Thoughts on Lovetan Growing Up

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

Nacchan - The Most Under Appreciated Member of AKB48

Hirajima Natsumi, of Team B, I am nominating for the most under appreciated member of AKB48.  Why am I saying this?  If you read my review of A3, you might recall me referring to her:

"One of the girls who I don't know looks like Natsumi from Team B."

Guess what.  It is Natsumi from Team B.  A3 was her last stage.  Cindy and Nacchan were both transferred, and I thought it was just Cindy.  I thought I should mention this for those other noobs out there.  You learn something new everyday.


She is an original Team A member, but I have never seen her in the spotlight.  Always the brides maid, never the bride.  Yes, she was in senbatsu single (the early ones), but she was never in the front.  (She is very interesting character.  You'll have to wait till May 28th, her birthday, for me to post her trivia.)  I am just impressed.  When I think of the original Team A, all of the members have either graduated or are still front girls.  Nacchan is the only original member to not fall into the two categories.  I guess she is a natural undergirl(, during the senbatsu vote she always ends up in the Undergirls).  Just wanted to feature her, because she deserves it.

Get well soon LOVETAN!  Aika Ota fractured a bone (a finger?), and she is in bad shape.  She had to skip a handshaking event.

AKB48 Top 12 Ranking Explanation

Hello again.  I'm posting too much.  I'm kind of addicted to blogging now.  I like writing reviews now so I basically want to review every stage I've seen and liked.  I always try to think of something different to do for these considering my favorites tend to be about the same.  This time I'm going to include some stats, and explanation, and the theme they get for that stitch-work photobook.


#12 - Yuki Kashiwagi
[Tulip]
Vocal Ability: Strong
First Stage: B1
Yukirin has dropped in my rankings because I'm starting to consider the x-factor more.  Not that she doesn't have talent.  By x-factor, in this instance, I'm talking about her tendency to get me excited (moe~).  This is different for everyone towards any idol.  If I don't make that my main reason then how can I defend my oshimen no matter what?  Yukirin is very entertaining and is known for her reactions.  She is the perfect match for a Team B captain.  You'll see as we go along that I am weak towards loli characters.

#11- Mayumi Uchida
[Hummingbird]
Vocal Ability: Strong
First Stage: B4
Ha!  This is a good time to be a fan of Ucchii.  Both her and Nakatsuka caught my attention during B4 and proved themselves during Infinity.  Ucchii reminds me a bit of Mitsui Aika.  They both have that naturally smug expression.  I still believe that she is the best center, for me, that could of happened during the Janken Tournament.  She is in Team K. so she is a good dancer, and she was in the musical so we know her voice is strong live.  On top of that she is young, so having another young senbatsu could help.  She has a bunny for a pet, by the way.

#10- Aki Takajo
[Angelfish]
Vocal Ability: Questionable
First Stage: A5
I've always thought Aki-chan has the face of a model.  She was the fastest trainee to be promoted.  No matter where I see her she always impresses me.  I first got hooked during AX2010 when she subbed into Yukirin's unit Temo Demo no Namida.  Unlike the last two, because the live vocals are questionable most of the time, I don't know about her strength.  She isn't very strong; I know that.  She is starting to push her way to being a front girl of Team A.  I love girls who wear glasses and love dogs.

#9- Tomomi Kasai
[Rose]
Vocal Ability: Okay
First Stage: K1
I'm not the best judge of vocal ability.  I know bad singers and good singers.  Anyway, she is a great performer.  I like her fashion sense (ex. last AKBingo! episode).  She is also Rika Ishikawa cute.  If that wasn't enough she is the easiest person to assume is having a relationship with another member (Sae cough cough).  She also ends up in all the lesbian units.


#8- Tomomi Itano
[Black leopard]
Vocal Ability: Okay
First Stage: A1
Another fashion leader of AKB48.  I miss her old look before.  Now she looks more mature and sleek, but I like her better with blonde hair.  She is a strong dancer and performer.  She made me like K6 more by watching her birthday stage.  She is always, and will always, be a favorite of my mine.  (She also has a smug face that is cute.)


#7- Miho Miyazaki
[Mouse]
Vocal Ability: Good
First Stage: A5
She is at an odd time in her life right now.  She was the cute new kid and now she is a full fledged teen and her popularity has gone down.  My love is unchanging, but I wish she showed her spice more.  Do you think she is a nicer person now? 


#6- Erena Ono
[Boar]
Vocal Ability: Good(?)
First Stage: K1
Oh farewell my darling.  I'm in sugarless pain to show my dedication (I vowed to not have any sweets for a week until she graduates).  No!  Don't leave me! 

[If you want an explanation on the vocal abilities part let me know.]


#5- Atsuko Maeda
[Sparrow]
Vocal Ability: Good(?)
First Stage: A1
Her singing ability is getting better.  And she is one of the oddest front girls.  She seems so plain, but then we find out she likes to fish.  I guess it is a calming hobby considering how busy she is.  


#4- Amina Sato
[Evening Primrose]
Vocal Ability: ???
First Stage: H1 (or A4?)
Please don't think of ??? as a bad thing.  I just want to be honest, and I don't think I've seen a clip of her singing for sure live yet.  Her voice is really cute though.  As you can see, I don't really worry about stats too much.  Amina has been up and down on my rankings.  She just didn't impress me that much during the first show of B5, but she always wins me back.  She is one of the girls that always gets me excited.  She is major x-factor for me.  I love cute members, and I love perverted members


#3- Aika Ota
[Raccoon]
Vocal Ability: Good
First Stage: B1
I feel like I am just non stop repeating myself.  Look at my previous explanations for this one.  I love cute troublemakers.  She has a cute, and actually good voice.



#2- Sae Miyazawa
[Chimpanzee]
Vocal Ability: Good
First Stage: K1
Sae is such a goof ball.  She is a lot more sexy with the longer hair that she has now.  However, I miss her boyish, genki short hairstyle.  I hope she doesn't cut her hair too short because I don't know if she has the right face to pull it off without looking like a dude.  She makes a great prince charming!






#1- Minami Minegishi
[Armadillo]
Vocal Ability: Good
First Stage: A1
She is the perfect fit for me.  She is a comedian and a cute character.  I do wish she would cut her bangs a little bit shorter.  The downward fringe at the center of her brow isn't as good.  She has the personality, looks, singing ability, and dancing ability to win my heart.  If only she was higher in rankings.  At least she has no sleeves.  She also loves glasses and has her groping moments as well.

涙のシーソーゲーム Preview Screenshots (AKB48 Undergirls)

I never thought Lovetan leading a song would lead to a vintage track.  I'm still slightly worried.  I'm still thrilled that she is leading the song, even better than her making Senbatsu.  I don't know about all the wigs.  I don't think Mocchi looks good with short hair.  So, the PV preview was in the latest episode of AKBingo!.  (I haven't seen it yet.) 

My Reaction to the 17th Senbatsu Election

I just needed to post the results beforehand.  I'm seriously tearing up from the shock.  Let me be honest I am not completely happy with these results.  Sae held her #9 which is great and I'm not surprised.  I would have been sad if she dropped and happy if she went forward, so nothing special there.  I have to mention now the big surprise... Oshima Yuko beat Maeda Atsuko!  What is wrong with the Maeda wota how could you let this happen!  I love Oshima and all but I love Maeda more, and I can't expect anyone higher in my rankings to take the #1 spot.  I'm happy for Oshima.  I am not happy that Kojima Haruna is above Yukirin and Sae.  I feel like I'm going through the stages of grief...

Okay, moving onto the positive things in my life...
No, let me just say this first Matsui Jurina is ruining my life!  Matsui Rena was above her the entire time AND Jurina was not in the front line.  Matsui Rena was in the front row the entire time.  What is this bullshit!  I call foul play!  (deep breath)

I am pleased that Sato Amina still made senbatsu. I am happy for the Sayaka fans who boosted her out of the danger zone; I didn't care too much. I am happy to see Nakagawa Haruka went from a theater girl to make senbatsu. Okay I can't take it anymore. Not only did Myao end up on the borderline, LOVETAN didn't make it!!!! I'm going to cry in a corner now.

Top Ten Explanation - Round 2

Well, things sure have changed.  Rankings are very difficult because you need to consider their whole body of work, focusing on the most recent.  Do I like their photobooks?  Are they entertaining on variety shows?  If they are in a drama, movie, or musical did I enjoy their performance?  Do they do well in PVs, do they stick out?  Last but not least, the most important thing to me is their stage performance.   

First Top Ten 1. Sae Miyazawa (Team K) 2. Aika Ota (Team B) 3. Amina Sato (Team A) 4. Atsuko Maeda (Team A) 5. Yuki Kashiwagi (Team B) 6. Sayaka Akimoto (Team K) 7. Yuko Oshima (Team K) 8. Erena Ono (Team K) 9. Tomomi Kasai (Team K) 10. Minami Minegishi (Team A)

New Top Ten 1. Sae Miyazawa (Team K) 2. Aika Ota (Team A) 3. Atsuko Maeda (Team A) 4. Yuki Kashiwagi (Team B) 5. Erena Ono (Team K) 6. Miho Miyazaki (Team B) 7. Haruka Katayama (Team A) 8. Tomomi Kasai (Team B) 9. Mika Komori (Team B) 10. Amina Sato (Team B)

#1 - Sae Miyazawa (Team K)
Like the fact that she hasn't changed teams, she hasn't wavered in my heart.  Sae is spectacular in her imperfections.  Even when she is unflattering it is charming.  It helps to have a good sense of humor because even if you look stupid people will love you.  Sae is known as the handsome idol.
Good Points:
-Even though her first photobook wasn't too good, I love her digital ones.
-She made me cry and break out laughing during Infinity.
-Gakuran was my favorite character of Majisuka Gakuen
-She looks good with a surfboard. 
-Danso episode


Poor Points:
- She hasn't stood out during AKBingo! lately
- K6 was disappointing, which included her stage unit

#2 - Aika Ota (Team A)
My loli, swearing, troublemaker, otaku darling.  I'm happy anytime I see you and I can't wait for Team A's stage.  She first caught my eye during AKBRanger when she did her come hither close up and laid on the ground during the group shot.  Since then I have fell in love with her stage units including her adorable 天使のしっぽ and her dirty Kuchi Utsushi No Chocolate.  She had basically three sentences bleeped out during the pool special of Shukan.  I could go on forever.  Did I mention that she has only one dimple!
Good Points:
- Her sub-group is great
-Her surprise solo during AX2010 was endearing.
-Shukan special
- Photoshoots
-She was a lolita, yanki in MG

Bad Points:
-Her newest stage isn't out yet, but that is just a question mark

#3 - Atsuko Maeda
Her voice is so cute, it is like a tomboy 5-year-old girl.  She has great style.  She does so well even though she is extremely busy.  She loves her dogs.  She is quiet.  She is the most classically beautiful person I have ever seen.
Good Points:
- Her fashion sense
- Her photobooks
- Looks and sounds great in Ponytail to ShuShu
- Good job starring in MG
- Great on stage


Bad Points:
- Her role in MG is overshadowed by the other characters
- Her hair is getting too long
- Even though she does well in TV appearances, there is nothing that sticks out in my mind

#4 - Yuki Kashiwagi
It took me awhile to warm up to her.  The first memory of her standing out was her reaction when they punked her on AKBingo!.  Then I saw her photobook, saw her perform, it was love.  She went from I don't care to an absolute favorite in such little time.
Good Points:
- Team B stages
- Photobook and DVD
- Shukan
- The most recent AKBingo! set up
-Her fashion sense


Bad Points:
- She did well in Infinity, but she was my least favorite out of the four stars
- She didn't really stand out in Majisuka Gakuen

#5 - Erena Ono
At first she was my little cutie.  The sweetie of Team K, but then she grew up.  She is still adorable, but she isn't my little idol.  I am dieing to see her latest film that comes out in either June or July.  I love that her voice is still the same.  I just like everything about her.
Good Points:
- I found her role in Majisuka Gakuen interesting and not obvious.
- Her solo (First Love) is spectacular.
- Her photobooks are great
- She is great in films outside of AKB.
- I liked her stage unit in K6.
- I do not mind she gained weight = > makes her more real
- She does a wonderful job in variety shows

#6 - Miho Miyazaki
She has always been high on my rankings, but recently she has shined while others have not.  Her strong personality reminds me of the troublemaker quality that Lovetan has.  She isn't the most good looking, but she pulls it off so you don't notice.
Good Points:
- B5 performance
- Myao, has her own character
- Her first photobook
- MG: The lead yanki lolita


Bad Points:
- Nothing amazing lately on AKBingo!

#7 - Haruka Katayama
She has always been a thought in the back of my mind, but I never bothered to find out her name.  Her stage unit, 純情主義, has always been a favorite.  She is one of the best singers, but you don't see much of her besides that.
Good Points:
- One of the best voices
- The behind the scenes of Infinity
- Her performances in AX2010


Bad Points:
- She is hard to notice in the back
- She has few stand out moments in comparison with the others

# 8 - Tomomi Kasai
She has always been a favorite who is always fighting Tomochin and Mii-chan for my love.  She sometimes looks strange in photos, but I love her.
Good Points:
- Danso episodes
- B5
- Her new unit: Queen & Elizabeth
- One of my favorites in Majisuka Gakuen
- Shukan

#9 - Mika Komori
Thanks to Majisuka Gakuen and B5 she shot up from someone I didn't know to one of my Top Ten.  She is extremely quiet and she looks like she is quiet, but she still has a powerful presence.
Good Points:
- Majisuka Gakuen
- Video clips from members' blogs
- B5


Bad Points:
- Don't see her that much

#10 - Amina Sato
I feel horrible with how far she has fallen.  I just wouldn't feel right leaving her at the third spot if others were being kicked out.  She hasn't been standing out as much as she used to, but I still love her.
Good Points:
- B5
- MG
- AKBingo! Pudding Punishment
- Her blog


Bad Points:
- Only one moment of AKBingo!
- Doesn't stand out as much during stages



The Fallen Few:
Sayaka Akimoto #6 > 25
Yuko Oshima #7 > 13
Minami Minegishi #10 > 11

I feel like I need to talk about Sayaka Akimoto.  This is hard to explain, but she has lost her natural shine for me.  Her performances since K5 seem soulless, like I'm watching a bad actress.  Maybe she is overacting because she is on stage so she looks weird close up.  I thought her digital photobook would remind me that I like her, but it reminded me that I don't really like her.  I want to love her but she turns me off quite a bit.

AKB Top Ten Explanation

I have been in a ranking frenzy as of late. I am most proud of learning the majority of AKB48 members. I said I would explain why I selected my top ten. This is also good for those curious about AKB48.
#10- Minami Minegishi
The troublemaker loli that was my original favorite, the first member that I made an OPV for and learned their full name. She has been moved over to Team K, which I have no argument against. She is the embodiment of sweet. She is always entertaining. She also finds as many opportunities as possible to wear glasses; I L-O-V-E her with glasses. She is known to be the best dancer, but her mannerisms are hilarious! I'm glad she made it into the top ten.
#9- Tomomi Kasai
Miichan and her are in a dead heat to stay in the top ten. Kasai is cute, in the same disturbing (to some) way that Sayumi Michishige is. She also has a fetish for girls dressed as guys, she is known for it in fact. You would think with her high voice that it wouldn't be very good, but she has always done well in Team K songs like Maria. In fact, I think her voice is a nice to mesh with the lower vocals. She was unfortunately shuffled to Team B, which is the most overlooked. (Her plus Mayuyu is going to be way too high.)
#8- Erena Ono
She has grown so much. She was just this adorable kid with a gorgeous voice. She always possessed this innocent and sparkling personality. Some say she is spoiled, which I wouldn't mind if I saw it. It is hitting me kind of hard in the face how much of a teenager she is now. She is coming out with the leading role in some films lately, and I am pumped. I forgave her for enjoying the kiss she shared with the devil spawn (Matsui Jurina of all people). She will continue to be a great asset to Team K!
#7- Yuko Oshima
Akimoto threw her in Team K just to be in the front because of her experience until the other members developed, but she proved him wrong! She contains that bad ass quality that I die for, but then she smiles and sprawls about. You wonder what they say backstage: Damn it! Who put a shot in Oshima's coffee...and who gave her coffee anyway? Yuko! Stop fondling the other members! I feel closer to idols who also adore idols. She works really hard, but besides that HER VOICE! It is beautiful, and then her inflection is perfection.
#6- Sayaka Akimoto
I am always surprised that she ranks this low. She can sing and dance. She is a beast, and is in the best shape out of all AKB48. She works her butt off! She is beautiful and unique. She can take being mocked. I know why she is this low though. She works too hard! She needs to let loose a bit cause she looks forced at times. I hate saying that. I guess that is a good flaw to have. A worthy captain of my favorite Team K!
#5- Yuki Kashiwagi
She has flown to the top like a bottle rocket in my eyes. I mistakenly overlooked her because of her appearance. However, I actually like that she looks different. Unlike the others so far, she has a muted power. She has the voice, looks, style, and charisma that is necessary to be the Captain of Team B!
#4- Atsuko Maeda
The shy and introverted front girl. This would not work out at all if she didn't work so hard. She is a beauty. I adore her childish voice and smile. She is also my fashion guru. I look up to her. She reminds me of the teenage and sexy Nacchi. I think she is a perfect front girl. She doesn't have a very strong personality, therefore she won't ruffle too many feathers. I think that people just hate her for being at the front.
#3- Amina Sato
People hate her for her helium voice. She was the surprise that no one saw coming. She worked incredibly hard to get to the top. I don't know the full extent, but she learned the songs and choreography of each Team. She was just a wreck when she reached the #8 spot. As you can tell, I like voices from every spectrum. I find it classic that she gets herself in these perverted situations. She got moved down to Team B, which suits her more. However, I am worried that the move means Akimoto is going to force her out of the front girls.
#2- Aika Ota
I had no idea who this little darling was till this year, you can even see the post. She has only one dimple, which I find even more adorable. When she sang without any back up during AX2010 MC I about died. Whenever I spot her I make a really dopey face. Although, what puts her over the edge to 'my head is going to explode of cuteness' is the fact that she has the mouth of a sailor. Such a rebellious teenager! She used to live with Meetan, and was nervous to share a bath. SAVE YOUR INNOCENCE! Meetan calmed her down with anime. My head is going to explode! She should be a power puff girl: sugar, spice, everything nice, plus some chemical X! She is very talented and I can't wait to see her mature.
#1- Sae Miyazawa
What can't I say about Sae. She makes me laugh, cry, quiver, and squeal with excitement. MOE~ She is everything to me. I will be depressed if I don't get to see her live before she graduates! I just can't describe how much I idolize her without typing out a whole essay. Thank you for living!