AKB48's Senbatsu Election: Mina's Vote

Uchida Mayumi:
She isn't my oshi (Minegishi Minami), but she is my second favorite Team K member. Plus the set up of the elections has changed. There are significantly more spots up for the taking, so if she is unable to rank now it would be quite disappointing. The only other people I would vote for would be Takahashi Minami or Sato Amina. Takahashi is pretty much guaranteed a spot in senbatsu, but I wouldn't mind seeing her move up. Now that senbatsu has shrunk to 16 spots I don't think Sato will be able to make senbatsu. However, I highly encourage people to vote for her. (I'm also concerned about Minegishi considering she tends to be on the lower end, but I think she will make it.) My priority is for Ucchii to make rank.

The thing about the majority of idol groups, more so for groups as large as AKB48, is some members are aces and others are pushed towards the back. Now I don't think she deserves to be in senbatsu over other girls. Everyone brings in something different, and fans prefer different members. I gravitate towards Ucchii. The first time I saw her perform, while watching Team B's 4th Stage, she left an impression. She isn't the typical idol type. She can be goofy.

Down With Biases!

As some of you may know, I have only recently become a K-Pop fan. But, if you weren't aware K-Pop fans can be monkey fighting (if you don't understand the reference, click the link) CRAZY (link of some Monday-to-Friday crazy sh*t)! One thing I noticed is that there are fan names for everything. Personally I do not care for the practice. I am fine with fan clubs because it is a medium for fans to get goodies, but it is the identifying yourself by a single group that goes too far. [This is my opinion, just as a reminder.]


Why would labeling yourself by only one group be bad? Psychology has the answer for that: intergroup bias. In layman's terms, it is basically when you see yourself as part of a select group and see others outside of it. One example, although hyperbolic comparatively, is Nazi Germany. What I am saying is that by making an in-group, you increase the likely hood of rejecting criticism and hating on out-groups. Sports can work in a similar fashion.

For example, I am a sports fan for my university's various teams. We have cheers like other fans, some are witty and others are not so much. For hockey, one thing we do is when the announcer states that both teams are at full strength (because penalties have ended), we say "That's debatable, She's inflatable, Your mom is dateable, YOU STILL SUCK, dick." When we went up against one of our biggest rivals, who some consider to be weaker academically, we would yell "Safety School" and clap, and if any of their fans sat in our student section (usually peppered individually in the upper levels) we would all point and yell "@sshole". I would not recommend sitting in our student section, if you support an opposing team, if you are a sensitive person and or takes those kind of things seriously. We can be very loud.

Antis buy the majority of seats for a SNSD concert.

Do you see where I am getting at? Now I don't go to forums that much, especially not K-Pop focused ones so I don't have many examples to draw on. One example is from the comment section of a Brown Eyed Girls video on YouTube. The person said something along the lines that she/ he liked the group, but is a SONE (SNSD fan). By saying you are in such a specific fandom, I think you are less likely to appreciate other groups (plus previously mentioned issues). I also think it encourages antis. [Another comparison is Star Trek versus Star Wars; things can get heated.]


In terms of J-Pop, even though there is a lower prevalence of naming, this is likely seen in terms of the relationship between Morning Musume fans and AKB48 fans. [Reminder: I am a fan of both.] I think Morning Musume fans might hate on AKB48 more because of a rivalry. This is true vice versa, but I haven't seen it (likely because AKB is at the top). Technically, every artist in Japan is competing against AKB48 or any other group that releases music.

Conclusion: I believe you can rank groups on how well you like them, but shouldn't identify yourself by a single musical artist. If someone asks what music you like, you shouldn't respond you are an Exotic. You can say EXO is your favorite group, but you also like blah blah blah. This is a wota blog, but I wouldn't respond with just I am an AKB fan (even if they asked about idols). I identify myself as someone who likes a wide-range of artists like AKB48, Florence + The Machine, ADELE, Nicki Minaj, and Brown Eyed Girls to name a few. I do not hate on a group. I say what I like or dislike about them, because I have an opinion. This is why I hate when people accuse me of being biased. AKB48 may be my favorite artist, at the moment, but it is only one of them. I also like Morning Musume (although not their music at the moment) and SNSD (although it would make me feel better if they gained some weight).

AKB48's 4th Senbatsu Prediction: Risk It To Get The Biscuit

Every year there are even more girls in the running, but this year they are even more spots available.

Senbatsu can be pretty predictable. There only tends to be one or two big surprises. Now that Acchan's is out of the running, where will her voting block go?

1. Takahashi Minami [↑ / 22(7), 17(6), 13(5)]
2. Oshima Yuko [- / 22(2), 17(1), 13(2)]
3. Kashiwagi Yuki [- / 22(3), 17(8), 13(9)]
4. Shinoda Mariko [- / 22(4), 17(3), 13(3)]
5. Watanabe Mayu [- / 22(5), 17(5), 13(4)]
6. Itano Tomomi [↑ / 22(7), 17(4), 13(7)]
7. Kojima Haruna [↓ / 22(6), 17(7), 13(6)]
8. Sashihara Rino [↑ / 22(9), 17(19), 13(27)]
9. Matsui Rena [↑ / 22(10), 17(11), 13(29)]
10. Takajo Aki [↑ / 22(12), 17(13), 13(23)]
11. Miyazawa Sae [- / 22(11), 17(9), 13(14)]
12. Matsui Jurina [↑ / 22(14), 17(10), 13(19)]
13. Yokoyama Yui [↑ / 22(19)]
14. Kitahara Rie [↓ / 22(13), 17(16), 13(13)]
15. Minegishi Minami [- / 22(15), 17(14), 13(16)]
16. Yamamoto Sayaka [↑ / 22(28)]
Bumped Out of Senbatsu: Kasai Tomomi, Sato Amina, and Akimoto Sayaka

The predictable result would be Oshima Yuko returning to center. However, just to be crazy (and if it turns out I'm right it'll be so much more awesome) I am guessing that Takahashi Minami will steal it from Oshima. Takahashi Minami is a frequent MC or guest on TV programs. She also got a pretty big push in GIVE ME FIVE. But my main reason is that I think Acchan fans will move over to Takahashi. Plus, everyone likes a challenge. It will be either they mostly move to one girl or spread out among various members.

We might see a lower count for the top members because there are more spots in the overall ranking. I also suspect members who are on the lower end of senbatsu might have a better turn out in hopes that they don't get pushed out. For example, I predicted regular senbatsu member Kasai Tomomi won't make it to senbatsu this year. Her fans and ones of Minegishi Minami might come out in force this year for them to retain their position.

I have a feeling that Takajo Aki and Yokoyama Yui will rise in the ranking due to increased exposure. For that matter, if you are a member of a sub-group you have a better shot when it comes to elections. The reason why I believe Takajo Aki in particular has a good shot is because the smaller-cast version of Naruhodo High School includes her. Therefore, she is likely to be popular in Japan.

Onto Matsui Jurina (SKE48) and Yamamoto Sayaka (NMB48). Due to the increased popularity and appearances of NMB48 and SKE48 they are likely to have more votes from the casual fan demographic. I also think fans of Matsui Jurina will want to show her how much they appreciate her dedication considering her illnesses and her decrease in rank in the previous election.

Finally there is Itano Tomomi. I am going to test a theory this year. It is that Itano Tomomi has on and off years in the senbatsu elections. I think people assume she is guaranteed a high rank, but then she doesn't. Because of that, her fans try harder the following year. They then make the assumption she will hold that spot.

It is also going to be the year of combating goddesses. The fans of Shinoda Mariko and Watanabe Mayu both view their oshi as an empress. Shinoda is active outside of AKB48, but then Watanabe has her solo debut. Then there is Sato Amina. She never makes it into senbatsu these days, except during elections. Will her fans work harder to attain her a senbatsu spot? So, we'll see.

Mina's AKB48 Ranking

There are some new rankers on the internet, so I decided to do a ranking.  This time without Maeda Atsuko.  Someone should really make a Hello! Project ranker.  There were a lot of KKS included, which mostly ended up at the bottom so I just have the top tier included.  Plus, the embedded code is having issues when I preview it.  This particular ranker puts members up against each other one by one, so some I kind of want to change.  That is another reason why I didn't show the ones 25 and over.  In this case I am tempted to move Moeno to #14.  

Mina's Top Ten Female Idols/ Groups Ranking & Explanation

I tend to get good feedback when I do explanations for my rankings, and I wanted to post something.  If there is a subject you want me to weigh in on let me know.  I'm always looking for something to talk about.  The reason I'm not including guys in this is because boy bands can be a little inconsistent.  The majority I only care for their singles.  Arashi and Super Junior are probably my top two, but I haven't heard much from Super Junior and Arashi hasn't been as good since 2010.  Arashi, seriously what happened to those amazing singles.  (Their most recent album had some great songs, but really lacking when it came to hit singles.)


I think you guys will enjoy this because I explain why I like who I like.  I hope you find someone new that you like.  I tend to find being called 'biased' offensive because I don't follow groups based on looks or the members.  For me if I don't like the music then it is really hard for me to follow a group.  Personality and looks help, but I don't listen to music for their personality.  


1. AKB48
Why do I like AKB48 so much?  There are a lot of factors that play into it, but the main reason is that I enjoy a significant amount of their music.  The fact that they release so much, through singles, subgroups, and stages, likely increases the probability that I'll like some of it.  I also adore the variety in styles.  Yes, the majority is standard Pop, which is perfectly fine by my book, they also have songs that incorporate Rock and Hip-Hop.  Akimoto went through a little latin phase (Team A's 6th Stage).  I have a wide range of music I enjoy (from Nicki Minaj to Florence + the Machine, and so on).  Plus, a lot of the songs have nice lyrics.  They've also challenge themselves creatively.  Even their earlier singles had captivating promotional videos and choreography.  They are using their popularity to their advantage by working with some amazing artists and directors for their releases.  I'm looking forward to see how the new lyricists will do.  (If you haven't heard, Akimoto is hiring people to help him write music.)  With new influences coming in I hope to see the music develop.   


When I consider the interesting concept of 'a classroom' and watching the girls develop (Akimoto's CNN interview), I can overlook that some of the members aren't as talented as I would like them to be.  This is a major negative to me.  It also hurts the group because there are some strong vocalists, but the weaker members make them look bad.  Another thing that makes up for that is the range in members.  They have different personalities, and looks; there is pretty much someone for everyone.    



2. Brown Eyed Girls
Brown Eyed Girls are quite different than AKB48, which is probably why I am tempted to put them on top.  First off, the fact that they have members who are in their mid-twenties to thirties is lovely.  The entertainment industry in a lot of countries, especially for women, is very youth-orientated.  They are likely the most talented K-Pop, female, idol group.  They are the perfect kind of sexy.  (Confident and powerful sexy, not look-at-me and buy-my-music sexy.)  Both their singles and solo work tend to be spectacular.  My issue with them is, besides their singles, I don't like their music all too much.  Also, they don't release music all too often.  However, that is mostly the 'comeback' system in their industry's fault.  So basically, they are more talented than AKB48, equal in personality, but AKB48 has more music that I like.  However, the songs that I do like are so superb that they beat out SKE48 (who also have more songs that I like than BEG).  


3. SKE48
I have similar reasons why I like SKE48 compared to AKB48,  not unexpected since they have the same concept.  What surprised me was how different stylistically they are.  Their singles often make me imagine a lake or some body of water. They also tend to be more energetic dancers, this might be a Team S thing though.  SKE48's members have a different look compared to AKB48.  I really recommend watching their Zepp Nagoya (042910) and (122509) concerts; after I watched those I became a big fan.  They lack a variety show like AKBingo!, which is why I don't know their names or personalities well.  They've also improved the last couple of years.    


4. Perfume
I don't blog much about Perfume.  I don't have anything interesting to say about them.  I believe they are the definition of idols.  They seem perfect at all times, and reflect an ideal for women.  They also follow the guideline of being popular.  Perfume also has a good chance of continued long-term success, which is usually limited to male units.  Perfume's musical style, while unique, isn't my favorite.  I love it in the same way I love Enya.  It isn't exactly party music or something I would listen to often, but it is relaxing and enjoyable.    

5. NMB48
I had some trouble deciding where to place NMB48 on this ranking.  Their singles have been good, but nothing outstanding.  The members are surprising, considering how new they are to the industry, good performers.  I originally placed it lower, but then I considered their stage.  If you don't recall, I raved about their first stage.  This is partly due to AKB and SKE's debut stages weren't as good, in my opinion.  I can also see the Osaka flavor.  I didn't care for the song or PV for Oh My God!, however their performance made me like the song.  I think that is a good quality.  It was a really bland song, but they were so adorable.  They made me associate the two together.  Now I actually want to listen to the song.     


6. Morning Musume
You know how I said the main reason I love AKB is because of their music, that is what is hurting my interest in Morning Musume.  After viewing the PV for Renai Hunter, I've decided that I like the 10th generation.  (not as much as 9th gen.)  Plus, with Takahashi and Niigaki gone I adore all the members.  So, idol-wise they are in a great spot.  (there is a concern about talent because as far as I know Reina is the only strong vocalist, but I don't know about 9th and 10th gen.)  They just need to be more consistent with releases (that I like).  Renai Hunter was in the right direction.  (still want something more on the level of 10 MY ME and Maji Desu Ka Ska.)  I'm still hanging on because it wasn't too long ago from when I really enjoyed their releases.  Although, I'm impatient so I'm getting sick of waiting and disappointment.   


7. Tokyo Girls Style
I wasn't expecting much after their debut single, but they've done an amazing job thus far.  Their singles and albums have been good or better.  I like how they infuse the typical idol sound with other genres.  Keep it up ladies.  


 8. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Kyary had me at hello.  I find her singles addicting, but I wouldn't love them as much without the packaging.  Her PVs are spectacular.  Each one is different, but you see common imagery.  Kyary is not the most talented idol walking around vocally or in terms of music.  Excluding her singles, I don't care for her songs.  Her selling point is her concepts and creativity.  She knows how to sell it, and that is why I am always at the edge of my seat waiting for a new single.

9. Chocolat
I know this may piss off K-Pop fans when I've ranked this rookie group higher than most major groups like SNSD, Kara, and 2NE1.  I just like them better.  Their singles have been improving.  The fact that three members are biracial interests me.  Their dance practice videos are fun to watch.  I enjoy their performances.  Chocolat, especially my favorite Melanie, has strong vocals.  I root for them.  They also have the best English version for a Korean song that I've heard.  (I think SNSD's sucked.)       


10. Fairies
This is another rookie group, but from Japan.  They could surpass some of the above groups if they divided up the singing more.  I reject the E-girl groups because only two or three members sing when they have like seven members.  On that point, they've been improving.  Their dancing is wonderful.  I also adore most of their singles.  I also love their professional image.  (older groups could perform in the same clothes.)


Honorable Mention: Super Girls, C-ute, BiS, Momoiro Clover Z, 2NE1, and Kara.

Dubstep Is A Blessing & A Curse: Morning Musume's Renai Hunter PV Review

It feels like a while since Morning Musume has done anything.  I ignored their last single because I hated it.  (It wasn't just the costumes.)  While this video made me think they were back at trying to win my affections, it is still not as good as the quirky Maji Desu ka Ska.  I was pretty pumped when I heard the audio previews because they were utilizing dubstep.  I liked it, didn't love it though.  The music video received the same luke-warm response.


The close-up shots are very nice and match the image of the song.  I also find the outfits much better than some of their previous singles.  I don't mind the setting for the dance shot, although they've done better.  My complaint is that choreography sucks, in my opinion.  There are some good moments, but it was a huge disappointment.  I don't expect amazing dance skills from Morning Musume, but while listening to the previews I imagined something better.  


I dislike Tsunku's habit of auto-tuning Michishige's voice.  Her voice is naturally high pitched, why do you want to make it more so?  Then there was the usual issue of distribution of lines.  I don't mind some girls getting more than others, but could everyone get at least one or pair up for major ones?  I also wish they would just cut out the magazine shots because this sounds like a dance-track and that should be featured more.  Besides, they look out of place.  Well, I guess they don't have anything else to highlight in the dance section.


Dubstep tends to go well with amazing choreography/ dancing.  It doesn't even need to be too spectacular, it just has to have a pop to it.  That is why you see artists, especially in K-Pop, add dubstep just for a dance section.  So, I'm sorry Morning Musume fans who liked this video, the robot and then vibrating in a pose is not going to do it.  (There is a similar case where it is perfectly acceptable, but this is not Ayumi Hamasaki's Marionette.)  


They spend the majority of the time throwing their first towards the ground or the ceiling, or doing a hop-step in a circle while shaking one of their hands.  The wave thing didn't do anything for me.  Seriously, they could of tried something new with a superb dance shot for the entire PV.  


There was one element that I did love.  They split up the girls and they do different movements, you can spot it during Reina's first set of solo lines.  I appreciated the slight variety in angles, but have you never heard of pans?  So all in all, I am back to my position of not following them closely.  I mean the PV didn't bore me and everyone looked great, but it wasn't that good.  Dancing is a pretty big thing in my book.  It is one of my reasons Minegishi Minami is my AKB oshi.  Plus, there are so many idol groups now with strong choreography (all the E-Girls, Fairies, SNSD, Kara, the 48s).  I guess this cemented my outlook that I shouldn't expect anything from Hello Project.  I heard dubstep and started visualizing.  One of these days I am going to give up.  The good news is that I am really digging Fairies at the moment.  [I made a ton of screen shots, but it seems the function broke or something went wrong, so I lost them all.]  

2012 H!P Ranking Explanation

The majority of my past explanations for ranking are reserved for AKB and Morning Musume, so with the exception of Michishige Sayumi I don't think people are aware of my preferences.  (If you look at earlier posts two major themes appear for Morning Musume: I love Shige, but dislike Takahashi Ai.)    

10. Ikuta Erina (MM)
I have a sweet spot for the cute girls.  She stuck out to me as likely to pass through the auditions.  I was concerned when I saw her close-up shots from her first PV shoot because she seemed uncomfortable or at least awkward.  She appears to be more confident now.  It also was a good sign when Shige took her under her wing.  She just looks like she is a nice, quirky girl.  I like quirky.

9. Mitsui Aika (MM) 
She is the most unappreciated member of Morning Musume. I liked her right away because she seemed to have this feisty, like a little puppy, aura.  I began to adore her after watching subbed clips of one of their DVDs.  (That whole segment makes me smile.)  I like how her voice sounds.  The sad thing is that I am a bit particular about hair, it just has to look good.  Unfortunately, someone insists on doing sub-par work with her hair.  The above photo I think is perfect.  I also find the sibling relationship between Reina and Aika charming.  I don't know if it is a matter of her not getting pushed like she did when she first joined, or if she needs to work harder.  (I enjoy watching her in concerts.)  Then again, I no longer follow them as closely as before.  I am disappointed that the western fans are quite cruel to her, often saying she looks old and such.     

8. Tsugunaga Momoko (Berryz)
Her character has changed a bit, she moved into the comedy side where Sayumin has been carrying the torch for H!P. (I know I keep on changing her nickname = Michishige).  For one she is a definite ace.  Another one of her charms is that she has a nice butt, it isn't flat.  I can understand why people dislike her, for the same reason they don't care for Sayumin, because of her character.  But as a reminder, that isn't her so treat it like a character.  Did I mention she is a college student?        

7. Natsuyaki Miyabi (Berryz) 
Miyabi has sky rocketed in my ranking partly due to her chopping off her hair.  I think it looks best if it doesn't reach her shoulders.  She is another Berryz ace.  I guess her character is the nice girl.  She doesn't really have a distinctive character, maybe girl-next-door or natural.  

6. Suzuki Airi (C-ute)
There goes the last member of Buono. They are all aces in H!P, which is why Buono is so popular.  They just all perform well and have star qualities.  I don't know why, but if I had to pick a center for Buono it would be Airi.  It could be her look.  Shock by C-ute was a great song (click link for lolz).  I've never seen her look bad.  

5. Fukumura Mizuki (MM) 
Honestly, I didn't understand why she was added as part of the 9th generation.  She just didn't look like anything special.  However, since watching her she has become my favorite of that generation.  I guess I'm drawn to the natural character, nice girls.  She is also quite pretty.  I hope she gets more screen time.     

4. Hagiwara Mai (C-ute) 
I think she is really pretty, maybe more than Airi.  She reminds me of teenage Dakota Fanning.  It is hard to explain why I like some of these girls, because I naturally gravitate to them.  They stick out to me/ they catch my eye.  

3. Tanaka Reina (MM) 
She is one of the few members in Morning Musume with a clear character/ role in the group.  She is the 'lone-wolf', stylish one.  That is the reason why she is fun to watch.  Tsunku was right about her being the ideal; she never ages!  She has been consistently a strong member.

2. Sugaya Risako (Berryz) 
She may not have the strongest vocals, but I adore the sound of her voice.  It reminds me of a roar.  It is distinct and I think it is a good quality to have.  If you don't have strong vocals then it is best to have a unique sound.  I also enjoy her attitude; it is not a bad one, but a sassy one.  I guess I like confidence and people to have fun while performing.  Plus, boobs.  I'm sorry (it isn't the only thing I like but it is a bonus).  Oh, and she is average sized!  (which probably contributes to my previous point.)  I'm not that big of a pervert, I swear. . . okay no I am.  I am a college student; you can only think about sex once you enter high school.  (sorry I did that tangent thing again.)  She has the X factor that makes me incapable of not watching her.  

1. Michishige Sayumi (MM) 
Yeah, I'm predictable aren't I.  I prefer her 'I'm cute' character over Momo's, so I like watching her on variety shows.  She is actually really sweet if you read her blog.  I've pretty much have written all I can say about her.  (look at previous posts where her name is tagged.)  She never disappoints me.  If only v-u-den turned out well.  (I thought they were a good arrangement.)  

Mina's 2012 Hello! Project Ranking

H!P has had a lot of changes since the last time I ever ranked it.  So that is basically the reason I'm doing this. . . oh and I feel bad about just doing music video release posts.  Yep.  I might do an explanation for my top rankings later.


1. Michishige Sayumi (MM)
2. Sugaya Risako (Berryz)
3. Tanaka Reina (MM)
4. Hagiwara Mai (C-ute)
5. Fukumura Mizuki (MM)
6. Suzuki Airi (C-ute)
7. Natsuyaki Miyabi (Berryz)
8. Tsugunaga Momoko (Berryz)
9. Mitsui Aika (MM)
10. Ikuta Erina (MM)
11. Nakajima Saki (C-ute)
12. Suzuki Kanon (MM)
13. Yajima Maimi (C-ute)
14. Tokunaga Chinami (Berryz)
15. Mano Erina (Soloist)
16. Okai Chisato (C-ute)
17. Sayashi Riho (MM)
18. Fukuda Kanon (S/mileage)
19. Shimizu Saki (Berryz)
20. Kudo Haruka (MM)
21. Kumai Yurina (Berryz)
22. Sudou Maasa (Berryz)
23. Iikubo Haruna (MM)
24. Tamura Meimi (S/mileage)
25. Wada Ayaka (S/mileage)
26. Ishida Ayumi (MM)
27. Nakanishi Kana (S/mileage)
28. Sato Masaki (MM)
29. Takeuchi Akari (S/mileage)
30. Katsuta Rina (S/mileage)

This Is How Mina Feels Right Now

Works as a wallpaper when stressed. 

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