2013 Predictions ~Hopes, Dreams, Fears and Wishes~

2012 has been a whirlwind of a year, flying by just as 2011 did! But now we're heading into a new year, and what does that mean? Why it can only mean that it's time for my predictions, that's what! So here I will be listing my Hopes, Dreams, Fears and Wishes for the new year ahead of us. What shall I have granted, and what will I get surprised by with 2013?

Before I get into the post, I want to say that 2012 has brought an eventful bag to the Wotasphere. We have had graduations, tears and loss, but we have also gained new members, better freakin' promotion (YAY!), but let's just say that the year has been an unexpected on. When it comes to H!P, we fans have had it good, but for the 48 fandom it's been pretty bad with all the graduations, especially Maeda Atsuko's - actually, I lost my own Oshi through graduation this year so I can sympathise with the 48 fans who have lost loved members. I have also lost members I like or somewhat cared for from other groups. To me, 2012 has been a year filled with Graduation. Hopefully 2013 will be a bit better, ne?

Hello! Project/UFA Hopes, Fears & Predictions

1. Morning Musume Record an A-side Ballad

The thing that has annoyed me the most this year with MoMusu is, undeniably, the amount of ugly auto-tune that has been used on their singles. Pyoko and Ren'ai Hunter were fine, and I didn't mind Wakuteka that much, but honestly, I would love to hear a ballad from MoMusu! You heard Be Alive, right? Well doesn't that prove to us all that these girls can sing quality ballads, without hearing Riho shrieking like she's a cat? Exactly. Honestly I would love love LOVE a ballad, and I would have preferred said ballad to be Sakura's debut, but we ain't getting that, are we? Anyway, I want an A-side ballad... here's to hoping! (fingers crossed!)

2. S/mileage lose a member

This is a fear - a strong one. Believe me, I'm not ready for another member of S/mileage to leave any time soon, but I woke up with this fear that in the next year, Dawa or a second gen member would announce their departure from the group. This is a fear/prediction, but hell no, don't come true! Still, putting it here because I am fearing it and possibly predicting it...

3. Hello! Project bring in a new Solo Act

Whilst this has, somewhat, been granted, I would like to see Hello! Project rope in a new soloist, whether they hold auditions or not or just choose from the Eggs. It would be nice to see a new solo act within the project and to see said solo act grow... but, preferably not Karin. Why? I actually came to this conclusion; she is too young. I wouldn't like to see a kid fighting it out her own, that, and I can't stand seeing kids (she's 14, I know, but wait till she's 16-17 at least) going solo. Karin can sing, yeah, but still... too young.

Anyway, here's to hoping for a new solo act, whether or not it's Aika's debut!

4. C-ute sell over 50,000 Singles

Now here's something that I would absolutely love to see! It's undeniable that C-ute are getting better and better with every single, but I would honestly love to have the girls hit the 50,000 mark, which isn't impossible right now because of how amazing they are! Aitai Aitai Aitai na sold over 49,000, so I would really like to see the girls get that little bit higher.

Hopeful!!!

5. Hello! Project introduce a new group

I have no idea how many people are angling for this hope/dream, but count me in as one of them! It would be nice to see Tsunku create a group within the trainee's again (no auditions next time, though) and to show the great potential of these girls. It would be great to see Hello! Project grow again.

6. Ikuta Erina gets a Photo book

Hi, have you seen this girl? Yes, she is gorgeous, right? I know, so she deserves a photo book... No? Oh, well, one can dream, right? And I will dream, hope and PRAY that she gets one, because damn I love her!

7. Hello! Project get better Graphics Designers...

We all want this, I'm sure...

... My lord I have just realised how BAD this photo shop is as I write this o-O

8. S/mileage bring out better singles

Not to rain on anyone's parade EVERYONE'S PARADE, but S/mileage haven't really appealed to me this year in terms of songs. Choto Matte and Dot Bikini were crap and really derailed my opinion of how good the group was, especially the terror that is Dot Bikini, though Suki yo has temporarily saved my opinion of the group. Samui ne isn't really great, but it isn't terrible either - it's just the PV.

So yeah, I hope that S/mileage brings out better quality video's and songs. I feel like the group has changed a little, and I love their old concept when they were the original 4, but right now... I'm not feeling the maturity or atrocity of Dot Failure. So please... better stuff, or stuff I will find quirky and interesting to keep me liking the group.

That or I bail xD

9. Katsuta Rina gets a PUSH!

*picks up phone... it rings* *Answer* Hi, er, yeah, you don't know me, probably don't understand me either, but er, yeah, I want you to know that I want Katsuta Rina to have a push... yeah, you know, the girl with the weird eyes in S/mileage you continuously push to the back? The one who can sing? Yeah, she needs a push, I wish for it to happen, I pray for it, too... She needs more lines, because she can sing better than DAWA and Meimi and Akari... yeah, thanks, bye~

i.e. she needs a push, god damnit! Her talent and beauty and smile is going to waste in the back there! -stomps foot-

10. Morning Musume (and S/mileage) get better, simpler PV's

I might be wishing an praying for a long time, but I will try! Honestly, the PV's now, Morning Musume and S/mileage namely, are so tacky and cheap and sometimes a downright eyesore! The effects are crap, and there really is nothing great or outstanding about the video's they produce. The only PV I enjoyed properly from MoMusu this year was Pyoko for its diversity and how fresh it was, and Suki yo was pretty good for S/mileage, same with Choto matte, no matter how much I did dislike that song, but my lord, these girls need to go outside! Stop with the shit effects, push them out of the studio or warehouse and get them out in the open, walking around and what not. It works for Mano, it can work for these guys! URGH!

11. Auditions

I don't know why, but I have a feeling that there will be auditions in H!P for 2013, whether it's an audition for a new group (pleasE?), Gen 12 of Morning Musume (Oh hell yeah, PLEASE) or S/mileage third gen auditions (NO!) - either way, I have a feeling. If it comes true, I will be happy x3

12. Mitsui Aika does, er... Something

By something, I mean anything that doesn't include GREEN FIELDS, because they bore me to death, I swear! Then again they put three girls together who become one giant ball of bland in terms of singing style and personalities. Aika is so lovely with the right people (Reina), but I would love to see her try something which will show her strengths... probably become a mentor to the Morning Musume girls? I mean she was fierce with 9th gen, imagine her whipping nearly all of H!P into shape!

Now I can't get the image of Aika in leather knee highs whilst holding a whip outta my head, urrrgh...

12. Zukkini gets in a bikini a Push (and better clothes)

I will be in my grave before this ever happens, BUT I am going to dream, wish and PRAY for this one thing to happen in 2013, because I love my Zukkini. She is a glorious bundle of boobs and love, and she really needs more appreciation. Hopefully after Reina flies away to join her Winking band Zukki will get the push she deserves... or at least more screen time and better clothing for singles.

13. Miyamato Karin débuts and becomes H!P's new Face

Now I don't know about you, but Sayashi Riho should never become the 'face' of H!P, simply because she lacks the emotional and vocal quality of the Face; said Face being Suzuki Airi, that is. Hence why I want Karin to debut STAT! I don't care where she débuts in H!P, just... début her already, I'm getting worried for the safety of the rightful face of H!P!!!

14. Sayashi Riho gets pushed to the back for ONE SINGLE!!!

I asked for this last year, and I will ask for it from the Idol Gods again... PLEASE GIVE THIS GIRL A REST!!! And her horrible shrieking voice unless you give her a low, slow song, DAMNIT!

15. Morning Musume's Line Distribution improves

Everyone wants this, because lord knows how we will stop our ears bleeding if Riho continues to lead with only Sakura, Sayu and Fukumura to semi back her up...

Okay, that's mean, but honestly when Reina leaves, I would love the distribution to be shaken up a lot. Reina's vocal prowess has been apparent since her debut, and she has ultimately lead most if not all songs, especially during the Platinum era where her lead along with Takahashi's was extremely prominent. Because of her impending Graduation, the line distribution will hopefully get better. Hopefully being a strong word, here...

16. Suzuki Airi does not graduate

This is a strong fear I have, and it's only because I recently found out that Airi had mentioned in the 2012 Alo-Hello! that if she were to go to University, she would graduate from C-ute and Hello! Project. I really don't want that to happened because she's amazing and the most talented girl in all of Hello! Project... that, and leaving the 'face' to someone like Riho is not up my alley at all. Please at least leave the Face of H!P spot to someone with an ounce of natural singing talent...

2013 Jpop Hopes, Dreams and Wishes

1. Bump.y release more than one single and STAY in the Public eye

It might just be me (it probably is), but I was really unhappy with how little Bump.y did this year and how out of contact they seemed to be. Seriously, they did nothing and then reappeared! I'm happy that they are around, but for 2013 I wish that they would stay around and not disappear into obscurity like they did for most/all of 2012.

2. The 48 Family have less Graduations/Misfortune

Let's admit that this has not been the best year for the '48 family members, and next year I would love it if there were less graduations and less scandals coming up. A lot of the girls have suffered in 2012, so for 2013 I want these girls to just have a break from the madness and being pointed at, and let them get on with their careers, ne?

3. Paruru gets less hate from '48 Nazi's'

This is a dream which will never come true, but hey, I'm gonna dream, damnit!

4. These excuses of a rival group get a decent single + PV + Costumes and sell on the SAME DAY as AKB48

I can wish, and I will, but even I doubt that this will come true. My faith in this group is so low it's created a hole in the floor.

5. StylipS release more AWESOME singles

All of their singles have been good, in my opinion, and I hope that the awesome streak continues for these girls in the new year, so please girls, continue being amazing!

6. Afilia Saga East bring out a maid cafe based single + no graduations ;A;

I want a maid cafe based single/PV for my own selfish, fetish-based needs, and no graduations because they have lost three already DX Please stop, girls... I lost Rose Gardenfairy already! No more, please no more!!!

7. Fudanjuku add a new member!?

I don't know why, but I feel like they will... but that's just me, and I could be getting my hopes up, but this is me predicting it, and if it doesn't happen, who cares? I love Fudanjuku as they are, so yeah~

8. Ono Erena releases a good A-side and not a rehashed song like her first 3 singles

Don't deny it, they all sound pretty similar, and yes I love all of them but I do like diversity, too.

9. Watanabe Mayu release more good singles, and doesn't produce generic anime sounding crap like her first two singles

Hikaru Monotachi was awesome, and Mayu can continue to be awesome... she just needs epic music, a ton of auto-tune and Vocaloid by her side! Please continue to sound good Mayu, don't let AKB's generic crappiness get the better of you!

Which leads to...

10. AKB48 bring out better songs

I wanted this last year. Did I get it? No. Only Uza and Manatsu sounded different and new, though Manatsu did borderline both generic and refreshing, so I can't even count Manatsu. Whatever, please bring out decent songs next year, not crap like Gingham Check, Give Me Five (I really don't like it) or Eien Pressure... These were terribly made singles, they sounded the same and had no originality. The only decent things about them were the PV's, sans Eien Pressure... that was a weird video, unoriginal but cute...

Still... bring out better songs, please. Stop wasting talent only to make a quick buck.

11. HouPri start releasing PV's again

I'm so disappointed in HouPri this year, because their songs and PV's haven't really been released to the public - more so their fans who attend their lives get the songs, because that's where they sell them now. Honestly, if I want to continue loving HouPri, I need their music in my life!

12. Station have a Major Debut

This one might not happen, and I do understand that, but this past year these girls have been amazing together. They have so far released four singles (one digital the others physical) and an album, and I love their style and sound. For an Indies group they seem to continuously mix up what they're singing, experimenting with new sounds and trying different things. I would love to see them debut in the next year, or at least announce it.

13. Hyadain Stays Awesome

Nuff said.

14. Naabadoufu@Nana releases more catchy and cool singles

She's released two awesome singles this year already, and I honestly can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for her! She may not be the most vocally talented, I know that, but she can hold out on her own already - she has Nico Nico Douga fans and possibly a few Hello! Pro fans, too. That, and her gimmick is awesome and I would love to see her do the splits in a PV!

2013 Personal Hopes & Wishes

1. I get into Dream5 more

I want this, others want this... I hope it happens, I really do xD

2. I get into more Indie Idol Units

I like Indie units, sadly I haven't found many others to fangirl over aside from Station♪. Here's to hoping that I find more girls to fangirl over and love!

3. I pay more attention to AAA

I like AAA, but I don't pay enough attention to them, so I hope that in 2013 I can take my time to appreciate and love the group more, whether or not I share that love with you guys. I think that AAA are an amazing group, but I do need to invest more time in them.

4. I continue to enjoy LoveLaDoll

Hopefully I stick to this one, because I lost so much interest in HouPri this year. Let's hope that the same case won't happen again for this group, because LoveLaDoll are really interesting.

5. I get into Perfume a little more (For the sake of my Nia-Pocket)

Okay, not just for Nia, but for me as well. I really need to get over my electropop/techno fear thing and appreciate it. That, and there's KashiYuka in all her beautiful glory...

6. Kyary begins to Appeal to me... or something...

I find Kyary as appealing as I find Lady GaGa. I'm also scared of her, like I am scared of MomoClo, but again, I need to get over it and start enjoying different kinds of Idols and music. Hopefully 2013 will bring me an ounce of appreciation and a new form of curiosity which will allow me to venture out of my comfort zone...

7. NMB48 win me over

I was so taken with Kitagawa Kenji, but in 2013 I would love it if NMB48 finally won me over and really made me enjoy their music. I generally ignore them, but they have done well this year - next year, I want to like them more and give them a better chance.

...

And so concludes my Hopes, Dreams, Fears and Wishes for 2013! AKA the Predictions and what not! Hopefully I have no foreshadowed anything too saddening or drastic for 2013 (please no!) but I also hope that some of my wishes/hopes come true in the New Year as well.

Well, here's to another Idol filled year! KAMPAI!!!

What are all your hopes or fears for the New Year in Idoldom?

Chiima~

PING!!! Idolminded Recommended Reading: December 30th, 2012

Okay! Musume Digest #30

Greetings to you all, and welcome to my Digest! Shall we take a look at what the week has brought us in terms of news?

IT'S ONE WEEK TILL CHRISTMAS!!!! YEEEEAH!!!

This week has been filled with Idol news, some shocking, some surprising and some which is just darned expected! The biggest shocker was even more graduation announcements from the 48 Family tree, whilst the surprise was finding out that Bump.y are STILL ALIVE!? I know, I nearly cried with absolute happiness and manly tears, too. There's also plenty of H!P related news, too, some Station♪ and more! Stay tuned to find out, but first, let's look at our Video of the Week, eh?

Video of the Week

Futari no Hoshi ~Hanareteite mo~ by Bump.y

To celebrate the return of Bump.y, I want to share with you their second single, which is also a winter-based song. Now, if only Akai Muffler had a PV, I would have put that up as the PV of the week because that is one of my ultimate Christmas songs, but alas, it was not meant to be... Oh well, whatever. This song is very fresh and nice to listen to when you look past how raw the vocals are. It's a lovely video, too, and I love the sisterly feel that Bump.y has together. Please check it out and enjoy the cuteness of Bump.y and the winter feel they give through this video.

Poll of the Week

Let's get into the spirit of Christmas with a Christmas-themed poll, shall we? Here is this week's question, so be sure to answer!

Which of these songs is your Christmas tune?

There will be quite a few answers, mostly from groups that I know mostly, but hopefully there will be something there for everyone to choose! I'm sorry for having such a limited number of groups I enjoy... DX

Happy voting, guys!

Picture of the Week

Santa-chan, this year I have been a really good person, so is it possible to find some Idols under my tree on Christmas Day...?

And with my message to Santa all said and done, let's get to the important part of the Digest! Let's go!!!

NEWS OF THE WEEK

Ikuta Erina appeared on a show hosted by Nakai on 28/11. This is a little late, but I wanted to show everyone the show that Eripon appeared on alone.

To see Eripon on a show by herself is amazing, and I was really impressed by how easily she was able to interact with everyone and charm the other guests with her confidence and cuteness. It seemed that a part of the conversation was focused on Morning Musume, but due my lack of Japanese skill, I have no idea what the girls are talking about.

Please take a look and enjoy if you love Eripon or anyone else who has appeared on the show!

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Bump.y will be releasing their 6th single, titled COSMO no Hitomi, on January 16th 2013. The single will be available in three editions: Regular, Limited A and Limited B. The title song is produced by Nishidera Gota

Track List:

1. Cosmo no Hitomi
2. Escape
3. Sunday (Regular Edition only)
4. Be Mine ~Code of Flowers~ (Limited B only)

Limited A DVD List:

1. Cosmo no Hitomi (Music Video)
2. Cosmo no Hitomi (Music Video Making of)

My lord they're actually alive O-o

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A song preview for Bump.y's up-coming 2013 single, COSMO no Hitomi, is available for fans to listen to. The preview is 2:35 minutes long and features a calm and pretty tune.

... Weird thing is, I was talking to Nia about Bump.y because she asked if they were still active. Well, question answered...

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A song preview for Be Mine ~Code of Flowers~ has been revealed. This song will be featured on the Limited B version of Bump.y's up-coming 2013 single, COSMO no Hitomi. The song is a spring-like tune which sounds very calm and pretty.

... I still can't get over the fact that they're alive... o-O

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The track list to Morning Musume's up-coming single, Help me!!, has been released. The single will come in 8 different editions (wow!) with Limited A, B and C including a DVD.

Track List:

1. Help me!!
2. Happy Daisakusen (Limited A, B, C & Regular Edition B)
3. Aishuu no Romantic (Sayum& Fukuhime) (Limited D)
3. Watashi ni Dekkai Hana (Winky, Harunan & Ayumin) (Limited E)
3. Nani wa Tomo Are! (Eripon, Zukkini, Masakissu & Harukyan) (Limited F)
3. Daisuki Dakara Zettai Yurusanai (RiDOS & Sakuran) (Regular A)

DVD Track List:

1. Help me!! (Limited A, B & C)
2. Help me!! (Dance Shot ver.) (Limited A)
3. Help me!! (Close Up ver.) (Limited B)
4. Wakuteka Take a Chance (Oda Sakura ver.) (Limited C)
5. Help me!! (Making Of) (Limited C)

... I think that UFP have realised how to make money and/or how to promote singles and sell the girls o-o or something...

Okay, honestly speaking, the thought of Riho singing in a duet that isn't Peaberry scares me, especially with her shitty vocals right now. UFP, don't you realise that this girl needs a REST? Her vocals are crap now thanks to you guys over-working her. She sounded damn good in her first concert, and now when she sings it's painful to listen to... giving her a duet with Sakura will not aid her in recovering her vocals, if they are able to be saved, that is.

I would also have liked Fukumura to be given a duet with someone else, like Haruka or Sakura - SOMEONE to match up to her vocal ability, at least. Sayu and Ayumi aren't as polished or refined as Fukumura. Give her someone with talent to sing with, please.

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The full radio preview for Morning Musume's 52nd single, Help me!! has been uploaded for everyone to listen to, so go on and check it out!

Well... it seems like this song is pretty much 3nin, or mostly that, and you can certainly hear Riho's  voice over all that auto-tune. That girl is beyond help, I swear... her voice sounds terrible in my opinion, she needs a rest, or to never sing these sorts of songs again.

Which I wouldn't mind, because I would be saved from physically wincing every time she tries to sing or shriek.

Anyway, other than me bitching about Riho needing a break, the song sounds better than I expected, I may even grow to like it more. It isn't as bad as One Two Three, but it could be better. Also... auto-tune. Yaaaaaay... //sarcasm.

... I like the talking, who I suppose is Fukumura or Sakura?

MY GOD, THIS SONG SOUNDS LIKE TOKKAIKO JUNJOU O-O

Whatever, everyone else is going to eat this up I expect. I'm the minority, always xD So not mainstream, duh

I can't even hear some of the decent singers like Haruka or Zukki, and I can't hear the other girls uch either other than Sayu

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Mano Erina is an 'IceCream Girl' for Icecco.

I've never heard of Icecco, but it seems to be a site where the focus is on 'girls who love Icecream and Photographers', giving you a sweet taste and a delicious expression from the cute girls. The site seems to promote a variety of Idols, including lesser known girls from groups such as Pramo, as well as other groups who are more well known like Afilia Saga East.

This is a great way for fas to see Mano in a more relaxed atmosphere, and also a chance to see her having ice cream! Her pictures look very beautiful and thoughtful, so I do suggest that you all check them out to see Mano with some yummy ice cream!

... And now I crave ice cream!

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Young Jump magazine have a gallery of Mano Erina's photo shoot available for everyone to take a look at, so go and check out Mano in all her glory!

It's great to see that Mano is doing as much as she can with Hello! Project before she officially leaves next February, and to see her in this photo shoot just show how much she has grown and matured into a young woman from a fresh debut soloist. The images are mature, sexy and refreshing, and really show off the beauty of Mano Erina.

There are only 6 images, but please take your time looking at these beautiful images and appreciate Mano and her beauty.

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It has been announced that S/mileage will perform at FujiTV's Kira Kira Winter Land on December 16th.

It seems that S/mileage are becoming a popular choice for mini-lives or stages, but for any fan this is great news because it means that the girls can become more well known as well as sell their image and the image of Hello! Project. Hopefully the girls will perform with great energy and happiness, and everyone will enjoy the performances available!

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S/mileage will be on Happy Music on December 16th.

Any music channel means promotion for the girls and their song, and of course it's no surprise tat S/mileage will be able to go onto the show and hopefully promote the song by talking about it and maybe even performing it. Hopefully fans will tune in and enjoy seeing S/mileage on TV!

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Hello! Project will be holding a Hinamatsuri, titled Hello! Project Haru no Dai Kansha Hinamatsuri Festival 2013, which will be held on the 2nd and 3rd of March. There will be three event to attend; Saturday evening, early Sunday afternoon and late Sunday afternoon.

This is pretty surprising news, as I have never heard of Hello! Project doing a Hinamatsuri, however with this, the girls are surely being promoted so much better and are gaining a lot more recognition now from the public. As the event itself is in March, Mano Erina will not be present as she will have graduated.

Whilst the information given tells us that all the main acts plus some Kenshuusei will be performing, I hope that the Satoyama acts will take part and promote themselves more.

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It has officially been announced that Oda Sakura's image colour is Lavender!

... Meaning Light Purple, yes yes? So in essence, she has taken on Aika's original colour. Not that I mind, because honestly, we need a new purple now that Eripon has taken up Gaki's yellow-green colour, and with the sea of blue/green/pink in the group, it's quite refreshing to see a purple colour once again which is light and refreshing.

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A PV preview to Iwasa Misaki's Moshimo Watashi ga Sora ni Sundeitara has been released.

My sister actually suggested that I add this to the Digest, because she enjoyed it quite a bit. Originally I wasn't going to because I pay little attention to Iwasa, but I would like to say that after watching the preview, she has a beautiful, mature voice and the PV itself is very lovely to watch. She looks beautiful, and I think that everyone should check it out.

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It has been announced that Team M member Hikawa Ayame and Kenkyuusei member Sato Sorai will be graduating from NMB48. Hikawa will be leaving due to an injury, and will have a graduation ceremony on December 22nd instead of a performance. Sato's reason for leaving is to focus on another goal in her life, and so far no graduation date has been set.

“Even though I’m getting treatment, it hasn’t recovered completely, so when I try to exercise, it hurts. While taking a rest, I spent a lot of time thinking about my future, and it made me start thinking about graduating.” - Hikawa (Tokyohive) 

“I have two dreams. One is to become an actress, and the other one is to become a nursery teacher which was my dream before I joined NMB48. When I contemplate my future, the feeling that I want to focus on my studies, got stronger, thus I have decided to graduate.” - Sato (Tokyohive)

More NMB members graduating? This now totals the graduations for this group to 15, which is a lot. In total, that means 42 members from the '48 family have graduated, or will be graduating... which I do think is bad, even though most people wave it off because there are 100's or even thousands of these girls.

Well, it sucks - but if these girls think that they aren't getting anywhere (which is the most likely case), then hopefully their education will get them somewhere better.

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Here is a video of Wada Ayaka and Iikubo Haruna at a Tower Records event.

This video was recommended on my youtube, and whilst it was uploaded a while ago, I want to share with everyone the cuteness of Dawa and Harunan when they are together. This is part 3 of 4, but I saw this part and fell in love with the girls' interaction together. Please take your time to watch the cuteness of these two best friends~

It's over an hour long... xD

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Afilia Saga East have introduced a new member, Raymee Heavenly! Raymee is from the Sherry's Cafe, which is based on the 'Sexy schoolgirl' theme as well as mage costumes.

Due to Karen Classica's departure from the group, it isn't weird or surprising to see someone new; the managers seem intent on keeping Afilia a 12 member unit, having added two new members to Afilia when Meena and Rose both graduated back in March.

Hopefully Raymee will become a great member within Afilia! I can't wait to see her debut PV and how she performs! :D

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It has been announced that Station♪ member Kinjou Narumi will be graduating from the group on December 29th, 2012.

WHAT!? SHE'S LEAVING!?

... That's the one girl I liked in Station♪ gone, now I'll need to cling to one of the remaining four, and it ain't that trainee they had... or whatever she is now...

-sighs-

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... To add salt to this ever-growing wound, Station♪ are holding auditions to find a new member, girls aged between the ages of 10-20, without a record or contract. The girls require some knowledge of the railway. There will be three rounds; The screening of documents, practical interviews and then dance lessons, learning Station♪'s songs and practice of choreography. No fee is required.

Okay, so saying that this adds to the wound is a bit of an over reaction. Actually, I am happy to see that the group's managers are preparing the girls for a new member and trying to continue their activities with someone fresh. It's the best way to start the new year... right?

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It has been announced that Station♪ will be releasing their 4th physical single release, 5th overall, and is titled TO・KI・DO・KI Fumikiri. It will be released on February 13th, 2013, making this Station♪'s first release of the year and the first without Kinjou Narumi.

I'm always happy to hear Station♪ single related news, because I absolutely adore these girls and their music. I can't wait for the PV to come out~ I hope that it showcases the cute freshness of Station♪.

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Starting on January 5th 2013, Enjoy Network Japan will begin broadcasting their Idol Hour Hello! Project segment, which will be a free radio show for all Hello! Project fans. Michishige Sayumi will be the first DJ on the show.

When I heard this news I was so happy, ecstatic at the prospect of finally being able to hear the Hello! Project members on the radio! I'm still extremely happy, because Hello! Project is my favourite company filled with Idols, and I can't wait to tune into the show on a regular basis (if I remember, haha!) and enjoy hearing their voices!

Are you all as excited as I am? *o*

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Kitahara Sayaka will take part in the Sorao no Sekai stageplay, which will run from February 9th until the 17th.

It's great to see that Sayaka is continuing her activities after leaving UFP. Sadly, I have no idea what character Sayaka is or if she is even a lead, but still, this is a great opportunity for the ex-egg and I hope that she delivers a great performance which is memorable.

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Ebisu Muscats have announced that they will e disbanding next Spring. This was revealed during their December 16th one-man live at Nakano Sun Plaza. The group will be disbanding after their live at Maihama Amphitheater on April 7th of 2013. Onedari Muscat SP!! will end on March 30th, and the girls will also be releasing their final single, ABAYO, on March 6th, as well as their final album titled Sotsugyou Album in April.

“Our program ‘Onedari Muscat SP!‘ will end next spring, and with the end of the program, we will also be disbanding. Though it is regrettable, this is the decision we made.” - Kishi Aino (Tokyohive)

“We were first told that this program would end after 6 months, but we were able to keep going for 5 years, it has taught us a lot of things just like school. Although we are different from other idols, I am proud that we are able to announce our disbandment at such a big venue like this. Thank you very much for this past 5 years.” - Kishi Aino (Tokyohive)

"From the beginning, I was thinking that the disbandment should be when the girls are in the best form. They have achieved the 7th place on Oricon weekly chart with their latest single ‘Gyakusou Idol‘ (released on October 31st), and also the audience rating for the program has reached 2.5% which was the highest, so I wanted it to disband at this timing.” - Makkoi Saito, general director of Onedari Muscat SP!! (Tokyohive)

 I had a brief, brief fling with this group... Honey Trap is a wonderful song (with a creepy video), and Go Go... Purakawa is so cute... So in a way, I am a little sad, but we did not spend enough time together. Though honestly, I thought that Ebisu would be around for a lot longer. These Gravure/AV Idols all seem to be eternal to me, so I was shocked to learn of their disbandment.

Hopefully their graduation will be a happy one, filled with the love of the fans and the girls themselves. Please enjoy Ebisu Muscats whilst you can, guys~

Source

Worse to come in news, Nogizaka-forty-fail are still around, and holding second generation auditions...
Nogizaka46 are holding their second generation auditions! 13-22 years old's as of March 31st 2013 can apply. The auditioners who pass the audition will become Research Students and begin lessons, and will become official members according to the results of their lessons.

... I don't like this Research Student system. I actually don't xD Why not just hold auditions for Research Students instead of auditioning girls, adding them then re-evaluating them further? I know that the '48 family + this group is gigantic, but still...

This is why MoMusu are easy to follow

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SKE48 Kenkyuusei member Ogino Risa has decided to halt her activities for a while in order to focus on taking care of her younger sister. The SKE trainee posted this via her Google+ account. SKE Management has accepted Risa's request to suspend her activities until the end of April.

Here is a translation of Risa's message to her fans:

This is Ogino Risa of Kenkyusei.
Thank you always for all of your support.
I have an announcement to make to everybody.
I, Ogino Risa, have decided to stop my SKE48 activities temporarily starting in December.
My 5-year-old sister recently entered the hospital, so I have decided that it’s the time to stick together with my family, and look after her.
After the discussion with staff members, I chose to stop my activity for a while.
I’m very sorry to my fans who always cheer for me, and to members who always support me.
For now, I want to put my all into looking after my sister with my family, so that I can come back and perform in front of you again, when my sister’s condition and my family situation are settled down.
Please continue to support me. - Tokyohive

I don't know about you guys, but this is a really admirable thing to do; it's always sad when a family member becomes ill or is taken to hospital, so I really admire this girl for halting her activities to be with her sister and the rest of her family, supporting her sister in getting better and just being there for her when she needs her.

Now, I actually don't know who this girl is, but that doesn't mean I don't respect her for what she is doing, because I do, and I hope that her younger sister gets better soon. Risa seems like a very responsible girl, and I hope the best for her in the next few months as she takes care of her sister.

Source

It has been revealed that C-ute will be releasing their next single on February 6th, and that it will be a cover of Moritaka Chisato's Kono Machi. The single will first be performed live at their December 30th concert.

I'm happy to hear that C-ute will be releasing a new single, though I'm pretty sure that a few people won't be too pleased at the fact that it's a cover, but honestly, I'm pretty happy with it - C-ute have very original songs, but it will be great to see the girls challenge another cover song, because the last they did was Edo no Temari II, right? I think it was...

Anyway, let's anticipate the new single and PV when they come out!

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Previews to Fukuda Kanon's up-coming photo book, Kanyon17 have been revealed to give us all a taste of Kanon's first photo book!

Argh, bikini shots... Oh well, she's 17, I can look... @.@

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The covers to Bakusute Sotokanda Icchome's second indies single, titled Yoropiku Pikuyoro, have been released through their official website!

Track List:

1. Yoropiku Pikuyoro
2. Bakusuteji Pass no tema ~Oshi wa kimi sa~
3. Yoropiku Pikuyoro (off-vocal)
4. Bakusuteji Pass no tema ~Oshi wa kimi sa~ (off-vocal)

(All tracks have been produced by Tsunku)

Thank you google translate for making my life a little bit easier xD

I'm glad to see that Akihabara Backstage PASS are still going, and from the title of the song, I hope for something really cute and flamboyant from these girls for this single. Now, when will the PV preview be revealed...?

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Mano Erina's final album under Hello! Project will be a Best-of, it has been revealed. It will be released on February 6th, 2013.

... -cries-

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A boxset of Morning Musume's up-coming single, Help me!!, will be available. It will include a photo ticket and a Thailand handshake event digest.

Oh wow, UFP really are going all-out with Morning Musume right now, aren't they? Nice one!!!

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The cover to Hello! Channel vol. 11 has been revealed to show Mano Erina modelling the cover.

... -cries even more-

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The covers to Ono Erena's up-coming third single, Say!! Ippai have been revealed! In order from Top Left to Bottom Right: Limited A, Limited B, Limited C and the Regular version.

The covers look great, with my favourite being Limited C, and whilst I am one impatient bugger, I will try to wait as patiently as I can for the full MV to come out... >3<

Source

Tazaki Asahi will be making her official debut through the Satoyama movement. Her single, titled Tegami/Rolling Days, will be sold at the Hello! Project winter concert. The single is set to release starting 2nd of January at Nakano Sun Plaza, whilst Neowing and CDJapan ave set the release for January 16th.

As many have already said; I wish she was in H!P, however, I am happy that Satoyama Movement has a soloist. It seems that they are using UFP's talent to their advantage~

I look forward to Tazaki's debut~

Source | CDJapan | Neowing

And that's it! Next week is Christmas, which means a Happy Holidays to everyone! The digest for next week will either be posted a Day early or a Day late, or maybe even on Christmas! Who knows! Until then though, please stay happy and safe guys, and continue to love your Idols obsessively!

Much love and Christmas Joy,

Chiima~

PING!!! Idolminded Recommended Reading: December 18th, 2012