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I've been getting into Seiko Matsuda lately.

Oku Manami(AKB48) Announces Graduation

Oku Manami's graduation message from the AKB48 official blog, translated by loveandcoffee@stage48:

Today I have a sudden announcement.

This time, Oku Manami will graduate from AKB48.

I joined AKB48 when I was 10, and without knowing anything, I’ve always done my best with what I was told to do.

There haven’t only been good things, but I have made myself a lot of good memories.

And more than anything, I have been able to come all the way so far thanks first to Akimoto-sensei, then to all the staff, and especially thanks to the support of my fans.

Being in AKB48 for 5 years I’ve met a lot of people and I’ve been able to experience many things.

Without understanding a thing, I’ve just struggled my way to here but somewhere inside my heart, the desire for the

“student life”

I haven’t been able to experience grew bigger and bigger, and the days I spent worrying “What do I really want to do?” have been really hard.

As I stayed in AKB while feeling so half-hearted I felt guilty towards the people who supported me, and after thinking many times and asking many times for staff’s advice, I decided to graduate in order to pursue my new dream: advance with my studies.

For 5 years, I have given you a lot of hard times and made you worry…

But all the time, I don’t know how to say it, but I’ve always been so thankful to all the people who supported me.

Thank you very much.

I think the last time I will be able to meet you is the April handshake event.

I will announce the details of my graduation as soon as they’ve been decided.

Then, there’s just a little time before my graduation, but please keep supporting me.

Here is her profile and some trivia for those not too familiar with her:
Oku Manami (奥真奈美)
Nickname: Maachan (まーちゃん), Manamana (まなまな)
Birthdate: November 22nd, 1995 (15)
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
Team: B
Height: 153.5 cm (5'0")
Bust: 81 cm
Waist: 60 cm
Hips: 87 cm
Agency: office48 (AKB48's agency)

Singles:
-Hone Hone Waltz (Honegumi from AKB48)
-BINGO!
-Kimi no Koto ga Suki dakara (Under Girls)
-Katatsumuri (solo)
-Nusumareta Kuchibiru (Under Girls)
-Boku Dake no Value (Under Girls)
-Love Jump (Team B)
-Guuzen no Juujirou (Under Girls)

Stage Units:
-Team K 1st Stage : Classmate
-Team K 2nd Stage : Ame no Doubutsuen
-Team K 3rd Stage : Honehone Waltz
-Himawari-gumi 1st Stage : IDOL nante yobanaide (2nd Unit)
-Himawari-gumi 2nd Stage : Tonari no Banana (2nd Unit)
-Team K 4th Stage : Hatsukoi Dorobou
-Team K 5th Stage: Ai no Iro
-Team B 5th Stage: Hatsukoi yo, Konnichiwa

Trivia:
-She is half Japanese and half Italian

-Was an original member of Team K

-Joined AKB48 at age 10

-Says "I'm sorry" often.
-Good friends with Noro Kayo.
-A favorite of Megumi Ohori (original Team K who was transferred to SDN48)
-Used to often practice dancing with Umeda Ayaka and Noro Kayo at the backstage.
-Her favorite actress is Ayase Haruka.
-She is very friendly at the backstage while reserved on the stage, but recently she has improved.
-Was known to stare awkwardly during performances.
-Likes scary stories even if that will make her cry.
-Seems close with Ono Erena since their audition.
-Was transferred from Team K to Team B in 2009.
-Akimoto, the producer of AKB48, in an article referred to her as a future ace
-Played a lolita yankee in the first season of Majisuka Gakuen

Thoughts and Feelings:
I can't be upset by the idea of her leaving to focus on her education, especially since she is getting to the age where classes are more important and taxing.  Education is important to me and I respect idols who try to do both, especially attending college.  It must have been getting very difficult for Maachan when she is shy, no longer has the full support of Team K, and going through this at a young age.  I imagine having Team K there for support helped her before, so the shuffle must be rough.  While I think Team B suits her personality, if you consider what is best for her, she would of gotten along better with Team K.  I like shy idols because I like a variety of personalities, and they tend not to be stuck up but instead sweet.

Wow, did I just get really depressed in a short amount of time.  I figured graduations would be coming up because those sorts of things tend to surface around concerts, but I didn't see Maachan coming.  She is so young and Akimoto adores her.  Maachan never got ranked so high by fans, but Akimoto always put her in the Under Girls group.  She also was selected to release a solo single for an anime, so I believe Akimoto saw potential and talent in her.  I do hope she returns to showbiz later, because I know from personal experience that as you get older (in the right environment) you can really build up your self confidence.  I also liked the fact that she wasn't thin because having different body types in influential groups is a good thing for girls to see.  She might drop the weight after graduating, like Kago Ai, because some of it may come from stress.  (She was adorable on my dates with her on the PSP game; I guess I'll have to pick her next time.)  I just want her to come back.  I'll add some videos after the jump.

Late, late, and forgot! *

Well some of my pictures that I drew must be colored first and then I post it to devaintart or here, but some of the pictures are abandoned and I almost forgot about all of it.
So, to prevent this happen again, I put some screenshots here to remind myself ^^;
(Updated, because some pictures have done)








DONE
>>click here<<



DONE
>>click here<<

--Lineart by another artist--



CANCELED

@BUONOfacts

Minna!! Please follow @BUONOfacts on twitter!
This is a twitter account that posts some facts about Buono!
If you like Buono! please follow it!!
Sankyuu♥

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).

Mina's Mass PV Reviews! + Update

SKE48 『バンザイVenus』

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

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

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

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

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

AKB48 Discovery: Miorin!

Ichikawa Miori (市川美織)
Nickname: Miorin
Age: 17
Team: Kenkyuusei

I am not one to pay attention to trainees.  The most I do is if I notice them, I think that hopefully they will be promoted and leave it at that.  However, since AKB48's popularity has skyrocketed the research students have become a much more crucial element.  I don't watch LODs that often, but I do watch AKBingo! religiously.  She has spoken for the last two episodes (which also happen to be DANSO ones).  She is tiny.  The Team A front-girls adore her.  Her voice!  Her VOICE!  I've been watching these episodes with friends and they all have had a similar reaction to her.  My friend who is an Arashi wota has declared her support of Miorin. (After watching her performance at Yoyogi of 渚のCHERRY she thinks they didn't give her enough speed.)  She is the first trainee who I wanted to be included in singles and the general election (both of those things I have been very adamant about not including trainees). What Miorin is also well known for is her catchphrase.