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.

The Knock-Off Compilation - A Look at 'Hatachi no Morning Musume' by Morning Musume 20th (Mini-Album Review)

You would think that, after seeing how much effort H!P put into making this cover, I would be well aware of the effort they put into compiling and creating this album? Well, clearly I was blind with faith, because I honestly did not see this shit coming.

Way to throw yourself in the deep end after a 3 month absence, Chii. URGH.

After being away for this long, it's weird to come back to reviews. I really don't know where to begin, how to write, or how to word, even. I just feel lost, and because of that feeling, it took me a fair while to actually complete this piece. That, and I didn't want to sit through the songs all over again because...

Well, I don't like this mini-album. I doubt I'll ever keep that a secret, either.

I'm not going to get into the nitty-gritty until the review itself, but honestly, I wanted to come back to this blog in such a positive way, only to decide 'Yeah! Let's review the mini-album I hold contempt for!' because, why not? It seems I thrive on being negative, yet in actuality, it's because I really did want to review something a little negatively after being so positive with reviews on Selective Hearing recently. So the desire to review this came to me and here we are. Reviewing this.

I put myself through so much pain -sobs-

Actually, I admit that I had high hopes for this album. I really wanted it to be good, and when it was released I was so excited, which is probably why my disappointment and disgust for it is so high now. If I hadn't set my standards to the sky, I feel like I would have been a lot more lenient with it, but... no. I just had to want it and crave it, to a point where I was practically gnawing my arm off in anticipation for the damn thing. So, when it did drop, I dropped, too.

It's a long fall from the sky, y'know.

Kay, I need to stop talking now, because I'm boring you, and I'm boring myself.  Hopefully I don't piss too many people off with this review, because I know that a lot of people adore this mini-album, with me being one of the few exceptions to that rule. So in advance: This is only my opinion, so don't take it to heart. I only wish to express it as best I can, without neglecting the good points as well. But, don't expect me to change my mind, either - I can hear the songs loud and clear, and for me, they just never worked out. At least a majority of them didn't. Some definitely shined here, but the ones I don't like, it will be pretty clear. You have been warned.

Right, it's time to kick-start this review. I'm ready to get through this and end my time with the mini-album, but the question is this: Are you ready?

Let's march on and read. Any bets for the songs I'll love? Place them now, or forever hold onto your cash. (Actually, that's the better choice. Don't bet, kids)

Duu Duu DUUUUUUUUUU!!! Kudo Haruka to Graduate Morning Musume'17 This Fall!

Today on April 29th, 2017, Morning Musume'17 member Kudo Haruka announced her Graduation from the group, which will take place on the final day of the groups Fall 2017 tour. She has expressed her desire to pursue acting full-time once she has graduated.

A statement was released from both Up-Front and Kudo Haruka, in regards to the graduation announcement and the reasons behind her decision. A translation of both has been provided by Up-Front Link on Facebook:

Bring on The Brand New Era! It's Time for A New Generation to Begin in Morning Musume 17's 'BRAND NEW MORNING'! [MV Review]

With a new generation in tow and a startling new sound, Morning Musume '17 are looking pretty damn impressive in their latest release. In both sound and look, BRAND NEW MORNING might just be able to stand the test of time. Aggressive, assertive, and downright powerful, this is one debut that has left people impressed since its preview days.

It's the dawn of a brand new era, so let's get excited!

Standing as the 63rd single from Morning Musume overall, as well as the first for former Kenshuusei members, Kaga Kaede and Yokoyama Reina, BRAND NEW MORNING is one heck of a surprise attack from Hello! Project's flagship group. With its confident sound and mesmirising MV, it feels similar a phoenix reborn in the flames after so many other releases that lacked oomph and drive. It's a welcome change, something many of us have been waiting for, and I'm happy to say that it seems this one is a majority favourite! Woohoo!

I mean, who wouldn't like it? It's fun, kick-ass, entertaining, easy to sing along with, and it makes you want to dance! It feels like one of those rare, flawless debut releases for H!P's latest power duo. In general, it just feels like a memorable debut, period. The only thing that would probably stop most people from loving this is, of course, the fact that Masaki's kind of void, here.

Thing is, you can't help that - she was on hiatus before production even began, and it would be highly unfair and downright cruel to expect her to come back just to do work, for our gratification. I am just thankful that she's feeling better and has the strength to work again.

Despite the lack of Masaki, however, I still believe this is a solid release. Morning Musume look and sound better than ever, and throughout, they are fierce and present. What more could you want? It is truly the dawn of a brand new era, and I can't wait for the 13th gen to show just what they are made of beyond their debut. But for now, let's take a look into the promising new stars of Morning Musume '17, and look at what they can bring to the group as they are now.

Let's dive in, and see what this new generation is all about!

3・2・1・GO!

Get Ready, A Brand New Morning Begins! Bring on Morning Musume '17's [BRAND NEW MORNING / Jealousy Jealousy]! (Single Review)

With two new faces and a brand new era ready to begin, Morning Musume '17 are ready to show off their group power in their latest release, BRAND NEW MORNING / Jealousy Jealousy, a double A-side release complete with coupling tracks! The first of its kind in a long-while, the groups 63rd single release seems to promise something more than what previous singles have offered. Whether or not it lives up to its promise, is another thing entirely.

Is this era going to be a flop just like the last one, or will we see power return to Morning Musume as they currently stand? Let's listen, and find out.

*Many thanks to the Anonymous user who requested my thoughts on this single. You requested the Tsubaki debut, and now the 13th gen debut! Hopefully, you enjoy, and everyone else who happens to come upon this piece, too! :D

I was excited for this debut. Since the horrible introduction of 12th generation (in sound; visually, it was great), I was... apprehensive, but filled with anticipation, because whilst I do like 12ki and find that they are growing nicely into the group as of late, I can't deny that 13th gen are a far better fit for the group. Both Kaede and Reina, as they are now, seem pretty confident in how they present themselves towards the camera, and both look great with the current lineup! Reina has a very cheeky, cute look that fits well with members like Masaki, Duu, Maria, Akane and Harunan, whilst Kaede's cool, mature vibe fits well with Eriman, Ayumi and Ogata. They are a balanced generation in how they look and feel, but they both seem really determined to impress, as well.

I feel like, as a generation, these two could go pretty far, and prove to be a little bit of competition for the existing senior members. At least, they could, if only management let them. We shall see...

Hopefully their future releases will prove as promising as this one, but for now, it is BRAND NEW MORNING / Jealousy Jealousy that we will focus on. The future will come along soon enough, but until that time comes, let's enjoy the dawn of a new era, and enjoy all that the 13th generation and a twelve thirteen member Morning Musume brings us...
Are you ready to press PLAY and begin a new chapter? ▷

Speculating the 13th Generation ~Hopes and Oh-Gawd-Nope's~

This is a speculation post, and nothing more. Don't read too much into it, and take everything I say with a pinch of salt. I'm just sharing cause I wanna.

With the up-coming announcement for Morning Musume's 13th generation, and the reveal that the new generation will be made up of Kenshuusei members, my friend and fellow writer, Mara of Fly in the F*ing Wine, wrote her own predictions post for who she would like to see in the new generation, how many, and also the colours they might take on once they are named and shamed.

So, because Mara has done it, and because it is fun to discuss these kinds of things, I thought I would do it, too! Who doesn't like predictions and wishful thinking, aye?

Now, as I am one of those types of folks who just so happens to ignore the Kenshuusei - and not out of a lack of intrigue, but generally because I am lazy, and / or have no clue on how to follow their progress and activities - I will most likely be basing my ideas of who I would like to see in MoMusu '17, for their looks, and possibly any random trivia I might have come across along the way.

Also, despite my lack of knowledge when it comes to the Kenshuusei, I would like to point out that, actually, I am really quite happy with the decision to add pre-existing talents from Hello! Project into their flagship group. Of course, this is only happening because management apparently found no one they liked enough for MM in the general auditions, but it's also a good opportunity for them to debut these girls and make use of their talent, rather than wasting their training like they have done in past years. So... yeah, I'm pleased, and I am sure whoever they have chosen for the 13th gen will be good candidates, and will hopefully bring some talent or personality to this semi-floundering groups.