Acchan is Graduating & Other AKB News (Oshima Yuko Scandal)

All AKB48 fans learn at some point that three day concerts mean big developments in their fandom.  What I have learned now is that I should really follow Akimoto's Google+ page.  I held out writing about some of them as they came to light because I suspected more to come.  I'll split them up into sections so they are easier to find in case you want to save time. 

   

Acchan Is Graduating:

On the final day of the Gyoumu Renraku. Tanomu zo, Katayama-buchou! concert at Saitama Super Arena, Maeda Atsuko, first generation member of AKB48, said she will be graduating.  The details, including the when it will take place, have yet to be decided.  This announcement has initiated a lot of discussions due to her position as the 'face' of the most popular Japanese Pop group.  Fans believe the ceremony will take place at Tokyo Dome.  Maeda, as of late, has been taking more acting jobs.  She along with other members have been overworked, with incidences of collapsing or other illnesses. The following is taken from Melos No Michi's post on her graduation:   

Maeda Atsuko said, "I am a first-generation member and have been here since I was 14. This was my life. It was a big decision. And I will make a second important decision. I am going to graduate.I have caused some troubles because of my mood swings, but thanks for everyone's help, I am here today. To perform in Tokyo Dome was a dream since I was 14.Now this dream has come true, at 20 years of age, I have to work hard towards my next dream.I have worked hard for the past 6-1/2 years. I have to move onto my next dream at the age of 20. I am anxious and worried because I don't know what will happen. But for the kouhai, I have to take the first step towards this. No details have been decided."

Akimoto Yasushi, on Google+, stated, "I am just at a loss for words. I didn't expect Acchan to graduate yet. She's only 20, and still has a lot of future for her in AKB48. I was expecting one of the older members like Mariko to graduate first because of her age, but definitely not Acchan. I guess it is inevitable, graduation is part and parcel of idol groups. But AKB48 will be very different without Acchan. She might not be my oshi, but she is among the people I respect the most in my life."

My reaction:
I'm not that surprised.  I've been considering how they will handle this situation for a while now.  However, I expected a lavish graduation ceremony where Acchan left with Shinoda Mariko, Oshima Yuko, and possibly Kojima Haruna.  I guess it is better to spread out the senbatsu members' graduations.  Keep in mind that a fair number of the popular members are 20-years-old or over.  My question is if she will continue her solo career or just stick to acting.  One problem is the recent accusation by Johnny's (JE) that she hurts their idols' ratings.   A significant number of popular dramas include JE idols, so if they do blacklist her she'll have difficulty getting major roles.  If that happens, I think she should hone her craft by doing edgier films.  It would also help her distance herself from her idol image.  I will make a graduation post with a playlist later.

AKB48 Will Perform At Tokyo Dome, For The First Time:
During the first concert at Saitama Super Arena, a video of Takahashi Minami was played with a countdown from 1,830M.  That number signifies the distance, in meters, from the Akihabara theatre to Tokyo Dome.  It was on of AKB48's original goals to perform at the famous Tokyo Dome.  While there is no official date, fans suspect it will be part of Maeda Atsuko's graduation.

Matsui Jurina(SKE) and Watanabe Miyuki(NMB) Will Join AKB48, Temporarily:
Matsui Jurina was surprised [clip includes previews for AKB's next single] when it was announced that on top of her current duties for SKE48, she will perform for a limited time with Team K.  Watanabe Miyuki, a front girl for NMB48, will be added to Team B as well.  Fans are concerned about Juritan's health because she seemed overwhelmed.  After a recent incident she received a three day break to recover.  Team K's Captain, Akimoto Sayaka, expressed on Google+ that they are excited to have her, but concerned about her well-being.  My guess is that, similar to CINDY joining WH7, they will be holding vacant spots left by the firing of two members after a scandal.  However, CINDY's work load is significantly less than the other two.  Now that I think about it, they could of temporarily filled the spots with SDN48 members, like Nonti or Meetan for Team K.  


Formation of Team 8 & Other Promotions Announced for Teams and Agencies:
Producer, Akimoto Yasushi, posted on Google+ that he will form Team 8, which will be the 5th Team.  Therefore, for those not keeping track, there is now a team for every character (A-K-B-4-8).  It seems he has yet to decide who will be promoted, but his reasoning was there were "many people concerned about the Research Students who didn't get promoted" (Tokyohive).  This was spurred by the announcement on the second night of the Saitama Super Arena Concert that five Research Students will be promoted to Team 4.  So now, Team 4 is full with 16 members.  Here are the following promotions:
    
New Team 4 Members:
Yuka Tano 
Karen Iwata
Rena Kato 
Juri Takahashi 
Rina Kawaei
　 　 
Agency Promotions:
Iriyama Anna & Yokoyama Yui - Ohta Pro
Yamauchi Suzuran - Hori Pro
Ichikawa Miori - Production Ogi
Nakamata Shiori & Yagami Kumi - Watanabe Pro
Oba Mina & Abe Marina - Japan Music Entertainment
Shimazaki Haruka - Big Apple
Shimada Haruka - office48
Nagao Mariya - Irving
Nakamura Mariko - Shinei Production
Takeuchi Miyu - Oh Enterprise
Matsui Rena - Grick
Takayanagi Akane - Avex Entertainment

AKB48's 26th Single & 27th Single Senbatsu Election Announcement: 
The upcoming single will be titled: Manatsu No Sound Good!.  It will be released on May 23rd and will have a 36 member senbatsu.  The previous single from this time last year was Everyday, Kachuusha, which had a large senbatsu of 26 members and followed the theme of hair accessories and swimsuits.  Members who participated in that single, who weren't frequent members of senbatsu, were passed over in favor of Team 4.  Voting ballots will be included with this single.  Here are the participating members for the A-side:
   
Team A: Maeda Atsuko, Sashihara Rino, Kojima Haruna, Kuramochi Asuka, Shinoda Mariko, Takajo Aki, & Takahashi Minami.
Team K: Oshima Yuko, Itano Tomomi, Miyazawa Sae, Yokoyama Yui, and Minegishi Minami.
Team B: Kashiwagi Yuki, Watanabe Mayu, Kitahara Rie, and Kasai Tomomi.
Team 4: Shimada Haruka, Ishikawa Miori, Iriyama Anna, Takeuchi Miyu, Abe Maria, Yamauchi Suzuran, Shimazaki Haruka, Iwata Karen, Kato Rena, Takahashi Juri, & Kawaei Rina.
SKE48: Matsui Rena, Matsui Jurina, Takayanagi Akane, Kimoto Kanon, and Kizaki Yuria.
NMB48: Yamamoto Sayaka, Watanabe Miyuki, & Jo Erika.
HKT48: Kodama Haruka
  
The 4th annual Senbatsu Election, for the 27th single, will take place at the Nippon Budokan on June 6th.  Due to the increasing number of idols who are in the running management has increased the number of spots available.  The top rank of senbatsu will go to those who rank from one to sixteen.  The following ranks are from 17 to 32, 33 to 48, and 49 t0 64.  Now that there are 64 spots available it will be even more emotionally taxing if a member of AKB48 doesn't rank.  This should also encourage fans, who voted for likely senbatsu members in the hope to increase or hold their rank, to vote for members of a lower or unknown rank.  It is unknown if Acchan will participate in the upcoming election.  Although, it will be even more difficult for members to get into senbatsu this year because there is only 16 spots.  

Another Oshima Yuko Scandal:
The media in Japan has been in a flutter since March 12th, due to the star-studded  marriage announcement of actor/ director Oguri Shun and actress/ model Yamada Yu.  They officially registered two days later, the anniversary when they started dating four years ago.  They were planning on getting married in July of last year, but it was postponed due to the earthquake and tsunami.  Oguri Shun has a history of cheating, but according to Yamada Yu's friends she is willing to look past it.  
   

Here is where Oshima Yuko comes into the equation.  A rumor has recently surfaced that Shun "was allegedly caught frantically hitting on [Oshima Yuko] in the waiting period for his marriage" (Source: omoxi).  Shun might of asked an actor friend (referred to as 'T'), who had previously worked with Oshima, to set up a get together.  Supposedly, the get together took place and that there was a "good atmosphere."  Shun has a reputation, but it won't help Oshima's if she is portrayed as a home-wrecker.  It will be funny if another scandal comes out about her dating someone else, maybe she will get a Nino-like reputation.  (Nino of Arashi has a reputation of being a "sexual powerhouse.")      

AKB48's Anime Preview Released:
The premise of the anime is that in the future idols are banned.  There is an illegal idol group called AKB0048, who take up the spirit of AKB48.  The girls are labeled as terrorists and are attacked.  They fight back and defend their stage and fans.  The 77th generation Research Students are played by idols, and the legendary AKB48 members are played by voice actresses: 
  Maeda Atsuko – Sawashiro Miyuki 
Oshima Yuko – Kanda Akemi 
Kashiwagi Yuki – Horie Yui 
Watanabe Mayu – Tamura Yukari 
Kojima Haruna – Noto Mamiko 
Takahashi Minami – Shiraishi Ryoko 
Itano Tomomi – Ueda Kana 
Miyazawa Sae – Nakahara Mai 
Akimoto Sayaka – Kawasumi Ayako

Mina's Mass PV Reviews! + Update

SKE48 『バンザイVenus』

SKE48 バンザイVenus
Uploaded by masa37610. - See the latest featured music videos.
Update: Sorry I forgot one.
SKE48 may be cementing their own formula for singles: genki songs which include a dance section and tons of extras.  I am pleased to see chibi airi getting a good amount of screen time, and that SKE has done away with the small senbatsu for about 16 members.  The PV is a ton of fun and shows that you don't have to do a ton of editing to do a good job.  (There are adorable kids and old people.)  The song is okay.  I like genki songs, but I prefer their last single because it was catchy.  When I saw the PV preview for this I became attached, which proves that it completes its purpose.  Plus, you gotta wonder if all those extras are going to grab a copy.
栗山千明『おいしい季節 』

You know how in the United States there is a belief that models shouldn't cross over to acting or singing because it usually doesn't go that well.  The song is pretty good, she looks great, sounds great, the whole PV looks amazing. . . BUT I don't like the way she is moving.  It looks odd to me, almost like she is posing.  I bet you can get a ton of awesome looking screenshots, but it is not fun to watch.  I just want her to stop moving or at least slow it down.  If they could fix that it would be an amazing PV.  I can't watch this.  Oh my god, right when it gets to the rock part and she squeals(?) she has this expressionless face.  I'm starting to get scared by her face, but she moves around like a preteen trying to act rock n'roll or cool.  That was a bit painful.
嵐『Lotus
Here it comes!  I heard from my Arashi source that the limited edition sold out in three hours on CDJapan.  I even ordered a copy, but the regular edition was also out of first press copies by the time I got there.  (I was able to snag one of the last 14 copies of Momoclo's first press, RE copy of their next single.)  This is one of their serious songs so it sounds great, but it is no where as cracky as their happy songs (like Kitto daijoubu).  It might be a good thing considering their PV ballads have been boring as hell.  The dance-shot set looks cool, but I have no idea why there is a bird without a head.  I shouldn't watch this PVs because Johnny's PVs are amazing in comparison with H!P and is just going to piss me off at Tsunku more than I am.  I am impressed by their costumes.  Each one is different and stylish and provides lovely contrast to the sets.  Hehehehe, Junnifer and his lesbian hair-cut.  Nino does this Ahaaa thing and then just stops.  I just can't keep a serious face while watching these close up shots.  I don't care for the editing here.  The juxtaposing effect is oddly used here.  The effect suits the song, but they end up overlapping two images on top of each other which I don't care for.  I would of moved the second more to the side so it is less crammed together.  The way they have it now you can't see the first shot most of the time.  My favorite background set is the cherry blossom one.  And what is with the double members!  It is like they are singing to themselves alone in a room.  It is weird.  The song is spectacular except that one short line of Aiba's that is heavily auto-tuned.  I just don't understand why they did that.  Never do anything unless it improves the work.
SCANDAL『Pride』

The song as a whole is okay.  I think the verses are a bit meh, but I dig the chorus.  The PV has a great color palette and there is very little I would change.  I don't think the spinning segments are needed.  Towards the end where the backdrop is white and they are pretty drained of color (so they look like black figures) I would of edited it a little more just by cutting it differently.  During some parts they are doing who knows what and they walking towards the center (except the one shot of them alone raising her hand to catch something leave that as is), so by (don't know the best way to describe it) using smaller parts in the wrong order would be a nice effect that would make that part a bit more interesting.  So, still sucks to be a H!P idol.
KAT-TUN『ULTIMATE WHEELS』

Let me first say, I am not a Kat-tun fan.  Their music is pretty good, but the members don't do anything for me.  Jin was just a nice piece of ass (to me).  They are popular and an idol group so I thought to include them in my reviews.  I'll try to start including NEWS and Yamapi too.  I love this song.  I am a huge sucker for epic songs that include an orchestra.  I adore the concept of shadows and I think they did a spectacular job with it.  Okay, first problem might stem from the fact that I am not a fan of them as idols so the close up shots are not my favorite.  One of them looks stupid.  Some of them look like they are trying too hard or are boring.  Although, the new main guy is doing a good job.  The group dance shots are just a mess.  The first portion is boring and nothing is going on; they have to be doing a lot or moving fast for it to be cool to do slow-mo shots.  There are a couple of things they could of easily done to fix it.  One, improve the choreography.  The song is way to powerful to be doing dull choreography, and I can see from the individual dance shots that at least some of them know how to dance.  The second portion is just stupid in my opinion.  Two of them just do some flips while the other ones do their own thing.  It feels disjointed.  Now, the last group dance shot looks a bit better because they used a more compelling camera angle, which is also my second suggestion.  Just by using a couple different angles or doing mid-shots of individual or a couple members will add more depth to a dull dance shot.  The choreography is much too smooth for a song with so much base.  If they did something like what Arashi does.  More precise, or hard-hitting moves would be more suitable for this track (like what they did at the very end!!!!!!!!!).  The guy I said looks stupid. . . I would love to punch him in the face.  I hate him more than Jurina. . . okay whats his face is now satan baby.
安室奈美恵 feat. AI and土屋アンナ『Wonder Woman』

Pretty good job, basic PV.  The collaboration is amazing (but I don't love the song).  I kind of don't know what to say, no, I just don't feel like it.  The two shots I didn't like was the four-way split one and the wide shots of anyone singing in the elevator (but the mid-way ones I did like).

New PVs

Sorry that I've been pretty quiet recently.  With my internet having problems and working every single day I haven't had the time.

涙のリグレット - SCANDAL

プールサイド大作戦 - IDOLING!!!

あなたがいてくれたから - AKB48

君しか - No Sleeves (no3b)

VOICE - Perfume

心の羽根 - AKB48 (Team Dragon)

News and Releases

Hello Project:


Maeda Yuuka of S/mileage will be releasing her first photobook on 7/23.  She will also release her first solo DVD.

S/mileage will be releasing their second major single.  [◯◯ がんばらなくてもええねんで！！ (OO Don't overdo yourself!!)]  The release date is set for 7/28.  Here is a segment that shows a photoshoot, them listening to the song, recording, and dance practice:


Berryz Koubou's next single is Maji Bomber!! and will be released on 7/14.


On the same day Niigaki Risa, sub-leader of Morning Musume, will be releasing her 3rd Alo-Hello! DVD and photobook titled Mahalo. 

Buono! will be releasing another album titled Buono! BEST on 8/10.






AKB48:

Team Young Jump and Team Playboy are releasing joint mook.  It is $10.29 at CDJapan.  It comes with a sticker and poster.  You can buy it here.

AKB48 is releasing a visual book for all three teams for 2010.  All three are released on 7/22.  Buy them at CDJapan for under $20.
Team A Version

Team K Version

Team B Version


No Sleeves known also as no3b is releasing their first album on 9/15.

There is a massive release of solo trading cards on 7/31.  Versions:
Oshima Yuko, Maeda Atsuko, Shinoda Mariko, Itano Tomomi, Watanabe Mayu, Takahashi Minami, Kojima Haruna, Kashiwagi Yuki, Kasai Tomomi, Kitahara Rie, Minegishi Minami.

Other:
SCANDAL will be releasing their second album on 8/11.

Regular Edition CD


CD w/ PB


CD w/ DVD

New PV!!!!!

News, news, news! There are so many new releases coming out now or in the near future, so I am just going to do it a couple big posts. I have personally discovered so many other idol groups that it is overwhelming. I am not going to introduce them because I will likely make a mistake, just see wiki.

Idoling!!!
There is a reason I do 'random image of the day'. I do it because people enjoy, me too, pictures. Then it is also useful to inform. I mentioned them before in RIOTD.
S.O.W - Sense Of Wonder PV

[MV] IDOLING!!! - S.O.W - Sense Of Wonder
Uploaded by Rinoa_Selphie. - Explore more music videos.

Next is something I am not at all familiar with. This new PV is something else.
中野腐女子シスターズ『Honey Bee～』PV


SCANDAL
A new rock-focused idol group, not an actual new group just a new one to me.

(Sorry about sizing problems)

Buono!
I posted the preview a while back, but I thought I would put up the full PV too.
Our Songs PV