Idols of Advent: Spending This Winter Holiday with You - Celebrating A 'Very Merry Happy Christmas' with Ogura Yui (Pic Spam Review)

Despite all that is going on in the world, we can still celebrate the winter holidays with our loved ones even when they are a screen away...

Before the bell tolls and the festivities begin despite the harsh realities of the world at present, let's take a look at a heartwarming and intimate celebration of the winter season. Yes, most of us will be taking the time to celebrate with family and friends either in-person or a screen away, but for some today will be about joy we share with our significant others, wherever they might be.

In todays Idols of Advent review we celebrate with the cute and charismatic Ogura Yui, who has gifted us with the wonderfully merry Very Merry Happy Christmas, which celebrates the close bonds of a couple in love as they prepare for their own holiday festivities. Though the holiday season is certainly different to ones that we have previously experienced, Yui will instill a sense of hope within us all that we can spend our days with our beloved ones again sometime soon.

Let's prepare for the day ahead and get ready to celebrate the most festive day of the year in Ogura Yui's sweet yet intimate Very Merry Happy Christmas. Are you ready to get into the winter spirit and celebrate with the ones you love?

Idols of Advent: The Tranquility of A Winter's Day - A Gentle 'Snow Flake Remind' by Jewel☆Neige (Pic Spam Review)

Despite the world being askew and the loss we feel from the disconnect and distance, let's come together in a moment of quiet and find the peace that we have all been craving since life was thrown off-balance for us all...

In a hectic and uncertain world it can become difficult to find time for yourself. Where peace feels fleeting and moments of solace are so few and far between, we must not forget that we need to take a moment and breathe. Of course our Idols are working hard to create a brighter world for us all, one where we can relax and forget about the news and strife that other people are putting us through right now.

In todays Idols of Advent review I want to allow these idols to give me that peace of mind I need and step back to take a moment of quiet and beauty this winter. Away from the bright lights and cold snow, I now look to Jewel☆Neige to deliver a reminder of the peace and tranquility a snow flake can bring, and the longing I hold for a relaxing winter day at home without the worries of the world weighing down my mind.

It's time to close the door on the world and find solace with Snow Flake Remind. Are you ready to remember the beauty of a quiet winter's day?

Idols of Advent: A Land of Winter and Heartbreak - The Loneliness of 'Tiamo' by T-ARA (Pic Spam Review)

Even though it looks beautiful from the outside, a world covered in snow is still cold and lonely when you are unable to be with the ones you love...

Despite winter being a wonderful time of the year for some, it can be the cause of much heartache for others. Winter can create a lonely world for people and whilst I would like to reflect on the happiness that this season brings me, I also want to look at a music video that deals with heartbreak and this ever-growing sense of being lost in a world that is as cold and lonely as her heart feels in that moment.

Of course where there is darkness there is light, and whilst you may feel lost and alone in this world right now, there will be a path for you to follow until you find the warmth you so desire. So with all that in mind, today we will look at T-ARA's Tiamo and fall into a world of loneliness and snow where the key to your escape lies in the understanding of your emotions.

It is time to fall into a wintry world of cold beauty and quiet sadness, but don't worry; I have every bit of faith that you will find your way out and come back to a world of love and warmth...

Idols of Advent: Beneath A Starry Winter Sky with You - The Beauty of a 'secret star' by amatsuuni (Pic Spam Review)

Even when we are apart we are still connected by the sky and the stars that will eventually guide us to each other. Though the world is a dark and scary place right now, please let the shining stars in the winter's night sky lead you to happiness...

Though the world is still at an odd place our Idols continue to work hard and create fun, memorable content for us all in a bid to escape from the trials of the world around us. Of course we can not always escape our own reality, but when it is time to relax and lose ourselves a little the comfort of an idol or musicians music is always there to spirit us away to a sparkling world unlike any other.

In the case of anisong singer and coverist amatsuuni, we will be taken to the sky to experience the magic of the stars on a chilly winter's eve. Though it may not be the festive, wintery music video you imagined you would be watching, amatsuuni has the ability to transport you far from the loneliness of this world to create an enchanting experience for her viewers and listeners.

It's time to step away from the world and fall into the beauty of a starry night sky during the winter. Want to join me for a walk and see if we can stumble upon some magic?

Idols of Advent: Once Upon A Winter Story - An Enchanting 'Winter Story' by LABOUM (Pic Spam Review)

Though we are in a time of uncertainty and feel at odds with the world, let's come together and find comfort in the form of festive music videos that will bring back our beautiful winter memories...

With the winter season well and truly upon us and the world still in an uncertain and strange place, it feels like now is the right time to bring some positivity and light to the world in the form of some beautiful winter music videos. Sure, it won't ease the situation in any way but I think that having some form of normality for my blog in the form of my favourite Idols of Advent series will at least give myself - and hopefully everyone who reads this - a little bit of seasonal spirit despite the circumstances of the world.

So now that I have a bit of extra time on my hands, as well as a desire to finally review this beautiful music video that I have been eyeing up for around two years now, I think it's time to open this years series Winter series with LABOUM's own Winter Story. It's a fairy tale world where the members of LABOUM come together to experience the magic of the snow, so let yourselves be enchanted as you enter the world and experience the warmth and delight that Winter Story has created.

It's time to step through the mirror and escape the woes of the world. Are you ready to experience a magical world this winter?

Idols Of Advent: The Sparkling Snow's Illumination - SODA's 'ILLUMINATE☆SNOW' (Quick-Spam Review)

Sometimes it is just nice to watch it snow...

Merry Pic-Spam, and a Giffy New Year!

Corny? Yes, but it had to be done, because this is acting as my Christmas Eve / Christmas Day hybrid post, and also 'cause it includes a few gifs and pics in a smaller quantity than usual. Which leads me to my next bit...

This is a Quick-Spam, a brand new kind of post that I may never return to, because I am a one-off kinda gal with these sorts of posts. With that said, the reason for this being a Quick-Spam kind of post is mostly due to the fact that the PV in question - SODA's ILLUMINATE☆SNOW - is very short at only 1 minute and 40 seconds long. And I will be whizzing through this, so please don't expect a hefty post this time around.

My main reason for choosing such a short music video for review (which I never do) is mostly down to time, but also because I found this one pretty endearing. Sure, it doesn't have that much depth in terms of story line or editing, but it has charm. It's an easy video to watch as well, and the song is darned cute. So, yeah... I chose it because it's cute. What more do I need for Christmas Eve / Day? After all, it's a day that is about fun, spending time with others, eating food and spending stupid amounts of money on sometimes pointless presents.

And before I head into this Quick-Spam Review, SODA is a 3-piece Idol unit that was created for the purpose of singing for and promoting AppFreaks' smartphone game, Idol Girls. Each of the girls are voice actors for the game itself, which will explain their high-pitched, chipper tone of voices. Debuting just this year, ILLUMINATE☆SNOW is the groups second single. They are managed by SubZero.

Now it's time to start the review. In order to celebrate Christmas, let's get into the spirit with something cute, fun and... foody! Are you ready to celebrate Christmas the right way this year by eating plenty of delicious food, just like the SODA girls? Or will you spend it watching Idol videos all day long, singing and dancing to the beat...

It's time to dig in and have a Merry Christmas!

Idols Of Advent: A Memory Of One Snowy Night... - 26ji no Masquerade's 'Snow Memory' (PV Review)

Winter is that one time of the year where everyone is expected to be happy. Eating delicious food, listening to and singing along with festive songs and spending time with those you love are a part of the winter appeal, and throughout the world winter and christmas is broadcasted as a fun, festive season that all can enjoy.

But what if the cold nights and gentle snow fall only bring you sorrow? With memories buried deep beneath a blanket of snow, each snowflake that drifts down from the sky pierces your thoughts until all of the memories you had buried away resurface, as fresh as newly fallen snow...

With time constraints galore, work taking over my life and tiredness engulfing me, I was originally going to forfeit writing any additional posts related to winter, snow and Christmas after posting my review of Nan kini!'s Snow Dome. I am just too tired... BUT! But, but but, I really wanted to review this music video in particular , firstly because it has 'Snow' within the title, and secondly because it's one of my favourite song and PV releases from 26ji no Masquerade.

It was with this strong desire that, despite my lack of sleep since 14:00pm yesterday afternoon and having worked all day, I sat myself down and began screen-grabbing and giffing the heck out of this music video, all with the intent of creating a smaller, more compiled pic spam related post.

Well, that never went to plan, because what we have here is another hefty, 83 piece set of images in one bulky ol' post. Condensing? Don't know her. Whittling down my content for efficiency? Who the heck is that? No matter what, I seem to forget all reasoning when it comes to these types of posts, because in my mind the lengthier it is, the better. After all, my pic spams are created for fun, to showcase the visuals of the PV and to create some weird commentary along the way. These posts were never meant to be about efficient reviewing or elegant script - it's all about the pictures, the commentary and the quick end-of-review that I tack onto the end of it all.

So, yes - this is a hefty post once more, though I managed to do everything in record time in regards to gifs and screen captures of the music video in question. Honestly, I just couldn't help myself; Snow Memory is extremely pretty. It is honestly mesmerising to watch, as well as a great track to listen to. And hey, don't let the gorgeous environment and well-edited shots fool you: This is an indies PV, and a mighty fine one that that!

Yet unlike the previous PV I reviewed - Snow Dome by Nan kini! - Snow Memory stands on the opposite end when it comes to what it portrays and the emotion it sets out to deliver. With a melancholy sound and even sadder story line, 26ji no Masquerade create a beautiful piece that depicts the sadness the snow can bring, as well as the bitter memories you had hoped would fade away in the years gone by.

No matter how much time has passed, no matter how much the snow melts away and the seasons change, these memories will stay with you. And even when you try and stop time to ease the memories you locked away, one way or another, the past will always come back to haunt you...

Times change, but even when you grow older you will always remember that Snow Memory you buried all those years ago...

Idols Of Advent: Under The Snowy Dome - Nan kini's! 'Snow Dome' (PV Review)

... Oh crap, Christmas is four days away. *cue cheesy spiel*

As the night grows dark and the air begins to bite at your cheeks, with cotton gloves clinging to your finger tips, the scent of winter falls upon you. Crisp and fresh, a smile or a grimace might fall upon your lips. Like it or not, with the tell-tale signs of winter comes one thought:

"The holiday season is upon us."

And if you're lucky, this season will come with the magic of snow...

Let's get ready to celebrate~

Nan kini! are new to both this blog and myself, mostly because i discovered this PV last year and only happened to rediscover it in the run towards December, back when I was figuring out what PV's I would be reviewing for this year's set of festive posts. Immediately this one stood out for its name, look and sound, which happens to full under the category of: Very Christmas Idol.

Or something like that. It makes 0 sense, I know, but let's just go with that for now.

Anyway, I fell in love with this music video after watching it, and during my adventures in screen grabbing and gif-ing the heck out of this PV for the fun of this post, I decided to learn about the group in question whilst also checking up on the members themselves to see if my favourite from the video was still in the group. As it so happens, none of the members present within this music video are apart of the group, with all of them having graduated by April of 2019. To further that slight blow, I also came to learn that this video has also been unlisted, something that confused me at first... until I started digging, that is.

Here's a run down of the graduations and events, just to keep everyone up to speed before we delve into this adorable Christmas music video:

Inui Michiko, a second generation member, left in January of this year to pursue academics, whilst the other three - founding members Shiratori Yuuna and Nagisa Hoshino, as well as 2nd generations Chonan Mai - left the group in early May, however the groups activities had been suspended from April 27th, with all of their activities being cancelled up until May 10th this year.

The group has since been restarted with 7 members, and a CD debut is set for January 2020, however the sudden departure of the Nan kini! system that we see in this music video was not a happy one. With issues regarding how the management treated the members being cited as one of the reasons for the members' quick leave of the group, it makes sense why the video in question has been unlisted, especially as management are now 'restarting' Nan kini! as a whole with this new generation and single release. So,if you decide to search for this PV on YouTube, please be aware that you will have a hard time finding it thanks to its 'Unlisted' status.

As luck would have it, however, I had previously saved the link in a draft I keep specifically for Christmas videos, ultimately allowing me access to the video despite it being hidden from general viewing.

With that said, I didn't actually know it was unlisted or even find out about the drama behind the group until I had finished the task of screen grabbing and gif-ing the PV itself. Yet once I found everything out about the groups history and all that had happened, I was of two minds: scrap the review altogether, or go on with it. Given that I am currently writing this, you can see that I chose the latter, and it's mostly because I love the video itself, and I find the song charming in a cute-but-weak type of way.

What can I say, it charmed me.

Anyways, in regards to the song: Snow Dome comes from the groups first album, Boku no mado ni, kimi no kazegafuku, and may have been one of a few PV's from the album, which actually dropped on January 13th this year, and is still available to buy on Amazon Japan, as well as to listen to on Spotify.

Now it's time to watch a cute music video and get ready for the festive season! Snuggle up in your PJ's and get the hot chocolate out, because winter is coming and we need to keep warm!

As the nights get colder and the snow starts falling, you snuggle up all warm and cosy inside your house. And then when you put your favourite Idol winter songs on you can't but think "Ah, the festive season has finally begun...~"

Idols of Advent: The Warmth of A Winter Morning - Morning Musume '17's 'Morning Misoshiru' (MV Review)

As the nights become longer, let's continue our Advent of the Idols and entertain ourselves with the purity and warmth they deliver during this chilly time of the year. Whether the videos we look at are all about the snow, the entertainment, the lights or the hope and joy Christmas and winter time brings, let's celebrate the beauty of the season, and be merry and bright in all we do.

Our Idols will deliver something wonderful to watch once again, and for today's Advent surprise, let's all snuggle up my the campfire, wear our warmest clothes, and enjoy a bowl of warm miso soup before we fall asleep beneath a star sprinkled sky...

Since the release of Morning Misoshiru's music video, I have wanted to review this beautiful, winter-fueled piece of wonder, but never actually found the time to sit down and talk about. Then, when I was looking out for videos that would fit my Winter / Snow / Christmas theme for the Idols of Advent mini-series, I figured hey, why not? Let's throw in Morning Misoshiru, because it's all chilly but warm in the most perfect way. Plus, it brings up one aspect of Christmas that I am all about, and that is togetherness.

I think that the members wearing fluffy hats, winter jumpers and scarves also helps in me believing this is all about winter. Plus, the lights and the natural, cold look of their surroundings only strengthens this case I have going.

Though it might not necessarily be about the winter, the snow or even the Christmas holiday, let's celebrate the warmth and beauty of a camp-out in the coldest season, and entertain ourselves with all that Morning Musume provide, in all its gorgeous glory.

It's time to relax, spend time with our friends, and forget the rest of the world as we sit together with our bowls full of miso soup...

Idols of Advent: Wrapped Inside This Blanket of Snow... Dream's 'Blanket Snow' (MV Review)

We continue our season of snow and delight with some more Idol videos, all themed around Christmas and the winter time! Whether it includes the cold, the snow or a Christmas Tree and lights, let's celebrate the joys of December, and celebrate the beauty that the winter time can bring. If it's warm, a little sad, or filled with celebration, let's enjoy all that our Idols deliver to us this time of the year.

Counting down the days until Christmas, let's continue to open the doors of Advent, and wrap ourselves in a cocoon of warmth and love. Who will deliver a spirited winter song today?

I really didn't want to head into a full-on peppy review after yesterday's post, however, I want to keep up the spirit of the winter season and deliver the beauty of Idol videos for this time of the year. I feel pretty inconsiderate doing this right now, but I also know that I must move forward. I also know that no matter what, I will try all I can to keep Jong-hyun alive in my heart. With that said, let's talk about today's video a little bit.

I intended to review Dream's Blanket Snow for this small series from the moment I saw it, both for its beauty and because, y'know, snow. Plus, it's a nice video to look at and remember Dream by, who disbanded this past June in order to pursue various solo activities. It's sad to know that we won't ever receive a video as lovely as this one from Dream again, but I'm glad I was able to stumble upon it for this review.

I'm even more delighted by the fact that I actually found a full copy of it somewhere on the web, because heck, youtube didn't have it anywhere. That was a rather annoying search, but at least it was around, unlike some videos.

Thankfully, the full version proved to be just as pretty and entertaining as the 4 or so minutes worth that youtube had to offer. It's such a cute, winter-fuelled video that is beautiful to watch, and with a sweet, warm atmosphere despite all the snow and winter flurry feels. Of course, it's not as upbeat or adorable as other songs and videos, delivering a more subdued approach that feels a tad more grown-up, even serene at times. Of course, it has its own adorable, sweet moments. It's just not OTT with it, is all.

Now it is time to enter this lovely winter wonderland, and entertain ourselves with the warmth and charm of Snow Blanket. Is this all a dream, or the reality of a winter's night?

Let the snow flutter down to create a world of illumination and serene beauty...

Idols of Advent: This Christmas with Only You - BTOB's 'Christmas TIme ~Kimi dake wo~ (MV Review)

The holly, jolly time of the year is back, and in the spirit of the season, it's time to return to the yearly Christmas, Winter and Snow posts, and entertain ourselves with one of the most festive times of the year! Whether it's a video filled with warmth and happiness, a ting of sadness and regret, or love and merriment, let's celebrate all that the winter delivers in sound and vision!

We're counting down the days with these Idols of Advent, and making our December a little more merry as we go along. But who will entertain our Christmas thoughts this frosty eve?

I'm not a K-pop fan or follower, but the winter time is one of those very few, very rare moments where I will honestly go all ham, and listen to whatever is around, and let's be frank: Those K-pop artists many of you love and cherish are some of the best celebrators of Christmas music out there. I swear, there's more Christmas or winter related content from the K-pop industry than there is in the J-pop industry. That, or I'm just not looking hard enough in my J-pop categories. Who knows?

Regardless, I do love the K-pop Christmas content that I've seen so far, but one of the most impressive is from BTOB. Ironically, this is a Japanese track, but eh. I'm just happy I found a song I'm freakin' in love with, and a video that is hella entertaining and completely Christmas related. It's so cute, and 100% worth your time if you're new to the BTOB songs and videos.

Y'all are in for a serious treat, especially if you keep your eye on the members in the background. In fact, I recommend you do just that - it's worth all your time to go back and see what the heck everyone is doing, when someone else is taking the lead.

So, keep your eyes peeled, enjoy the happiness that is about to ensue, and entertain yourselves with the joys of BTOB! We're going to spend a beautiful, white Christmas with these guys, and fall in love in the process.

It's Christmas Time ~Kimi dake wo~. Will your heart be captured in the snow fall today?

Idols of Advent: Ring, Ring, Ring! Let The X'Mas Party Begin! - Flap Girls' School 'Happy Merry² X'mas' (MV Review)

IT'S CHRISTMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS!

-World implodes-

It's the jolliest time of the year, and once again I am back to writing up some festive reviews! Whether the videos or songs in question are based around winter, Christmas or snow, it doesn't matter, so long as it reminds me of one of the many seasons I enjoy most!

So, with the Christmas posts here (finally!), let's count our way down to Advent List, and check out the Idols who will make our December merry! Are you ready to feel the warmth of the winter season this year?

Though I won't have as many days this year as I typically do, I still want to try for a few posts to round the season off, before the big day of Christmas itself arrives! I may not post every day, mind, due to a packed schedule and a lot of work... I will of course, try! So wish me luck~

To kick-start this cheerful set of posts (well, one can hope it's cheerful!), let's begin with the festive treat of a Christmas Party, courtesy of Flap Girls' School! Though it's a small gathering of four, don't be perturbed by that, because it's still a fun party filled with cuteness and, of course, CAKE!

It's time to prepare for the Christmas that's to come, so put on your Santa hats, take out the Christmas Cake and hot chocolate, warm yourselves by the fire, and snuggle close to your loved ones. Even when we are together or alone on Christmas Day, let the sounds and visions of our Idols warm our hearts...

A cute Christmas is about to begin! Are you ready to fall into a world of presents, parties and Idols?

Rin' Rin' Rin'! It's time to begin!