Mina's Favorite Ex-Idol

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

Sankaku Summary and Review (Spoiler Alert)

I'll try not to give everything away, but to summarize it I obviously will talk about the plot and events of the film.  Maybe I will move the review above the jump and have the summary after so you can avoid reading.  To make it up to you I am going to include some pervy shots they included in the film.  Why I am reviewing this?  Besides the fact that it is a well made, interesting, and entertaining, Japanese film, it also stars then-current member of AKB48 Erena Ono.  This was her biggest film yet.  It was probably her turning point from being an idol to turning her complete attention to acting.  She graduated this year to go study acting in London.  Sankaku won Best Picture at the 20th TAMA Cinema Forum festival on Sunday, November 28th of this year.  Warning: I didn't watch this with English subtitles so I could only understand parts of the dialogue.  If you know where I can watch it with subs I would be very happy.

Review:
To be honest I mostly watch this film because of my warm feelings towards Erepyon.  While the film is well made, you must always remember that trailers tend to warp the film.  Momo is only a major force for the first 40 minutes of the film.  She does return to play a role towards the end, but only reveal the destruction the relationship (if you can call it that) has caused between Momo and Kayo, and Momo and Momose.  In fact, while the film seems light and sweet at the start the mood takes a complete 180.  Early on you can sense that something is disturbing, but it is just a feeling that can be written off as just the film being realistic and complex.  The fact that there wasn't subtitles and Erena Ono was no longer present really demotivated me to watch the film.  I decided that I can sit through the whole thing once I find the subtitles so I skipped around trying to find a place where I might want to begin watching.  I was unsettled by the bits and pieces that I saw.  It isn't explicit or graphic.  However the emotions and events didn't sit well with me.  I wasn't in the mood to watch a relationship break-up and two people have emotional break-downs.  Even when Momo made her second appearance the dramatic mood persisted.  It was nice though to see Erena Ono again, but I'll wait for the subs.  It is a good film, but the pure romance lasts only part of the film and the rest isn't a happy tale. 


Fan service (the summary of the pleasant section is after the jump):

Summary of Momo's Summer Break/ 1st Part of the Film:

We first meet the couple having drinks with Kayo's friend.  He is blunt, which seemed kind of rude and inconsiderate.  Kayo gets a phone call from her younger sister, who is 15, Momo.  Momo comes to stay with Kayo and her boyfriend Momose during her summer vacation. 

Fortunately, Momose isn't a complete loser.  He works as a sales associate at (I believe) a sporting goods store.

We then see Momo go out on a date with an older classmate.  However, it tells her that he already has a girlfriend.

Momo stands across the street from a cafe where her crush works part-time with his girlfriend, who looks and sounds just like Oshima Yuko.  She calls Momo a stalker (but Momo can't hear her) and Momo wanders off.  She pouts a while.

Momose and Momo start to hit things off when Momo admires Momose's pimped out car.  (I think she says that he reminds her of her older classmate.)  They go and have dinner where they talk.  Quick note: Momose is an ex-yankee.

Kayo isn't pleased about what happens.  Momose, like a typical guy, just says it is over (nothing they can do about it now) so she storms out.  Momo then complains that her hair smells like yaki niku.

Momo has an encounter with a pervert.  A man passes by her while she is riding her bike.  He then turns around and speeds past her so he can touch her chest and get away.

Kayo, sensing that their relationship isn't in a good place, buys herself and Momose clothes.  However, she buys Momose a sweatshirt that is too small and tries to suggest that it looks fine but Momose insists it isn't.  Momo does this adorable little move where she sneaks Kayo's dress.  Kayo gets upset and Momo storms into the bedroom.  Kayo and Momose argue for a second and then Kayo also storms into the bedroom where she sees free-spirit Momo looking at her make-up.  Kayo yells at Momo again.  Momo leaves the room again.  Momo and Momose whisper jokes to each other in the other room.  You can tell that Momose is paying more attention to Momo. 

Everything is calm for a while.  One night Momose and Momo hands touch while watching TV.  Momose, as the audience can see, senses that it is inappropriate, but he doesn't move his hand.  There are a couple more moments until Momo leaves because her summer break is over.

Everything falls apart after Momo leaves.  Each link in the triangle breaks and the bad feelings that form at the beginning resonant. 

Graduation Photobooks and Moar!

There are a lot of photobooks being release, especially from AKB48 members.  It seems H!P is following AKB48's lead by releasing cheaper photobooks that don't have a hardback.  They make a great gift for the holidays, or you can do what I did and put all the merch on her Birthday/ Holiday wish list.  Have fun shopping:

Oshima Yuko's 3rd PB - L.A. 
1429yen 
I rarely preorder photobooks unless I know I really want it and I think it will sell out fast on CDJapan.  One of the reasons why is that I need to see enough previews beforehand, because I can't just go into the store and preview it.  Yuko is a goofball but also is really sexy, which comes across in this photobook release.  She obviously shot this in LA.  The photos have a gritty raw look to them which fits my image of LA (yes I've been there). 

Takahashi Minami 1st PB - TAKAMINA 
1143yen 
ONLY 4 COPIES LEFT AT CDJAPAN!  Takahashi Minami is also a goofy character, but she is quite modest in comparison to most of the other members.  Therefore, you won't see as much skin.  I was surprised at how cute Minami was in the previews I saw.  Now I don't think there will be any swimsuit shots, but she hasn't been wearing any bikinis lately.

Momoko Tsugunaga 5th PB - Momochi Zukan

2800yen
This one comes with a making of DVD.  Momo is one of my favorite H!P idols.  Momo is one of the most spastic, possibly the most spastic, idol ever.  I can't believe she is going to college.  She still has like the same face she did when she debuted.  

Kamei Eri's Graduation PB - Eririn
2200yen
This is a little more expensive than the last two because it includes a making of DVD.  Eri always releases wonderful photobooks and the only reason why I've held back is because they are usually over $40.  This photobook focuses on what she is like or would of been like as a normal adult.  We have the expected, sexy swimsuit shots.  However, this time we see her doing daily things like her on the train, playing tennis, working out, working as both an OL and a waitress.  Very natural photobook, which isn't too odd for Eri considering she has a very charming personality.

Ono Erena's Graduation PB 
1600yen
I am surprised about how little I've heard about this photobook.  It is going to be released tomorrow!  Like Eri was for Morning Musume, Erena has been a long time popular member of AKB48.  This is the only one that has yet to be released, so there are less previews floating around.  However, Erena's past photobooks and photo shoots have all been really good.  What I really love about Erepyon is how she is able to naturally walk the line between a child, a teen, and an adult.  She is adorable and sexy.  She is the most full figured out of the three that I've talked about, which I like.  The extra somethin' somethin' provides a lot of OMG cleavage shots.  This is my iPhone wallpaper actually.

Shinoda Mariko's 3rd PB - Mariko
1400yen
Now this one has been out for QUITE a while now, but I had to recommend it at some point.  I'm low on cash so it has been sitting on my want list for some time now.  Now I never thought of myself as a big Mariko fan, but she has been growing on me and seeing all the previews for this definitely helped.  She is a professional model so I wasn't surprised by how photogenic she was, but I was surprised by how much personality shined through.  Even though she comes off as a cool character (and was known for her poker face?) she is still a little bit of a goof.  She says harsh things, especially to guys, and has made an idiot of herself on AKBingo!, but that is why I love her.

Erena Ono Graduates From AKB48 （；_・）

Today, or kind of yesterday, Erena Ono graduated at the AKB48 theatre.  The date is September 27th.  She will be leaving to go abroad to look at schools where she will study acting.  She has yet to announce where she is planning on going.  I don't know what to say.  I haven't been this upset since Kaoru left, but I was just watching the graduation concert after the fact.  I will post Erepyon's last couple of blog entries before she graduated. 

Handshake event. Hello helloー＊ The handshake event at Makuharimesse that happened yesterday. There were a lot of people that came since the morning! Really really thank you all very much＊ There were those that said "Don't leave~!" as well as those who said "When you return from overseas let's talk in English!". Everyone gave me many various comments. There were even some who were crying... That made me really really happy(´.ω.`) Though what I want understood is that this is not a 'farewell'. I will definitely mature and return before you It's a promise I'm graduating as a member of 'AKB48' but as the 'actress' Ono Erena I will do my best So what I really want to say is please continue to treat Erena as your ＊oshi＊*, I guess☆ Even though I'm graduating from AKB it doesn't change the fact that I was in AKB(´^〇^`) From now on as well please watch over Erepyon aka Ono Erena!! Ｐｙｏｎ..

It's ok to cry.. I was trying really hard to hold back by tears, but that's impossible.. Of course, there's times where it's possible to not think of everything. Akihabara's Don Quixote 8F. AKB48 Theater. I love it. I really do. "On the 27th, will I never be able to see this scene again?" That's what I thought, at the end of today's performance. The voices of the staff members in conversation, The sounds of the cafe and the theater, The rest of the AKB48 members bustling about, The stage lights flickering. And the time I spend speaking to all the members. At 6:40 the fans start pouring into the theater, And at 7 the curtain rises. Once I start listing them I can't stop. I thought again: "Even like this, I do love the theater, AKB48, and Team K." Only now? ..but, it's fine right? Even if it took so long? If I realized it, it's ok, right? Because if I don't think that way, I won't be able to see tomorrow. So let's listen to 10nen Zakura.. And work hard for tomorrow. ♪Cherry blossoms, nando saite mo Ｐyon..

AKB48 Top 12 Ranking Explanation

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


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

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

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

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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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



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






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

Poll Results!

Who should replace Erena Ono (Erepyon) when she graduates?
1
Shimada Haruka w/ 6 votes 2
Yokoyama Yui w/ 4 votes 3
Sano Yuriko w/ 3 votes (how fitting) 3
Shimazaki Haruka 3
Takeuchi Miyu 3
Yamauchi Suzuran 4 47 is fine, promote one of the girls from the left over unit! w/ 2 votes  (Matsui Sakiko or Tanabe Miku***) 5

                                Mori Anna w/ 1 vote

*Someone voted for AKB48 to do an audition similar to Morning Musume's at the same time.  I guess that would work because Morning Musume is now including Eggs which is similar to how AKB48 does it.  However, at the same time would be a little mean.  Morning Musume does not have 48 members v. AKB48 is more popular and relevant.

***K6 doesn't really have a left over unit.  One had four people, but the two with the least attention would not work.  One is way too tall, and the other does not fit the bill.  People have been joking around about just replacing her with Ishida Haruka from Team B (cause they look very similar).

Erepyon Collage

Erepyon Graduation: Members' Comments

Maeda Atsuko:

Erena ❤
Congratulation for graduating… ❤


We only have a little time left together…


Let’s enjoy this time together with AKB until the end ^_^☆ ☆


Manami Oku:

Erepyon’s graduation announcement…

we were always together since the auditions☆



like, during the lessons,
when mum was late to pick us up
and Ere-mama would come and we’d go home together
I’ll miss those times☆


we had a lot of fights,
and made-up with texts and letters☆
we were children….☆


eventhough we fought we were close


we were that close

after changing teams
we spent less time together but we had a little time to talk yesterday…
Erepyon way of thinking live life to the fullest
eventhough she felt anxious
I think its good that she made a decision even at such a young age☆


we’re close in age
so I think
she’s the member that understands me the most☆

also


the member I’ve been with the longest.

we were together for 4.5 years
to think that she won’t be here anymore is, as I thouhgt, depressing


but we’ll be able to meet again when we grow up

I love you ♥
Erepyon
congratualtions on your graduation☆

so from now on
as always
take care ☆

Sae Miyazawa:
“Erepyon, grdaution”

I can’t believe it.

I’ve been with Erena since she entered so I didn’t think she would feel like graduating.

I was really moved since Erepyon is such a crybaby but she still managed to say the announcement in front of so many people while holding back her tears

she’s grown strong…

Erena, Takamina also said this, wasn’t able to express her feeling properly so there was some awkward moments


but, I think she’s a smart child.


So, i wonder after she returns form studying aboard if her english will be fluent ♫

since the 16 year old Erepyon decided on this path herself, I think I’ll send her off with a smile.

I’ll treasure the little time I have left with Erena. Today I will try my best at the long awaited team K show!!

Everyone, I’m counting on you to supprt Erena to the very end!!!!m(_)m

Ayaka Umeda:
and Erepyon’s graduation announcement.

I didn’t think Erepyon would say that in the evening concert!


“looks like a triangle~”

I said,
(Erena) with a smiling face said,

“ehh! really???”

with a surprised look.

Her smile was very impressive (´・∨・`)

we tried our best together as friends and comrades.

I might not be able to lend her my back!


Sayaka Akimoto:
Erena’s graduation announcement

I was surprised but…

I felt the determination inside myself strengthen since the crybaby Erena was able to express her feelings that smoothly.

It seemd like I won’t be able to give her a stong back to lean on.

I might not have enough supportive backs in stock eventhough its my specialty


but…

even if i’m like this…

I can just be by her side.


Am I unreliable?


she was a hard working child…

and on top of that there’s also a cute child.

Yuka Masuda:

and the Erena that I love is going to graduate.

The concert title this time “No Surprises”

how is there “No”! (laughs)

the surprises are snowballing (´△｀；)

I cried after Erena’s graduation announcement


Yuka, really truly thinks Erena is cute and I really like her (´；ω；`)
That small Erena looked really mature
and looked forward with a handsome silloute.


I have high expectations since she will be studying abroad ★

Rino Sashihara:

Erepyon’s graduation is really sad and makes me lonely, but I hope she could do her best.
We still have some time, and now Erepyon is still with us!
We’ll always be comrades!