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

Mina's Photobook Wishlist, Idols & Dubstep, Provocative Dancing, and the Masterminds Behind J-Idols

Hello ladies, I feel like I refer to readers to much as 'guys' not that I actually think the majority of followers are males but in the modern-sense guys can be used as gender neutral.  WOAH.  I'm sorry it seems I went off on a tangent sooner than expected.  I'm sorry.  [What do you ladies think of the font size?  I was thinking the old size was a bit too small and this is the next size up.]


Photobook Wishlist [The Part Where You All Discover I'm a Perv]:

The news of Acchan releasing another photobook got me super excited; I almost bought it immediately.  I'm planning on going to Japan next year so I've concluded it is best to wait and just go on a shopping splurge.  AKB48 fans have likely heard this news by now.  Acchan's PB sales tend to amazing.  I personally adore her previous releases.  On that topic, the photobooks that I currently own are the following: Myao's Shining Sky, Watarirouka Hashiritai's Akkanbe, both travel diary PBs from AKB48, the third volume of TomoCawaii, AKB48 x Bijo Saishu, Acchan, and ATSUKO.  So if you are keeping track I own two of her PBs.  One was taken in Hawaii, the other in New York City.  The concept for this release is her clumsy side, which is very true.  Plus, it was shot in Paris.  I enjoy PBs shot in different countries because you see them play around more than if they were just held up in a room.  Now moving onto my current wishlist.  [They are in no particular order.]

1. Maeda Atsuko (AKB) - Bukiyou
2. Maeda Atsuko (AKB) - Hai
3. Michishige Sayumi (Morning Musume) - La
4. Ishikawa Rika (Dream Morning Musume) - hanagocoro
5. AKB48 - AKB48 Twenty-Four Hours
6. Matsui Rena (SKE) - Kingyo
7. Asami Konno (ex Morning Musume member) - Alo-Hello!
8. Kojima Haruna (AKB) - Haruna Kojima
9. Oshima Yuko (AKB) - Yuko Oshima L.A.
10. Itano Tomomi (AKB) - TomoCawaii Vol. 2
11. Eri Kamei (ex Morning Musume) - 20
12. Fujimoto Miki (Dream Morning Musume) - Cheri
13. Abe Natsumi (Dream Morning Musume) - ecru [or whatever I love Nacchi] 


Idols and Dubstep:
There are people who love or hate dubstep, similar to the reaction received by to auto-tune.  I fell in love with dubstep thanks to the UK hit TV show Skins which is known for their music selection.  If you watch the sixth season which is currently airing you'll likely hear it.  If you have no idea what I'm talking about or what it sounds like, here is a link.  If you frequent YouTube, you've probably have noticed popular songs being remixed with dubstep.  It is basically good party/ club music.  Just like how not long after auto-tune went mainstream in the US that it went mainstream in Asia, dubstep has followed.  I've yet to see it gain the popularity it has in the United States, but that may be due to (at least in Japan) the clubscene is different when compared to the west.  


My interest in discussing this topic was due to the preview of Morning Musume's upcoming single which features auto-tuning and the use of dubstep.  Personally I've hated most instances of auto-tune by Morning Musume, and Hello Project in general.  It doesn't make Shige's voice sound better but pitchier.  It tends to ruin singles for me, like with Niigaki's lines in Only You.  I'm waiting till I see the PV for this song before laying final judgement on the use of dubstep.  At the moment it sounds a bit like they just added it in there to try to be cool.  The rest of the song sounds like their past singles.  It is only featured heavily in two segments: the beginning and presumedly in a dance section.  While other songs I've heard from the west integrate it more into the beat.   

Now K-Pop isn't excluded from the practice either.  However, I only recently noticed it.  There was one song in particular that it jumped out at me but I've forgotten which.  However, when I tried to figure out what it was I found out that it was used in Hyuna's Bubble Pop.  [face palm]  I've listened to that song so many times, why have I never noticed it!  So when I was listening to it I was like 'where is it?' because the most noticeable time is in the dance section.  [I was probably too distracted by the infamous butt-to-vagina wipe she does.]  A strong beat isn't uncommon for K-Pop, but if you notice they use a small dubstep part used as a beat in the verses.  I had to listen for it to notice.  I do like the approach because it is not too overpowering, so the song doesn't sound like a remix.  But that doesn't mean I wouldn't mind dubstep being more highlighted.  Songs like Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, and Ke$ha's Till the World Ends I think feature it well without making the only noticeable element.  [although that song is technically a remix.]  

Provocative Dancing:

I would like to focus on the example of the rookie K-Pop group ChoColat and their recent music video, One More Day, that has been getting some heat.  I want to start off with saying that I completely understand why people are upset.  The last thing I approve of is sexualization of children.  It is unhealthy.  I am in favor of banning child beauty pageants.  What the PV Guru Guru Curtain did I thought was distasteful which was sad because I did like relatively everything else.  


After stating that little disclaimer I now want to get into the fact that I don't mind the dancing in the MV.  The youngest members are basically freshmen in high school if that helps give you an idea of their age.  I don't know about you guys but this is nothing by my freshmen standards.  At mixers, dance parties held above a local bowling alley after home football games, it was basically a mass of grinding teens.  Does everybody here know what grinding is?  [I know that it was odd for my friends in Japan.]  It is basically a lap dance standing up, or the person in front bending over.  One of my favorite things at mixers was establishing a grinding train which is about four or more people in a line grinding against each other.  Now when watching it, it looks like sex with clothes on = dry humping.  However, I usually did this with friends and I never had the intention of sleeping with any of them.  Another story to give you perspective on my outlook is that I was dropping it like it's hot since 6th grade (first year of middle school = 11).  It is just the style of dancing that is popular.  Britney Spears was 16 when Baby Hit Me One More Time was released.  


So when I look at what they did I'm not too concerned.  If they were wearing something more risque then I would have a problem, but at the moment it only looks like the dancing is suggestive.  I think the moves people are most bothered by are ones relating to the chairs.  Personally, it makes sense if you think choreography.  I tend to be unimpressed by dancing with chairs, but they did a good job of it.  Then there is the camera shots, like of their butts.  I've tried to think of a better shot that would be better to highlight the move, but I don't have any better ideas.  Plus, it is not gratuitous shots.  So, nope.  I do not think this is inappropriate.  


[I've bashed Miley Cyrus because I think the situation is different.  If you are a Disney star then your music is targeted at young children.  Britney Spears had a break after the kids TV show before debuting as a solo artist.  You can't help who your fans are, but if part of your target audience is children you must take extra responsibility.  I don't care if you all of a sudden want to act your age.  You need to handle a careful transition, preferably a break period.]


The Masterminds Behind J-Idols:
This was spurred by my discovery that I'll likely never purchase a Johnny's good ever (well maybe with the exception of a concert ticket).  Why is that?  Because the man behind JE, Johnny Kitagawa, is a pedophile.  Now this especially pisses me off consider the strict code idols themselves follow.  It also disturbs me because the media tends to avoid the topic because he basically owns all the popular males stars in Japan.  This is disappointing because when I was considering doing a comparison of the three main idol-production groups I was planning on praising them.  JE has the most long-term success not only for the groups themselves but as a organization as a whole.  They've been successful for a while.  Plus, older units like SMAP and Arashi, who is heading into their 30s, are still standing strong.

Let's compare this to Hello Project.  Their production style, PV-wise, is similar.  You tend to see a lot of low budget, formulaic music videos.  However the main difference is the success topic.  I think everyone is aware that Hello Project has plateaued.  I thought they were coming back with S/mileage but they fizzled out due to bad management on Tsunku's part.  The whole member change element did it in for Morning Musume too.  At first it worked extremely well, but now the biggest factor is no one knows the current members.  The question is what will he do with Dream Morning Musume.  The group could become like SMAP or Arashi with longterm success, but only if he tries to do more than make money.  Both Johnny and Kitagawa, to me, seem only out there for the bottom line.  

I think the topic isn't 100% true when it comes to Akimoto Yasushi.  They've been employing amazing film directors to film their PVs.  He has also used controversial subject matter.  For example, a verse in Beginner isn't performed on TV because it criticizes parents.  They've had singles on sexuality, bullying, and SKE48 just released a PV featuring homosexual behavior.  SDN48's singles consistently were in the Top 3 of the Oricon charts, but he is disbanding them.  It isn't like he isn't making money off of them.  While he hasn't made long term success for a single group.  He has had multiple periods of success.  He formed Onyanko Club in 1985.  Onyanko Club debuted at #5, but the following single hit at #2.  They had six consecutive #1 singles.  If you wonder why AKB48 songs have strong sexual undertones it is likely due to Akimoto.  Onyanko Club was known for their playful, un-preachy, songs about taboo subjects.  I think Akimoto is more of an creative guy, but the record company and likely business-minded folk contribute to their marketing.  [Fun side note for Morning Musume fans.  While he was in high school he produced episodes of Utaban.] 

Watching this interview is very enlightening for a fan.  I've always tried to defend AKB48 talent-wise, so hearing the concept makes me appreciate AKB48 more.  I do think there are members who are talented, but there is variation.  I do agree that as a whole they could not compete against western artists.  This is where I see a difference between Tsunku and Akimoto's selection of talent.  

AKB48 - GIVE ME FIVE Audio + Info

I know I don't usually do these kind of things, so also don't expect this to become a common occurrence.  I just have more time on my hands since it is winter break.  Although, I shouldn't be because I have tons of paperwork to get done because I will be studying abroad next year.  (I'll be in Nagoya so I'm going to spend some quality time with SKE48.)  I also wanted to do this because I'm excited, as usual, for AKB48's upcoming single.  I think it is really catchy and I immediately liked it, which doesn't usually happen.  Plus, it was quite different than what people were expecting.  People are left guessing as to why.  Akimoto might be doing away with the pattern because it is too predictable.  He might be sick of writing slow graduation/ sakura singles.  Some fans have hypothesized that five members are graduating.  (The only problem with that theory is that they would likely announce it at a concert ahead of time in order to promote sales of those member's last single.)  We can tell from the tracklist that he is trying something new, which is thrilling (well for me at least so I guess it is working).

However, I'm not planning on grabbing a copy.  First of all I would need to wait until I heard some previews for the special girl units.  Special Girls A looks to be a cute song, reminiscent of past Undergirls tracks.  Special Girls B is a little more up in the air.  It could be cool, sexy, sporty, or maybe a ballad.  They have many of the stronger vocalists.  The title translates to The Shepherd's Travels.  My guess is a ballad.  Both look promising so I don't know which copy I would want.  Besides I'm on a budget being in college and all.  I tend to only make one seasonal purchase and that was SKE48's upcoming single.  (I would leave a link so you can indulge as well but the pre-orders are all sold out!  I am so happy I got one when I did.)  I'm hoping I can get enough points from people using my links this month.  If it does happen I might splurge.  Then again, there is a pretty looking photobook (besides Matsui Rena's) of AKB48 members wearing glasses.  I LOVE IDOLS IN GLASSES! (Why do you think Mii-chan is my oshi. . . okay that's not the reason but it is a plus.)  Or I could grab NMB48's upcoming single.

TYPE A
[CD]
1. GIVE ME FIVE! 
2. Sweet & Bitter (Selection 6) 
3. NEW SHIP (Special Girls A) 
[DVD]
1. GIVE ME FIVE! PV
2. Sweet & Bitter PV
3. NEW SHIP PV
4. GIVE ME FIVE! MAKING Part 1
5. Utsukushii MIX Kouza

TYPE B
[CD] 
1. GIVE ME FIVE! 
2. Sweet & Bitter (Selection 6) 
3. Hitsujikai no Tabi (Special Girls B)
 [DVD]

1. GIVE ME FIVE! PV 

2. Sweet & Bitter PV 

3. Hitsujikai no Tabi PV 
4. GIVE ME FIVE! MAKING Part 2 
5. Utsukushii overture & encore Kouza 


Member Lists:
[GIVE ME FIVE! - Senbatsu] 
Team A: Kojima Haruna / Sashihara Rino / Shinoda Mariko / Takajo Aki / Takahashi Minami / Maeda Atsuko 
Team K: Itano Tomomi / Oshima Yuko / Minegishi Minami / Miyazawa Sae / Yokoyama Yui 
Team B: Kasai Tomomi / Kashiwagi Yuki / Kitahara Rie / Watanabe Mayu 
SKE48: Matsui Jurina / Matsui Rena 
NMB48: Yamamoto Sayaka 


[Sweet & Bitter – Selection 6] 
Team A: Sashihara Rino / Shinoda Mariko / Takahashi Minami / Maeda Atsuko 
Team K: Itano Tomomi / Oshima Yuko 


[NEW SHIP – Special Girls A] 
Team B: Sato Sumire 
Team 4: Ichikawa Miori / Iriyama Anna / Shimazaki Haruka / Yamauchi Suzuran 
Research Students: Iwata Karen / Kato Rena / Kawaei Rina / Takahashi Juri / Tano Yuka 
SKE48: Kizaki Yuria / Matsui Jurina / Kimoto Kanon
NMB48: Watanabe Miyuki 
HKT48: Kodama Haruka 
JKT48: Melody Nurramdhani Laksani 


[Hitsujikai no Tabi – Special Girls B] 
Team A: Iwasa Misaki / Oota Aika / Katayama Haruka / Kuramochi Asuka / Kojima Haruna / Takajo Aki 
Team K: Akimoto Sayaka / Umeda Ayaka / Kikuchi Ayaka / Fujie Reina / Matsui Sakiko / Minegishi Minami / Miyazawa Sae / Yokoyama Yui 
Team B: Kasai Tomomi / Kashiwagi Yuki / Kitahara Rie / Sato Amina / Masuda Yuka / Watanabe Mayu 
Team 4: Shimada Haruka / Nagao Mariya 
SKE48: Matsui Rena / Takayanagi Akane

Why SDN48 'Failed'

No matter how much fans, myself included, complain about Akimoto, I think we all know he is brilliant.  So when I heard he was planning to disband SDN48 I was disappointed, but I trust his judgement.  He gave AKB48 an end date too, therefore I don't think it is only money on his mind.  I think he wants to have some quality; he does write all of their lyrics.  We can then look past the fact that they were doing fine sales-wise.  My guess is that he didn't see them going anywhere.  We can clearly see SKE and NMB's sales increasing.  However, I blame the not as stellar sales on the production of the group.  AKB48 is popular because it is liked by both men and women and from a variety of age groups.  AKB was a conversation starter for me when talking to Japanese people.  (When a maid was leading me to the cafe we talked about AKB48 and our oshi.)  It is obvious that this group is not targeted towards a female audience.  Let's take a look at their last single.  It is some women in sexy outfits surrounding some old guy like this is a hostess club.  I'm not going to buy that.  I don't care how much I like this group; this is by far the worst single they've put out.  The PV preview from AKBingo! disgusted me so much I didn't watch the whole thing.  Not even if Cindy was the center would I grab a copy.

I thought a more adult girl group was a wonderful concept.  For one it pushes the age boundary for women in the entertainment industry.  I did really enjoy all of their singles thus far.  (The B-sides were sometimes a bit much.)  I definitely liked their stage. They were, unfortunately, pushed as an adult (wink, wink) group.  They appeared in lingerie or naked a lot, which isn't wrong in itself it is how it is done.  Plus, don't do it that much.  Keep it classy because it is coming off a bit desperate.

All I wanted was a single of them just having fun and not being overtly sexual.  You can be sexy without being in my face about it.  Don't take it personally, Hyuna sucks balls at it.  You were funny and playful about it (the whole elbow thing was nice).  They could of done something like Perfume: them just walking about in fashionable attire.  They could of done an OL PV.  A pervert gives a little love tap on one of their butts at work, she punches him in the face, and they break out in song.  The girls can be funny, cute, or sexy. WHY!  I would of just upped and quit as soon as I heard the concept of this upcoming single.  These girls could of attracted a way hotter guy than that, besides why can't each of them have a harem of sexy male strippers?

Uh, WTF Akimoto?

So I feel bad because I haven't blogged in AGES, but I haven't had much to say.  Akimoto has been building up things I want to talk about.  This is not all bad, just surprises.  For those not familiar with Akimoto, he can be a bit of a troll.  He likes to surprise people.  For example, a single decided by rock-paper-scissors, fans voting for who will be in the next single, that the teams will be reshuffled and members will be transferred to SDN48, that eight new trainees would be promoted at the same time.  I am at the point now where if there is any big concert, I expect something unexpected.  But let's get on with the show!

Upcoming 21st Single!
First of all, I suggest you watch this video.  It is quite entertaining because you can hear the audience going WHAT THE FUUUUUUCK?!?  Surprise number one: there are 26 members included!!!!!  Surprise number 48ighaldkslgjnsal: there are quite a few long-time no see returners to senbatsu and some first timers too!  The ones that stand out the most to me is Yuka and Ayaka Kikuchi.  Ayaka used to be in senbatsu when Team B first started, but was fired when she had a boyfriend scandal.  This is her first time back in senbatsu since she went through the audition and training process.  Yuka is considered by many the best vocalist in AKB48; I don't completely agree because her live performances that I've seen weren't amazing.  I believe Sayaka is stronger.

The translation of the title is 'Everyday, Headband'.  People are thinking that they will keep the same formula that they had for 2010.  What will they do next year then?  What is left after scrunchies and headbands?  I've heard people don't care for the song Yankee Soul, which I can understand but I love it. I don't know why, I just like it more than their last two Majisuka Gakuen songs.

DiVA
Why are you holding auditions for a subgroup that hasn't even released their first single yet?  WTF?  I hope they are just back-up dancers like when DIVA was a coupling track group.

Majisuka Gakuen
Spoiler Alert, after the jump!
Why is there all of a sudden two identical Yukos who wear the same clothes.  Why did they just appear. What were they in storage and just decided to come out for the funeral?  Couldn't you at least have them behave differently or something.  I doubt that triplets are completely identical except for their DNA (identical, not fraternal).  Why is Mika talking?  She is suppose to be mute!  Anyway, I like it so far, even without the subtitles.  

Why MINT and DIVA May Never Debut

Since AKB48 released their 20th single, the second single to include the units DIVA and MINT, there has been some curiosity as to why Akimoto just doesn't make them actual sub-groups.  There has been a handful of sub-groups from AKB48 that've only released one single, but both MINT and DIVA have released two included with AKB's.  Both units have the basic requirement that most AKB units follow: at least one popular/ senbatsu member.  (Nobody knows if they will or not, but) I don't think they will.  So why don't they?

MINT (Maeda At, Katayama, Kasai, Nito, Matsui S)
They have Maeda Atsuko for a center; you could expect amazing sales from this sub-unit.  Plus MINT features the vocally talented Katayama, musically talented Matsui, popular Kasai, and semi-popular Nito.  There are a number of reasons why this unit couldn't debut on their own, besides the fact that Akimoto is producing music for so many groups as is.  I believe the major reason why they won't separate from AKB48 is because Acchan is center.  She is overworked as is, so adding that would just push her to her brink (if she isn't already at that point).  This unit does give the other girls some extra screen-time that they would get if they debut.  Besides Matsui is currently attending college and we don't want another member to graduate because she needs to focus on her studies more.

DIVA (Akimoto, Umeda, Masuda, Kuramochi)
None of these girls are senbatsu for most of their singles, but Akimoto Sayaka did make it into the general election so she counts.  DIVA is home to the super talented members who aren't featured in senbatsu.  DIVA is quite large, but if they were to debut they would be officially just have four members (even though within their two tracks more than those four provided vocals).  I know those who miss old Team K would love to see this group become official because the four main vocalists are all Team K members.  Out of these two units, DIVA is the more likely one to debut, and this would be the best time for them because of all the press anything AKB does gets.  But, I think this unit's purpose was to use the rest of AKB48's members who weren't being included in other part of the single (when MINT was being included).  I think Akimoto liked how it turned out and decided to pull out MINT and DIVA again.  The only weakness of this group is not one member is senbatsu, which means they are not as recognizable.  Maybe Akimoto is including them in singles to build up some interest in them.  Akimoto is a TV show regular and Masuda has done some outside work.  Kuramochi is already in a sub-group though.  What disappoints me about this unit is, not that Amina was left out during the second song, but that while featuring the strong singers they left out Iwasa Misaki (and Nacchi).

'Eight AKB48 Members Will Be Demoted' - Akimoto

It seems Akimoto, the troll that he is, has gained a new habit: demoting members that (in his opinion) aren't pulling their weight.  The man who started the trend of adding and graduating idols.  (If you didn't know, he was the producer of the popular, '80s, idol group Onyanko Club.)  He surprised fans in late 2010 by demoting members of SKE48 to make room for new members in Team KII (at the same time that he formed Team E).

Unlike their sister group (SKE), AKB48 received some cheerful news on their 5th Anniversary: eight trainees would be promoted to be full-fledged members of AKB48.  However, fans started to speculate (since the girls have yet to be added to teams) whether that meant graduations would be on the way.  Eight new members, means eight members graduating in order for AKB48 to stay at 48 members.  After the news, and the talk of graduations I made my own predictions.  But it seems that this is a whole different kind of beast.

Read the tweets from bottom to top (sorry). Via: akb48journal's twitter

So eight members will be demoted. . . which would likely lead to graduations.  I'm not surprised by the members who are demoted graduating.  It is kind of insulting, even though it sounds like Akimoto just wants to motivate them.  It is unlikely any of the senbatsu members will suffer a demotion.  However, Akimoto does like surprises so I wouldn't exclude Undergirls being demoted out of the realm of possibility.  I don't think he'll demote the members that were added during the shuffle. . . then again, after seeing them as official members he might of been disappointed.  I also think that members who have an agency to back-them up are less likely.  Here are a list of members that I can see because of either lack of popularity or little push from the producers:

Team A:
Chisato Nakata
Sayaka Nakaya (is getting outside work as a voice actress, so maybe not)
Natsumi Matsubara (has a role in AKB's mini drama, released a DVD)
Shizuka Oya (had a couple of episodes of Shukan dedicated to her)

Team K:
Miku Tanabe
Misato Nonaka (released a DVD recently)
Tomomi Nakatsuka (added during the shuffle, and was in the 19th single)
Reina Fujie

Team B:
Manami Oku (Akimoto has called her his secret weapon and has released a solo single)
Kana Kobayashi (included on the 19th single)
Mariya Suzuki (added during the shuffle)
Rina Chikano (won the AKBingo! competition)







If I had a gun to my head and I had to demote eight members: Kana (B), Rina (B), Mariya (B), Misato (K), Miku (K), Shizuka (A), Chisato (A), Natsumi (A).
Note: These include members that I like so don't take it personally if you are a fan because I am too.
Who do you think is going to be demoted?

Is 26 AKB48's Unlucky Number?

I recalled recently that during a SDN48 appearance (Show Battle) that they mentioned the number 26.  Is there a specific graduate age of AKB48?  I looked into it.  Cindy, Yukari, and Haruka were transferred before they reached the age of 26.  Noro Kayo and Megumi Ohori were both about the age of 26 when they were transferred, and they were the oldest members of AKB48.  So why do I bring this up?  It is not to discuss the whole issue of idol groups trying to stay young, but a certain someone is approaching the dreaded number.  The oldest member of AKB48 is currently: Shinoda Mariko.

Shinoda Mariko is 24, two years to go.  But, what about those who were transferred before they hit 26?  Could it be that they were moved to help SDN48's debut?  Shinoda is one of the most popular members of AKB48, so it would be hard to transfer her (even if you don't consider if she would be even willing to transfer).  Then if you think about it, both Yukari and Cindy were also senbatsu members.  If you are not concerned enough about Shinoda, Yukari and Haruka were born in the same year as Sayaka, Yuko, and other members of AKB48.  Akimoto has already stated that Yuko has years until she would need to graduate, but she is the most popular member right now.  Sayaka, on the other hand, has dropped in senbatsu and general position.  The producers have moved Sayaka to an Undergirls spot.  The teams were shuffled recently, so it is unlikely that there will be anymore transfers or graduates right now.  Just something to be concerned about for the future.

OJS48 Official (Grand)FATHER UNIT!!!

NO JOKE!
It is an all male group, produced by Akimoto, with their own theatre, with an average age of 61!  Here is where you can get more info and where I first heard the news.