We start off with a VTR of the members preparing for their first performance and MC while they play the song AKB48. Then the overture begins. Then most of the original Team A perform the same outfits they wore five years before. Shinoda Mariko wasn't an original member, just as a side note. Another side note was that I was disappointed that Oshima Mai didn't appear. I loved the performance. These old songs are kind of a guilty pleasure because they feel like. . . I don't know the word (cliche, retro, old, indie). They then go through one of the first long MC introducing each member. Each team follow a similar pattern: VTR, first original opening performance, and then an introduction MC.
I know a lot of fans were thrilled to see old Team K back together; some people will never get over the Team K family being torn apart by the troll Akimoto. Seeing the performances back to back you see the differences between each team. Team K seems to be bursting with energy and strong personalities (and curvy figures BOOBS : 3 ). I like Sayaka's bangs, I haven't liked her hair lately.
If Team A is the old fashion style of idol, Team B is the contemporary cliche idol (lolis). This song really represents Team B before the shuffle. Team A had the more well known members, Team K had some of the more popular members, and then Team B was felt like the theatre girls who were just starting out and gaining popularity. (CG revolution! even though I prefer Acchan over Mayu.) I was thrilled to see some of the graduated members from Team B returning; they are still quite young.
The original three teams gather to perform this ballad. This was really beautiful and simple.
Now, during the encore, we are brought back to the present where we will see the current members and the current teams perform each song from the Chance no Junban single. I'm not surprised that Akimoto decided to promote some of the trainees because quite a few are more than ready to be full-fledged idols; it would be a waste. I wouldn't mind if they were just added to each team, but if that is the actual game plan then they will have to wait for a new stage to start and it feels to early to do another one. I heard people mention something along the lines of Himawarigumi. Why do they keep it so dark on stage? Is it bright enough so you can see their faces? They (and the song) feel like S/mileage or Tokyo Girls' Style.
Team B hasn't really changed much. They have more popular members now, but I still don't think they have surpassed Team A or Team K in popularity and member-recognition. I love the little pose, clap, and bounce thing they do. Their lolita-esque quality hasn't faded at all, and this song would of fit in fine with any of their old stages. Oh, microphone issue. What is nice is that this is all performed live and sounds spot on (in your face haters. Ever since I wrote that post about AKB48 and the lip-syncing issue, I've been paying close attention).
Team K after it debuted developed a rocker image and became known for their dance skills. I'm relieved that they kept the PV costumes because those are epic. A lot of people not familiar with AKB48 are confused with the single and member issue. Why these 16? Why only 16? Do these positions rotate? Things like that. I've noticed that recently as AKB48 includes more with each single that every member has been included in one of the songs and PV. As you expect with this special stage all the performances are done with perfection.
Team A is less old fashioned and has gain some edge to their image.
This has to be my favorite, original, Christmas song ever. When I saw that they were doing a Christmas song I wasn't that excited, but it is so beautiful.
They did a great job. It isn't AKB48's best song, but it is good enough to be a single. I wonder if this will bump up Mayumi Uchida to at least an Undergirl in next year's election. Will AKB48 make the Janken Tournament a yearly event like the Senbatsu Election?
Now, everyone gathers to perform AKB48's first single. I think it is even better to see everyone in their different costumes mixed together with one another (with the original Team A graduates in the front). This will probably be my favorite performance of this song.
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