The Indie, The Idol & The Infamous Live Overview: The London Side

*All images used have been credited to their original owners. Any photos used without credits are my own images

**Any mistakes present in the post, please do feel free to call me out on that shit. We all have things we gotta improve on, and I definitely need to improve on my Typos.

With idol lives becoming a more frequent phenomena within the UK music scene, it seemed like a no-brainer that Orion Live's next step would be to bring along some of Japan's most mesmirising underground performers, where they would show them off in three of the UK's leading music-savvy scenes.

(Promotional Image owned by OrionLive)

Presented by Orion Live and starting off in London on April 20th, heading over to Manchester on April 22nd and rounding things off in Birmingham on April 23rd, three underground solo idols -  DOUBLE AND (Saki), GARUDA (Sakimura Yuffie) and 14th Generation Toilet Hanako-san (Hanako) - embarked on an Easter-weekend and Bank Holiday tour, with Saki leading the way as the Headlining act of the Indie, Idol & Infamous live shows.

And in a surprise twist just days before the event itself, it was revealed that Rukatama of the group MELON BATAKE A GO GO, of which Yuffie is also a member of, would be joining the girls during the tour. Acting as a goods salesperson for the GARUDA stall, as well as a camera-person for all of Yuffie's live performances, Rukatama took the chance to travel to the UK, whilst also promoting herself and MELON BATAKE A GO GO to the foreign fans who had travelled to see these three girls perform on a brand new stage.

Travelling to three cities and performing at three different venues, the warm Bank holiday event proved to be a loud and messy event for all attendees as Saki, Yuffie and Hanako showcased their own unique performance style, their brand and - of course - their voices to a UK audience.

[This Is Duu!] The Endless Sky is Duu's - 'ENDLESS SKY' (Music Video 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?

When looking back at the glory of Duu in music videos, I wondered which video I would use for the penultimate music video review. It had to capture aspects of Duu that made her so lovable and sweet, a moment that displays her humanity. As many fans already know, Kudo Haruka is a compassionate and honest person, a girl who will not hide her feelings and will always run forward with her emotions present at all times.

I know that there are a lot of videos out there that show the cool and mature side to Duu, but it is that delicate, girlish side of hers that I adore most, and that is the Duu I wish to capture. So, after looking back at some videos - The Vision and ENDLESS SKY especially - I finally decided which one I would review, and of course, it has to be ENDLESS SKY.

Because Duu cries, and Duu's tears are a precious embodiment of her character. She is one of the only members who has really cried during any graduation single, not for herself, but for the members she will no longer be performing beside.

It's time to continue our road towards Kudo Haruka's graduation date, but before we get to that crossroads and part ways, let's enjoy the little time we have left with her.

Even though this world has an endless sky, it is an ever-changing canvas. Soon, Duu's own canvas will change, and she will look up to see a sky that is different from the one her peers are watching. That is when she knows her own Endless Sky is no longer theirs...

[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.

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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.

[Music Selection] November '17

I wanted this post to be out by December 1st, however because of various hiccups (laptop playing up, me having to go to work, no time in general etc.) that did not happen, so December 2nd post it is!

Amazingly, though, I am still getting the post up earlier than I usually would... The end of the year brings a few miracles, doesn't it? >o>

It is time for the final post of the year! With November over and done with, the nights becoming colder and December finally on our doorstep, we must bid adieu to the dregs of 2017, and prepare ourselves for the finale of the year, as well as the year that begins anew! Before this happens, however, we should celebrate the last remnants of the year in music, and with Christmas!

Let's take one last look at the month gone by for 2017, and enjoy the music we have been listening to, whether it's from the past, the present, or even the future! I wonder what songs will come up this time?

As per the usual, all thoughts and choices are my own. You know the drill, and now that I've said what I need to, we'll get on with the post, so that I can concentrate on future releases! ;)

Se, no... PRESS AND PLAY!!!!!!!

[PV Selection] October '17

I'm hella late with this, but surprisingly, I'm still in the month of November. What in the heckity-heck?

It's because I need to get these November posts out, before December hits. I have a full month ahead of me, and I honestly can't afford to lose a day of it. So, let's get this over with. ARE YA READY KIDS? 8U

As per the usual spiel I drag out before these posts, here lies the videos that I have personally enjoyed from the month gone by. Any that do not appear, have been neglected for a reason. Perhaps I have not watched them, or maybe I did, and if I have, then there is the chance that I did not like the video, or I intended to add it, but my opinion on it changed, and it was taken out.

There is also the possibility that the videos you enjoyed from the month gone by are blocked in my country, cause y'know, Youtube and entertainment companies hate me.

Of course, you do not have to like what I like. I am simply listing videos that entertained and appealed to me, in the hopes of introducing you to groups, songs and videos that you haven't really cared to look up before now. These are also here to catalogue the videos of the year that I have preferred over others, to help me in my end of year lists.

Oh, and because prettiness. It's always nice to see pretty videos that can be visually captivating.

... Okay, let's go. Videos Ahoy!

[Music Selection] October '17

Okay, it feels like forever since I did one of these, even though it has technically been a month. The PV Selection, however... yeah, that's a whole other story. At this point, I have no clue if I'll continue that side of the Selections. I just don't have the time to watch the MV's any more, and damn, that's a shame. But, I'm a busy woman.

How'd that happen? Like, when did I become a woman!?

... Let's look at music.

As per the usual spiel of things, all songs addressed within this selections post are posted here because I like 'em! This blog is written by yours truly, and only yours truly, therefore what I say, goes. I will not place songs I dislike here, because this is a post of positive energy and delight. I want to focus on the songs that I have enjoyed this past month, and here they shall be posted!

Because it is a post based purely on my opinion (wait, my other posts aren't the same? <o<) then there is a high chance that music you have enjoyed from the month gone by may not be present. This does not mean that I hate it; it means that it either didn't stand out for me, I never heard it, or I just didn't care for it at all. I don't really 'hate' much music, per-say, unless otherwise stated. That is the long and short of it.

So here lies the music I listened to! From the past, the present, and even the ones from the future, let's take a look at what October released, and all that has been enjoyed from the month that has passed! It's time to look back, and let the music flow...~

[PV Selection] August '17

Like Cinderella, I am late to my very own ball, but hey! It's my blog, so I can arrive any time I want. Still... there's no excuse for a post to come out a month late, when I only do it once a month, right? RIGHT! I'm just useless, and forget things sometimes. This time around, I just got busy, and forgot. Woe is me, all that jazz. WELL, HERE WE ARE!

At least I didn't ignore it, as I planned to. Seriously, I just felt like giving it up XD I really must stop being so negative, and try to manage my time better. Sounds like a plan I will never see through, aye?

OKAY, I'll stop blabbering now. Let's go through the typical spiel. GO!

As per the usual, let's get on with the disclaimers, and all that jazz! Like always, all MV's recorded in this here blog entry are subject to my opinion, and are of course the videos that I have enjoyed from the month gone by, times by two. This does not mean that the PV's not featured are terrible, or that I hate them; they just didn't grab my attention like others did. PLUS, some of those MV's did make it on here, but didn't appear in the final edit of this post. It happens, because opinions change, and my initial view was possibly a lot grander than before. That is just how it is.

Of course, if there is something that doesn't appear that you think I must see, then go ahead and talk about it in the comments! I am open to your suggestions, and I know full well that I can not have seen every MV out there! I am simply one human bean, and one blogger, so if I've missed something, I want you to know that I would like to watch it, if I can!

And with all that said and done, it's time to look at some MV's, and a little bit of commentary on each one! Are you ready to entertain yourselves with our beloved Idols? If so, it's time begin...~

[Music Selection] August '17

We're finally into September, a month where Summer ends and Fall tries to begin, where education in the West starts anew, and the very month that I turn a year older! It's an exciting month, but right now, we're going to celebrate the songs of August. So, before the September Blues (Hues?) get to you, let's take a look back at what Summer's end delivered to us all, and enjoy the sweet sounds of the Idols we do adore...~

Welcome back to Music Selection! As per the usual, all songs listed within this post were chosen by me, to remind me of the music that entertained me so much from the month gone by! Whether it's old or new, from way back when or just released a week ago, I will pop on here what I think is awesome! Of course, this list is also here to introduce you all to something new, too! Perhaps there is an artist or song you've given a miss, or maybe you're looking to update the Idol Files, and introduce some fresh music into the system? Hopefully you will find something here, and if not, there will always be next month! No matter what, I will try to spice up my list with a little variety.

Of course, I cannot - and do not - listen to all of the J-Music that comes out on the wide, wonderful web. I don't have the time or the taste for everything, so if there's something missing that you enjoyed, there is a chance I either did not listen to it, or I didn't like it. It's the way of the world, and the way of the mind. We can't share the exact same music tastes, otherwise life would be boring, aye.

If there is something you would like me to listen to that you enjoyed, however, please do list it and let me know! I'm always happy to find new groups and songs to enjoy, and your recommendations help my love for Idols to grow even bigger! Sharing is caring, after all~

And with the spiel all done and dusted, let's dive into some music. Plug those earphones in, and crank up the volume! Summer will never die, especially when Idol music is all around us!

[PV Selection] June '17

On time, as it should be, we have the June PV Selection for 2017! Once again, we take a look at the music videos from the month gone by, and judge for ourselves what we have enjoyed, and what we have not! It's time to let our Idols take over, and celebrate the beauty of both their music, and the videos that accompany them! Are you ready to be overwhelmed by their cool and lovely creations?

Let's go!

I won't lie, there were times I couldn't be bothered to write about these PV's, out of sheer laziness. Some days, I just don't want to translate the damn titles. I don't mind the writing part; it's taking the effort to romanize the rest of it XD I swear, I'm super lazy, some days.

Most days. Every day.

Anyways, we're finally here, and as per the usual, all PV's placed into this list, are music videos that I have personally enjoyed, and the ones that stood out most to me. Usually, I have more than what is listed here, however after re-watching some of them, I decide they aren't as impressive as I initially thought, so I take them off. It's just how it is.

Of course, this means that, if there is a certain MV you liked, but it isn't listed here, then there is a chance that I either found it ok, but not worthy, or I just didn't enjoy it, or I initially found it worthy, then got rid of it. It happens, tastes change, and I know what I enjoy. I am a one woman pony show, and I can't appeal to everyone's taste. It's just how it is!

Of course, if you want to share your favourites with me, please don't hesitate to do so! I love finding new MV's and groups from you guys, and finding someone new to follow and enjoy! So, send me some groups, and let watch their music videos, hear their songs, and hopefully, I will fall for them just like you have!

Now, let's get this pony show on the road!

[Music Selection] March '17

I am always late to the ball... however am I supposed to meet Prince Charming like that!? Well, luckily I don't want a Prince or Princess Charming in my life right now, but when it comes to blogging... Yeeeah, I am always late, for one reason or another. My excuse, this time?

Anxiety and essays and last Uni days, oh my! Because good grief, life is getting busy, and I am not prepared for this onslaught of deadlines and paranoia. But life don't care about whether or not I'm ready, so, yeah.

When life comes a knockin', I gotta focus on it. So until I can make time for blogging in the wee hours of the night, writing about Idols has to wait. Ah, well~

For the sounds of March, let's march on, and find out what's been listend, and ponder on what hasn't! Let's go~

As per the damn usual, all singles, songs, tracks and album loves posted here are based on my own desires and love in terms of music and sound. If there is something on here that you hate, then dear, it is a matter of taste, and we can't help that. This is a one-woman show, and I don't ever aim to bow down to the whims and fancies of anyone but myself! Whatever I think of a song now, is my own business. I simply share what is here because I want to show you all the songs that have entertained me in the months gone by, in the hopes that you listen and potentially find a track, group or solo singer you like, too! And if our opinions and likes happen to align, well... that is purely coincidental, but awesome! YAY!

We love what we love, and we cannot change our tastes. Simply enjoy the fact that music is so universal, and that we are all unique in every way! And of course, share your love of Idol music, and spread its joy all around!

And with that said and done, it's time to march into March's music, and listen to some of the happiness (and sadness!) it has brought me, from the past, the future, and more importantly, the future! Are you ready to fill your ears with the joys of song?

Press... PLAY! ▷

[Music Selection] May 2016: PV Side

My damn timing is completely out of whack. Let's blame no internet, crappy library internet (it's internet, at least), packing / moving and being ill. So, if this isn't as lengthy as usual, I apologise. Is what it is.

This PV Selection post for the month of May is going to be a lot snappier than usual, so don't expect me to drone on with the PV descriptions. I am literally gonna leave what was in my head at the time, and hey, I might keep it that way for the future PV Selection posts! I actually enjoy not giving too much away sometimes, and how quick my thought process is upon my first view of a video. So, yeah, it might stay this way, it might not. We shall seeeeeeee!

Anywhoo... Music Selection is a monthly post, in which I create two separate articles about the Music and Videos I have enjoyed from the month gone by. This is of course all for fun, and if something is not listed here that you have enjoyed yourself, do not fret; this is not a serious release at all, just something made for the heck of it, and to keep on top of Idol releases. Don't read too much into whatever I post. Opinions be different from every which way, y'know.

Okay, PV TIME!!!