K-Pop Fans, We Need to Talk.

You've become notorious for being cruel, shallow, and just plain horrible people.  I myself am a K-Pop fan, and a fair share of my friends (in the real world) are as well.  I've had it with this inexcusable behavior.  This is the reason why I prefer to call myself a fan of J-Pop over K-Pop.  You guys can really suck.  STOP IT!  This frustrated rant is brought to you by the fugly (at least on the inside. . . where it counts) T-ara fans.  [Summary: three members of Berryz Koubou as part of a SCRIPTED variety show (the host was there too) crashed a T-ara event.  They do the usual comedy-thing, but fans started yelling "Die!" + "You're not cute at all" and even calls about not ignoring them. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]  Stop being trolls who aren't actual trolls but just a bunch of sour grapes.  I don't want to be your friend and you are scaring away other fans.  Do you think I have any interest in learning more about T-ara now?  No!  I'm planning on never purchasing any music from T-ara again.  I don't want to deal with this sh*t.  I'm boycotting T-ara.  One of the reasons Hello Project started to die for me was because fans were being butt-heart that they aren't relevant anymore.  

I was pondering doing a 'State of the Project' post.  (Like the title I came up with?)  But I decided against it because I don't think I was going to bring up any new opinions, except my surprise in Berryz.  

I still find the music so-so.  However, I was surprised by how captivated I was by their performance.  They have a wonderful variety in personalities and looks.  I reminded me a bit of old Morning Musume.  I still don't think they'll make it because of the music and management.  While watching this performance I was struck with the thought that Miyabi has never been this beautiful.  Risako is still her sassy sex bomb self.  Momo has taken up Michishige's character (which is throughly entertaining).  All the other members bring their own elements into the mix.  If only I enjoyed the music, because I don't have the money to buy music I dislike.  I still love C-ute, by the way.  Morning Musume is like a foreign entity to me because I don't know 10th gen at all.  They should release more music or something so I can be more familiar.  If I find the latest concert to download I might do a review.  


The only K-Pop group where I follow their personalities, at least for girls, is Brown Eyed Girls.  The rest still seem to barbie for my taste.  I'm sorry they are all tall and too skinny [same reason why I've dumped MomoClo Z].


On the topic of not being cute.  Some male wota, whose dick doesn't seem to work right, threw a hissy fit about Amina's weight.  Well in this performance I thought she was much sexier than the two thin idols next to her.  





Here is Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's upcoming single:

The chorus sounds too repetitive, but we'll see.  She does a wonderful job with selling it.


Here is the preview for Tomochin's upcoming single:

I tend to like all of her songs, even the digital and B-sides.  So I like it but nothing too exciting.  She has proven that she can do a variety, based on how many she has released already, but it would be nice if she surprised me.  Akimoto should try something with dubstep.


Here is the full PV for Arashi's upcoming single:

Arashi is fine with low budget because they are great performers.  They are probably the funnest group to watch.  However, their singles have been sub-par in comparison to their 2010 hits.  2010 was the year I got into them, so I guess my expectations are too high.  Their latest album was good, but the one before it was better.  I just want to see more amazing singles like Troublemaker and Monster

Mina's Favorite JE & K-Pop Male Hotties

This is going to be a little of both of my previous posts of this genre, if I can call it that.  [AKB48 BFF/ Girlfriends and then Attractive K-Pop Women]  I faced a similar problem with my K-Pop post because I wasn't familiar enough with their personalities to determine if we would match.  I don't want to rank girls based purely on looks so I just gave my top two.  I'm going to do the same thing for everyone else except Arashi.  This is partly due to the fact that if I am familiar with a member or two I probably don't know anything about the rest of the group, or that I don't think we would get along.  Now with Arashi I will rank them by who I would want for a husband versus being a boyfriend/ friend with benefit.

~Bring On The Storm~

Hubbies:
1. Sho

2. Aiba

3. Leader 

4. MatsuJun 

5. Nino

Boy Toys:
1. MatsuJun
2. Nino
3. Sho
4. Aiba
5. Leader

Sho

He probably has one of the best bodies in the group.  He is adorable and I really like people who can make me laugh.  I also appreciate the fact that he is smart and pays attention to current events.  I like to read the newspaper myself.  He seems dependable.  The one reason why he isn't higher on the boy toy section is because my friends and I think he would be a little vanilla in the sack.

MatsuJun

He has that edgy bad boy side of him, but he also is kind of a spazz.  He makes some of the most ridiculous faces, and I think they are so much worse coming from him.  I watched a hilarious clip of him taking care of a child, he looked a bit angry.  It was cute.  I think he is likely good in bed.    

Aiba

He is the dumb blonde of the group.  He loves animals, as do I.  Plus, him speaking English is the most beautiful thing in the world.  He is a positive person and makes me laugh so it would be great to have him around.  

Nino

Here is the sex addict himself.  There has been quite a few stories of him and booty calls.  His image is of a sensitive, but a bit harsh guy.  I think he is the cutest, but his complaining would get on my nerves.

Leader

He seems the most family orientated out of the group.  He might be still living with his parents, I'm not sure.  He tells stories about playing Wii with his parents.  He is on the quite side, which would be the big problem because I don't want to be the person who talks.  I just think he would be a good dad.  

The Buffet - >

Hey! Say! Jump - Yamada Ryosuke

Runner Up: Chinen Yuri

Big Bang - TOP

Runner Up: Taeyang

Kanjani8 - Nishikido Ryo

Runner Up: Yu Yokoyama

U-Kiss - Kevin 

Runner Up: Soohyun

JYJ - Micky

Runner Up: Junsu

Super Junior - Yesung

Runner Up: Dong Hae

B1A4 - CNU

Runner Up: Sandeul

Mina's Mass PV Review

Perfume never fails to be perfect.  What is amazing about it is that it gradually provides the audience with new surprises.  The video itself develops into something that we weren't expecting.  We discover that they are dancing on a table covered in food.  Then a whole 'nother color palette is added.  I wouldn't change a thing.

☆☆☆☆☆

This probably reminds long-time fans of the games they used to play in their old crack shows (like Shukudai-kun).  I don't believe many non-Arashi fans enjoying this PV.  The overacting is adorable if you like them.  Why is it that Aiba is the only one who doesn't look good in his outfit?  It has the same gothic storybook feel that some of their past PVs had, like Monster.  I like the playfulness of it, but like French Kiss' PV, probably not going to watch it again.
☆☆☆


I bow down to whoever decided to develop Tokyo Girls' Style into something different than all those other idol groups.  It is the reason why I still follow them while I've gotten bored by groups like Momoclo.  This is pretty standard when it comes to idols, but the gothic scenes are gorgeous.  Their styling is perfect because they don't stray to far from being idols but they get some amazing edge.
☆☆☆☆


I don't like it.  They are trying to be funny, but then they look like they are still trying to be cute.  It makes me suspicious of them.  One reason I like idols is because they are relatable and I could be friends with them.  But I don't want to be friends with anyone in this group.  Before they had the right mix of idol and humor, but now they look like a joke,  The video is well done though.  
☆☆


Oh god, where is Rebecca Black?  Chad go away no one wants to touch you.  It looks like K-Pop was mixed with Dragon Ball Z and Douche guys.  There are a couple guys which are attractive, but seriously the styling on Chad!  Who thought that was attractive!  Did Lance Bass just decide to give his boy toys a video or something?
☆

This is a pretty strong video.  The vocal shot is beautiful and suits the mood of the PV.  I enjoyed how the storyline highlights the importance of friendship.  It wasn't memorizing though.  Their gimmick are the dramas attached to the song.  I'm just one for variety, but I do enjoy it in the end.  I wouldn't watch this again.  It would of been nice to see some sort of dance shot because this wasn't a ballad.  I would of also liked to see them goofing around more because their friendship is very sugar-coated, makes it a bit unrealistic.  For example, the karaoke scene was awkward.  

☆☆☆

I don't like the song, but this is what SDN48 should of done.  It is a ton of fun and makes you feel like you are partying with your friends.  SDN could of gathered a larger female audience instead of looking like more eye candy for men.
☆☆☆☆☆


I find that some of the scenes are beautiful.  I love the use of lanterns to play with lighting and as pops of color.  I don't understand the hair wigs.  What does this have to do with China!  I hate the fact that the girls look identical.  The song is also as annoying as the girls.  I like elements of the video but hate the girls and the music.
☆☆


I absolutely think this song sucks major BALLS!  Who thought releasing this song was a good idea?  I hate. . . I can't even continue watching it.  She isn't even professional when it comes to her own dance videos.  What you didn't practice?  WTF is it doing on YouTube then?
☆


This is an amazing ballad PV, well was, in the beginning.  I love the simplicity of the close ups and the background.  Then the 360 camera.  Woah, whole different song.  Unlike Super Junior's Mr. Simple the mix of different song types as well as the video transition works well.
☆☆☆☆☆


The first dance shot looks cool, but the song and the members are trying too hard to look cool.  Way too hard!
☆☆

Mina's Back with her Top Ten Idol Ranking

I'm baaccck!  Thanks to having a set deadline because of midterms I caught up with all my classes.  After also getting over the worst cold I've ever had, as far as I can recall, I'm doing much better.  Since I still have a lot on my plate I spend every school night and Sunday in the library.  However, I need study breaks and this works well.  Anyway I got some stuff for you guys.  I am ranking my top ten idols of all genres (K-Pop, J-Pop, men and women).  I'm also starting a weekly series: BAMF of the Week.  Ideally it will be based on recent events, but if I don't pick up anything I'll use some that I want to recognize.  I'm thinking Fridays.  I decided to do it because it will be an easy way to keep blogging and I love me some bad-asses.  They won't always fit the general definition, but idols who do something spectacular or boundry-pushing.  Safe is boring.

1. Mii-chan (AKB)
She isn't always the frontrunner within AKB48.  She also seemed to settle for the comedian role within the group.  I miss her cute, cool, frontgirl presence she had.  That is what I get from watching her variety.  Put her in a single, concert, any kind of musical performance and she shines like she used to.  She is beautiful dancer and singer.  I think she should put her hair up more often because at the General Election she looked like perfection.  At the moment I just want to see her as and idol.  I'm not ready for her to become a comedian/ variety talent just yet.

2. Nino (Arashi)
The lonely, sexual powerhouse, handsomely cute, acting lyricist is Arashi's Nino.  I half loved, half wasn't too impressed, compared to the one before it, with their album.  However, one of stand-outs was Nino's solo which was absolutely lovely.  He is gifted in so many ways.  While I was in Japan my first host had a TV and Nino was on every other commercial break.  I never got sick of it because he was refreshing.  He got Oscar buzz for his role in Letters from Iwo Jima.  He has written music for Arashi.  He has a reputation as sex craved.  Maybe it comes from him being lonely, which is how he identifies himself.  Not to mention his TV personality is hilarious, sassy little bitch.

3. Narsha (BEG)
I'm quite anti-plastic, but I have a amnesty policy to those who are upfront about it.  It lets us know that they are not a realistic image.  Narsha always looks amazing, which mainly focuses around hair.  I worship her solo singles and her singles with Brown Eyed Girls.  Have you seen her hit that high note in Sixth Sense?  Damn BEG, that is why I desperately wait for your resurfacing.  I've watched some clips of Narsha on YouTube and I enjoyed watching her effervescence.  Girl, you fierce.

4. Acchan (AKB)
I was tempted to put her as my number one, but I didn't.  I just gravitate to her.  She is relatable, introverted, hardworking, and awhhh desirable!  I want to meet her more than Mii-chan.  I don't know what I would do if she wasn't center; she would probably be forever my oshi.  I am a bit disappointed that her next single sounds like another singer-songwriter track.  I am one for variety, which is why AKB is my favorite artist.  Infinite, well it is called a hyperbole, variety.

5. Riida (Arashi)
Ranking the rest of Arashi after Nino was difficult to say the least.  I almost had them all at number five, but I beat myself down because ties are unacceptable (if you've looked at number seven well then that's better than a four way tie).  Ohno is a great dancer, a wonderful singer, and adorably entertaining.  He is definitely one of the more American-guy friendly member (her fishes).  MatsuJun and Nino are both dedicating to getting in his pants, lolz.  I adore his rawesome, spiky dragonball hair.  Just look at his facial expression.  

6. Sho (Arashi)
I think the picture says it all. . . ok not really, I'm not that shallow.  I find it amusing that he is the rapper of the group and he is the one with the prestigious education.  My parents want me to attend Keio while I'm abroad, but Nanzan has a better Japanese and homestay program.  He is a good dancer and singer.  Plus, he has a belly button piercing.  He always does these over-the-top reactions/ facial expressions.  He is unfortunate when it comes to animals, with the exceptions of small, cute ones.  He reads the newspaper often, which is an attractive trait in guys.  Hey I like 'em smart.  Then again, with that body I wouldn't mind if he was dumb.  I give idols who attend college tons of points.

7. MatsuJun and Aibaka (Arashi)

Come on!  Aiba is hysterical (best person to watch for Engrish).  Jun is amazing in dramas and has a nice butt.  They are the weakest singers within Arashi.  I've been talking too long so I'm running out of steam, plus I'm trying out The Vampire Diaries to see if I'll dig it.  I can't even describe it.  

8. Sayaka (NMB)
I was skeptical when she was pushed as NMB48's center.  However, once I watched her perform Bird I was impressed.  I enjoyed it more than Takamina's performances.  She had an aura around her in their first stage.  I've enjoyed the glimpses of her in AKB48's single PVs.  I hope to see more of her.

9. Ga-In (BEG)
Meet the dark and sexy Ga-In.  Watch Brown Eyed Girls version of Gee and you'll see it.  She is a great dancer, one of my weak spots, that and being a bad-ass.

10. Takamina (AKB)
Wow, I know.  All of a sudden she has just been spectacular.  Before she was more of a comedian in my eyes, but she has been a bit more fashionable (without losing her personality) and has experimented with her hairstyle.  She is one of the best singers in AKB48, and she isn't a bad dancer to boot.  She has a complete package which is why she makes so many solo TV appearances.  I respect her because of her terrific leadership.

AKB48 and Arashi's Album Review

Albums are big ticket items in Japan, so if you already bought a single included the rest of it should be worthwhile.  I wanted to get AKB48's but I already bought most of the singles included, so I am considering waiting for the next one and skipping singles.  I bought one of the singles included on Arashi's album.  Limited editions are hard to get on CDJapan, so I got regular edition and the packaging sucked.  I could of made it at home and there wasn't any bonus to sweeten it for me.  I guess I got spoiled by AKB48 and SKE48's add-ons.  Anyway, let's get to it.

AKB48 - ここにいたこと [We Were Here]
The artwork is fun, but I don't see how it relates to the title or the feel of the music.  Some of the members look great, but others not as much.  The DVD version has my favorite cover because it includes so many members.  I don't care for the school-girl cover with only three members.  For an AKB album I think it should at least try to fit media senbatsu.
♥♥♥

ここにいたこと (AKB48, SKE48, SDN48, and NMB48)
Interesting way to start things off.  It is a choir song, which was probably the easiest way to incorporate so many girls.  I was worried at first that this was going to be on the dull side, but with the multiple layers it has a nice pace.
♥♥♥♥



ヘビーローテーション {single}
This song grew on me a ton over the year.  This will forever be a favorite of mine, not just from their catalog.  I like how they placed this song after the first track to pick things up.
♥♥♥♥♥

ポニーテールとシュシュ {single}
This was an instant hit for me.  I adore the instrumental and it makes a fun summer song.  It seems like the album will be organized by sections.
♥♥♥♥♥

Beginner {single}
Since they sectioned the songs off I guess there wasn't much to help this, but it would of been nice to have a smoother transition to this hard-hitting track.
♥♥♥♥♥

チャンスの順番 {single}
This is my least favorite single included in this album.  I find that it is too generic.
♥♥♥

チームB推し (Team B) {stage}
If you didn't know anything about this song, you would be very confused why this is included but no equivalent from the other teams.  This was the highest voted group song from a stage in the Top 100.  I assume that is why it was included.  I absolutely adore this song.  It is tons of fun and I always want to sing along.
♥♥♥♥♥

High school days (Research Students)
I like the song, but I am on the fence on the chorus.
♥♥♥

イイカゲンのススメ (Katayama Haruka, Kojima Haruna, Shinoda Mariko, Akimoto Sayaka, Miyazawa Sae, and Matsui Rena)
I feel like this song switches the style.  It flows well though. This is my favorite unit song from this album.
♥♥♥♥♥

君と僕の関係 (Maeda Atsuko and Itano Tomomi)
This is a cute duet.  Now I know some people were upset about this, but since they both have solo careers they could graduate soon.  Besides they make a good combo.
♥♥♥♥

人魚のバカンス (Takajo Aki, Nito Moeno, Yokoyama Yui, Kasai Tomomi, Kitahara Rie, Sato Amina, and Masuda Yuka)
I think this song is great if you are reading a book, curled up in a blanket while it is snowing outside or tanning by the pool.  It is quite chill and relaxing.
♥♥♥♥

わがままコレクション (Ota Aika, Maeda Ami, Komori Mika, Sato Sumire, Watanbe Mayu, and Matsui Jurina)
Here comes the loli song!  The chorus gets a bit tired after a while because it isn't anything special.
♥♥♥♥

風の行方 (Kuramochi Asuka, Sashihara Rino, Takahashi Minami, Oshima Yuko, Minegishi Minami, and Kashiwagi Yuki)
Slow songs are usually boring for me unless they have something unique about it.  It is pretty, but I want to fall asleep to it.
♥♥♥

恋愛サーカス (Team B)
The verses are fun, but the chorus again is okay.
♥♥♥

僕にできること (Team K)
I'm disappointed.  All the team songs are very pop, and I was hoping for something to dance to.  This is more mature than Team B's song.  It reminds me of songs from previous Team K stages.
♥♥♥

Overtake (Team A)
♥♥♥♥

少女たちよ {DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 to be continued Theme}
It isn't anything expected from AKB48 senbatsu members.  It is a nice way to end the album.
♥♥♥♥♥

Average Score (rounded): ♥♥♥♥

嵐 (Arashi) - Beautiful World
The artwork is simple, and boring.  Their last album has much better look to it, even though I didn't love what everyone was wearing.  They did do better in that everyone is wearing the same thing.  It is them in white against a white background.  The background takes up more space than all members combined.  I do like the mixing of text.
♥♥

Rock this
Not off to the best start.  'Are we going to rock this?' I don't know yet, but I prefer you don't ask right away.  I really loved their last album, don't disappoint me.
♥♥

まだ見ぬ世界へ
This is a pretty solid Arashi song.  It isn't one of my favorites, but I dislike it either.
♥♥♥

Lφve Rainbow {single}
This is a great song and I just like to sway to it.
♥♥♥♥♥

always
It has a nice little bounce to it.  This is a reason why I look forward to their albums, more songs that you may like as much or more than their singles.  I am choreographing the dance in my head.  I always love where they vary the song so that it has something like a climax.
♥♥♥♥♥

Shake it !（Jun Matsumoto）
I am always curious why they place the songs in their order because they also mix in the solos.  I loved MatsuJun's last solo, but not so much live.  It is okay.  However, leave it up to the rap section for me to like the song more (fine I'll give it another heart).
♥♥♥♥

虹のカケラ～no rain, no rainbow～
It reminds me of songs from the 90's.  
♥♥♥♥♥

Dear Snow {single}
This is a good ballad.
♥♥♥♥

Hung up on（Satoshi Ohno）
I really like this dance song.
♥♥♥♥

Joy
This makes me think of S Club 7.  I like the ending sections better than the rest of the song.
♥♥♥

どこにでもある唄。（Kazunari Ninomiya）
This is lovely ballad.
♥♥♥♥♥

negai
Now this is great.  It is a slow song with a pretty quick tempo.  It is similar to songs that were on their last album.
♥♥♥♥♥

Lotus
I loved this song when I it was first released, but it has gradually worn off.  Now I still like it, but it is not on the same level as Monster or Troublemaker.
♥♥♥♥

「じゃなくて」(Masaki Aiba）
Aibaka gets a goofy song.  I love Aiba, but the song itself. . . meh.
♥♥♥

morning light
A house style song?  This would be fun to jump around to at a concert.
♥♥♥♥♥

To be free
Jeez, I only like their songs until we come towards the end.  They build up the song nicely.
♥♥♥♥

このままもっと (Sho Sakurai)
♥♥♥♥

果てない空 {single}
I wasn't impressed with this track as a single.
♥♥♥

遠くまで
The vocals are typical Arashi-style, but there is a disco elements in the instrumental and then they added an orchestra.  Another nice ending to an album.
♥♥♥♥

Average Score (rounded): ♥♥♥♥

Idols' Sex Appeal and Other Topics

AKB48 and Pictorials
One thing I was excited about when I came to Japan is that I would be able to purchase magazines that AKB48 appeared in.  Besides Itano Tomomi and Maeda Atsuko, most of those appearances are in clearly male-targeted media.  And for those girls who wish to see the photo spreads of their idols, purchasing a copy is not worth it.  Often in thick, guy manga books (way to thick for me to consider it a magazine) there will be a couple of pages and maybe a small interview column at the front.

However I got over the disappointment that they appear in men's magazines and not many female-orientated content.  I bet that is exactly why people think they don't have any female fans.  May I suggest a comparison?  Japan has a lot of boy bands too, which do you think has more of the same-gender fans?  Another thing that comforted me, is that the guys are also used for their fans' enjoyment (shirts with the nipple cut outs, cross dressing, tight pants, and other things). . .

'If We Aren't #1 on Oricon' Ultimatums
Two new idol groups have both used (or are currently using) this ploy to guarantee high CD sales.  This crosses the line for me between good marketing and abusing fans.  One reason why I still purchase the physical CDs (only Japanese though) is because they come with extras like with a DVD, a photo, and other things.  It makes paying the price worthwhile.   Besides, I want to support the artist.  Before I didn't think much would come of it.  However, NMB48's sales went up towards the end of the week and that rubbed me the wrong way.  I want my idols to deserve it, not pressure their obsessive fans to buy more.  Plus, it just provides anti-fans evidence that they aren't actually popular but their fans buy a ton of copies.  I was planning on grabbing a copy of NMB48's first single because the songs were pretty good and I was impressed by their first stage.  However, I am now on the fence by this cheap shot.  I know the girls don't have much power when it comes to these decisions.  It has also turned me against PASSPO.  I thought with their debut single release hitting number one that I should direct some attention to them.  But I think not.  It takes away the warm, happy feeling when they do succeed.  If they do hit number one again, it won't impress me.  I would actually be disappointed in their fans who are okay with being so obviously used by their management.

What Crosses the Sexy | Slutty Line?

I added this video to one of my PV posts and was wondering if anyone watched it.  And people accused AKB48 of being slutty in Heavy Rotation?  So what makes this video go too far (at least in my opinion)?  She is wearing more clothes than AKB48's Heavy Rotation and their swimsuit PVs.  However, like I've said before it is not the amount of skin showing, well not all the time.  (Dancing around nude or without covering up the main spots would cross the line.)  I wouldn't even consider the AKB48 PVs sexy, but fun and playful.  Well then what would I consider sexy that doesn't cross the line?

So what is the elements that cross the line?  I think factors that contribute is her 'sex faces' and skimpy clothing, but that is not the main issue.  The choreography is the problem.  In BEG's music video they had sexy dance movements but they were small sections combined with other good dancing.  Hyuna's non-sexualized choreography is her flaying about and hairography, using your hair to distract from poor dancing.  Sexy dancing is perfectly fine by me, you see a lot of it in BoA's music video.  However, Hyuna's is just vulgar.  She pushes her boobs together with her upper arms while shaking her butt.  She then does this move were she wipes her vagina, all you need is some toilet paper.  We have the chorus section which is just her shaking her butt at the camera and gyrating.  There are sections of her just standing in front of the camera doing 'oh look how sexy i am' face and other things during that (like the model collapse stomach pose).  She just looks like she is trying to hard.  I have nothing against being confident and sexy, but she is not doing it right.  Reminder, this is my opinion I am not saying Hyuna is a slut.  I'm saying that she is coming across, to me, in this video as slutty.

The Health Concern of Idols
We've heard about it when variety programs have tell-all specials with Morning Musume's OG.  There has been recent reports about AKB48 members becoming ill during fan events and concerts.  The top female idol group have it tough during their peak.  We probably don't know the true extent till it is all over.  (Morning Musume members talking about memory lost performing with a fever.)  So do we accept it as part of the industry trying to fill the demand, or should idols take breaks when they get sick to rest?  My concern is that being overworked will lead to bigger problems, or at least poor performance and more likely to become ill again.  Personally, I do appreciate them trying to fight through it.  However, when I heard about Acchan exerting herself to perform 'Flying Get' I wonder if I would be okay with her just sitting it out.  AKB48 is big enough that I bet they have substitutes prepared.  Mayu and Yui have filled in for Acchan while promoting singles.  I bet there is someone who knows her part.  I know it would disappoint fans during the concert, but they also care about their well-being.

What To Do About the Face of AKB48?
Maeda Atsuko, like I mentioned before, has a lot on her plate.  She wants to become an actress and she has started a successful solo career.  I think Akimoto should begin a shift, at least after the 24th janken single.  I know that is soon, but I'm thinking slow and gradual is better than all of a sudden.  The good news is that AKB48 is not as handicapped as Morning Musume is.  Acchan is only the face of AKB48 and AKB does not give too many solo lines to anyone member.  Takahashi Ai is basically the face and voice of Morning Musume, so Tsunku dug them in a bit of a whole.  Then again, Akimoto might have already started turning the wheels.  Remember Sasshi competing with Acchan in the blogosphere?  So who is best to move into the center.  We could move Oshima Yuko to the spot, at least as a transition.  Oshima Yuko is the second most popular and has proven that she can hold her own.  What Acchan has that Oshima lacks is a quiet, general appeal.  Oshima is a bit too goofy and loud to be the next center, plus she is closer to the age limit than Acchan.  Most of current senbatsu have their own character that is different than Acchan's.  Mayuyu is probably the best groomed to be Acchan's replacement.  She is younger, popular, and posses a broad appeal.  Besides, is it fitting to have an anime otaku as the center of a group with Akihabara in the name.  Then again, do we want to replace Acchan or should AKB48 take the opportunity to take their look in a different direction?  All I'm saying is the longer we wait the worse this might get because can you see Acchan's popularity decreasing?

Um. . . Why don't you like Me?

So as the giant 48 anything fan that I am, I applied for the foreigner seats almost two months ahead (May 4th for June 27th-28th).  It is the night before June 27th, no word.  When it was three/ four days until I leave for Tokyo I got concerned so I applied for tickets by means of girls/ junior high student seats.  Night before. . . also no word.  I'm starting to think I'm not going to see them while I'm in Tokyo.  I will probably go to Tokyo the day or two before my flight so it is not as much of a hassle traveling all the way from Ibaraki prefecture.  I'm going to poke around for Seibu Dome tickets (if I can find them I will see if they are good enough seats for the price).  The good news is that I'm a Japanese major, so going abroad for a year is part of the game plan.  That is why I'm not going to be depressed if I don't get tickets.  The only bad thing is their big concerts are in July, so I wonder if I will be there for that.  (Hey there is always the Top 100.)  I'll be in Tokyo for the first time (for only two days) so I will have plenty of things to do.  I was hoping to get tickets for Team B tomorrow because I like every song in that stage and then I can have all of Tuesday for Shibuya.  I should see what is fun to do in Shinagawa because I have to drop off my suitcase and check in later that same day.