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.  

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

New PV Releases

Nami Tamaki - LADY MIND Wonder Girls - The DJ Is Mine   


SunnyHill - The Grasshopper Song

S/mileage - Please Wait A Little

Rainbow Pixie - Hoi Hoi
Morning Musume - Pyoko Pyoko Ultra
9muses - News
T-ara - Lovey-Dovey
Kikkawa Yuu - Early Snow
TEEN TOP - Crazy
SDN48 (Undergirls G) - Yaritagariya-san

Buono! - DEEP MIND

Buono! - Hatsukoi Cider

Jin Akanishi - Test Drive ft. Jason Derulo

Mano Erina - Doki Doki Baby

Do You Guys Think Sexy Zone is Sexy?

Sexy Zone first got my attention when their debut single hit the top of the charts.  I usually find out the charts from YouTube.  When I saw the small clip of the PV I immediately could tell it was JE, but the name of the group. . .  Really?  Maybe they have different standards when it comes to male sexuality, but I thought we were on the same page considering Arashi's solo spreads in Anan.  I mean, AKB48 is so much hotter in those recent AKBingo! cross-dressing episode.  (I vote they release a single in drag.  Mii-chan, Takamina, Tomochin, Tomo~mi, Yui should just get a sex change. . . well maybe not TomoTomo.)  Anyway, so I decided that I was going to pay just as much attention to them as JE's other new group Kiss-My-@ss . . . I mean foot?  I think they, when I mean they I mean three out of the five, could be sexy but they are produced waaay to cutesy.  These guys are making me feel old, and I'm 19.  The oldest is the same age as my sister who is a senior in high school, so I can get that.  The next one is a year younger so that is okay because he would be a junior.  The sophomore meh on age wise, but a definite NO after I watched them live on Hey!x3.

Now I came into this without ever hearing the full song.  At first I still thought they weren't appealing to me in a sexy way.  Then the two youngest members opened their mouth and I was like why is there two female members?  Is JE doing a mix group!  Wait. . . WAIT (check wikipedia) those are boys!  I guess someone hasn't gone through puberty.  I mean they are wearing different styled outfits from the older three.  One looks like Ishida from AKB48 with a bowl cut.  I'm curious.  They got a hit so does that mean girls think they are sexy?  I can see hot, but I don't want to have sex with them because it would be so wrong.  (They look way too pure.)  What do you think?  Would you tap. . . no I can't even ask that.

Mina's Idol Interests

I feel since that I started this blog the groups I follow have changed.  However, I do still keep an eye on units out of loyalty to my readers.  (This usually only amounts to me including them in PV reviews now that I don't do as many release and news posts.)  The biggest development is my interest in Hello Project over to K-Pop idol acts.  I am going to explain as to why I like or dislike certain groups.

Ranking of My Favorite Idol Groups (subgroups excluded):

1. AKB48
2. Arashi
3. Brown Eyed Girls
4. SKE48
5. BiS
6. Tokyo Girls Style
7. NMB48
____________________________
8. Super Junior
9. Kara
10. 2NE1
11. Morning Musume
12. Super Girls
13. Fairies
14. 4Minute
15. C-ute
16. Miss A
17. Hey! Say! Jump
18. Chocolat

The lower they are the less attention I pay to them, but I consider them on my own personal radar.  After the line are the groups I like, but am not invested in.  They don't appeal enough that I would go to their concert or purchase their CD.  Morning Musume is back on my list now that Takahashi has graduated and they have new members, so I am curious.

Groups I Am Not Interested:

S/mileage
Momoiro Clover
T-ara
Girls Generation
Rainbow
After School
Idoling!!!
Berryz Koubou
Dream Musume
KAT-TUN
Kis-My-Ft2
NEWS
Sistar

These could be separated into sub-groups.  There are the boy bands that I just don't care about.  There are the K-Pop, female units who do this sexy but cute girl act that I find unbelievable annoying.  They fall back on my original stereotype of K-Pop girl units: barbies.  Finally, J-pop girl groups who have not released anything attracts my interest.  After Momoclo lost Akari I felt they lost a needed element.  She was different.  I also dislike their consistent 'mentioning' of Japan's biggest annual musical program.  It tastes of desperate.  S/mileage also suffered a significant loss, and at the same time they became diluted.  I wasn't surprised because after they released their first album their singles began to dip in quality.  Berryz Koubou and Idoling!!! seemed to have dropped off the face of the Earth, well not really.  They just don't come up much, or at least I never notice them.

I hope no one gets upset by this, it is just my opinion.

PV Reviews

I know I've been lazy lately and haven't been reviewing any music videos.  At least I tried to keep up post new PVs every so often.  I wanted to review C-ute's new PV, but thought I should review what else I have stockpiled for my next spam. I wish I had more positive reviews, but I'm holding out that AKB's full 18min PV will be better than the under 5min version.  To be warned, this is half Korean idols.  I feel like I should give them a fair shake like I do for Japanese idol groups.  Recently, well no this behavior has been around forever, there has been some haters on the Korean side.  Right now the target is SKE48 because they will be doing some activities in Korea.  It pisses me off and ruins K-Pop for me.  So I blame K-Pop fans for why I want to hate K-Pop (even if it isn't deserved).  Especially when I see them defending their groups from American-Pop haters on YouTube.  So If you like K-Pop, let me enjoy my J-Pop in peace, so that I can also enjoy my K-Pop☆
Even though in spirit it isn't much different than their last PV, which I didn't care for, I really like this PV.  The various colors create these beautiful solo and group shots.  This seems to go better with their name, but I miss their developing character.  They are such wonderful dancers I feel like songs like Shock are better for them.  The costumes are typical idol outfits I almost thought it was a parody at first.  I mean the neon green cowboy hat.  The large skirts are a bit frumpy in the dance shot, but look adorable in the other various shots.  The classic leg-grab move is funny.  I think they did a marvelous job here, but I do not like the song one bit.  I don't think it is catchy or something I want to dance to.  The girls shine brightly, but the song doesn't do it for me.
☆☆☆☆


I think the concept of the group is cute, but I'm a Cindy fan.  They are all just too rough around the edges.  Everything looks like the dull schoolgirl idol PV, but they don't know how to work the camera. When they aren't looking at the camera, like in the library, nothing seems off.  However, in the most of the shots I don't see them shine.  They are pretty stiff especially in the dance shot and when it comes to the choreography.  There are couple girls who seem more comfortable, at least at some points, and that is the tallest and the girl standing next to her with the small side ponytail.  I tend to go easy on the indie idol groups.  They mainly lack attention grabbing eye contact.  
☆☆


Is it just me or is Korea beating Japan at the number of active, major idol groups?  I do not like the dance shot because everything is too gold.  It is almost like they are trying to blend in.  I think the solo shots are all pretty good, but some are better than others.  I really like the girl with the gold background and the brass band shot.  My least favorite is the presses solo shot.  Now the black solo shot seems out of place.  Most of the other shots were going with the gold color and a retro feel from the same period to match the song.  However, the black dance shot seems to lack any of that except for the gold ceiling panels.  Plus, one of the girls has grey hair.  How is that flattering?  I think what sold this video for me is the one solo shot of the girl with the gold background.  I just adore that shot and it is the reason why this wasn't going to lose another star.
☆☆☆


All seems well at first, looks like it matches the song.  However, I should of known that I would be disappointed because this is targeted at Japan.  See I wouldn't mind if their Korean videos and songs didn't seem significantly better quality.  Why does it feel like Korean artists come to Japan and sell a worse product even though Japan has a bigger music industry?  They wouldn't pull that bullshit if it was the States.  It is basically, no it is, three dance shots.  Should I be grateful that you changed your clothes and the backdrop?  I don't hate it, but it feels like just another insult and I can't take it anymore after Mr. Taxi.  Mr. Taxi was atrocious if you consider their earlier songs and the fact that in Tokyo getting a taxi is ridiculous.
☆☆


First thought: barbie.  This song is about being cool, I assume.  I don't think it is cool, especially when you are doing a dance move which makes me think you are farting.  Oh an old, creepy white guy this couldn't get any worse.  Another dance move which looks like you are waving the stink away from your butt.  Track in prom dresses?  Some random losers. . . WTF was that?  I didn't like the song on top of it all.  Yep.
☆




Can anyone explain their name for me?  This looks like it came from the 90s.  I do give them credit for trying out something different like roller-skates.  I don't know what to make of their two level stage.
☆☆


I do not approve of the second dance shot.  I do adore the pink set.  What is with these girl groups and using some interesting shots at the beginning then ditching it to just use three dance shots?  At least they have close up shots.  For some reason their second dance shot reminds me of middle school.  That little laugh at the end was as cheesy as the state I live in.  For the most part it was pretty good.
☆☆

Old Favorites & Recent Fascinations

BiS - Fresh Faced Idols?

The member in pigtails has left the group to be replaced by Yufu.

Most of you know by now that Japan and Korea are having an idol boom.  New groups are sprouting up and gaining attention every which way (sorry if that doesn't make sense to you it is a phrase I use. . . Midwest thing?).  One unit, BiS [Brand new Idol Society], has released their (major?) debut single and hit the Oricon charts.  (Another unit Kiss-My-Ft2, from JE, got the number one spot.  How is their name pronounced?  Kiss My Foot?)  They have an edgier image, rebelling against the idea that idols have to be clean and proper.  I saw them first through Pure Idol Heart and I responded well to the PV posted.  I checked them out on YouTube and I was intrigued.  However, I was a bit dumbfounded when I started watching their hit single:

I was shocked, but then I was distracted by some beautiful shots and realized they did a good job.  Nudity can be done tastefully and it reminded me of various paintings.  (My favorite place in LA is the Getty.  I went there twice while I was in LA for the first time.)  Once I regained myself I went wait, we are missing someone!  The member, which happens to be my favorite, is no longer in the group.  Which sucks if it was because of the nudity thing.  They found a replacement, but I'm bummed.  See I like variety in groups and now it feels like they are missing an element, and overly cute one.  I was a huge fan of t.A.T.u, still am but not as big.  They did a tribute to t.A.T.u. which was great.  But, my favorite has to be this one:

Anyway, with my favorite member gone I am a bit undecided if I should continue following them.  I will stick around to see how I like the new member, but she will be missed.  (Fortunately my second favorite, girl with short hair and extra piercings, is still there.)

Do I Still Care?

Hello Project has been luke-warm for me as of late, to none of your surprise.  Why do I keep bringing it up?  Because I still want to like and enjoy being a fan.  I want to keep one foot on each side of the river(?).  I got S/mileage's first album which was pretty good, mostly because I adored their singles.  Berryz Koubou still releases likable singles. . . I really like their latest at least.  C-ute has sooooo much potential.  (If only they had a different producer!)  Morning Musume has all those great new members!  Most of my disappointment falls on their producer Tsunku.  I mean, everything would be peachy if they had better music.  But who can blame him, he is distracted by the indie idols like Afilia Saga East.  Honestly, I've stopped caring about Morning Musume and S/mileage.  I'm paying them as much attention as Kiss-My-Ft2 and SNSD.  I've even deleted my tags on Tumblr for Hello Project and Morning Musume, which means I don't even want to look at pictures or videos of them.  I'm still rooting for C-ute.

Hello Project isn't the only idols I've deleted my tag on Tumblr for: Momoiro Clover.  The management just keeps pissing me off then Akari leaves and I've had it.  They aren't the same without Akari.  They look like a more miss-matched, older version of Tokyo Girls Style (who I am recently entranced by).

Oh, and I think Beckii Cruel's upcoming single sounds horrible and she isn't that good of a dancer (if you've watched her recent Morning Musume dance cover).

Rising Stars (the brighter side of things)
NMB48 (polished in very little time)
Tokyo Girls Style (avex is pulling through)
Hey Say Jump (their latest was a stupendous improvement)
Afilia Saga East (we'll see, seems a bit only fan service)
Super Girls (another we shall see case)

Recent Cravings 
I've been going through some odd obsessions.  I'm a DD when it comes to AKB48, so I shouldn't be so surprised when I jump from one member interest to another.  Today I was watching old footage of Ayaka Kikuchi, before she was fired.  All of a sudden I've missed Oshima's pervy cuteness.  Then there is Iwasa Misaki's powerhouse vocals.  I've changed my wallpaper to Kasai Tomomi.  Akimoto Sayaka's awesome~ness.  I'm literally all over the place.  Now I found some subtitled videos which has an adorable Takamina (I mean her hair and that hat are super flattering) and then Sasshi accidentally causing dirty jokes.  Why don't I dislike anyone within AKB48?  They have so many membersssss. . . oh yeah Haruka Ishida is the only one out of what is it now 75?


Am I Suffering From a K-Pop Phase?
I've been addicted to Nine Muses' No Playboy.  My friends and I want to learn the dance to HyunA's Bubble Pop.  I keep on hearing bollywood in my favorite Super Junior Korean singles.  I've been voting in Eat Your Kimchi polls.  I went through a huge K-drama stint while in Japan.  What is happening to me?

Can Happiness Be Considered a Girl Group?
If you've seen them perform or have watched one of their PVs you might of noticed that only two girls sing.  It almost feels like one center with a support singer and then a whole bunch of back up dancers.  I was looking forward to the group since   they were good dancers, but WTF is this?  I'm all for dancers getting a bigger spotlight, but can they not sing at all?  Their lead vocalist is spectacular!  I almost prefer her to go solo.  You see I adore Matsuda Seiko, an idol-soloist from way back.  For some reason I keep on seeking out her replacement or equal for today.  One of the candidates is Happiness' lead vocalist, the other is Acchan from AKB48.  What do you think?  I will post some videos after the jump to give you a better perspective.

Matsuda Seiko Performing on a Music Program

Happiness Dancing at a Concert

Happiness Performing on a Music Program

Acchan Performing her First Solo Single

New PV Spam

Mina's PV (Preview) Reviews

This song is a perfect mix for Itano Tomomi.  Because of her unique voice she can liven up a ballad, but her personality suits a dance track.  The PV is mostly showing off Tomochin in a variety of looks.  I like the muted color scheme, it reminds me of the same scheme using in Marie Antoinette.  There is a variety of shots and angles, which keeps the video interesting.  It sold me, so I would say that it is a good PV.
☆☆☆☆☆


Those close up shots make me giggle, but I do like the dance shots.  I'm not a fan of this group, just to let you know.  The guys look so goofy during their storyline shots, but I do like that they added a storyline. Notice how the camera rarely isn't moving, this is always a good idea to make a good PV.
☆☆☆☆




Another disclaimer: I haven't liked Kara since they hit Japanese shores.  I don't like the barbie-esque look to this whole video.  What is with the choreography towards the end of the chorus?  I did enjoy the beach scenes, and the verses.  Besides that, I could live without the Korean barbies and chorus.
☆☆


First off if anyone is confused about the storyline and why the little girl becomes Acchan: there was never a little sister, it was always Acchan.  I don't know how to explain it the best, but the little girl is not real.  This PV is perfect for Acchan because it highlights her acting abilities by making her cry a lot.  The whole supposed 'big-little sister relationship' is adorable.  I wish the scene with all the pin wheels on the beach were a larger element because it matches the title.  I didn't mind the fact that there is no close up shot because we get plenty of that while she was promoting the single.
☆☆☆☆☆


Yeah, MaiMai gets another single!  It has been a while, which isn't surprising because she hasn't been selling well.  I don't know if I like it from what I've seen.  I adore the extra close up shot of her singing at the beginning, but I want to cut the medium shot.  I was thrilled to see a different set, which isn't a good sign, but I don't know what to make of the three people and her dance shot outfits.  We'll see.
☆☆






I like the song, and the dark overtones in the video match it. . .  but the robot girl.  Wait, are the guys robots too?  I like the effort, but something bugs me about the robot girl.
☆☆☆


HANGRY&ANGRY are also back!  They should of ditched the stuffed animals by now.  Besides that, I think the video is great.  The marionette shot is awesome for the slow verses.  Them behind the wires and netting is great.  The lighting is awesome.  I'm not the biggest fan of the costumes, but this is promotion from a fashion brand (so not much you can do about that).
☆☆☆☆☆


I wish they just stuck with the white dresses and outdoor scene for the entire video.  They could of done some different things with it, but I love the color contrast and mood.  The jean outfits sitting inside just don't do anything for me.
☆☆☆


Here is the Red Team's preview.  I don't have anything bad to say about this video.  It is perfect.
☆☆☆☆☆


Wow, they did a good job with White Team's PV too.  I don't care for the song.
☆☆☆☆


AKB48's choice PV get away is Guam, is SKE48's Hawaii?  Now that they are with Avex, they probably could afford it.  I like the idea of the blue and white costumes instead of just swimsuits.  The jumping into the ocean shots are cool!  This was a home run for me.
☆☆☆☆☆


Solid job so far.  I don't love the song, but the PV improved my impression of the song.
☆☆☆


The PV doesn't do anything for me.  There are some nice things about it, but the main set is used so much that it looks like they were under budget constraint.  It didn't sell this song or the artist to me at all.
☆

NMB48's first PV, this will set the tone of what style singles they will probably release onwards.  I love the concept because you always notice how new idols have their black hair, but after debut dye it.  I like the effect of adding the traditional pattern.  The dance shot and close ups are basic, but they have different angles, lights, wind, ect so they keep the pace.  I'm thrilled they feature NMB48's sexiness and good dance skills.  Another great thing about this is that it includes each member.  This isn't unusual if you consider AKB48 and SKE48's first PVs.  The question is if this will continue if they release another single before the addition of a second team.
☆☆☆☆

This is a new look for No Sleeves.  I like the use of various shoots at one time.  I don't care for the passing along different item shots, and them playing cards.  I don't think they add anything to it.  Besides that, they did a great job with adding some edge to the song.
☆☆☆☆


I don't like the over-use of the word over, or the fact that they keep making the telephone-hand sign in the choreography.  I first heard this song when they were promoting it.  I actually love it.  The dance shot is amazing.  I like the close-ups, but they aren't anything special.  I probably wouldn't have minded having the whole PV be the dance shot.  What ruins this PV for me is the floating objects.  Floating objects have never been used well in a PV except an AAA PV.
☆☆☆☆


Blue and white colors make a really clean, summer PV.  The lighting, the different angles and pans, and the sets are all on point.  The only thing I would cut out is the running shots.  I am surprised they didn't try anything more complex when it came to the dancing considering they were back up dancers.
☆☆☆☆