New York~

So it's been a while since I've posted a blog but it's time I've added another. While I was away I've been in NYC on a vacation and while I was there it was certainly a MoMusu filled experience! There was karaoke singing to be done and of course I was sticking to all Hello!Project songs I could possibly find! (Which were a lot! Gotta love NY traditional Japanese karaoke bars)

But the highlight of my trip was getting to meet Ai Kago in person! I swear I nearly fainted x__x;

I was visiting a store called BookOff in my search for actual albums of Hello!Project and ended up finding a ton of great CDs, with purchases in hand I went to the counter where the woman working smiled at the CD I had with Aibon on it. She turned to one of the other employees and pointed at the CD (I couldn't see where she was pointing) and I heard the words "Ai Kago" involved in there somewhere so instantly I perk up and ask "Ai Kago?" to which the woman nods and says "Yes, Ai Kago is coming here!"

I have one of those inner moments where I'm skipping through a field of flowers towards Aibon, her running towards me and we end in a big hug...

Flashing back to reality I begin to shake and had to stop myself from squeeing right there. So my friend that I was in NYC with and I decide that we should stay and at least see Aibon, I mean, IT'S AIBON!

So we waited for her to arrive and the whole time I'm shaking and nervous and overly excited. When she finally arrives I was talking with three other MoMusu fans who all round the corner with me and we all see that it's HER! So everyone is trying to take pictures of her from afar and we were scolded by one of her entourage. She was distracted but then they went down the stairs to take more photos. The group of us in a panic think she's going somewhere so we all "chalantly" follow, "OH! I WONDER WHAT IS DOWN HERE!? ANIME! WHY I LIKE ANIME!" We proclaimed extremely non-chalantly.

As we stood down there the group walked past us including Ai Kago who looked at us and smiled. We all assumed she was leaving at that point and we were amazed she smiled at US, she acknowledged us!

So we all follow upstairs and continue to get excited over our seeing someone so amazing in person! But as we're talking one of the members of her entourage came over and asked us if we wanted her to sign CDs of ours! Of course we all jaw-dropped and nodded. She returned to over by us and smiled and asked "Do you know Ai Kago?" I was the only one to respond, "I LOVE AI KAGO!" To which she seemed very impressed by our knowledge of her, I handed her my CD to sign and she recognized herself as a picture from when she was much younger (Around the time of MiniMoni with Marippe) and laughed, looking like she didn't like it, I assured her "No! Kawaii!" which prompted another smile from her, then my friend asked the best question, "Picture?" and SHE ACCEPTED! So not only did I get a CD signed by her but I also got to have a picture with her!?

A moment later, after signing the CDs she and I were standing next to each other and got one picture but before they took it with my camera I turn to her and ask "W?" Another flash of her smile and we did it! (Although I'm ashamed to admit I didn't do the pinkie crossing so it wasn't as great as I had hoped but I was filled with giddyness anyways so I'm not dissapointed!)

After pictures were taken she shook my hand, prompting more shaking on my part, and indeed one of my newfound friends couldn't even shake her hand without shaking visibly!

All in all it was an amazing experience and a completely random moment of amazing luck! As Aibon tours New York or wherever else her travels take her I wish her lots of luck and success as her new singing career continues!

Elder Club TV Appearances

Well, I am a huge fan of the elder club.  I love watching them talk about their lives now because they can be more honest, plus they have developed more.  While I look up to many idols as someone I want to become now.  Graduated idols, especially from Morning Musume, I want to become like when I am older.  I found someone on YouTube who has uploaded TV segments, with subs, of ex-Morning Musume members.  I suggest you want them all, there is only ten and I'm not going to post them all.  (I was surprised to find that women hate Tsuji Nozomi!)  I would like to share them with you.  I found this uploader from C No Evil.
Tsuji Nozomi


Kago Ai


Fujimoto Miki


Nakazawa Yuko



Morning Musume OG (part 1)


Christmas Special (part 1)

Why Idols Don't Date

Or at least why they shouldn't...
Let me start off with saying that I don't have a personal problem with them having private lives.  They work so hard they deserve it!  I was about to have a heart attack after the miniature Sae scandal because I was worried about her place in the group.  I don't want to see idols being kicked to the side of the curb because they have feelings and needs.  I prefer idols that have urges.

Now, I've heard the theories as to why many idol groups have a no dating policy.  The fans can't stand to have their fantasies interrupted by thoughts of someone's dirty paws all over their oshimen.  I can kind of understand that.  I feel protective too.  However, I think there are many better reasons why they shouldn't.

I wasn't ever too sure before where I stood on this issue.  It is difficult to explore it if you don't see an idol, that you care about, in a similar situation.  I figured out that I don't mind from watching 10 Things I Hate About You on ABC Family.  (That is the only show I watch on that channel, except for re-runs of Gilmore Girls.)  My American oshimen is Lindsey Shaw, a little plus is that she reminds me of Sae.  Anyway, I think she is adorable and sexy at the same time.  She kissed her love interest on the show, yes I know it isn't real, but I didn't get upset about it.  Now, I don't know if she has a romance off screen as well, but I don't mind.  BUT, I don't need to hear about it unless she is getting married (so I can wish her the best and be happy for her).

That is just my stance on this issue, but I know some good reasons why they shouldn't besides fans' personal feelings.  First of all, it will distract them from their work.  The majority of idols are stretched thin as it is with TV programs, recording tracks, promoting, musicals, photo shoots, films and dramas, performing live, radio shows, school, friends, rehearsals and practicing, &ct.  Why not add the emotional turmoil and time that a relationship requires.  Oh and they probably should eat, drink, and sleep too.  I've heard about idols getting sick or injured, trying too hard, and the fans can see that.  Then besides that, it is a distraction from their work.  They'll have to figure out their priorities, and with all those hormones they might make the wrong decision.  (Like how Mari Yaguchi wanted to pick the guy.)  Their performance may start to lack, and they'll move down in the group and the rankings.  They always could end up pregnant.  (Worst case, slippery slope, I know.  I'm just giving examples.)

We can also look at examples in the past.  Once very popular Hilary Duff didn't do so well back when she was dating Aaron Carter.  The media made a whole deal about her fighting with Lindsey Lohan.  Then later, she fought over another boy with Nicole Richie.  The media tends to make everything about celebrity relationships, they don't care that much about her and her career.  Plus, how much do you hear about her now?  Jennifer Aniston is only referred to relating to her exs or the fact that she is single.  The media wants scandals, not good role models!  If we let one girl date, and everything begins to be about her relationship and overshadows the other members, then there might be pressure on the other girls to do the same.  Plus, would you not be surprised if the agencies start pushing the girls into these fake romances to get attention?  Let us also consider that not all guys are trust worthy.  And when you have a public life some will try to get near you with bad intentions.

Let's now turn our attention to idol~land examples: the double trouble Kago Ai and Tsuji Nozomi.  Both broke the rules, and both turned out okay.  However, even if it all worked out for the best Tsuji still got pregnant (which we both know wasn't planned).  Kago Ai isn't invited to graduated Morning Musume appearances.  They'll  refer to her, but won't say her name.  Did you love seeing Mari Yaguchi and Miki Fujimoto just disappear?  They are both coming back, after Miki got married and Yaguchi made an apology.  Scandals are never a good thing.  Relationships are fine.

An easy solution is to not butt in, leave them alone, and get rid of any crazy stalkers.  This isn't realistic.  Although, it isn't realistic either for them all to stay single until they graduate.  It is an unfortunate situation.  I guess it is up to the girls.  Which is more important: their career & fans or a relationship?

Ai Kago's New PV: no hesitAtIon

I haven't seen many posts about Ai Kago, or the fact that she has released a PV, so I'm going to share it. I've already done plenty of posts with my personal opinions, therefore I'm going to give you a little break. Form your own opinions on this one. Enjoy: