Tamura Meimi - The Graduation Appreciation Post

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!

We will try not to cry for you any more...

Until next time.
Chiima

[A Week with Meimi] And So Begins The Vampire's Final Song - 'Koi Nara Tokku ni Hajimatteru' MV Review

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?

[A Week with Meimi] A Vampire's Counterattack - 'Otome no Gyakushuu' MV Review

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?

[A Week with Meimi] A Vampire in May. - Tamura Meimi's 'May.' DVD

All thoughts and opinions posted within this post are, as always, my own and should in no way reflect anyone else's opinion. If you agree with what I saw, AWESOME, if you don't, AWESOME. Either way, please respect what it said and shared here, and I shall in turn respect yours as well. Opinions are completely subjective to yourself and anyone else. Don't expect a person to follow your line of thought, but do open your mind to other opinions and how they may match or differ from yours. Thank you.

*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.

This post is coming out later than anticipated, due to essay deadlines (ouch) and some personal things that came up the day before. I apologise for this posts lateness, but I hope you enjoy it in all its Meimi glory, because, y'know... Meimi! :D YAY!

Meimi... Meimei... MAYMEI!!! I got it :D

I'm honestly surprised that, out of all S/mileage and ANGERME members ever, Tamura Meimi is the one who hasn't yet had a photobook published of her own, to date, and to know that she will never have one of her own as a part of Hello! Project is really darned surprising for me. I mean just look at this girl! She's gorgeous, and when you look at her smile, she lights up the room.

So, because she never had that much needed photobook release, I thought I would review the next best thing: her one solo DVD, May. (how in the heck has she only released one!?). It's basically a photobook, except she kind of moves a lot in it, and we see her expressions change throughout. So, with a bunch of gifs and some lovely still shots of this girl, let's have a look at Tamura Meimi in all of her toothy glory, and appreciate her as the perfect sprig of joy that she is.

This is May., in which our sweet little vampire entertains us and no one else. Are you ready to go on a date with this cute vampire of happiness and joy? If so, then let's get going~

[A Week with Meimi] The Littlest Vampire's Enormous Voice [Performance Selection à la Meimi]

All thoughts and opinions within this post are, as per usual, my own and nobody else's, unless otherwise stated. If you do not enjoy what is being said regarding these songs and / or member, or disagree with me to a point where you cannot stand what is written, then you can turn away and leave this blog. Otherwise, please do enjoy whatever nonsense I spout!

*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 kind of series, I aim too look at Meimi as an Idol and Performer, and of all the current Hello! Project members to date, Tamura Meimi is one of those rare girls who seems to be an all-around Idol. She has the voice, the looks, the personality, the dance skills, and of course the acting bug. She's a star, one with a cute face and powerful vocals that really surprises you when she opens her mouth and sings. She takes you in and keeps you there, and sometimes she can even send chills down your spine.

Simply put, Tamura Meimi is amazing, and despite her short time as an Idol, she really did deserve more than two solo songs, because damn, she was - is - one of ANGERME's best.

In this post, I will be looking at Tamura Meimi's two solo songs, Mo nana nai to Kime ta from the stage play LILIUM, and her solo of Yume Miru 15sai from SMILE FANTASY, as well as a select few duet and solo performances from concerts or events that Meimi has participated in during her time as a Hello! Project member, all in order to appreciate the big voice this girl holds.

So, without further ado, let's look at Tamura Meimi as a singer on stage in this small Performance Selection, and appreciate this girl's enormous voice.

[A Week with Meimi] In A World Void of Smiles, A Vampire Cries - 'Aa, Susukino' Music Video Review

All thoughts and opinions contained within this post are my own and, whatever might be said regarding the group, members, song and video mentioned here, are not meant to be said in offense, but to express my personal thoughts and feelings, and to share them with you all. If you do not like what is said and feel offended by it, then by all means, stop reading, however if you are happy to continue and broaden your mind to other opinions, then yes, read on, soldier! -waves arms manically-

*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.

With a reign of smiles soon coming to an end in the form of a Graduation, it is time to take a look at Tamura Meimi in a different light. From an enthusiastic girl to someone who acts like a serious Idol, Meimi is a girl unlike the one we once knew. But is that a good thing, or bad?

In this review, will you be taken in by the cool side Meimi tries to portray, or will you overwhelmed by the lack of endearing smiles you came to love from our littlest vampire? Let's take a look, and find out.

Moving on from the cute, hyperactive Meimi we all knew and loved, we're taking a dive and looking at the serious side of Meimi after spending three years as a member of S/mileage in the groups final single under their original name, Aa, Susukino. After being in the group for a while, you would expect her professionalism to shine, her charisma to enhance, and her on-camera persona to come out in full force.

As an Idol, we expect so much from Tamura Meimi... but what if that isn't the case? What if, whilst a professional, she can't express what the director wants from her, or what the song and video demands? Here I will take a look at the 'serious' and 'cool' Meimi, and the lack of smiles within this video.

Within this smile-less S/mileage, I do wonder if Meimi will shine like the star she is, or if she will fall into the depths of the back now that all joy and colour has been stripped from this song and video? In such a serious group, how will the Littlest Vampire fare?

[A Week with Meimi] Stand Up, Vampire! We Can't See You in the Sunlight! 'Tachigaaru' Rewind PV Review!

All thoughts and opinions within this post will be my own, and no one else's. I do not expect people to agree with me, nor do I expect them to think similar to me. All I hope is that, through this post, you understand my thoughts and feelings on the song, video and group, and to leave with no hard feelings. If you feel strongly about something, and are easily offended by another persons opinions, then please do click away, otherwise enjoy, and I will see you at the end of the post!

*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.

I have not done one of these in a good while... for a damn year and 5 months, to be specific. WOOOO-W. I feel so out of practice!

So, a better time than never to get back into the swing of things! Let's GO!

Way, waaaay back when in good ol' 2011 when I was still new to blogging and very much an opinionator (Read: not a word), I reviewed the newly released Tachiagaaru, S/mileage's first music video to feature the up-and-coming second generation, as well as the first to lack the presence of the amazing Ogawa Saki, my beloved of what was once a perfect S/mileage.

2011 me hated this song. 2011 me hated this video. 2011 me was really fucking bitter because Ogawa Saki's graduation was ripped away from her, as was all decency because she wanted to jump ship. 2011 me was not a happy camper. Luckily, 2016 me has grown the fuck up, and 2016 me has actually changed her mind a little about some things regarding the song and video.

So, after five long years of ignoring what I once hated, I've returned to it, all for the sake of Tamura Meimi's impending Graduation day. For one week I will look back at PV's, potentially look at songs, and basically think of and write about the Tamura Meimi of S/mileage and ANGERME. She is my focus, she is my muse, and god-damnit, we will find her in this damn PV! So, to start things off, let's take a trip back in time and find Meimi, the Littlest Vampire and the happiest of them all!

Beginning from the starting point of her Idol career, it's Tachiagaaru! Stand up, Tamura Meimi! We want to see you!!!