On May 31st 2016, Suzuki Kanon took to the stage one last time at Nippon Budokan, and delivered to the fans of both herself and Morning Musume one last song, as well as her farewell smile, all before she sets off on her journey to become a member of social welfare, and to give those who need it the happiness she herself can bring. For her future she will grow as a person, and her smile will shine even more brightly for than it has before. Zukki will shine, and she will become even more beautiful than she is now because of her kindness the joy she aims to bring others.
It is a sad day for so many of us who love and support this girl, but a cheerful one too, because now she will pursue a new dream and take on a path that just seems so right for her. So, whilst I sit and shed my tears with the knowledge that she won't be here any more, I also hold a smile, because she is going to do something amazing for Japan's community, and deliver that brilliant smile to even more people than those who watched her from the stands, or from their living rooms.
This vibrant girl has been such a joy to watch these past five years. Since 2011, she has given us her all and her smile, and shown us that being an Idol, whilst fun, can be hard, too. We fans adored her, we cried for her, and we fought against those who hated her. We loved this kid so much, and we never backed down. The support Zukki had outside of Japan was overwhelming, and it was something she felt when she received a scrap book, as well as when she went to America.
She was adored, she was treasured, and she was loved by many people. We watched her grow, and we supported her all the way. Now, she's leaving us, and it's broken many hearts now that she has graduated. It breaks my heart, because I did want her to stay, but even when she announced her desire to leave, I knew it would come eventually. For a girl like Zukki, the Idol world was a big place, and it was a place that truly was not accepting of her, no matter how rambunctious or cheerful she was.
Talented, bright and beautiful, Zukki gave us so much as fans. She brought us together, and our love for her enveloped the community. Despite her unpopularity in Japan, Zukki found popularity worldwide, and that love we have for her has spread so far to reach her, to let her know that we care. I don't doubt she was loved by the other members either, especially her generation mates, those who worked hard with her, supported her and loved her through everything. She was treasured no matter what her popularity status was, and I'm sure that, for all of them today, Morning Musume was in tears as their cheerful Zukki sets off to start her own journey without them, ready to make a name for herself, and to serve her smile elsewhere.
She came into our lives with a smile as bright as the sun, and now she sets off with that smile still in place. Despite her hardships, despite the downfalls and despite what has been said, this girl fought through it all and carried on as an Idol, never letting it defeat her spirit or ruin the joys she had in life. And finally, as she stepped out onto that stage to meet the sea of green, she delivered a final smile to the fans of Hello! Project, Morning Musume, and those who loved Suzuki Kanon, and bade her goodbyes as she sang a song to promise those who saw her, those who performed by her, and those who met her that she would never forget, and that she would remember all those memories of Morning Musume fondly.
"Every activities as Morning Musume。was meaningful and fun, and during one of them, the event "SATOYAMA movement", "SATOUMI movement", I have been in contact with people with a beautiful smile and I thought little by little it would be great if I can do the same work.
There are many forms of "Being helpful to people"... but from now on, I feel strongly that I want to help people in another way, I want to make people smile, I want to make them happy." - Suzuki Kanon (2016.02.07)
Your smile brightened my world, and your charming personality and fun, goofy nature made me fall in love with you. Without you, Morning Musume would not be what it is today, and I would not be the fan that I am. You are my Idol and my world, and though my heart aches to see you leave, I send you off with a smile.
Thank you for becoming an Idol and for opening my eyes to just how wonderful a person can be in this world. From here on out, I will continue to love and support you, and remember you as one of my MoMusu favourites, and my first ever 9th gen Oshi.
I'm going to miss you, but for your future, good luck, and please, keep on smiling! DaiZukki!!! <3 Chiima~
Today on 30th May 2016, Tamura Meimi delivered her final performance as a member of ANGERME and Hello! Project before bowing out in order to pursue her future as a musical actress. For all those who could watch Meimi's final performance, I truly have no doubt in my mind that Meimi delivered a brilliant smile, and that she gave it her all in both song and dance.
I also expect that there were many tears shed, from both the members and Meimi's fans, because there is truly no doubt that this amazing girl was loved as a performer, actress and an Idol.
In 2011 she graced our lives with that glaring forehead and her vampire teeth. Her energy and joy was overwhelming and bright, her love for performing and singing evident. She was a quirky little thing who quite frankly freaked me the heck out. That said, I warmed to her, because she was definitely a top performer. Her strength in singing and her desire to deliver a spectacular song and dance was eye-catching and memorable, and before I knew it, I rather liked the member I didn't anticipate caring about.
So it was a bit of a surprise when she announced her graduation back in December 2015, because Fukuda Kanon herself had only just left, and honestly, if anyone was going to graduate next, I would have pegged that announcement for Dawa or another group member. Anyone but Meimi.
That said, I understand that she has a desire and a dream, and that after being an Idol for just about 5 years, she is ready to pursue and achieve these new goals she has made, and I also respect this decision. It's one I truly believe Meimi can achieve.
This girl brought us so much as a member in both talent and cheer. Her smile was the brightest, and her energy was pretty much unrivaled. Tamura Meimi is one of Hello! Project's finest, and will be remembered with a smile by all fans. That joy, talent and her enormous voice are unforgettable, and I know that from this day on, she will be missed by myself and other fans, for she was a truly wonderful girl with a big smile, and an even bigger heart.
"Then, about one of my other dreams… I would like to be a musical actress. After this nice dream realized of becoming a S/mileage member, I would like to have a new start and fulfill this new dream." - Tamura Meimi (2015.12.20)
Thank you for being our Idol, Tamura Meimi, and thank you for sending us your gorgeous smile. You shall never be forgotten, and for me as an Idol fan and follower of Hello! Project, I shall always think of you as one of Hello! Project's best. For these past five years, it has been a delight knowing and watching you.
It's been a long week, one filled with smiles and tears and heartache, but now it's the final hurdle, and we're about to jump it. Today, [A Week with Zukki] ends, so to wrap things up, let's take a seat and appreciate this Idol for all she is worth in as many words as I can muster...
Are you ready to let her go?
It's too soon to be saying goodbye to you, and yet here we are...
Here is a girl who makes me smile. Here is an Idol who brings me joy and laughter, a girl who can truly do no wrong in my eyes. For me, Suzuki Kanon is amazing, and whilst she is not my favourite Idol, there is still something there that allows me to feel so strongly about her, and to feel such heartache when it dawns on me again and again that she will be graduating from this grand world of Idols and entertainment.
For these past five years I have been her fan, and now she will be turning her back on this world I enjoy so much, and she will instead be paving her own future from here on out, ready to deliver her smile in a new way, and to bring happiness to those who need it the most.
I love Zukki. I have loved her since her debut. Though she was initially my least favourite of the 9th generation candidates during her audition, she quickly became the girl I adored right next to Ikuta Erina. What won me over was her cheer and attitude, and how she auditioned for the group with a comedy sketch and a song. This girl went into the audition with the intention of making people smile, and through that desire and her amazing personality, she was chosen as a finalist and, before we knew it, a 9th generation member of Morning Musume.
It wasn't just her personality that stood out, however; her smile shined, her cheerful exposition was apparent, and her voice was big and bold and, at the time, one of the nicest in her generation. She was basically an all-around Idol, a girl who was confident and happy, playful and sweet. She was the sort of Idol I looked up to, and someone I wanted to like. She was everything I desired in the Idol world, and for me, Suzuki Kanon was pretty much perfect.
Being a fan of Suzuki Kanon was pretty hard, though. As someone who tends to lean towards the underdogs and background members, it was kind of expected, however I went through a lot of heartache being Zukki's fan, mostly because of how others spoke of her, and their cruel words. For a good chunk of my fandom, I have been biting back or trying to ignore the cruel words people have said, all because they didn't like Zukki or her weight.
It got harder when, between the years 2012 and 2015, Zukki herself didn't seem as happy or bright as she once was. It was evident that she was having a difficult time, and a lot of the fans saw it in her smile that it wasn't true happiness she was exuding. Sure, there were times where she did shine brightly and stood out, however a good chunk of her time as an Idol was spent with this reserved aura that surrounded her, and I do believe it saddened a lot of her fans. We wanted the Zukki we loved back. No one liked seeing her so sad, and even though I never took part in it, a lot of fans went the extra mile to bring that smile of hers back by sending her a scrapbook from all around the world filled to the brim with love and kindness for the girl we adore so much.
If anyone ever thought that Zukki was unloved, then they are indeed wrong, because despite her lack of recognition in Japan, she is one of the most loved Idols in Hello! Project for the Western fandom.
There has been a lot of heartache with Zukki's career I think, and it's something I don't want to delve into, not when this is a post about her and what I appreciate, so instead I will say this;
I think that what is amazing about Suzuki Kanon is that despite all this backlash she had regarding her weight, she never once backed down. She didn't up and graduate when news reporters posted unflattering images of her or stop doing what she had started because she was pushed to the back. She carried on and worked hard to get recognised, and though it took another diet and some weight loss to get to that point, she did do it, and we saw all her efforts come to fruition in Oh my wish!, where she finally centered and carried a song.
When this girl wants something, she does work hard for it. She worked hard when choosing to apply for Morning Musume, and she worked hard to lose weight to show the fans it could happen, and to get that chance to lead a song. Zukki doesn't give up for anyone, no matter how cruel their words or pictures may be. She worked hard for herself, and for everyone else around her
As an Idol she has made us smile, and she has shined in her own way that no one else could. She has worked her hardest from day one, always delivering to her fans and spectators a beam so bright it could light the world. She has laughed and cried, sang and danced and blown us away with her wonderful personality and admirable efforts. She is someone to love and adore, enjoy and appreciate to the fullest, and whilst I don't want to see her go, I know that I have to soon, because that is what she wants for herself.
Thing is, she's not leaving for herself, is she? Zukki is, and always has been, a person who wants to see others smile, and to bring them her own brand of happiness in any way she can. As an Idol she experienced a form of happiness that she could bring only by helping out those in need, and it is that form of joy she wants to continue giving now that she is graduating the Idol industry, and honestly, I have to say knowing that this is what she wants to do after her graduating truly makes me proud to be her fan, because Zukki is not only beautiful, but she is kind and selfless, too, and she wants to continue giving to and helping those around her as much as she can, whether it is as an Idol or a normal girl.
As an Idol she made me smile and gave me joy. She was my first 9th generation love, and the Idol I wanted to love for an eternity. She was one of the first new girls to enter the Morning Musume I knew, and the first one I adored. Suzuki Kanon means so much to me, and my words here cannot express how I truly feel about her, but know this; she is a great Idol, and for these past five years, she has had me laughing, crying, cheering and fighting for her. If that isn't the love of a fan, then I don't know what is.
For so long she was pushed to the back and left to falter, however that light and smile never died, because Zukki is the kind of girl who wants to deliver happiness, and to see the smiles of her fans wherever they may be. That is the kind of Idol I love, and that is the Idol I fell for so long ago. No matter what her status, no matter what her weight, she was an Idol we adored to the very core, and one we appreciated with all our hearts. For many fans out there who cheered on Suzuki Kanon from the sidelines, she was their greatest Idol who caught not only their hearts, but also their smiles, and we will forever keep her ingrained in our memories, and appreciate the pure joy she was for years to come.
From a 12 year old girl who aimed to bring joy to those who watched her perform and heard her groups songs, to a 17 year old who dreams of making people happy by aiding them any way she can, Suzuki Kanon has grown as both an Idol and a person. She has always known what she wants, and strives to achieve the goals she sets in order to bring her own unique brand of cheer to the world. For her future endeavor, I wish her only the best and hope that she lives her dream, bringing those who need her most the smiles and joy they deserve. I know she can do it, and I'm sure every one of her fans is pushing her forward with their love and encouragement towards this bright, helpful future Suzuki Kanon is preparing for herself.
It seems like she only came into my life yesterday, and it's all too soon that she will be leaving my life as an Idol lover, however I do believe she will return one day, whether it's in a group photograph or an event appearance, because I am confident that Zukki won't disappear. It's what I want, it's what I hope, it's what I pray for, because I don't want her to leave my life like other Idols have. She's too important to me, and I never want her smile to fade away for both myself, and all her other fans.
I am happy for her, though, and I am glad to see her taking on such an admirable path for her future career. I just hope that she returns to us in the future, and shows us a smile that has become even brighter and a girl that is even stronger and more brilliant than the one standing before us today.
"There are many forms of "Being helpful to people"... but from now on, I feel strongly that I want to help people in another way, I want to make people smile, I want to make them happy." - Suzuki Kanon, February 7th 2016
This is the Suzuki Kanon I love, and from now until her Graduation day, I will love her with all my might and smile as much as I can, even through the tears I will undoubtedly shed, because when I smile, I will think of Zukki and how wonderful she has been these past five years and the great surge of happiness she has brought me as an Idol fan.
Saying goodbye to you will be one of the hardest things for me as an Idol fan yet, but thank you Zukki. Thank you for five years of hard work. Thank you for your booming voice, your shining personality and your neve-ending smile that brightened my world. Thank you for becoming the Idol I adored all those years ago, and for never giving in.
You are my joy, my light, my inspiration, and I love you. Thank you so much for being a part of my world!
Suzuki Kanon, Stosugyou Omedetou! Thank you for this everlasting smile, and for bringing joy to our hearts! Our love for you shall never end!
Your smile was my Sun, so thank you for rising and shining upon this world.
Hey, let's have a dance, my dear... Also, my opinions are my own. Let's not fight during this emotional time, yeah? Thanks~
*[A Week with Zukki] is a series dedicated to the and only Suzuki Kanon, to both celebrate her and to prepare for her up-coming departure from both Morning Musume and Hello! Project. Here I hope to appreciate and adore the Idol who has brought me such joy, as well as to share with you some of her best works in her time as an Idol. So in order to celebrate all that is Zukki and her wonderful smile, let's take this journey together and think of her with fondness and joy. Before she dares Graduate, let's enjoy this wonderful Idol as much possible, and smile as we do so!
For our final PV Review, let's fight back those tears and have a wonderful time, because the best way to remember someone you love is to remember the good times. So, even though I want to cry right now, let's smile all the way through, and have a joyous Saturday Night, because this time we have won't last forever!
Coincidentally, I am reviewing and publishing this post on a Saturday Night, something I find quite funny and all-too coincidental. Sadly, I have also been crying as I screen captioned this video, even though I want to smile throughout it because of how joyous and great Utakata Saturday Night! is as a song.
I can't stop those overwhelming feelings, however, because it has now finally sunk in that this is it; this is the final PV for my dear Suzuki Kanon, and the last weekend she will ever have as an Idol in Hello! Project and Morning Musume. It's that last hurdle for her, and my time watching her is growing ever shorter. It's heartbreaking, and I am just so devastated that she will be leaving come Tuesday evening in Japan.
But before she goes, let's just enjoy what we have of her, and experience a Saturday Night filled with cheer and smiles, DJ Zuk and more. Before she dares leave our world, taking her smile along with her, let's experience that gorgeous beam of hers together, and dance! Before this song ends, why don't you fall in love with Suzuki Kanon of Morning Musume '16 all over again?
Life is short, so let's do it! do it! do it! DANCE!
All thoughts. All opinions. All that may said. It's my own. Such mine, so yours. Everything here is subject to my own opinion. Don't hate, and I won't hate on yours either. Let's love and respect. LOVE AND PEACE!!!
... This whole disclaimer is a mess, just like my mind xD
*[A Week with Zukki] is a series dedicated to the and only Suzuki Kanon, to both celebrate her and to prepare for her up-coming departure from both Morning Musume and Hello! Project. Here I hope to appreciate and adore the Idol who has brought me such joy, as well as to share with you some of her best works in her time as an Idol. So in order to celebrate all that is Zukki and her wonderful smile, let's take this journey together and think of her with fondness and joy. Before she dares Graduate, let's enjoy this wonderful Idol as much possible, and smile as we do so!
In which Chiima sorely wishes that she had decided to review The Vision for the sake of her ears, but chose not to because once she starts something, she refuses to change it for any damn reason.
Thanks, stubborn Chiima brain. Thaaaanks o3o
Of the three latest Music Videos to come out of Morning Musume '16, this one is probably my second favourite, but it's also the song that I like the least of the three thanks to how cookie cutter it is for the group in sound and style. It hurts my ears sometimes, too, and if it wasn't for the fact that I find The Vision pretty but boring, I would be reviewing that, because it shows off a little more Zukki, though not that much.
Still, I started this, and I'm gonna finish it, because there are only so many hours in a day, and I do need to write this out. Also, I think this PV is pretty stunning. It has some decent shots, and everyone looks damn awesome here. So yeah, I'm sticking with it through both sheer stubbornness, and because I don't know what other video to review for this [A Week with Zukki] series.
In all honesty though, I had a lot of fun screen grabbing images from this, and surprisingly, it isn't gif heavy like everything else I've reviewed lately. Big shocker. I liked a lot of the stills in this though, and it wasn't stupidly heavy on moving cameras, which helped a lot. So yeah, I'm a happy bunny in terms of screen grabs here.
Okay, that's enough incessant chatter. We're going to look at one of Suzuki Kanon's final music videos within Hello! Project and Morning Musume '16, and try our best to find the cool smile amidst the crowds of Morning Musume '16, because even when she is hidden in the back, that beautiful smile will never cease to exist, and one day, you will find it for yourself...
All thoughts are my own, as per usual. Let's just enjoy what we have whilst it lasts, aye?
*[A Week with Zukki] is a series dedicated to the and only Suzuki Kanon, to both celebrate her and to prepare for her up-coming departure from both Morning Musume and Hello! Project. Here I hope to appreciate and adore the Idol who has brought me such joy, as well as to share with you some of her best works in her time as an Idol. So in order to celebrate all that is Zukki and her wonderful smile, let's take this journey together and think of her with fondness and joy. Before she dares Graduate, let's enjoy this wonderful Idol as much possible, and smile as we do so!
Our darling girl is leaving soon, and with her departure, a smile within Hello! Project shall fade, never to grace us in a PV again. However for these next few days, we must treasure her and everything she gives, because even when her smile disappears, our memories of her never will...~
When the cover quality sucks and Chiima can't do nuthin' about it o3o
DVD Content:
1. Suzuki Kanon wears a Yukata (Morning Glory style)
2. Takeuchi Akar, Katsuta Rina and Ishida Ayumi Video Message 3. Q&A Corner
4. Talk Corner - Goals for a 17 year old
5. Mini-Live (LOVE Namida Iro / Dou ni mo Tomaranai (by Yamamoto Linda) / Ai no Honoo / Konna Watashi de Yokattara / Egao ni Namida ~Thank you! Dear My Friends~)
With Zukki's impending Graduation coming ever closer, I am of course looking back at all things Zukki, from PV's to photographs, to events and whatever else I can find that includes my favourite smile and the girl it belongs to. And, despite the fact that I usually avoid event DVD's or clips of any kind due to no understanding of the Japanese language, I thought that it was high time to visit my very first event DVD from Suzuki Kanon's 17th Birthday event held in 2015.
Of course, this Birthday even marks the last for Suzuki Kanon as a member of Hello! Project and Morning Musume, but it is the one where she undoubtedly shines the brightest, and has the most talent in her tenure as an Idol. So, I wanted to take a look at it (finally), and see what these Birthday events are all about, as well as to watch my darling Zukki blossom on the stage that was meant for her.
So, without further introduction, let's take a look at Suzuki Kanon, a beauty and an Idol, as she shines on her very own stage and delivers to everyone around her a splendid performance.
You know the drill here. We own our own thoughts, we have our own opinions, and I just so happen to place mine out in the open. If you don't like what is said here regarding any song, MV's, groups or members, then ignore it, or bear with it. I won't change what I say for anyone. The only time that may happen is if my opinion has gradually changed over time. That is that, me ducks.
*[A Week with Zukki] is a series dedicated to the and only Suzuki Kanon, to both celebrate her and to prepare for her up-coming departure from both Morning Musume and Hello! Project. Here I hope to appreciate and adore the Idol who has brought me such joy, as well as to share with you some of her best works in her time as an Idol. So in order to celebrate all that is Zukki and her wonderful smile, let's take this journey together and think of her with fondness and joy. Before she dares Graduate, let's enjoy this wonderful Idol as much possible, and smile as we do so!
I really wanted to write other PV Reviews, however when one of your favourite members is barely ever shown in a video, you kind of have little to no choice but to accept the fact a PV Review revolving around her is really freakin' hard to come by, to the point where they are basically fluffy pink unicorns.
Luckily, such a thing does exist, and though I hoped to look back at some of her earlier releases... well, I can't, and honestly, I'm just thankful that there is something out there that allows me to truly appreciate Suzuki Kanon in all her glory!
I looked through a lot of PV's to figure out which one I would review next and, whilst I wanted to try and do something a little early on in Zukki's career, I had either written about it already (and my opinion hadn't exactly changed), or she was barely in it, with only milliseconds of screen time to capture. The only videos I hadn't actually reviewed were some of the later lot, otherwise known as her last three single PV's. That's late into Zukki's career, and though I didn't want to exactly do what I'm gonna do, I don't really have much other choice.
It's things like this that knock a spanner into the works for me as a blogger, because whilst I would happily review something like One Two Three (of which my opinion has actually changed, which is a fucking nightmare for Chiima '12), I want to review something with a decent amount of Zukki in it. Again, those are fuckin' rare, considering H!P are douche-bags and never really gave this kid even the minimal amount of limelight she deserved. She was awarded pittance, and yeah, I'm sore about it. I always will be.
SO, with that tangent rattled, I decided that I'd look at the last few releases Zukki was in, with more of a focus on the ones that actually gave her more credit than I ever thought she would get within H!P. Of course the first of my three final reviews starring my darling Zukki has to be Oh my wish!, the first and pretty much last single to feature Zukki as a vocal and visual center. It was a dream come true for most of her fans, as well as a wish made real for Zukki herself.
So, in her first leading performance within a single, will Zukki shine like a star and own the spot like it was made for her, or will she wilt in the limelight? There's only one way to find out. Let's hit it.
*[A Week with Zukki] is a series dedicated to the and only Suzuki Kanon, to both celebrate her and to prepare for her up-coming departure from both Morning Musume and Hello! Project. Here I hope to appreciate and adore the Idol who has brought me such joy, as well as to share with you some of her best works in her time as an Idol. So in order to celebrate all that is Zukki and her wonderful smile, let's take this journey together and think of her with fondness and joy. Before she dares Graduate, let's enjoy this wonderful Idol as much possible, and smile as we do so!
When planning out this series formy last week with Suzuki Kanon, I had a good idea of what I wanted to do for it, and planned on a PV Review for my second post, much like I had done with my [A Week with Meimi] series. Thing is, I hit a giant wall of mental block when looking at earlier PV's featuring our beautiful Zukki, because let's face it; she's not shown a ton in most videos after her debut. That privilege actually went to my other MoMusu love, Eripon, so no matter what I reviewed from Zukki's first two years in H!P, I wouldn't get a lot of imagery that included her.
So, because of that giant road block that caused a spanner in the works for my series, I've decided to focus on three PV's from her last two or so years in MM later on in the series, and for today focus on some of my favourite performances from our dear Zukki instead of the PV Review I had hoped to write.
Also, I would like to apologise for the delay with this post, however I headed home today, so had to pack and sort things out the night before, rather than writing up this post. It is what it is, I suppose.
So, without further ado, let's take a look at some of my favourite performances from our darling Zukki, and enjoy this girl as a performer, an Idol, and of course the wonderful singer that she is!
All thoughts and opinions regarding the music video, song and group are completely my own. This is my Blurg, my domain. You don't have to read if you don't like it. Ta~
*[A Week with Zukki] is a series dedicated to the and only Suzuki Kanon, to both celebrate her and to prepare for her up-coming departure from both Morning Musume and Hello! Project. Here I hope to appreciate and adore the Idol who has brought me such joy, as well as to share with you some of her best works in her time as an Idol. So in order to celebrate all that is Zukki and her wonderful smile, let's take this journey together and think of her with fondness and joy. Before she dares Graduate, let's enjoy this wonderful Idol as much possible, and smile as we do so!
It's 2011. A 18 year old Chiima orders Maji Desu Ka Ska! Limited D version off of Ebay. It contains within it two songs and a DVD interview with 9th generation member Suzuki Kanon. She watches it, elated, and slowly begins to fall in love, both with Suzuki Kanon and Morning Musume. Before there was only like, and now there was something more.
This is the beginning of an Idol's career. This is the beginning of a Fangirl's love for Idols...
Maji Desu ka Ska! is a song and video I hold dear to my heart. It was the first single released to feature a new generation in years, the first generation I had ever experienced as an Idol fan and a fan of Hello! Project in general, and also the first Japanese pop CD I purchased for myself. I held so much excitement over my first purchase, and to this day it is just as special as it was back then, because it symbolizes the start of my CD collection, as well as the beginning of my deep love for J-pop, period.
So to start of this [A Week with Zukki] series, I knew there could only be one song and video to kick this week into gear, because it's the one that started it all. This is the beginning of not only Suzuki Kanon's career, but also my undying love for all things Idols. This is Maji Desu ka Ska!, and I'm seriously still in love it after all these years! Are you ready to press play?
On May 21st, Houkago Princess Staff and its members revealed that there would be an important announcement made during their Pre-Release event for Seishun Mermaid on May 22nd at Akiba Sofmap. Finally, the news was revealed online, with the announcement regarding the 2.5th generation member, Miyashita Mayuka.
And so comes to an end my [A Week with Meimi] series. As one of my final goodbyes to this wonderful Idol, let's sit down, relax, and appreciate her in this Graduation Appreciation post...
Looking back at Tamura Meimi as an Idol and Performer has been fun, and over the course of this past week watching videos, listening to songs and taking a chance at her e-Hello, May., I have gained a new found appreciation for this adorable girl and the energy she has. I already liked her before this week happened, however now that we are coming to a close, I know for certain that I will miss her and her enormous voice, because gosh darnit, this girl could sing, and she was an incredible Idol, to boot!
That said, I can't say I will cry when she leaves, because even if I like Meimi and enjoy all she has had to offer ANGERME and S/mileage these past four or so years, she was never truly my favourite member. That doesn't mean I won't be sad to see her go, because I certainly will, however there won't be any tears. That's the truth, people.
As a good chunk of you may know, Tamura Meimi was not my favourite S/mileage member for a long time. She freaked me out, her forehead a beacon of NOPE for me. Heck, it wasn't until about a year or so ago that I truly started to enjoy her, (back when she got her bangs and hair cut) but honestly, I always appreciated and applauded her efforts. She was bubbly and bright, and she stood out. She was essentially everything S/mileage stood for at the time she joined, and she was a ball of energy who you could see wanted to be there. Meimi of S/mileage was a treat, and she was the one everyone noticed.
And when she sang, everyone was blown away, because her voice was so much more than we expected. Not only was this kid hyper and cute, she was also an amazing singer. Heck, she quickly became one of S/mileage's best by the time Yuuka graduated, so it was no wonder she was quickly handed lines left and right.
This girl had a lot of power in her, and every time she belted a line you could feel it. Her passion and love for the craft was even evident in her tone, and she never failed to deliver.
I do think that Meimi was everything an Idol could possibly hope to be; a cute girl, a crazy amount of energy and a good voice. She could also act, too, and she had the personality to charm people. Meimi basically had everything, making her one of the best members to grace the Hello! Project Halls. She was, in my opinion, a perfect Idol, and what made her even more perfect was that she gave her all in everything she did, in all she tried. Throughout it all, this kid did it with a smile so bright, and you couldn't help but fall in love with her.
I do honestly like this girl, and I'm going to miss her so much. I'll miss her voice and smile, I'll miss the energy she exudes in all she does. There is a lot I will miss about her, and I know a lot you will miss her, too. She's a little star, and whilst we know she's graduating to move on and pursue what she loves most, we can't deny that she will leave a hole in many hearts. No one could ever replace this girl, not in voice, spirit or energy.
I'm just happy to know that Hello! Project didn't waste her talent by letting her shrivel up in the back, because we all know they can and will do that. To know her time in H!P was met with some decent lines, a few front positions and more does make me feel happy, because I would be fuming if someone as talented and precious as Meimi was kept to the back for as long as other girls were.
Tamura Meimi is honestly incredible. She's the sort of girl who can make you smile just by seeing her smile, and she can make your world a brighter place. She really is going to be missed by so many people, and I hope she knows that. I do sincerely hope that she realises just how adored she is as an Idol and a person.
I am so glad that it was S/mileage and ANGERME she chose to pursue when she did, because if she hadn't, we wouldn't have been graced with such a wonderful person like Tamura Meimi. I'm glad she gave us all such joy and that she shared her smile with the world. She's made a lot of people happy, and she's shown us that, in a world where Idols don't have to be talented to be adored, there is some talent left that can shine as brightly as the rest. I'm glad that, despite not being her fan initially, she grew on me, and that she proved to be more than I could ever realise.
It's nice to know that Meimi is moving towards her next dream and pursuing what she loves most. She should do it, and I know she's only 17, but honestly, this is a girl who knows what she wants. She was only 12 years old when she decided that she wanted to try out for S/mileage, and she was even younger when she decided to pursue a career as an actress on the big stage. Now she wants to continue that career and make it her world. She is beyond being an Idol at this point, and why not? She's been an Idol, she's experienced that world. Now is the time to go out into the world and find her own feet.
She's gained experience, she's performed in stage plays and musicals, been a front girl in one of H!P's better groups and seasoned herself as an actress, performer, personality and Idol. She's done a lot in four or so years, and now she's ready to take the next step in her life. I can't really fault her that.
I will miss Meimi, but I think what I will miss the most is the talent and energy she brought to H!P. She's such a wonderful girl, and I can see why so many loved and adored her. Sadly for us all, it's her time to go, but I'm certain she will do some great things in her future and make a name for herself as an actress.
But we will always remember her as the amazing Idol that she is, and was.
On her final tour day she will sing us a song in her strongest voice and show us exactly what she's made of, and everyone who watches will be in absolute awe at the brilliance that is Tamura Meimi. Hopefully we shall see and hear her again in the near future as an actress, but for now, we will treasure her as a part of ANGERME and love every last minute we have with her until she takes her final flight.
Thank you for all the joy you have brought us, Littlest Vampire, and thank you for being ANGERME's voice. In these past four years, you have given us so much. Now it's time for you to bring joy to a new audience, and allow your smile to radiate elsewhere.
Our Littlest Vampire, Sotsugyou Omedetou! Never stop smiling, never give up dreaming!
Every thought, every feeling and every opinion written here... they're my own, of course, and y'all can't change what I think. I know not everyone will agree with what is said, and I understand that people will disagree or agree, and that some will dislike me for what I say, but honestly, it's my opinion, and your opinion is yours. That's all that matters, if you ask me, so let me have my say, and you can have yours! The end, ja ne, see you next time!
*Regarding the [Week with...] series: When the time arises, I will dedicate myself to a week of posts where I write and talk about specific members or groups who are Graduating, and for this series, I will be spending my time talking about and appreciating Tamura Meimi of both S/mileage and ANGERME as her Graduation comes ever closer. The intention behind such a series is to focus on Meimi as an Idol and member, and to go through her growth as a performer. I watch as she evolves, and come to appreciate who she is by the end of it. Hopefully, you will take this journey with me, and see Tamura Meimi: The Idol, the Performer, the essence of a smile. Thank you.
As our Littlest Vampire gets ready to take flight, let's pay her a visit and send her one last goodbye as we take a look at the final song she will ever sing to us as an Idol, and prepare for our beloved Tamura Meimi to take her leave...
Sayonara, Vampire.
In my final review for my [Week with Meimi] series, I take a look at the final song and video Tamura Meimi has taken part in as a member of ANGERME, Koi Nara Tokku ni Hajimatteru. The reason for choosing this video specifically is that, whilst the other two songs also feature Meimi nicely within them, this one seems to feature her a little heavily, despite the fact that, much like the other two, this one does not feel like a Graduation song in any way possible. Regardless, this video seems to have the most sentimental value, which is why I will be reviewing it today.
In our Vampire's Last Song, let's appreciate the wonder that is Meimi and treasure that small amount of time we have left with her before she graduates. Right now it begins, the start of the end. Are you ready to let go, or do you want to hold on just a little bit longer?
All thoughts and opinions written here are completely my own and no one else's, unless otherwise stated. Please respect my opinions regarding the group, their song and music video, and I will in return respect yours. Thanks, y'all.
*Regarding the [Week with...] series: When the time arises, I will dedicate myself to a week of posts where I write and talk about specific members or groups who are Graduating, and for this series, I will be spending my time talking about and appreciating Tamura Meimi of both S/mileage and ANGERME as her Graduation comes ever closer. The intention behind such a series is to focus on Meimi as an Idol and member, and to go through her growth as a performer. I watch as she evolves, and come to appreciate who she is by the end of it. Hopefully, you will take this journey with me, and see Tamura Meimi: The Idol, the Performer, the essence of a smile. Thank you.
In this world, Vampires may roam, and in a castle far away where only lightning strikes, a Vampire lays in wait, ready to deliver her counterattack...
In this penultimate PV Review for my [A Week with Meimi] series, I thought it wise to look at one of the first music videos she performed in as a member of ANGERME, and whilst I do think her presence in Taiki Bansei was far greater, I do understand that this video is a lot more appealing to viewers, and also more befitting of Meimi's Vampire heritage.
I mean seriously, come on; it's in a mansion, and there is lightning and darkness. It's perfect for our Little Vampire, right?
So, whilst Meimi isn't exactly the main focus here, I still wanted to look at and talk about this PV, and whether or not Meimi herself stands out as a member within a video where the 3rd generation are prominent. So, with all of that in mind, let's delve into Otome no Gyakushuu, a music video where the Littlest Vampire is truly within her element...
Are you ready to watch our Vampire Queen work some dark magic as she serenades you?
