Update by Mina!

I saw a group of teenage girls checking out this set up and pointing at the election poster five minutes later.

Well it has been a couple weeks in Japan!  Wow both Todd and I are in Japan and another one just got back not a month of two ago.  I have a couple posts in mind, but I've been busy plus there is only one internet cord for the WWOOFers (there are now four of us).  I have a Japanese drink taste test post already written on my iphone.  I am also planning to do a post about WWOOFing and my experience, my time in Tokyo, maybe a separate post if I see AKB48 in concert or on stage, things i noticed about culture and tips for staying/ traveling to Japan, an update for the Majisuka Gakuen 2 post, and whatever I come up with.  I'm still waiting to hear about my stage tickets.  Getting Super Enpou tickets for the dome shows, if they are available, won't happen because it will be past the one month limit.   I will still check out resellers and I've been checking the internet forums and such every so often.  Todd is also looking for them so if he has any luck he will pass along the tip.  Here is an AKB48 post that I typed up in my spare time:

A recent change of things?
Has anyone been noticing more live-vocals from AKB48? Not only have they've been appearing on Music Fair during their regular promotional circuit, you can notice it during performances like Music Satation and the Top 100 concert. It wasn't uncommon for stages to be performed live. Is Akimoto confident that messing up vocals won't hurt sales, or are their vocals so on point it is almost hard to spot. You almost need the mess ups or someone sticking out to know it isn't lip synced. I'm thrilled because as some of you might have noticed I've been struggling with this issue for a long time. I would still forgive them when it comes to large scale concerts where they have so many microphones to check. (I understand from my experience in the theatre and video news program during high school.)

This Year's General Election - An FU to Morning Musume?
I'm one that has been discouraging the fighting between Hello Project and the 48 Universe because I am (or is it was) a fan of both sides. Lately my interest has disappeared to the point that I will only go as far as watching their PVs (same as other groups like KAT-TUN). I'm in Japan right now and my host and their friends find it amusing that I listen to AKB48 and Arashi. During the senbatsu election one casual fan of the group (a friend from Tokyo who likes Tomomi Kasai but is bored with Tomomi Itano) mentioned that Morning Musume was over. He said something about their concerts that I couldn't fully understand. I didn't want to jump in that I'm a fan of them. In fact when it came up through my Facebook page that I was a fan I did confirm it, but I added that I'm bored with them at the moment. I don't have any pride in being their fan. I like most of the members, but the music they release I wouldn't buy. (C-ute looked the most promising but then they released their usual cute idol song; I liked the sexy dandy stuff they had been releasing recently. I do love the new Morning Musume members, but not the songs [Maji was good]. Dream Musume was a bust.) Sorry went off on a tangent.

How is this the election that flips the bird to Tsunku (more so than Hello Project itself - that is a better way of looking at it)? Well first, Sato Sumire may not have kept her senbatsu status from the 21st single, but she did make Undergirls. Ayaka Umeda, who not only belongs to the successful subgroup DiVA, is the center for the Undergirls coupling track. Now the most well known reject: Kashiwagi Yuki. She is the center for the subgroup French Kiss, she is the captain of Team B, and she sky rocketed to the number three spot! She definitely was the surprise this time around (but not that much considering she had the spot in the preliminaries).

Maeda Atsuko regaining her #1 Spot
To be honest I like them both, but I'm slightly more biased towards Acchan, so I didn't mind who got the spot. After Yuko defeated Acchan I was shocked. I became happy for Yuko who tries hard to appeal to fans. (Sometimes too hard, which turns me off and is the reason I had a period where I disliked Takamina and is why I still dislike Takahashi Ai.) However, I also thought there is only one place Acchan is suited for and that is the center. They are completely different in their approach to being an idol. Acchan doesn't try to be over the top; this can come off as she isn't trying or as sincere. I was completely for Acchan getting her spot back until I watched her appeal video. Now I didn't bother to fully understand what she was saying, just to see what she would do. It didn't look like she cared at all. Later I realized that she might of been tired because she is overworked. The number one spot only mattered to me once I saw Acchan's reaction to regaining it. It really moved me. (Her short Hana Kimi hair is cute by the way.)

Sad Face results:
Myao (The most disappointing results because she still should be in senbatsu)
Lovetan
Mii-chan (who I voted for)
Tomo~mi
Ucchi (She didn't rank even after being the champion and having a major part in Majisuka Gakuen)

Happy Face:
Matsui Rena
Matsui Jurina
Miorin
Acchan
Sasshi
and pretty much everyone who ranked in Undergirls or Senbatsu

Didn't Care Much:
Yuko
Mariko
Tomomi Itano
Harugon
Takahashi (Part of me wants her to get the number one spot at least once because she deserves it)
Haruna
Mayu

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.

Top Ten Explanation - Round 2

Well, things sure have changed.  Rankings are very difficult because you need to consider their whole body of work, focusing on the most recent.  Do I like their photobooks?  Are they entertaining on variety shows?  If they are in a drama, movie, or musical did I enjoy their performance?  Do they do well in PVs, do they stick out?  Last but not least, the most important thing to me is their stage performance.   

First Top Ten 1. Sae Miyazawa (Team K) 2. Aika Ota (Team B) 3. Amina Sato (Team A) 4. Atsuko Maeda (Team A) 5. Yuki Kashiwagi (Team B) 6. Sayaka Akimoto (Team K) 7. Yuko Oshima (Team K) 8. Erena Ono (Team K) 9. Tomomi Kasai (Team K) 10. Minami Minegishi (Team A)

New Top Ten 1. Sae Miyazawa (Team K) 2. Aika Ota (Team A) 3. Atsuko Maeda (Team A) 4. Yuki Kashiwagi (Team B) 5. Erena Ono (Team K) 6. Miho Miyazaki (Team B) 7. Haruka Katayama (Team A) 8. Tomomi Kasai (Team B) 9. Mika Komori (Team B) 10. Amina Sato (Team B)

#1 - Sae Miyazawa (Team K)
Like the fact that she hasn't changed teams, she hasn't wavered in my heart.  Sae is spectacular in her imperfections.  Even when she is unflattering it is charming.  It helps to have a good sense of humor because even if you look stupid people will love you.  Sae is known as the handsome idol.
Good Points:
-Even though her first photobook wasn't too good, I love her digital ones.
-She made me cry and break out laughing during Infinity.
-Gakuran was my favorite character of Majisuka Gakuen
-She looks good with a surfboard. 
-Danso episode


Poor Points:
- She hasn't stood out during AKBingo! lately
- K6 was disappointing, which included her stage unit

#2 - Aika Ota (Team A)
My loli, swearing, troublemaker, otaku darling.  I'm happy anytime I see you and I can't wait for Team A's stage.  She first caught my eye during AKBRanger when she did her come hither close up and laid on the ground during the group shot.  Since then I have fell in love with her stage units including her adorable 天使のしっぽ and her dirty Kuchi Utsushi No Chocolate.  She had basically three sentences bleeped out during the pool special of Shukan.  I could go on forever.  Did I mention that she has only one dimple!
Good Points:
- Her sub-group is great
-Her surprise solo during AX2010 was endearing.
-Shukan special
- Photoshoots
-She was a lolita, yanki in MG

Bad Points:
-Her newest stage isn't out yet, but that is just a question mark

#3 - Atsuko Maeda
Her voice is so cute, it is like a tomboy 5-year-old girl.  She has great style.  She does so well even though she is extremely busy.  She loves her dogs.  She is quiet.  She is the most classically beautiful person I have ever seen.
Good Points:
- Her fashion sense
- Her photobooks
- Looks and sounds great in Ponytail to ShuShu
- Good job starring in MG
- Great on stage


Bad Points:
- Her role in MG is overshadowed by the other characters
- Her hair is getting too long
- Even though she does well in TV appearances, there is nothing that sticks out in my mind

#4 - Yuki Kashiwagi
It took me awhile to warm up to her.  The first memory of her standing out was her reaction when they punked her on AKBingo!.  Then I saw her photobook, saw her perform, it was love.  She went from I don't care to an absolute favorite in such little time.
Good Points:
- Team B stages
- Photobook and DVD
- Shukan
- The most recent AKBingo! set up
-Her fashion sense


Bad Points:
- She did well in Infinity, but she was my least favorite out of the four stars
- She didn't really stand out in Majisuka Gakuen

#5 - Erena Ono
At first she was my little cutie.  The sweetie of Team K, but then she grew up.  She is still adorable, but she isn't my little idol.  I am dieing to see her latest film that comes out in either June or July.  I love that her voice is still the same.  I just like everything about her.
Good Points:
- I found her role in Majisuka Gakuen interesting and not obvious.
- Her solo (First Love) is spectacular.
- Her photobooks are great
- She is great in films outside of AKB.
- I liked her stage unit in K6.
- I do not mind she gained weight = > makes her more real
- She does a wonderful job in variety shows

#6 - Miho Miyazaki
She has always been high on my rankings, but recently she has shined while others have not.  Her strong personality reminds me of the troublemaker quality that Lovetan has.  She isn't the most good looking, but she pulls it off so you don't notice.
Good Points:
- B5 performance
- Myao, has her own character
- Her first photobook
- MG: The lead yanki lolita


Bad Points:
- Nothing amazing lately on AKBingo!

#7 - Haruka Katayama
She has always been a thought in the back of my mind, but I never bothered to find out her name.  Her stage unit, 純情主義, has always been a favorite.  She is one of the best singers, but you don't see much of her besides that.
Good Points:
- One of the best voices
- The behind the scenes of Infinity
- Her performances in AX2010


Bad Points:
- She is hard to notice in the back
- She has few stand out moments in comparison with the others

# 8 - Tomomi Kasai
She has always been a favorite who is always fighting Tomochin and Mii-chan for my love.  She sometimes looks strange in photos, but I love her.
Good Points:
- Danso episodes
- B5
- Her new unit: Queen & Elizabeth
- One of my favorites in Majisuka Gakuen
- Shukan

#9 - Mika Komori
Thanks to Majisuka Gakuen and B5 she shot up from someone I didn't know to one of my Top Ten.  She is extremely quiet and she looks like she is quiet, but she still has a powerful presence.
Good Points:
- Majisuka Gakuen
- Video clips from members' blogs
- B5


Bad Points:
- Don't see her that much

#10 - Amina Sato
I feel horrible with how far she has fallen.  I just wouldn't feel right leaving her at the third spot if others were being kicked out.  She hasn't been standing out as much as she used to, but I still love her.
Good Points:
- B5
- MG
- AKBingo! Pudding Punishment
- Her blog


Bad Points:
- Only one moment of AKBingo!
- Doesn't stand out as much during stages



The Fallen Few:
Sayaka Akimoto #6 > 25
Yuko Oshima #7 > 13
Minami Minegishi #10 > 11

I feel like I need to talk about Sayaka Akimoto.  This is hard to explain, but she has lost her natural shine for me.  Her performances since K5 seem soulless, like I'm watching a bad actress.  Maybe she is overacting because she is on stage so she looks weird close up.  I thought her digital photobook would remind me that I like her, but it reminded me that I don't really like her.  I want to love her but she turns me off quite a bit.

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!

Belated オメデトウ ( ^ _ ^)∠☆PAN！(congrats)

On March 6th, jeez I've missed a lot yesterday, a number of AKB48 members graduated from high school! I got this little insider scoop from Maeda Atsuko's blog (entry here). Who were the recently released members you ask? Well, Yukirin, Chiyuu, Tomo, Takamina, Acchan, and Kitarie❤

(from right to left) Takamina, Tomo, Acchan, Chiyuu, Kitarie, and Yukirin

All of them except Kitarie went to the same high school. Jealousy, who are the lucky B@$t@rd$? I bet more idols go to that school too. On a happier note, I'm in the same class as these lovely ladies. It trips me up when idols are my age. I'm getting to the point that I feel wrong if the idol is younger than me. I just realized that I'm jealous of the girls for being done with high school before me. Let's do our best!

INFINITY: must slow down breathing Ｏ(≧∇≦)Ｏ

Infinity, a musical by AKB48, is coming out on DVD! If only there were English subtitles too! I REALLY, I mean REALLY want this. It came out YESTERDAY! Yeah, that's right March 6th. I totally missed the announcement on AKBingo! I was watching it a second time and they had a short promo for the release. I just about died from lack of oxygen.




Okay, if you have no idea what Infinity is about, here are the basics. It is a vampire musical. The songs are from AKB48. It stars Minami Takahashi, Sayaka Akimoto, Sae Miyazawa, and Yuki Kashiwagi. Here is more info about the plot.














I have not found that many places to purchase it yet. I am waiting for either CD Japan or Kimook. This is the only place that I know you can buy it from.

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