Ooku (2010) Review: man harem, Man Harem, MAN HAREM!

Ooku (2010) is the live action film, directed by Fuminori Kaneko, based on the manga Ooku: The Inner Chambers.  Yoshinaga Fumi, the creator of the acclaimed "sci-fi" manga, turns history on its axis by flipping gender roles in feudal Japan.  The film was a box office success and has a star studded cast.  

Summary:

A disease, which only affects men, has dwindled the male to female ratio to 1:4.  Women have therefore taken over jobs and Japan becomes a matriarchal society.  The young, female shogun dies and a new, and older shogun takes over.  She is serious and direct.  Her first objective as shogun is to see how the people live and how to improve the current situation, including wearing less flashy and expensive garb.  However, she is urged as a part of ceremony to visit the inner chambers.

However, that is only the societal and political climate of the film.  The main protagonist is Yuunoshin Mizuno, played by Arashi's Kazunari Ninomiya, who is the second child, only son, of a poor samurai family.  He enjoys practicing swordsmanship and he spends his days with his childhood sweetheart (which isn't fully realized at the beginning) and having sex with as many women as possible.  If it makes you feel better, he is not getting paid, and his only objective is to populate the Earth.  His mother tries arrange a marriage with a wealthy match who would consider him because he is good looking and can produce offspring.  Mizuno refuses and looks for a better way to help his family.  He decides to join the Ooku (inner chambers of the [young] Shogun's household).  There he intends to protect and serve the Shogun.  He says good bye to his sweetheart and family, forever.  

Once Mizuno enters he discovers it is different than what he expected.  There is a hierarchy he must learn and his days mostly consists of chores.  He is picked on by his peers and creates enemies as well.  However, he also makes friends and moves up in rank.  There is politics, fight scenes, some heavy petting, and more.  I will not say anything more in the summary to avoid spoiling it.

Review:

This is a wonderful movie, the only thing that really hurts it is the fact that it is a mainstream, Japanese film.  This enabled Ooku to draw a wonderful cast, however it is limited in how graphic the scenes become.  So don't get too excited by the pictures and the title of this post.  This is quite a chick-flick.  Women will love seeing themselves in all the dominant roles of society, the romance, the man-on-man touching, and the beautiful scenery.  I watched this with subtitles in a room full of college girls and we got yelled at for being too loud.  It is hard to review without giving much away, but the relationships between characters may be the best part.  Nino does a spectacular job as expected (wow he has been busy with this and GANTZ).  As I hinted at before, I do wish we got to see a little more intense romance.  The first kiss we see is a typical drama touch (and freeze) type, but things did improve.  I am interested in seeing the behind the scenes so I could see how the actors handled the man-handling.  One thing my friends complained about was Nino's old-fashioned hair.  I suggest you watch it, but I don't know if you fellas would appreciate it as much.  (Fan-service bonus after the jump.)

PV Theory: AKB48 vs. SUPER☆GiRLS

Two promotional videos were released by large idol groups.  One I thought was okay, and the other I really liked it.  Take a look before I review and compare the two. (AKB48's is slightly slower to avoid copyright.)

AKB48 takes the original concept of Ponytail no Shushu and inserts a pinch of all their other PVs.  If you are an AKB fan you get to play a game of recognize the PV, however the rest are kind of left out.  Now, I have high expectations coming into it.  I loved the song because it was fun to dance to and infectious.  Plus, for at least the last year their PVs have been pretty outstanding.  Sure nothing is perfect, but AKB was definitely reaching for it.  They also started hiring well-known directors and choreographers.  But, I am quite disappointed.  I don't even care for any single part of this PV, not the close ups, not the storyline, nor the dance shot.  Maybe the fact that they incorporated so many different PVs made it okay, but the storyline is all over the place.  I don't know what is going on or why anything is happening.  Just think about the non-AKB fans going 'WTF was that?'  Huge bonus that they worked in more girls, but that is overshadowed by the fact that the dance shot and choreography is mild.  I'm going to have to watch that dance routine over and over again.    


Don't judge me!  This is just plain, stereotypical, male-targeted fan-service, which part of me wants to say is horrible.  At least try not to be obvious about it, present a concept as to why they are playing around in swimsuits, seifuku, and yukata.  Don't you want some female fans?  Oh by the way, "they want it anytime, they want it anywhere," REALLY, no really I know you were talking about them wanting to have fun but everything else kept telling me it was the other thing.  Wait, what was that?  Don't make it obvious that you are just trying to make your boobs look bigger, no random squishing them together.  However, despite all the ridiculous fan-service I loved it.  The girls were adorable, and they added in small elements of humor.  The PV sells the song, which is my determiner of whether it is a good PV or not.

Surprise, I thought SUPER☆GiRLS made a better PV than AKB48, and I'm not even a guy.  See, I am not biased enough to say an idol's group 2nd PV is better than my favorite's 21st.  Both had a concept, and neither of them were good.  However, the cliche one might be a cliche for a reason.  Actually, that is not it, they just were more charming.  That is amazing because I don't know a single one, AND I like AKB48's song better.  FAIL.  Sayaka won the poll for who I should vote for.  I haven't bought the single yet.  When I arrive in Japan I will see if I can grab a copy.  Unfortunately, your votes did not sway me.  Acchan got second, but then her appeal video was a complete fail boat so. . . Minami Minegishi!  (Unless my Miorin friends don't talk me out of it.)  What do you think?

Why Does Mina Think She Is Better Than Everyone Else?

Ok, that is a lie, but it got your attention right?  I am working on a video project for Japanese class, and it is still loading stuff so I got some free time (that I should be using to study).  Anyway, this issue of prejudice or something keeps coming up recently.  I read one post explaining why some Japanese people ostracize otaku in Japan.  Then, I had lunch with a friend who is half Japanese about various things including how we both look down on otaku.  I also read a post that again made me look down on people.  Now I know I have this opinion, but I am not completely sure as to why.  Let's start with my stronger opinion: otaku.

Oh, So You're An Otaku. . .
I have friends who are otaku, and when it comes to them and anime I think 'oh silly otaku'.  In Japanese class, I find it a bit, annoying might not be the word, but I dislike the fact that the majority of the class (who are not foreign students from China or Korea) are otaku.  Now, I have my obsession, but it is music, fashion, and other parts of pop-culture.  I like manga and anime.  I grew up on anime, on accident, and at one time you probably consider me an otaku.  Actually, while I do like idols, I guess I am normal if I was Japanese.  I like movies, various artists, dramas, manga, anime, fashion that come from Japan.  Now, I also hate it when people assume that I'll like something just because it looks Asian/ Japanese (family).  Pretty much anything looks asian are acceptable gifts for me.  Sorry, I got off topic.

I don't understand the psychology behind me looking down otaku. . . maybe because often they are odd by general standards (like wearing the same three pairs of sweatpants and t-shirts).  Or the fact that none of them are familiar with Japanese music unless it was in an anime.  I didn't find it bothersome when I went with friends to an anime convention.  I didn't go with them to meet the voices of certain anime characters, but I had fun dressing up and watching anime.

One reasoning may be with my idea that I should make a good impression, and represent the United States in a good light.  Imagine all these otaku going to Japan, where otaku are already looked down on. There are tons of socially capable(?) people who are otaku.  I am not concerned about them, because most Japanese people enjoy anime and manga.  I am bothered by the ones who don't know how to socially interact and don't care about how they present themselves.  There is a fine line between being yourself and not caring for personal presentation and behavior.

This expands to wota and just people in general.  Don't act like you know everything.  If you are going to dress like a slob (when you aren't sick or not during exams) then expect that people will judge you for it.  If you don't know how to interact with people, expect that you won't have many friends.  I guess this isn't an otaku problem, like how a square is a rectangle but not all rectangles are squares.  I just wanted to rant about this.


Disclaimer: I don't want to be mean, and I'm sorry if this hurts your feelings.  I don't like being mean and I try to never to say a cruel thing to someone.  I don't approve of bullying or people being mean to others.  (Like how I got upset when someone said a member of AKB, who I don't care about, is a brat because she cried.  You don't know her or understand her feelings.  You can have that opinion that she seems to be a brat, but you should one not say it as a fact, and two try to be more considerate of other people feeling's.)    On a positive note, relating to this subject, I need to figure out what I should wear to impress AKB.  Oh, if anyone has a theory or thought on this topic please share.

Further Study
There was a late-night drama that just got uploaded, with subs, onto Drama Crazy.  Moteki, based on a manga, is about an otaku who has a period of popularity with women.  While part of me feels bad for him because some of these girls take advantage/ treat him poorly, he ruins this as soon as I hear his thoughts.  If he doesn't enjoy something, like karaoke with his friends, he thinks they should all die.  He always goes after pretty girls.  Anyway, it is interesting (and the author/ manga artist doesn't let him get away with being a jerk).  

MR. TAXI - 少女時代 (SNSD)

[Tae]TOKYO , SEOUL , LONDON , NEW YORK
[Tae]kimama ni sekai wo Drive tonight
[Jes]kakuchi de hirou suru NEW STYLE
[Jes]mita koto nai mono dake mise tageru

[Tif]hora. kocchi wo mite sukoshi keikai seyo!
[Seo]ano hidari handoru yori nan bai mo
[Sun]I'm so fast

Mr. Taxi, Taxi, Taxi soutou
ZUKSHI.ZUKSHI.ZUKSHI
[Yoo]oitsuke nai SUPIIDO de Oops !
[Yu] ne? tsuite ko reru no?
Mr. Taxi, Taxi, Taxi soutou
ZUKSHI.ZUKSHI.ZUKSHI
[Soo]hikari kagayaku [Seo]kedo fure rarenai no
[Tif]masani Supersonic n' hypertonic
[Hyo]ubatte hoshii no [Sun]U take me ima sugu
Mr. Taxi, Taxi, Taxi soutou
ZUKSHI.ZUKSHI.ZUKSHI
[Jes]kedo kantan ni [Tae]wa ika nai no yo

[Tif]machi no hi ga marude Shooting Star
[Tif]tsugi no mokuteki chi made Non-Stop
[Seo]ENJIN ON dake nokoshite dashiboja
[Seo]ushirode de Say good - bye

[Sun]]hora. yosomi shinai de bouken seyo!
[Tae]ano migi handoru yori mo tashika yo
[Jes]I'm so sure

Mr. Taxi, Taxi, Taxi soutou
ZUKSHI.ZUKSHI.ZUKSHI
[Yoo]oitsuke nai SUPIIDO de Oops !
[Yu]ne? tsuite ko reru no?
Mr. Taxi, Taxi, Taxi soutou
ZUKSHI.ZUKSHI.ZUKSHI
[Soo]hikari kagayaku [Seo]kedo fure rarenai no
[Tif]masani Supersonic n' hypertonic
[Hyo]ubatte hoshii no [Sun]U take me ima sugu
Mr. Taxi, Taxi, Taxi soutou
ZUKSHI.ZUKSHI.ZUKSHI
[Jes]kedo kantan ni [Tae]wa ika nai no yo

[Soo](One two three here we go)

[Yu]doko he de mo jiyuujizai yo
[Sun]sou uchuu no hate de sae mo
[Soo]negai doori na no yo doushite fuan na no?
[Jes]And I don't know why, and I don't know why
[Tif]tsuite kite yo ne I don't wanna say good-bye ([Tae]good-bye),
[Tif]good-bye, good-bye ([Tae]don't wanna say good-bye)

Mr. Taxi, Taxi, Taxi soutou
ZUKSHI.ZUKSHI.ZUKSHI
[Yoo]oitsuke nai SUPIIDO de Oops !
[Yu]ne? tsuite ko reru no?
Mr. Taxi, Taxi, Taxi soutou
ZUKSHI.ZUKSHI.ZUKSHI
[Soo]hikari kagayaku [Seo]kedo fure rarenai no
[Tif]masani Supersonic n' hypertonic
[Hyo]ubatte hoshii no [Sun]U take me ima sugu
Mr. Taxi, Taxi, Taxi soutou
ZUKSHI.ZUKSHI.ZUKSHI
[Jes]kedo kantan ni [Tae]wa ika nai no yo


NOTE : "ZUKSHI" (in katakana) was the japanese pronouncement for korean word "JEUKSHI"


Group : 少女時代 (SNSD)
Lyric Source : http://www.littleoslo.com/lyj/home/2011/03/%E5%B0%91%E5%A5%B3%E6%99%82%E4%BB%A3-mr-taxi/
Please comment if there's some wrong words. Thank you :)

UPDATED: Majisuka Gakuen 2

Mina's First Impression
Now that the first episode has been subbed, and I've watched the second I think we have a pretty good grasp of what to expect.  The first episode seemed a lot more over the top than the beginning of last season, so I expect more humor worked into this season.  I kind of liked the fact that it wasn't all just jokes, but more serious considering it a drama starring idols.  However, I got a bit tired of all the seriousness.  I actually like the opening, but I've gone over all that.  I do expect more characters to be introduced because there are a quite a few prominent members, of at least AKB, that have yet to be incorporated into the current storyline.  Plus, there is a high probability that they might want to work in one or two NMB48 members.  I didn't care for how Akimoto reworked Yuko back into the plot, but it might make more sense when I watch the second episode with subtitles.  One improvement that I've noticed it that more references have been worked in (AKB48, Star Wars, Michael Jackson).  One improvement that I am hoping to see return is better action scenes.  I don't expect it to be on the same level as Crows Zero, but I thought Yuko and Atsuko did a good job with their stunts.  Even watching the behind the scenes, some of Yuko's fighting looked like it connected.  I, of course, don't like the idea of Matsui Jurina "Center" beating anyone.  Mayu's (Nezumi) and Tomo's (Shibuya) fight scene was poor in my opinion.  The concept was good and suited her character, but when you do slow motion fight sequences it requires higher quality.  I'm sorry spitting gum in someone's face and slapping hands in front of another's face. . . what was that.  It seems like no one can give a good fight, one punch is all it takes.

Wait She Was Who?
I thought I could do some of the principle characters that have been introduced already, there were a lot.  Besides, the first post of this sort is, to my surprise, popular.  I would love if you guys did, at least, take a look because it took me a while to produce it.

Maeda Atsuko
Team A
19 years old
- Is starring in a film that will be released this year
- Is releasing a solo single this June
- Considered the face of AKB48
- Known to be introverted, but sincere when it comes to her performances
Mina: I think we are a lot alike when it comes to personality and has been a long time favorite.  She releases great photobooks.

Watanabe Mayu "Nezumi"
Team B
16 years old
- Considered to resemble a cyborg
- A huge anime otaku
- She is aiming to take the number one spot in the general elections
- She will be releasing her first solo photobook.
- Member of sub group Watarirouka Hashiritai
Mina: I like her, but she is not a favorite.  I prefer her last two stage units over Pajama Drive.

Matsui Jurina "Center"
Team S
14 years old
- Is disliked by many AKB48 fans because of her continued presence in AKB48 even though she is a member of SKE48.
- Pushed heavily by Akimoto, but only ranked 10th in last year's general elections (she was ranked lower during the preliminary results, lower than fellow SKE member Matsui Rena).
Mina: Clearly I am not biased at all towards her.

Sashihara Rino "Wota"
Team A
18 years old
- Known to be a fan of idols, and frequents Maid Cafes
- Has been pushed by Akimoto, especially since she made senbatsu in the last election
- Has her own TV program
- Shows affection to members, especially Lovetan
- Is a member of the subgroup Not Yet
Mina: She had impressed me in her units while in Team B, but caught my full attention after her episode of AKB600.

Takajo Aki "Akicha"
Team A
19 years old
- Was the fastest promoted trainee in AKB48 (performed in the concert shuffle 'Faint' even before being promoted).
- Has rose in position at about the same time as Sashihara, and they currently share a stage unit in A6 (were Undergirls in 2009 but became senbatsu in 2010).
- Member of the sub group French Kiss
Mina: I like her for her unique looks, well more than that but that stood out to me even before she was promoted.

Kitahara Rie "Unagi"
Team B
19 years old
- Has been in senbatsu since 'Oogoe Diamond'
- Member of sub group Not Yet
Mina: I like her, but I had trouble of thinking of facts about her. . . so I guess that says something.

Komori Mika "Mukuchi"
Team B
16 years old
- Was included in senbatsu for 'Namida Surprise!' while still a trainee
- Was the only AKB48 trainee to be given a major role in the first season of Majisuka Gakuen
- Known to be slow and to have an odd personality, it shows in her dancing.
Mina: I like her a lot and she surprised me in her B5 unit, but I miss her being mute in her role on Majisuka Gakuen.

Moeno Nito "Bungy"
Team K
18 years old
- Has only been included in senbatsu for 'Namida Surprise!' (like Komori)
- Flipped the bird during Team K's PV included as a coupling track for 'Chance no Junban'.
Mina: She is kind of a bad ass.

Oba Mina "Toshima"
Team 4
19 years old
- Was included in the mass promotion of trainees (9th Gen), but has yet to be assigned to a team.
Mina: I get the feeling that there is a potential pairing with her and Miori.

Shimada Haruka "Docchi"
Team 4

18 years old

- Is good at tennis. 

Mina: She kind of fits my opinion of most of the trainees -- that they are really well polished and have potential.  I am starting to think I wouldn't mind AKB going over the 48 limit because I would like to see them in teams and units with the older members.  Plus, consider the age of most of these girls.

Shimazaki Haruka "Kanburi"
Team 4
17 years old
Mina: I like her nickname. . . (Paruru)

Yamauchi Suzuran "Tsuri"
Team 4
16 years old
Mina: I Ranran so much!

Ichikawa Miori "Lemon"
Team 4
- Even though she has not been promoted to be a member yet, she has regular appearances on AKBingo! (like every week now).
- She is infamous for her catchphrase, which translates to 'I want to become a fresh lemon'.
- She has a high pitched voice and often says 'Waah'
Mina: She is incredibly popular among my friends, even those who aren't interested in AKB.  I wouldn't be surprised if she made rank in the upcoming general election.

Katayama Haruka "Showa"
Team A
20 years old
- Known for her strong vocals, for example her special talent is the ability to harmonize in any song.
- She carries around a book with her where she makes notes if she thinks of something funny to say during an MC; she also carries arounds sweets because she becomes anxious without them.
- Was included in two coupling songs for the single Beginner (MINT and Undergirls)
Mina: She has made my top ten.  I recommend you watch this.

Nakaya Sayaka "Anime"
Team A
19 years old
- She is known as an otaku and used to perform with glasses (I miss them).
- Her future ambition is to become a seiyuu.
- She was an original Team B member (actually this whole set was).
Mina: I was a big fan when she first debut with Team B because she wore glasses, but she recently stuck out to me during the dating sim because she was impossibly cute.

Tanabe Miku "Jumbo"
Team K
18 years old
- It seems her hobby is 'wild ideas'.
- Isn't that popular.
Mina: I like her because of her unit in B4, but she hasn't really fond a way to improve her popularity.  She may just not be an ace, which is fine but it makes me feel a bit bad for her.

Yonezawa Rumi "Rice"
Team K
19 years old
- Last years she released both a photobook and a solo calendar (I think both were her first time).
- It seems her hobbies are 'movie appreciation, and being deeply moved'.
Mina: I like her and I think it was about time she released a photobook considering how sexy she is.

Kuramochi Asuka "Kokabuki"
Team A
21 years old
- Is a member of the subgroup French Kiss
- Has an ear fetish
- Has been included in senbatsu on and off; she will be in AKB48's upcoming 21st single.
Mina: . . . I don't want to say that I just like her because I'm a DD with exceptions.  It is entertaining that she has an ear fetish.

Kasai Tomomi "Ookabuki"
Team B
- Known to be a princess/ spoiled.
- She is an extremely cute character.
- Her B5 unit, where she is center, was voted to the number fifteen spot in this year's Top 100.
- Has a couple of pairing, the most well known is her relationship with Itano Tomomi (it is said that they have matching rings).
Mina: Has always been a favorite of mine.

Miyazawa Sae "Youran"
Team K
20 years old
- Known as the 'Handsome Idol' -- she is the tomboy of the group
- Has an extreme amount of energy, which will sometimes get on other member's nerves.
- Close with other popular members like Maeda Atsuko and Akimoto Sayaka.
- Member of the subgroup DiVA.
Mina: She has been one of my top favorites for a while and she should of won her episodes of DANSO.

Minegishi Minami "Shaku"
Team K
18 years old
- Known to be one of the strongest dancers in AKB48.
- Is energetic and strong variety idol characteristics
- Member of the subgroup No Sleeves
- Once said that she wanted to get married at 23.
- Is close with some members of AKB, including Maeda Atsuko (who blogged that they got married).
Mina: I've ranked her as my favorite of AKB because there is nothing I dislike about her.

Yokoyama Yui "President"
Team K
18 years old
- Was recently promoted to be a member of Team K to replace Ono Erena.
- Been pushed by Akimoto significantly since she her promotion.
- Her character in MG reflects that fact that she is from Kyoto.
- Her favorite country is America.
- Enjoys strolling and visiting bookstores
- Member of the subgroup Not Yet
Mina: Has increased in my rankings since I watched the first episode of MG2. . . and after I looked up her trivia.

Matsui Rena "Chuukara"
Team S
19 years old
- Has moved up from Undergirl position to senbatsu since she appeared in last season.
- Her future ambition is to become an actress.
- Her special kill is programming.
- Has a pairing with Matsui Jurina (same last name and both are the most popular members of SKE).
- Her solo song was voted the most popular SKE48 song by fans.
Mina: Has been my favorite since Majisuka Gakuen's first season.

Oshima Yuko (The Oshima Triplets) "Yuka and Yuki"
Team K
22 years old
- Was voted last year as the most popular member.
- She enjoys snowboarding and is known for her impressions.
- Member of subgroup Not Yet.
- Akimoto didn't think she would improve and put her in the front of Team K at the beginning because she had experience (previous member of Doll's Vox).
- Close with Kojima Haruna, and likes to touch women's breasts.
Mina: I've always liked her, but I've been turned off ever since I put two and two together.  She was deathly afraid of balloons in an episode of AKBingo! but in videos posted in a member's blog show her popping balloons with Kuramochi Asuka.

Itano Tomomi "Shibuya"
Team K
19 years old
- Was good friends with former member of C-ute Umeda Erika.
- She is a Shibuya109 spokes-girl.
- Known as a fashion leader of AKB, and often appears in women's fashion magazines.
- Her debut solo single, Dear J, was the first solo female artist to break 150,000 units since Utada Hikaru (around four years ago).
- She will be releasing a second single this year.
Mina: Tomochin naturally stands out, so I've liked her for a while.  Faint was my first favorite stage unit.

Nagao Mariya "Mariyagi"
Team 4
17 years old
- It seems she is really close with Yui and Yui often talks about her.
- She is the only trainee that has a character that is not in the Fondue gang, so far.
Mina: I think she is cute and pairing always help boost my favoritism.

Sato Sumire "Sanshoku"
Team B
17 years old
- She auditioned for Morning Musume.
- She is a regular Undergirls member, and has only made senbatsu for 'Chance no Junban'.
- She will be included in AKB48's upcoming 21st single senbatsu.
Mina: I love this girl for her hair.  I will flip out if someone cuts it.

Kikuchi Ayaka "Comeback"
Team K
17 years old
- Is a member of the sub group Watarirouka Hashiritai.
- She was one of Team B's first aces and was included in senbatsu until she was fired because of a scandal.
- She auditioned a second time and went through the trainee process until she was promoted.
Mina: I think she knows now if she is going to date to more careful, but I am really impressed by the fact that she came back and went through all that.  She looks super hot in my WH Valentine Kiss poster.

Maeda Ami "Mayuge"
Team A
15 years old
- Is known for her naturally bushy eyebrows (reminds me of MatsuJun)
- Is a regular member of the Undergirls, except for 'Chance no Junban' where she made senbatsu.
- She was pushed towards the beginning, but it seems that the producers are changing focus.
Mina: Love her!  She stole the show as the center of the Undergirls' track for 'Ponytail no ShuShu'.

Nachu "Daruma"
SDN48
26 years old
- She can dance 300 para para.
- She is amazing at MCs.
- Is the only SDN member to appear in an AKB single (if you don't count the graduated members who later joined SDN).
- She wears a fat suit for the role of Daruma.
Mina: God I adore this monster!

Shinoda Mariko "Sado"
Team A
25 years old
- Was not added to AKB48 in the typical manner.  She had to work during the auditions for Team A.  Fans found out and wrote to Akimoto to let her audition.
- Known for her. . . what would you call it. . . strict character?
- Important thing to note is that AKB48 members who reach the age of 26 don't stay (graduation or transfer to SDN).
- She gets a lot of outside work (modeling, TV programs, ect)
Mina: She is perfection, I miss the Phrase Museum corner on AKB because of her.

Kojima Haruna "Torigoya"
Team A
23 years old
- She dropped out of high school because the school had restrictions that did not allow students to be a part of the entertainment industry.
- Often has sexy, usually bathing suit or lingerie photo-shoots.
- Is Oshima Yuko's main target of affection.
- Would of rather joined Morning Musume than AKB48.
- Member of the sub group No Sleeves
Mina: I liked Kojima early on but I became concerned when her face got a lot thinner, but then I found out that it is common when aging.

Kashiwagi Yuki "Black"
Team B
19 years old
- She has been the captain of Team B since 2009
- She plays the trombone.
- She auditioned for Morning Musume
- Known as the reaction queen.
- Also known for her dark character, which is why she was named "Black" in Majisuka Gakuen.
- Is a member of the subgroup French Kiss
- Has a couple of pairings, the most well known is her and Sae.
Mina: She has a beautiful voice.

Yagami Kumi "Dance"
Team S
16 years old
- Plays the saxophone and the piano.
- Wants to become an actress/ multi-talent
- One of the stronger dancers of SKE
- Has participated in the last three Undergirls' songs on AKB singles.
Mina: Is it just me or does she never look straight into the camera?  I like her, so I don't care.

Sato Amina "Chiharu"
Team B
20 years old
- Known for her high pitched voice.
- Although her natural pitch is high, she has pretty good control.
- Was a big fan of AKB48 before joining
- Was the surprise of the first general election when she was voted into the number eight spot.
- Known for her hard work and dedication to AKB48.
- Likes to show affection towards the cute, younger members.

Sato Yukari "Sanae"
SDN48
22 years old
- Her hobby is sleeping (LOL)
- Has been a popular member in both AKB48 and SDN48.
- Was transfered to help form SDN during the team shuffle of AKB.
Mina: I like Yukari, but I do think SDN fits her image better than AKB, even though she is younger than some of the current AKB members.

Uchida Mayumi "Jyanken"
Team K
17 years old
- Won the Jyanken tournament and became the center for 'Chance no Junban'.
- Made Undergirls for AKB's 20th single, before she was at Theatre girl status.
- After winning the tournament she became a media darling and now is associated with Rock-Paper-Scissors (she plays it in another artist's pv).
- It was reported in a tabloid that there are "various rumors about her excessive night amusements". . . LOL
Mina: What is funny was that she was in my top ten even before the tournament, so I was thrilled with the result.  Here is what made me notice her before, and after the tournament.

Akimoto Sayaka "Choukoku"
Team K
22 years old
- Is the Captain of Team K.  She resigned after a scandal, but was later re-enstated after completing a marathon.
- Although is often compared to a gorilla because of her strength and manliness, she prefers to be called things like cute.
- She was a common senbatsu member, but recently producers have stopped including her.
- She is a member of the subunit DiVA.
Mina: She is quite entertaining, but sometimes over the top.  I haven't decided how I like her bangs best.

Kimoto Kanon "Miso"
Team E
13 years old
- She is pushed by producers as the center of the new Team E of SKE48.
- She likes to watch soccer.
- Her favorite food is gyoza.
- She was included in the senbatsu of the last two singles, and has been included in AKB48's Undergirls.
Mina: She looks a bit like Airi from C-ute, so I refer to her as Chibi Airi.  Her role was really interesting and MG is a vehicle to increase popularity.

Takahashi Minami "Keibuho"
Team A
20 years old
- She is the captain of Team A, and sometimes considered the leader of AKB48.
- She has been called the voice of AKB48 and is said to be Akimoto's favorite.
- She is a member of the subgroup No Sleeves (no3b).
- Her nickname is Takamina and is known for wearing a bow.
- She can't skip and is known to fail at telling funny stories.
Mina: She is popular among my AKB48 fan friends and is really talented.

Nakamata Shiori "Nakamata"
Team 4
18 years old
- She is a 10th generation research student.
- Promoted after she was accepted into Waseda University's Economics Department.  (I might be wrong about the department.)
- She was included in both the Undergirls and Team Kenkyuusei coupling track for AKB48's 21st single.
Mina: Idols that attend college always have my seal of approval and goes against the stereotype of stupid female idols.

Oota Aika "Chibutan"
Team A
16 years old
- Her favorite artist in EXILE.
- She belongs to the subgroup Watarirouka Hashritai.
- She is an otaku.
- Only has one dimple.
- Her subunit from B4 is still voted high in the Top 100.
- Was the center for the Undergirls coupling track from the 2nd general election.
Mina: She is one of my favorites.

Miyazaki Miho "Myao"
Team B
17 years old
- Was once a regular senbatsu member, but has moved down to Undergirls.
- Is the only member of both units of Nattou Angels.
- Known for her goofy personality.
- She was a part of AKB48 SEED.
Mina: Another favorite of mine that has lost her senbatsu position.