AKB48's Senbatsu Election: Mina's Vote

Uchida Mayumi:
She isn't my oshi (Minegishi Minami), but she is my second favorite Team K member. Plus the set up of the elections has changed. There are significantly more spots up for the taking, so if she is unable to rank now it would be quite disappointing. The only other people I would vote for would be Takahashi Minami or Sato Amina. Takahashi is pretty much guaranteed a spot in senbatsu, but I wouldn't mind seeing her move up. Now that senbatsu has shrunk to 16 spots I don't think Sato will be able to make senbatsu. However, I highly encourage people to vote for her. (I'm also concerned about Minegishi considering she tends to be on the lower end, but I think she will make it.) My priority is for Ucchii to make rank.

The thing about the majority of idol groups, more so for groups as large as AKB48, is some members are aces and others are pushed towards the back. Now I don't think she deserves to be in senbatsu over other girls. Everyone brings in something different, and fans prefer different members. I gravitate towards Ucchii. The first time I saw her perform, while watching Team B's 4th Stage, she left an impression. She isn't the typical idol type. She can be goofy.

AKB48's 4th Senbatsu Prediction: Risk It To Get The Biscuit

Every year there are even more girls in the running, but this year they are even more spots available.

Senbatsu can be pretty predictable. There only tends to be one or two big surprises. Now that Acchan's is out of the running, where will her voting block go?

1. Takahashi Minami [↑ / 22(7), 17(6), 13(5)]
2. Oshima Yuko [- / 22(2), 17(1), 13(2)]
3. Kashiwagi Yuki [- / 22(3), 17(8), 13(9)]
4. Shinoda Mariko [- / 22(4), 17(3), 13(3)]
5. Watanabe Mayu [- / 22(5), 17(5), 13(4)]
6. Itano Tomomi [↑ / 22(7), 17(4), 13(7)]
7. Kojima Haruna [↓ / 22(6), 17(7), 13(6)]
8. Sashihara Rino [↑ / 22(9), 17(19), 13(27)]
9. Matsui Rena [↑ / 22(10), 17(11), 13(29)]
10. Takajo Aki [↑ / 22(12), 17(13), 13(23)]
11. Miyazawa Sae [- / 22(11), 17(9), 13(14)]
12. Matsui Jurina [↑ / 22(14), 17(10), 13(19)]
13. Yokoyama Yui [↑ / 22(19)]
14. Kitahara Rie [↓ / 22(13), 17(16), 13(13)]
15. Minegishi Minami [- / 22(15), 17(14), 13(16)]
16. Yamamoto Sayaka [↑ / 22(28)]
Bumped Out of Senbatsu: Kasai Tomomi, Sato Amina, and Akimoto Sayaka

The predictable result would be Oshima Yuko returning to center. However, just to be crazy (and if it turns out I'm right it'll be so much more awesome) I am guessing that Takahashi Minami will steal it from Oshima. Takahashi Minami is a frequent MC or guest on TV programs. She also got a pretty big push in GIVE ME FIVE. But my main reason is that I think Acchan fans will move over to Takahashi. Plus, everyone likes a challenge. It will be either they mostly move to one girl or spread out among various members.

We might see a lower count for the top members because there are more spots in the overall ranking. I also suspect members who are on the lower end of senbatsu might have a better turn out in hopes that they don't get pushed out. For example, I predicted regular senbatsu member Kasai Tomomi won't make it to senbatsu this year. Her fans and ones of Minegishi Minami might come out in force this year for them to retain their position.

I have a feeling that Takajo Aki and Yokoyama Yui will rise in the ranking due to increased exposure. For that matter, if you are a member of a sub-group you have a better shot when it comes to elections. The reason why I believe Takajo Aki in particular has a good shot is because the smaller-cast version of Naruhodo High School includes her. Therefore, she is likely to be popular in Japan.

Onto Matsui Jurina (SKE48) and Yamamoto Sayaka (NMB48). Due to the increased popularity and appearances of NMB48 and SKE48 they are likely to have more votes from the casual fan demographic. I also think fans of Matsui Jurina will want to show her how much they appreciate her dedication considering her illnesses and her decrease in rank in the previous election.

Finally there is Itano Tomomi. I am going to test a theory this year. It is that Itano Tomomi has on and off years in the senbatsu elections. I think people assume she is guaranteed a high rank, but then she doesn't. Because of that, her fans try harder the following year. They then make the assumption she will hold that spot.

It is also going to be the year of combating goddesses. The fans of Shinoda Mariko and Watanabe Mayu both view their oshi as an empress. Shinoda is active outside of AKB48, but then Watanabe has her solo debut. Then there is Sato Amina. She never makes it into senbatsu these days, except during elections. Will her fans work harder to attain her a senbatsu spot? So, we'll see.

Mina's AKB48 Ranking

There are some new rankers on the internet, so I decided to do a ranking.  This time without Maeda Atsuko.  Someone should really make a Hello! Project ranker.  There were a lot of KKS included, which mostly ended up at the bottom so I just have the top tier included.  Plus, the embedded code is having issues when I preview it.  This particular ranker puts members up against each other one by one, so some I kind of want to change.  That is another reason why I didn't show the ones 25 and over.  In this case I am tempted to move Moeno to #14.  

AKB48 @ Saitama Super Area [First Day] Review

I was super happy to see shuffle units return to the concert playlists!  Seibu Dome Concert was seriously lacking one of my favorite things about concerts.  Hey, if you aren't there in person it is nice for them to mix it up.  Single sections are starting to bug me because it is pretty much the same songs, every concert, in the same order.  Personally, I think they should mix them throughout the entire concert.  This time around it was better than some of their pervious concerts.  


Opening Set:

GIVE ME FIVE!
(Pained expression) Um. . . I appreciate that they took the extra time to learn new instruments and play them live during concerts.  They could of just used them in the music video and did their usual deal live, but they didn't.  They also performed live at concerts, but it is really off.  They clearly haven't practiced enough, which isn't surprising considering how busy some of the girls are.  It still doesn't excuse the fact that at least some members are messing up.  I'm not musically inclined, so my guess is the brass section and maybe one of the guitars or bass.  The staff weren't smart about staging, by setting up the large instruments like the drums on a moveable stage.  Seriously guys, practice or don't do it.  

First Rabbit
Ok, when they first stood up did anyone see how unamused Tomochin was at doing the bunny-ears?  It was funny.  I haven't mentioned the costumes yet.  I think they are wonderful for event such as these because they are quite flashy.  It helps them stand out.  It also is playful enough to go from a rock-look to this idoly song.  The song itself is generic idol, but I like it.  I don't think it is catchy, but it does one of my favorite things: have development like a climax or change in pace.  [OMG! the video quality is horrible for making my own screenshots.  I wonder if there are ones I can find on the internet. . .]  

Shoujotachi yo
This song has really grown on me.  I'm amazed at how many generic idol songs they can get me to like.  The performance is strong, but it isn't like the dancing is difficult.  


Everyday, Kachuusha
Yeah, using the space.  WOW, the floor lights up and has different designs.  That is neat.  

Team Section:
Shonichi (Team A)

Oh goodie, there are more new concert costumes.  I adore this song and all, but why is Team A performing this song?  The whole narrative is on Team B working hard to shine as much as the other teams.  If any team should perform it should be Team 4.  Plus, it doesn't fit their image.  They should of performed Pioneer.  I do adore these costumes and accessories. 


Only Today (Team A)
Now we are back to a Team A style song, but the most done one.  Don't get me wrong, I love it.  Only, there is other great Team A songs out there.  The girls are good at playing with the camera, and are on point.  Takamina's hair is perfect at this length and style.

Bacchikoi K (Team K+ Omori Miyu)
WHAT?  0.0 . . . Is Team K performing a cute Team B song?  It is good, and it works considering there is an issue of names.  The costumes perfectly match Team K's image.  So, is that sassy little butt-shake.  Do they do a Team theme day during the other concerts?


Korogaru Ishi ni Nare (Team K+ Omori Miyu)
Al-rightly then, I guess they are just messing with me today.  Ucchi looks gorgeous with long hair.  


AKB Sanjou (Team B+ Izuta Rina)
The stylists are really on point considering how many variations and set of costumes they need to make.  I've been wondering how Team B's position as the fresh, young team is since the creation of Team 4.  I'm sorry I don't have much to say.  It is not like we haven't seen these performed in concert.


Team B Oshi (Team B+ Izuta Rina)
Team A should of had a name song since the other teams did one.  Amina looks fetching as always.  Nice Y-balance.  I miss Myao's butt-push.  Did Myao dye her hair back?  No, maybe not. . . it is hard to tell with the dark lighting.  If you watch closely enough you can catch them messing with each other.  Mariya can kick her legs up pretty high.  Team B's new members are really developing; too bad they get passed over for Team 4 members.  

Hashire Penguin (Team 4)
I prefer concerts where I see songs I don't tend to see performed.  This adorable, and the penguin outfits are flattering.  I kind of want one.  I thing the floor design is fitting.  Good thing this wasn't Mariko's song because it would of been odd.  It is not as catchy as the song they compared it to.  Pretty standard idol song and performance.  Looks like Paruru is being pushed.  I guess I can see her as a mini-Maeda.  

Junjou U-19 (NMB48)
On the note of Milky's transfer, I was disappointed to discover it was to humble her.  No one likes a betch.  I hope she can get over it.  NMB's dancing is pretty strong.  

Kataomoi Finally (SKE48+ Yakata Miki)
Here is a song with good choreography.  The girls are on point.  I notice that some girls don't perform as well during concerts, but there are some strong glances being thrown around.  Good job.


Sub-Groups, Soloists, and Shuffle Units:

Lost the way (DiVA)DiVA is an amazing sub-group.  I wish that it continues even after they graduate, or AKB disbands.  Lovely.  [That thing they do afterwards. . . meh.  Not my scene.]

Nagisa no Cherry (Shimazaki Haruka, Oshima Ryouka, Shinozaki Ayana, Takashima Yurina)
They are selling Paruru as mini-Maeda.  She is one of my favorites from Team 4.  This song doesn't really demand anything besides being idol-like.    

Mujineki (Iwasa Misaki)
She looks lovely in that kimono.  Idols are the only reason why I like enka.  I just think of it as a ballad.  She is probably the strongest vocalist in AKB, but she tends to sing with an enka style.  

End Roll (Kashiwagi Yuki, Shimada Haruka, Nito Moeno, Yamauchi Suzuran)
This isn't Kashiwagi's style, but she looks good.  She has been performing well today.  I think there are members who would of danced better than her.  Has Tomochin done this shuffle before?  I can't remember.  The girls representing Team 4 are on point.  Of course Moeno is awesome, isn't she always?  




Yokaze no Shiwaza (Kojima Haruna)
Haruna is a wonderful singer, but she isn't my favorite idol in the world.  Plus, this song is kind of bland.  It either needs to be sung by someone with a unique voice/ performing or by one of your favorites.  

Junjou Shugi (Takahashi Minami, Kasai Tomomi, Matsui Rena)
YES!  This is an amazing song, and the unit is spectacular.  They all fit perfectly into their lines.  I like those shoes.

Kuchi Utsushi no Chocolate (Shinoda Mariko, Takajo Aki, Minegishi Minami)
I like this combination as well.  I don't care for Shinoda in shuffle units because her I don't love her voice.  Minegishi is working it.  I like how Takajo has been styling her hair as of late.  

Naminori Kakigoori (Not Yet)
What are those outfits?  I can't get over those.  


Dear J (Itano Tomomi)
Tomochin is the Shibuya idol to Kyary's Harajuku.  I love watching her perform.  


Flower (Maeda Atsuko)
Uh oh, her voice isn't on point.  Okay she got better during the verses.  Never mind, she has done better.  Poor thing.  I'll just write this off as lack of rest or stress from the upcoming announcement.      

Shonen yo Uso wo Tsuke (Watarirouka Hashiritai 7+ Urano Kazumi)
This is adoreable.  I love this performance and song.  I didn't think CINDY would fit in this well.  Personally, I wouldn't mind her staying around longer.  Those outfits are pretty too.  I like the choreography because it suits the song.

Singles Sections:

Heavy Rotation (JKT48)
Opps by organization, they came on a bit late.  A lot are a bit over-the-top with their facial expressions.  This type of performance is something I expect from new idol groups, which is why I adore NMB48.  I do like that they are lower pitched than the Japanese idol groups.


Namida Surprise (HKT48)
They also seem to be rough around the edges.  I also don't think this is the ideal song for them to perform.  I seriously don't know why they perform this song if there isn't a birthday.  The center is quite adorable.  

Seishun no Lap Time (NMB48)
Those costumes are great, they even have leopard print.  This song reminds me of the Undergirls, but not as catchy as most of their songs tend to be. 

1!2!3!4! Yoroshiku! (SKE48)
Matsui Jurina has grown on me since she cut her hair.  She doesn't make as many of those scary smile faces.  There are times when some of the girls are sloppy, but overall they were good.

Makeoshimi Congratulation (SDN48)
I'm sad that this is their final song.  I don't like it.  The whole appeal of SDN is that they're not the usual idol group.  They could of done a ballad with awesome vocals, or a charming song about a girls night drinking, karaoke, or clubbing.  It is bland, and not catchy.  The performance was good, but not selling this song.  They also should of moved this song to the previous section when SKE and NMB performed their new singles.    

Kodoku na Runner (SDN48)
Maybe it is the low quality of the video, but I've seen better from them.  No, some of the girls don't seem as in to it.  Okay, they improved after the dance section.    

Oogoe Diamond (10th~12th gen Kenkyuusei)
I like the idea of having the trainees perform the old singles.  I still would like to see older ones like their 4th single.  I understand why Akimoto wants to form Team 8; they do have some talent built up.  Did I mention I like the floor displays.  The only thing, is that if you are higher up it likely distracts your vision of the performance.  

Beginner
Now onto my favorite recent AKB single, that was short.  The laser lights are pretty badass.  


Kaze wa Fuiteiru
I do like those costumes, they don't look like they are just there for a quick costume change.  They fit the song.  Okay, I might like this song more than Beginner.  Very nice performance ladies.

RIVER (13th gen Kenkyuusei)
Here are the runts of the litter, including the new pushed girl.  They shouldn't be performing in a major way yet.  They should be doing back up still.  There are definitely a couple of girls trying hard, but the majority aren't as good in the dance department.  They should of done an idoly song.  

Iiwake Maybe
These are lovely costumes, plus the non-regular senbatsu members get their own and not some stage look-a-like.  This song never gets old.  


Flying Get
I've noticed some goofing around, but not as much as I would hope.  Half of the fun of concerts is seeing live fan-service/ seeing the girls enjoying themselves.  

Ponytail to Shushu
I perticularly enjoyed this one because of all the little moments, like awkward Sasshi face and Amina smiling like crazy.    


Hikoukigumo (ALL)

I'm glad that this is back to one of the ending songs.    


Dareka no tame ni (ALL)Are they all singing live?  I get choked up at the part when the audience joins in.

ENCORE:

Gugutasu no Sora (Google+ Senbatsu)
This is pretty good song.  I love the styling and variety in members.  They are really pushing Google+ and AKB48.



Aitakatta (ALL)
I like the encores where all the girls are in just a simple T-shirt and jeans.  


Anata ga Ite Kureta Kara (AKB48)
This is a sad farewell.  They should of done the final song for SDN48's stage; it is such a beautiful ballad.  Crap, I'm going to cry.  

Heavy Rotation

Acchan is Graduating & Other AKB News (Oshima Yuko Scandal)

All AKB48 fans learn at some point that three day concerts mean big developments in their fandom.  What I have learned now is that I should really follow Akimoto's Google+ page.  I held out writing about some of them as they came to light because I suspected more to come.  I'll split them up into sections so they are easier to find in case you want to save time. 

   

Acchan Is Graduating:

On the final day of the Gyoumu Renraku. Tanomu zo, Katayama-buchou! concert at Saitama Super Arena, Maeda Atsuko, first generation member of AKB48, said she will be graduating.  The details, including the when it will take place, have yet to be decided.  This announcement has initiated a lot of discussions due to her position as the 'face' of the most popular Japanese Pop group.  Fans believe the ceremony will take place at Tokyo Dome.  Maeda, as of late, has been taking more acting jobs.  She along with other members have been overworked, with incidences of collapsing or other illnesses. The following is taken from Melos No Michi's post on her graduation:   

Maeda Atsuko said, "I am a first-generation member and have been here since I was 14. This was my life. It was a big decision. And I will make a second important decision. I am going to graduate.I have caused some troubles because of my mood swings, but thanks for everyone's help, I am here today. To perform in Tokyo Dome was a dream since I was 14.Now this dream has come true, at 20 years of age, I have to work hard towards my next dream.I have worked hard for the past 6-1/2 years. I have to move onto my next dream at the age of 20. I am anxious and worried because I don't know what will happen. But for the kouhai, I have to take the first step towards this. No details have been decided."

Akimoto Yasushi, on Google+, stated, "I am just at a loss for words. I didn't expect Acchan to graduate yet. She's only 20, and still has a lot of future for her in AKB48. I was expecting one of the older members like Mariko to graduate first because of her age, but definitely not Acchan. I guess it is inevitable, graduation is part and parcel of idol groups. But AKB48 will be very different without Acchan. She might not be my oshi, but she is among the people I respect the most in my life."

My reaction:
I'm not that surprised.  I've been considering how they will handle this situation for a while now.  However, I expected a lavish graduation ceremony where Acchan left with Shinoda Mariko, Oshima Yuko, and possibly Kojima Haruna.  I guess it is better to spread out the senbatsu members' graduations.  Keep in mind that a fair number of the popular members are 20-years-old or over.  My question is if she will continue her solo career or just stick to acting.  One problem is the recent accusation by Johnny's (JE) that she hurts their idols' ratings.   A significant number of popular dramas include JE idols, so if they do blacklist her she'll have difficulty getting major roles.  If that happens, I think she should hone her craft by doing edgier films.  It would also help her distance herself from her idol image.  I will make a graduation post with a playlist later.

AKB48 Will Perform At Tokyo Dome, For The First Time:
During the first concert at Saitama Super Arena, a video of Takahashi Minami was played with a countdown from 1,830M.  That number signifies the distance, in meters, from the Akihabara theatre to Tokyo Dome.  It was on of AKB48's original goals to perform at the famous Tokyo Dome.  While there is no official date, fans suspect it will be part of Maeda Atsuko's graduation.

Matsui Jurina(SKE) and Watanabe Miyuki(NMB) Will Join AKB48, Temporarily:
Matsui Jurina was surprised [clip includes previews for AKB's next single] when it was announced that on top of her current duties for SKE48, she will perform for a limited time with Team K.  Watanabe Miyuki, a front girl for NMB48, will be added to Team B as well.  Fans are concerned about Juritan's health because she seemed overwhelmed.  After a recent incident she received a three day break to recover.  Team K's Captain, Akimoto Sayaka, expressed on Google+ that they are excited to have her, but concerned about her well-being.  My guess is that, similar to CINDY joining WH7, they will be holding vacant spots left by the firing of two members after a scandal.  However, CINDY's work load is significantly less than the other two.  Now that I think about it, they could of temporarily filled the spots with SDN48 members, like Nonti or Meetan for Team K.  


Formation of Team 8 & Other Promotions Announced for Teams and Agencies:
Producer, Akimoto Yasushi, posted on Google+ that he will form Team 8, which will be the 5th Team.  Therefore, for those not keeping track, there is now a team for every character (A-K-B-4-8).  It seems he has yet to decide who will be promoted, but his reasoning was there were "many people concerned about the Research Students who didn't get promoted" (Tokyohive).  This was spurred by the announcement on the second night of the Saitama Super Arena Concert that five Research Students will be promoted to Team 4.  So now, Team 4 is full with 16 members.  Here are the following promotions:
    
New Team 4 Members:
Yuka Tano 
Karen Iwata
Rena Kato 
Juri Takahashi 
Rina Kawaei
　 　 
Agency Promotions:
Iriyama Anna & Yokoyama Yui - Ohta Pro
Yamauchi Suzuran - Hori Pro
Ichikawa Miori - Production Ogi
Nakamata Shiori & Yagami Kumi - Watanabe Pro
Oba Mina & Abe Marina - Japan Music Entertainment
Shimazaki Haruka - Big Apple
Shimada Haruka - office48
Nagao Mariya - Irving
Nakamura Mariko - Shinei Production
Takeuchi Miyu - Oh Enterprise
Matsui Rena - Grick
Takayanagi Akane - Avex Entertainment

AKB48's 26th Single & 27th Single Senbatsu Election Announcement: 
The upcoming single will be titled: Manatsu No Sound Good!.  It will be released on May 23rd and will have a 36 member senbatsu.  The previous single from this time last year was Everyday, Kachuusha, which had a large senbatsu of 26 members and followed the theme of hair accessories and swimsuits.  Members who participated in that single, who weren't frequent members of senbatsu, were passed over in favor of Team 4.  Voting ballots will be included with this single.  Here are the participating members for the A-side:
   
Team A: Maeda Atsuko, Sashihara Rino, Kojima Haruna, Kuramochi Asuka, Shinoda Mariko, Takajo Aki, & Takahashi Minami.
Team K: Oshima Yuko, Itano Tomomi, Miyazawa Sae, Yokoyama Yui, and Minegishi Minami.
Team B: Kashiwagi Yuki, Watanabe Mayu, Kitahara Rie, and Kasai Tomomi.
Team 4: Shimada Haruka, Ishikawa Miori, Iriyama Anna, Takeuchi Miyu, Abe Maria, Yamauchi Suzuran, Shimazaki Haruka, Iwata Karen, Kato Rena, Takahashi Juri, & Kawaei Rina.
SKE48: Matsui Rena, Matsui Jurina, Takayanagi Akane, Kimoto Kanon, and Kizaki Yuria.
NMB48: Yamamoto Sayaka, Watanabe Miyuki, & Jo Erika.
HKT48: Kodama Haruka
  
The 4th annual Senbatsu Election, for the 27th single, will take place at the Nippon Budokan on June 6th.  Due to the increasing number of idols who are in the running management has increased the number of spots available.  The top rank of senbatsu will go to those who rank from one to sixteen.  The following ranks are from 17 to 32, 33 to 48, and 49 t0 64.  Now that there are 64 spots available it will be even more emotionally taxing if a member of AKB48 doesn't rank.  This should also encourage fans, who voted for likely senbatsu members in the hope to increase or hold their rank, to vote for members of a lower or unknown rank.  It is unknown if Acchan will participate in the upcoming election.  Although, it will be even more difficult for members to get into senbatsu this year because there is only 16 spots.  

Another Oshima Yuko Scandal:
The media in Japan has been in a flutter since March 12th, due to the star-studded  marriage announcement of actor/ director Oguri Shun and actress/ model Yamada Yu.  They officially registered two days later, the anniversary when they started dating four years ago.  They were planning on getting married in July of last year, but it was postponed due to the earthquake and tsunami.  Oguri Shun has a history of cheating, but according to Yamada Yu's friends she is willing to look past it.  
   

Here is where Oshima Yuko comes into the equation.  A rumor has recently surfaced that Shun "was allegedly caught frantically hitting on [Oshima Yuko] in the waiting period for his marriage" (Source: omoxi).  Shun might of asked an actor friend (referred to as 'T'), who had previously worked with Oshima, to set up a get together.  Supposedly, the get together took place and that there was a "good atmosphere."  Shun has a reputation, but it won't help Oshima's if she is portrayed as a home-wrecker.  It will be funny if another scandal comes out about her dating someone else, maybe she will get a Nino-like reputation.  (Nino of Arashi has a reputation of being a "sexual powerhouse.")      

AKB48's Anime Preview Released:
The premise of the anime is that in the future idols are banned.  There is an illegal idol group called AKB0048, who take up the spirit of AKB48.  The girls are labeled as terrorists and are attacked.  They fight back and defend their stage and fans.  The 77th generation Research Students are played by idols, and the legendary AKB48 members are played by voice actresses: 
  Maeda Atsuko – Sawashiro Miyuki 
Oshima Yuko – Kanda Akemi 
Kashiwagi Yuki – Horie Yui 
Watanabe Mayu – Tamura Yukari 
Kojima Haruna – Noto Mamiko 
Takahashi Minami – Shiraishi Ryoko 
Itano Tomomi – Ueda Kana 
Miyazawa Sae – Nakahara Mai 
Akimoto Sayaka – Kawasumi Ayako