Mina's PV (Preview) Reviews

This song is a perfect mix for Itano Tomomi.  Because of her unique voice she can liven up a ballad, but her personality suits a dance track.  The PV is mostly showing off Tomochin in a variety of looks.  I like the muted color scheme, it reminds me of the same scheme using in Marie Antoinette.  There is a variety of shots and angles, which keeps the video interesting.  It sold me, so I would say that it is a good PV.
☆☆☆☆☆


Those close up shots make me giggle, but I do like the dance shots.  I'm not a fan of this group, just to let you know.  The guys look so goofy during their storyline shots, but I do like that they added a storyline. Notice how the camera rarely isn't moving, this is always a good idea to make a good PV.
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Another disclaimer: I haven't liked Kara since they hit Japanese shores.  I don't like the barbie-esque look to this whole video.  What is with the choreography towards the end of the chorus?  I did enjoy the beach scenes, and the verses.  Besides that, I could live without the Korean barbies and chorus.
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First off if anyone is confused about the storyline and why the little girl becomes Acchan: there was never a little sister, it was always Acchan.  I don't know how to explain it the best, but the little girl is not real.  This PV is perfect for Acchan because it highlights her acting abilities by making her cry a lot.  The whole supposed 'big-little sister relationship' is adorable.  I wish the scene with all the pin wheels on the beach were a larger element because it matches the title.  I didn't mind the fact that there is no close up shot because we get plenty of that while she was promoting the single.
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Yeah, MaiMai gets another single!  It has been a while, which isn't surprising because she hasn't been selling well.  I don't know if I like it from what I've seen.  I adore the extra close up shot of her singing at the beginning, but I want to cut the medium shot.  I was thrilled to see a different set, which isn't a good sign, but I don't know what to make of the three people and her dance shot outfits.  We'll see.
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I like the song, and the dark overtones in the video match it. . .  but the robot girl.  Wait, are the guys robots too?  I like the effort, but something bugs me about the robot girl.
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HANGRY&ANGRY are also back!  They should of ditched the stuffed animals by now.  Besides that, I think the video is great.  The marionette shot is awesome for the slow verses.  Them behind the wires and netting is great.  The lighting is awesome.  I'm not the biggest fan of the costumes, but this is promotion from a fashion brand (so not much you can do about that).
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I wish they just stuck with the white dresses and outdoor scene for the entire video.  They could of done some different things with it, but I love the color contrast and mood.  The jean outfits sitting inside just don't do anything for me.
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Here is the Red Team's preview.  I don't have anything bad to say about this video.  It is perfect.
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Wow, they did a good job with White Team's PV too.  I don't care for the song.
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AKB48's choice PV get away is Guam, is SKE48's Hawaii?  Now that they are with Avex, they probably could afford it.  I like the idea of the blue and white costumes instead of just swimsuits.  The jumping into the ocean shots are cool!  This was a home run for me.
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Solid job so far.  I don't love the song, but the PV improved my impression of the song.
☆☆☆


The PV doesn't do anything for me.  There are some nice things about it, but the main set is used so much that it looks like they were under budget constraint.  It didn't sell this song or the artist to me at all.
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NMB48's first PV, this will set the tone of what style singles they will probably release onwards.  I love the concept because you always notice how new idols have their black hair, but after debut dye it.  I like the effect of adding the traditional pattern.  The dance shot and close ups are basic, but they have different angles, lights, wind, ect so they keep the pace.  I'm thrilled they feature NMB48's sexiness and good dance skills.  Another great thing about this is that it includes each member.  This isn't unusual if you consider AKB48 and SKE48's first PVs.  The question is if this will continue if they release another single before the addition of a second team.
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This is a new look for No Sleeves.  I like the use of various shoots at one time.  I don't care for the passing along different item shots, and them playing cards.  I don't think they add anything to it.  Besides that, they did a great job with adding some edge to the song.
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I don't like the over-use of the word over, or the fact that they keep making the telephone-hand sign in the choreography.  I first heard this song when they were promoting it.  I actually love it.  The dance shot is amazing.  I like the close-ups, but they aren't anything special.  I probably wouldn't have minded having the whole PV be the dance shot.  What ruins this PV for me is the floating objects.  Floating objects have never been used well in a PV except an AAA PV.
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Blue and white colors make a really clean, summer PV.  The lighting, the different angles and pans, and the sets are all on point.  The only thing I would cut out is the running shots.  I am surprised they didn't try anything more complex when it came to the dancing considering they were back up dancers.
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AKB48 and Plastic Surgery + Other Topics

This subject, specially in the case of Tomomi Itano, came up quite a while back, but I didn't post anything on the matter.  I thought the post on Tokyohive settled the matter, but I became frustrated recently when seeing videos suggesting she did as well as comments.  This is nothing unusual.  Pretty much any asian celebrities' name can be typed into google and it will suggest to add plastic surgery.  I know that I can't help what other people of the internet say, but I wish they would at least try to have some integrity when they accuse someone of getting work done (at least seeing better evidence than a picture from before and after puberty).  It probably just ignorance because if you were familiar enough with AKB48 you would know that cosmetic surgery would be impossible to pull off without being noticed.  But, even more so after the director of the beauty clinic "Takasu Clinic", Takasu Mikiya argued the unlikeliness of the rumors:

“The members of AKB are currently at the peak of their popularity and they wouldn’t have the spare time for such a procedure. In Tomochin’s case, the down time would take up to three to six months. People like them rather use eye tape and eye pieces to freely change the appearance of their eyes to a certain degree, e.g. double eyelids. Many people always think of plastic surgery first when seeing double eyelids, but that is a common mistake.”

Further, he stated, “It’s not just Tomochin. On the Internet there are a lot of rumors involving members of AKB48 and plastic surgery, especially Maeda Atsuko, Shinoda Mariko, Kojima Haruna, Minegishi Minami, and Watanabe Mayu. I don’t think any of those girls have gone under the knife. Most of them debuted in their early teens and it’s natural for them that certain features, such as their eyes and nose, change over time. Moreover, their faces become a lot thinner over the years, and they started to use more make-up than before. There is no need to say that they also started to use things such as eye tape."

I am a huge fan of Japanese dramas. さいきん、「大切なことはすべて君がおしえてくれた」に興味が有ります。However, when it comes to the also popular Korean dramas. . . fan. . . not so much.  I've mostly come to enjoy Korean films, like Thirst.  But in terms of mainstream films that have a closer resemblance to dramas, I've only found one that I enjoyed: 100 Pounds of Beauty.  When I attempted to make a switch to Korean dramas, because there are so many popular ones available that I've never seen, I started with Boys Before Flowers (because I enjoyed the Japanese version).  While the cast is good-looking (plastic surgery jk! / Korean guys can be a bit too pretty for me), I found the acting intolerable.  I'm not one to get boggled down with the technique of acting, as long as I find it enjoyable I don't mind, but for Korean dramas, acting is what kills it.  (Wow, I feel like I put a lot of commas in sentences.)  Japanese dramas, mostly (romantic) comedies, can be overacted and I find that is resembles anime.  It is charming, funny, and sometimes so outlandish that it is cracky.  In contrast, Korean dramas take it to a point so far that I find it difficult to sit through more than ten minutes.  Mainstream, Korean dramas may just not be my cup of tea.  If you have any recommendations I would appreciate it.

As most of you know by now, Team B's Manami Oku will be graduating sometime this spring (around April).  There have been a handful of trainees who have been promoted, but have yet to be placed in a team.  I believe that, since an actual spot opened up, that Akimoto will replace Oku with one.  My pick is Shiori Nakamata (18) who often performs with Team B and has been accepted into economics department of Waseda University.  She recently appeared in an episode of AKBingo!.  I know, I am bypassing my new trainee favorite: Miorin.  She isn't a full-fledged member yet anyway, and has become a regular on AKBingo! and a favorite of her senpai (specifically the Team A font-girls).  Shiori isn't the only AKB48 member attending a university at the moment, which makes me proud.  Who do you think will get the spot, or who do you desire to be added to Team B?

C-ute has openly talked about their new sexier image.  I am happy to see the changes.  At the moment I am tempted to talk about how much Hello Project is sucking at promoting their groups, but I'll stop myself.
C-ute is in a really good place in terms of members, so I hope they can push it.  Other young idol units like Momoiro Clover and SKE48 are experiencing ever increasing sales and popularity; Momoclo is appearing on Shabekuri 007.  There has been a recent boom in interest in idols in Japan, so it is an ideal time to implement a surge.

When is Acchan just going to go solo already?  I've mentioned my new interest in Seiko Matsuda, who Acchan reminds me of. Although, I think Acchan would prefer to focus on acting versus a solo artist career and Akimoto probably wouldn't want to let her go.

It also seems that AKB48 graduate, Oshima Mai, is experiencing problems at Avex.  After releasing two singles she has seemingly disappeared.  Considering the interest in AKB48, I would think that Avex would at least to try to promote her more.  Since they don't seem to care about pushing her, Mai Mai should appeal to Akimoto to let her join SDN48.  She was quite popular in AKB48 and she is talented.

What's On Mina's Mind?

I've noticed some bloggers have been talking about their feelings recently, and I thought I would join in.  Sorry that this is the third post today, but I don't have the time or the energy during the week.

What to do about Itano Tomomi?
Itano Tomomi is known for her looks, fashion sense, and for being a member of AKB48.  Her image is that of a solo artist. . . she can stand out in a crowd.  Her debut single sold on the same level as Utada Hikaru.  So no wonder they announced that she'll be releasing another solo single.  The question is will she be kept in AKB48 or will Akimoto start producing solo artists as well?  She could always graduate and move to record companies like Avex, but I think she is treated/ promoted well under Akimoto.  I think Akimoto is going to keep her in AKB48 so that her popularity inside and outside of the group will help sales (not that sales are currently a major concern).

Get Out of Up-Front Works!
Once you leave Hello Project it is all down hill.  Matsuura Aya recently released another album, but to be honest I don't think it was anything to boast.  Up-Front Works is not the place for hopeful solo artists.  It might be heading for the better for those graduates of Morning Musume, who like the current like up, are dependent on their old success.  (I am excited for Dream Musume.)  Goto Maki was smart and went straight to Avex where she got more creative power, and better releases.  Her mini-album was amazing.  I want Aya out of Up-Front now.  She was a huge star.  She is beautiful, a spectacular voice, and a great personality.  She has all the tools to still be a great solo artist, but it feels as if she retired.  Oh, this advice goes for Nacchi and Takahashi Ai too.  Up-Front Works is good for Musume reunions and photobooks, but if you want to make the next move as a solo artist make your way to the home of Namie Amuro, Ayumi Hamasaki, and Koda Kumi.

Everything That Is Great Starts With An 'A'
(Don't take the sub-headline literally.)  The two biggest selling artists in Japan are AKB48 and Arashi.  AKB48 broke their own record of biggest sales in a day since Oricon started keeping track of daily sales.  So my question is, will Arashi fans and management try to match AKB48's success?  AKB48 will already have two million-sellers under their belt for 2011 (Beginner was released after the deadline for Oricon's year-end sale figures and their recent release will make the million mark in a matter of weeks).

China, Are You Even There?
Which country has the biggest music industry: US duh.  Who sells the most physical CDs: Japan, also not surprising if you know anything about their market.  Where do artists in Asia go to make it big besides their home country?  Not China, Japan.  China is now the second biggest economy, but they are not even close in terms of music.  However, I learned something new about how their music industry works.  The gist of the article is that because China is like the home of piracy, artist get their money from performances and sponsors.  Their music is just part of their image and may not even be why people go see them in concert.  Companies like Levi's and Apple use popular artists in China to promote their brands.  I found that this strategy could be helpful for record labels in the west trying to deal with piracy, even if they don't want to.  Japan also has things that could be adapted.  Japan's physical CD sales are so high because they include DVDs, posters, limited edition items to encourage people to buy it instead of online.  AKB48 is built on the fact that artists these days tend to make more money on concerts than on CD sales.  I don't know if I have an overall point to this.

The Idol Theory of Aces and Support
Most female idol groups suffer from this theory: a couple members who are aces and highlighted in every single and the rest are back-up.  First off, I am getting a little sick of one seeing it, and two, of people complaining about it.  It is not going to change.  If it does be thankful for it.  This is partly due to the fact that some members sparkle brighter than others.  I'm just sick of hearing it (especially in terms of AKB48 because the other members perform a lot in the theatre or coupling songs and there is a reason why they use the more popular faces).  But I wonder why these producers don't try to even the playing field.  It is not like if you do they will fail.  In fact some of the longer-lasting and popular groups like Arashi and Perfume have the members on equal level.  By separating the members you leave the group on unstable ground.  The aces can get into their heads that they don't need the other members and might be better off solo (which is true.  So once the aces leave the group loses popularity).  The other members feel disenfranchised.  (They may either try harder to prove themselves or just leave.)  Now, it is to be mentioned that if any member left Arashi or Perfume the unit would fall apart, but each member has more reason to stay.  I am just saying the theory may work to profit the producers, but sucks for the group.  Now that I've said it; I'm done with this topic.

RAWR
I know she is probably the most hated member of Berryz Koubou (and still my favorite), but Sugaya Risako's voice is one of a lion!  Seriously.  Her voice is a roar.  (This was just something to lighten the mood. . . I miss Utaban).

Greetings From Mina☆ + Single Reviews

I just noticed that I haven't been posting much for a little while, so I wanted to put something new up on the main page.  I don't have much time these days (and I have tests next week), so it'll just be a quick single review.  First off I want to fill you guys in on my change in musical taste as of late.  I've listened to AKB48 non-stop for a while so I am starting to get bored of listening to their discography.  I transferred my ears to the genki Momoiro Clover (I reordered their upcoming single) and SKE48 (I want their next single but I am saving my cash).  Thanks to a friend of mine, a raving Arashi fangirl, I found a place to get Arashi's past releases so I can be more familiar with them.  Their next single sounded good so I also reordered that.  I have two singles on their way besides those two (plus the AKB48 single will be shipped this week).  I wanted to wait till my orders came in because they were shipped over a week ago, but I did the cheap shipping option so I don't know how long to expect.  There are quite a few single downloads on the internet even before the releases.  I think this will be helpful for people deciding whether or not purchase it.

SKE48 - バンザイVenus
1. バンザイVenus

The main track is following the successful style of their last single.  An energetic, fun, 16-nin track.  It is pretty catchy (and I'm glad they are keeping up the good parts of their last single), but I don't find it as addicting as their last single.  

2. 愛の数 (Team KII)
I'm surprised that Team KII gets the coupling track.  It is similar to the title song, but it has a slower tempo to it.  However, I wouldn't classify it as a slow song.  It lacks anything that stands out.

3A. 卒業式の忘れもの (White Team)
The White Team continues their track record of vanilla songs.  It has the same issues as the coupling track, but the slower sections are a bit more interesting.

3B. 誰かのせいにはしない (Red Team)
Finally we get a song that stands a bit out from the rest.  It is nothing spectacular, but it is a darker dance track.  It reminds me of some stage songs (including a guitar solo and techno beat).    

Tokyo Girls' Style - Love Like Candy Floss

1. Love Like Candy Floss
I adore this single.  I was a fan for SweetS when I first got into J-Pop, and I think they did an excellent job with this cover.  

2. Kitto Wasurenai... ~Royal Mirror Mix~
I would rather hear the original of this song, but it is okay.  I feel like the beat is too overpowering.

3. Love Like Candy Floss ~Royal Mirror Mix~

I'm not impressed by using remixes for coupling tracks.  If this was a the states yes because coupling tracks aren't as important and singles are much cheaper in the US.  If I was in Japan, I would just download the title track.  Artists need to make it worthwhile these days to purchase a physical copy.  I don't like this remix.  It does what I would like to see in a remix: make a slow-tempo dance track higher.  I don't think it suits the song.

AKB48 - 桜の木になろう

1. 桜の木になろう
It is spring time once again and we have another ballad about sakura. While the concept is expected the song is beautiful and well done.  I don't care for the fact that most of the lines go to a few.  However, I adore Acchan's solo lines.  Combined with the PV this is a tear-jerker.

2. 偶然の十字路 (Undergirls)
Unlike most of the recent title songs that each seem to differ in style than the one before, the Undergirls continue to release the same product.  I don't mind.  I wonder when Akimoto will run out of catchy songs of this breed. 

3A. キスまで100マイル (MINT)
MINT has unexpectedly returned.  My theory is that they would make this an actual subunit if Acchan wasn't already overbooked.  At first I wasn't that thrilled by it.  But my opinion shifted from an uninterested to content when it reminded me of American '80s tunes.

3B. エリアK（DIVA）
Akimoto is trying to cheer us up for the title track with another light tune.  Like the other third track, this one became better once I recognized a familiar taste (in this case Koda Kumi).  This song isn't as good as DIVA's last song, but it a dance track which differs from the other songs included in this set.  I like when coupling tracks either take a similar style and twist it or offer variety.

Itano Tomomi - Dear J
1. Dear J
This was a smart debut solo song.  It matches her personality and fits the current trend of popular music (using techniques like auto-tune).  If this was just a one time thing or a tester to see how she would manage on her own it was a success.  
2A. Tunnel
If I had bought this single (which I last minute changed my mind), I would of been pleased to select this version.  It is hard to describe because it doesn't fit into my music vocabulary.  It is like her other coupling tracks and Dear J had a baby.  
2B. Stay by my side
This song also reminds me of music that could be released in the states.  I am not sure about her and ballads.  She can pull them off, but considering her unusual voice I don't know if I approve.
2C. Thank you
It would of been nice if this differed more from the other ballad-esque coupling track so that all three songs would be different.  I like how she says 'Thank you'.  Since this has a pretty quick tempo for a slow song I find that it complements her better than Stay by my side.

渡り廊下走りたい７ - Valentine Kiss
1. Valentine Kiss
This is also a wonderful cover.  My requirement for doing covers has been passed: they must offer something different/new, or be better.  It mostly sounds like the back-track has been updated, but it is good timing.
2. ソミソミラシラ
Does anyone like this song?  There are parts (towards the end) that I like, but the chorus and most of the verses don't have my approval.  
3A. パジャマドライブ [渡辺麻友・仲川遥香・菊地あやか・小森美香]
I guess Akimoto is also overworked.  One cover and two stage songs. . . I like this song and all but I think Mayu's other two stage units are better.  I also wish that Mayu wasn't included in all of the stage songs because she gets a solo.
3B. 初恋よ、こんにちは [渡辺麻友・多田愛佳・平嶋夏海・岩佐美咲]
I enjoyed this unit song very much so I am thrilled that they used this one.  
3C. 夕陽のいじわる [渡辺麻友]
This was a good solo song.  Meh.

フレンチ・キス - If

1. If
This is another well done release.  I adore it.
2A. 前を向いてる君
It is an okay coupling track that complements the main song.  It is a little on the dull side, but it is still a nice track.
2B. 沈黙 [柏木由紀]
This is a pretty ballad from Kashiwagi.  Out of the three it is the one I like the most.
2C. 口移しのチョコレート
Maybe Akimoto is trying to encourage people to go to stages or familiarizing those who don't follow stages with their other songs for concerts.  I love this unit, but I find that just adding in a stage song is disappointing.  Plus, there is some odd. . . something with Kashiwagi's voice about halfway through the song.

Itano Tomomi's Solo Single (Dear J) Info

Well the covers are out with some of the basic info about each version.  There might be some more information waiting to be released but I'll mention it once they release the PV.  I'm already eyeing Type A.  My birthday is in January so I might get it for myself.  As expected Tomochin will be releasing a dance track with a fashionable theme for the promotional video.  She is popular in Shibuya and with the fashion industry.  Each first press copy comes with an application ticket (which sucks if you aren't making a trip to Japan) and a photo.  Each version is 1524 yen.  Let's get right to it then:

Dear J [CD+DVD / Type A]
- Coupling Track: TUNNEL
- Special movie on DVD: “Tomomi Itano Collection”

Dear J [CD+DVD / Type B]
- Coupling Track: Stay by my side
- Special movie on DVD: “Tomomi Itano Interview”

Dear J [CD+DVD / Type C]
- Coupling Track: Thank you
- Special movie on DVD: “Making of Tomomi Itano”

MOAR News and Merch!

There is never something not going on, being leaked, or released.  At least there is a ton to write about.  Congrats to Arashi for their great record sales.  Some AKB48 fans are hoping to beat Arashi's sales in some form.  (There was some talk about Heavy Rotation outselling Arashi's single, I believe it was Monster.)  AKB48, SKE48, and SDN48 have all been active because all three are releasing singles in the upcoming months.  SKE48 and SDN48 (and Perfume) are appearing on a Music Station special in November.  Let's get started with some previews to get you excited for other upcoming singles:

Morning Musume's 女と男のララバイゲーム


YuiKaori's HEARTBEATが止まらないっ！

So AKB48 is releasing a 2011 calendar featuring 14 members (the front girls of course).  There sure are a lot of previews already, but they may be just the special stuff.  Here is all the stuff CDJapan has for release:

"[Size: A3 / 7 pages] Calendar box set release from AKB48 featuring deluxe bonuses such as twelve original clear folders with each member's messages, 3D trading card featuring Yuko Oshima and Atsuko Maeda, twinkling stickers, serial number to download cell phone screen (valid only in Japan), original clear sticker (B5 size)"

Me want me want!  My birthday is in January so I have the perfect excuse to ask for it!  I was pretty excited after seeing the picture, but the goodies that will be included!  Makes it so much more worth the money.

LINK 4 CDJAPAN!


Tomochin is releasing her fourth photobook, the third edition of her TomoCawaii series.  She is a fashion queen so I'm not surprised that she releases them with a magazine.  Tomochin was so nice to upload some previews onto her blog.  Plus this volume is cheaper than the last one!

LINK 4 CDJAPAN!!

AKB48 Top 12 Ranking Explanation

Hello again.  I'm posting too much.  I'm kind of addicted to blogging now.  I like writing reviews now so I basically want to review every stage I've seen and liked.  I always try to think of something different to do for these considering my favorites tend to be about the same.  This time I'm going to include some stats, and explanation, and the theme they get for that stitch-work photobook.


#12 - Yuki Kashiwagi
[Tulip]
Vocal Ability: Strong
First Stage: B1
Yukirin has dropped in my rankings because I'm starting to consider the x-factor more.  Not that she doesn't have talent.  By x-factor, in this instance, I'm talking about her tendency to get me excited (moe~).  This is different for everyone towards any idol.  If I don't make that my main reason then how can I defend my oshimen no matter what?  Yukirin is very entertaining and is known for her reactions.  She is the perfect match for a Team B captain.  You'll see as we go along that I am weak towards loli characters.

#11- Mayumi Uchida
[Hummingbird]
Vocal Ability: Strong
First Stage: B4
Ha!  This is a good time to be a fan of Ucchii.  Both her and Nakatsuka caught my attention during B4 and proved themselves during Infinity.  Ucchii reminds me a bit of Mitsui Aika.  They both have that naturally smug expression.  I still believe that she is the best center, for me, that could of happened during the Janken Tournament.  She is in Team K. so she is a good dancer, and she was in the musical so we know her voice is strong live.  On top of that she is young, so having another young senbatsu could help.  She has a bunny for a pet, by the way.

#10- Aki Takajo
[Angelfish]
Vocal Ability: Questionable
First Stage: A5
I've always thought Aki-chan has the face of a model.  She was the fastest trainee to be promoted.  No matter where I see her she always impresses me.  I first got hooked during AX2010 when she subbed into Yukirin's unit Temo Demo no Namida.  Unlike the last two, because the live vocals are questionable most of the time, I don't know about her strength.  She isn't very strong; I know that.  She is starting to push her way to being a front girl of Team A.  I love girls who wear glasses and love dogs.

#9- Tomomi Kasai
[Rose]
Vocal Ability: Okay
First Stage: K1
I'm not the best judge of vocal ability.  I know bad singers and good singers.  Anyway, she is a great performer.  I like her fashion sense (ex. last AKBingo! episode).  She is also Rika Ishikawa cute.  If that wasn't enough she is the easiest person to assume is having a relationship with another member (Sae cough cough).  She also ends up in all the lesbian units.


#8- Tomomi Itano
[Black leopard]
Vocal Ability: Okay
First Stage: A1
Another fashion leader of AKB48.  I miss her old look before.  Now she looks more mature and sleek, but I like her better with blonde hair.  She is a strong dancer and performer.  She made me like K6 more by watching her birthday stage.  She is always, and will always, be a favorite of my mine.  (She also has a smug face that is cute.)


#7- Miho Miyazaki
[Mouse]
Vocal Ability: Good
First Stage: A5
She is at an odd time in her life right now.  She was the cute new kid and now she is a full fledged teen and her popularity has gone down.  My love is unchanging, but I wish she showed her spice more.  Do you think she is a nicer person now? 


#6- Erena Ono
[Boar]
Vocal Ability: Good(?)
First Stage: K1
Oh farewell my darling.  I'm in sugarless pain to show my dedication (I vowed to not have any sweets for a week until she graduates).  No!  Don't leave me! 

[If you want an explanation on the vocal abilities part let me know.]


#5- Atsuko Maeda
[Sparrow]
Vocal Ability: Good(?)
First Stage: A1
Her singing ability is getting better.  And she is one of the oddest front girls.  She seems so plain, but then we find out she likes to fish.  I guess it is a calming hobby considering how busy she is.  


#4- Amina Sato
[Evening Primrose]
Vocal Ability: ???
First Stage: H1 (or A4?)
Please don't think of ??? as a bad thing.  I just want to be honest, and I don't think I've seen a clip of her singing for sure live yet.  Her voice is really cute though.  As you can see, I don't really worry about stats too much.  Amina has been up and down on my rankings.  She just didn't impress me that much during the first show of B5, but she always wins me back.  She is one of the girls that always gets me excited.  She is major x-factor for me.  I love cute members, and I love perverted members


#3- Aika Ota
[Raccoon]
Vocal Ability: Good
First Stage: B1
I feel like I am just non stop repeating myself.  Look at my previous explanations for this one.  I love cute troublemakers.  She has a cute, and actually good voice.



#2- Sae Miyazawa
[Chimpanzee]
Vocal Ability: Good
First Stage: K1
Sae is such a goof ball.  She is a lot more sexy with the longer hair that she has now.  However, I miss her boyish, genki short hairstyle.  I hope she doesn't cut her hair too short because I don't know if she has the right face to pull it off without looking like a dude.  She makes a great prince charming!






#1- Minami Minegishi
[Armadillo]
Vocal Ability: Good
First Stage: A1
She is the perfect fit for me.  She is a comedian and a cute character.  I do wish she would cut her bangs a little bit shorter.  The downward fringe at the center of her brow isn't as good.  She has the personality, looks, singing ability, and dancing ability to win my heart.  If only she was higher in rankings.  At least she has no sleeves.  She also loves glasses and has her groping moments as well.

Two Major (Recent) Birthday Girls!

On the 3rd it was Tomomi Itano (Tomochin)'s birthday.  Then on the 10th, Atsuko Maeda (Acchan) also had her 19th birthday.  I thought I would post some pictures from around the birthday.  It looks like Tomochin had a party, but Acchan had her birthday the same day that the concerts started.