Itano Tomomi's 10年後の君へ & Clone PV Review

I've been waiting for Itano Tomomi's next single for what felt like a long time. She is my favorite soloist from AKB48, and one of my top idol soloists, that are active. (Although there aren't that many so it ends up being, in no particular order, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Narsha, and Itano Tomomi at the top of my list.) This PV brings me back to the early 2000s when it comes to musical style and cinematography. Did anyone else think of BoA's Japanese works from the 2000s.


This is why I can see Itano Tomomi doing well on her own as long as she has the right support system because she has the same cool swag of Amuro Namie. I used to not care for Amuro Namie live because she didn't seem to be trying too hard, but it has grown on me. I was used to Britney Spears' level of performance, so she seemed flat to me. This is why I don't think much of critiques of Itano performance quality when it comes to facial expressions. I mean, Amuro Namie is considered one of the top female artists in Japan.


Side Note: Itano Tomomi wrote one of the B-sides (lose-lose) for this single, which is a great sign. A lot of major female artists in Japan start off as idols, but now either completely or have a major hand in producing their own music.

The very beginning brings me back to the 2000s period, with the editing technique to make the video look fuzzy or poor quality. This combined with the rainy city backdrop sets the scene for a lovely ballad. I'm glad they only included this technique twice, because it would of likely gotten old if used repetitively.


Combined with the church shots and club storyline scene the video just screams retro. The retro concept works wonderfully with the theme, which is kind of like a letter 10 years later. [The title translates to 'To You 10 Years Later.] Ten years ago from now would be 2002. I guess if you don't care for that period then you won't appreciate this song and promotional video as much. That period represents my youth so it is nostalgic for me. Now that I think about it, the video itself feels nostalgic.

Back to the various shots. Itano Tomomi looks gorgeous in the church scenes. I appreciate that they incorporated a storyline to the PV. Considering the theme it is really necessary. One problem I have is that she is in high school then but she is having a fling with an architect. I can see girls enjoying it because high school guys can be immature and he seems like the ideal guy. Although, they have limitations. If they make her older in the flashbacks then she would be in her 30s present day. I also wouldn't prefer a high school drama considering Itano's age. She is becoming an adult, so her solo works should reflect that. So I guess this is a good compromise. [Still jailbait.]


Overall it is simple, but nothing exemplary. However, when you consider the theme of the piece everything works well to bring you back to the early 2000s. I would say it is a success. It is not my favorite PV, even from Itano as a soloist. It is successful at what it means to do, instead of just her singing a ballad alone on some cheap sets.

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

I didn't know if I was happy that this isn't the A-side when I first found out. I liked it when I heard the leaked previews, but it isn't as catchy as her previous singles. However, I don't like the real A-side as much as Dear J and Fuini. Clone follows Itano usual style of Pop infused with Hip-Hop elements. It is the promotional song for another of her E-Mobile commercials, which isn't my favorite compared to their other CMs. I guess she gets to release a solo single every time E-Mobile wants another CM song.


This PV isn't anything spectacular, but pretty good considering it is for a B-side. The majority of idols, and even artists only produce music videos for their title tracks. Unlike the A-side, this doesn't seem to have much layers to it. It only has two backgrounds, but there is a variety in shots and pans. I have no idea what is going on with the bottles on ones of the sets. Itano Tomomi spends the majority of her time being chill and or having a playful, mischievous expression. They also didn't use the promotional outfit for Clone. This video might of been better if they had done a different dance shot. Then again, this is only a B-side so I shouldn't have high expectations.


There is a dance close up that is pretty cool. It is a close-up shot but instead of her just singing in front of the camera she does some minor choreography and you can see back-up dancers behind her. This works mostly because the dance difficulty is low. However, Itano with all her swag doesn't look stiff. It is a bit disappointing because she hasn't released a solo song yet that challenges her dancing. Itano was a child-dancer so I bet she is capable of upping-the-ante. On the other hand, the dancing reminds me of Hitoe (SPEED)'s solo PV Inori.


All in all this PV is pretty flat and low budget. But I'm giving management and Itano a break on this one because they don't need to make a promotional video for a B-side. I guess it is due to AKB48 that I now desire pretty good quality B-side PVs too. The dance and performance by Itano is not premium quality, but neither the choreography or the concept of this video require much from her. I would only recommend this if you like to watch Itano Tomomi because there really isn't any other reason to do so.
Rating: ☆☆☆


I'll post Itano Tomomi's previous solo PVs for those who aren't familar with her. I personally like them better, like I mentioned before. Enjoy!

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

The 48 Family 2011 Single Ranking

1. Kaze wa Fuiteiru (AKB) 

2. Sakura no Ki ni Naro (AKB) 

3. Everyday, Katyusha (AKB) 

4. Flying Get (AKB) 

5. Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shojo (NMB) 

6. Dear J (Itano Tomomi)
7. Flower (Maeda Atsuko)

8. Valentine Kiss (WH7) 
9. Okie Dokie (SKE) 
10. Min Min Min (SDN) 

11. Fuini (Itano Tomomi)
12. Tsuki no Uragawa (DiVA)

13. If (French Kiss) 

14. Pareo wa Emerald (SKE) 

15. Ai, Juseyo (SDN) 

16. Answer (No Sleeves) 

17. Banzai Venus (SKE)

18. Kibo Sanmyaku (WH7)

19. Cry (DiVA) 

20. Kuchibiru Furezu... (No Sleeves) 

21. Shumatsu Not Yet (Not Yet) 

22. Hetappi Wink (WH7) 

23. Pedicure Day (No Sleeves) 

24. Oh My God! (NMB)

25. Ue kara Mariko (AKB) 

26. Naminori Kakigori (Not Yet) 

27. Saisho no mail (French Kiss) 

28. Perapera Perao (Not Yet) 

29. Kakko warui I love you (French Kiss)

Three-Way Tie for BAMF of the Week!

Tomochin, *Sunny, and Shiorin

I would of just done Nakamata Shiori (Shiorin), but the main reason is kind of old news and the other two were only based on appearances so I'm doing all three.

SYKE! 

It seems Sunny's new hair-do which 'is' amazing was only a wig.  That is a disappointment.  She is pretty enough to rock short hair, plus it is not like SNSD have a lot of members with short hair (none actually).

Tomochin got added because her performance on Hey!Hey!Hey! was flawless like usual, but more so for how natural it appeared for her to be with a white tiger.  She was the first one to approach it and hold it with ease.  She was super excited when they brought it out.  Tomochin is a BAMF because she looks like someone who has a white tiger for a pet.

Finally the real BAMF is Shiorin.  She is a member of Team 4 and besides being a stand-out from their first stage she is best known for her intelligence.  Waseda and Keio switch back and forth between the best University in Japan, in other words, Ivy League.  She was accepted into Waseda's Economics Department which is serious business.  For her to undertake higher education of that level and an idol career means a lot to me.  Any idol who does that gets major kinds of bonus points in my book, but Shiorin is above expectations.

The First Idol Mina Noticed

OSHIMA YUKO AND ITANO TOMOMI
OH GOD!  I don't even think I can recall who the first was.  Let's see. . . I guess Koda Kumi, Hamasaki Ayumi, Utada, and BoA don't count because I got into idols through J-Pop and the internet.  I think I discovered Morning Musume through subbed episodes of Utaban posted on YouTube.  However, I don't recall which episode or who stuck out to me.  Then again, I want to say it was the Onnani Sachiare PV.  If that was the case it would of been Takahashi Ai.  If it was originally through Utaban I have no clue.  I can remember AKB48 slightly better.  The first AKB48 thing was seeing them featured on Japanorama, but I didn't look into them until after I saw the Namida Surprise PV.  I did like the main girl in glasses, who is Maeda Atsuko. . . In that video Oshima Yuko and Itano Tomomi stood out the most.  That video is still one of my favorites because of the impression it left me with.  You see after I saw it I looked them up and when it said they performed in a theatre I thought it was a music group of young female actresses.  The PV added to that assumption.  Plus, I found subtitled videos of AKBingo! on YouTube of their cosplay and when they had to do challenges like put their hand into boxes or eat sushi and basically act.