Graduations, AKBingo!, and Recent Scandals

I don't have too much to say about all these.  I just mostly want to share.  I am really sad that Yui (SKE48) has to graduate because or her injury and more recovery time.  She was talented and one of my favorites, even when she was gone.  She'll be missed.  I do have hope that after all of her recovery is over she'll re-enter the entertainment industry.  Now onto Saki (S/mileage).  I'm surprised this hasn't happened more often.  The good news is that this doesn't mean she is leaving show business.  She might just want to leave Hello Project.  This has occurred: at a local radio station one of the members of a popular morning show duo left the show for 'something different', but ended up having his own show on a different station.  This might be the same breed.

Lately AKBingo! is trying to win back my affection.  Every week I would watch it as soon as it hit YouTube.  However, I haven't been following it lately.  But the last couple of weeks they brought back one of my favorite segments, fashion, and a new classic, ikemen.  I mean they look amazing as guys.  I hope one day they do a cross-dressing single.  So good work people at AKBingo!.

I've bet you've all heard about NMB48's and Team 4's scandals and the fortunate outcome.  My opinion on the whole thing is that Mina should become a bad-ass character because I could totally see that.  The whole strong language use on pictures doesn't bother me at all, but it is refreshing.  I find it adorable when idols swear.  The underage drinking isn't anything big either, but she should make sure to keep it under wraps if she does it now.  If it was smoking I wouldn't be so laissez-faire.  The issue of enjo-kousai is more serious.  However that was only talk, she didn't say she did anything.  So I am going to give her the benefit of the doubt, but I would like to see the translation of the post.  Dating and sex before joining is even on my radar of concerns.  They should go crazy if they shouldn't date once they join.

A cool thing going on Tumblr is confession posts.  Here are some:

PV Reviews 110822

Here is a girlicious PV review post.  It features AKB48, SDN48, new idol group Fairies, Super Girls, and a bit of K-Pop.  If you don't know, on YouTube I follow Eat Your Kimchi which reviews requested K-Pop videos every Monday.  Well I requested for Teen Top's recent music video, and they did it.  I suggest you check it out.  I am kind of glad that this is mainly a J-Idol blog because my impression from various comments among other things that K-Idol fans on the internet are pretty vicious.  (I have an impression of Japanese male wota as a bit stalker-ish because of all the scandals caused by them digging up trash about idols.)  I digress, lets get to it.  UPDATE: My computer and Blogger are being glitchy.  My videos that I've embedded keep on disappearing (and it has varied).  I'm going to give it a little break and fix it later.  Sorry about that.

To give you guys some perspective, I adore Nine Muses' song No Playboy.  I wasn't so thrilled with this one, both the song and the video.  It has the typical K-Idol format of some dance and close up shots.  They did play with the lighting and had more variation than more prominent groups like Girls Generation, but you need to do more than that.  What sold this video enough to get another star is the lighting in some of the shots, especially the close up with the black background and rainbow spots of light.  I just don't respond well to a lack of creativity.
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I hated their first couple of singles, I loved the single before this, and I like this one.  This reminds me of Hello Project and some of their old silly songs with a disco feel.  I love that they add the playful elements of cosplay.
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What is with these new, young idol groups that have major artists backing them and only have one (at least less than half of the group) singing.  I appreciate the mainstream feel to their production and the better dancing and all but can they actually all sing?  This is the only preview, but because of Happiness, I am not prepared to be surprised.  (Three dance shots.)
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I hate the song, but the music video is really good!  I love the color combinations used in the dance shots.  The storyline shot is playful.
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Oh god the English!  Nothing was wrong, but not believable.  Well, I got my club/ bar PV but the girls all look really trashy.  I mean if they were on the curb I would think they were prostitutes.  There are good elements to it.  Hey at least their dancing isn't more provocative than Hyuna's.  I'm all for women taking charge and having active sex lives (guys do it and no one thinks of it), but could we clean it up a bit?
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I was a bit concerned that it was too hyped, especially after just watching the short version because it seemed basic.  The action was basic and it was basically only two shots: dance shot and storyline shot.  What I've learned from K-Pop teasers is that the teaser's impression has little to do with the full version (often disappointing).  However, after getting off of my shift at Coldstone I watched this masterpiece with glee.  The direction and cinematography is amazing.  If only I was a fan of old kung fu films because I wonder how it compares.  The nice thing about AKB is that it seems the fans are incorporated in most things they do.  It revolves around the relationship between Maeda and Oshima.  I am thrilled they went all out with the theme.  The song is brought in in the main fight scenes which doesn't feel disjointed but part of the rising to the climax.  The stage and costumes for the dance shot are wonderful.  It was the potential of this PV which sold me on importing a physical copy, and I do not regret it.  There is still room for improvement though.  I wish the big dance section was more difficult because the choreography is anticlimactic when matched to the instrumental.  I would of also liked for the other members to have stronger fighting scenes, they seemed almost minion-level weak.  The conclusion was touching.
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I was expecting something sexier because of the happy title track and the center.  However, with the variation in members I thought this was a great idea.  To pull this off in one continuous shot is impressive.  The little mistakes and mannerisms are endearing.  It isn't my favorite Undergirls' PV, but I approve.
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This is basically shots from the second season of Majisuka Gakuen cut together with behind the scenes clips.  I go easy of their third song PVs because most groups only release one PV per single, but they release four.  The video has good pacing with the slow song.  I would of liked to see a larger proportion of behind the scenes video.
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I was expecting at least close-up shots, possibly a dance shot.  However, I do like the storyline that they decided to go with: pay it forward.  Basically Eguchi Aimi does something nice for Acchan and then Acchan does something sweet for Oshima, and it continues on.
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Hey, AKB has schoolgirls and SDN has hostesses.  I do find some hostess characters annoying.  I do like the idea that they have a song about drinking, but I would of preferred a club song or a rock-edge at a bar.  I like the dance shot and some of the characters in the story-shot.  Plus, they have Cindy!  (It helps that I like the song.)
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PV Reviews

I know I've been lazy lately and haven't been reviewing any music videos.  At least I tried to keep up post new PVs every so often.  I wanted to review C-ute's new PV, but thought I should review what else I have stockpiled for my next spam. I wish I had more positive reviews, but I'm holding out that AKB's full 18min PV will be better than the under 5min version.  To be warned, this is half Korean idols.  I feel like I should give them a fair shake like I do for Japanese idol groups.  Recently, well no this behavior has been around forever, there has been some haters on the Korean side.  Right now the target is SKE48 because they will be doing some activities in Korea.  It pisses me off and ruins K-Pop for me.  So I blame K-Pop fans for why I want to hate K-Pop (even if it isn't deserved).  Especially when I see them defending their groups from American-Pop haters on YouTube.  So If you like K-Pop, let me enjoy my J-Pop in peace, so that I can also enjoy my K-Pop☆
Even though in spirit it isn't much different than their last PV, which I didn't care for, I really like this PV.  The various colors create these beautiful solo and group shots.  This seems to go better with their name, but I miss their developing character.  They are such wonderful dancers I feel like songs like Shock are better for them.  The costumes are typical idol outfits I almost thought it was a parody at first.  I mean the neon green cowboy hat.  The large skirts are a bit frumpy in the dance shot, but look adorable in the other various shots.  The classic leg-grab move is funny.  I think they did a marvelous job here, but I do not like the song one bit.  I don't think it is catchy or something I want to dance to.  The girls shine brightly, but the song doesn't do it for me.
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I think the concept of the group is cute, but I'm a Cindy fan.  They are all just too rough around the edges.  Everything looks like the dull schoolgirl idol PV, but they don't know how to work the camera. When they aren't looking at the camera, like in the library, nothing seems off.  However, in the most of the shots I don't see them shine.  They are pretty stiff especially in the dance shot and when it comes to the choreography.  There are couple girls who seem more comfortable, at least at some points, and that is the tallest and the girl standing next to her with the small side ponytail.  I tend to go easy on the indie idol groups.  They mainly lack attention grabbing eye contact.  
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Is it just me or is Korea beating Japan at the number of active, major idol groups?  I do not like the dance shot because everything is too gold.  It is almost like they are trying to blend in.  I think the solo shots are all pretty good, but some are better than others.  I really like the girl with the gold background and the brass band shot.  My least favorite is the presses solo shot.  Now the black solo shot seems out of place.  Most of the other shots were going with the gold color and a retro feel from the same period to match the song.  However, the black dance shot seems to lack any of that except for the gold ceiling panels.  Plus, one of the girls has grey hair.  How is that flattering?  I think what sold this video for me is the one solo shot of the girl with the gold background.  I just adore that shot and it is the reason why this wasn't going to lose another star.
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All seems well at first, looks like it matches the song.  However, I should of known that I would be disappointed because this is targeted at Japan.  See I wouldn't mind if their Korean videos and songs didn't seem significantly better quality.  Why does it feel like Korean artists come to Japan and sell a worse product even though Japan has a bigger music industry?  They wouldn't pull that bullshit if it was the States.  It is basically, no it is, three dance shots.  Should I be grateful that you changed your clothes and the backdrop?  I don't hate it, but it feels like just another insult and I can't take it anymore after Mr. Taxi.  Mr. Taxi was atrocious if you consider their earlier songs and the fact that in Tokyo getting a taxi is ridiculous.
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First thought: barbie.  This song is about being cool, I assume.  I don't think it is cool, especially when you are doing a dance move which makes me think you are farting.  Oh an old, creepy white guy this couldn't get any worse.  Another dance move which looks like you are waving the stink away from your butt.  Track in prom dresses?  Some random losers. . . WTF was that?  I didn't like the song on top of it all.  Yep.
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Can anyone explain their name for me?  This looks like it came from the 90s.  I do give them credit for trying out something different like roller-skates.  I don't know what to make of their two level stage.
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I do not approve of the second dance shot.  I do adore the pink set.  What is with these girl groups and using some interesting shots at the beginning then ditching it to just use three dance shots?  At least they have close up shots.  For some reason their second dance shot reminds me of middle school.  That little laugh at the end was as cheesy as the state I live in.  For the most part it was pretty good.
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Why Does Mina Love Idols?

I had a hard time in high school.  I had a lot of friends, but no one I was close with.  I invited people to hang out and had parties, but I didn't get many invites.  I also had to deal with the falling out of my middle school friends.  I dealt with what most high schoolers feel: ugly, no one understand/ is like me, alone.  I like idol music because it is catchy, fun to dance to, and it is happy.  I feel like it fills a niche that the American industry doesn't.  Idols made me feel less alone, by either distracting me by entertaining me or by providing a bit of intimacy.  Japanese idols seem to exude joy and I respond to music.  If I'm pissed I listen to Limp Bizkit.  If I'm feeling sassy I listen to Katy Perry.  If I want to be happy I listen to idol music (including Glee).  &ct.  It has become somewhat of a hobby; I miss when I could do something like this for the school newspaper.  One thing I don't think I could live without is music.  (It was confusing when I noticed that there was some variation between the 30 day idol challenges that bloggers were doing.)

Who is the Best Leader of an Idol Group, According to Mina

AKIMOTO SAYAKA (AKB48)

She isn't the leader of the whole group, but she is the captain of Team K.  She holds herself to a higher standard.  I don't know a better leader out of all the idol groups I follow.  

An Idol Mina Appreciates

TAKAHASHI MINAMI (AKB48)

She is the unofficial leader which is quite demanding.  She is extremely talented.  She works hard even when she is sick.  AKB48 wouldn't be AKB without Takamina.  I am also getting into the idea that she should start a solo career because she has been mixing up her hairstyles.  I know the bow is her signature and all, but I think if she mixes things up she seems less like a comedian and more like an ace.

What Direction I Would Like to See AKB48 Go

Akb48's performance on Exhile's music program inspired this post.  I've been concerned about Maeda Atsuko and Itano Tomomi's solo careers. It would make sense for them as a next step.  Or Maeda dedicating herself to her craft of acting.  I am more worried about AKB48 after Maeda graduates because I feel like I can see it closing in.  Before I was brainstorming who would be the next center, a next Acchan or something different.  During this medley I realized that maybe because you can't replace Acchan why not let the center position be up in the air.  We saw three different centers and I felt like the whole performance went smoothly and it still felt and looked like AKB48.  What is great about this is that it provides the producers a lot more leg room.  This also lets the members have a better shot and feel like they have a chance.  I really wish to see that happen because AKB48 has so many aces in their pocket.  Plus, it is another thing to look forward and guess about before the single details are revealed.  (But, Acchan needs to graduate first.)

Here is my AKB Can Sing playlist on YouTube.  It features AKB48 members singing with live vocals.  The reason why I am posting it again is because I try to update it when ever I find a new performance which is increasing in frequency since they are performing on more music programs with live vocals.  (Therefore, towards the end are more recent ones including the video mentioned above.)

An Idol that Reminds Mina of Someone Special

MAYU WATANABE (AKB48)
I had a friend in high school who loved anime and manga.  She was good at drawing cute characters.  She also wanted to marry Ed from Full Metal Alchemist.    Watanabe loves anime and gets over excited when thinking about her favorite male characters.  She also enjoys drawing pictures in manga style.

An Idol Whose Character Mina Likes

TANAKA REINA (MORNING MUSUME)

You either love, hate, or indifferent to it.  (Not much in between besides those three.  I don't know many people who think it is just okay. . . but I have a feeling they exist.)  Reina's character makes her interesting and fun to watch.  

Old Favorites & Recent Fascinations

BiS - Fresh Faced Idols?

The member in pigtails has left the group to be replaced by Yufu.

Most of you know by now that Japan and Korea are having an idol boom.  New groups are sprouting up and gaining attention every which way (sorry if that doesn't make sense to you it is a phrase I use. . . Midwest thing?).  One unit, BiS [Brand new Idol Society], has released their (major?) debut single and hit the Oricon charts.  (Another unit Kiss-My-Ft2, from JE, got the number one spot.  How is their name pronounced?  Kiss My Foot?)  They have an edgier image, rebelling against the idea that idols have to be clean and proper.  I saw them first through Pure Idol Heart and I responded well to the PV posted.  I checked them out on YouTube and I was intrigued.  However, I was a bit dumbfounded when I started watching their hit single:

I was shocked, but then I was distracted by some beautiful shots and realized they did a good job.  Nudity can be done tastefully and it reminded me of various paintings.  (My favorite place in LA is the Getty.  I went there twice while I was in LA for the first time.)  Once I regained myself I went wait, we are missing someone!  The member, which happens to be my favorite, is no longer in the group.  Which sucks if it was because of the nudity thing.  They found a replacement, but I'm bummed.  See I like variety in groups and now it feels like they are missing an element, and overly cute one.  I was a huge fan of t.A.T.u, still am but not as big.  They did a tribute to t.A.T.u. which was great.  But, my favorite has to be this one:

Anyway, with my favorite member gone I am a bit undecided if I should continue following them.  I will stick around to see how I like the new member, but she will be missed.  (Fortunately my second favorite, girl with short hair and extra piercings, is still there.)

Do I Still Care?

Hello Project has been luke-warm for me as of late, to none of your surprise.  Why do I keep bringing it up?  Because I still want to like and enjoy being a fan.  I want to keep one foot on each side of the river(?).  I got S/mileage's first album which was pretty good, mostly because I adored their singles.  Berryz Koubou still releases likable singles. . . I really like their latest at least.  C-ute has sooooo much potential.  (If only they had a different producer!)  Morning Musume has all those great new members!  Most of my disappointment falls on their producer Tsunku.  I mean, everything would be peachy if they had better music.  But who can blame him, he is distracted by the indie idols like Afilia Saga East.  Honestly, I've stopped caring about Morning Musume and S/mileage.  I'm paying them as much attention as Kiss-My-Ft2 and SNSD.  I've even deleted my tags on Tumblr for Hello Project and Morning Musume, which means I don't even want to look at pictures or videos of them.  I'm still rooting for C-ute.

Hello Project isn't the only idols I've deleted my tag on Tumblr for: Momoiro Clover.  The management just keeps pissing me off then Akari leaves and I've had it.  They aren't the same without Akari.  They look like a more miss-matched, older version of Tokyo Girls Style (who I am recently entranced by).

Oh, and I think Beckii Cruel's upcoming single sounds horrible and she isn't that good of a dancer (if you've watched her recent Morning Musume dance cover).

Rising Stars (the brighter side of things)
NMB48 (polished in very little time)
Tokyo Girls Style (avex is pulling through)
Hey Say Jump (their latest was a stupendous improvement)
Afilia Saga East (we'll see, seems a bit only fan service)
Super Girls (another we shall see case)

Recent Cravings 
I've been going through some odd obsessions.  I'm a DD when it comes to AKB48, so I shouldn't be so surprised when I jump from one member interest to another.  Today I was watching old footage of Ayaka Kikuchi, before she was fired.  All of a sudden I've missed Oshima's pervy cuteness.  Then there is Iwasa Misaki's powerhouse vocals.  I've changed my wallpaper to Kasai Tomomi.  Akimoto Sayaka's awesome~ness.  I'm literally all over the place.  Now I found some subtitled videos which has an adorable Takamina (I mean her hair and that hat are super flattering) and then Sasshi accidentally causing dirty jokes.  Why don't I dislike anyone within AKB48?  They have so many membersssss. . . oh yeah Haruka Ishida is the only one out of what is it now 75?


Am I Suffering From a K-Pop Phase?
I've been addicted to Nine Muses' No Playboy.  My friends and I want to learn the dance to HyunA's Bubble Pop.  I keep on hearing bollywood in my favorite Super Junior Korean singles.  I've been voting in Eat Your Kimchi polls.  I went through a huge K-drama stint while in Japan.  What is happening to me?

Can Happiness Be Considered a Girl Group?
If you've seen them perform or have watched one of their PVs you might of noticed that only two girls sing.  It almost feels like one center with a support singer and then a whole bunch of back up dancers.  I was looking forward to the group since   they were good dancers, but WTF is this?  I'm all for dancers getting a bigger spotlight, but can they not sing at all?  Their lead vocalist is spectacular!  I almost prefer her to go solo.  You see I adore Matsuda Seiko, an idol-soloist from way back.  For some reason I keep on seeking out her replacement or equal for today.  One of the candidates is Happiness' lead vocalist, the other is Acchan from AKB48.  What do you think?  I will post some videos after the jump to give you a better perspective.

Matsuda Seiko Performing on a Music Program

Happiness Dancing at a Concert

Happiness Performing on a Music Program

Acchan Performing her First Solo Single

Mina's Favorite Non-Japanese Idol

CHRIS COLFER (GLEE)
When I saw this topic I knew it would be a member of Glee, but who.  I narrowed it down to Chris, Heather, and Darren.  Now I am confident that the cast members of Glee are idols.  Chris has been asked to release a solo album, but he has said he isn't that interested.  The members release chart topping music, have crazy devoted fans as well as casual fans, they tour, the members change, there are aces, they appear in magazines, commercials, and interviews.  I also think that there is a small punishment system for scandals.  The girl who plays Sunny got Botox before appearing towards the beginning of Glee's second season and then didn't return till the end of that season.  Plus, they have pairings outside of the show! (Oh, and Kevin who plays Artie comes from a boy band.)  But I digress.  Chris is awesome.  He is a nerd, an award winning actor, a superb singer, adorable, and out.  I can't wait to see the movie theatre special showing of Glee in concert.

An Idol that Mina Doesn't Like, But is Damn Good

MATSUI JURINA (SKE48)
Her performances aren't my cup of tea.  I always enjoy the shuffles of her units more than the original.  However, I can't deny she has star power.  I love that SKE48's center has a boyish style to her.  She also looks older than she is, which tends to be the opposite in any entertainment industry.  She deserves her spot because she works hard.

Mina's Favorite Ex-Idol

ONO ERENA (AKB48)
It made sense for her to graduate when she did.  I felt like her heart wasn't in it at the time, which might of caused her drop in rank.  She shined brighter was she appeared in films.  I am curious as to why she went to the UK and if she will pick up acting jobs there.  My dream would come true if she got a role in Skins, the hit teen drama that has a new cast every two seasons.  Besides that, the UK has a ton of great TV opportunities like Doctor Who.  I wonder how her English is.  I'm happy to see she is blogging again; she might start posting in English.  Anyway, she was an ace and she is still so young.

Mina's Favorite Idol Costume

AKB48 CONCERT COSTUME (AKB48)
To help me lower this down I thought of something I would want to wear.  I just adore this set of costumes.

An Idol that Mina Believes has Charisma

FUJIMOTO MIKI (DREAM MUSUME)
Charisma is a adjective to describe someone whom posses "compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others, or has a divinely conferred power or talent."  Mikitty is (or was) known for her devoted fans.  She is beautiful and has a wonderful singing voice.  She has a strong personality to boot.  I wonder how her solo career would of gone if she didn't join Morning Musume, but they did need an ace like her at that time.

Wait What? - The Twist In A Love(?) Song

What starts out as as a seemingly romantic song turns disturbing.  The title should of been the first indicator of the twisted lyrics.  A boy band telling their listeners to not spray perfume. . . okay you got my attention but not in a good way.  Hey, it got me to watch the video.  I watched the beginning without subtitles and was scared away by the members and their scary guy-liner.  (I mean one guy has hot pink hair and the other has a wig made from his shaggy dog's hair XD.)  Anyway, I also subscribe to a K-Pop subber on YouTube.  I was hanging out with some friends who aren't that into K-Pop (actually they aren't at all but I introduced both anime fans to idols) and I wanted to show them the horror show.  (They like man-liner more than I.)  Well, this time I got to see it with English subtitles.

The title began to make sense.  Oh, the girl's natural scent is good so she shouldn't put on perfume.  Kind of like telling her she is pretty, that is sweet.  But no, don't use perfume so my girlfriend doesn't know I'm cheating on her.  WTF.  It gets worse.  The boys are painted as controlling, archaic, egotistical cheaters.  Why would you have a boy band release this?  Aren't most of their fans girls; what do they think when they sing this in concert.  It has a nice beat, just ignore what they are saying (they are only there to look pretty).  I thought people should be aware of this.  (It is hilarious, but no one should buy this.  Plus, it doesn't leave the best impression of Korean guys (because my friends and I happen to watch a Miss A video where the guy cheats on them).

New PV Spam

An Idol that Mina Admires

AYAKA KIKUCHI (AKB48)
This was difficult.  I admire idols that are successful after they leave an idol group, more than just appearing on variety TV as a personality.  Kago Ai felt suffocated as an idol, which I respect but the way she went about leaving wasn't very classy (plus she isn't an idol anymore).  If I knew Rinatin was happy working in AV she might be on my list, just because people don't respect those in that industry.  Goto Maki isn't an idol either.

Most idols that get fired because of scandal don't try to make a comeback in the same industry, a lot just disappear (one of C-ute's aces for example).  For Ayaka to be an upcoming ace within AKB48 (being one of the few Team B members included in PVs), to audition for the same group and then go through being a trainee is impressive.  She worked hard just to get back to Undergirls and to be added to a subgroup that she was meant to be a part in when she was fired.  She has worked hard and had to face haters because of her having a boyfriend (which I don't have anything against).  I hope to see her return to the paradise that is senbatsu.

Which Idol Would Mina Like to be for a Day

SHIMAZAKI HARUKA (AKB48)
This was difficult.  I wanted to lower things down by what type of idol I wanted to be.  I wanted to be active, therefore graduates were out.  However, I didn't want to be too active, so front girls are also out.  I of course want to be in AKB48 because they are the top right now, no question.  Then I thought Team 4 would be perfect.  I automatically knew who I can going to choose after that.  She is kind of mysterious.  She is beautiful and popular, but not a front girl.  Her life shouldn't be too busy yet, but she appears on AKB48's variety programs.  

Mina's Favorite Idol Concert

Hello! Project 2006 Winter ~Wonderful Hearts~ (H!P)

There is no major competition except from Hello Project's Anniversary concert, AKB48's 2nd day at Yoyogi, or their first concert tour.  Everything is perfect.  The members all look great and sound great.  I love the music.  The costumes are good. . . well for the most part (but the girls look good).  The setlist is lovely and how they shuffle the members together.  I just can't love this concert.  It is taking me forever to torrent it.  If I ever find this in Japan I'll purchase it in a second, but it is old so it hard to find.

The First Idol Mina Noticed

OSHIMA YUKO AND ITANO TOMOMI
OH GOD!  I don't even think I can recall who the first was.  Let's see. . . I guess Koda Kumi, Hamasaki Ayumi, Utada, and BoA don't count because I got into idols through J-Pop and the internet.  I think I discovered Morning Musume through subbed episodes of Utaban posted on YouTube.  However, I don't recall which episode or who stuck out to me.  Then again, I want to say it was the Onnani Sachiare PV.  If that was the case it would of been Takahashi Ai.  If it was originally through Utaban I have no clue.  I can remember AKB48 slightly better.  The first AKB48 thing was seeing them featured on Japanorama, but I didn't look into them until after I saw the Namida Surprise PV.  I did like the main girl in glasses, who is Maeda Atsuko. . . In that video Oshima Yuko and Itano Tomomi stood out the most.  That video is still one of my favorites because of the impression it left me with.  You see after I saw it I looked them up and when it said they performed in a theatre I thought it was a music group of young female actresses.  The PV added to that assumption.  Plus, I found subtitled videos of AKBingo! on YouTube of their cosplay and when they had to do challenges like put their hand into boxes or eat sushi and basically act.  

Mina's Favorite Member of Hey!Say!Jump

YAMADA RYOSUKE
I got into Hey!Say!Jump! because of their latest single, OVER.  I was watching Music Station because I was in Japan and to see if anyone good was on.  They performed, and even though I spent a good amount of time giggling at some parts of the song, how serious their faces were, and at the fact that they had what looked to be juniors performing with them, I was intrigued.  I then found the PV and while I wasn't loving all the guys there were two that I fell for: Yamada and Chinen (who looks like the brother of an AKB48 member).  Ryosuke has this sexy look that reminded me of the character Serizawa from the live action films of Crows Zero.

Morning Musume Concert Tour 2011 Review

Here is the deal.  I was planning on doing a song by song review, but I don't think I have enough to say about this concert.  I'm uninspired.  I do have thoughts however, so I will just do an overall review.  I had to take a break after Takahashi Ai started howling in the second song.  That was so many thumbs down it freaked me out.  I do like that my musume oshi is getting a top spot.  I'm surprised by how little make-up they wear.  I wouldn't recommend stage make-up, but more would help.  Reina is still a star ace.  Niigaki is growing back on me, but she occasionally reminded me of a grandma.  Takahashi died to me after she did that hair.  Riho isn't my choice ace from the 9th generation.  Erina and Mizuki are more appealing to me.  Riho is cute and all, but her performance doesn't stand out to me.  I'm glad that they added the new members so quickly because after watching the five on their own perform together. . . they are lacking.  I only knew about this concert from some Takahashi Ai dancing gifs and that dance section was disappointing in my opinion.  I think the OG know how it is done:

The costumes for some of the group sections were plain bad.  I actually prefer Reina's vocals over Takahashi's because Takahashi's seemed to lack variety during her solo lines.  How did I like it?  There were some good parts, but I'm deleting it off my computer.

Mina's Favorite Momoiro Clover Member

ARIYASU MOMOKA
While I do like their ace, I guess I'll stick with my original favorite.  The first, and probably last, time I bought a CD was Akari's graduating single.  They now seem lacking because Akari provided some needed variety.  Plus, they gave an ultimatum to try to increase CD sales.  I much prefer Tokyo Girls Style now, or even SUPER GIRLS.  I prefer Momoka because she impressed me with her dancing.  I think she is cute and I like her voice.