Who is the Best Leader of an Idol Group, According to Mina

AKIMOTO SAYAKA (AKB48)

She isn't the leader of the whole group, but she is the captain of Team K.  She holds herself to a higher standard.  I don't know a better leader out of all the idol groups I follow.  

Akimoto Sayaka Regains Team K Captain Position

Wow, did I start crying when I heard the announcement.  The happy news came by text message, while Sayaka was surrounded by three original Team K members (Miyazawa, Umeda, Masuda), after she had finished the 2011 Tokyo Marathon.  The main reason she accepted the challenge was because of the scandal that took place last year, which caused her to give up her position as Team K captain.  She wanted to start off the new year right.  Although she is athletic,  she said that she isn't good at long distance running.  Sayaka has been training for awhile, and I am proud of her at the moment.
ｵｶｴﾘヽ(*^ｖ^)人(^ｖ^*)ノ  

The Issue of Leadership

There have been a few things recently that has made me ponder the leaders, both past, present, and potential ones.  Before I talk about the upcoming leaders I want to recognize the ones that I believe were/ are outstanding.  In general there is a certain role I believe a well-suited leader should play and what characteristics they need.  I believe a proper leader isn't the most popular member; they can be one of the popular members but they shouldn't be both the main ace and leader.  For example: Team A (Acchan and Takamina), Berryz Koubou (Risako and Saki), Team K (Yuko and Sayaka), Arashi (Jun and Ohno), and SDN48 (Meetan and Nonti).  From my observations I also think a leader should have a present personality.  Why present?  I don't know if strong is the right word, but in a way yes.  Like Ohno has a present personality, but he is quiet (part of his funny personality).

Morning Musume Ex-Leader: Hitomi Yoshizawa (Yossie)
I don't know how to describe her leadership (especially since I wasn't present), but the whole group chemistry felt right when she was the leader.  She was the only leader of Morning Musume that I thought of that I believe is/was exceptional.  While I did think Johnson and Takahashi were/are good leaders I don't think they were best suited for the position.  However, strong-willed leaders like Nakazawa, Yaguchi, and Fujimoto fit the role perfectly they each had their faults.  Yossie had the strong-will and personality to be a strong member to rally around, but she also had the reliability that is needed.  Nakazawa was kind of at war with the rest of the group, so her leadership was weak in the beginning.  Both Mari and Mikitty abandoned Morning Musume because of their personal lives outside of the group.  It didn't make them bad people because they were owning up to what they've done, but it wasn't helpful for the unit.

AKB48
Team A's Captain: Minami Takahashi (Takamina)
I've always believed that she was the best person to be Team A's captain (although I think Mariko could if she wanted to).  It wasn't till I watched the documentary aired by NHK (1/8/2011) that I truly saw her for what a wonderful leader she is.  Like Yossie she has the talent, the dependability, and strength for a superb leadership.  Just seeing how hard she worked and her speaking to other members I saw why Akimoto sees her as such an ace.

Team K's Captain (Resigned): Sayaka Akimoto (Sexy)
Like Takamina, Sexy's strength and leadership was reaffirmed while viewing the program.  Even when she isn't the captain, it still feels like she is.  What I will miss most when she graduates is the position she'll leave open.  When I think of her talent and such I am sure that she will continue to be amazing after she graduates (no announcement so don't freak out).  The only person I see leading Team K is Sayaka.  She holds herself to a higher standard, which is why she stepped down and also why she was such a amazing captain.

Honorable Mentions
Noro Kayo (SDN48)
Shimizu Saki (Berryz Koubou)
Urano Kazumi (Ex-Captain of AKB's Team B)
Ohno Satoshi (Arashi)

Morning Musume's Future
Niigaki Risa (Leader)
While I think Niigaki could make a better leader than Takahashi (because she would probably follow my rule of not being the most popular member), I am concerned about her leadership skills.  She may be more assertive than Takahashi, but she may not be the most dependable or up for it.  This comes from her weight issues.  When I go through recent pictures I often see a back and forth between her weight from a healthy slim to overly slender.  It hasn't gotten to the point where whenever I see her I think she is boney (like Reni, the resigned leader of Momoiro Clover), but it doesn't show the most dependable nature.  This is especially concerning because she will be an influence on the new, young members.  (Not to mention that she doesn't look that great overall which is mostly due to weight loss.)

Michishige Sayumi (Sub-Leader?)

The reason why I add a question mark is because I've heard that Niigaki will take Takahashi's place, but no mention of the sub-leader position.  Plus, I don't think Tsunku cares for Sayu that much because he always berates her for her weak vocals (even though she has improved).  However, since Sayu is the eldest of the 6th generation I am going to assume she will take the spot.

The good news is while I am concerned with Niigaki's strength I am not when it comes to Sayu.  Sayu has been polled as one of the most hated people by women in Japan.  She, on multiple occasions, has been spammed with spiteful comments on her blog concerning her acne and for liking other idols units.  She also has to deal with producers and other celebrities giving her a hard time because of either her voice or her TV personality.  I hope that because of all this she has grown a thick skin (it would be horrible if she hasn't).  She also has had a good, but hard, experience with teaching juniors.  She was assigned to teach Kusumi Koharu, who is strong-spirited.  She is also very sweet and kind.  She is entertaining (Mikitty and Sayu seem to run into each other a lot on variety shows) and she tries to (or does) exude confidence.  She may not be the most talented member, but she has to work hard to make up for it.  This probably would be comforting (or able to give good advice) for the junior members who struggle.  (Kusumi Koharu said the fact that they both struggled because they aren't physically strong made her feel better.)  Therefore, she has a lot of strong characteristic to be a good leader especially during a period with new members.  To tell you the truth, I originally thought Reina would be a better leader than Sayu.  But after writing this all out I strongly believe that Sayu will make an excellent leader (because what doesn't kill you makes you stronger).  

Is 26 AKB48's Unlucky Number?

I recalled recently that during a SDN48 appearance (Show Battle) that they mentioned the number 26.  Is there a specific graduate age of AKB48?  I looked into it.  Cindy, Yukari, and Haruka were transferred before they reached the age of 26.  Noro Kayo and Megumi Ohori were both about the age of 26 when they were transferred, and they were the oldest members of AKB48.  So why do I bring this up?  It is not to discuss the whole issue of idol groups trying to stay young, but a certain someone is approaching the dreaded number.  The oldest member of AKB48 is currently: Shinoda Mariko.

Shinoda Mariko is 24, two years to go.  But, what about those who were transferred before they hit 26?  Could it be that they were moved to help SDN48's debut?  Shinoda is one of the most popular members of AKB48, so it would be hard to transfer her (even if you don't consider if she would be even willing to transfer).  Then if you think about it, both Yukari and Cindy were also senbatsu members.  If you are not concerned enough about Shinoda, Yukari and Haruka were born in the same year as Sayaka, Yuko, and other members of AKB48.  Akimoto has already stated that Yuko has years until she would need to graduate, but she is the most popular member right now.  Sayaka, on the other hand, has dropped in senbatsu and general position.  The producers have moved Sayaka to an Undergirls spot.  The teams were shuffled recently, so it is unlikely that there will be anymore transfers or graduates right now.  Just something to be concerned about for the future.

I Miss You Morning Musume

You will always remember your first.  Ayumi Hamasaki is who, I consider, my first favorite J-pop artist; I don't really consider her an idol even if it was from her earlier days.  Then, Morning Musume was my first idol group.  Recently, the OG performed with the current Morning Musume on Hey! Hey! Hey! during a special.  I heard something about them being banned.  Is that true, and does anyone know why?  Anyway, It was a great performance, which was a medley of their early (which were also big) hits.  (Notice how none of the songs are new or even included the current members when they were released.)  As expected, most of the solo lines went to the OG members, which probably doesn't bother the fans too much considering we miss them.  Unfortunately (also as expected), any good solo lines that went to the current line up went to Ms. Takahashi (I decided I won't refer to her in informally because I don't like her anymore and that is the Japanese way).  In fact, I would say the current line up was there out of courtesy and as good eye-candy and support for their senpai.  Considering that it is only a special, so there was a fixed amount of singing time, it does make sense that most of the attention went to the OG.  I enjoyed it myself, but I felt bad for the other girls.  Especially, the members that are about to graduate.  I would of given Ms. Takahashi's nice solo lines to Eri.  The members did get some good shared lines with the OG and some short solo stuff, so it is fine.

I still want to see Niigaki and Ms. Takahashi graduate because until that day Morning Musume doesn't stand a chance at evolving.  I think Reina would make a good leader and she still looks young and fresh, so she would make a good transition into a new era.  I think it is sad the Pandas are being forced out considering they never got a chance at the line-light.  They may of decided themselves that it was best to get out now, but LinLin's blog hints that it wasn't her decision.  I'm surprised Tsunku didn't use them for more attention because they had potential to be TV personalities like Shige-chan.  Shige (Michishige Sayumi) should also get more of a push.  I know she isn't the best singer or dancer, but she appears in a lot more outside work than most girls (magazines, TV shows, &ct).  What really got me depressed about the current line up was watching Fashionable, their new musical.  Of course it focused on Ms. Takahashi, but beyond that it was boring.  There weren't any good songs at all either.  (I must admit I wouldn't enjoy any songs if Ms. Takahashi sang them.)  I liked the concept of something fashion related because I adore Japanese fashion, but I was severely disappointed.  It did remind me (and her recent trailer) that I still can enjoy Niigaki's presence.  The plot was partly to blame, and the fact that the group numbers were pathetic.  Morning Musume's recent single made a good fit for the musical, and I actually enjoyed its place there.  (It is still not good enough to be a single.)  I wish the plot was more about the conflict among women.  Even a shallow bullying plot would of been better; I'm a sucker for those.  It seemed the conflict between the members left something to be desired.  I also expected that the members would be closer to equal footing during a musical.  It just reflected the similar state of the group.  Shige-chan got some good screen time, but I think that partly comes from her station as a TV personality.  Just saying.  (I am watching their DVD from when they went to LA and so far it is pretty interesting.  It makes me miss the members, but soon that will change.)

Now last but least, I will summarize and maybe share my thoughts on a recent appearance of Shige-chan on a TV special.  She appeared with another Morning Musume member, but no one currently in the group.  The one thing I have to say is that I wish the other segments, besides Shige-chan's,  were subtitled as well.  It was a two hour special, which is hard so I understand.  However, the focus sounded interesting and Sayaka (AKB48) was present.  They didn't even subtitle the showdown that we hear about.  I do think this is one of my better summaries, if I do say so myself.  It is more than just captions.

Usa-chan PEACE!  Wait isn't there a day for that like every month?  I need to check my post on Usa-chan Peace Day.

They are talking about girls who act differently in front of men than women and ones that don't get along.  Basically, it is about women who are cute and have issues with other women.  She is talking about how she tries to eat small food or small bites in front of men.  I find these open talks fascinating.  Not only because of the humor and watching my darling Mikitty and Shige.  (For some reason every time I hear Shige I think butt, maybe because it sounds like shake a bit.)  Also because they  not only reveal things about Japanese culture you wouldn't always find out until you went there, and general human behavior and communication.  AP Psychology was a good class.  Shout out to Mr. Ray (that doesn't read this).

See!  She explains the reasoning because she thinks it is cute and that concept of cute derives from anime which is two dimensional!  I just thought this would make an interesting essay or example in a thesis about anime or cuteness (LOL).

There is the same old fun of people being shocked by Sayu's behavior.  This one is particularly delicious because you don't only have Mikitty's and the other women's honest reactions but reactions by the guys that don't consider her cute.  Of course, I think Sayu is cute.  She isn't just cute because of her looks, which aren't off the charts but I wouldn't consider average either.  I think cute comes more from behavior and how you present yourself.  Amina Sato isn't the cutest girl on the block, however the combination of her eyes, long hair, style, and mostly her voice and behavior.  It is more about personality; looks do help though.

Mikitty, my favorite frank OG, is acting as one of the hosts.  I have to say her voice sounds higher than it used to be.

Look, Shige is even cute embarrassed.  See how her pinky sticks up slightly and how you can see her delicate wrist.  (Tip for being cute for women: wear your watch on the inside of your wrist/ the opposite side of how you would usually.  Yes, it is harder to show off in general if your watch is nice.  The trick is that when you look at your watch you will accent your wrist which shows off femininity.)  Mikitty was talking about the same subject, but this humanizes Shige.  She isn't perfect and has the same trouble most women have about weight.  I still can't understand how Japanese women hate her so much.  All I see is the act of being a TV personality, even if you don't find it entertaining wouldn't you be able to understand it is for entertainment purposes?

Look of that positioning.  I guess Sayu is someone who is naturally cute.

Oh come on.  Even her little profile pic for this special is unbelievably cute!

Next is Ms. Takahashi behind the scenes info about Shige.  It states that Sayu is actually really quiet backstage and when asked about it she says that she wants to save/ not waste her charm or energy.  (along those lines)  Shock and astonishment by the other celebs.  I knew Sayu was a quiet person.  If you have to put on an act all the time I bet you would be quiet.  Yes, I am sticking with my theory that Sayu is misunderstood and that she wants to be an idol really badly so she makes herself a character for attention.  Even with her being a personality she doesn't get much in Morning Musume.  I think this character gives her more push than the agency and Hello! Project gives her (even within H!P). 

A story about Mikitty and Sayu being themselves.

I do think that Sayu is a naturally cute person, either that or she really knows how to put all the details into her performance.

Now I don't know if this is a twisted story that she includes to project the character, but if it is it is a nice touch.  This would be something that would make me think poorly of Sayu.

This goes back to my theory that she has had issues with bullying and that she is lonely.  There have been polls done saying that she is one of the most hated people by women in Japan.  (Maybe not the most reliable statistic, but it was announced on TV.)  I bet she is really lonely, plus all those trolls on her blog can't be good for your self esteem.

My Reaction to the 17th Senbatsu Election

I just needed to post the results beforehand.  I'm seriously tearing up from the shock.  Let me be honest I am not completely happy with these results.  Sae held her #9 which is great and I'm not surprised.  I would have been sad if she dropped and happy if she went forward, so nothing special there.  I have to mention now the big surprise... Oshima Yuko beat Maeda Atsuko!  What is wrong with the Maeda wota how could you let this happen!  I love Oshima and all but I love Maeda more, and I can't expect anyone higher in my rankings to take the #1 spot.  I'm happy for Oshima.  I am not happy that Kojima Haruna is above Yukirin and Sae.  I feel like I'm going through the stages of grief...

Okay, moving onto the positive things in my life...
No, let me just say this first Matsui Jurina is ruining my life!  Matsui Rena was above her the entire time AND Jurina was not in the front line.  Matsui Rena was in the front row the entire time.  What is this bullshit!  I call foul play!  (deep breath)

I am pleased that Sato Amina still made senbatsu. I am happy for the Sayaka fans who boosted her out of the danger zone; I didn't care too much. I am happy to see Nakagawa Haruka went from a theater girl to make senbatsu. Okay I can't take it anymore. Not only did Myao end up on the borderline, LOVETAN didn't make it!!!! I'm going to cry in a corner now.

News!!!

AKB48 breaks the 500,000 sales mark for their first week sales of Ponytail to Shushu.  They broke a couple of records:

• Best first week numbers for a female group since Momusu's [Renai Revolution 21] (515k) released approx. 9 years and 5 months ago

• Best first week numbers for a female artist since Utada Hiraku's [Can You Keep a Secret?] (784k) approx. 9 year and 3 months ago.

Included in the first press was a ballot to vote for their 17th Senbatsu Election.  I've posted both the first day and midway results in previous posts.  There are other ways to vote like being in the fan club.

Sayaka Akimoto, captain of AKB48's Team K, has released her first solo, digital photobook.  You can download the video here.  You can also download the photobook here.

There are a couple new AKB48 shows being planned.  One is a cooking show.  The first episode will air on the 27th of this month.

SDN48 finally got their own show.  It is called SDN48 すっぽんの女たち
(Suppon no Onnatachi). You can direct download the first episode here.


Atsuko Maeda of AKB48 is releasing her third photobook installment that is photographed in New York City.  This series is pretty cheap.  The first was in Hawaii, second in Tokyo, and well you know where the third is in.  This one is quite mature and includes partial nudity.

SKE48 will release their third single on the 7th of July.  It will include seven senbatsu for the first track.  It will also include an undergirls and theater girls song as well. 

Last Month on the 12th, AKB48 released Sosenkyo Official Guidebook.  It only costs $10!  It focuses on the Senbatsu Election.  You can buy it here.  Here is some interesting info from the JPHIP Forum:
"First, it comes with stickers and a poster.


The stickers are just inside the first page, and there's one for everyone that's running for the election this time. A total of 121 stickers (64 AKB48 stickers, 46 SKE48 stickers, 11 ranking stickers).


There are 3 different kinds of posters, each one has a back and a front side. The front side of the posters are the covers for Ponytail to ShuShu except larger.


    * Version A Front has Team A & Team S election posters
    * Version A Back has Oshima Yuko, Matsui Jurina, Maeda Atsuko, Takahashi Minami, Watanabe Mayu
    * Version K Front has Team K & Team KII election posters
    * Version K Back has Kashiwagi Yuki, Kojima Haruna, Itano Tomomi, Shinoda Mariko, Kitahara Rie
    * Version B Front has Team B & Kenkyusei election posters
    * Version B Back has Minegishi Minami, Ono Erena,Takajyo Aki, Miyazawa Sae, Kasai Tomomi, Miyazaki Miho


The book starts off with shots and interviews for the last election's Top 10 girls.


    * Maeda Atsuko gets 5 pages for herself (A 2 page spread, 3 pages of candids + interview)
    * Top 2 - 4 gets 4 pages each (Single page spread, 3 candid pages + interview)
    * Kojima Haruna gets 3 pages (Single page spread, 2 candid pages + interview)
    * Top 6 - 10 get 2 pages each (Single page, 1 candid page + interview)


Throughout the book we get some stats like


    * Request Hour 2010 Top 10 Songs
    * The 10 members who appeared on Shukan AKB the most
    * The 10 members who appeared on AKBINGO the most
    * Last election's rankings and vote numbers"

Watarirouka Hashiritai, a sub-group of AKB48, will release their 5th single Seishun no Flag on the 30th.

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:

Goto Maki has reopened her official website and will be returning this summer.  She has already released a PV.

A new unit has been formed to perform at the Shanghai Expo which starts on the 22nd.  They are called Shanghai.  JunJun and LinLin, the two Chinese members of Morning Musume, selected the recently graduated member of Morning Musume Kusumi Koharu and Berryz Koubou, Buono!, and Aa! member Natsuyaki Miyabi.

For the next Hello Project Summer Tour people can vote for their favorite group and song.  They will perform the most popular songs.  The tour starts on July 18th, and continues until August 8th.

S/mileage will release their second major single on July 27th.

Sayumi Michishige on a TV show asking people on the street who is the cutest between Shige and some OG.  (Not really news, but fun to watch)

Part 1


Part 2

AKB Top Ten Explanation

I have been in a ranking frenzy as of late. I am most proud of learning the majority of AKB48 members. I said I would explain why I selected my top ten. This is also good for those curious about AKB48.
#10- Minami Minegishi
The troublemaker loli that was my original favorite, the first member that I made an OPV for and learned their full name. She has been moved over to Team K, which I have no argument against. She is the embodiment of sweet. She is always entertaining. She also finds as many opportunities as possible to wear glasses; I L-O-V-E her with glasses. She is known to be the best dancer, but her mannerisms are hilarious! I'm glad she made it into the top ten.
#9- Tomomi Kasai
Miichan and her are in a dead heat to stay in the top ten. Kasai is cute, in the same disturbing (to some) way that Sayumi Michishige is. She also has a fetish for girls dressed as guys, she is known for it in fact. You would think with her high voice that it wouldn't be very good, but she has always done well in Team K songs like Maria. In fact, I think her voice is a nice to mesh with the lower vocals. She was unfortunately shuffled to Team B, which is the most overlooked. (Her plus Mayuyu is going to be way too high.)
#8- Erena Ono
She has grown so much. She was just this adorable kid with a gorgeous voice. She always possessed this innocent and sparkling personality. Some say she is spoiled, which I wouldn't mind if I saw it. It is hitting me kind of hard in the face how much of a teenager she is now. She is coming out with the leading role in some films lately, and I am pumped. I forgave her for enjoying the kiss she shared with the devil spawn (Matsui Jurina of all people). She will continue to be a great asset to Team K!
#7- Yuko Oshima
Akimoto threw her in Team K just to be in the front because of her experience until the other members developed, but she proved him wrong! She contains that bad ass quality that I die for, but then she smiles and sprawls about. You wonder what they say backstage: Damn it! Who put a shot in Oshima's coffee...and who gave her coffee anyway? Yuko! Stop fondling the other members! I feel closer to idols who also adore idols. She works really hard, but besides that HER VOICE! It is beautiful, and then her inflection is perfection.
#6- Sayaka Akimoto
I am always surprised that she ranks this low. She can sing and dance. She is a beast, and is in the best shape out of all AKB48. She works her butt off! She is beautiful and unique. She can take being mocked. I know why she is this low though. She works too hard! She needs to let loose a bit cause she looks forced at times. I hate saying that. I guess that is a good flaw to have. A worthy captain of my favorite Team K!
#5- Yuki Kashiwagi
She has flown to the top like a bottle rocket in my eyes. I mistakenly overlooked her because of her appearance. However, I actually like that she looks different. Unlike the others so far, she has a muted power. She has the voice, looks, style, and charisma that is necessary to be the Captain of Team B!
#4- Atsuko Maeda
The shy and introverted front girl. This would not work out at all if she didn't work so hard. She is a beauty. I adore her childish voice and smile. She is also my fashion guru. I look up to her. She reminds me of the teenage and sexy Nacchi. I think she is a perfect front girl. She doesn't have a very strong personality, therefore she won't ruffle too many feathers. I think that people just hate her for being at the front.
#3- Amina Sato
People hate her for her helium voice. She was the surprise that no one saw coming. She worked incredibly hard to get to the top. I don't know the full extent, but she learned the songs and choreography of each Team. She was just a wreck when she reached the #8 spot. As you can tell, I like voices from every spectrum. I find it classic that she gets herself in these perverted situations. She got moved down to Team B, which suits her more. However, I am worried that the move means Akimoto is going to force her out of the front girls.
#2- Aika Ota
I had no idea who this little darling was till this year, you can even see the post. She has only one dimple, which I find even more adorable. When she sang without any back up during AX2010 MC I about died. Whenever I spot her I make a really dopey face. Although, what puts her over the edge to 'my head is going to explode of cuteness' is the fact that she has the mouth of a sailor. Such a rebellious teenager! She used to live with Meetan, and was nervous to share a bath. SAVE YOUR INNOCENCE! Meetan calmed her down with anime. My head is going to explode! She should be a power puff girl: sugar, spice, everything nice, plus some chemical X! She is very talented and I can't wait to see her mature.
#1- Sae Miyazawa
What can't I say about Sae. She makes me laugh, cry, quiver, and squeal with excitement. MOE~ She is everything to me. I will be depressed if I don't get to see her live before she graduates! I just can't describe how much I idolize her without typing out a whole essay. Thank you for living!

AKBingo! DANSO Screencaps!

The moment we have all been waiting for... DANSO!

Our first challenger...

Poor OL Acchan having computer/ work troubles?

And here he comes to the rescue!

sweaty palms

PERSONAL BUBBLE

Role reversal... someone besides Acchan becoming awesome after removing their glasses

Out of 20 girls

Haruna would be surprising unless you remember Mendol

Oshima is in trouble!

JACK SPARROW!

Oshima's face after seeing that walk

Fail Haruna

Now this challenger has been the most talked about by far

Takahashi doesn't think much of the girls who come to see that star of the archery team

Let's see how long she lasts

Rena can really transform

Oh, there goes Takahashi

***hands touch***

Tomomi is enjoying this!

He missed?

Takahashi:I must of done something wrong
Rena: No, you didn't

so close

Sado is still in the lead

This should be good considering she is put in so many male roles

Just the silhouette is cracking the girls up

I don't know about this one

Sayaka, come on you and I both know you can dance better than that

FAIL

Sayaka just sucks at cosplaying

(she stole his clothes)

This week's performance

Only four was epic, but sad
however, never fear, they will have more next time

Oshima is out drinking after her losing role in this episode

the end