Self-Reflection: Graduating The Hello! Project Fandom

Goodbye does not have to mean this is the end...

I opened this blog in 2010 as an outlet for a deep-rooted love affair that I had begun with Hello! Project, a love that started in August of 2009. A majority of my posts were dedicated to opinionated reviews of PV's and singles, views on up-coming e-Hello DVD's and more. I named my blog Okay! Musume Time as a homage to the group I adored, whilst the Okay! in the title originally represented a play-on-word of 'Okai' for my then-favourite member, Okai Chisato, and it was here that I became comfortable in my love of Hello! Project, idols and Japanese music.

Eight years on and my love for idols is still strong. I still want to write about them and share everything I can regarding the songs, the groups and the videos I love, but I need to say this now:

Hello! Project is no longer a company that I love and adore. The affection I once held for Hello! Project has well and truly gone, and now that affection I once held will be ingrained in this blog forever by name and past posts only. From here on out I will move forward as both an idol fan and an idol writer.

The End of The Idol Road - Ogata Haruna Graduates from Morning Musume '18 and Hello! Project

On this day June 20th, 2018, Ogata Haruna embarked on her final journey alongside Morning Musume '18, before joining the ranks of many beloved but graduated members and marking her history as a member in one of Japan's longest running idol groups. Now, after a short but memorable three years and eight months, Ogata Haruna will create a new path for herself as she looks towards her new dream of attending University.

Already it feels weird to write these words, and right now it's hard to think that Haachin won't be a part of this lineup. I can't even express how strange it feels to know that from this day on, Haachin is a member of the Graduated girls. Then again, this isn't a graduation any of us were expecting halfway through the year.

[Snippets of Haachin] A Quartet of Beauty - 'Seishun Kozou ga Naiteiru / Yuugure wa Amaegari / Ima Koko Kara' PV Overview(s)

[Snippets of Haachin] - also known as [A Week with Haachin] - is a week-long series in which I dedicate myself to all things Ogata Haruna. Whether it is a PV Review, Birthday Live viewing or something else, this series dedicates itself to watching the growth and wonder of Ogata Haruna before her upcoming Graduation on June 20th, 2018.

Even with minimal screen time and few solo lines, let's look back at Ogata Haruna's 4 years as an idol and adore her from afar. It's time to celebrate and fall in love once again with this idols smile and sweet nature...

Truth be told, I honestly didn't think that my [Week with Ogata] series would be as hard as it's looking to be, and if I had had a clue about how annoyingly difficult it will be, then I would have started this series around the time Ohaa announced her graduation date. That said, you can't help it when life gets in the way... but when has that ever stopped me from getting these kinds of posts out, on time or not?

I think the difficulty stems more from the fact that Ogata is one of the rare, few members who is given very little when it comes to releases and publications. With a small amount of solo lines, stupidly little screen time and not that much in either concerts or even solos, there is a limit to what I can find on the world wide web without having to download or buy DVD's. Even in terms of magazine and photo shoots there isn't much for Ogata, and even if there was something out there that included her and her alone, it's more than likely only available in Japan. That's just the way it is, and for foreign fans especially, we can only see what's on the surface.

And oh, what a shallow surface that is in regards to our dear Haachin.

Well, never fear, dear Readers, because I will persevere in my quest to adore Ohaa until the day she graduates! With even the most minimal of content, I'll try my best to doll out reviews and talk about the girl many love, an idol who will be missed by friends and fans alike in this ever-evolving world of entertainment and cuteness. Though she may not be as present as we would like, she is a member who has placed a stamp on our hearts, a girl who has appealed to those that noticed the unique and undeniable quality of Ogata Haruna. For many, she is their oshi, and throughout this series we will try to come and understand just why she sticks out to others, and why she is so darned special.

I could go on and use various synonyms to describe Ogata, but where's the fun in that? So before I dare to lose myself in words, let's take a look at the debut of Ogata Haruna, a quartet of beauty that represents the beginning of a generation.

This is the beginning of the end, dear Readers. Are you ready to indulge in all things Ogata? Let's go~

Visions of A Vivid Midnight - Juice=Juice's 'Vivid Midnight' (MV Review)

My recent posts have taken a more serious turn, so to bring back a little fun to the blog, it's high time I screen captioned and gif-ed the heck out of a really colourful, cute PV with some questionable choreography!

Yeah, y'all already know which one it is. Are you ready for a burst of flavour and juicy colours to brighten your day?

It's been a while since I did one of these, so naturally it feels refreshing to come back to my long-time love of screen capping and commentating for what is one of H!P's most colourful PV's in a while! It's such a blast of happiness and delight, I can't help but love it, and yeah, it actually makes sense that this would be the PV I returned to my screen-capping ways with... it's just so bright and fun, and I could gif and print screen so many scenes! I actually had to control myself, just so it didn't go over I don't how many... (haha).

Honestly, I think a lot of people love Juice=Juice's Vivid Midnight. With its K-pop twist, explosion of colour and bright sound, I can see why people are taken with this video. It's such a change in pace for Hello! Project and UP-FRONT, but it also allows us to see a new way of editing, techniques and style from the company, whilst also introducing us to new sounds and visuals from their groups. It's different, and it's unique to H!P, but it's a very welcome turn of events, in my opinion.

I had a lot of fun with this, as one would expect, and it makes me stupidly happy whenever I see it! I've even found a fondness for a certain member through this, someone who truly stood out in every way possible. Others, I felt a tad disappointed, but thankfully the video and its bright setting make up for any 10%-giving members.

... Okay, I'm rambling. Bad habits never die, y'all, but we'll stop chattering and get on with the commentary. This is Vivid Midnight, a damn cute and fun music video, and it's time to entertain ourselves a little to a lot more with it, because why not?

It's time to get groovy and enjoy a vivid, energetic midnight tryst! Are you ready? Let's get to

Kickin' It!

Here Lies A Damn Good Album - A Look At '℃maj9' by ℃-ute (Album Review)

In their 9th major studio album release - and their last original album overall - ℃-ute are ready to impress me with their vocal prowess and undeniable chemistry. They're also going to set the bar for any other albums I review very. Damn. High, and ruin other groups for me here on out.

It's time to check out ℃maj9, people. Get your earphones at the ready~

There is a little bit of background as to why this review happened, and it goes a little like this: One day on Facebook, I decided to make a post asking friends to list me their top one or two albums from Hello! Project, with the hopes to eventually review whichever album was mentioned most once my blog re-awakened. I did this both for a desire to know which albums people genuinely liked, and to perhaps find something new to listen to. Admittedly, I also wanted to review something that I might enjoy, I just didn't know what I could write about.

That, and I wanted to try out a few more albums. I have a tendency to ignore these types of releases - especially from the groups I follow - as disappointment in what I hear is a given due to the copious amounts of single songs vs. new tracks on studio releases. It more annoying than anything and leaves me with a distaste for albums. However, I would like to challenge this view, and I am starting it here.

In regards to the response to my post, it was favourable, much to my surprise. A lot of my friends posted their favourite albums and their corresponding covers, giving me some varied response on what people considered their favourites or even the 'best' of the bunch from all of the albums that H!P has to offer fans. Quite a few had repeat mentions (4th , Aya Matsuura Aya Best 1), but none compared to ℃maj9. It had around - if not exactly - 12 votes, making it the album that I would review for you all today. So here we are.

Thankfully this is an album I haven't heard, so all new tracks sans Iron Heart will be a surprise,  with the hopes that each song will be somewhat pleasant. Because it's ℃-ute though, I anticipate only the best. Still, let's pray that these girls and their composers don't let me down.

For everyone who listed their favourite albums - and for those who mentioned this one specifically - thank you! This review's for all of you, and I hope that you enjoy.

Thinking About: Wada Ayaka's Graduation Announcement

On April 5th, 2018, Wada Ayaka announced that she would be graduating both ANGERME and Hello! Project in Spring 2019, which will also mark her tenth year as the leader of her respective group. Wada's reason behind her decision to graduate include her desire to see the group grow without her, and also because the second generation members of ANGERME encouraged her to finally think for herself and not the group.

The plan to graduate has been discussed since last year, and it was decided between both Wada and staff members that she would graduate in 2019, which marks the 10th anniversary of S/mileage's debut, the group that would eventually be known as ANGERME. Of course, Wada Ayaka has assured fans she aims to stay in the entertainment industry, and asks for everyone to watch over her for the next year.

Having served as a member of Hello! Project since 2004, Wada Ayaka was one of the founding members of the 'Egg' system within Hello! Project, as well as a founding member and leader of S/mileage, which was later re-branded ANGERME in 2014. She has participated in numerous plays and units including Shugo Chara Egg!, Lilpri and Peaberry.

Thinking About: Ogata Haruna's Graduation Announcement

On March 27th, 2018, Ogata Haruna - a 12th generation member of Morning Musume '18 - announced that she would be graduating from the group on June 20th at the end of the groups Spring Tour. She will also be graduating from Hello! Project, but not necessarily the entertainment industry, in order to pursue a further education.

Ogata was introduced to the group and Hello! Project in 2014 alongside fellow 12th generation members Nonaka Miki, Makino Maria and Haga Akane. She has since performed in 7 single releases (an eighth to be released), one studio album and one mini-album, as well as a handful of digital singles. She has also participated in a 12th generation radio show, as well as hosted the show Hello! Athlete Megami, which focuses on up-coming female athletes.

Aikawa Maho Decides To Graduate ANGERME and Hello! Project

H!P Execs: "Okay, guys, how should we end the year? Low note or high?"

H!P Management: "I dunno, it's been a pretty shit year. Maybe we should go out with something positive, like, say... a beloved members return?"

H!P Execs: "Nope. She's decided to graduate."

H!P Management: "Well, fuck. Low note it is, then. Things can't get any shitter for us in 2017, at least."

H!P Execs: "Here, here." -sips bubbly champagne and hits PUBLISH on the official announcements page-

A look into the End of Year discussions at Up-Front HQ, because they gotta go big, or go home, despite the multiple nope moments they've already experienced this year.

Aikawa Maho is graduating ANGERME and Hello! Project, and no, this is not how I want to end my year. Hell, it's not even how I wanted to wake up on the final day of 2017, but, there we go. Life just doesn't cater to our desires, does it, now?

Le sigh.

So, yeah... It was announced only recently, and though I've not seen a whole lot online about it, the few comments I have come across are heartfelt and sad. I can see that it's disappointed so many fans, regardless of which member they happen to support. However, there is also a lot of understanding as well, with fans acknowledging that this choice of Maho's is probably for the best, and I respect this. It's so nice to see the community actually respecting Maho's decision and praising her for taking herself into consideration.

You can read the official announcement here.

The Beginning Of A Limitless Sky... Kudo Haruka Graduates Morning Musume '17 and Hello! Project

Today on December 11th, 2017, Kudo Haruka performed on her final stage as a member of Morning Musume '17. Now, after five years of being a Morning Musume member, and a further year as a Hello! Pro Egg, this Idol has spread her wings, and will move on to a brand new future in acting.

It's so weird to think that Duu has left Morning Musume and Hello! Project. It almost feels unreal, at this moment in time. How can she have graduated so soon?

[This Is Duu!] LILIUM ~The Falsehood of Duu~ (Stage Play Recap & Review)

[This Is Duu!], also known as [A Week with Duu], is a series of posts dedicated to Kudo Haruka and her impending graduation on December 11th 2017. It is a series that will look at the wonders of Duu, whether it is in the form of a music video, sketches, live performances or even her photo books!

To celebrate all that is Duu, let's take a look back at everything she has given us, and remember the joy that she has delivered since debuting in Morning Musume, all those years ago! Are you ready to celebrate all that is Duu?

hOLY SHIT, HOW HAVE I NOT WATCH THIS UNTIL NOW? HOW!?!?!?!?

Seriously, this shit would put Shakespeare to shame. What the heck, it took me well over three years to finally watch LILIUM -Lilium Shoujo Junketsu Kageki- in its entirety? I'm either lazy (check), or just ignorant of the great things in life (check again), because holy shit... Holy shit, this is amazing.

Good thing I decided to talk about a play that Duu had a key role in, because damn, if I didn't (and it hadn't been suggested to review Lilium) then I wouldn't have taken a look at this. In all honesty, the sole reason I did watch this one over Pharaoh no Haka, is because this one actually has a subtitled version, thanks to the dedicated fans.

And yes, I am wallowing in my own self loathing, because I dared to neglect this stage play for this long. Still, it's a damn good thing Duu is worth a whole day on this play, otherwise we wouldn't be here, and I would have continued to neglect Lilium for another three or more years. That's just the way this cinnamon rolls.

Oh, and once again, this Duu-related review comes at an oddly convenient time, as I am reviewing it just a day after the latest Magnolia Factory departure. Though no members of the group make an appearance here, I think that the heavy metaphor regarding flowers and how all flowers will eventually wilt, is quite significant to the current state of the group. It's horribly fitting, given the circumstance of these woeful times in HaroPromageddon.

That thought about Kobushi ran through my mind as the story of Lilium progressed, but it's also a truth that we acknowledge as human beings. Eventually, we will all die, for there is no eternity. Despite its fictional setting, Lilium hits home with the truth that death is an unstoppable act, and that loneliness comes with the loss of your loved ones, and that loneliness can even come with age . The symbolism of flowers only makes these things feel a tad bittersweet, if not a little romantic, in its weird and twisted way.

Because like flowers, even the most beautiful will eventually wither and die.

Today we are taking a look at LILIUM -Lilium Shoujo Junketsu Kageki-. Sometimes, we will cling to that moment of forever when the ones we love most disappear...

The Petals Are Falling... Kobushi Factory's Taguchi Natsumi Contract is VOID!

What is it with companies firing Idols when I'm in the midst of Graduation Week posts, aye? >o>

2017 has not been a bright year for Hello! Project, and the misfortune in graduating and dismissed members continues with the news that, after almost a month since her own scandal, Taguchi Natsumi has left Kobushi Factory and Hello! Project, making her the third member in just under a year to do so.

... Holy, shit guys, it comes in three's.

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

SHIT, GUYS, IT HAPPENED ON DECEMBER 6TH, OH FUCK I CALLED IT. -sobs hysterically, it was a fuckin' JOKE-

Way to fuck up my Duu running order, Up-Front. Ya fuckin' jerks.

WTF, how did I even predict this, I was joking. But, shit, seriously. It's happened.  And holy shit, this is the worst thing I predicted, ever, and I didn't even do it for my Year End Post. FUCK!

... Okay, let's get on with this and breathe, Chiima. Breathe.

Interview with Juice=Juice (via Selective Hearing)

I thank both UP-FRONT for allowing me to undertake this Interview with Juice=Juice, in celebration of their first world tour. This is an incredible milestone for the group, one that has been met with a great response from fans all over the world.

I also want to thank Selective Hearing for allowing me to head the interview via e-mail, and ask the members questions regarding the tour, themselves, their performance and also their music. I also thank them for allowing me to cross-post the interview to my very own blog.

You can find the original post here on Selective Hearing.

Juice=Juice Interview - September 10th, 2017
Interview: Kelly-Mae Matt

Juice=Juice are a 7-member girl group formed in 2013. They were the first of the new units formed from members of the Hello! Pro Kenshuusei. Their first live appearance was at the Hello! Project Haru no Dai Kansyasai Hinamatsuri Festival in March of 2013. Since that time they have made their major label debut, released 12 physical singles, 1 digital single and 1 full-length album.

They also started performing overseas making their first appearances in Taiwan and Hong Kong in October of 2015. Their second overseas appearance was at @JAMxTALE in Hong Kong in February of 2017. Their third overseas performances consist of a tour titled “Juice=Juice Love Around Tour 2017” which will take them to the USA, the UK, France, Germany, Mexico, Thailand and Malaysia.

Selective Hearing had the opportunity to talk with Juice=Juice at the start of their world tour to discuss their expectations for the tour, the changing dynamics of their group and their feelings on their music and performances.

Welcome To Graduation Gate '17! The Flowers Are Wilting, Heads Are Banging (Against Walls)

This post was made for satirical purposes. Some of it is serious, though.

Today, on 'Haropromaggedon'...

Shitty MoMusu Costumes!

J=J Boycott Thailand and America!

And for our main feature, Ogawa Rena "Graduates"!

Everyone, please enjoy today's episode. There was so much thought put into its content!

Collectively, fans around the world are banging their heads against tables, walls, and so much more, and are probably wondering what the frick is going on behind closed doors. I mean... two members in exactly three months? WTF sort of poison are H!P spreading on their garden to make their Magnolia's wilt?

Who'll be next in Kobushi Factory? Well, whoever it is, if it happens on December 6th, you heard it here first! It all comes in three's, after all. Let's just pray it's not so... -prays to Lord Gaki-

Oh, and I've just found H!P's latest theme song! I wonder if we'll hear Rena singing it as she packs her bags for a life of solitude and wota-filled dreams? Why don't we all sing along, too?

The Blooming Sensation of a Smile! - Tsubaki Factory's 'Shuukatsu Sensation / Waratte / Hana Moyou' Single Review!

The internet is back, so let's start the presses, and get some words out into the open world! It's time to embrace the Idol music, and revel in the beauty that our beloved groups and soloists create! It's a rising sensation, this feeling of happiness, and I can only hope that it blooms even more as I continue listening to the songs I enjoy most!

Will today's single selection make you smile, or wilt with overflowing sadness? It's time to check out some Idol songs, and find out how they make you feel. Let's go!

WOOHOO, I have internet again! To celebrate, I think it's high-time I reviewed this single, because damn, there's so much about it to love! I know a lot of people are praising this release highly, as well as praising Tsubaki Factory for their talent and charm, and I am one of them! That said, I wasn't anticipating reviewing this one here; I was going to talk about it over on Selective Hearing, however, Balma requested I write about it in a comment, therefore, here it is! A review of Tsubaki Factory's second major single, Shuukatsu Sensation / Waratte / Hana Moyou! Honestly speaking, it's probably best I rave about it here; I doubt I could condense my love for this release on SH! I kinda want to ramble, you know?

I've given away my thoughts already (lol), but I've already expressed my thoughts on the MV's as well, so, I doubt you'd be surprised by whatever I have to say, anyways. Still, it's nice to give my thoughts in full, and express my original feelings on the tracks, and such. Here, I have a chance to look at the single in full, and spell out just what I think.

Oh, this will be fun!

So, without any further delay, let's get into Hello! Project's latest physical release, and entertain ourselves with the ever delightful Tsubaki Factory! Will they elicit a smile from you after hearing all three tracks present on here, or will they make you wilt away with a sigh? It's time to find out, so press play and listen closely!

Headphones ON!!!

The Job Hunt Begins! Before H!P Can Fire Anyone Else, Let's Get Tsubaki Hired! - 'Suukatsu Sensation' MV Review

Now that my University days are over and done with (at least until the Masters degree beings), it's time to start job hunting, and finally become an adult in society! So, to get me motivated and ready for the long search ahead, let's tune into the latest release from Tsubaki Factory, and begin the grueling task of interviews and dressing to impress!

Please take of me during this long-awaited interview, and thank you for your time!

I swear, Tsubaki Factory's latest release has everyone a-fluster. The Western fandom is going nuts, and yeah, I can totally see why. All three songs are amazing in their own way, and each music video is downright glorious, with Shuukatsu Sensation being the most genius of the three. I mean, damn, Hello! Pro finally put their heads together, used that one brain cell they use between each staff member, and created something original and funny.

What. The, Heckety heck?

Honestly, I don't know whether Shuukatsu Sensation is a genuine, serious song, or if it's just parodying Japan's ideals. Either way, I'm enjoying the crap outta it!

Actually, this whole single is a damn gem, and further proof that Tsubaki Factory are one of Hello! Pro's glowing gems that they need to let shine! This is a damn strong release, and Shuukatsu Sensation is only the beginning! For now, however, we will focus on the sensation that is job hunting, and Tsubaki Factory dressed as Office Ladies! It's time to take a look at the mature and serious Tsubaki Factory, and head into the workforce to become shining examples of society, for today and tomorrow!

Forget your passions and desires in life, and work until you die! It's time to get serious, leave our student days behind, and focus on business and capitalism. Let's begin this job hunt, and create a sensation!

Yorishiku Onegai itashimasu!

Contract Terminated! Kobushi's Fujii Rio Fired From Factory!

Today on July 6th, it was announced by Hello! Project's management team that Fujii Rio, who was supposed to graduate at the end of the Hello! Project Summer tour, has recently left the agency, after her contract was cancelled.

You can read the official statement HERE.

Currently, the only reasons for Rio's sudden departure are vague. Management have stated that Rio's contract was cancelled, as she did not comply to the rules that they had set, therefore resulting in a premature departure from the Kobushi Factory member. According to the announcement, both management and Rio had talked about what she would do before graduating, however as she had not stuck by the rules or her promises to the agency, they found it better to let her go now, as she was not responsible enough for Up-Front or Hello! Project.

However much of this is true, we do not know. Still, it is safe to say that, for Rio, there is / will be some blame on her part. Rarely does a company cancel a contract, unless there is a dispute or scandal of some kind.

Still, it's a little annoying, and I'm not even a fan of this group or the member in question to begin with!

Haro!Promageddon: Let The Salt Flow! - Hello! Project Group Member Additions!

*I did not coin the term 'Haro!Promageddon; someone on Twitter did, thank them, they are a genius. I have no clue who created the term, however XD

After the shock announcement that Hello! Project would essentially dissolve Country Girls after the graduation of Tsugunaga Momoko, and that both Yamaki Risa and Ozeki Mai would become part-time members of H!P to focus on school (a decision that wasn't theirs, from what Risa's blog post tells), it was then revealed that the remaining members (bankable loli's) would all be entrusted to other groups, and continue activities within CG during school breaks and holidays.

It was also announced that Hello! Project Kenshuusei Danbara Ruru, Ichioka Reina and Kawamura Ayano would make their debut, too, much to the delight of the fans.

And today, on June 26th 2017, the group placements have been announced! Be prepared, dear readers and fellow Idol lovers, because the salt levels are high, and not just from my on-going saltiness at CG's near-disbandment... ¬.¬

From the video we were given today, all members in question, and the leaders who represent the new units they will be under, met for the first time to see just who would be where. It's a similar scenario that we have seen previously, and it allows us fan to watch how other members react to newbies joining their respective groups. It can be super sweet and heartfelt, and I love seeing just what everyone says and how they greet the new members who will become a part of their legacy.

This time, however, something seemed a bit off. Watching it was definitely heart-pounding, and Twitter set me up for the excitement that would be finding out who goes where. More-so, I was excited to see where the three Kenshuusei would end up, because of them all, they are the girls who are going to finally debut and shine on stage!

With Morito Chisaki, Yamagawa Nanami and Funaki Musubu, however, I was a little more wary. I mean, these girls were already in groups, and have already shown themselves to be really cute, hyperactive young girls who have expressed themselves in a way that is so very Country Girls. It's going to be weird to see them elsewhere, and I admit, even after sitting for so many hours on this information and processing it all, I'm still unsure, at least on two of them.

I'm also still super salty about CG, but, this is how H!P want to go. So! It's time to check out who goes where, and my thoughts on it. Whether you like what I say or not, I really don't give a fig, but it's time to share! Let's talk H!P, and bitch and whine as we please. On we go~

A Factory Worker Resigns! Kobushi Factories Fujii Rio to Graduate Hello! Project and Kobushi Factory This Summer!

Not even a month has passed since the Graduation Announcement of Kudo Haruka from Morning Musume and Hello! Project, and already we have another announcement regarding the leave of an Hello! Pro Idol.

Good grief, H!P are gonna need a few new Factory workers to come play Idol if they keep letting the ones people actually care about get away :/

With the announcement made on May 12th concerning Fujii Rio's desire to graduate, the Kobushi Factory sub-leader has revealed that she will leave both her group and the company this Summer, at the end of the Hello! Project Summer 2017 concert tour. She has expressed her desire to continue her studies now that she has finished Highschool, and look towards becoming a teacher or a nurse.

Up-Front LINK has translated both the staff comment, and Fujii Rio's comment in regards to her Graduation announcement.

Let's Try Something Beautiful This First Sunrise! 'Hatsukoi Sunrise / Just Try! / Uruwashi no Camellia' Single Review!

This Major Debut Review was requested by an Anonymous reader and commenter! This one is for you, so please, enjoy~

I am not keeping up with the current lineup of Hello! Pro newbies. Heck, I'm having a hard enough time remembering that Juice=Juice are still around, so... yeah, me and H!P are still on rocky terms. MM are getting appealing again, C-ute are going soon (sniffsniff), Country Girls are fine so far, and Juice=Juice are forgettable. I'm still not interested in what Kobushi have to offer of the two Factory productions, and Tsubaki...

Well, Tsubaki has potential.

From the get-go, I was a little more interested in this group than Kobushi. They're a lot less polished, the girls are not immediate stars, and they were still finding their sound. Unlike Kobushi, who were thrown a bone right away because of their gem encrusted lineup, Tsubaki actually had some time to season and find their footing in concerts and sound, which is what I like to see in a newly produced group. So of course, they are sitting well with me, already.

I get sour when groups aren't given time to grow. It happened with Juice=Juice, and look at where they stand with me, now; I forget they bloody exist.

Moving on... Tsubaki intrigue me. I like the look of the lineup. I liked how bored a few of them looked in their early videos. I was intrigued by their mature sound, and how well it suited them in their testing period. Also, they are all darned cute. Yumeno is especially eye catching, Asakura Kiki is a very deserving centre with a shark-like smile that rivals Ishida Ayumi's,and Niinuma Kisora is seriously calling to me. She's a refreshing little bud of joy.

I don't know all of the members yet, but some I can definitely pin-point, with the above three being the ones I like most, and then the Knock-off Yanagawa Nanami kid (Akiyama Mao), and Budget Hamaura Ayano (Ogata Risa). The rest, I am currently unsure of, but I'm sure I'll learn their names... eventually.

One step ahead of Kobushi, that's for sure! I think the minor interest helps, too~

Hopefully after taking in their major debut and digesting it a little, I'll be able to figure out whether or not I want to keep up with them. So, that's what I will do today. We're going to give the latest Hello! Pro group a try, and see just how much they tickle my taste buds! Will these sweet Camellia's keep up with my interests, or fall as flat as the Kobushi lot have in charisma, style and vocals?

It's time to test the Major Debut! Are you ready to try the first in a line of up-coming beautiful major releases? Plug in your headphones, and give it a go! Music START~!

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

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

✴❅✴ 5th Night ✴❅✴

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

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

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

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

Let the music soothe your soul...