KISS (Aa!)

I don't care for the costumes.  It is like an unflattering, sailor, pantsuit.  Everything else was spot on.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Mirakuru Grand Purin!(K. Ai, S. Saki, Chisato, N. Saki)
Yeah Kago!  This song was for a Hamtaro right?  I see Kago brought her little hamsters along then.  I want to use baby talk!  I am curious as to why Kago had her hand up like she was holding a mic when they are using headsets.  
Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 

I and YOU and YOU and I(Rika, Eri, Maimi, Megumi)
This is such a sweet song and performance.  The whole you and I part is a little repetitive (and stupid). 

Rating: ☆☆☆☆   

GAG 100 kaibun Aishite Kudasai (Berryz Koubou)
This is basically Momo's theme song.  It is the perfect mixture of genki, cuteness, with a hint of sex appeal.  The line distribution is pretty good.  I think the girls look adorable in those pink outfits.  Oh I miss the old days.  
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Special Generation (Berryz Koubou)
I love this song too!  I am at a loss for words, no because of that I just have no idea what I can add.  Towards the end of the performance I thought the vocals (either that of the song itself) was getting a little stale.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari (Morning Musume)
Okay the weird thing is that even though those costumes are kind of horrible. . . I think they look pretty good.  This song isn't as enjoyable when you don't know what they are saying, but it is pretty fun even then.  The extra frills make sense if you know what song is coming next.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Iroppoi Jirettai (Morning Musume)
I love this song.  Some of the girls sound slightly off during one section (I think Eri was one of them), but they recover.  Wow that was a short song.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Roman ~MY DEAR BOY~(Morning Musume)
This is mostly Miki and Takahashi with back up.  Hearing them right next to each other I prefer Miki's voice over Takahashi.  I'm starting to see Takahashi being conceited (That's right I'm the shit, take a big whiff).  I would expect that Ogawa and Yossie would be used more in the song.  At least Reina's pitch makes for a nice contrast and breaks up the tensity.  The dancing is on point, and so is everything else.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Chokkan 2 ~Nogashita Sakana wa Ookiiso!~(Morning Musume w/ Berryz Koubou and C-ute as back-up dancers)
YES!  What don't I love about this performance!  They finally got rid of the dead weight sleeves and pant legs.  Everyone is into it and on top of their game.  It was spectacular.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 

Yuujou ~Kokoro no Busu niwa Naranee!~ (ALL but Morning Musume)
The have now switch the costumes.  It is similar to before but these are more girly and light.  However, v u den kind of looks like hookers.  
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 

Piriri to Yukou! (ALL)
Morning Musume is back.  Their costumes are slightly different than the rest.  They're more like sailor costumes (Koharu looks sightly like a hooker because of that choker).  It is another high energy, large group number with an amazing song.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Souda! We're ALIVE (ALL)
I think this is why I love the concert so much.  It is pregnant with energy, unusual shuffles, and large group number.  Oh the songs are good too.  
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Ai Araba IT'S ALL RIGHT (ALL)
This was a nice ending performance.  
Rating: ☆☆☆ 

Site Check~Up! (From Mina)

Hey, how are you guys?  There are just a couple things I would love some feedback or suggestions on, so if you give me a sec that would be great.
  
I've noticed that it takes a little longer than other sites for my main page to load up.  Has anyone had problems with that?  I don't know if my internet is just slower or faster, so just give me a heads up.  If you have some suggestions that would be great.  Should I decrease number of posts on the main page or do you guys look at the main page? 
 
Is there anything you really want to read more of?  Are you interested in writing for W(it)?  Do you have a blog and want me to add it to the blog roll?
 
Does anyone check the blog roll?  I know that is where I go to check the blogs I follow.  So if you are looking for more sources I recommend you check that out!

Birthday Spam!!!!

I know I have been neglecting my birthday posts, so let me just do a massive spam of them for like the whole month.  Since there are a lot of them and I have to do my homework and study, they aren't in the right order and I might be missing some information.

Nagate Ayaka
(ex-Coconuts Musume, actress)
Birth Name: Kimura Ayaka (木村絢香)
Legal Name: Tanihara Ayaka (谷原絢香)
Stage Name: Ayaka (アヤカ) (1999–2008), Coconuts Musume Ayaka (ココナッツ娘。アヤカ) (2004–2008), Nagate Ayaka (長手絢香) (2008–)
Nicknames: Ayarin, Aatan, Aachan
Birthday: October 30, 1981
Birthplace: Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Blood type: AB
Height: 162 cm
Hobbies: English, playing the piano and violin, playing volleyball and golf, cooking
Favorite colors: White, pink
Favorite flowers: Gerberas
Favorite season: Summer
Favorite word: Love
Favorite food: Sukiyaki
Disliked food: Fried liver
Hello! Project groups:

• Coconuts Musume (1999–2008)
• Kiiro 5 (2000)
• 7nin Matsuri (2001)
• Petitmoni (2002–2003)
• Sexy 8 (2002)
• ROMANS (2003)
• 11WATER (2003)
• H.P. All Stars (2004)
• Hello! Project Shirogumi (2005)
• Elder Club (2006–2008) 

Miyoshi Erika
(ex-v u den)
Birthday: November 8th, 1984
Birth Place: Hokkaido, Japan
Blood Type: B
Hobbies: Tennis, Karaoke, listening to music, watching movies
Height: 161cm
Talents: Tennis, cooking, Antonio Inoki imitation
Charm Point: Smile
Least Favorite Food: Sea urchin roe and salmon roe
Audition Song: Morning Musume - AS FOR ONE DAY
Hello Project groups:

• v-u-den (2004–2008)
• H.P. All Stars (2004)

Kasai Tomomi
(AKB48)
Nickname: Tomo, Tomo~mi-chan, Chiyuu~
Birthday: November 16th, 1991
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
Blood Type: A
Catchphrase: "Tareme ga Charmpoint no Tomoomichan Koto Kasai Tomomi desu." (タレ目がチャームポイントのともーみちゃんこと河西智美です。)
Likes: Going to the movies with her mother
Favorite Artist: hiro
Height: 153cm
Agency: HoriPro
-Older sister Kasai Mao is a former member of Survivё-ZERO.
-In middle school, Kasai Tomomi played the Japanese drums.
-Plays futsal for Xanadu LOVES AKB48, where her number is 48.
-Originally a member of Team K, she was moved to Team B after the team shuffle.
Units:

• ICE from AKB48
• AKBIdoling!!!
• Natto Angels
• Queen & Elizabeth
• Team YJ
• Yasai Sisters

Stage Units:
Team K 1st Stage: Hoshi no Ondo
Team K 2nd Stage: Kinjirareta Futari
Team K 3rd Stage: MARIA
Team K 4th Stage: Oshibe to Meshibe to Yoru no Chouchou
Team K 5th Stage: Dakishimeraretara
Team B 5th Stage: CANDY
Himawari-gumi 1st Stage: Idol Nante Yobanaide (1st Unit)
Himawari-gumi 2nd Stage: Tonari no Banana (1st Unit)

Ogawa Saki
(S/mileage)
Nickname: Sakitty (official), Sakirin, Ogasakichan
Birthday: November 18th, 1996
Birthplace: Saitama prefecture
Bloodtype: A
Height: 148cm
Specialty: Baton
Favorite Color: Purple, black, white and pink
Likes: Collecting sparkling black dresses and a large collection of ribbons and all animals
Dislikes: Physical activities
Favorite Food: Melon and caramel
Least Favorite Food: Meat and milk
Looks Up To: Tanaka Reina
-Eats bread for breakfast.
-Has a habit of biting her under-lip.
-Her favorite spot is the living room.
-Ogawa appeared as a backup dancer in the PV for Mano Erina's second major single, Hajimete no Keiken.
Hello! Project groups:

• Hello! Pro Egg (2004-2010)
• S/mileage (2009-)
• ZYX-α (2009-)

Hoshino Michiru
(ex-AKB48, solo artist)
Nickname: Chiruchiru (ちるちる)
Birthday: November 19th, 1985
Birthplace: Chiba, Japan
Height: 153cm
Hobbies: Writing poetry
Audition song: 'Kimi he'. (She wrote the song herself.)
Agency: AZ-ENTERTAINMENT
Stage Units:
Team A 1st Stage: Classmate (2nd Unit)
Team A 1st Stage: Anata to Christmas Eve
Team A 2nd Stage: Koi no Plan
Team A 2nd Stage: Leo no Kakumei
Team A 3rd Stage: Rider
Team A 4th Stage: Haru ga Kuru Made
Team A 4th Stage: Ganbare!

Sato Sumire
(AKB48)
Nickname: Suuchiin (すーちゃん)
Birthday: November 20, 1993
Birthplace: Kanagawa, Japan
Blood Type: O
Height: 161cm
-Sumire was a finalist in Morning Musume's Happy 8 Ki Audition.
-She was the sub for Sayaka Akimoto for K5.
-She was a 7th Generation Research Student
-On August 20, 2009, she took part in the AKB48 senbatsu election and nationwide tour.
-On December 7, 2009, she joined HoriPro, the talent agency of popular AKB48 members Tomomi Itano, Miho Miyazaki, Tomomi Kasai and graduated member Mai Oshima.
Units:

• Nattou Angels Z
• Yasai Sisters

Stage Units:
Team A 5th Stage: Heart Gata Virus (Oshima Mai's replacement)
Team B 5th Stage: Hatsukoi yo, Konnichiwa

Sashihara Rino
(AKB48)
Nicknames: Sasshi (さっしー), Rino (りの), Rinochan (りのちゃん), Sashiko (さしこ)
Birthday: November 21, 1992
Birthplace: Oita, Japan
Blood Type: O
Hobbies: Manga and watching DVDs
Height: 159cm
Agency: Ohta Pro
-She was Tomomi Itano's sub for A4.
-Joined Team B on August 2nd, 2008
-Originally a 5th Generation Kenkyuusei, she was added to Team B on August 2008 replacing Kikuchi Ayaka and was transferred to Team A during the team shuffle
-She is close with Kitahara Rie and Ooya Shizuka .
-Her oshimen are Sato Yukari and Oota Aika.
-Favorite food: Sweet & sour things, rolled cabbage
-Favorite drink: Yasai Ichinichi Kore Ippon
-Favorite artist: Yuzu
-Favorite TV show: Ametaalk!
-Favorite magazine: CUTiE, UTB, BLT, Pure Pure
-Favorite season: Spring
-Favorite brand: cantwo, olive des olive
-Favorite town: Oita prefecture
-Favorite AKB single: Baby! Baby! Baby!
-Favorite AKB stage song: Darui Kanji, Tsundere!
-Favorite AKB outfit: Darui Kanji
-Charm point: Eyes
-Special skills: Calligraphy, playing trombone and piano
-Is known for her knowledge of wotagei, as well as being a wota herself
-Her favourite idol is Hagiwara Mai of °C-ute
 Units:

• Team YJ
• Yasai Sisters

Stage Units:
Team B 3rd Stage: Kagami no Naka no Jean Da Arc
Team B 4th Stage: Itoshiki Natasha
Team A 6th Stage: Enjou Rosen

Minegishi Minami
(AKB48)
Nickname: Miichan (みぃちゃん)
Birthday: November 15th, 1992
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
Favourite flower: Lavender.
Favourite drama: Kids' War
Favourite food: Fried prawns.
Habits: Clicking her fingers.
Height: 5'1
Agency: Ogi Production
-Wants to get married at age 23, and wants her future husband to call her 'Minami' rather than 'Miichan'. [I will call you Minami from now on]
-Collects hats. [The reason why the first present I'll give her is a cheese head cause I am from Wisconsin.]
-Keeps warm in winter by pretending it's summer and feeling thankful that it's so breezy. She learned this from a manga.
-Is often jealous of Kojima Haruna for being able to write kanji that she can't write herself.
-Her father is a big fan of Asaka Yui and Minamino Yoko, and frequently asks Minami to take photos of the other AKB48 members.
-Is allergic to cats. [Good thing I am a dog person!]
-Recommended AKB48 song is Skirt, Hirari, because the costumes are cute.
-Had the nickname Gojira (Godzilla) in primary school.
-Has been participating in dance lessons since Grade 1.
-Considers dance her favorite sport.
-She auditioned for Hello! Project Kids.
Units:

• AKBIdoling!!!
• No Sleeves
• Yasai Sisters
• Team YJ

Stage Units:
Team A 1st Stage: Kiss wa Dame yo (2nd Unit)
Team A 2nd Stage: Nagisa no Cherry
Team A 2nd Stage: Leo no Kakumei
Team A 3rd Stage: Nage Kissu de Uchiotose!
Team A 3rd Stage: Seifuku ga Jama wo Suru
Team A 4th Stage: Junai no Crescendo
Team A 5th Stage: Renai Kinshi Jourei
Team K 6th Stage: Gyakuten Oujisama
Himawari-gumi 1st Stage: Idol Nante Yobanaide
Himawari-gumi 2nd Stage: Bye Bye Bye

Oku Manami
(AKB48)
Nickname: Maachan (まーちゃん), Manamana (まなまな)
Birthday: November 22nd, 1995
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
Likes: Horror movies
Height: 5'
Agency: office48
-She is half Japanese and half Italian.
-Says "I'm sorry" often.
-Good friends with Noro Kayo.
-Used to often practice dancing with Umeda Ayaka and Noro Kayo backstage.
-Her favorite actress is Ayase Haruka.
-She is very friendly backstage while reserved on the stage, but recently she has improved.
-Likes scary stories even if that will make her cry.
-Seems close with Ono Erena since their audition.
-Released a solo single for an anime.
-Akimoto referred to her as his secret weapon.
Stage Units:
Team K 1st Stage: Classmate
Team K 2nd Stage: Ame no Doubutsuen
Team K 3rd Stage: Honehone Waltz
Team K 4th Stage: Hatsukoi Dorobou
Team K 5th Stage: Ai no Iro
Team B 5th Stage: Hatsukoi yo, Konnichiwa
Himawari-gumi 1st Stage: IDOL nante yobanaide (2nd Unit)
Himawari-gumi 2nd Stage: Tonari no Banana (2nd Unit)

Ono Erena
(ex-AKB48, actress)
Nickname: Erepyon (えれぴょん)
Birthday: November 26th, 1993
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
Blood type: A
Likes: Darts, body boarding
Favorite food: Strawberry marshmallows.
Height: 146cm
Agency: Ohta Pro
-Likes the anime Onegai My Melody.
-Claims that her first love was at five years old. She confessed to the boy, but he rejected her, saying that he didn't like cute girls.
-Does the exercises on the radio every morning.
-Plays golf on occasion
-Draws Manga and other illustrations in her spare time
-Erena is known for being very good friends with former Team A's Masuyama Kayano, and admires Team K's Akimoto Sayaka very much.
-Released a solo song (First Love) for an anime. It was included as a coupling track to an AKB48 single.
Units:

• Honegumi from AKB48
• ICE from AKB48
• AKBIdoling!!!
• Yasai Sisters

Stage Units:
Team K 1st Stage: Classmate
Team K 2nd Stage: Ame no Doubutsuen
Team K 3rd Stage: Hone Hone Walz
Team K 4th Stage: Hatsukoi Dorobou
Team K 5th Stage: Wagamama na Nagareboshi
Team K 6th Stage: Seifuku Resistance
Himawari-gumi 1st Stage: Idol Nante Yobanaide (1st Unit)
Himawari-gumi 2nd Stage: Tonari no Banana (1st Unit)

Sato Yukari
(ex-AKB48, SDN48)
Nickname: Yukarin (ゆかりん)
Birthday: November 22nd, 1988
Birthplace: Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka, Japan
Blood Type: B
Hobbies: Sleeping
Favorite Food: Almond Jelly
Least Favorite Food: Narazuke
Favorite Artist: Hamasaki Ayumi
Favorite Talent: Rinka, Hoshino Aki
Audition song: Hirosue Ryoko - Maji de Koi Suru 5byou Mae
Height: 162cm
Catchphrase: "Sukkiri, Shakkiri, Refresh" (すっきり、しゃっきり、リフレッシュ)
Agency: Artist House Pyramid
Stage Units:
Team A 1st Stage: Classmate (1st Unit)
Team A 2nd Stage: Namida no Shounan
Team A 3rd Stage: Rider
Team A 4th Stage: Kikyou
Team A 5th Stage: Manatsu no Christmas Rose
Himawari-gumi 1st Stage: Boku to JULIET to JETCOASTER (2nd Unit)
Himawari-gumi 2nd Stage: Kioku no Dilemma (1st Unit)
SDN48 1st Stage: Never!
SDN48 1st Stage: Yuuwaku no Garter

AKB48's First Concert Review (Shuffle Version)

I know I said I would do a Berryz Koubou concert review, and I will.  Recently I rediscovered an old performance that I liked on YouTube when I was just learning about the group.  Anyway, the user had uploaded this whole concert.  A lot of their old music are classics, and some of them are just plain hilarious (because they sound like they came out of an idol time machine).  Plus, it is always good fun looking at people years before.  I thought the stars were a nice addition last time, so I'll try them again.  I hope you guys enjoy the review.  (I always wonder if you do.)
Rating System:
☆ - Hate
☆☆ - Dislike
☆☆☆ - Like
☆☆☆☆ - Really Like
☆☆☆☆☆ - LOVE! 

PARTYが始まるよ
NO FUCKING WAY!  They did not put giant pillars blocking like half the stage.  Oh good, they aren't going to be here for the whole thing.  That was quite cheeky.  Now the costumes are decent, except those bright yellow and moss green ones.  Poor Team K.  I guess they are on a cheap budget.  I think this is an excellent song to start the concert off.  It is their first song that they've ever performed.  (It is the opening song from A1.)  This is so idol I am kind of lol (scratches back of head).  To be perfectly honest, I'm slightly bored.  It is not my favorite song.
Rating: ☆☆☆

Dear my teacher
This must have been the first time the fans have seen the two teams perform together.  You can tell some of these girls are still pretty new to this.  Erepyon keeps on missing her spot so she gets blocked by the girl in front of her (Mai Mai).  All of their lines are doubled off, probably their same lines from this same song in their stage.  I wonder how early on it was when Acchan became a front girl.  I heard she wasn't originally pushed until A2.  In fact she was in the very back during most of this performance.  I was thinking.  I wonder where Sae is.  Then guess who had some lines.  Sae. . . sharing with Acchan!  What do you know.  It is interesting to see who got paired up.  I guess it is vocals.
Rating: ☆☆☆

会いたかった
That was good.  I'm still a little on the bored side.  Since I don't have much to say about this one, I'll enter in my thoughts about the introduction MC here.  Holy crap Yuka was only 15!  I feel old (still only 18 here).  OMG, Tomo~mi sounds like a trainee!  They are so young.  And here is our future porn star.  I think it is funny they need to yell when they have a microphone right there.  It is like either you have something nice to say, something witty, or you're just going to have to scream.  Neat, Acchan is the same age as Takoyaki.  Fucking Erepyon.  Wow, Haruna looks confused as soon as it was her turn.  Her face is just a giant question mark.  Awn.  I miss Michiru; she had a lovely voice.  Manami Oku just looks bored out of her mind.  Okay, I don't care about MCs so I'm done.  Lets, move on!
Rating: ☆☆☆

クラスメイト (Acchan, Yuko Oshima, Takamina, Tomo~mi)
I would hate to be the girls sitting at those desks.  I don't like it at all.  It is not like at Hello Project concerts where they are off to the side enjoying the music.  Here they are pretending to be at school and taking up most of the stage.  It is just some random members too, it is not everyone.  This is a sweet song, but it gets dull. 
Rating: ☆☆☆

あなたとクリスマスイブ (Tomomi Ohe, Yuka Masuda)
This is not one of those idol Christmas songs that I like.  I wish this was live.  Can we pick things up a bit?
Rating: ☆☆

 キスはだめよ (Sayaka, Sae, Mariko)
Holy FUCK. I love this song for always making me feel like I have no idea how I feel.  The crappy costumes.  The retro song.  The okay, I'm trying to be sexy dancing.  The hardcore, wooden, desk chairs. Then on top of that there are a pack of girls in the corner watching them.  I would have the best cat calls for this number.  This is so cracky that I have to give it five stars. 
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

星の温度 (Mii-chan, Ayaka Umeda, Nonti, Tomochin)
This was the performance that I mentioned in the intro.  What don't I love about this performance.  The also not high quality costumes.  The vintage-esque song.  Miichan and Tomochin as their adorable, young selves.  Natsuki's stare when she got a close up shot behind Nonti.  The blacked out stage during the guitar solo.  They don't even put the lights back on so you can see them one more time before the song is over!  Totes daijobes desu.  (Should I explain what I just said or are you satisfied with just knowing it is an inside joke?)  This is why I love some of those old stages because they are so cracky!
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

投げキッスで撃ち落せ! (Tomo~mi, Erepyon, Yuko Oshima, Kaoru Hayano, Kana Kobayashi, Manami Oku)
Idol songs and their neon-colored, cowboys hats.  Even in the ending pose Oku isn't smiling. 
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Blue Rose (Mai Mai, Haruna Kojima, Acchan, Mii-chan)
Now here is a classic.  This time it doesn't work.  The girls don't match the song well enough.  The only one who is prefect is Mii-chan.  This is a good performance, but obviously not good enough to keep my attention because during the song I got the urge to clean my room (which I did).  I could of just watched Mii-chan the whole time; she was spectacular (but I am biased).  See this is one of the English lines where I hear everything but what makes sense (blue rose tastes good).  
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Bird (Meetan, Nonti, Yuka Masuda)
This would of been a performance that made sense vocally because both Yuka and Takamina are really good singers.  However, I kind of don't want to watch it.  I am such a loli lover and only like Nonti and Meetan for their humor.  The vocal element would have only been a good enough reason if they were singing live.  Since they prerecord the track you do need the strength to pull it off in the first place, but just because you can sing doesn't mean you are the most entertaining.  See, when it is not live vocals I care much more about the performance quality.  
Rating: ☆☆☆

禁じられた2人 (Takamina, Rinatin)
Since it is the future I don't know about this.  Takamina looked up to Rinatin, but Rinatin is doing AV work now.  I would of switched the roles.  They both look good in either dress, but Rinatin is older.  Oh I miss the days when Takamina was adorable.  She is great still, but I like the younger version looks cuter.  I think she still needs to play around with her hair.  I've seen pictures of her with blonde hair, but I haven't seen her perform with it.  Can anyone send me a link?
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

渚のCHERRY (Erepyon, Manami Oku, Kaoru Hayano, Natsumi Matsubara)
Team K version.  Erepyon is so cute!  I wonder what it takes to make Oku smile.  I bet Meetan knows.  cough pedophile cough cough
Rating: ☆☆☆

ガラスの I LOVE YOU (Yuko Oshima, Ayaka Umeda, Tomo~mi, Kana Kobayashi)
Okay I'm getting sick of all these old songs.  It is cute and all but can we get some more variety?  Or at least mixed them up a little more.  Well, I guess they've been pretty mixed up.  I'm just not a fan of this song.  I don't think Kana's voice meshes well with the other girls'.    
Rating: ☆

雨の動物園 (Tomochin, Hana Tojima, Risa Narita, Tomomi Ohe, Natsumi Hirajima, Kayano Masuyama)
I'm only enjoying this because of Hana and Tomochin, okay and a little bit of Natsumi too.  I'm not in the mood to talk.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

小池 (Sayaka, Sae, Yuka, Ayana Takada, Yu Imai, Natsuki Sato)
Wow, a lot of leading from Yuka.  I would of thought that maybe Sayaka would of led this song.  Hmm. . . 
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

転がる石になれ (Team A)
I like this shuffle!  They usually don't shuffle team songs.  Mii-chan is of course front and center because she is AKB48's best dancer.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

制服が邪魔をする (Senbatsu)
What am I supposed to say about this?  It is a single performed by the senbatsu members so of course everything is perfect.  I love the song.  The only bad thing is there are no surprises, which only matters if you've seen it performed enough.  In concert, performing a recent single as it is is great.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

涙売りの少女
Again what am I going to say?  I wish Mii-chan was closer to front like she is now.  And since when has having a rap section in a pop song something that is a K-pop element?  I know that SDN48's first single is trying to get some extra help from the recent K-pop wave, but the things people mentioned for reasoning does not qualify it as something that is replicating the K-pop genre.  It is not their fault that every K-pop group feels the need to add a rap section to all their singles (joking).
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Virgin love
I always thought that this was a coupling track to a single, which I think it is.  However, it is originally (or whatever) from K2.  Another great performance.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

シンデレラは騙されない
The choreography isn't anything too impressive.  I would imagine you could do something really cool with this song.  However since it is a stage song the harder the dancing is the harder it would be to perform live.  (AKB48 after the first couple performances of a stage will start to perform it with live vocals.)
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

青空のそばにいて
Your going to make me cry, stop it.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

スカート、ひらり
And let the encore begin!  My computer is being really stupid and slow right now.  What!  You can't wear pants during this song!  Skirts are in the flippin' title.  Some of the girls aren't the best performers, but some are really good.  I guess this isn't anything too exciting (song-wise).  This is why I am not giving out a ton of five stars.  The performance and everything is good, but nothing that puts me at the edge of my seat.  
Rating: ☆☆☆

桜の花びらたち
A good way to end the concert.
Rating: ☆☆☆

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