My One and Only! Houkago Princess Transform into Your Ideal Princess for their First Major Album Release!

Today on February 19th, Houkago Princess and Universal Music Japan unveiled the groups latest promotional artwork, and announced the release of Houkago Princesses first album release!

Titled My Princess, the album is set to release on March 22nd, and will come in two editions. The theme behind the album is 'Your Only Princess', where the members turn into your ideal Princess, instead of historical or fictional figures like before. The artwork depicts the members in ball gowns fitting of their title, creating an elegant look and feel for the up-coming release.

Houkago Princess has also announced the long overdue release of their indies best-of album, Indies Best ~Memories~, which will be released on the same day.

Included in the groups first feature-length album, My Princess, will be twelve tracks. Two of these tracks will be new additions, whilst the third will be a 2017 recording of a previously released song, featuring the current lineup of Princesses.

It will also be available in Regular and Limited editions, with both types containing the same tracks. The Limited version will, however, come with a sleeve case and a mini-photobook containing 40 pages of imagery. It has not yet been revealed whether there will be an accompanying music video, or if they will release solo cover versions for the members.

The covers for the album have also been released.

Nagasawa Marina To Leave Houkago Princess! What. The. Heck!!!

I woke up to this.

I FUCKING WOKE UP TO THIS, WHAT THE FU------

Earlier today on the official Houkago Princess website, the announcement that Nagasawa Marina's tenancy within the group would come to its end on December 31st, 2016. Already, the news has spread across the internet, and fans all over are reacting to the news.

The sole fifth generation member of the unit, Marichu originally debuted back in 2013 as an Apprentice, but was withdrawn from the group in 2014 when she neglected her duties. From 2015 onward, she worked hard as a gravure model and a member of the new little sister unit to Houkago Princess, HouPriYouth, as its unofficial leader. From September this year, she began her activities as a Regular member.

It was also announced that, in regards to the March Live Tour for 2017, it had been cancelled, and all tickets would be refunded accordingly.

A Road Filled with Dreams and Hard Work Comes to its End! C-ute to Disband June 2017 at Saitama Super Arena!

Hitting newspaper headlines before it was announced live on the stage, Hello! Project's oldest and dearest group, C-ute, have announced that they will be disbanding in June of 2017 to follow their own individual dreams, and to take on that path called adulthood.

Announced on August 19th 2016, the group revealed their intentions for disbandment during the Hello! Project Nakano Sun Plaza live, noting that the idea has been in the works since the youngest member, Hagiwara Mai, turned 20 in February this year. With an up-coming performance at Saitama Super Arena, a stage which the girls have long dreamed of standing on, the girls will hold their final performance as the Idol group C-ute before parting ways and taking on their own individual paths.

It must also be said that the current Hello! Project tour will be the groups last, as they will not take part in the 2017 winter tour. In order to focus on their final tours together and their last activities, the group will dedicate their time to C-ute, and make memories for the fans and themselves that everyone shall treasure.

Since the announcement, Up-Front Link on Facebook has released statements from both management and C-ute regarding the announcement. Furthermore, comments from the members about their impending break-up have also been translated for the fans.

A New Line of Princesses Head for the Throne! Houkago Princesses 7th Generation to Make their Debut! (+ New Single Announcement!)

*This Update Post is not a part of my Houkago Princess series I am currently releasing, however, it couldn't have come at a better time! Well done, significant announcements!

On August 7th 2016, it was revealed during the final performance at Tokyo Idol Festival that the Houkago Princess Cadet members Kojima Mayumi, Nagasawa Marina and Sekine Sasara had all been promoted to the Regular Lineup. Congratulations!!!

Furthermore, the group also made the announcement that their 4th single is currently in the works! It will be released on October 12th, and is said to focus on the character Princess Ann from the film Roman Holiday, which stars Audrey Hepburn.

Regarding my thoughts on the announcement, of course I am indescribably happy with the news, as well as a bit annoyed by it, too. On the very day I publish my post regarding these members' introductions as HouPri Youth girls, they go ahead and get Promoted to the Regular lineup! Pfft! It's super typical, but truly, I am happy with this announcement, especially now that Mayumin will appear in the PV's from here on out!

I am, of course, most excited for Mayumin's debut, because of the Cadets she was my favourite. She radiates happiness, and honestly, she's just too cute! It's very clear that she adores HouPri and the senior members, and that performing brings her the utmost joy. Every time I see her in a post or a video, she's just beaming away, proud to be a member of such a wonderful unit. So, to see her debut is my dream come true, basically! She's truly deserving of it after all this hard work she has put in!

With Marichu, though not my favourite of the three, I am really damn glad that this debut is finally happening, because firstly, she's wonderful, and secondly, she's spent near-on two years trying to prove to management that she's got a good work ethic and that she wants this as much as anyone else. And, honestly, it would be a tad stupid of both Cute Black and Universal not to recognise how hard she has worked to get to this point in her career; she's too well known for them to ignore, and she's far too popular for them to let go, too. So, if you ask me, she is extremely worthy of this Regular Member title, if not the most deserving.

Sasara's debut is also one I've been awaiting impatiently, because I know that for her, Disney and Princesses is everything, and since becoming a member of Houpriyusu, this girl has given it her all and dedicated everything to the group with passion. All three of them have, however I think Sasara's undying passion for Disney makes her distinct, in a way. Plus, she has an elegant look to her that is deserving of a Princesses role... she and Maika will do nicely together in scenes, I believe, thanks to their maturity and gorgeous aesthetic!

All three members will have their Coronation on September 22nd, during Houkago Princess one-man Live at Zepp Tokyo.

.｡.:*☆*:.｡.☆.｡.:*☆*:.｡.

Concerning the groups 4th single release, it has been confirmed by various members of Houkago Princess that the up-coming release has been titled 秘密のティアラとジェラート, or Himitsu no Tiara to Gelato (The Secret of the Tiara and Gelato). Based on the 1953 film Roman Holiday, the group will portray leading character Princess Ann, originally played by Silver Screen starlet Audrey Hepburn.

The release date is set for October 12th this year, meaning that it will be delivered on Kizuki Saori's 25th Birthday... maybe that means it will be a Saorin lead? Who knows, at least until further details are revealed, that is.

With the groups 4th single, it will be the first since Manatsu no Yoru no Yume to to include an entirely new generation in two years. Also, with the up-coming graduation of Mayuka, the latest single release be one of the first since the groups major debut to feature a fresh lineup.

Single covers, costumes, the coupling track(s) and music video releases have yet to be revealed, however with only three months to go until it drops in stores, it is a short amount of time to wait. However, with these next three months passing me by, you can be blooming well sure I'll be the most impatient fan of all, because HouPri's singles really could (and should) come sooner.

And, in a final piece of small news, the group will be releasing their second Calendar for the year 2017! On October 29th, it will be released, and include 8 pages. It will be size B2, and you can pre-order via CDJapan.

Hokago Princess [Calendar 2017 (Try-X Ltd.)]

Hokago Princess

All of these wonderful announcements have made my day, and I am honestly ecstatic about the up-coming release, as well as the new lineup! It's been a long time coming, and now it is finally happening!

Congratulations to the new 7th Generation of Houkago Princess, and congratulations to the girls for their up-coming single! I await the release with anticipation and impatience, and will eagerly watch that PV Preview once it hits youtube!

Until the next update, everyone, please take care, love Idols, enjoy the HouPri, and stay happy and Healthy! Mwah!

Much Love,
Chiima~

External Links Regarding the Announcements:

Member Promotion (via Kojima Mayumi)
Member Promotions + New Single (via Michishige Saho)
Member Promotion (via Sekine Sasara)

New Single (via Shirosaki Himari)
New Single (via Kizuki Saori)
New Single (via Kojima Mayumi)

A Springs Fading Smile: Suzuki Kanon Announces Graduation from Morning Musume '16 and Hello! Project

Okay, so.... that happened o-O

 Please bear with me, I think my 5am brain is still trying to process what the fuck is going on right now.
It's not 6am as I publish this. WOW.

Suzuki Kanon is graduating... Yeah.

Okay, so to clarify (if 'graduation' was not enough to clarify), during these wee hours of the morning (afternoon in Japan, evening of the Americas), it was announced on the official Hello! Project Website that Suzuki Kanon of Morning Musume '15 will be graduating from both the group and Hello! Project come the end of their Spring Tour, in order to work in welfare.

An official translation of the announcement has been posted through the Up-Front Link Facebook page, of which you can find here.

"Thank you for your continued support towards Hello! Project and Morning Musume。'16. Kanon Suzuki, Morning Musume。'16 member, will graduate from Morning Musume。'16 and Hello! Project at the end of Morning Musume。'16 Spring tour. 

Kanon Suzuki entered Morning Musume。 as a member of the 9th generation in 2011 and then performed for more than 5 years. She reported last year “I want to study to have a work related to the welfare”. After a discussion, it came to the conclusion of graduating at the end of the Spring Concert Tour of 2016. 

After her graduation she will follow another road, but I think she can take advantage of those 5 years of activities and experiences and she voluntary leaves with her own cheerfulness character and smile, and we will support her. 

During the remaining time until her graduation, she will try her best more and more as a Morning Musume。’16. Please continue to support Morning Musume。’16 and Kanon Suzuki. 

February 7th 2016UP-FRONT PROMOTIONRepresentative DirectorTakeshi Nishiguchi"

 Zukki's own version has been published through the same link.

"I, Kanon Suzuki, will graduate from Morning Musume。’16 and Hello! Project at the end of the Morning Musume。’16 Spring Tour. 

After I became a member, 5 years have passed, I thought about lots of things since last year about the current version of me and about my future. 

During those 5 years, I have been able to meet many people as Morning Musume。, I had many experiences and I have learned many important things about living.
 I became a member of Morning Musume。 I admired since I was small, and I believe through our activities we made many people smiled with our songs and performances. I do not know how far those feelings reached everyone but I really tried my best at the fullest. 

Since last year I seriously thought about my future, and since I was really small I thought "I want to help people" so from now on, what can I do? Every activities as Morning Musume。was meaningful and fun, and during one of them, the event "SATOYAMA movement", "SATOUMI movement", I have been in contact with people with a beautiful smile and I thought little by little it would be great if I can do the same work. 

There are many forms of "Being helpful to people"... but from now on, I feel strongly that I want to help people in another way, I want to make people smile, I want to make them happy. For this first step, I decided "I want a work related to the welfare" to go towards to my dream. 

For that reason, as a human I have to experience and study various things. 

Not as "Kanon Suzuki from Morning Musume。", but as "Kanon Suzuki", in order to live this life, I have decided to graduate to fulfill my new dream. 

I will continue Morning Musume。 activities to make those activities nourish me, also to cherish the time as Morning Musume。 and to not forget the feeling of gratitude I receive from everyone. 

Thank you for Morning Musume。'16 and for Kanon Suzuki. 

February 7th 2016
Morning Musume。'16
Kanon Suzuki"

... Huh.

Okay, so my immediate reaction to this was a 'what?' kind of attitude. Wide-eyed, pondering and processing it, thinking that it was no surprise and, weirdly, no tears of any sort. Then again, it is past 5am in England right now, and I am tired yet also battling many emotions from a crappy night at work; sadness has little priority here right now.

That said, it's been about a half hour since this news got out, and I'm starting to feel dread. Safe to say, I'm gonna be in tears tomorrow, because now two beloveds of mine are graduating this year, and in the God-damned Spring, no less.

Bye, semi-melted ice heart, it was good to know you beat a few times this year. I'll see you all iced and shiny this coming summer.

Really though, I'm not overly surprised that it's Zukki graduating next. Sad, yes I am, but surprised I am not, unless you count the timing, which yes, that surprises me, because I doubt any of us expected the next graduation from Morning Musume to happen this swiftly.
 Hell, I don't think I've seen an MM Grad this quick since the departure of Gaki months after Ai-butt left, and even then it was a longer period between graduations with those two.

Honestly, it does suck that Zukki's leaving, but I can't really blame her, either. She's 17, for crying out loud, an age where most girls and guys begin to think about potential careers they may want to enter in the future. She's had five years with both Hello! Project and Morning Musume, allowing her a decent amount of time to gain good work ethic as well as wonderful experience in a variety of areas, and she has seen both the good and the bad sides of the Entertainment Industry. Like Riho and her peers before, after and around her, she has experienced a lot in half a decade, and now she's chosen now to be the time she wants to move on. So yeah, I don't blame her; if you ask me, she's making a good decision.
 I won't lie though; I'll miss the crap out of her.

Zukki, sweet girl, was my favourite Morning Musume member, often rivaling for affection with Eripon, and at one point she had been my Top Idol. Since about a year ago things have changed and my love for Hello! Project and Morning Musume has skewed, but I will never forget the love and joy this girl brought me; she still makes me smile now, and I would totally cry if I ever had the chance to shake her hand (no chance of that now, aye?). I adore this girl, and nothing will ever stop me from adoring her, because Zukki will, forever and always, hold a place in my dark, dank heart.
 For me, she is the light of the Idol World, and I will miss her to Heaven and back.

She is a very important Idol to me. Like Gaki and Eripon, Ono Erena and Ayase Miho, she is an Idol I think highly of and adore.

I'm not crying now, but I know I will eventually, because it's freakin' Zukki. She has brought me so much since becoming an Idol fan, and I do know that, come her Graduation Day, I might just be a blubbering wreck, because for a very long time she was #1 in my heart.

I'm numb now, and I feel turmoil. I think the news is finally sinking in properly, and I am grasping what it all truly means. Tomorrow I will feel worse, but I know that Graduations happen, and that they are there for a reason. Zukki needs to move on, and honestly, I do too. I will always love her, but I do accept her departure. It is what I can do as a fan, as well as to continue supporting Morning Musume '16 here on out once she has left us for good.

Zukki is beautiful, and Zukki is strong. She's put up with so much, and now she will take her final path with Morning Musume '16. For five years now, Suzuki Kanon has graced us with her smile, her talent and her beauty, and for the future, she will continue to grace others with all of these things, continuously working in high spirits and a full smile.

But, until that day arrives, let's all simply treasure the time we have with Zukki. Sure, it'll be bittersweet, but at least we have the comfort of knowing that her Graduation won't feel rushed or sudden in any way. For all us Zukki fans, we will at least be able to watch over her for just a little bit longer.

Until next time.

Chiima

Say Hello to Hello! Pro's New Angel! ANGERME Introduces their Shin Member!

So Hello! Project is full of news this month already it seems, which also means that I'm back to a regular blogging streak... at least, for now. And with all this news about, blogging about it just so happens to be a great way to procrastinate from my essay that is totally not due in this Friday... yeah... >o>

Please don't be like me, guys XD Finish your essays and homework in a timely manner!

Anyways...

As Hello! Project prepares for the departure of Fukuda Kanon, it seemed that now was just the right time to finally introduce the latest member in the groups ever-changing roster, the winner of the recent ANGERME auditions that took place this summer. So, let's see just who she is, shall we?

Introducing Kamikokuryo Moe, 16 years old and hailing from the Kumamoto Prefecture! Previously a participant in Morning Musume '14's Golden Audition, Kamikokuryo failed the audition, however found motivation through the song Taiki Bansei to go on and audition instead for ANGERME, which happened to result in her coming out as the sole 'Shin Member' out of 1,800 applicants.

Kamikokuryo was revealed as the newest member addition on November 11th at Club Citta in Kanagawa during ANGERME's release event for their latest single. She is 150cm in height, enjoys karaoke as a hobby, and has talent in jump rope, pen twirling and drums. Her purity and powerful gaze are her qualities according to Sharm Q's Taisei, who participated as a judge for the audition process.

In regards to this news, I'm actually surprisingly positive with the addition of Kamikokuryo. I mean, I was expecting about three to four members being added, so I was initially dreading the new member announcement, so when it was revealed that it was just one girl out of so many applicants who had been chosen, I felt happy.

ANGERME as 9nin works so freaking well, so to see them keep that number in their lineup just makes me feel positive for them. Plus, KamiMoe seems like she'll be a great addition to the group, what with her intriguing features, her pretty damn good voice, and how she already seems to fit in with the group despite only being a part of it for about a day or so. Really, it's actually quite nice to see someone new in there right now, especially one who looks as interesting as KamiMoe.

I'm genuinely excited to see what ANGERME will do after Nyon's graduation, because it'll definitely be a bit of a game changer for the group, what with one of their more prominent lead vocalists out now, as well as a new voice in. It'll be interesting to see how they do, to watch the growth of both the 3rd generation and KamiMoe herself, as well as to see how the group itself evolves in the process.

So yeah, at first I wasn't too happy with the idea of new members coming into ANGERME, but now that KamiMoe is there and the sole survivor of the audition process, I feel a lot more positive on her addition. She's cute, she fits, and she seems like she'll be a nice asset to the team once Nyon takes her leave. As a casual follow of H!P now, I can only hope that ANGERME will continue to have a positive, fruitful future in their career.

Until next time! Peace out~

Much Love,
Chiima~

External Links and Sources:

J-Pop Idols
Tokyo Girls' Update
jpopasia
Up-Front Link Announcement
Up-Front Link Interview

What in the Fiddlesticks...? Country Girls Obtain New Members!

... Huh!?

Note: This is pretty much a post written straight after hearing this news, meaning that it contains all thoughts I had during this point in time. I apologise if the structure is mucked up, however if you find what is written here annoying, I will not apologise, because whilst my opinion may be annoying, it's not yours to change. Ta, duck.

After the sudden graduation announcement of Sayashi Riho from Morning Musume '15, I admit that I did not expect Hello! Pro to come out with anything else announcement-wise, or at least, anything that would be surprising or even unneeded. Then again, this is Hello! Project we're talking about! They like surprising us, especially with the unnecessary.

Le Sigh.

(Left: Funaki Musubu Right: Yanagawa Nanami)

It was announced mere hours ago that, for some reason, Country Girls now have two brand new members plucked from the Kenshuusei nest! Meet Funaki Musubu and Yanagawa Nanami, both 13 years of age and ready to bring some life and cheer to the clearly lifeless and stagnant 5nin Country Girls.
 If y'all haven't noticed, I'm dripping with sarcasm right now, and that's probably because I'm not really that enthralled by this new piece of news.

Seriously, why and how did this come about? I mean, it wasn't like UFP or H!P were hinting at these girls debuting, let alone giving us any inkling as to whether or not Country Girls as a whole would change. I mean, I thought they were doing fine as 5nin, unless this is some weird plan to change the roster with every single release? Who knows, that may be the aim for CG at this point.

Either way, this news is pretty sudden, and it definitely raised eyebrows, at least, it did mine.

That said, I am not saying that this is a bad thing, I'm just saying that it's not what I, maybe others too, expected to happen, especially not so close to Nyon's graduation or so soon after Riho's recent graduation announcement. Then again, UFP are the type to try and throw a good thing one way when a bad thing happens another way.
 Well, regardless, this isn't a bad thing, per say!

I'm pretty sure this news has made a lot of the fans happy, especially those who follow the Kenshuusei programme and wish for their girls to debut soon, and yeah, I am happy that these girls have debuted! It's just that I kinda wish UFP or H!P would notify a 'surprise' during the next concert, at least, because then we can be prepared before we're thrown a surprise bone of sorts.

No matter what though, this is a decision that seems to have made a lot of fans rather pleased, and one decision that I hope turns out good for H!P and Country Girls as a whole. For myself however, I'm still surprised and taken aback by it, but I guess I'll get used to the idea of 7-nin Country Girls once the next single rolls around.

... And now, for the conspiracy theories that Momoko is leaving! Which wouldn't be surprising really, cause, like, she's old! Plus her contract'll run out eventually, right~?

Anyway, that's all I have to say for now on this topic. If I have time, I may even write a follow-up post, who knows? Doubtful, yet possible.

Until next time however, please take care, love Idols and stay healthy and happy!

Much Love,
Chiima~

External Links:

Up-Front Link Article
Hello! Project Announcement
BARKS News

After 4pm, Houkago Princess will take on their Royal Debut this August with their New Mini-Album, 'Seifuku Cinderella'!

"At 4pm after school, when their uniforms turn into the dresses of a princess and they place on their tiaras, they become real-life Princesses!"

Houkago Princess, who will be holding their Royal Major Debut this year, have announced the release of their debut mini-album, Seifuku Cinderella! To tell their very own Cinderella story, they have produced six songs to bring forth their feelings, and show us all their hard-work since their formation in 2011.

The much anticipated debut is set to drop on August 19th, 2015 under the groups new label, Universal Music Japan.

The mini-album will be released in three editions; Regular edition, which depicts the girls in plain but charming Seifuku just before the clock strikes 4pm, and Types A and B, which show the girls off in thier Cinderella costumes, with Type A's clock chiming 9pm, and Type B's sitting just before Midnight, when the spell is broken!

The concept of the charming covers comes from the fact that, during live performances, the members of Houkago Princess will perform during the day in their seifuku, and then perform again after school hours in a different assortment of costumes! Like real After-School Princesses, they transform when school is well and truly over!

(Regular Edition)

(Left: Type A Limited ver  |  Right: Type B Limited ver.)

The track-list is as follows:

1. Seifuku Cinderella
2. Juliet ~Kimi wo Suki na 100 no Riyuu~ (2015 ver.)
3. Dream Door
4. Kimipedia
5. Gachi Only You
6. Nanairo Photograph (Odagiri Nana solo song)

For both Type A and Type B Limited versions, there is of course a little bit extra to go with your dose of HouPri Love! With Type A, fans will get an accompanying DVD that includes a Music Video (possibly for Seifuku Cinderella) and with Type B, there comes a mini-pohotobook (20 pages) for those who purchase it! Of the three, which one would you choose?

As well as the single covers, track-list and their new promotional images, the group has also unveiled their latest profile pictures as well, in which they show off their latest princess attire, the Cinderella costume! Which member wears it best?

Aren't they just cute!?

.｡.:*☆*:.｡.☆.｡.:*☆*:.｡.

*Professional Mode: OFF*
*Freak-Out Mode: ON*

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!!

-breathes heavily, rolls over, breathes even more heavily-

My. Babies. Are. DEBUTING andomfglookatthemtheyaresogorgeous eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep!!!!!!!!!!

I am VERY happy right now, and yes, OF COURSE I CRIED!!! I always cry when it comes to HouPri, we all very well know that, but upon seeing their costumes after waking up, seeing that they are major debuting with a mini-album, I of course felt rather overwhelmed! I'm really really happy, because for a while I've wanted this group to release an album of some sort though honestly, most of their singles could be seen as mini-albums, with how many songs are on the damned things AND NOW THEY HAVE!!!

I am ecstatic, and yes, I'm going to buy one of these editions. Most likely Type A, because it has a freakin' Music Video accompanying it, but actually, I really love the Regular Editions cover.

I may just get both, ya know? o3o CAUSE HOUPRI 8U

BUT. SERIOUSLY!!! They are well and truly Major Debuting, and it's in August. That's barely two months away now, and I am so freakin' EXCITED, OMFG!!!! Sure, the Cinderella costume doesn't suit them all in my opinion, and those giant-ass sleeves are atrocious, however I love the entire concept that Universal have taken on with this single and its meaning. It's great! It provides a story for the fans, whilst still keeping in line with the way HouPri works.

Also, those covers... daaaaamn they are truly spiffy! I really really like those covers and the attention to detail on the clock and time, ya know!? I just want them in my hands, now!!!

I truly am happy as a fan of HouPri right now, and honestly, I cannot wait until their debut mini-album drops and we get to hear its contents! I know for a fact that many Western fans are eagerly anticipating Nanairo Photograph, and whilst Juliet ~Kimi wo Suki na 100 no Riyuu~ (2015 ver.) is no new track to our ears, I still await it with great anticipation.

But, what I honestly anticipate most is that. Music. VIDEO!!!! Where is it, I need it in my life, GIVE IT TO ME!!! I am hungry for HouPri, and whilst this news may sate my hunger for now, I will surely need that MV in the next month or so, because it's what I like most - seeing my #1 group in action, and to see them truly come to life with their Major Debut!

Seifuku Cinderella is what all the fans of HouPri have been waiting for ever since their indies debut back in 2011. The group has gone through so much change since then, but with all of their hard-work, they have finally come to this, their Royal Debut!

And honestly, with all the bad news and graduations that have gone on this past month already, I do think it's time for the good, don't you? In fact, I will embrace it to the fullest!

After 4pm, let these schoolgirls change their seifuku into their princess dresses and put on their tiaras! For Houkago Princess, please support their Major Debut and watch these Princesses blossom into Queens!

Until next time, please stay Happy and in Love with Idols!

With Happiness and tears,
Chiima~

Source(s):

Houkago Princess Official Website Announcement
Universal Music Japan Houkago Princess Official Site
Cute Black inc.
Musicman-Net

And so Kobushi Factory will Major Debut, said the Hello! Project Demon Overlord...

This post contains my thoughts. Don't like it, don't worry - I don't expect everyone to agree with me, or anyone at all, really! Reember, if you find me so offensive, you don't have to read!

*I feel like this is such a passive-aggressive post XD

Just two days shy of Shimamura Uta's withdrawal from Country Girls, it was suddenly announced, much to the surprise of the Hello! Project fandom, that one of the Factories would Major Debut!

Yeah, this ain't no coincidence, I'm sure.

On June 14th, the announcement that Kobushi Factory, the original 'successor' unit to the now defunct Berryz Kobou, would make their major debut this coming Fall with the release of their up-coming second single release, Dosukoi! Kenkyo ni Daitan / Ramen Daisuki Koizumi-san no Uta / Nen ni wa Nen (Nen'iri Ver.), a rather intimidating Triple A-side. One of the songs, Ramen Daisuki Koizumi-san no Uta, will be a cover of the Sharam Q song Ramen Daisuki Koike-san, and will also be the theme song of the up-coming TV Drama, Ramen Daisuki Koizumi-san, which is set to air this June. So already the group is getting a pretty good gig for their major debut, and a rather gigantic release by debuting with a triple A-side.

So... what's the problem?

Okay, so I don't mean to be a negative ninny here, but because I am, I will be however with only two days that have passed on by since Uta's leave of Country Girls, I can't help but feel like Kobushi's sudden Major Debut announcement is just a tad too convenient. I have no doubt that, even before Uta's leave, their major debut was in the works, but with how things have gone recently, this new announcement of H!P's feels rather premature - it's like it's the cushion used to soften the all mighty blow, in a sense.

I don't doubt the fans are happy, because heck, the Kobushi fans are ecstatic about this news, and I am happy for them - but it feels like another Juice=Juice with me. With Juice=Juice, it was way too early to major debut them, having only given them time to grow within three months and nothing more, and it's the same with Kobushi. Instead of three singles though, Kobushi only had one single release.
 So yes, I feel like we haven't had time to watch the group grow even a little bit, moreso for us fans who don't follow the Kenshuusei as much as others do. For me as a viewer and listener, it feels like they're just being shoved into our faces rather quickly, and not given a proper demonstration of just what they can do.

I don't doubt the abilities of Kobushi Factory - I've listened to their debut indies single, and whilst it's not to my taste, it's very well done and one of the best set of songs we've had from H!P this year, however I can't help but feel iffy with this group and their rather quick major debut. To me, it's all too convenient, maybe a little rushed.
 Again, the major debut would have been in the works already, but I have a feeling the announcement was made so soon after Uta left to give the fandom something positive, and to give them little time to dwell on the bad news. I have a feeling this was supposed to be announced a month or so later, but nope. It was announced now, and I just think it feels like it was thrown in at the last minute.

Honestly though, when I heard this news, I didn't care, nor did I find it overly surprising. With recent events within H!P and the Idol world in general, this news actually fell really flat when I heard it. It wasn't exciting to me. Not to say it isn't to other fans, because again, this news has made a lot of fans happy, but for me, I just don't seem to care because right now, Kobushi Factory do not appeal to me in image or sound.
 Honestly, I am probably more of a Tsubaki fan, and they have yet to do anything.

I'm probably sounding super negative on these girls major debuting, and in a way, I am; it feels like Hello! Project are rushing to debut new talent and groups at the drop of the hate, and whilst that is good in some cases, it feels like they aren't giving the groups enough time to ripen in their indies phase, or that they're counting their chickens before they are about to hatch. Already we've had two groups announce their major debuts in under a few months of each other, and Tsubaki have yet to release their own indies single, or we've yet to hear of any other groups second single release of the year that isn't ANGERME. It's a tad overwhelming, actually.

Still, at least H!P are using their trainees this time around, and not kicking them out once they're tired of them like they did with UUG. This way, the fans are happy, I suppose.

Still, would it be too much to ask for H!P to, oh I dunno, slow the f*#% down? Seriously, calm your tits H!P, it won't hurt to wait - we fans should know, given how you like keeping us waiting for new single announcements.

Anyways, until next time. Peace!

Chiima~

Ono Erena Announces her Retirement from the Entertainment Industry

First and foremost, these are my opinions. Secondly, don't hate me just because you can't handle my opinion. Kay? KAY!

*This is pretty much my reaction to the announcement. Don't expect clear thoughts. At all. Thanks.

Actress and singer Ono Erena has announced that she will be retiring from the Entertainment Industry on July 15th. Her reason for this decision is said to be because of new dreams and goals.

The Idol, who has been working hard within the industry since she was 12 years old, has learned many things through working with other people to reach many goals. She became a part of AKB48, became a soloist and also experienced leading a role in a drama series. Now, after 8 years of being within this industry, her dreams and goals have changed, and she will be taking on a new path.

Tokyohive
Natalie
...

Okay, LesPro, WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY IDOLS!? ;W;

First Bump.y, now Erepyon... what the heck? Why are the good girls leaving me? Why are they leaving us!? I mean, Erepyon... she was so... well, damn, she was talented and amazing and a glorious being on this planet who brought such amazing music and happiness to this world. She was wonderful!!!

Okay, over-reacting moment over (kinda, I can't promise anything) I was surprised by this announcement. Actually, surprised isn't exactly the correct term; more like shocked and ready to burst into tears. I mean, this is Erepyon we're talking about, here! She isn't just 'any other' soloist in my eyes, but someone to fawn over and love until the end of eternity. She's one of my Oshi's, one of the most talented girls out there with some amazing music that brings me joy, sadness and energy... she is damn perfect, if you ask me, and she's leaving!

WHY!? (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻)

So done.

Well... not really, but you know what I mean! It's that feeling of just... well, it's not a nice feeling ;_____; MY BABY IS LEAVING ME! THIS IS LIKE LOSING AN ARM!!! AND A LEG!!! EXCEPT IN THE FORM OF A FULL HUMAN BEING NAMED EREPYON!!!

... I told you I would possibly continue to over-react ._. Okay, breath, Chii... -breathes-

All that said and ranted, whilst it saddens me deeply and makes me wonder how to go on in life (okay, that's a giant exaggeration there and we all know it) I do truly wish that whatever Erepyon wants to do in life, she can accomplish it and become great in what she does. I truly hope she achieves greatness, happiness and a wonderful life for herself. She's an adult now, someone who has to make rather big decisions, hard choices that she knows she needs to figure out and decide for herself. I accept that completely. Sure, I may not seem like I am taking this whole announcement well, but I do accept that she has decided this for herself and that this is, ultimately, the best thing to do right now as a person.

She's a wonderful entertainer, a beautiful singer and a gorgeous person. She has talent and potential in many areas, and I will be so sad to see her go, because everything she has done so far I have absolutely loved; Ono Erena has brought me great joy and happiness since her debut, she has become one of my stand-out favourites in Idols, an Oshi if you will. She has continued to amaze me with whatever she creates and proving time and again that, as a singer, she truly possesses a talent. She is charismatic and charming, a perfect Idol in every way. I will miss her presence in the entertainment industry, because it is a presence that barely graces the Idol scene in soloists.

I am happy that I was able to listen to Erena's music and experience her music videos. I am so thrilled to have become a fan of her and fallen in love with what she produces. She is wonderful, and she will truly be missed not just by me, but so many other people. Erepyon is a delight and a true Idol, one who will be dearly missed. I love her so much, and I can only hope that she will return to the Entertainment Industry one day, whether as an Idol or a singer, I don't mind, but I do hope she returns.

I know that an Idols career does not last forever, and I totally accept that, but I actually find myself wishing Erepyon's lasted longer, about another 10 years or so maybe, but I accept that she's leaving too. For her, it's her time to leave and go on with her life doing something different. All I can do right now, aside from wish she was staying with us a few decades longer, is wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors, and hope she lives a wonderful, fulfilling life as Ono Erena.

Goodbye, sweet princess ;_______; I will seriously miss you and the happiness you have brought me. One day, I hope to meet you again ;_____;



Fight for your dreams and goals, and become a Fighting Hero in your own right. Goodbye, darling </3

Chiima

The Graduation Announcement of Michishige Sayumi

These are my thoughts on Sayu's Graduation Announcement, what Sayu means to me as a fan and also what I personally think she has done for the group. You do not have to agree with everything in here, just so you know; what I say is not valid for everyone. This is all purely based on the opinions I have, it is not solid fact. We can all agree to disagree.

Michishige Sayumi is graduating.

Let that sink in.

This has been my desktop for a while now, and it will stay that way for a while!!!

This post is a little late due to the fact that this whole day I have been distracted with other stuff such as video editing and entertaining my baby niece, who has a tendency to come into my room and want to play on the computer or have me put make-up on her, so my sincerest apologies.

Of course, as everyone and their mother knows by now, Michishige Sayumi has announced her graduation from Morning Musume ('14) and Hello! Project, and is set to leave the group at the end of their Autumn concert. Her message, as well as the message from Tsunku and the official statement for the Hello! Project website, have all been translated thanks to Takamruyo, so be sure to read them all.

I, Michishige Sayumi, will be graduating from Morning Musume on the final day of Morning Musume ’14′s 2014 Autumn concert tour. 

I have said roughly two years ago when I was appointed leader that I would “pay my debt of gratitude to Morning Musume”. During it all, it has not been by my efforts alone that we were able to achieve 5 consecutive Number 1s, but through all our various activities, little by little, I feel that perhaps I was able to pay off the favor. 

Therefore, after consulting with Tsunku-san and the company, it was decided the graduation will take place in this year’s concert tour. 

Nevertheless, there is still time left, I still have things I want to teach and to show my juniors.
I would still like to create precious memories with all the fans as well. 

And now, from here on is when I truly pay back the favor.
I would like to graduate from Morning Musume in its best form, as I pass the baton over to the next generation. 

Best regards until Autumn. 

April 29, 2014
Morning Musume ’14 leader
Michishige Sayumi

Looking towards the future, clearly

My reaction to this news was exactly this; "....................................................... What?" and then a few tears pricking the eyes and a need to process it all. It was a bit of a shock to the system for me, if you will.

Still, this was to be expected. I mean, she's been around for 11 years now and the Morning Musume she came into and knew has gone, and she's succeeded in a way most of the leaders before her haven't succeeded before - it's her time to go, though I will admit that I didn't expect this announcement now. More like Autumn time this year, which ironically is the time she's actually leaving, but there we go; she's going, and one of my damn predictions has come true, albeit it being one of the few predictions I didn't want to come true this year. At all.

But as I said, and as many people will say; It is time for Sayu to leave, and now is as good a time as any.

Bye Bye, Past.

Sayumi has been around to see many sides of Morning Musume, if you think about. She has seen them in the dire state that was the Platinum era à la Takahashi Ai, she has seen them in the middle of rising back to the spotlight, and then she has seen them back in the spotlight thanks to her leadership; she's basically been through a cycle that is similar to life, death and then rebirth, with her as the creator essentially. From the ashes, she brought Morning Musume back to the flame and from there, they were reborn.

From a fans point of view, we have seen Sayu work hard with the group that she loves so much, both defending and fighting for it from many sides, and grow up as a result too. Ever since becoming a leader she has truly blossomed and proven that she is different from the other leaders who headed the group, continuously showing that her efforts were to not be in vain and allowing us to see how much she truly loved this group, a group she was finally leading; she had the drive and determination for the group that other leaders had lacked since the Golden years, and thanks to everything she put into not only promoting the group but the other members, putting her own TV image on the back-burner in order to do so, she has watched Morning Musume grow from a group of awkward, mismatched members who felt more like a cluster of toddlers into something more, something more refined.

As a Leader Sayumi is powerful, admirable and, above all, amazing. She is someone who I, as well as many others, respect.

Even though her graduation announcement has garnered a lot of attention and tears, I am honestly glad to see her leaving on a high note; Morning Musume have reached a record of 5 consecutive #1 singles on the Oricon chart, with their previous record only being 4, and I feel like Sayumi was waiting for something like this to happen before she went - it just means that when she goes, she will leave knowing that Morning Musume are in a better form than the one she experienced when she was simply a member and not the leader. She's leaving with a peace of mind, I suppose, and I don't blame her; why go when the group you love so much has once again fallen back into a cycle of bad promotion, zero recognition and/or an endless cycle of only one member being known by the public of Japan? It would kill anyone I believe, so I really don't blame Sayu for leaving now, when Morning Musume is recognised and liked by the public again.

It was the Morning Musume she grew up knowing after all, and the Morning Musume she hopes to see even after she's gone I believe. All she ever wanted was to see Morning Musume be successful again, and she has achieved that completely.

Sure, I have my fears of what might be after she's gone; don't we all? I mean, she's the best leader the group has had in a long time. She has cherished and nurtured Morning Musume, caring for all of the members who have come in during her time and truly bringing the group together. She has made this group feel whole in my eyes, creating a balanced and level playing field. It once felt like it was just these older girls and some kids, with Riho as a front-runner and the rest playing backing dancers, but now it really feels fuller and a lot more friendly.

She made Morning Musume feel like 'Morning Musume' again.

I'm really going to miss Sayumi when she goes, because she has always been a member that always seemed to be 'there', someone I could rely on to never go away. From the year of 2009, when I started watching Morning Musume, she was a member who I thought was cute and fun to watch, and now she has become a member who is so beautiful and who has truly matured in many ways. She is no longer that cute, sugary-sweet girl with a tongue like acid, but instead a young woman who has developed fully as a leader and proven just how passionate she is about the group she has lead up until this point.

We don't have long now, but the time we do have with Michishige Sayumi of Morning Musume ('14) will be cherished by the fans. From now until that point, I look forward to what Sayu will bring us during her last months with the group she has raised so well.

CHAYUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!

Further Information Regarding the Closure of the Digest

Further regarding the decision to close my Digest, I would like to apologise for the sudden post on such an important matter. I realise that I haven't taken your feelings into consideration, and I sincerely apologise for choosing to close the Digest so suddenly. However, this is my final decision and I want to stick by it - it is simply for the best, for both the blog and myself.

(Please jump over the break)

Where Chiima Decides to Close the Digest

Recently I came to a decision which, I must admit, is one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my life in terms of blogging so far;

I am going to end my Digest series, with #93 being the final post I make.

I know I'm close to 100, and originally I intended to actually stop my Digest then, but after recently becoming so busy with my everyday life thanks to University plans and work, I've had to kind of bring the idea of closing my Digest down permanently forward. Admittedly, it's not just my life getting in the way that has made me want to close my Digest either.

I've actually felt like closing down my Digest for a while now, but it never happened because I always found a reason to want to continue doing it, like it keeps my blog updated at least once a week, or I'm doing it to help others keep updated with news that they can't find every day because of being far too busy or something like that, however recently the feelings of wanting to update have just dwindled greatly, and now that my own life is becoming busier each week, I can no longer find a reason to update my Digest, or at least not as quickly as I would like to.

There are also other reasons behind the sudden closure of the Digest, such as the fact that I feel like I don't cater enough in terms of Idols to everyone, or that I don't update as often as I should. I've found that recently I also feel useless when writing a Digest, because I am not spending as much time on it as I should, or updating it daily before I can post it like I used to - the fact that it is no longer one of my top priorities in my blogging life made me realise that I can't really handle it well any more, and that maybe I should stop whilst I still can, before I start to really dislike it altogether. I know this way of thinking is very negative, but these are really the things I have been thinking as I did my Digests recently; I feel like I am a bad writer for leaving it so close to the deadline, and that they are no longer an important role in my blogging life. That is, sadly, the truth of this matter.

I have done my Digests for almost 2 years now, and I have enjoyed doing it greatly, I really have - when people commented that it was a good idea, I really felt like I had created something worthwhile and helpful to others, but lately it has just been harder, and there are so many more great blogs out there updating you on news that are better and much more reliable that my own Digest. You guys deserve someone reliable to update you, not someone who will wait two days after her supposed deadline to give you a weekly post. It is unfair to you, and I don't want to keep up the pretence that I can do it, because I know I can't.

I'm sorry, but I will be ending my Weekly Digest. Personal life issues are far too important now, and I just don't have the time. I feel bad for ending it now, but there are other things that are far more important to me than my Digest.

Tomorrow will be my last post for this series. I'm sorry that it had to end so suddenly, but I have truly enjoyed doing it these past two years. Thank you all for reading, and thank you for being a part of it all and allowing me to continue my Digest up until this point. It is sad to say, but the time has come for this serial to close.

Until tomorrow though, I will bid you adieu. Ja ne, tata and farewell.

Chiima~