In which Chiima finally reflects on Kobushi, their disbandment and the feelings she has stowed away all this time...
Around the time Kobushi Factory announced their disbandment, a friend asked if I would write about. At the time I said yes with the intent to express my frustration over the groups sudden announcement because, like everyone around me, I wanted to air my grievances about how Kobushi had been neglected by H!P upon becoming a 5 member group, how this disbandment announcement itself seemed extremely sudden and far too short a time frame for a H!P group. I wanted to talk about how unfair it seemed and the sadness I felt regarding Kobushi Factory's short run.
That post never happened, and in the end I went into a period of denial regarding the groups imminent dissolve. I am also aware that I am not alone in this.
For a lot of people, turning 21 means a turning point in their life. It means becoming an adult, perhaps settling down, or maybe finally figuring things out. For some it is just another day, but for KYOKA of LONDON BLUE it is both a celebration of her age and the day of her graduation.
Today on September 30th 2019, KYOKA stood on the stage as a member of LONDON BLUE for the last time to celebrate with her fans, and though her time with the group was shorter than former member KANA's, KYOKA has made her own impact within the group thanks to her energetic presence and kind persona.
Now she joins the other LONDON BLUE Alumni, but this does not mark the end for KYOKA. Like every graduation, there is a new beginning just around the corner. Whether her new pursuit is acting, singing, dancing or becoming a tarento, KYOKA is sure to continue her journey with an abundance of energy and positivity.
Before I say my goodbye to an Idol who created joy on stage, let's take a moment to appreciate KYOKA for all she has done. Sure, she was with the group for just a year and 3~4 months, but in such a short time she created so many members. So let's appreciate her together one more time as she leaves LONDON BLUE and the sparkling idol stage...
If you want an idol who is full of energy and delight, then look no further - that is KYOKA. The embodiment of joy and cuteness, KYOKA was initially one of the youngest and smallest members of LONDON BLUE back in June of 2018 when she debuted with the group, however she quickly came to be a prominent and treasured member of the group after the sudden graduations of her gen-mates, RINA and RINKA.
Yet still she persevered in showcasing a bright, energetic and bubbly personality to the fans and giving it her all on and off the stage. Whether she was singing and dancing, calling to the crowd or acting on another stage, KYOKA would always give 100% in everything she did. For someone who has a serious work ethic, it is pretty incredibly how easily KYOKA could put on a smile and create such a warm, fun environment for those who witnessed her performance.
She is a great Idol, and I am going to miss the KYOKA that I came to know.
On September 28th 2019, Kenbishi Kunogi of NECRONOMIDOL celebrated a live show that brought together the joys of her birthday and the sorrow of her graduation. With 9 short months in the group, Kunogi fell into darkness alongside her peers and stunned the audience with her idol-like aura, but now she's ready to start anew with her solo activities and take a new path, one that is supported by her former management and group mates.
Though she only held a short tenure within NECRONOMIDOL, Kunogi had her own trials she faced during her time in NECRONOMIDOL and created lasting memories that she could not have captured if she had not been welcomed into the group earlier this year. Now she will move forwards, and though the decision for Kunogi to graduate was sudden for the fans - I can only guess that it's a different matter behind the scenes - it seems like Kunogi herself is confident in this new venture she is taking, but before her solo activities are fully in motion I want to take a moment to appreciate Kenbishi Kunogi.
Her time with NECROMA was short, but she will continue to be an idol. But for now, let's appreciate the Kenbishi Kunogi I knew, even though she has graduated and moved forward.
It's Graduation Appreciation time once more.
Kunogi is cute as a button, entertaining to watch and someone who has a true idol-aura on the stage, and perhaps a little shyness when she's off of it. A rather bewitching girl, I immediately clicked that Kunogi was the type of member I would like to follow when both she and Michelle joined NECRONOMIDOL back in January of this year, however that feeling flip-flopped a little before I eventually went on to meet the members in-person back in July of this same year when NECRONOMIDOL travelled to the UK. It was then that I realised how much I liked Kunogi and how she was my second favourite member within the group I had come to love since last year.
And then I learned of her graduation with the rest of the world, and I paused.
I saw the news on Twitter, a tweet sent from Kunogi's own account that I translated from Google, of course.
"I won't be able to meet you, and I will continue to do my best in solo and band activities..."
The comments below that told of the fans' sadness, as well as Kunogi's own English message herself apologising for making everyone sad was all I needed to know what this was about: Kunogi would leave NECRONOMIDOL despite still being so new within the group. I would be losing a member that I really liked, someone I wanted to see flourish in a group I adore. More than anything though, I wanted to watch her confidence grow.
On this day, September 18th 2019, KANA will graduate from LONDON BLUE amidst the celebrations of the groups sixth anniversary. With 5 years under her belt, a leadership that lasted well over a year and a boatload of memories from her time as an idol, KANA has experienced a lot in her time as an idol.
From the indies trials to holding a major debut in 2018, learning how to play the drums and choreographing the groups dances, KANA has fulfilled her time as an idol and created a lot of memories along the way. Now it's time to create her last few memories on the stage before walking behind the curtains and creating new memories with the future of LONDON BLUE. But before she graduates and takes a step back to teach a new generation, let's take a moment to appreciate an idol I adore.
It's time to sit back and talk about KANA, an Idol I appreciate. It's that time again, everyone. Let's appreciate the Idols that we love before they graduate from our world.
Are you ready?
I learned about KANA back in 2016, sometime after discovering LONDON BLUE and asking if I could review their latest album for JaME. At the time I didn't know much about them aside from their names, a little bit of background info and the fact that they were created to promote the joys of both Japanese and British music. By 2017 I was no longer following them.
And then Hyper Japan Festival 2018 happened. When the schedule for who was performing was officially released I recognised a group - LONDON BLUE, except the lineup was different. KANA was now the leader, and three new members would be joining, but that was all it took: One familiar group name and my intrigue was sparked once more, but this time I was in it for the long run. Thanks to Hyper Japan I was able to become a fan of LONDON BLUE.
Now five years after joining LONDON BLUE, KANA is ready to graduate on the groups own 6th anniversary. With this, she will join her fellow graduates and friends on the sidelines, supporting LONDON BLUE in front of the stage she once stood upon.
Today on March 30th, 2019, KAYANO of LONDON BLUE graduates from the Idol world. Despite only being an idol for a short time, I want to take my time to appreciate KAYANO and her time spent with LONDON BLUE. So for the idols we adore, let's appreciate them as much as we can before they graduate from our world of idols.
It's time to appreciate KAYANO, my 1-year Idol.
Shall we begin?
It has been a while since I created one of these posts, and because of that it is also a struggle. I do not know what to say, I cannot figure out how to word everything I want to express, and I don't know how to introduce this fandangled post of feels... so, let's start it like this:
Meeting KAYANO is one of my most treasured memories. Even though I have not been her fan for long, I feel blessed that I was able to meet and talk to such a cool, fun idol. I am happy I could see her considerate side and learn about her helpful nature, and I am grateful that, even for a short time, I could witness KAYANO's stage of her life where she acted as an idol.
I love Kominato Kayano as an idol and a performer, and it is no lie when I say that I will miss her so freakin' much now that she is graduating from the world of idols. She was a wonderful idol, and I am happy to know that she cherished her time on stage as a member of LONDON BLUE. In return, I will continue to cherish this beloved memory of her as an idol, and I will look back on my interactions with her fondly. No matter what, KAYANO will continue to stay as an idol in my heart.
In my final post for my Duupreciation series, it's time to talk about the girl you love and adore. No reviews, no songs. Just our memories, and beautiful pictures of Kudo Haruka. It's time to appreciate the Idol we will all surely miss...
On September 29th, 2011, Iikubo Haruna, Ishida Ayumi, Sato Masaki and Kudo Haruka were revealed to be the 10th generation. At the time, I was a huge fan of Morning Musume, anticipating the newest generation who would become a part of a group I enjoyed the most. I was excited to see these girls join the group, and to have Kudo Haruka - an egg with some experience under her belt, a husky voice and charm to boot - seemed to be a dream come true for some. From Egg to Morning Musume, Duu was a fan favourite, and even until the day she leaves the entertainment industry, she will continue to hold a place in many people's hearts.
It's hard to think that now, a few days on, she has officially graduated from Morning Musume '17 and Hello! Project, and will forge a new path for herself hereon. Until the next single and music videos come along, I don't think I'll be able to process the fact she is well and truly gone from a group so many people adore.
*Apologies for the late Appreciation Post, however, due to being away and other Blog posts that needed to be posted, I decided to save writing this until now. Even though it's late, please be assured that I still want to appreciate and celebrate Tsugunaga Momoko, even after her Graduation from both Hello! Project and the Entertainment Industry. So, whether you like her or not, please celebrate all that Momoko has given us, and say our final goodbyes to her. Right here, right now, let's think about only Momochi, and the happiness she delivered to her fans, and everyone else!
Momochi!!!!
My original aim for celebrating Momoko's graduation was, of course, to write a bunch of posts about her. I wanted to do about three days' worth of reviews, because whilst there is so much to celebrate about this girl, I had already written about her beforehand. With Berryz Kobou's disbandment (it's not a hiatus) back in 2015, I'd already covered some PV's that included the former Idol. Also, I had written a post where I appreciated her before her graduation. So, there wasn't a lot I could do, anyway, plus I had time constraints.
So, I will only be doing this post, and it isn't because Momoko is not important. She is, hence why I'm doing this Appreciation Post (for the second time), even if it is a lot later than expected. I want to share my thoughts on Momoko, where she stands with me, and formally congratulate her in finally graduating this Idol world, and making her way in life as a regular woman, and a fantastic teacher.
So, without further ado, it's time to celebrate all that is Momochi, in words! For her 15 years of dedication, and her determination to become the perfect Idol, let's thank the wonderful Tsugunaga Momoko, and look back with fondness!
Everyone, it's time to be thankful and nostalgic. Let's remember Momochi forever, with fondness, smiles, and horrible pigtails I wish I could chop off!
Before their Graduation tomorrow on June 12th, 2017, let's leave one last message for ℃-ute in a final Appreciation post. It's time to show them our thanks, and deliver our love in as many words as we can before they leave our world, and stop playing their wonderful music...
After 15 years of hard work and dedication, it is time to say goodbye. It's going to be hard, because for so many years this group has graced us with their music, hard work and dedication to the Idol industry, and have faced so many ups and downs, but no matter what, stayed strong and shown us their positive attitudes and brave faces. No matter what was thrown at them, ℃-ute always stood tall and tried their best to show us just how wonderful they are.
Ever since their career as five began, I followed the group as best I could. In the beginning, they were my #2 group in Hello! Project, just after Morning Musume, and even though I have had my own ups and downs with ℃-ute, they have always found a way to entertain me. From their music to their videos, this group has always delivered something that many fans would deem as 'amazing' or 'beautiful', and for so long, they have captured the hearts of many, keeping a firm fanbase and constantly thanking the fans for their support.
I am so glad that, coming into the realm of Idols, I was able to find such a positive, energetic group filled with so many wonderful members.
And so we come to the final solo member Graduation Appreciation Post. It is the last goodbye I can give to this member as she stands, so before she departs, I want to take my time and give my thoughts and feelings on her here. Let's share the good times and the memories, and look back with fondness, just before the memories cloud our eyes and spill down our cheeks...
Hagiwara Mai has never really been my favourite, however, I liked her a little more than other people have in the past. Though she may look a little salty in contrast to the other members, and her vocals ridiculed (at least in the Western fandom), I have liked Mai, on more than one occasion. In the past, I thought she was adorable and sweet. Right now, I think that she is a growing young woman, one who is trying her hardest to show that she isn't the little girl we once knew her has.
She mas matured since the early days of ℃-ute, and though she doesn't always look as womanly or even as charming as the other members, there is something about Mai that is likeable. She has her own brand of loveliness, and regardless of how popular she is (or, not), I think that she brings something to the group, and makes it the ℃-ute that we know and love today!
Without Hagiwara Mai, ℃-ute would not be the fun, diverse group that it is. Much like all the other members, Mai is a wonderful addition, and the other four members would not be complete without her.
The hardest Graduation Appreciation Post to write, is always the one that focuses on a cherished member. This is the final goodbye that I do not want to write, but because the day pf this wonderful groups graduation is upon us, it is finally time to say my departing words. Before the stage light fades and she bows out, let's appreciate our dear Idol to the fullest...
I started crying the moment I placed a picture onto this empty post. No words were written, just an image of Chissa and her energetic expression. Out of all the posts thus far, this one will be the hardest to write, because it goes without saying that, of all the members within ℃-ute, Okai Chisato is my favourite. From the very beginning, she was the one I wanted to follow, and for such a long time, she was the sole member I adored. She made the group shine, in my eyes.
Chissa is my ℃-utie rock, and no matter what ups and downs I have had with Hello! Pro or ℃-ute, she has, and always will be, my favourite member. Nothing can change that, and in my mind, no one will ever replace her. She is one of a kind, and will forever hold a place in my heart as one of my original 'Oshimem's'.
The Graduation Appreciation Posts continue, and as we approach ever closer to the graduation day, let's sit down and appreciate everything about the Idols we love. Though this beloved Idol will be leaving us for greener pastures soon, let's cherish our final moments with her, and remember the good times. Remember to smile, everyone...
Suzuki Airi is everyone's Idol. She is basically *the* idol of Hello! Project, maybe even the whole Idol world, if you wanted to start a fight. For so long, she has been the apple of our eyes, and has been the darling of Up-Front for as long as I can remember, because Suzuki Airi is absolutely amazing. Nobody can - and nobody should even try to - deny it.
From day one, Suzuki Airi has been an incredible force of nature. Not only is she adorable and beautiful, but she is also incredibly talented, and by far Hello! Project's most seasoned, recognisable member. Of all the groups and members within the umbrella company, Airi is definitely the one that everyone knows, even if they aren't fans of H!P or any groups within it. And, though I have never been a big follower of the popular members (I am an underdog supporter, guys), I 100% understand why Airi is the face of H!P, and why she surpasses everyone else in popularity; because she is talented, and because she is amazing. You really can't say that her popularity is just because Up-Front pushed her a lot.
Today we continue the Graduation Appreciation Posts, a post where I sit and write my final goodbyes to the Idol(s) and groups in question. Before they let the curtains fall and give their final bow, let's take a moment to look back, remember the good times, and appreciate all that this Idol has given us...
Nakajima Saki has always been 'cute' to me. She is an adorable girl, someone who doesn't seem to age, and who has a very innocent look about her. But she is also incredible, an amazing dancer who has inspired others and proven that there is more to her than just a baby-faced beauty. Surprisingly, she is also one of the most senior members of Hello! Project, as well as the sub-leader for ℃-ute. I think that, if you were to ever look at Nakky for the first time, you would not think that she was one of H!P's best dancers, or that she was 23 years old. You would probably just think 'wow, she's adorable!'.
And she is, it's one of the reasons I like her, but there is so much more to this girl than meets the eye, and that's another thing I love that about Nakky. She is really not what you would expect, upon first sight.
Here begins the Graduation Appreciation posts, where I sit and write about the Idol(s) in question graduating. This is one of my final goodbyes, so let's sit down, take a trip down memory lane, and remember the good times this Idol has brought us all...
It is universally known within the world of Idols and Western fans that I, Chiima, am not the biggest fan of Yajima Maimi. Of course, I appreciate what she has given to our world of Idols, music and happiness; I'm not blind, nor am I ignorant, however I will not go out of my way to say that she is my #1 member of the group that will be graduating from our lives soon. It is my attitude towards her (she can't sing, she sounds bad, etc.) that has earned me a few glares, and caused some quarrels. Nevertheless, that was (and to a degree, is) my opinion, and I won't quickly turn around and say she's a fantastic singer, just because she is leaving.
That said, I can't deny that my attitude has changed since the early days. Of course, I still stand by my opinion that Maimi is not a great singer, however, she has grown as one these past few years. Gone are the days she sounds like a bland, nasally Idol. Plus, ever since going to the concert and fan meet in Paris, my opinion of her did heighten, but again, it won't drastically change, either. I'm a stubborn old fool, me.
But, looking back at Maimi and the days where I was an early Idol fan, there are definitely bittersweet memories. Over the course of this past week, through reviews and music, I have come to appreciate Maimi even more than before. I think it's something that happens a lot to me, just before an Idol graduates a group I like(d); I realise just how great the Idol or group was, even if I didn't necessarily like them, and begin to realise just what I have missed out on. In a way, it happened with Maimi, because... Maimi?
Let's just say, I know for sure that, deep down, I will miss her.
*Though Mayuka has already Graduated Houkago Princess, I wanted to properly appreciate her, and give tribute to this member of a group I dearly love. It's late, yes, however I wanted to pay my respects and voice my thoughts on her, as I did with Mihotan and those many Hello! Pro members I've written for prior to this. So, with that said, thank you and read on.
On August 15th 2016, Miyashita Mayuka took to the stage one last time as a member of Houkago Princess. A 1st / 2.5th generation member of the group, the 23 year old made the decision to graduate this year after much consideration for her future, in which she hopes to become an anime voice actress, a dream she has long been harboring even before becoming an Idol.
Though her Graduation has come and gone, I want to take my time appreciating and thinking about the Idol that is Miyashita Mayuka here on my blog. I want to share with you my thoughts on her, and to fully dedicate something to this wonderful girl who filled many fans' hearts with joy. So, even though she has already taken her final curtsy, let's think about and love HouPri's original songstress, and revel in the darling that she is.
Ohakyan~! MAYUKYANDI!!!
Miyashita Mayuka, though one of the quieter members on all social media platforms, was - for a while - one of the bigger voices in Houkago Princess, especially in their early days. A talented songstress, Mayukyandi gained two solo songs under her belt during her tenure, and was a sub-vocalist who stunned many with her beautiful, surprisingly flexible voice that suited most (if not all) songs HouPri brought out. From cute to cool, this girl could rock any piece, something which still astounds me even today.
In the early days of my HouPri fandom, it was Mayuka who I admired for her voice. Of all the singers, she was definitely the most pitch-perfect, the most seasoned and well rounded in voice. She was a talented girl, and whilst she might not have stood out to me in looks, she stood out in voice. I always thought 'wow... she's good!'. So, whilst she might not have been one for me to focus on visually, she was a girl I liked to hear in songs, especially when there was someone like Nanayan hurting my ears in earlier tracks.
Her voice was a saviour, if you will. A graceful tinkle to the ears that you were extremely thankful for.
In 2012, however, Mayuka graduated, and I really didn't think much of it at the time... she was pursuing a career in fashion, and whilst her voice was a loss to the group, there was Nene at that point, who was the vocal successor of Mayuka at that point. However, in early 2013, Mayukyandi made her return to the group as an Apprentice / Cadet, before being promoted to the Regular lineup where she was appointed a 2.5th generation member, and yet again, a sub-vocalist.
Her second solo song was soon released, 2.5 jigen no Genjitsu, and it was a surprise, showing off the power and maturity in Mayuka's vocals that had not yet been revealed in previous songs. Of course, her voice was still adorable in lilt, however it was lower, cooler, a lot more prominent than it had ever been, and it was at that point I thought Mayuka was HouPri's best singer. Even with Maika as a member, she couldn't compare to Mayuka's flexibility and change of tone... though a sub-vocalist, Mayukyandi surpassed HouPri's best singer, at least in my eyes.
To simply put: I thought Mayuka was an incredible singer, and that she deserved more than her sub-vocalist status. Sadly, she really didn't get any further than that.
Now in all honesty, I never found Mayukyandi that eye-catching as a member. Yes, she is extremely cute and nice to look at, however, she never quite charmed me like she did my friends. It was always her voice I found wonderful, as opposed to the girl on the screen. Her lack of online presence could have something to do with how I felt towards her, because I like following the HouPri girls' twitter accounts and reading their blogs from time to time, but Mayuka was always quite quiet and gentle.
She looks how she acts, if you think about it; very demure, docile and sweet. I guess you could say she bored me, personality wise, though she proved to be quite enjoyable to watch in music videos, sometimes.
I have not followed Mayuka as much as I did Mihotan or other members, and whilst I liked her, she was never my favourite member, or someone who stood out to me. I have watched others love and adore her more than I ever could, and seen how happy she makes my friends in performances and more. She is a great Idol, that's for sure, and she is a vocal treasure that will never be replaced in HouPri, and honestly, I do think they have lost out, because Mayuka was really talented, and her flexibility cannot be matched by anyone else, at least not within the current Regular lineup. This girl was never a one-trick pony, that's for sure.
Seriously, I'm going to miss that voice of hers.
A quiet girl with a voice more prominent than others, Miyashita Mayuka is someone who was treasured dearly by her fans. She is definitely more than a cute face, and she had so much to offer the group in many ways. There is no denying that she was loved by the other members, and that she loved them and HouPri in return, however Mayuka was also clear from the get-go where her future lay, and what she hoped to pursue during and after her time in HouPri. She never lied, never sugar-coated her desires, and never gave up that chosen career for the sake of being in a group she had seen from its beginnings until now.
Mayukyandi, despite how quiet and demure she can seem, is someone who knows what she wants and will run towards that dream. She worked hard to get to where she is today, and tried her best to focus on being both an Idol and a voice actress. But when she realised it was all too much for her to do the two things she loved at once, she made that decision to put one above the other, and follow the path she knew would make her the happiest.
I am sad that Mayuka has graduated a group I love, but I know that she graduated with the desire to become a voice actress. At the time the decision was made, Mayuka was falling ill continuously, trying her best to juggle Idol activities and voice acting school, only to find that she couldn't do two things that greatly strained her voice. So, I understood why she made the tough decision to leave Houkago Princess, because whilst being an Idol seems great, it's not a career that Mayuka herself sees for her future. She wants to be - has always wanted to be - a voice actress, and that is what she will be aiming for from here on out, and I am happy she chose what she knew she wanted more.
Though she may not be my favourite member, I do like Miyashita Mayuka and I will miss her greatly. Her voice is one I will listen for, even though I know it won't be there any more, and when I don't hear it, I'll feel quite sad and put out, because she was always someone I wanted to hear whenever HouPri brought something new out.
So, yes, I will miss you, Mayukyandi, in voice more than image, but nonetheless, I'll miss you. Your presence was a great one, if you ask me, and despite that sweet, demure look and feel you have, I think you are a stellar performer, and someone who truly made Houkago Princess great. And, for sure, I know many others will miss you, because you were the heart and soul of the group for many fans with your cute face and wonderful voice.
Thank you for being a part of this group, and for delivering to us all your song! The smiles you have brought to many will never be forgotten, and neither will you.
A girl with a 2.5th Dimensional Dream is heading on for a career in voice acting, however before that, she was a voice within HouPri that resonated with many fans, from Japan and beyond. Though she may not have been a lead in songs like Odagiri Nana or Maika, Mayuka still made her mark within the group and showed us all just what she was made of, and that she was more than a cute face and a demure personality. She was an incredible part of this group, and one of the most talented members to walk through the halls of HouPri.
And now, with her diploma in hand, Miyashita Mayuka has graduated from Houkago Princess with a smile and treasured memories of the group she watched grow from the ground up. From here on out, she will watch them through the school gates as an alumni, and hopefully as a fan of the future Houkago Princess to come.
最後に、最初の始まりの制服を着れてよかったです、はあ、ほんとにみんなだいすき
Miyashita Mayuka, Sotsugyō Omedetou! I hope to hear your voice again soon.
It's been a long week, one filled with smiles and tears and heartache, but now it's the final hurdle, and we're about to jump it. Today, [A Week with Zukki] ends, so to wrap things up, let's take a seat and appreciate this Idol for all she is worth in as many words as I can muster...
Are you ready to let her go?
It's too soon to be saying goodbye to you, and yet here we are...
Here is a girl who makes me smile. Here is an Idol who brings me joy and laughter, a girl who can truly do no wrong in my eyes. For me, Suzuki Kanon is amazing, and whilst she is not my favourite Idol, there is still something there that allows me to feel so strongly about her, and to feel such heartache when it dawns on me again and again that she will be graduating from this grand world of Idols and entertainment.
For these past five years I have been her fan, and now she will be turning her back on this world I enjoy so much, and she will instead be paving her own future from here on out, ready to deliver her smile in a new way, and to bring happiness to those who need it the most.
I love Zukki. I have loved her since her debut. Though she was initially my least favourite of the 9th generation candidates during her audition, she quickly became the girl I adored right next to Ikuta Erina. What won me over was her cheer and attitude, and how she auditioned for the group with a comedy sketch and a song. This girl went into the audition with the intention of making people smile, and through that desire and her amazing personality, she was chosen as a finalist and, before we knew it, a 9th generation member of Morning Musume.
It wasn't just her personality that stood out, however; her smile shined, her cheerful exposition was apparent, and her voice was big and bold and, at the time, one of the nicest in her generation. She was basically an all-around Idol, a girl who was confident and happy, playful and sweet. She was the sort of Idol I looked up to, and someone I wanted to like. She was everything I desired in the Idol world, and for me, Suzuki Kanon was pretty much perfect.
Being a fan of Suzuki Kanon was pretty hard, though. As someone who tends to lean towards the underdogs and background members, it was kind of expected, however I went through a lot of heartache being Zukki's fan, mostly because of how others spoke of her, and their cruel words. For a good chunk of my fandom, I have been biting back or trying to ignore the cruel words people have said, all because they didn't like Zukki or her weight.
It got harder when, between the years 2012 and 2015, Zukki herself didn't seem as happy or bright as she once was. It was evident that she was having a difficult time, and a lot of the fans saw it in her smile that it wasn't true happiness she was exuding. Sure, there were times where she did shine brightly and stood out, however a good chunk of her time as an Idol was spent with this reserved aura that surrounded her, and I do believe it saddened a lot of her fans. We wanted the Zukki we loved back. No one liked seeing her so sad, and even though I never took part in it, a lot of fans went the extra mile to bring that smile of hers back by sending her a scrapbook from all around the world filled to the brim with love and kindness for the girl we adore so much.
If anyone ever thought that Zukki was unloved, then they are indeed wrong, because despite her lack of recognition in Japan, she is one of the most loved Idols in Hello! Project for the Western fandom.
There has been a lot of heartache with Zukki's career I think, and it's something I don't want to delve into, not when this is a post about her and what I appreciate, so instead I will say this;
I think that what is amazing about Suzuki Kanon is that despite all this backlash she had regarding her weight, she never once backed down. She didn't up and graduate when news reporters posted unflattering images of her or stop doing what she had started because she was pushed to the back. She carried on and worked hard to get recognised, and though it took another diet and some weight loss to get to that point, she did do it, and we saw all her efforts come to fruition in Oh my wish!, where she finally centered and carried a song.
When this girl wants something, she does work hard for it. She worked hard when choosing to apply for Morning Musume, and she worked hard to lose weight to show the fans it could happen, and to get that chance to lead a song. Zukki doesn't give up for anyone, no matter how cruel their words or pictures may be. She worked hard for herself, and for everyone else around her
As an Idol she has made us smile, and she has shined in her own way that no one else could. She has worked her hardest from day one, always delivering to her fans and spectators a beam so bright it could light the world. She has laughed and cried, sang and danced and blown us away with her wonderful personality and admirable efforts. She is someone to love and adore, enjoy and appreciate to the fullest, and whilst I don't want to see her go, I know that I have to soon, because that is what she wants for herself.
Thing is, she's not leaving for herself, is she? Zukki is, and always has been, a person who wants to see others smile, and to bring them her own brand of happiness in any way she can. As an Idol she experienced a form of happiness that she could bring only by helping out those in need, and it is that form of joy she wants to continue giving now that she is graduating the Idol industry, and honestly, I have to say knowing that this is what she wants to do after her graduating truly makes me proud to be her fan, because Zukki is not only beautiful, but she is kind and selfless, too, and she wants to continue giving to and helping those around her as much as she can, whether it is as an Idol or a normal girl.
As an Idol she made me smile and gave me joy. She was my first 9th generation love, and the Idol I wanted to love for an eternity. She was one of the first new girls to enter the Morning Musume I knew, and the first one I adored. Suzuki Kanon means so much to me, and my words here cannot express how I truly feel about her, but know this; she is a great Idol, and for these past five years, she has had me laughing, crying, cheering and fighting for her. If that isn't the love of a fan, then I don't know what is.
For so long she was pushed to the back and left to falter, however that light and smile never died, because Zukki is the kind of girl who wants to deliver happiness, and to see the smiles of her fans wherever they may be. That is the kind of Idol I love, and that is the Idol I fell for so long ago. No matter what her status, no matter what her weight, she was an Idol we adored to the very core, and one we appreciated with all our hearts. For many fans out there who cheered on Suzuki Kanon from the sidelines, she was their greatest Idol who caught not only their hearts, but also their smiles, and we will forever keep her ingrained in our memories, and appreciate the pure joy she was for years to come.
From a 12 year old girl who aimed to bring joy to those who watched her perform and heard her groups songs, to a 17 year old who dreams of making people happy by aiding them any way she can, Suzuki Kanon has grown as both an Idol and a person. She has always known what she wants, and strives to achieve the goals she sets in order to bring her own unique brand of cheer to the world. For her future endeavor, I wish her only the best and hope that she lives her dream, bringing those who need her most the smiles and joy they deserve. I know she can do it, and I'm sure every one of her fans is pushing her forward with their love and encouragement towards this bright, helpful future Suzuki Kanon is preparing for herself.
It seems like she only came into my life yesterday, and it's all too soon that she will be leaving my life as an Idol lover, however I do believe she will return one day, whether it's in a group photograph or an event appearance, because I am confident that Zukki won't disappear. It's what I want, it's what I hope, it's what I pray for, because I don't want her to leave my life like other Idols have. She's too important to me, and I never want her smile to fade away for both myself, and all her other fans.
I am happy for her, though, and I am glad to see her taking on such an admirable path for her future career. I just hope that she returns to us in the future, and shows us a smile that has become even brighter and a girl that is even stronger and more brilliant than the one standing before us today.
"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." - Suzuki Kanon, February 7th 2016
This is the Suzuki Kanon I love, and from now until her Graduation day, I will love her with all my might and smile as much as I can, even through the tears I will undoubtedly shed, because when I smile, I will think of Zukki and how wonderful she has been these past five years and the great surge of happiness she has brought me as an Idol fan.
Saying goodbye to you will be one of the hardest things for me as an Idol fan yet, but thank you Zukki. Thank you for five years of hard work. Thank you for your booming voice, your shining personality and your neve-ending smile that brightened my world. Thank you for becoming the Idol I adored all those years ago, and for never giving in.
You are my joy, my light, my inspiration, and I love you. Thank you so much for being a part of my world!
Suzuki Kanon, Stosugyou Omedetou! Thank you for this everlasting smile, and for bringing joy to our hearts! Our love for you shall never end!
Your smile was my Sun, so thank you for rising and shining upon this world.
And so comes to an end my [A Week with Meimi] series. As one of my final goodbyes to this wonderful Idol, let's sit down, relax, and appreciate her in this Graduation Appreciation post...
Looking back at Tamura Meimi as an Idol and Performer has been fun, and over the course of this past week watching videos, listening to songs and taking a chance at her e-Hello, May., I have gained a new found appreciation for this adorable girl and the energy she has. I already liked her before this week happened, however now that we are coming to a close, I know for certain that I will miss her and her enormous voice, because gosh darnit, this girl could sing, and she was an incredible Idol, to boot!
That said, I can't say I will cry when she leaves, because even if I like Meimi and enjoy all she has had to offer ANGERME and S/mileage these past four or so years, she was never truly my favourite member. That doesn't mean I won't be sad to see her go, because I certainly will, however there won't be any tears. That's the truth, people.
As a good chunk of you may know, Tamura Meimi was not my favourite S/mileage member for a long time. She freaked me out, her forehead a beacon of NOPE for me. Heck, it wasn't until about a year or so ago that I truly started to enjoy her, (back when she got her bangs and hair cut) but honestly, I always appreciated and applauded her efforts. She was bubbly and bright, and she stood out. She was essentially everything S/mileage stood for at the time she joined, and she was a ball of energy who you could see wanted to be there. Meimi of S/mileage was a treat, and she was the one everyone noticed.
And when she sang, everyone was blown away, because her voice was so much more than we expected. Not only was this kid hyper and cute, she was also an amazing singer. Heck, she quickly became one of S/mileage's best by the time Yuuka graduated, so it was no wonder she was quickly handed lines left and right.
This girl had a lot of power in her, and every time she belted a line you could feel it. Her passion and love for the craft was even evident in her tone, and she never failed to deliver.
I do think that Meimi was everything an Idol could possibly hope to be; a cute girl, a crazy amount of energy and a good voice. She could also act, too, and she had the personality to charm people. Meimi basically had everything, making her one of the best members to grace the Hello! Project Halls. She was, in my opinion, a perfect Idol, and what made her even more perfect was that she gave her all in everything she did, in all she tried. Throughout it all, this kid did it with a smile so bright, and you couldn't help but fall in love with her.
I do honestly like this girl, and I'm going to miss her so much. I'll miss her voice and smile, I'll miss the energy she exudes in all she does. There is a lot I will miss about her, and I know a lot you will miss her, too. She's a little star, and whilst we know she's graduating to move on and pursue what she loves most, we can't deny that she will leave a hole in many hearts. No one could ever replace this girl, not in voice, spirit or energy.
I'm just happy to know that Hello! Project didn't waste her talent by letting her shrivel up in the back, because we all know they can and will do that. To know her time in H!P was met with some decent lines, a few front positions and more does make me feel happy, because I would be fuming if someone as talented and precious as Meimi was kept to the back for as long as other girls were.
Tamura Meimi is honestly incredible. She's the sort of girl who can make you smile just by seeing her smile, and she can make your world a brighter place. She really is going to be missed by so many people, and I hope she knows that. I do sincerely hope that she realises just how adored she is as an Idol and a person.
I am so glad that it was S/mileage and ANGERME she chose to pursue when she did, because if she hadn't, we wouldn't have been graced with such a wonderful person like Tamura Meimi. I'm glad she gave us all such joy and that she shared her smile with the world. She's made a lot of people happy, and she's shown us that, in a world where Idols don't have to be talented to be adored, there is some talent left that can shine as brightly as the rest. I'm glad that, despite not being her fan initially, she grew on me, and that she proved to be more than I could ever realise.
It's nice to know that Meimi is moving towards her next dream and pursuing what she loves most. She should do it, and I know she's only 17, but honestly, this is a girl who knows what she wants. She was only 12 years old when she decided that she wanted to try out for S/mileage, and she was even younger when she decided to pursue a career as an actress on the big stage. Now she wants to continue that career and make it her world. She is beyond being an Idol at this point, and why not? She's been an Idol, she's experienced that world. Now is the time to go out into the world and find her own feet.
She's gained experience, she's performed in stage plays and musicals, been a front girl in one of H!P's better groups and seasoned herself as an actress, performer, personality and Idol. She's done a lot in four or so years, and now she's ready to take the next step in her life. I can't really fault her that.
I will miss Meimi, but I think what I will miss the most is the talent and energy she brought to H!P. She's such a wonderful girl, and I can see why so many loved and adored her. Sadly for us all, it's her time to go, but I'm certain she will do some great things in her future and make a name for herself as an actress.
But we will always remember her as the amazing Idol that she is, and was.
On her final tour day she will sing us a song in her strongest voice and show us exactly what she's made of, and everyone who watches will be in absolute awe at the brilliance that is Tamura Meimi. Hopefully we shall see and hear her again in the near future as an actress, but for now, we will treasure her as a part of ANGERME and love every last minute we have with her until she takes her final flight.
Thank you for all the joy you have brought us, Littlest Vampire, and thank you for being ANGERME's voice. In these past four years, you have given us so much. Now it's time for you to bring joy to a new audience, and allow your smile to radiate elsewhere.
Our Littlest Vampire, Sotsugyou Omedetou! Never stop smiling, never give up dreaming!
