Idol'ween: Bleeding Into The Realm Of Reality 10 Years Later - Pulling the Plug in AKB48's 'Beginner' (Pic Spam Review)

WARNING: This pic-spam review and its accompanying Music Video contain scenes of violence, as well as depictions of death. Images of blood are also featured in the video, so if you are sensitive to these kinds of images, please do not read on or watch the following music video. Thank you in advance.

There are just some games that allow you to have a scream of a time. Right, Acchan..?

Okay, real talk: I did not watch Beginner when it first came out all those years ago, because I was an ignorant baby-wota at the time, one who did not like AKB48 for shallow, unjust reasons. I was a dumb, Hello! Project-biased baby-wota who believed in both groups having an invisible rivalry, and I allowed that ignorance to keep me from watching AKB48's music videos.

Now, 10 years on, I am a little wiser and a lot less prejudiced. I'm still not perfect by any means, but I have since repented and watched what has been considered AKB48's most iconic music video. Yes, it was a bit difficult to find a few years back when I first watched it - it was pulled from public viewing, after all - and whilst I have not watched it as much as others, it stuck in my mind.

Beginner really is as iconic as others made it out to be, and 10 years later it is as powerful as it was back then.

Dramatic, violent and a little bit bloody, AKB48's Beginner is a brutal simulation turned reality piece that is perfect for the Halloween season. With its strong visual presence and dark theme, this is the perfect music video to watch during the month of Spook, or to admire for all of its visual loveliness if you are a fan of music videos. Whatever your reason may be for turning into Beginner, you can be certain that it will entertain you and even run a chill up your spine.

And to reiterate the above warning: Before we head into the heavy pic-spam portion of this review, please be aware that this video contains scenes of violence and depictions of death, as well as images that include blood. If any of these trigger you, please do not read this review, or watch the aforementioned music video. Thank you.

It's time to head into a virtual world that bleeds into reality, but I'm not so sure we are ready to take it on... Everyone: In your position... SET!

Sins Of The Idol: Pride

Pride can be pretty, but it can become unattractive when used excessively. Though we are always told to believe in ourselves and the qualities we possess, we should do so with a little bit of modesty, as well. No one likes a egoist, after all, but we will come across them in our lives from time to time. I'm pretty sure some of our Idols are prideful, too.

Whether they are prideful in their looks (Michishige Sayumi), or in their career as a singer (Hamasaki Ayumi), an Idols pride can come in many forms. It is the pride of an Idol that keeps them singing and dancing for fans, and it is their pride and determination to one up one another that makes us like them, or feel irritation towards them. Sometimes, we are endeared to it. Other times, we are not.

As fans we can be prideful, too. We feel pride in our Idols for doing well, and we feel pride when our Idols achieve something that they were aiming for since the beginning of their career. But, this pride is not always pure - sometimes, our pride can make us vindictive and cold towards other fans, and we can let it get in the way of our love and support. Sometimes, this sin can turn us into sneering, unforgiving sods, and through it, we become truly detestable.

Just for a little bit, though, let's Sin with Pride! Just don't let it define you, fellow Wota~

Pride - The one that started it all. Considered the original form of Sin, the act of Pride is the belief in ones own abilities, and that you are inherently better, more superior and even more important than those around you. Through the act of Pride, you can forget to acknowledge your own faults and wrong-doings, whilst boasting your superiority in a variety of ways. It is also considered prideful when talking about your achievements excessively. 

Vanity, Hubris and Futility are terms that have been used to define this sin.

The colour associated with this Sin is purple.

Eve of The Idol ~5th Night~ Deck the Halls with Sounds of Joy - Christmas Shuffle

Outside the carollers sing and inside the radio blares with joyful Christmas tunes, and when you turn to the windowsill to look upon those with merry voices across the road, you witness the first snowflake fall...

✴❅✴ 5th Night ✴❅✴

I think that one of the greatest things about Christmas songs is that, no matter what, they can be under any genre, and still fit in with the time of year. They can be happy, sad, rock, punk... whatever it happens to sound like in the end, I'm pretty sure you can somehow fit that tell-tale Christmas spirit into it, or give it a little winter soul. That's pretty magical, if you ask me, as well as wonderful; this way, you can still have your Christmas Music-Cake, but in an abundance of flavorful sounds!

So, to continue our celebration in Idols and Christmas, let's take a look at a few different sounds from the winter season, and enjoy just how flavourful and unique they can be.

For 12 Nights, and 12 Nights only, let's take a journey with Idols of all kinds and enjoy the wintry styles they have adopted. Whether the song is old or new, let's celebrate all it delivers. This season, let's fall in love with our Idols all over again...

This is the Fifth Eve, and on this very night we will gather by the window to watch as the snowflakes fall, gazing in wonder whilst the air fills with the soft lull of Christmas tunes.

Let the music soothe your soul...

[PV Selection] October 2016

The November PV's are rolling in as we speak, but before I dare get into what has come out from the Month-To-Be, let's take a look at our last resident and all it offers to see just what it has promised! Are there videos galore, or was October a snore? We need to read to find out, and of course, see if we agree! Are you ready for it?

As per the usual, all thoughts written here are my own, and whatever may be listed is all through personal choice. I am a one-man... woman band on this blog, so of course my feelings towards videos will be put on the line, here! Yes, I could act unbiased, but where's the fun in that? If I cannae open a can of worms once in a while, my life would be a tad boring! :p

LET'S GO!!!

The year is swiftly coming to an end! With two months to go and ten down, 2017 is creepin' on faaast! So, this of course means deadlines, parties, presents to wrap, trees to erect (lol, cause I'm 5) and Christmas songs to be sung! It also means I need to start preparing my final year posts and compiling the necessary lists together for favourite videos and songs of 2016! Wowzers!

But, for now, let's bask in the happiness of October's offerings and pray there are some decent music videos out there for us all to enjoy! Are you ready for the final pickings of the Autumn before Winter crowns us with its frostbitten kisses and jingling twinkle bells? Before we head off into the final season of 2016, let's finish off our Harvest and enjoy our Idols in full force!

1,2,3... SELECTION DU PV!!! YAHOOOO∽!!!!

A Halloween Feat! The 48's 'Halloween Night' Music Video Comparison!

There are almost as many videos for AKB48's Halloween Night as there are sister units for Japan's #1 Super Group, and with the holiday this song and video celebrate just around the corner, I thought it would be nice to talk about it a little bit! But, of all versions available, which one should I choose to discuss on my own little blog...?

Considering there are currently about 14 staff' versions available (including both the regular AKB and JKT48 staff versions,the CyberAgent and Samantha Thavasa Staff versions in Japan, and another ten staff versions from various companies in Indonesia, alone), as well as the three official Music Videos from AKB48, JKT48 and the recently cut-off SNH48. There is also a Ladybeard versions floating around (unofficial), and a Dangdut version from JKT48, too.

Basically, there are a lot of Halloween Night's floating around the inter-webs, and whilst it would be a hoot (read: No way in Hell) to talk about every single damn video made for this sub-par song, I really don't have the time or energy for that kind of commitment. So instead, I will be focusing on the three main Music Videos from AKB, JKT and SNH, and pitch them all against one another in this comparison of the 48's Halloween PV's to find the most worthy of the Halloween title.

Sadly, there will be no pictures here (for the sake of not going OTT with this post), and of course it's all my opinion, though take what is said with a grain of salt; you don't have to believe what I say or feel inclined to think as I do. We are human, and we have our own ways of thinking and feeling, so decide for yourself what you prefer, and what you like.

And now... Have at the PV's! Arrr! (... Wait, I'm a Pirate now?)

[Music Selection] August 2016

I went through a complete writing buzz at the beginning of August which, of course, drastically dropped once I came back to Uni Land. I think it's because I had the time to do stuff, and honestly, when I have time... I do nothing. I'm terrible with that. When I don't have time, I'm the most productive person ever, and I get shit done even if I don't have the time to do it. Ah, the joys of being able to work effectively under pressure...

Unless it's for, y'know, an assignment; then I panic, and I panic hard.

That said...

Welcome back to the Music Selection post, where I try and post two articles a month featuring the music tracks and music videos that I have enjoyed from the month gone by! Here I share with you the music I have loved and enjoyed, in the hopes that you will love and enjoy it, too! Of course I am only one person, so I will not have listened to every bit of Japanese music that has come out, so if I have missed out on something you enjoyed greatly, well... that's how it is.

If you have any music that you have enjoyed that is not listed here, though, please feel free to share and let me know about it! Sharing is caring, and the more we share, the more we can let great music be known, and then we can give the groups and singers creating these songs the love and support they deserve!

And with that said and done... shall we listen to some Idol Pop? LET'S GO!!!

[Music Selection] February '16: Music & PV's

Music Selection is what I hope to be a monthly series I will deliver unto you all my personal Japanese pop picks for the month gone by, in both music and video. Included will be a little bout of spiel as to why I enjoy the songs and / or videos included in this list, as well as to give you an idea of what songs to look out for.
 Of course, just so you know, all songs and videos are subject to my personal opinion, and I do not expect you to enjoy what I like. I simply want to share here what I love, and to hopefully introduce you to something new and different to listen to if you have yet to hear it.

Also, just to note, there may be a point in some monthly posts where I may take a U-turn and look back at older songs released from other months or years, even eras, that I have revisited during a specific month. It's a bit like a nostalgia kick, and may potentially introduce you to a song that you may have never known existed! Woo!

Song Selections is the name, and suggesting is the game!... Kinda.

And please, do remember this; The Monthly Selection is a general series of posts that is meant to be created with a fun mindset, and to share songs I have personally enjoyed. I do not mean to offend by not listing a song you may have enjoyed throughout a certain month, nor do I intend to annoy anyon. I simply want to make a list, and share it with the world. It's how I roll, yo~

And finally, if you yourself have any songs you loved for February, then please, comment them below, and let us all know what you loved for the month gone by! Thank you~

The month of February was an abundance of good music. I enjoyed a good deal to be honest, though some stood out more than others, and were definitely played a good deal over the rest. So, for February 2016, I have gathered my favourites, handpicking those that were, to me, the cream of the crop. Wanna get rolling? Let's take a listen!

LIVE Blog: AKB48 41st single Sousenkyo (Of which has Ended)

So, I've decided to live blog the AKB48 41st Sousenkyo, because for some reason I think I can do this whilst really bloody tired, and whilst on skype with a nutball (hi, Vivian) as I try not to fall asleep on my keyboard. Clever Chiima, I am not.

Oh, and I may be using Twitter, too. So, yeah.

So, I'll be Live Blogging this and updating every so often, possibly every hour, as I go along. This may be fun, or not... Let's do this!

From the Top, Idols! ~Idol Rankings 2014~

All thoughts and opinions within this post are my own. What I state is not fact, but just my opinion, so take it as it is; opinion. If you feel offended, that is your problem, not mine. If you do not agree with me, fine, if you agree with me, also fine, but remember to not take things to heart - it's unhealthy!

With 2014 coming ever closer to its end, and the End of Year posts piling up here, I thought that it would be fun to add another list to the blog before 2014 well and truly shuts down, and what better than to do an Idol Ranking system for the year gone by?

For the end of 2014, this is my Idol Ranking! I wonder... just who made the cut?

The Okay! Musume Time PV Awards of 2014

All thoughts and opinions within this post = MINE! Don't like it? I don't actually care, just don't whine at me because I don't agree with you. This be mur blog, I post what I think/want on it, and these thoughts be mine, so they be posted here~ Got that? Goody!

That said, if you have your own list to counteract mine, PLEASE SEND! I like reading ^o^

It's nearing the end of 2014, so you know what that means, right? It's the END OF THE YEAR POSTS, that's what! So, what better way to kick-start the End of Year Posts than a post all about my Top PV's of 2014, aye? Best. Idea. EVER!

Except, everyone else has already done one, so there is that. Still though, I wanted to wait until Chrimbo was over before doing this... The Year isn't nearing it's end until Christmas is out of the way, in my eyes! And given that Xmas is done and dusted, it's time for me to crack on with the posts I have not even prepared properly.

So, crack on we will! ON FORTH, SON, FOR WE SHALL REVIEW THE YEAR! Starting it all off... THE PV AWARDS OF 2014!

Ugly banner is Ugleh

... Holy shit, I'm hyper o-o I suppose that's because it's nearly 5am, though... hrm...

Anyway, yes, this is the first of a few Year End lists for me, and whilst I have no specific order for any of these PV's, I do have two Top Categories that two PV's have won over the rest, though y'all will need to wait until the end of the post to see what Video has won my heart, and which one has won my distaste.

Now I would like to note that this year, my viewing of Idol videos was pretty... well, let's say it was sparse, because I was freaking out over a lot of things. I didn't have the time to care about Idols as much as I used to, and I wanted to focus on a lot of other things, so my life came first and Idols became something a lot less important to me, so a few videos went under the radar and I ignored many releases because I just couldn't find the time for it. So, if this post seems like it doesn't have much to it, that's because I've not viewed much.

Still, I find I have a decent list from what I have seen, and though I wish I had watched more this year, I am happy with what has been compiled from the videos that I have viewed. So, without further ado, I will get into my 2014 list of PV Awards for this year! Though it may seem mostly positive, I do have two PV's to throw a punch at here, so when you find them, have fun with the read, or hate me for my damned opinion! I don't mind, either way.

With that said, it's time to dive into the PV Awards of 2014, Okay! Musume Style. What will we find in my list of Awards today...?

AKB48's Kawaei Rina, Iriyama Anna and a Member of Staff Slashed at a Handshake Event

I'm rather late on talking about this, so my deepest apologies, however I had things to do in real-life and also I needed some sleep (I always need sleep) before I could even fathom writing about something this important, scary and upsetting.

As I am sure many of you have heard, it was reported that AKB48's Kawaei Rina and Iriyama Anna as well as a staff member were attacked at a handshake event this Sunday (May 25th) at Iwata Prefecture. A call had been made to the police around 5:00pm that there was a man 'going on a rampage' with an edged tool.

Later on it was reported by AKB4's Theatre manager Yuasa Hiroshi on that Kawaei fractured her right hand thumb, and that she had been slashed on her right arm, whilst Iriyama fractured her right hand pinky finger and was slashed on her head as well as her right arm. They have had surgery to join the wounds.

The police arrested a 24 year old man for attempted murder (of which he has reportedly admitted to), and that he attacked the AKB48 members and staff with a hand saw.

Apparently neither the girls nor the staff member injured have life-threatening injuries, and were all concious whilst being transported to the Hospital, and that both Kawaei and Iriyama are well enough to have clear conversations.

...

This is honestly one of the scariest things I have read. It really did provoke deep and utter fear in me when I saw the news. I pretty much went cold, and I wanted to cry.

I'm not the biggest fan of AKB48, we all know that, but these girls are innocent human beings who have been hurt, most likely mentally as well as the physical damage that has been inflicted upon them, and it's going to take a lot of time for them to heal in both ways. It's scary, and I honestly can't imagine what they went through or how much fear they felt, but from where I am sitting now, I remember feeling so upset and worried for these girls and the staff member who were hurt, as well as the other girls and the many fans who had to watch these events unfold before their eyes. No one should see that, nor should they go through that.

It sickens me too, and it just makes me feel so sad and scared for the girls. It doesn't matter if you don't like AKB48 or if you do, because no matter what you're going to feel shocked and saddened by these events, because like us these girls are humans who don't deserve to be hurt in any way possible, whether it is mentally or physically. It was such a horrible turn of events, and I know that so many fans around the world, both fans of AKB48 or even other groups, are feeling for the girls right now and sending out their well wishes.

Hopefully now the staff will take extra precautions with checking bags for weapons at the handshake events, because these girls, the members of the staff and the fans are all at risk here. Everyone's safety is a concern, and all of the people attending those events must be protected at all costs, because a life is important no matter how big or small that life is.

It shouldn't have happened to anyone, and no one deserves this. It's such a scary situation for anyone to be in, even the observers from other parts of the world. Hearing this news earlier from a friend and then seeing it all on Twitter was one of the most horrible things I have witnessed so far as an Idol fan. I'm still scared for them, but I know that right now all I can do is wish for their safety and well-being, and pray that they will be okay. Right now, Kawaei, Iriyama and the staff member are all in my thoughts, and I hope that they get better soon, though really, who knows how much damage this has really caused?

Get well soon everyone. You will be in all of our thoughts.

Sources:

NHK World (Video report included)
Anime News Network
Japan Today
Tokyohive
Tokyohive 2

AKB48's Surprisingly Cute Summer PV... Wait, what? o-O

If you are not keen on my writing style, then you know you don't have to read what I write, right? Also, these opinions are ALL my own, so don't hate on me for basically saying what I want to say on my own blog, kay? Also, your opinions are your own - I don't expect you to conform to how I think or feel, so don't think I should conform to your ideals either, okay? OKAY!

If this post/review seems a bit all over the place for you, then that's because it is. It's 2am here and I'm tired... I'm not exactly going to be a writing maestro! Then again, I never am, though I wish I was. I wish!!!

Oh Jesus, it feels like I haven't reviewed a PV in forever! More so, it feels like it has been a really looong while since I last reviewed an AKB48 PV, period. Why? Because they just don't cut it for me any more, not that that means anything really. Regardless, I feel like AKB48 isn't worth my time any more, so I have slowly (within the past year or so, actually) started to lose interest in them. Even now, I really can't be bothered to follow what they do music wise because it is just so... predictable.

Sans Maeshika Mukanee, but even that bored to me some extent. But that's just what I think, okaaay?

Still, weirdly enough I felt a strong desire to review the PV for Labrador Retriever. It's kind of scary how much I wanted to review it actually, because typically the AKB PV's now bore me (which is funny given how good they usually are) and I don't even think the song is good, but... well, the PV is worth watching, I think, and obviously worth my time to review.

So I guess it's time to get into the review, eh? See what it's made of dog food and what it provides us all with, and why it is worth the time to write about. So, let's get to those screen caps! This is AKB48's dog-themed PV for the Summer, Labrador Retriever! Are y'all ready for some Puppy Love and Summer fun? I'm not, but whatever! LET'S GO!!!

Woof woof!!!

I feel like this scene is a giant metaphor about this entire PV. Dog Food. We don't wanna eat it or have it within a 10 foot radius due to the nauseating smell, but we have to put up with it because it keeps our puppies alive. Yay!

Loving the produc placement milk there, by the way!

Mayuyu, comatose. Just how we like her!

A PV about Dogs. Another metaphor!!!

Bringing literal meaning to the PV title. YAY!!!

We are not getting off to a good start, PV.

This is the part where we fall off our chairs in amazement because, dear readers, we are finally being given CUTE BIKINI'S!!! It has been a while, cute bikini's. I have missed you.

Thank God Sasshi is here to save me in this PV with her cute bikini.

The more Sasshi I have, the less alcohol I need to get me through this PV.

Takamina does not like this idea at all.

The unnecessary yet highly appreciated ass shot of one Watanabe Mayu. Though damn, that bikini is kinda giving her a wedgie.

The more Paruru the better, I say! Especially blonde Paruru.

Subliminal messaging at its best. You put that hot dog (!) in your mouth, Jurina!

Is that a push-up bra with lots of padding and under-wire I detect, Miss Boring Yukirin?

Then again there is a looooot of padding going on here, I swear.

Welp, bye General Director. These girls are set to bury you alive before you can decide on your Graduation date.

No AKB48 member gets out of AKB alive!!!

God DAMN, Sayanee is gorgeous. I want you for #1, girl.

Heeheehee, you go Sasshi! Get whoever that girl is in the hat...

ARRRGH, IT'S A GREMLIN!!!

Seriously though, that girl scares me. A lot. By girl I mean Meru.

Prepares for the onslaught of death threats that are headed my way

That's a lot of girls to forget about...

Wait, who are you again?

Mayu's so bored of this PV, she decided to sleep through it. I don't blame her.

... Well, I'd stay awake for the Paruru (or Sasshi) moments. That girl is so cute!

Also, this shot was completely accidental when screen-cappin'. I love Jurina's expression XD

Jurina: "To be or not to be, that is the question!"

Even the Labrador thinks Paruru is irresistibly cute. Or Mayu. Or whoever that dog is.

I swear, I have seen this exact pose multiple times in one or many of their bikini-based PV's. Or maybe an SKE48 PV. I have no clue, I lose count how many times I see the same thing in an AKB video.

I wish this was me right now. Then I wouldn't have to live through AKB's songs for another day~

I feel like this is a horrible metaphor for Mayu. 'Watanabe Mayu is the equivelant of Dog Food' or even the simile 'Mayu is like Dog Food'. Either way, she is on the cover of a dog food packet, which usually features an image of a dog...

Regardless, we all know why she's on the cover; she is actually the Labrador, but they're putting her face on it instead to make that statement.

... I read too deep into this shit. Sorry.

Ooooh look, a shiny, obvious item of meaning or value. Will anyone notice this key item!?

!?

Paruru is too damn cute in this scene, I love her little 'What the fuuuuuck?' face!

And so we have come to the conclusion; Locket + Dog + Locket that looks like Mayu's necklace = Mayu is a dog...?

Paruru: "Mayu's a bitch now?"
Jurina: "Gurl, I coulda told you that years ago."

Paruru: "Dafuq did you put in my hot dog to make me hallucinate?"

This world needs more Paruru polluting our videos.

When all other choreography fails, resort to the conga-line.

This video needs more Fish-Eye Matsui in it.

Oh gawd, this video just got really gross...

EW, no Rena, NO! That is wrong on all levels! You do not lick your ice cream after the dog has licked it! You don't know where that tongue has been!

... I just think I barfed a little in my mouth... urgh...

I forget who that girl is, but chompy teeth looks cute.

Awww, look, a doggy! Now, doggy... pee on Takamina!

Yeah, my exact reaction to the Rena-eating-ice-cream-after-doggy-licks-it scene. UUUUUUUURRRRGHH!!!!

Everyone abandoned ship, leaving the Captain aboard to go down with it. Takamina be PIIIIISSSEEED!

Imagine that the Labroador is me (permission to call me a bitch, yaaay!) and the Frisbee is this PV. That is my reaction to the PV.

The only one who matters in this scene is Sayanee. Focus on the Sayanee.

Who the Hell are you?

I think I only know the faces of two of these girls, and even then I'm questioning who they are in my teeny tiny brain.

Because a dog that is not even in shot of your picture is of some concern to you.

LOGIC!

Takamina, how the fuck did you get out of that sand pit we put you in!?

Better yet, how did you get so clean despite all this running after some random Labrador?

It's funny how a random dog can bring all these strangers together.

Gee, I wonder who AKS want for runner up in Senbatsu? I think they want TAKAMINA!!! YEAH!

Actually TakaMina would be a good second.

I'm going to laugh if Jurina wins Senbatsu and Mayu places second.

That said, Jurina's winning Janken single was boring. So maybe not.

Jurina: "I... I think I'm in love..."

That is a horrible fucking collar. Just sayin'.

Jurina has chosen her mate wisely, I believe.

They're all (or at least, most of them) are wearing something that looks like a collar. Hello, key items!!!

Takamina wants to kill us all, by the way.

Oh Mayu, as robotic and lifeless as ever I see.

Also, is that death I detect in Takamina's gaze?

Oh shit, they saw each other! We have entered the Twilight Zone!!!

Oh Mayu, could you be more realistic with your expression? No? Okay.

HOLY SHIT, THEY'RE ALL DOGS!!!

AKS, you sly bastards you, insinuating what you think of your girls! Shame on you!!!

Paruru is still the cutest, even with puppies in the same shot.

Girls, you're barking up the wrong tree here! DON'T PEE ON THE IDOLS!!!

Welp, that's a good chunk of the Senbatsu AKS don't want us to remember gone. Funny how obvious they make who they want to win stand out, eh?

Oh Good Lord, one Mayu was enough... why did you have to add a second one!?

That said, two Paruru's is good! Good PV, good!

Ew, no PV, no! WHY DO YOU GO INTO THE REALMS OF EW PV? WHY!?!?

TakaMina wins the entire MV for the faces she pulls.

We can always count on TakaMina to make an MV interesting in some way~

This PV, however, severely lacked Matsui Rena. GIVE ME MORE!!!

So this is how the scenes actually looked, eh?

HAH! Best scene, look at the dog with the camera! XD

Oh! It was all just a dream...~

... Or maybe not! WOOF!

Oh God, where to start? I mean, this is one of the more entertaining PV's that AKB48 has brought out for an A-side since... well, probably since UZA if I'm going to be completely honest with you. Not to say the other PV's are bad, because this is completely my unwanted opinion and the others are fine and dandy I suppose, but they did nothing for me personally as a casual listener or viewer, but this one was actually fun to watch, despite the shit song accompanying it. I don't think you all know how long it's been since I have found a main A-side from AKB entertaining enough to watch all the way through, and not skip at all...

I actually feel faint from finding it so... so fun to watch! Catch me as I fall, kya!

Sure, it has it's issues, like that whole dog licking the ice cream scene, and then Rena licking it right after (ew x10000000000000) and other gross scenes similar to that one (ew, Jurina licking Jurina, ew!!!) and the weak choreography (but when has AKB's recent choreography been grand?), yet despite said scenes... I found the rest of it rather enjoyable to watch and even found it quite funny at certain points, mostly the scene where all is revealed and it turns out the girls are actually dogs, and the 'real' girls of AKB48 are the ones dancing on the beach in this push-up bikini's. I really liked that twist to the story line, it made it so much better than simply having the girls follow this random Labrador Retriever and finding the beach to dance on, though it begs the question of why we see the dogs in the AKB forms, other than AKS subtly hinting AKB is full of bitches, meaning the female dog of course.

Speaking of which!

Now, whilst I am not exactly enamoured by Mayu being the centre of this single, I actually didn't mind her as much in this PV as I thought I would, but I guess that's mostly because throughout a good majority of this PV she is portrayed as the Labrador, and not the emotionless, robot-smiled girl she typically is, so it toned down her presence a great deal despite the fact she was always there, albeit as a dog. Still, the scenes I did see her in I really didn't care about. She looked like she cared as much as I did when watching most other AKB PV's from this year or last. Then again, that's Mayu all over! Her emotions are as realistic as Acchan's were before she graduated in this PV, though I don't blame her one bit - she is being portrayed as a dog throughout it, after all. I'd be an emotionless, pissed-off wreck too.

If anything, you could have at least portrayed her as a cute kitty! Tabby Cat would be a great song title!

That said, I still don't wish for her win to Senbatsu, regardless of how much this video tries to shove her in your face. But that's my own personal issues and everything I guess. I like her as a soloist or the lead of a small group and all, but for the entirety of AKB48? Nope. I would rather Sayanee win, or even KojiHaru, which is saying something, because I am not a fan of KojiHaru. Oh wait... scratch that. I just remembered that videoKojiHaru was centre for, meaning I don't remember it. Okay, I would rather have Mayu as centre.

That sentence was irrelevant.

Speaking of Senbatsu and how this video tries to subtly shove the girls that they want to win in your faces, I'm rather confused; are we supposed to want to vote for Paruru, or Jurina for second place in this video? In the second half it seems like Jurina is the favourite to win that spot, yet we get a damn lot of Paruru throughout a good majority of this video, which leads me to believe they want her for second. Then in the dance shots (and the Team 4 cover) we see Jurina and Sasshi as second and third in line for that coveted throne of success and popularity, further confusing the hell out of me. So, who is it? This PV may be fun, but fuck, for a PV that is made to brainwash you into choosing a favourite, it sure is failing to do just that, or at least for the purpose it was set to do.
 I have no clue who to root for in this video, though it's rather obvious who I would vote for in a heartbeat if I had the decency to go through that whole Senbatsu system and actually, you know, vote.

MOSES!!! <3

Still, it's a seriously fun PV to watch despite its flaws. I liked that they made the girls into dogs and I liked that they actually used their imagination for the Summer PV and made it interesting to watch. I haven't seen that since Manatsu no Sounds GOOD!, which was only done two years ago I know, but still! The video for Labrador Retriever truly lead us on (haha, lead, like for a dog... haha... okay, shut up Chii) and it made us believe it would just be another dull PV with no reason to follow the dog, only it had a reason, and it showed us how the dogs saw themselves. It was a surprising twist, but a welcoming one, and it made a world of difference to the PV. Yeah sure, it's still one of those skimpy summer PV's AKB48 are famous for, but at least it's interesting.

It definitely beats Sayonara Crawl by a long shot, that's for sure. Then again, everything beats that horrible colour-blast of ick, including that one scene that made me want to throw up in this entire video. Urk!

It's a good PV, even with a song that sucks balls like a good deal of AKB's discography for their main A-sides right now, but hey! At least the PV is entertaining. It's cute, memorable and enjoyable to watch, despite the forgettable, bland song, and in this review that is all that matters; the PV.

Oh, and Paruru. All the Paruru!



Now, it's time to listen to something else! Thank goodness this song is easily forgettable after about two seconds... wait, what did it sound like again?

Chiima~