BAMF of the Week: Takahashi Minami

Takahashi Minami

Jeez, am I just not watching enough Japanese TV or something?  If you want to recommend one for next week please email me, evidence helps (my profile has my email).  This one is somewhat recent (it was brought up in a variety program) but a long-standing reason.  Takamina wears what she feels comfortable in.  She doesn't like going to public baths or wearing anything too revealing.  I'm not saying that everyone should, but it is nice to see someone stand up for themselves.  She doesn't make any excuse or blame something else for it; she owns it.  I love that about her.  She is more conservative but she doesn't make you feel like your horrible or wrong for not being the same way.  (I got some great subtitled clips after the jump for you guys to enjoy.)

An Idol Mina Appreciates

TAKAHASHI MINAMI (AKB48)

She is the unofficial leader which is quite demanding.  She is extremely talented.  She works hard even when she is sick.  AKB48 wouldn't be AKB without Takamina.  I am also getting into the idea that she should start a solo career because she has been mixing up her hairstyles.  I know the bow is her signature and all, but I think if she mixes things up she seems less like a comedian and more like an ace.

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).  

Graduation Photobooks and Moar!

There are a lot of photobooks being release, especially from AKB48 members.  It seems H!P is following AKB48's lead by releasing cheaper photobooks that don't have a hardback.  They make a great gift for the holidays, or you can do what I did and put all the merch on her Birthday/ Holiday wish list.  Have fun shopping:

Oshima Yuko's 3rd PB - L.A. 
1429yen 
I rarely preorder photobooks unless I know I really want it and I think it will sell out fast on CDJapan.  One of the reasons why is that I need to see enough previews beforehand, because I can't just go into the store and preview it.  Yuko is a goofball but also is really sexy, which comes across in this photobook release.  She obviously shot this in LA.  The photos have a gritty raw look to them which fits my image of LA (yes I've been there). 

Takahashi Minami 1st PB - TAKAMINA 
1143yen 
ONLY 4 COPIES LEFT AT CDJAPAN!  Takahashi Minami is also a goofy character, but she is quite modest in comparison to most of the other members.  Therefore, you won't see as much skin.  I was surprised at how cute Minami was in the previews I saw.  Now I don't think there will be any swimsuit shots, but she hasn't been wearing any bikinis lately.

Momoko Tsugunaga 5th PB - Momochi Zukan

2800yen
This one comes with a making of DVD.  Momo is one of my favorite H!P idols.  Momo is one of the most spastic, possibly the most spastic, idol ever.  I can't believe she is going to college.  She still has like the same face she did when she debuted.  

Kamei Eri's Graduation PB - Eririn
2200yen
This is a little more expensive than the last two because it includes a making of DVD.  Eri always releases wonderful photobooks and the only reason why I've held back is because they are usually over $40.  This photobook focuses on what she is like or would of been like as a normal adult.  We have the expected, sexy swimsuit shots.  However, this time we see her doing daily things like her on the train, playing tennis, working out, working as both an OL and a waitress.  Very natural photobook, which isn't too odd for Eri considering she has a very charming personality.

Ono Erena's Graduation PB 
1600yen
I am surprised about how little I've heard about this photobook.  It is going to be released tomorrow!  Like Eri was for Morning Musume, Erena has been a long time popular member of AKB48.  This is the only one that has yet to be released, so there are less previews floating around.  However, Erena's past photobooks and photo shoots have all been really good.  What I really love about Erepyon is how she is able to naturally walk the line between a child, a teen, and an adult.  She is adorable and sexy.  She is the most full figured out of the three that I've talked about, which I like.  The extra somethin' somethin' provides a lot of OMG cleavage shots.  This is my iPhone wallpaper actually.

Shinoda Mariko's 3rd PB - Mariko
1400yen
Now this one has been out for QUITE a while now, but I had to recommend it at some point.  I'm low on cash so it has been sitting on my want list for some time now.  Now I never thought of myself as a big Mariko fan, but she has been growing on me and seeing all the previews for this definitely helped.  She is a professional model so I wasn't surprised by how photogenic she was, but I was surprised by how much personality shined through.  Even though she comes off as a cool character (and was known for her poker face?) she is still a little bit of a goof.  She says harsh things, especially to guys, and has made an idiot of herself on AKBingo!, but that is why I love her.

Takamina - Takahashi Minami's First Solo PB!

Well, people are excited.  I surprised that she didn't get one when she was younger considering how popular she is.  It is 1200 yen, but preordering isn't available yet for CDJapan.  The release date is set for 9/22.  There are already a couple previews floating around.  If you are not familiar with Takamina and photoshoots then you might be disappointed.  It may be swimsuit-less.  She has appeared in some two pieces, but she often has the most covered.  Personally I believe that it is about time, but then again Sayaka hasn't released one either.  With all the bad talk about AKB48's taste/ reputation I think this will be evidence partly against that.


I can tell you right now that I will not purchase this photobook.  Mostly because I won't have any income during the school year so I need to save my cash for the CDs.  The other reason is because she just irks me.  I think she is funny, she can be adorable, she looks great in some pictures.  I just can't help it.  Something about her bugs me.  It is no where near the strong (I'm going to punch her) feelings that I have towards Jurina.  I've noticed when I watch old concerts or stages she does not bother me in the least bit.  I actually like her a ton more.  I don't know.  At first, maybe it's the hair.  Or it is possible that she does the deer in the headlights/ crazy eyes more often now.

Since she is Aki-P's favorite, she will probably get the okay not too be too dirty or to show too much skin.  So for now enjoy the only good picture we have of Takamina's tush (and the most skin we'll likely ever see):

Takahashi Picspam

Takamina Winner of FACE OFF Tournament!!!

Congrats!  I knew that I had to save Bird for the final round if Takamina made it.  It was a hard fight.  W is a strong opponent, and that was my all time favorite performance of them.  The performance of Bird was not only a stage, but it was also back when she never bugged me at all.  She doesn't bug me anymore, but she is not making it into my top ten.  She didn't look spectacular in her close up shot in Ponytail no ShuShu PV.  It was a close one, she only won by one vote!  I am a bit surprised that W didn't win.  I don't know which one I liked more.  I am leaning towards W.  I am not sorry that Takamina won at all.  I still wonder why she never shows that much skin...

Should I do more of these?  What do you think?

AKBingo! Overview

This was a special episode of AKBingo. Here are the 20 best or funniest moments of the show. (very funny episode)

Here are the usual hosts (woot Mii-chan)

Who could it possibly be, striking fear and laughter at the same moment
(check out the Acchan cut-out)

Making their first appearance as the comedic hosts are the Bad Boys!

Wow, making girls cry right off the bat...

This looks quite familiar (utaban *cough *cough)

Maeda is down!

(hint: this contributes to Maeda being at the #1 spot)

Now, Sae is that really the starting position you think will work best?

What are you trying... FAIL

The Old Hag is pretty high up

What goes up, must come down, but she is alright

Just a typical photo-shoot

Where did his clothes go?

PERV ALERT

The uptight female anchor, and her drunk co-host

When did you get over there?

Spicy chicken (wings of victory)

Very SPICY!

Maeda quits whatever they were doing...

The show did some kind of survey relating to music groups

AKB48 earned #4

Lets enjoy Oshima's expressions

(tears of joy)

Oshima: I'm soooo happy

Team K messes up after 12 jumps

Tomomi feels bad about letting her team down

Her team mates try to cheer her up

I didn't completely understand this moment

What is Maeda doing to intro for this one?

EPIC WIN!

Air flute? really that is your talent?

Here is the showdown!

And here it comes, the champion of this challenge: Miho

(something along the line of you're talentless/ not entertaining/ not funny)

What happens if your face gets stuck that way?

Sae is the WINNER!

Introducing Jurina (age 11)

Here she comes

SMACK

Erena tells Jurina off

Bring it ON

Entertaining stories from Minami... wait WHAT!?

More FAIL... how do you share the same talent with Rika?

Why is Idoling!!! doing there?

How dare you cheat on us... Mii-chan Σ(ﾟ∀´(┗┐ヽ(･∀･ )ﾉ

Maeda always finds her way into each segment

Sayaka, the moment of truth

Now that is dedication!

lick
Sayaka's reaction: ＼(>o<)／ギャーッ！

they enjoy watching someone else's pain

(>_<)○------(^o^)○

MaiMai+Sayaka

Threesome!
（＾＿－）☆wink

Can Sayaka's arm handle it?

Part 1

Part 2

...Hitler?....

omg really?

just messing with you.
She can only respond with Aiin

Yatta! we're going to punk someone
but who?

Just reading a message, nothing special

Oh Sh*t, just look away

don't look, don't look, maybe just a peak

You've been PUNKED!

Nice Sae... nice

Here is #1

Erena is third with the most corn starch? flour? in the face

Here is Minami Takahashi

With a grand total of 7

Now, the most humiliated idol?

Acchan of course
The perks of being the front girl

This week's performance was from a concert

The girls promoting the official AKBingo! book