Mina's First ImpressionNow that the first episode has been subbed, and I've watched the second I think we have a pretty good grasp of what to expect. The first episode seemed a lot more over the top than the beginning of last season, so I expect more humor worked into this season. I kind of liked the fact that it wasn't all just jokes, but more serious considering it a drama starring idols. However, I got a bit tired of all the seriousness. I actually like the opening, but I've gone over all that. I do expect more characters to be introduced because there are a quite a few prominent members, of at least AKB, that have yet to be incorporated into the current storyline. Plus, there is a high probability that they might want to work in one or two NMB48 members. I didn't care for how Akimoto reworked Yuko back into the plot, but it might make more sense when I watch the second episode with subtitles. One improvement that I've noticed it that more references have been worked in (AKB48, Star Wars, Michael Jackson). One improvement that I am hoping to see return is better action scenes. I don't expect it to be on the same level as Crows Zero, but I thought Yuko and Atsuko did a good job with their stunts. Even watching the behind the scenes, some of Yuko's fighting looked like it connected. I, of course, don't like the idea of Matsui Jurina "Center" beating anyone. Mayu's (Nezumi) and Tomo's (Shibuya) fight scene was poor in my opinion. The concept was good and suited her character, but when you do slow motion fight sequences it requires higher quality. I'm sorry spitting gum in someone's face and slapping hands in front of another's face. . . what was that. It seems like no one can give a good fight, one punch is all it takes.
Wait She Was Who?I thought I could do some of the principle characters that have been introduced already, there were a lot. Besides, the first post of this sort is, to my surprise, popular. I would love if you guys did, at least, take a look because it took me a while to produce it.
Maeda AtsukoTeam A
19 years old
- Is starring in a film that will be released this year
- Is releasing a solo single this June
- Considered the face of AKB48
- Known to be introverted, but sincere when it comes to her performances
Mina: I think we are a lot alike when it comes to personality and has been a long time favorite. She releases great photobooks.
Watanabe Mayu "Nezumi"Team B
16 years old
- Considered to resemble a cyborg
- A huge anime otaku
- She is aiming to take the number one spot in the general elections
- She will be releasing her first solo photobook.
- Member of sub group Watarirouka Hashiritai
Mina: I like her, but she is not a favorite. I prefer her last two stage units over Pajama Drive.
Matsui Jurina "Center"Team S
14 years old
- Is disliked by many AKB48 fans because of her continued presence in AKB48 even though she is a member of SKE48.
- Pushed heavily by Akimoto, but only ranked 10th in last year's general elections (she was ranked lower during the preliminary results, lower than fellow SKE member Matsui Rena).
Mina: Clearly I am not biased at all towards her.
Sashihara Rino "Wota"
Team A
18 years old
- Known to be a fan of idols, and frequents Maid Cafes
- Has been pushed by Akimoto, especially since she made senbatsu in the last election
- Has her own TV program
- Shows affection to members, especially Lovetan
- Is a member of the subgroup Not Yet
Mina: She had impressed me in her units while in Team B, but caught my full attention after her episode of AKB600.
Takajo Aki "Akicha"Team A
19 years old
- Was the fastest promoted trainee in AKB48 (performed in the concert shuffle 'Faint' even before being promoted).
- Has rose in position at about the same time as Sashihara, and they currently share a stage unit in A6 (were Undergirls in 2009 but became senbatsu in 2010).
- Member of the sub group French Kiss
Mina: I like her for her unique looks, well more than that but that stood out to me even before she was promoted.
Kitahara Rie "Unagi"Team B
19 years old
- Has been in senbatsu since 'Oogoe Diamond'
- Member of sub group Not Yet
Mina: I like her, but I had trouble of thinking of facts about her. . . so I guess that says something.
Komori Mika "Mukuchi"Team B
16 years old
- Was included in senbatsu for 'Namida Surprise!' while still a trainee
- Was the only AKB48 trainee to be given a major role in the first season of Majisuka Gakuen
- Known to be slow and to have an odd personality, it shows in her dancing.
Mina: I like her a lot and she surprised me in her B5 unit, but I miss her being mute in her role on Majisuka Gakuen.
Moeno Nito "Bungy"Team K
18 years old
- Has only been included in senbatsu for 'Namida Surprise!' (like Komori)
- Flipped the bird during Team K's PV included as a coupling track for 'Chance no Junban'.
Mina: She is kind of a bad ass.
Oba Mina "Toshima"Team 4
19 years old
- Was included in the mass promotion of trainees (9th Gen), but has yet to be assigned to a team.
Mina: I get the feeling that there is a potential pairing with her and Miori.
Shimada Haruka "Docchi"Team 4
18 years old
- Is good at tennis.
Mina: She kind of fits my opinion of most of the trainees -- that they are really well polished and have potential. I am starting to think I wouldn't mind AKB going over the 48 limit because I would like to see them in teams and units with the older members. Plus, consider the age of most of these girls.
Shimazaki Haruka "Kanburi"Team 4
17 years old
Mina: I like her nickname. . . (Paruru)
Yamauchi Suzuran "Tsuri"Team 4
16 years old
Mina: I Ranran so much!
Ichikawa Miori "Lemon"Team 4
- Even though she has not been promoted to be a member yet, she has regular appearances on AKBingo! (like every week now).
- She is infamous for her catchphrase, which translates to 'I want to become a fresh lemon'.
- She has a high pitched voice and often says 'Waah'
Mina: She is incredibly popular among my friends, even those who aren't interested in AKB. I wouldn't be surprised if she made rank in the upcoming general election.
Katayama Haruka "Showa"Team A
20 years old
- Known for her strong vocals, for example her special talent is the ability to harmonize in any song.
- She carries around a book with her where she makes notes if she thinks of something funny to say during an MC; she also carries arounds sweets because she becomes anxious without them.
- Was included in two coupling songs for the single Beginner (MINT and Undergirls)
Mina: She has made my top ten. I recommend you
watch this.
Nakaya Sayaka "Anime"Team A
19 years old
- She is known as an otaku and used to perform with glasses (I miss them).
- Her future ambition is to become a seiyuu.
- She was an original Team B member (actually this whole set was).
Mina: I was a big fan when she first debut with Team B because she wore glasses, but she recently stuck out to me during the dating sim because she was impossibly cute.
Tanabe Miku "Jumbo"Team K
18 years old
- It seems her hobby is 'wild ideas'.
- Isn't that popular.
Mina: I like her because of her unit in B4, but she hasn't really fond a way to improve her popularity. She may just not be an ace, which is fine but it makes me feel a bit bad for her.
Yonezawa Rumi "Rice"Team K
19 years old
- Last years she released both a photobook and a solo calendar (I think both were her first time).
- It seems her hobbies are 'movie appreciation, and being deeply moved'.
Mina: I like her and I think it was about time she released a photobook considering how sexy she is.
Kuramochi Asuka "Kokabuki"Team A
21 years old
- Is a member of the subgroup French Kiss
- Has an ear fetish
- Has been included in senbatsu on and off; she will be in AKB48's upcoming 21st single.
Mina: . . . I don't want to say that I just like her because I'm a DD with exceptions. It is entertaining that she has an ear fetish.
Kasai Tomomi "Ookabuki"Team B
- Known to be a princess/ spoiled.
- She is an extremely cute character.
- Her B5 unit, where she is center, was voted to the number fifteen spot in this year's Top 100.
- Has a couple of pairing, the most well known is her relationship with Itano Tomomi (it is said that they have matching rings).
Mina: Has always been a favorite of mine.
Miyazawa Sae "Youran"Team K
20 years old
- Known as the 'Handsome Idol' -- she is the tomboy of the group
- Has an extreme amount of energy, which will sometimes get on other member's nerves.
- Close with other popular members like Maeda Atsuko and Akimoto Sayaka.
- Member of the subgroup DiVA.
Mina: She has been one of my top favorites for a while and she should of won her episodes of DANSO.
Minegishi Minami "Shaku"Team K
18 years old
- Known to be one of the strongest dancers in AKB48.
- Is energetic and strong variety idol characteristics
- Member of the subgroup No Sleeves
- Once said that she wanted to get married at 23.
- Is close with some members of AKB, including Maeda Atsuko (who blogged that they got married).
Mina: I've ranked her as my favorite of AKB because there is nothing I dislike about her.
Yokoyama Yui "President"Team K
18 years old
- Was recently promoted to be a member of Team K to replace Ono Erena.
- Been pushed by Akimoto significantly since she her promotion.
- Her character in MG reflects that fact that she is from Kyoto.
- Her favorite country is America.
- Enjoys strolling and visiting bookstores
- Member of the subgroup Not Yet
Mina: Has increased in my rankings since I watched the first episode of MG2. . . and after I looked up her trivia.
Matsui Rena "Chuukara"Team S
19 years old
- Has moved up from Undergirl position to senbatsu since she appeared in last season.
- Her future ambition is to become an actress.
- Her special kill is programming.
- Has a pairing with Matsui Jurina (same last name and both are the most popular members of SKE).
- Her solo song was voted the most popular SKE48 song by fans.
Mina: Has been my favorite since Majisuka Gakuen's first season.
Oshima Yuko (The Oshima Triplets) "Yuka and Yuki"Team K
22 years old
- Was voted last year as the most popular member.
- She enjoys snowboarding and is known for her impressions.
- Member of subgroup Not Yet.
- Akimoto didn't think she would improve and put her in the front of Team K at the beginning because she had experience (previous member of Doll's Vox).
- Close with Kojima Haruna, and likes to touch women's breasts.
Mina: I've always liked her, but I've been turned off ever since I put two and two together. She was deathly afraid of
balloons in an episode of AKBingo! but in videos posted in a member's blog show her p
opping balloons with Kuramochi Asuka.
I
tano Tomomi "Shibuya"Team K
19 years old
- Was good friends with former member of C-ute Umeda Erika.
- She is a Shibuya109 spokes-girl.
- Known as a fashion leader of AKB, and often appears in women's fashion magazines.
- Her debut solo single, Dear J, was the first solo female artist to break 150,000 units since Utada Hikaru (around four years ago).
- She will be releasing a second single this year.
Mina: Tomochin naturally stands out, so I've liked her for a while. Faint was my first favorite stage unit.
Nagao Mariya "Mariyagi"Team 4
17 years old
- It seems she is really close with Yui and Yui often talks about her.
- She is the only trainee that has a character that is not in the Fondue gang, so far.
Mina: I think she is cute and pairing always help boost my favoritism.
Sato Sumire "Sanshoku"Team B
17 years old
- She auditioned for Morning Musume.
- She is a regular Undergirls member, and has only made senbatsu for 'Chance no Junban'.
- She will be included in AKB48's upcoming 21st single senbatsu.
Mina: I love this girl for her hair. I will flip out if someone cuts it.
Kikuchi Ayaka "Comeback"Team K
17 years old
- Is a member of the sub group Watarirouka Hashiritai.
- She was one of Team B's first aces and was included in senbatsu until she was fired because of a scandal.
- She auditioned a second time and went through the trainee process until she was promoted.
Mina: I think she knows now if she is going to date to more careful, but I am really impressed by the fact that she came back and went through all that. She looks super hot in my WH Valentine Kiss poster.
Maeda Ami "Mayuge"Team A
15 years old
- Is known for her naturally bushy eyebrows (reminds me of MatsuJun)
- Is a regular member of the Undergirls, except for 'Chance no Junban' where she made senbatsu.
- She was pushed towards the beginning, but it seems that the producers are changing focus.
Mina: Love her! She stole the show as the center of the Undergirls' track for 'Ponytail no ShuShu'.
Nachu "Daruma"SDN48
26 years old
- She can dance 300 para para.
- She is amazing at MCs.
- Is the only SDN member to appear in an AKB single (if you don't count the graduated members who later joined SDN).
- She wears a fat suit for the role of Daruma.
Mina: God I adore this monster!
Shinoda Mariko "Sado"Team A
25 years old
- Was not added to AKB48 in the typical manner. She had to work during the auditions for Team A. Fans found out and wrote to Akimoto to let her audition.
- Known for her. . . what would you call it. . . strict character?
- Important thing to note is that AKB48 members who reach the age of 26 don't stay (graduation or transfer to SDN).
- She gets a lot of outside work (modeling, TV programs, ect)
Mina: She is perfection, I miss the Phrase Museum corner on AKB because of her.
Kojima Haruna "Torigoya"Team A
23 years old
- She dropped out of high school because the school had restrictions that did not allow students to be a part of the entertainment industry.
- Often has sexy, usually bathing suit or lingerie photo-shoots.
- Is Oshima Yuko's main target of affection.
- Would of rather joined Morning Musume than AKB48.
- Member of the sub group No Sleeves
Mina: I liked Kojima early on but I became concerned when her face got a lot thinner, but then I found out that it is common when aging.
Kashiwagi Yuki "Black"Team B
19 years old
- She has been the captain of Team B since 2009
- She plays the trombone.
- She auditioned for Morning Musume
- Known as the reaction queen.
- Also known for her dark character, which is why she was named "Black" in Majisuka Gakuen.
- Is a member of the subgroup French Kiss
- Has a couple of pairings, the most well known is her and Sae.
Mina: She has a
beautiful voice.
Yagami Kumi "Dance"Team S
16 years old
- Plays the saxophone and the piano.
- Wants to become an actress/ multi-talent
- One of the stronger dancers of SKE
- Has participated in the last three Undergirls' songs on AKB singles.
Mina: Is it just me or does she never look straight into the camera? I like her, so I don't care.
Sato Amina "Chiharu"Team B
20 years old
- Known for her high pitched voice.
- Although her natural pitch is high, she has pretty good control.
- Was a big fan of AKB48 before joining
- Was the surprise of the first general election when she was voted into the number eight spot.
- Known for her hard work and dedication to AKB48.
- Likes to show affection towards the cute, younger members.
Sato Yukari "Sanae"SDN48
22 years old
- Her hobby is sleeping (LOL)
- Has been a popular member in both AKB48 and SDN48.
- Was transfered to help form SDN during the team shuffle of AKB.
Mina: I like Yukari, but I do think SDN fits her image better than AKB, even though she is younger than some of the current AKB members.
Uchida Mayumi "Jyanken"Team K
17 years old
- Won the Jyanken tournament and became the center for 'Chance no Junban'.
- Made Undergirls for AKB's 20th single, before she was at Theatre girl status.
- After winning the tournament she became a media darling and now is associated with Rock-Paper-Scissors (she plays it in another artist's pv).
- It was reported in a tabloid that there are "various rumors about her excessive
night amusements". . . LOL
Mina: What is funny was that she was in my top ten even before the tournament, so I was thrilled with the result. Here is what made me notice her
before, and
after the tournament.
Akimoto Sayaka "Choukoku"Team K
22 years old
- Is the Captain of Team K. She resigned after a scandal, but was later re-enstated after completing a marathon.
- Although is often compared to a gorilla because of her strength and manliness, she prefers to be called things like cute.
- She was a common senbatsu member, but recently producers have stopped including her.
- She is a member of the subunit DiVA.
Mina: She is quite entertaining, but sometimes over the top. I haven't decided how I like her bangs best.
Kimoto Kanon "Miso"Team E
13 years old
- She is pushed by producers as the center of the new Team E of SKE48.
- She likes to watch soccer.
- Her favorite food is gyoza.
- She was included in the senbatsu of the last two singles, and has been included in AKB48's Undergirls.
Mina: She looks a bit like Airi from C-ute, so I refer to her as Chibi Airi. Her role was really interesting and MG is a vehicle to increase popularity.
Takahashi Minami "Keibuho"Team A
20 years old
- She is the captain of Team A, and sometimes considered the leader of AKB48.
- She has been called the voice of AKB48 and is said to be Akimoto's favorite.
- She is a member of the subgroup No Sleeves (no3b).
- Her nickname is Takamina and is known for wearing a bow.
- She can't skip and is known to fail at telling funny stories.
Mina: She is popular among my AKB48 fan friends and is really talented.
Nakamata Shiori "Nakamata"Team 4
18 years old
- She is a 10th generation research student.
- Promoted after she was accepted into Waseda University's Economics Department. (I might be wrong about the department.)
- She was included in both the Undergirls and Team Kenkyuusei coupling track for AKB48's 21st single.
Mina: Idols that attend college always have my seal of approval and goes against the stereotype of stupid female idols.
Oota Aika "Chibutan"Team A
16 years old
- Her favorite artist in EXILE.
- She belongs to the subgroup Watarirouka Hashritai.
- She is an otaku.
- Only has one dimple.
- Her subunit from B4 is still voted high in the Top 100.
- Was the center for the Undergirls coupling track from the 2nd general election.
Mina: She is one of my favorites.
Miyazaki Miho "Myao"Team B
17 years old
- Was once a regular senbatsu member, but has moved down to Undergirls.
- Is the only member of both units of Nattou Angels.
- Known for her goofy personality.
- She was a part of AKB48 SEED.
Mina: Another favorite of mine that has lost her senbatsu position.
