"I've stopped calling myself an Idol" - Yoneko Transitions From Idol To Artist in Her New Song, 'SET FIRE TO NOW'

With the new year and a new decade already set in motion, self-produced soloist and former Bellring Shoujo Heart / Migma Shelter member, Yoneko, is set to make her mark this 2020 as she takes a step forward in her career by rebranding herself from 'Idol' to 'Artist'.

"I've stopped calling myself an idol. There's nothing there for me anymore. There is nothing I feel like doing as an idol."

With 2020 marking the fifth anniversary since Yoneko's performance debut, it only feels right that this would be the same year that the singer-songwriter drops the Idol tag completely. Now at a pivotal point in her career, Yoneko is entering the year with the release of a new song and music video that defines her freedom as an artist.

Acting as her first solo release in over 9 months, SET FIRE TO NOW is a statement piece that not only reflects who Yoneko is as a person, but also expresses the raw power and emotion that she has as a singer, lyricist and composer in both a visual and audial manner. Undeniably passionate from beginning to end, SET FIRE TO NOW is Yoneko's brilliant transition from an industry filled with restraints, to one that has no barrier that holds her back.

In sound this is a mesmerising piece, one that is inexplicably freeing thanks to its almost ethereal sound mixed with the textured beauty of the post-rock genre. Though it may seem like a more soothing song from the start, SET FIRE TO NOW progresses in a striking way, and will undoubtedly surprise and impress even Yoneko's most dedicated listeners.

There is a raw, deeply moving vulnerability to this piece that can only be experienced by listening to the song, as well as by watching the music video that accompanies it. Though an artistic visionary already, Yoneko has stepped up her game with the quality of her music video for SET FIRE TO NOW, which captures the artists passion, vulnerability and freedom beautifully. 

Visually this is a stunning MV, one that you will not be able to tear your eyes away from thanks to the passion and honesty that exudes from the video itself. It's intense, with visuals that are textured and complex, often transcending the reality we experience. But this is Yoneko's unfiltered worldview, a peek into the complex mind of an artist who wants to share the vision only she can see, and it is through this very video that we as the viewers can experience and hear her freedom. It is not until the end, however, that we catch a glimpse of Yoneko's true freedom, and it is this very moment of the music video that I want other viewers to experience the most: Yoneko, content and at one with herself.

SET FIRE TO NOW is nothing like the music that Yoneko has released up until now, because what we have here is something that goes beyond 'music'. This is an experience, as well as sound that you will find yourself emotionally invested in. Stimulating, raw and powerful, SET FIRE TO NOW is Yoneko's passionate display that will see her transcend from the world of Idols to the world of artists, and I, for one, look forward to all that she brings after this.

Set for release on January 22nd at 21:00 JST, SET FIRE TO NOW will be available for online distribution only, with no plans to release the single in a physical format at this time.

If you enjoy Yoneko's music or recently became a fan of hers, you can find all of Yoneko's solo and collaborative physical releases, as well as all her other merchandise, at Idol Underworld.

- - -

CREDITS:

SET FIRE TO NOW

Lyrics and Composition: Yoneko

Music Arrangement: Kageyama Shōtarō (Studio Caribe)

MV Director: Tomeoki Daisuke

Assistant Director: Kosakai Runa

Kyoryoku: Nakamura Rio

Seisaku Tokyo COLORS TEC

- - -

*I would like to extend my thanks to both Yoneko and Derek Vasconi for providing me with this press release, and look forward to sharing the video and song in full on January 22nd, 2020.

The Royal Court Grows! The Houkago Princess Announcements Continue! (New Member + Single Announcements)

With the sudden withdrawal of Nagasawa Marina coming up this December 31st, I thought that Houkago Princesses announcements were over for the rest of the year.

Well, that isn't the case, because they had a few more up their sleeve, with one that has [yet] to be announced, but I managed to snoop my way towards the information via my usual HouPri Stalking techniques! WOOHOO!

Let's get into some news, shall we?

Firstly, a brand new member has emerged! Meet Morishita Rina, the latest Candidate to grace the HouPri Halls. Like Horii Nina, she will participate in activities with the Regular members, but will only be included in the chorus and as a backing dancer. She will also perform at her designated Team lives, and help to promote the group.

A Road Filled with Dreams and Hard Work Comes to its End! C-ute to Disband June 2017 at Saitama Super Arena!

Hitting newspaper headlines before it was announced live on the stage, Hello! Project's oldest and dearest group, C-ute, have announced that they will be disbanding in June of 2017 to follow their own individual dreams, and to take on that path called adulthood.

Announced on August 19th 2016, the group revealed their intentions for disbandment during the Hello! Project Nakano Sun Plaza live, noting that the idea has been in the works since the youngest member, Hagiwara Mai, turned 20 in February this year. With an up-coming performance at Saitama Super Arena, a stage which the girls have long dreamed of standing on, the girls will hold their final performance as the Idol group C-ute before parting ways and taking on their own individual paths.

It must also be said that the current Hello! Project tour will be the groups last, as they will not take part in the 2017 winter tour. In order to focus on their final tours together and their last activities, the group will dedicate their time to C-ute, and make memories for the fans and themselves that everyone shall treasure.

Since the announcement, Up-Front Link on Facebook has released statements from both management and C-ute regarding the announcement. Furthermore, comments from the members about their impending break-up have also been translated for the fans.

Avoiding Spinster-Hood... Niigaki Risa's Gettin' MARRIED!!!

On June 13th 2016, Niigaki Risa made the announcement on her official blog that... dayumn... she's getting hitched, y'all!

To my darling Amanda, thanks for the tip off about this, boo! Love ya <3 <3 <3

Niigaki as Yona from 'Akatsuki no Yona'

My Forever Queen and first ever Kami-Oshi is going to get married. Finally, the day has come where she's revealed the guy she managed to shackle to her for the rest of her life, and finally she has relieved me of that nagging feeling that she'll live the rest of her beautiful life a spinster, because let's face it; I thought that she was never going to get married, not when her one true love Ai-butt had a husband and she was left to wallow in heart break. But nope. She's deceived those odds of mine, and she's got a ring on her finger, and soon she'll walk down an aisle and marry her husband-to-be. It shall be beautiful!!! -sniff-

Seriously though, I did think she'd just become a spinster. That, or she and Ai would run off into the sunset together after claiming their undying love for one another. Heck, that could still potentially happen, so I'm waiting for that day with bated breath.

Niigaki and Yoshikazu for the stage play 'Sin of Sleeping Snow'

Anyways...

The announcement made revealed that, come July, Gaki will marry fellow actor Yoshikzau Kotani, whom she met in 2014 when they acted alongside one another in the Zettai Kareshi (Absolute Boyfriend) stage play. They have since been dating, and after two years the two have decided to get married and become a family.

Gaki has noted her desire to continue working as an actress, and hopes for the fans support as she heads into her future to create a family of her own with Yoshikazu. Likewise, Yoshikazu has expressed his desire to create a family filled with smiles beside Gaki, and that he hopes his friends, family and fans support their decision.

As a fan of Gaki, I truly am happy for her. I'm glad she's found someone she seems to adore, and that she wants to spend the rest of her life with him and share not only love and happiness, but woes and hardships, too. It's a big step in her life as a young woman, and whilst I am a little surprised, I am extremely ecstatic for her, too.

I love Gaki, and I just want her to smile and be happy. I'm glad that she's doing this, and hat she's going to continue working hard as an actress alongside her husband on the stage that she adores so much.

Congratulations, Gaki-san! I'm over the moon for ya!!!

But please, do keep in mind running off with Ai-butt. It's what we all secretly hope for, huhuhu~

Much Love,
Chiima~

Source(s):

Niigaki Risa Ameblo Blog Report
Yoshikazu Kotani Ameblo Blog Report
Natalie
Sports Nippon
Oricon News
nikkansports

Introducing another Factory-Made Product, Tsubaki Factory!!!

All thoughts and opinions, and rants, are my own. Y'all have been warned. THANKS!

Oh Jesus Fucking Christ.

I'm pretty sure that, by now, everyone has heard the news already:

Hello! Project has a shiny new Kenshuusei unit! Yaaaaaay!!!

So why am I feeling slightly irritated?

I doubt I need to give any introductions to this group, as I am pretty sure you all already know about them, but please say a warm hello to Tsubaki Factory, the newest in new from Hello! Project! Hand-picked and named by Shimizu Saki (why am I not surprised?), these girls are the latest group to emerge from the pool of talent that is the Kenshuusei!

Currently consisting of six members, the girls within the group are: Ogata Risa (16), Yamagishi Riko (16), Niinuma Kisora (15), Tanimoto Ami (15), Kishimoto Yumeno (15) and Asakura Kiki (14), and they will all debut as Tsubaki Factory on May 4th during the next Hello! Pro Kenshuusei live concert.

... So what's the issue here?

READY TO KISS are READY TO DEBUT!

image from Stand-Up! Records Official Website

On February 7th, it was announced during READY TO KISSES one-man live at Shinjuku ReNY that the pop-rock Idol group would have their Major Debut this Summer, and would make their official debut under the recently formed Stand-Up! Records (2014), a project that houses both Afilia Saga and Idol College. Formerly, SEISHUN GAKUEN had also been a part of the project, however have since been taken off of the website for unknown reasons. Now, it is time for READY TO KISS to join them!

Spring just got Sexier in NEWS' 'KAGUYA' Music Video! Are You ready for this?

All thoughts and opinions within this review regarding the group mentioned, their song and/or video are opinions of my own and no one else's. You do not need to like my opinion, you can even rival my opinion, but do not think for a second that I will appease to your opinion just because you feel superior or that I am wrong. An opinion is not fact (though some choose to take it that way, for some reason) but just a mere thought - do not take it seriously. Remember; your opinion is your own, and you do not have to succumb to other opinions for the sake of agreement. Thank you.

Once Upon A Time, there was a blogger who liked Female Idols. When Spring came, however, she found the true appeal of a Male group. Through a tale of four Princes looking for Kaguya-Hime, this blogger realised how wonderful Male Idols could be.

But, one could wonder if, after she found this tale, would she follow this group until the very end? The future of her liking for the group is still somewhat foggy, but for now, let us simply find out how she came to enjoy the male group and the song they came to create. What story shall unravel?

And here is where Chiima becomes an objectifying cow, because MEN. More specifically, NEWS. I could not help myself, nor am I sorry.

MEN!

Okay, so we all know I'm not the biggest of followers when it comes to all-male groups in the world of J-pop, but when I find something worth watching and talking about, regardless of the groups gender or style, I talk about it - it's the way I work, and also, I like to appreciate what I enjoy, and this my dears is something I enjoy. Like, seriously, hoo boy, NEWS have something to appreciate and talk about here, and if you have seen this video, y'all will know I'm talking about. Seriously though... have you seen this? There is a lot to enjoy, if you ask me.

If you have yet to see it, then hop to it, readers! It is a seriously yummy music video, and one worth about a million views. The songs good too, but dayumn, that video! Watching this, it makes me feel... well, it just makes me feel like I should become a fangirl of NEWS, you know?

Yeah, it's that good! So good, I'm willing to convert to the NEWS fandom, if need be. Somehow, these men of the delicious variety have ignited the fangirl of male groups in me, but how!? Why? Well, you may need to watch the music video to find that out.

That, or you can view my abundance of stupid screen captions, read my objectifying comments of the hunky men that make up NEWS, and then look at my prattle of a review at the very end. Your choice, reader dears. Either way, do one of those actions, and you will see why NEWS have ignited a flame in me and brought out my gutter mind once again.

For those who dare to read, this is KAGUYA. Let the story begin...

S/mileage No More, but instead: ANGERME! The Angriest of Angels Tears!

All thoughts and opinions are my own, suck it up, kinda likeI have to eventually suck up the fact that this gross name is here to stay.

... Well. I think I've found my contender for the worst decision of 2014, in terms of Hello! Project decisions at least.

And here we all thought Morning Musume '14 was shit. Yeah!

So finally, after many many months of speculation and waiting, S/mileage have officially changed their name to ANGERME. According to various sources the meaning behind the name is actually 'Angels Tears' in French (ange + larme), and when put together we have ANGERME.

Except, it looks more like ANGER ME!!!! than it does Angel Tears, and honestly, it looks really ugly as a name. It's not sweet or girly, or elegant and gentle like the name Angel/Ange suggests. It just sounds and looks... well, gross. It really doesn't suit the image the image of S/mileage, not unless they suddenly became a heavy metal band or something...

and, given that they are apparently releasing a song titled 'Revenge of the Maiden', maybe they are going heavy metal!? That'd be cool, though a good chunk of the members wouldn't suit that style of tune... still, though. It would work with the new group name, at least!

But yeah, that name isn't attractive and honestly, I will forever think of it as an angry notion to being angry rather than a group name, I believe. That said, the way the title is styled is totally different; it reminds me of Final Fantasy in how it looks! Actually no matter what the name is with that style of writing and the tiny wing logo, it looks pretty appealing in its own way, but only because of the font and how professional it looks. Still, the actual name itself, that's gross beyond compare.

By the way, according to reports the name was suggested by Gorilla-chan, our dear Nakanishi Kana. Girl, I am disappointed XD

Honestly, I can't get over how... well, how overly bad this is! I'm either laughing at it or lamenting the name change. No matter what though, this is quite possibly the worst decision of 2014 in terms of all decisions made, and honestly, I thought the decision to shuffle some random NG46 members into AKB and vice versa was a shitty decision!

Nope, H!P somehow topped that. Way to go, Hello! Pro. You dun fucked up good this time!

No matter how much you try to convince me of the meaning behind the name, I will find it ugly as fuck no matter what, for however long I feel is necessary to me. Why? Because we went from such a cute, meaningful name to something that looks and sounds ugly when written or spoken (because I will say it as it looks; ANGER ME!!!!!) so of course, I'm going to lament and whine about it. Honestly, I doubt I'll ever get used to the name, because to me this group is S/mileage no matter what.

I'm not happy with this decision, obviously, but at some point or other I will have to suck it all up and accept what has happened; that S/mileage are, literally, no more and ANGERME has officialy replaced them. No matter how much I bitch and whine, and no matter how stupid I think Hello! Project are for actually agreeing to such a god-awful name, this is what has happened and this is how we will have to view S/mileage from here on out: as ANGERME, the angriest form Angel Tears I will ever know.

Once they were S/mileage, and now they are ANGERME, the grossest name in history. Goodbye to a good name, hello to a disgusting one. Sayonara, S/mileage. Y'all be no more!

I'm going to go and cry now, because this is just ew.

Chiima

Musings & Mutterings: Oh Look, Episode 1!

Due to over-excitement at the idea of creating my very own podcast as well as the positive reaction it garnered, I decided to record the very first episode! It is about 15 minutes long, give or take 30 or so seconds, and I talk a little about going home for the holidays after the end of my first term in University, the positive feedback on creating the podcast from readers and also a bit about Idols and also why I stopped my Digest.

Basically, I just talk, as I said I would. I am making progress!

You Can Listen to Episode one HERE!!!

I'm still at a stage where I can't make my words flow properly, however this is just the first step for me, so eventually I will get better at this. I had fun recording it, even if the first few minutes were in total silence before I edited it to make it look like I was prepared. Honestly, this is scarier than I thought it would be, but I am enjoying it so far. Hopefully you guys will enjoy my rambles as well!

I aim to update every time I upload a podcast, and if not, I should have updated the newest tab added to my blog beneath the banner! If not, then simply check the website link that should be there; I want to try and do this regularly, at least once every week or bi-weekly if I'm busy, because talking is a lot easier than writing or creating a video and it will allow me to keep you updated on different things I believe.
 That, and it will be fun to do a series again!

That is the update for now. I hope you all have a lovely day/afternoon/evening, and enjoy!

Chiima~

Musings & Mutterings - Basically, I am starting a Podcast

This is going to be a quick post, so if it seems rushed, it's because it is rushed. Apologies!

In random News, though this isn't that random for myself, I have created a Podcast. As in, I have an introductory Podcast right now. Following episodes should ensue.

Link to the site = HERE

Okay, so here's the story for this; I've been pondering about whether or not I have wanted to do a podcast for near on 2 years now, probably around the time before the Digest came about, and very recently I realised my desire to do this was stronger than ever; this is because I want to do something in place of my videos, and also because I like talking.

I also want this podcast to try and motivate me to bringing my Digest back, as I want to briefly touch on news and such in this in the Idol world... However, I do not want this to be completely about Idols, I want it to be diverse. So, I will be talking about other things such as film, my life in general, comments, my thoughts and such, and also this blog and Idols, of course.

You never know, I may just give mini reviews in the podcasts! Who knows?

Anyway, the first episode is simply an introduction to Musings & Mutterings, which is the name of the podcast. Why Musings & Mutterings? Well, as I explain in the small introduction itself, I wanted a name different and more distinct to Okay! Musume Time, so I didn't want Okay! Musume Podcast or Okay! Podcast Time, two names which I did want to call it... no, because I want it to be about Idols and other things away from Idols, I wanted it to have a nicer name, or at least one that was different. So, I thought musings would be good, as I do that a lot, and Mutterings, because I mutter like nobody knows! So, there we have it. My title for my new podcast.

Sadly the embed thing isn't working on the site for this blog, so I will instead post a link to my Podcast site, and if you do listen to my ramblings and mutterings, I hope you enjoy!

FIRST EPISODE: LINK!!!

Until next time (which I hope to be rather soon) I will bid you adieu and tata!

Much Love,
Chiima~

Tsukimiya Karen of Steamgirls Passes Away

Source Links:

Nihongogo

J-Pop Idols

Mecha Punch

Arama! Japan

On September 8th 2014, it was announced that Tsukimiya Karen of Steamgirls, under the underground-Idol agency Alice Project, had died in what is being considered an accident in July of this year. Her father had alerted the agency of her passing on the same day that it was revealed to the press.

Karen, who was 17 at the time of her passing, had been taking a break from her activities within the agency and the group in order to treat depression and anxiety. She reported to the fans that she still wished to perform, however, and so did not graduate from the group or agency.

The cause for Karen's death is unclear, other than that is being referred to as an accident.

Now, Karen's profile and photo have been removed from the official website, but her official blog and twitter have been left open per her fathers request, at least for now.

This is depressing. Like, it really pains me. The fact that another girl has passed and also the fact that this is the third piece of Idol news this month, in the past two weeks at most, that I have heard an Idol has died. This is really sad.

I was really shocked to see this news, so soon after the news of the girls of LADIES' CODE, and I didn't expect it; who does? We don't expect Idols, especially girls this young and energetic and with so much ahead of them, to leave their lives so quickly and so suddenly. I was so sad when I read about all of this, not just because of the fact there has been so much in terms of death happening lately around the globe, but also because even though I didn't know of Tsukimiya Karen directly, I actually did know of Alice Project and Steamgirls, because I once followed Alice Project as a whole a few years ago. That, and hearing about the deaths of anyone really makes me sad and I feel hurt for their family, friends, co-workers and fellow group mates.

The saddest part about Karen's death, though, is that we don't actually know what happened to the poor girl; I have my own speculation that it may have been suicide, and I am sorry for voicing that thought, but that is what I think. When I saw that she had gone on a break to treat anxiety and depression, I just thought that could be the reason... and that's horrible, that's sad. Death is sad, and we've seen a lot of it lately, but I feel so... I don't know. I feel down, pained. All of this news is just so horrible, I don't like it, but who does? I'm really saddened by this new departure. She was so young, and I feel for everyone who knew and loved her, because she was the light in someone's life, for sure.

I cried when I heard the news. I think I tried to not believe it when I heard it, because it's just something I really did not want to hear, but I know it's happened; I'm sad. I'm truly, deeply saddened by this, and I feel for hr parents, family, friends, co-workers... everyone who adored this girl and loved her. She was gone too soon.

17 is too young to die. EunB and RiSe's tender ages of 22 and 23 scared me with how young they had passed, but 17 is even younger. It's scary, and no child or person should die when their life is pretty much just beginning, accident or not.

I don't know, like many others, what caused Karen's death, and I don't want to speculate on it. All I can say is that I hope, before she left this world, Karen knew how much she was loved and how blessed she was. I hope she rests in peace and is no longer hurting, feeling the pain or overwhelming stress. I hope that right now, she is in a happier place.

I pray and think of her parents, family, friends, the agency she was under and her co-workers, fellow members, and I hope that they remember the good times with Karen and all of her smiles, the joy that she brought everyone. I hope that now, she can rest.

It's sad news to hear once again, and I am sorry for once again writing a post about a young Idol's passing. But please, think of Karen, and think of those who loved her dearly.

LADIES' CODE's RiSe Passes Away (7/09/2014)

The Korea Times US

All KPop

Metro

BBC News UK

Earlier this morning, it was reported that LADIES' CODE member RiSe, 23, sadly passed away after succumbing to the injuries she had sustained during the accident that took place on the 3rd of this month.

The news comes just 4 days after the passing of fellow member EunB, who died just after the accident had taken place.

RiSe had undergone operation for serious head injury following the crash and fell into a coma, however this morning at 10:10am, she left the lives of many.

Polaris Entertainment reported;

‘At the time of the accident on the 3rd, RiSe obtained a big injury to her head and was moved to the hospital. She was operated on as much as possible for a long time, but she has ultimately passed away.
‘Her parents, who came from Japan, and the label employees stayed with her at the end. We are sorry to give another sad news since the late EunB and we cannot hide our sorrow.’

Further reports concerning Sojung, Ashley and Zuny are still recovering from their injuries, with both Ashley and Zuny being released from hospital, whilst Sojung is currently still in hospital after being operated on for a facial fracture, and is in recovery.

I'm sorry to once again update with sad news, but when I heard about RiSe's passing I knew that I wanted to say something towards it.

I'm sad. I'm really sad. I didn't listen to or even know of LADIES' CODE until recently, actually until the accident happened, but I feel so terrible right now for those who have lost two girls, EunB and RiSe respectfully, to this horrible crash that could not have been prevented. The news, even for us none-fans who aren't into K-Pop or the group itself, are so devastated. It's cruel, it's heartbreaking, and sadly it is reality; today, we have lost another life far too early on. She was only 23.

I won't lie and say that this sort of thing isn't scary for me; it really is, and realising that two girls who were so blessed and loved by many, family, friends, fellow members, workers and also their beloved fans, have passed on to the Heavens, resting in peace and away from life now, it's scary to think about just how easily we can be taken away.

It's difficult to think that someone so young and loved was taken away so early on in her life, but after her struggle with her head injuries and surgery, I hope that now, finally, RiSe is able to rest in peace and will no longer hurt or suffer from what happened. Now, she is with EunB.

I'm deeply saddened by this, I don't like that it's happening, but this is life; it snatches away precious lives from us sometimes, and we suffer for it with our grief.

I am so sorry to every fan of RiSe, EunB and LADIES' CODE who is suffering right now. My prayers and thoughts are once again with those who cared for RiSe and are having a difficult time right now. I am so sorry for your loss, but I know that you will all keep RiSe and EunB in your thoughts during this sad month.

Rest in Peace, RiSe. You were too young to leave this world, but now you won't hurt any more. I am so sorry that you had to leave this Earth far too early.

LADIES' CODE member EunB Passes Away (03/09/2014)

Edit: This post has been edited due to clarification that the driver was not killed on accident.

Sources:

Inquisitr

Hollywood Take

Today, September 3rd, it was revealed just an hour or so ago that the member EunB of the Korean girl group LADIES' CODE has died during a tragic accident. She was just 22 years old.

Reports reveal that around 1am today in Korea, the van the girls were in lost control due to slippery roads and that EunB died her injuries. Sojung and RiSe are both in critical condition from the accident. The other members, Zuny and Ashley, as well as two stylists and their managers were injured but are not in critical condition.

This is news I heard from my friend earlier, someone who enjoys K-pop far more than I do and whom I think does enjoy the group. The news, even for a non-K-pop fan, is extremely heartbreaking and horrible to hear. I don't want to hear this sort of thing anywhere, and it is so saddening to know that someone so young and with a whole life ahead of them was taken from this world early on.

It's scary and terrible, and it has shocked so many people around the globe. The news has shaken everyone up, whether you are a fan or just some random passerby who happened to hear this tragic news story on the web. Like everyone else, I am saddened by this news and in a state of disbelief as well; someone so young and talented has been taken away so quickly. All I can do right now aside from grieve for the poor girl that was taken away is wish her family, friends and co-workers my condolences and prayers, much like everyone else around the world.

This is disheartening news to think about for anyone, but please keep EunB and her family, friends, band-mates and co-workers in your minds today and wish for their well-being and that they pull through this terrible time of grief they are all going through. This is a hard time for many, especially those who were closest to EunB as well as her fans, and this news has devastated us all, but please keep her in your thoughts.

Rest In Peace, EunB. You will be dearly missed, but we thank you for your short time on this Earth and for the greatness you have brought the fans, the love you have given your friends and family, and the music you have delivered since stepping into the lives of many people around her. Your soul will live on, and you will truly be remembered by many.

Digest Weekly #100 ~Thank You~

DISCLAIMER:
This Digest may not contain an Idol group that you like, or that you follow. If this post does not contain an Idol group you yourself actively follow, then my deepest apologies, but I cannot follow each and every Idol group on the planet. I am one person, and whilst I do post about groups that I like as well as groups that I barely even follow (read: BABYMETAL) that does not mean I will also actively look for news on the Idols you may follow. If I do not have the resources, I will not be able to post much or anything about them. Please respect this, as I don't have the time to go scouring across the internet for Idols that I know next to nothing about, or that I have little to no resources to. Again, I am ONE person; if I had a team behind me it would be a lot easier, however this is something that I do for me, in my own free time, because I want to. I could just as easily not do this, however I do it because I want to, and I find it fun. Thank you.

(Warning; Long, random talky bit in the beginning. Skip if you wish to)

DIGEST #100! We're onto the big digits, peeps! So, what News have our Idols delivered to us this week? Let's find out!

This week, in Idol Digest News...

MoMusu and Vegetable Juice? Whaaat? Karin grips Balls! Baseballs! Also, Karin PV Previews! Oooh La La! Abe Natsumi to release a self-cover album! Don't forget to smile! Mano Erina in a KFC CM!? Takajo Aki to star in her first drama! Perfume release a Lyric video! JKT48 still don't have their own original song, waaah! X21 and LinQ to release summer singles, and boy band news!? AND A BIT MORE!!! Are you ready to Digest for the 100th time?

Okay! Musume Digest #98

DISCLAIMER:
This Digest may not contain an Idol group that you like, or that you follow. If this post does not contain an Idol group you yourself actively follow, then my deepest apologies, but I cannot follow each and every Idol group on the planet. I am one person, and whilst I do post about groups that I like as well as groups that I barely even follow (read: BABYMETAL) that does not mean I will also actively look for news on the Idols you may follow. If I do not have the resources, I will not be able to post much or anything about them. Please respect this, as I don't have the time to go scouring across the internet for Idols that I know next to nothing about, or that I have little to no resources to. Again, I am ONE person; if I had a team behind me it would be a lot easier, however this is something that I do for me, in my own free time, because I want to. I could just as easily not do this, however I do it because I want to, and I find it fun. Thank you.

Wait, it's back again!? Haven't we had one this week? Digest, You're Back Again!!!

This week, in Digest News...

ICHII SAYAKA IS A '48! But not the kind you're thinking of! Morning Musume in 'MURICA! Bad Hair Days for BK, again! NG46 to release their 9th single, FINALLY! And a 'lil bit more! Digest, are you ready for the Readers? LET'S READ!

It feels like it really wasn't that long ago since I did a Digest...

Oh wait, that's because it really hasn't been that long! Because I did one last Monday, JC >___>

Still, at least I, erm, remembered... yeah, okay I forgot it, and didn't start it until I was home and had finished my errands for the day, but HEY! I actually did it on a Fri... Saturday... >____> Whoops!

I am so useless at this, I swear XD

Still, I hope y'all enjoy it! I loved writing it this week, because it was mostly little pieces of news YAY and they were actually really good pieces of News. It's nice when that happens I think XD Not that all news isn't good, cos' it is, unless it includes the words 'Graduation' 'Wiithdrawal' or 'Disbandment'. Then it's BAD NEWS!!! RAWR!!!

Anyways, as always be sure to ctrl + f for the fun and games of easy drifting through this short, short Digest! Have fun, y'all!

#Video of the Week
#Picture of the Week
#News of the Week
#Hello! Project News

#Up-Front Promotion News

#AKS News

#Misc Idols and Groups News

#Miscellaneous News

#PV/Song Previews

Video of the Week

Aa, Subarashiki Hibi Yo by Sato no Akari

It's silly that they had to lip-synch their performance, because each girl is pretty good in their own right (even Akari, bless her terrible voiced soul) and I would have loved to hear it raw and real (Oh gawd, the innuendo's are forming in my read right now! ARGH!!!), especially given how much I kinda dislike Rina's studio vocals. Nothing against her, cos she's a Akai sweet pea, it's just her studio voice is fucking annoying to listen to. That said, I do love this song.

IT'S. SO. PRETTY!!!

... And that is really all I have to say about it right now, because I do not want to type! PEACE!

Picture of the Week

You are the definition of To Be Seen and Not Heard right now my dear, and I like it!

Reminding us all why we still love her, and that she has also grown up. A lot. Youwch!

NEWS OF THE WEEK

Hello! Project News

Morning Musume

Morning Musume '14 will be heading off to 'MURICA New York this October! This will be the first time for some of the members to go abroad! (If all of them are going, that is).

Comments:

As a fan of MoMusu, I am happy that they are venturing outside of Japan (and Paris) to hold a live! Also as a fan of MoMusu, I am fucking jealous and raging that they decided not to come to England, but really, we fans can't have everything, can we?

Let's just hope that they plan to go to Spain/Amsterdam/England/Brazil/Bulgaria/Germany at some point, and any other countries I have not mentioned!

Oricon | Facebook | Tokyo Girls Update | J-Pop Idols | Tokyohive

Ikuta Erina will hold a Fan Club Event on July 7th.

Comments:

It isn't 'Birthday' event, it is 'The Fans of Eripon/Eriman Unit with Muscle POWER Strategy Group Meeting to Infiltrate Gaki Risa HQ 2014' event.

Hello! Project FC News

Berryz Kobo

Berryz Kobo's profiles have been updated, so check them out!

Comments:

Where the wardrobe department FINALLY triumphed in clothing, they failed with Miyabi and Risako's hair.

MEH, we always need to make sacrifices, so why not on the two who typically seem to have Hair Faux-pars?

(Actually, Miyabi's hair looks good in the pastel clothed image, but the other one = ick)

Berryz Kobo Profile

The covers for Berryz Kobo's up-coming single Ai wa Itsumo Kimi no naka ni / Futsuu, Idol 10nen Yatteran nai desho!? have been revealed!

Comments:

Hello! Pro are really enjoying the style of 'One giant head at the front here, tiny heads in the back' for their covers, aren't they? It's like one giant floating head of terrible hair, or in this case, two giant heads.

Hello! Project Release Details

S/mileage

Nakanishi Kana's Limited-Time Twitter account has returned for a short period of time until the groups Budokan concert, but now it is a S/mileage account! Follow the group @smileage_715!

Comments:

It would have been more interesting if they had kept it solely as Kanananananana's account... ;_____;

Twitter

The DVD (and Blu-ray!) cover for S/mileage's Smile Charge concert has been revealed!

Comments:

All that effort... it simple gleams!

Then again, I'm just as lazy XD But seriously, this is a pretty nice cover. The simplicity works. Thank fuck they didn't use too much photoshop, or we'd being seeing half-assed images that would look worse than this.

So fucking majestic!

DVD | Blu-ray | Tokyo Girls Update | J-Pop Idols

Juice=Juice

Juice=Juice have pinned an extra tour in Kobe to their up-coming concert tour!

Comments:

This calls for a FUUUUUUCCCCKKKK YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!!! FIST BUMP TIME!

Hello! Project News

Hello! Pro Kenshuusei

Tanabe Nanami, Inaba Manaka, Sasaki Rikako and Yoshihashi Kurumi will all appear in the up-coming CDJournal on May 20th!

Comments:

That's a whole lotta cute in one magazine, especially that Kurumi! KA-WA-II!!!

Hello! Project News

Up-Front Promotion News

Ichii Sayaka has been recruited as a new member of the grouo OFR48! Whaaaat!?

OFR48 is a bath-house themed group, and is made up of adult women.

Comments:

One way or another, Ichii Sayaka got into a 48 group, even if it wasn't the one she wanted, or one that might just not be connected to the actual AKS company... OH WELL! 8D

OFR48

Up-Front Channel have started a new series for their youtube titled UP-FRONT CHANNEL Recommend! The first episode includes the Hello! Project Kenshuusei member Tanabe Nanami, and C-ute's Yajima Maimi!

Comments:

So basically it's just one giant plug for their recent singles/DVD's/goods? Greeeeat...

Also, this is so scripted, I can already see the paper in their hands of what they have to say to the camera.

Tokyo Girls Update

Up-Front will debut MUSIC+, with episodes releasing every Friday!

Comments:

Holy fuck, UFP are doing as many projects as I am... not good >____>

An official website for MUSIC+ has been opened.

Comments:

Next UFP are going to open up a website for the Graduates of Hello! Project, just to piss the fans off and make them all cry.

MUSIC+ Official Website

Nogizaka46

On July 9th Nogizaka46 will release their 9th single it has been revealed! Currently, the single is untitled, and the Senbatsu list will be underwraps until May 11th.

Comments:

Welp, looks like I'll be waiting patiently then! I'm actually excited for it, which is... weird... >3<

J-Pop Idols | Tokyohive

Misc Idols and Groups News

Teenybopper Idol group palet have revealed that, along with a new song and outfits, they will introduce a new member to their group on June 8th!

This will mark the groups 2 year anniversary since they were created, and with their recent major debut, the group will now grow with one more member! Who could it be?

Comments:

SURPRISE it's Ichii Sayaka!

Tokyo Girls Update

It has been revealed that NEWS' newest song will be used as the theme song for NTV during the FIFA World Cup Brazil!

Comments:

If It's Sports-related, you can be sure as Ichii Sayaka in a '48-themed group Johnny's Entertainment will be there!

Tokyohive

PV/Song Previews

The short version of Shiina Pikarin's MV, Real Ria-ju, has finally been revealed! Watch as Pikarin shows off her obsession with otome games in this cute music video! Are you ready for the on-coming cavities?

Comments:

Okay, which Avex producer burrowed into my brain and went on a Happy Spree with my teenage addictions? Seriously, this looks like something my 13 year old self would have happily thrown up if I were given the choice to fully decorate my room.

It... it gives me cavities... O-o

THAT SAID, I love it. It kinda reflects what everyone seems to say about Pikarin; that she's a girly, hardcore fan of all things cute and Anime/Otome! I love it.

Tokyo Girls Update

...

AAAAAND THAT IS ALL FOR THIS kinda WEEK! The News, the Koha Bewbs, THE PIKARIN!!! It was short my lovelies, but DAMN, was it sweet! Hopefully this little basket of News will keep you sane for now, but until next time, please do wait patiently for another round of Idol Love and News!

Until then, tata and goodnight! MWAH <3

Chiima~

Bump.y to Disband this June, Time for the Feels to set in... (Grab the tissues for me ;w;)

Bump.y are set to disband this June... and now I am going to be listening to their songs on a loop.

My feels ;_______;

So it was decided that, due to their individual activities as actresses and the commitment they have to growing in that specific field, the girls would all graduate from the group and Bump.y would formally disband in late June. The decision was made by the staff, and for me, this is totally understandable, but also very obvious.

In a way, somewhere in the back of my mind, I guess I have always had a feeling that one day Bump.y would disband eventually, because I was always aware of the fact that their activities as actresses were a higher priority than their endeavours as Idols. That I completely understand, and it is a notion I fully support, because the girls of Bump.y are lovely actresses.

It doesn't mean I am any less sad, however. I am rather upset by this sudden turn of events, but also relieved; I would rather they did what they loved, just like any other fan. I think what has cushioned this blow however is the fact that I was expecting something like this to happen eventually - that realisation that their acting was more important has become a reality, so I am glad I had that feeling rather than the sudden, surprising announcement that could have ensued if it was another group, like say HouPri suddenly disbanding oh Christ, that would KILL ME or Fudanjuku losing another member I would be in bed with tissues, chocolate and possibly alcohol but with Bump.y, it was just... obvious. It was very obvious where their duties and preferences laid for a long time, and I can't blame them for wanting to do one activity over the other.

Of course, Bump.y are very important to me; I've been into this group just as long as I have Morning Musume, and introduced to them around the time I was introduced to Fudanjuku, so I'm going to feel surprised and saddened by this announcement regardless, because I hold Bump.y on such a high pedestal. There is no doubt I will grieve the decision, because I'm doing so now and wondering what my life will be like without the magic of Bump.y and what could have been wonderful future songs for the group. No matter what, no matter how much I understand and accept this decision, I am still going to feel at a loss for what will happen in late June.

It really feels just like yesterday that I was introduced to the group, which was back in 2010, yet even then I didn't really get into them until 2011 (2010 was the year of my introduction to Idols groups I supposed, because even then I was on the edge of the fence with H!P) but I found love for the group and their music, which seemed to have taken a bit of a step-back into the 80's with a K-pop flare at that point. It was then and there that I really delved into their music and started to follow them, eagerly anticipating what they would produce. I found a passion for Bump.y, and it became fun to watch this fresh and endearing young group grow in both their sound and their image.

And despite how much I had to wait, I don't think I ever gave up on Bump.y; I would always just wait it out, hoping for more news to come along soon, even if it did take a year or so for something to come up about them.

That wait was always worth it, though.

With every article that came out about a member and their latest acting gig, or if a new song and video came out, I was happy - it meant they were still there and still active, and knowing that was enough for me. Sure, it felt like I had to wait long periods of time for something small to pop up, but seeing that article had always been worth it; if my Digests are anything to go by, you will know how happy I am to just see that one of these girls is acting in or something, even if it's a small role - it makes me feel giddy knowing they are furthering their careers. Yes, it takes a long time to hear word about just one of these girls, let alone the group as a whole, but hearing that news was always always worth it in the end - Bump.y were worth it, and they still are, because no matter what they would impress me, and I knew that when I would eventually see a new video or song from this group I liked so much, there would be growth in there somewhere, and I would be impressed one way or another.

Bump.y are, and always were, the group that I would happily wait for when it came to news. Patience is not my virtue, however for some reason it felt natural to wait for Bump.y, even if I became worried at some points. It just felt like the longer I waited, the better the outcome no matter what. Yes, there would be something I wasn't over the moon with, but there would be something that would stun me and give me that urge to continue following them, and to further my desire to just wait for what they produced next.

They made me smile, I enjoyed their music, and I wanted to continue following them as a fan of their music and videos. They have always been able to pull me back, and I am glad that they were created, because it has truly been wonderful following and waiting for them.

This group was strong and impressive, full of life and just so wonderful to follow. I love them, I will for a long time, and whilst I am sure I won't get over the fact they are disbanding soon, I know that they are doing it with the intention of furthering and bettering their careers in the TV/Film industry, and honestly, I would rather they continue as actresses than Idols, because that is how they began, and that is what they are good at.

Their activities as Idols are ending, sure, but as Kira on Twitter informed me, they aren't leaving me or the fans; they are still here, and that does make me happy to know that.

From hopeful young actress-Idols to fully-fledged actresses, Bump.y will soon fly the nest, and whilst I will miss Bump.y as a whole greatly, I will continue to watch these girls as much as I can. Until that fateful day however, I want to continue supporting Bump.y, a group who can make me feel excited, happy and impressed no matter what.



Chiima~