The Consequences of Your Opinion

What is written here is, undoubtedly, my opinion, and you may like it, you may not, and some will ignore it because they do not want my opinion. In the end, there will be someone who conflicts with what I say, what you say, what we all say - it is life. However, all of our opinions count, but please don't be so close-minded as to ignore someone else's opinion just because you value your own. Let yourself open your mind to what they have to say, and learn from both your opinion, and theirs.

I want to point out that, originally, I did write a rant post before this one, however I have decided against posting it because it was created from direct anger and hurt. However, it did help me to write this post, which is a reflection of what has happened.

I summarised my entire post in my Disclaimer. Are we done now?

I think that this image is a perfect representation of what I am going to talk about today, class.

So, opinions. We all have them, and we all use them at some point in our day to day lives, whether we are talking to someone we know at work, school or home, or if we are on the internet. No matter what, we openly voice our opinions, and in a sense, we know what to expect; either someone will agree with us, or they will disagree. It is a part of the by and by of life.

But, having an opinion is not a simple thing, especially when you are a part of a fandom that has a lot of strongly opinionated people. Whether it is a Justin Bieber fan (they are shit scary, and don't listen to reason; TRUST ME) or someone who closely follows the Jpop culture that we all love ourselves, there will be someone out there who will bite at your opinion, and not let you win because, like you, they are heavily passionate about what they believe in, and they don't want to listen to reason or take into account that, just maybe, you have said something they understand or something that is probably true. Heck, we have all been there, and some of us are probably still in that position.

The thing is, with fans like this, they can quickly turn an opinion into a hate speech, and will never look at the good in what you say, and only take in the bad of it all and immediately judge you on it. That is how internet fights in fandoms spark, and it is also one of the reasons why many fans of certain pop cultures stray away from them, because it seriously is scary and disheartening. I admit, I stray away from forums a lot now because of the fans, though I am not saying ALL fans are like this, just the ones who are so heavily opinionated that they don't listen to what someone else has to say, because they have already thought of them as a hater and someone to judge because of what they have said.
 This is why I stick to Facebook, though sometimes that is no better, but people are a lot more open there I have found.

Now, I bring this topic up because recently, I experienced something like this. After writing my article in 'The Issue With Berryz', it came to light from a friend on facebook that I had been, and I quote, "bashed" on an online forum for what I had said, and that they thought I should know. Now, because I rarely frequent online forums for this very reason, I initially would have had no idea that this was going on, but now that I did, I decided to take a look to see what had been said. Of course, it wasn't the worst I had seen from the person who had started the post, but it wasn't generally nice either in a way. I mean, knowing that someone has felt so upset by something you have written is actually very upsetting for the person who wrote it, and I did go and apologise, but in the end, it was my opinion and I did note that if you didn't like it, then don't read what I write. Of course, what they had said on the forum did spawn a few other posts from people who were like-minded to the original poster about me, and they did of course dish out that I was a hater, and someone who was unworthy of the Berryz fandom.

Now that is bashing.

Every person who disagrees with me because of an Opinion, and when I try to talk to them

The original poster was hurt by what I had said, and I understood that. I also understood the consequences I would have to take on by posting something as risky (for the H!P fandom, at least) as a post on Berryz and how I felt they should disband, otherwise I would have never posted it, and I knew that I would potentially get some dislike and hate for it. The thing is, I expected people to comment on my blog with the hate, but instead it was on a public forum, for fans who had the same mind-set to see, instead of commenting and talking to me about it. And yes, I did take a serious issue with it, and even now I find the original poster to be rather immature and scared to do that (but not bad), but in the end they made it public to other Berryz fans who would also take issue with it. Why? Because it's the safe thing to do, rather than come out to the original writer and take issue with them, and listen to their own reasons.

Now, my main issue with this whole bashing thing wasn't the person who originally wrote about how it affected them, but the people who posted afterwards. I highly doubt a lot of those who posted afterwards, calling me out as a hater and what not, had even read my post, let alone looked at it. If they had taken a read of it and decided to hate me afterwards, then fine, but it was that fact that it looked like they were all basing their opinions (oh look, that word!) on me from what someone else had said... and what that person had said was all the things that were, you know, bad. So yeah, it did rub me in the wrong way.

Of course, even after I did try and talk to the person about what had been said, and heck, I even apologised, I still received the same answer from them that they had originally started the topic with... as if they hadn't even read what I said, and disregarded anything I would say after that. So, I just left it at that afterwards (I did respond once more, after Wotutu, my Knight in Frilly Lolita, dashed to my defence on the forum without telling me she would do so... my hero <3) and I haven't looked at the forum since, because I don't want to know what has been said now, as how they feel about me and what they think has already been confirmed; they don't like me, and they think of me as a Berryz Hater who will never be a fan in their eyes of their Holy Group. The end, pretty much.

Honestly, it is really good to have an opinion, especially a strong one, but it is not good to have an opinion so strong that you are ignorant to everyone else's opinion and blatantly ignore what they have to say to try and help you see their point of view. Yes, this person had stated I could have my opinion, but even when I talked to them about it they answered with 'You hurt my feelings, I am still hurt, and nothing you can say will change that' (in a sense), and that just showed me how indifferent they were to what I thought and felt. They didn't care that I was willing to talk to them and let them show me what they saw in Berryz, or let me know information I had gotten wrong (they had stated Berryz did indeed sell out Budokan, but someone else said 'we know they did, who cares if she doesn't' as if to pass off my opinion was nothing, and that I would not learn because I was ignorant to what they knew... erm... yeah...). This person did not really care for what I had to say I think, and whilst I think their opinion of Berryz is as good as my own, I do take issue in the fact that they won't listen to what others have to say, and will only let in the like-minded souls who share their passion and love for Berryz, rather than allowing for a more diverse opinion to infiltrate their perfect image of the group.

But, this is what happens, and it is to be expected. When you are vocal, online or in the real world, there will be consequences that shall, at some point in life, be met, and even though you know that this will happen, it will still surprise and hurt you, and you won't like it. People will jump to conclusions, and they will think of what you say as hate speech, and because of what has been written or said, others will immediately judge you for it based on what someone else has said about you. They don't see the good, they only see the bad, and whilst that original poster has been hurt by what you have said, you will also hurt because people are calling you a bitch or a hater, and bashing you with ill-intention, and they do not understand that you are stating opinions, not facts. There will be some people who don't judge you straight away, not everyone is like that, but if one person talks to another person or a group of people who share their ideals because it is safer for them, then you will be branded as someone who is unworthy and evil, no matter what you say to help them see what you mean, or to show them that you are willing to talk to them and learn.

The thing is, to be willing to learn about someone else's passions and interests, you both need to be willing to learn. Sadly, not everyone is as open minded as you are, but that is life, and life is a bitch.

Let your opinions be open, but don't let yourself become so close-minded that you shut out what another person thinks just because you don't want them to break your ideal. Be willing to open yourself up to facts and theories, and let yourself learn more about the person, because then you will not only learn more about a group or culture someone else likes, but you will learn more about what you like, and why you like it, and the flaws that make it awesome.

Chiima~

200,000 Page Views? Let the Cheese Begin...~

On Tuesday 10th September, I hit 200, 000 page views... wow. Right now, I am on around 200,600, which is pretty damn amazing if you ask me... My blog has been read that many times, and for a while, I thought that I wouldn't get to this point until around December-New Years time.

Much like Serenyty of Happy Disco, when Ray announced that he and Idolminded would go on a 2 month Hiatus, I thought for sure that my view count would be shot. Now, like Serenyty, I pay attention to my view count. Some days I will ignore it, other days I will pay close attention to the views I have, because honestly, it's fun to do! It is nice to know people read what you write, even if you are the most shocking write on Earth... but please be assured, I write because I enjoy it, but knowing that people who read my posts and enjoy them makes me enjoy it more, because I am sharing this passion with you, and you are sharing it with me by reading what I write.

But, I was honestly surprised that even with Idolminded going on Hiatus, I was still hitting my usual amount of page views a day - and yes, that sincerely shocked me when I realised it. Now, I am slightly boasting here, I know, but I am happy that I was able to keep up the same amount of page views, even though Idolminded is on hiatus (and here is Karma, hitting me in the face, and making all of my readers stop reading, hahahahaha!!!) and also, I am happy that I was able to get to this point as a blogger... 200,000 page views all time! I am happy, and very thankful, to everyone who has read my blog up until now. It is like you are all supporting me in a way, and sharing my love for Idols and enjoyment for writing.

Now, to be all cheesy and stupid, because that is how I am and I like it that way, I have a few thank you's that I need to address...

Firstly, I want to thank everyone who comments, especially Shayna; Shayna has been commenting on this blog for a while now, and is easily one of my top commenters. Recently, on my 500 Posts post, she dropped a lovely big hint about being in an O!MT awards where she is the most obnoxious commenter... well, I had actually planned a while ago that, if ever I hit 200,000 page views, I would talk about commenters and such, especially the more consistent ones. Shayna is one of those commenters, and reading her comments makes me happy. The one I have screen capped made me especially happy because she noted how she finds me fun to read and how she enjoys the blog. It makes me really happy to see that, because I'm not the most confident in my writing (I find it pretty bad most of the time XD) and I sometimes wonder if you guys think I am stupid or just all around terrible at what I do, but it is nice to see some encouragement from Shayna. Also, I love the honesty she gives; she doesn't read everything, because I do create long posts, and yes, I swear like a sailor... but I like that honesty, and I'd rather she tell me the truth than lie and say 'Oh YEAH, I read EVERYTHING... desu desu!' or something along those lines.

So yeah, Shayna is, like, my top commenter, and she's funny and makes me happy. Smiles all around, and an award for Shayna for being my Top Commenter... or Stalker Commenter... or whatever. YATTA!!!

Kira Alexander is another commenter who is very active here when I post, especially if it concerns the greatness of Dream5, whom Kira loves dearly. I look forward to Kira's comment, especially where it concerns the beloved Dream5, because they are positive and encouraging, and also a delight to read. Kira is very passionate about groups that he/she (I don't know your gender... ;w;) adores and loves, and it is great to see such enthusiasm from a fan of any group, so I especially enjoy Kira's comments because they are always so enthusiastic for that group. I also love that Kira takes a great delight in knowing that others enjoy a product of a group they like, because it really shows in their comments.

Gustave154 is a regular commenter, and has been commenting for a while now I believe. Gustave is enthusiastic (me likey) and recently, they gave me a comment which really made me happy, and also, it made me cry. Said comment is the image above, where Gustave stated that they personally find my writing entertaining, and that they hope I write forever. That really made me emotional (xD) because I want to be a writer... script, Journalism, stories, whatever it may be, I want to write as a career, so to know that someone out there hopes I write forever pleases me greatly, because it gives me that hope that I can do it and become a writer of some sort... so Gustave, thank you. You really made me happy with your comment~

Sonda, who is the final commenter I am screen capping, is another regular here! I think Sonda is hilarious, they have such a great sense of humour which makes me laugh a lot when I read some of his/her comments (another genderless commenter, it seems!) because they seem to poke fun at what I do in a loving way XD Sonda always finds a way of entertaining me, and I always find their comments fun to read, and do look forward to them >3<

Of course, all my comments are precious... even the ones that call me a Hater/bitch/evil being/Satan or whatever else, because I do learn from the comments I get... a lot of readers pick up on mistakes and tell me about them, or I get told off for thinking a certain way, or I am told another point of view that allows me to broaden my thoughts on a person, song or video. I mean, I don't like the negative comments (who does?) but criticism is a part of life, and I take the criticism because, if I don't, then I can't improve, so to everyone who comments, whether it is positive, negative, or if it is there to help me, thank you, because it has allowed me to basically help myself as a writer on this blog, and to open my mind more.

Now, I need to also go through some other cheesy thank you's, so, please, stay for a moment...

Now, first things first, no, I am not thanking Perfume. If they visited my blog, or even knew of its existence, then yeah, I would thank them, but they haven't, and probably never will... No, I am thanking Nia of Nia's Wonderland, because she is one of my (many) blogging buddies, and has been very supportive of me. We both talk a lot online, and we have little play fights about who is better (recently, it was Pikarin and Kyary, and how we dislike one or the other, and basically niggle over who is better xD) as well as update each other and get all excited over groups, or debate and talk about how generic a few groups are... it's like that with us, and I really love Nia. She has also read a few of my blog posts before I even post them, because I think 'Oh, I don't think this looks good... NIA!!! READ IT!!!' and she tells me if I can post it, because I need a boost of confidence sometimes.

I think that Nia has really helped me, and I love her so much. She is also an amazing writer, who is just... <3 Also, her love for Perfume is undying, and I admire that a lot. I know I am not a fan of them like she is, but her devotion to Perfume is so admirable, and her writing is also to die for. She is so sarcastic sometimes, funny, and just a wonderful writer. I wish I had her ability to write, it is amazing. Ahh... <3

Another Blogger who needs thanks (and page views, GO THERE, PEOPLE!!!) is Serenyty of Happy Disco. I am also friends with Serenyty online, and she is so lovely. I also find her incredibly smart and an extremely talented write, and sometimes it is a shame that she doesn't update her blog regularly, because she really is someone who grips you as a reader when she writes... but yeah, she's fantastic. I may not talk to her as much as I do Nia, but when I talk to her, I feel like I am a Kouhai with a well-respected Senpai who, in a way, I fear and admire at the same time. I find her incredible to talk to, because she is someone who likes to learn about Idols and gain knowledge about them, and she is really enthusiastic about not just the groups she loves, but also groups that are unknown or new. She has a regular series which I like where she updates about groups who go to the yearly Idol festival, Tokyo Idol Festival, and gives us all the low-down on these groups, allowing us to learn more about them whilst she herself finds out about them. Other than all of this... I really do think she is a fantastic writer, and she is someone that I admire and think highly of as a blogger. I actually consider it a blessing that she talks to me sometimes! Really... I think of her so highly, she is my Senpai!!!

... I think that the only reason I have Isilie of Itsumo Genki in here, other than to obviously thank her for something, is because I want to fawn over her... really, I idolise Isilie. I admire Serenyty as a blogger and see her as a Senpai, Nia is like my Blogging sister, but Isilie... Isilie is my Idol. She is my Sayumi to my being Iikubo. It's just like that for me, and really... I just love her <3

But, thank you's... Isilie actually comments on here, and whenever I see her comment pop up on a blog post I have done, I want to cry with happiness. Back when I was idolising Isilie, and when this blog was new and on about 10 page views a month or something, I never thought she would look at my blog, let alone comment. Even now, that is the case... it still shocks me that she looks on here and comments, but it makes me so damn happy when she does! It's like <3 and ;w;. I love her, I seriously do, and I thank her for commenting, because it makes me happy and gives me the desire to write more knowing that someone I admire, love and idolise has encouraged me write... ahhh, I love her <3

ISILIE, I WANT YOUR FACEBOOK ;W; DAISUKI ONEGAI <3

Now, it feels stupidly cheesy to put this one here (because this post totally isn't made up of varying amounts of cheese already..) but I really do thank Ray from Idolminded a whole lot for supporting me as a blogger and writer. He picked me up when I was kind of down at one point in my life, and since then I have just admired and been thankful towards him. He is like a boss of sorts for me, and like the Master of the Blogging Universe in my mind (along with Greg), and I just think that he is amazing. He works hard on Idolminded, and has allowed me to become a staff member and keep me on when he moved from International Wota to Idolminded. I am just so in debt to him in my opinion, he has been so kind and understanding towards me, and he has been able to help me get to this point as a blogger... so yeah, I am thankful to him, and I really admire this God-like blogger. Thanks, sir!!!

Hm, this is getting soppy... -gets mop and bucket- I really should shut up and cut the cheese out of my blog posts, but whatever... :p

Basically, I am thankful to a lot of you. Readers, supporters... everyone. I am happy that you all read this blog and go out of your way to comment or even look at my posts. Seriously, thank you! I know I spout a lot of nonsense, my opinions are not always appreciated, and I sometimes ramble like a buffoon, but you seem to have stuck around... so thanks a lot, thank you for staying and putting up with my nonsense! It makes me happy, and it does keep me writing, because knowing that people care enough to read this blog, write a comment, or talk to me about it, it all encourages me to continue writing on here. I love writing on here, I always have, but you guys have made me love it more.

SO cheese over, sappiness mopped up... that's all for now I guess, until I hit 500,000 page views in about 40 years. Yeah...

PEACE OUT, YO!

Chiima~

PING!!! Recommended Community Reading: September 2013

A Premature Debut: Where Chiima Ponders and feels Butthurt over Juice=Juice's Major Debut (Essentially, this is Part 2!)

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and basically, you can't tell me what to think, WOOHOO, YAY, NAMIDA let's drink tea, kay? :3

... Here we go again, aye?

Back in June, about the time that Juice=Juice's Major debut was announced, I wrote a post on Idolminded all about how I felt Juice=Juice were debuting too early, and now that it's closer to the date, I still can't help but feel the same way; it is still too early, despite the fact that I have been given a few months to mull over that on September 11th, they will have officially debuted as a Major group within Hello! Project.

... Essentially, this is Part 2 of my thoughts on this matter. I may just be repeating myself, though, but who cares. Onto the Post!

Now, I know that other people think differently; I have been told plenty of times that it is the right thing to do, that Juice=Juice not only have the talent to debut so quickly, but also have the strength and the fanbase to support them. They aren't S/mileage, who at the time they debuted were still trying to establish themselves way back when the Trainee system was terrible, and I understand that, but I do think that Juice=Juice should have been given more time to grow as a group, rather than have the Major Debut announcement thrown out there as quickly as possible.

I mean, look at it this way; Hello! Projects main acts have, in one way or another, gone through an indies phase that took a period of a year and four singles (C-ute, S/mileage), or they have gone through a challenge of some sort (Morning Musume, S/mileage + S/mileage newbs) to allow them to establish themselves of being worthy of their Major debut. The only group who have not done this are Berryz Kobou, though you can count two years as the H!P Kids and helping out in various sub-units (4Kids), being in PV's (Boogie Train '03, Ganbacchae! and ALL FOR ONE & ONE FOR ALL to name a few) and participating in songs as their own challenge of sorts that helped towards their major debut. With Juice=Juice... well, I feel that this all a bit premature, even if you do say that they have proven they are good enough or deserve it because certain girls have waited for so long, etc etc.

Ooooh, the buuuuurns and tears and huuuuurt! ARRRGH!!!! -eats orange-

To be honest, I do think that one of the main reasons for the announcement being as sudden as it was is because Aina had been pulled out of the group. I feel that, in order to keep the Wota happy, UFP decided to create a bit of a hype surrounding Juice=Juice and announced their major debut. Because the announcement of Juice=Juice's major debut was made, this pretty much softened the blow that Aina was leaving, which was of course announced after the debut announcement. It was pretty clear that only Aina knew she would never major debut with her group members when it was announced at that time, because she was the only one who looked miserable as the other girls squealed in excitement. When the announcement for J=J's major debut happened, and I wrote my original thoughts on it, I really did not find any sense in such a rushed announcement, especially when the group was so fresh, but once Aina left, I understood it more; they needed something to make up for the fact that one of their most popular members was leaving, and a major debut was just that.

Still, I don't like it. I don't think I ever will, because I like the idea of watching a group grow in a year as a group and see them blossom and shine. I have never experienced that as a fan; S/mileage's major debut happened a year after I become a fan of Morning Musume, but during the year they were indies, I didn't really care for H!P that much or Morning Musume, so for me, Juice=Juice was a chance to watch a group start from the bottom and work their way up. I wanted to see four singles out of this group, and I also wanted to see different styles from them to see what worked with them best... you know, like how S/mileage had these differing sounds to test the waters. Of course, we never got that. And yeah, I am quite butthurt by it.

I am especially butthurt that I will not be seeing Juice=Juice take on a challenge like MoMusu or S/mileage did when they were going to Major debut. It would have been nice to see that happen, because I find Tsunku's method of Major Debuting quite interesting, but I may have to wait for another group to take on that challenge if that happens again... maybe it will, maybe it won't. We'll cross that bridge when it comes to it, of course.

Of course, there is one more thing that I want to address, and that is the whole 'switching members' thing. Tsunku had originally intended that idea for Berryz Kobou and the kids who would become C-ute, and then went to play on that idea with S/mileage (never playing them out, mind you) and also suggested the idea for Juice=Juice, that there was the chance that he would take out members and put in other girls from the trainees to see who fit the best. Now, I like Juice=Juice as they are now, I won't deny that, but I would have liked for Tsunku to have at least tried that method with the members; I can understand that, with Berryz, S/mileage and Juice=Juice, he may feel that the groups are good as they are, but I would have liked to have seen him try to switch out a member, or even add one, to see what would happen with a different voice and personality. But nope. Nuh uh, no way!

I know that I am basically trying to move a log by screaming at it by complaining right now, but I wanted my thoughts out there, as I always do. I know that there are a lot of you out there who are ecstatic that Juice=Juice are debuting now (especially the Karin fans!) and that they will possibly surpass the other groups (if their songs stay cool, and their dances Dinosaur-centric) in terms of vocal talent and overall epicness, but for me, it is still far far too early for them to debut, no matter how good they are. Next time, if a new group comes in, I hope that they stick around for a year, or they are just major debut straight away. It would just be easier on my fickle nature.

So, what are your thoughts? Is this a Premature Debut in your eyes, or just about damn time? Leave your thoughts and let me know!

Chiima~

A Look at Beckii Cruel: Independent Idol

You know the usual - ALL opinions are my own and nobody else's. You don't have to like what I say, agree with what I say, or follow what I say, you just have to (somewhat) respect what I say, and I will respect you as well. We all have thoughts and feelings on a specific subject, and we will not always agree on every little thing, but if you can just respect my opinion, then we will get along fine. How about it?

It has been about two years since Beckii Cruel last released anything musically that is solely her own, and if you remember way back in October 2011, I did not take too kindly to the remix release of Miss Cruel's English song You Can't Kiss Me. Honestly, I preferred the original, but that is far beside the point, because two years later, three years if you were a fan of Beckii Cruel's Japanese Idol days, she is back with her latest Japanese single, and a documentary to tell you a little bit about the journey she has taken. Are you ready to take on Beckii Cruel: Independent Idol?

Now, I have not been the most favourable of Beckii Cruel since my days as an Idol fanatic and blogger, and I admit that whole-heartedly, but I recently realised that I have become very welcoming of her return to the Japanese Idol scene since she announced her newest single that I am sure her fans have been greatly anticipating since she broadcast the news on Nico Nico Douga way back when. Okay, so I am still not the biggest fan of Online International Idols, but it is actually nice to see the return of Beckii Cruel after so long.

Coming with her return to the Idol scene, Beckii Cruel has actually released a short documentary following her journey back into Idoldom, with added extras, and has been titled Beckii Cruel: Independent Idol. For someone who has learned about documentaries, and enjoyed making her own, I was really interested in seeing this one. To be honest, I actually really liked the first BBC documentary about Beckii Cruel that aired here in England a few years back, so of course seeing this one was a must.

Now before I get into the post fully, I know that this documentary and new single will be a touchy subject in a way, but also a lot of fun for others. It all really boils down to how you view Miss Beckii Cruel, whether you like her or not. It also depends on how you take my tone in this post, too, because I know you may or may not take offence to it. In the end, it all falls down to how you feel about what is written here, and how you take to Beckii Cruel as a whole. That said and done, let's take a look at Beckii Cruel: Independent Idol.

Shot on the Isle of Man and directed by youtuber Adam Spence, Beckii Cruel's first documentary since 2010 has been released on youtube and focuses on the return of Beckii Cruel as an Idol with her first Japanese single in three years. Now 18, Beckii has been doing various activities in her everyday life as she gets ready to release her new single and return to the Japanese singing scene as a new, Independent Idol.

Obligatory walking shot. Nicely done, though!

The documentary looks closely at how Beckii got into the dancing and Idol scene before her success as an Internet pop Idol back in 2009 when she was only 14, as well as her return to the music industry after a three year absence since she left the company that she had originally been associated with. Before now, Cruel has kept quiet until the recent announcement of her new Japanese single release, titled Future Fantasy.

In the documentary, we not only look into the life of Beckii Cruel, a normal girl and an Internet Idol all rolled into one, but we also take a look at Idols in general and what being a Japanese Idol is all about, and what you are getting yourself into if you decide to become a fan.

CGI Sparkles are even popular here in England! Oh my!

The documentary itself may seem short, but it is filled with a lot of information and insight into Japanese pop culture, as well as Beckii Cruel's life as a teenage Idol and what was expected of her three years ago, and what is happening now that she is returning. There are many facts present in the video for those who want to understand the Idol industry a little more that are explained well from a Wota's point of view, as well as a lot of focus on Cruel's Idol career, what happened, and what will happen for her in the present and possibly the future.

A look at Beckii Cruel merchandise that I am pretty sure

all her fans are drooling over!

Throughout the documentary, we look at past footage from Cruel's success in Japan back in 2009, her return to the world of Japanese fandom with her appearance at HYPER JAPAN 2012, footage from the recording for her new Japanese single as well as the announcement for her comeback into the music industry on Nico Nico Douga. We also see Cruel talk about being an Idol, hear her parents' thoughts and feelings about her career, and also hear insight from a fan on being a fan of Idol culture and what to expect from it.

When I watched the documentary for the first time, I was very impressed with how professional and informative it was. Not only did we take a look into Beckii Cruel as an Idol and her comeback into the Japanese music industry, but we also had great facts about the Idol industry in general and what it is all about, as well as what Beckii Cruel avoided despite her status in Japan as an Idol by releasing a photobook that contained no bikini or underwear shots. One of my favourite aspects about this documentary was that there was a lot of reference to the Idol industry and what it entails, and how it can be deemed different here in England and other Western countries that are not aware of how the Japanese Pop industry works. As opposed to being focused on solely Beckii Cruel and her return to Japan, the documentary, despite its short 15 minutes and 19 seconds, focused on a lot more and allowed insight and knowledge into what Beckii Cruel takes on as a part of her career, allowing the viewers and new fans of Idol culture to know more about this career, and what we, as fans, are getting ourselves into if we decide to follow Idols and their music.

Of course we also look into what has been happening with Beckii Cruel since she has been planning her comeback into the world she was a part of three years ago; we see many shots of what she has been doing, such as an appearance at HYPER JAPAN 2012 and footage of her recording her new solo song that she has released for her fans, but we also get to see what happened before now in the form of past footage of Beckii performing on TV, news clips about her sudden youtube fame as an Youtube and Nico Nico Douga dancer, and hear her thoughts on being an Independent Idol since she left her original company. All of this combined makes an interesting look into Beckii Cruel as an Idol preparing for her return to the world of music and online fandom.

Harunan is needed here because I say so! Also, Happy Daishii!

There is also a lot of great footage in this video in the form of Hello! Project press releases, and also images that are used, to detail what Idols are about and who their general fanbase is made up of. It was nice to see that there was footage used to backup any information used, as well as to show what a Japanese Idol looks like and what they do. I, however, would have liked to have seen more Idol groups sampled outside of Hello! Project within this short documentary, rather than focusing solely on one group or Umbrella project. I know that in the beginning of the documentary we see AKB48, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Perfume and Weather Girls with their popular song releases, but only a few seconds of these clips are sampled, and as a fan of various Idol groups and singers, I find that adding different groups' press release events and images would have given a lot more diversity and introduced newer fans to other groups, as well as given a broader spectrum of different Idols and groups within Japan. That said, it would have been nice to have heard even a small explanation about how all Idol agencies and groups in Japan work differently from each other, and that Idols have different looks, characteristics and themes that work in their favour. Given the duration of the documentary, however, they do explain a lot and let us know what we need to know, but I feel that whilst Hello! Project as a whole is a good example, and one of the most iconic groups of Japan internationally, there could have been one or more other groups outside of the Up-Front Agency shown in this documentary.

Also included in the documentary is a brief look at Beckii Cruel and the internet hate she receives from various online articles and internet users, something that many who venture online will know about (whether you partake in it or are a victim of it). Whilst the scene is only brief, we see Cruel express her feelings towards the comments she receives as well as how she handles it and what she thinks of the comments overall about her return to the world of Japanese Idol music.

Looking at that scene, I originally thought that it was not the wisest of choices to include the site in the documentary through ways of a blurred picture (no matter how notorious said site may seem), and I still wonder why it was included, however I do think that Cruel handled herself well when talking about how she deals with the hate comments and her thoughts on them, and how she has overcome trying to defend herself in recent years. The scene itself may not have been that necessary for some when watching it, however I do think it was a pretty good addition to the documentary to show just what being a Japanese Internet Idol from an International background can bring in terms of negative backlash from fans of Japanese Idol culture, as opposed to simply showing all of the positive footage of Cruel as an Idol.

Beckii Cruel: Independent Idol looks into the life of Beckii Cruel as she returns to the world of being an Idol, and the preparations she has undertaken in order to return to the world that she was a part of three years ago. Looking at this documentary as both a fan of Idols and someone who has an interest in documentaries and media, and Beckii Cruel herself, I think that this is a good look at both Beckii Cruel as a returning Idol, and a great way of finding out about Idol Culture and what it has to offer for fans, and what we should be prepared for when going into a fandom like this. The video, though short, has a lot to offer, and whilst there are things that I would have like to have seen more of, such as information on various Idol groups and different clips from different Idol Units within Japan, I do think that what we have here in this 15 minute documentary is a great look into not just Beckii Cruel's life as an Idol, but Idol Culture in general.

This documentary is the start of Beckii Cruel's return to the Japanese music industry as an International Idol. Since her departure from the world of Idols three years ago, she has matured and grown as a person, and is ready to return to the music industry, starting now. This video only shows a small part of what Beckii Cruel has been doing in order to prepare herself for a return to the world as an International Idol, but it offers us a lot in the form of information and insight into Idols and the fandom we are a part of. We see what we need to see, we hear what we need to hear, and it is all packaged in a beautifully filmed and edited documentary that is an enjoyable watch.

What to expect next from Beckii Cruel as an Idol and Internet personality is uncertain for now, but as she herself put it at the very end of the documentary;

"What's next? I can't predict the future, really. A lot of the things which I've done in the past, you just can't predict what's going to come next. You can get this amazing offer, or maybe nothing will happen at all. It's very difficult to say, and I don't want to spoil it by guessing, so I'll just wait and see." - Beckii Cruel (then 17) from Beckii Cruel: Independent Idol.

Are you ready for the return of Beckii Cruel: Independent Idol?

Chiima~

*(Apologies if any mistakes are made within this article. If any information is incorrect, feel free to inform me)

PING!!! Recommended Jpop♀ Reading: August 2013, Part Two

Idols and Boyfriends

This is a post that I wanted to write for a while, however my motivation to write it has been spurred on by a topic created by Ray on Idolminded. As always, please do not take offence at my opinion; take it with a grain of salt, rice... whatever you want to take it with, and let it broaden your views on things. Do not take my word for everything I say; I only want to share my opinion with you all and let you know what I think about this subject. Thank you.

In a recent Idol Thought For the Day on Idolminded, Ray touched on the subject of changing the public's perceptions of Idols to make their careers easier. One of the topics he brought up was Idols and Boyfriends, a topic which is a bit taboo in the Japanese Idol society that we all know about. Of course Ray has said that this is not likely to happen but I wanted to share some of my own opinion and insight on the subject.

It is safe to say that the Idol industry in Japan is different to any other; if an Idol, especially one who is from a highly acclaimed group, is found dating despite what the guidelines say, then she will either be kicked out of the group or withdraw because she has 'done something unforgivable to her fans'. Either way an Idol dating will most likely result in her departure from the group unless she is very popular and can get away with it or another Sashihara Rino case shows up.

But is it right? I don't think it is, but I'm a Westerner, and as one commenter on the Idol Thoughts post said, we Westerners don't understand, or at least (to me) we don't understand it as much as the Japanese do. In Japan the system is a bit more strict, and for an idol - a female Idol especially - to date is risky business. Even having an ex-boyfriend can be risky, because it ultimately destroys that 'pure image' that has been created for the Idol who has dated, ultimately destroying the hopes of their fans who think that they have a chance with the Idol.
 I would like to note that this system does tend to lax a little when it comes to male Idols though, with the males generally getting away with dating, but I do put this down to how Japan views certain things; after all, Japan is still quite a male dominated society, or at least it seems that way, hence why it may seem easier for a male idol to get away with certain things like dating. But this is just my view, so don't take my word for it.

Again, the system is strict - but it isn't completely different to the system in America or Britain, either. Most singers or Idols now in the Western entertainment industry are free to date who they like, but that doesn't mean that their agencies don't try to stop them. The 'no-dating' rule, or a rule that they were not to get caught, was a little more prominent in the 90's when boy bands were big. Why? So that the fans could feel like they had a chance with a member of the band that they liked. It's the same with Idols in Japan now - it's that sense of availability and the 'chance' that the Idol might like the fan that fantasises about them one day. Of course when that Idol does eventually date, it ultimately breaks that fantasy and brings you back into reality, making you realise that you may not have a chance with the Idol or singer you have adored for so long.

This is the reason why many of the younger singers in America or Britain don't date in the early points of their career; it's to create the illusion that they are there for everyone, and that they are available to their fans and only their fans, giving their hearts and souls to the girls and boys who support them adoringly.

The first and last time you will ever see Bieber on my blog, I hope

I want to use Justin Bieber as an example here of a modern day Western Idol. Why Idol? Because whilst he is technically a singer, he also sells more so on his looks and merchandise than anything else and what used to be that 'everyday boy next-door' image that everyone absolutely adored. It's also interesting to note that for the first two years of his career he was single. Why? To create the image of being available to his fans and only his fans of course. If he had begun his career with a girlfriend on his arm, I doubt it would have helped him as much as being single did because his tween fans adored him and liked the fact that they could think they one day had a chance with him.

Of course upon getting a girlfriend his popularity didn't waver at all, but there was a clear backlash; Selena Gomez, despite being pretty popular herself thanks to her Disney contract, received a good amount of abuse from female fans of Justin over the internet because she was his girlfriend. It doesn't sound right, but it happens still, and it's because Justin Bieber broke the fantasy of his availability for his own fans.

Not to say that all fans are like this, because not all of them are. There are actually a few British boy band groups out there now who have girlfriends and are readily accepted by their fans despite this, but for someone as big as Justin Bieber is in today's society, his availability played a huge part in how he was seen by his fans; he was a single young boy who all the girls could pretend would one day become theirs and no one else's. Once that fantasy was broken, the girls went to the internet to abuse Justin's girlfriend because they felt that she had done something unforgivable and probably thought that she had corrupted him in a way.

It may just be me who thinks this way, but I do see similarities between all societies and cultures in how we view our Idols and the ideals we have for them; Idols and singers are there for us to not just enjoy, but to also fantasise about and pretend that we have a chance with all of these Idols. Yes, the Western culture is a little more laid back in how we view things and we certainly don't kick out our Idols or singers for coming out and dating - if we did, then singers like Taylor Swift would probably be in debt by now - but there are similarities with how we like to see our Idols available and there for only us and staying pure for the sake of the fans.

When the commenter for Ray's post said that we Westerners don't understand that if AKB48 Idols date then they won't sell, I do think that they were wrong. To a certain degree we do understand; we're just a little more laid back about it and accept what comes, however we also use a different method of backlash if we are the sort of fan who takes our obsessive love to the next level; we threaten and rant about the person that our Idol is dating, not the Idol themselves dating. Unlike Japan, we Westerners tend to either take it out on the person who is dating our beloved singer or we sit back and don't care - it all depends on our maturity and/or obsessive levels, really.

We all know that the dating rule for Idols in Japan won't end any time soon, but it doesn't stop us from dreaming that it will go, does it? Maybe it's because of how laid back Westerners are that we wish the rule was gone, because whilst the rule itself applies to our own Idols it is applied very loosely and only stays around for a few years or so.

And I love my Idols, but I do think that the way Japan see's things can be a little sexist at times - especially where it concerns female Idols and their purity - and with a vast amount of the fans being made up of middle-aged male wota, the no-dating rule is currently impregnable. Will it ever go away? Possibly, but not until Japan becomes more aware of the fact that their Idols also need love and care from people outside of their fanbase. You really can't expect these girls to stay virgins forever, and you can't expect them to stay true to a persona they created for the sake of society. Girls can only act like dolls for so long, really.

Until then though, the no-dating rule still applies. Of course this is only what I think; take my opinions with a grain of salt, and think about what the no-dating rule in Japan's Idol society means to you. Would you keep it or not?

Chiima~

PING!!! Idolminded Recommended Reading: January 18th, 2013

So, Goto's going to be an AV Idol? Okay

You don't necessarily have to agree with me, or agree at all, but I just wanted to get my thoughts out there on these rumours, okay?

So rumours circling around the web that Goto Maki, who went on hiatus from her solo career, will be releasing a 'hair nude' photobook, which will be followed up by her debut as an AV actress apparently.

Now, let's rewind for a moment and remember this: These are rumours, ones that we can't define as true until either:

A) Goto Maki herself reveals that this is all true and not a bunch of bull

or

B) Her agency states it is true

Either way, if this is true, so what? Goto Maki probably made this decision herself, and if she wants to become an AV actress, then go girl, go. It isn't my business, or another fans for that matter, what she chooses to do and where she wants to take her career.

Now if this had happened a few months back, I would have probably thought differently. Me and my sister have talked about what we would do or think or even feel if an Idol from a group we liked went into the AV business, and honestly, we said that we would both be upset. An Idol one minute, and then an AV actress the next, but that isn't the case now, because in the end this is a job, and you can't dictate what a woman or a man, regardless of what they did in the past, wants to do for their future career.

That, and Goto Maki could still continue her singing career - or she could join Ebisu Muscats, who knows? Either way, being an AV Idol doesn't necessarily restrict the girl from doing what she loves (or loved) to do befforehand, so if that's the way she wants to go, then hey, I'll support her with that, because ultimately this is what she probably wants to do right now. She's young and she wants to try new things... so try it~

I know that with this rumour going around, a lot of fans won't be happy. Some will be really upset, even, and honestly, I would have probably been in the same position if I didn't think the way I do now, but this is ultimately her choice, and if this is what Goto wants to do, let her do it. Yes, it's upsetting to think that an Idol you liked or even loved is going to do something you don't like, but we can't stop her from choosing this path.

But, remember: It is still just a rumour until it is officially confirmed by Goto's agency or Goto herself. Until then, this is merely speculation and a rumour which will upset some fans, and send others eye-rolling their way down to the next AV store, waiting for that video to come out.

Either way, good luck Goto. I hope to see you standing beside Sora Aoi in Ebisu Muscats soon~

*Edit: Hello! Online has reported that the news was linked from tabloid Men's Cyzo, and that when they indicated that these were rumours, they should be treated as such. I agree, but my thoughts continue to be the same. Just wait until official info is brought out.

Source | Source

Chiima~

Hello! Project - The Changes of 2011 and Potential Graduations

After my rant, I decided to post a more formal and clear approach to what I just found out. I would prefer that this one gives you more of an impression of my feelings towards the changes in Hello! Project, however the post prior to this one will give you my clear rage on the matter at hand. Thank you kindly.

There is no doubt that 2011 has been the year of change for Hello! Project. With one of the biggest graduations to ever happen in the Hello! Project universe, as well as the sudden and shocking graduation of the beautiful Sakitty, 2011 has brought both excitement and tears for many Wota and fans of the groups within Hello! Project.

The announcement of 9th Gen brought back the old flavour that was what the original Morning Musume was all about, and then the announcement of Morning Musume's then-leader Takitty was announced, a less-than surprising action, but something that many cried about and did not want to happen. Then, 10th Gen were announced soon after 9th gen had debuted, and the sudden surprise that was to be the 2nd gen S/mileage audition. So many pondered to as why this could be, and some were right: There would be a graduation of one of the original members. Then the sudden announcement of Sakitty's graduation was announced and she left just as quickly as we knew about the graduation, stunning a lot of her fans and S/mileage lovers. Then the 2nd gen of S/mileage became sub-members, with the sudden graduation of Kosuga Fuyuka due to health issues, and 10th Gen appeared just after MoBeKiMaSu formed. Soon, the 2nd Gen S/mileage members all became official S/mileage girls.

And now we come to a new piece of news.

It has come to the knowledge of many S/mileage and Hello! Pro fans that Maeda Yuuka, a first generation S/mileage member and one of the most popular members, will be graduating from the group in order to focus on her studies so that she can get into University.

Though this has not been confirmed as of yet by Tsunku himself, or UFA in general, tabloids in Japan have stated that Yuuka shall be graduating on the 31st of December - 3 days after the release of S/mileage's 8th single, Please Mini Skirt Post Woman!, which is also being released on Yuuka's 17th birthday.

Of course, as I have said, this is still not official until Tsunku announces it - everything is simply speculation until we hear the word from the horses mouth, so as to speak, but this is still shocking news. Shortly after losing Sakitty, Yuuka leaves too? It's not just been shocking to her fans, but also her non fans. A lot of people on the Hello! Online forums have shown their shock and surprise, saying how they don't necessarily like Yuuka, but they still think she is one of the most important members of S/mileage. So soon after the big graduation of Takahashi Ai, and too quickly after the loss of Sakitty, this happens. Of course we would all be shocked by it.

But you should not take the tabloids' word for it - this could be a rumour created to strike a bit of fear into the public, or it could all be true. Maybe this is why the S/mileage sub-members were to promote S/mileage? Maybe this is why Tsunku added them all. If Yuuka is really graduating, then I can see why Tsunku would want the sub-members to promote the group more, and why he would add them all in.

If this is true, then honestly I wish Yuuka all the best - I think she is a seriously talented young girl, but, if like Sakitty, she thinks that the life of a normal girl is what is best for her, then I think her fans will support her whole heartedly and look forward to seeing her in the news again if she ever does come back into the spotlight. Maybe Sakitty's graduation to leave the Idol world for normality got the girl thinking, maybe it was her fellow S/mileage member who helped her to realise that she wanted to go to University. Whatever the reason, Yuuka has made a choice for herself and we all have to respect that. I may have ranted and raved and cried about it, but at the end of the day there is nothing that we can do other than cheer her on for her dreams and hope that one day she makes another appearance to show everyone that she is doing what she wants to do and that she is fine.

But this just goes to show, if it does actually happen, that S/mileage is becoming a lot more like Morning Musume.

Speaking of Morning Musume, there is a rumour going around that 2011 will also be the graduation year of the remaining 8th gen member, Mitsui Aika. This came to speculation when the above picture surfaced via Winky's Blog. A lot of people have already come to terms with the fact that Aika may be the next one to graduate in Morning Musume, however it is still a shocking thought, especially so soon after Ai's departure. However, much like Yuuka's graduation, this one has not been confirmed, and this is simply a rumour. It sparked up because Aika has not been in the photoshoot. As my sister said, she could have been in hospital at the time, or in extreme pain from her injuries. Whatever the case, I don't think that Aika is graduating yet.

Sadly, that 11 on the cover is rather daunting... I wonder what it says.

In all honesty, Yuuka's graduation announcement (though it has not been fully confirmed) is the biggest shock for me, however it adds to the excitement and sadness that 2011 has undoubtedly brought us when it comes to Hello! Project. It has certainly been a busy year for the Wotaverse, what with 9th Gen and 10th Gen being added, the 2nd Generation of S/mileage appearing, Sakitty's sudden graduation, the departure of Ai-chan, and outside of Hello! Project, SNSD suddenly announcing their disbandment and the new HKT48 members.

2011 has certainly created a lot of drama for themselves as well as surprising us all. But then I remember that this is Hello! Project - it's spontaneous at times, and though some of us may wish for stabilization next year, you just have to prepare yourself for more to happen if Tsunku decides to do something else.

Personally, I feel that 2011 has pleased me. Though there have been graduations that I did not want and certainly did not anticipate, it has been a year that has changed my perspective of the Idol world. I find that this year, I have become more open to the Idol world and what it gives me, and I have come to love more groups because of that. I've grown to like Idols I initially thought I would never like (Winky, Takitty, Maeda Yuuka, Meimi, Johnny's Entertainment, the '48 family) as well as appreciating the Idol world for what it gives me: Excitement, happiness and things to talk about.

2011 hasn't ended yet, and I await for it to end with a bang. In all honesty, I anticipate what the remaining 2 months bring us. What about you?

For me, the change in Hello! Project is something which makes me happy. There was a need for the change, and undoubtedly, things have changed.

Edit: It has been confirmed that Maeda Yuuka will graduate Hello! Project before we turn to the New Year. On 12/31/2011, she shall hang up her mini skirt and move on towards her education. When this became official, my heart sunk and I truly felt sad.

I'm going to dearly miss you, Yuukarin.

Chiima~


Links of Interest:


Sanspo News Article on Yuuka's Potential Graduation
Yonasu's Post on Yuukarin's Graduation
Tanaka Reina's Blog Post