Sayashi Riho - The Graduation Appreciation Post

This post is one that contains my honest thoughts and feelings. If you feel offended by what you read, then you do have the choice to leave. I don't expect anyone to like what I write, and likewise, I do not expect you to think you can threaten me into your way of thinking. Thanks.

Though I missed out on Fukuda Kanon's Appreciation post for her Graduation, I am more than intent on not missing Sayashi Riho's, mostly because she is a part of a group that I have liked for a long time, now, even when that like for them has waned. In a way, I want to appreciate her, too, despite already knowing full well I already appreciate H!P's vocally inept ace, except it's in a way most can't see, read or here as much as I would appreciate, say, Ikuta Erina or Suzuki Kanon, y'know?

So yes, we are going into an Idol Appreciation post, and though I am sad I never was able to do a special [Week with...] series for the girl due to a busy schedule, plus the fact her graduation lands on the week I do my End of Year posts, I feel that at most, I can at least write a post where I appreciate and talk about her as best I can.

So, without further ado, let's get into this post and deliver our send-offs to Sayashi Riho, the Ace of Morning Musume '15, a face of H!P who will leave the world of many far too early, way too soon...

So, where to begin with one Sayashi Riho? I mean, it's difficult to try and think about what to say during these types of posts, especially when it concerns my least favoured members of a group, and when it comes down to Riho, there is no denying that, ever since the release of Only You, she has certainly not been a favourite. Does this mean that I hate her? Of course not, why would it? Yeah, I've bitched and whined about her a time or two (or three or four...), but it's what I do, and that shouldn't mean I appreciate her any less. That, and I also prefer other members over Riho.

 She's not a particular favourite, but I still like and respect her, just not as much as I do other members. That is just how it goes, ya know?

But, honestly speaking, I do like Riho, she's just not the member I would peg as Top 3 or even Top 7 candidate. Sure, she's quirky and cute, she can dance up a storm, but aside from that...? Nothing. That is how it was meant to be, and it's how it is now. I am not changing my opinion of her, even though she's going to be leaving the MoMusu nest soon.

Okay, so before people find this post to be one of the negative variety, let me clarify something; I have always found Riho to be talented, at least as a dancer, and later on in her tenure as a member of H!P's longest standing shipwreck, I have found her to be a really humorous, amazingly weird person that has her own personal charm, especially when it comes to being a pervert for Fukumura's skin. Yeah, she's funny, and that surprised me quite a bit when I found that out, because Riho was as boring as dirt when she first started. Aside from her insane dancing skills, she was not really a big personality within the group at first, at least to me she wasn't.
 That said, at least she kept some interest, unlike the current leader, Mizuki Fukumura.

So she definitely grew I think, and that was pleasant to see as an observer of Morning Musume. Sure, she never grew as a singer, but she certainly gained growth in charisma and style, and that is pretty important for a center, I believe. Speaking of which, Riho, bless her vocally impaired heart, did really well to take on so much in the few years she has been a part of Morning Musume. She's been an Ace, she has literally carried the group on her shoulders when it was both dying from 2011 until 2013, to when it began to prosper from 2014 onward. She was its leads singer, main dancer, the face and, basically, the groups backbone, all from the age of 13 years old. She has tolerated not only keeping the group afloat with her popularity and skills, but has also managed to tolerate a lot of fan backlash, my own included.

She has done really well to keep going, even if it has had a mental toll on her after so many years, and it's undeniable that, even now, Riho is still carrying the weight of Morning Musume on her shoulders, despite the fact she is graduating very soon. She hasn't really had a break since her beginnings, and UFP nor H!P haven't given her a chance to recoup, either, constantly having her as center, rarely sharing out her lines in either singles or concerts until later on, and only giving her a real 'break' of sorts with Oh My Wish by having her as a dance center as opposed to a vocal one.
 It's undeniable that, with Riho's sudden departure on their hands, UFP may have a hard time trying to figure out where to go from here, because whilst both Masaki and Fukumura, possibly even Duu, are perfect candidates for future centers, H!P have relied too heavily on Riho as the Ace, and have not thought of who may be the next Ace for their flagship group. It's their own fault, really, and they're paying for it right now, and honestly? It makes me happy that Riho's pulled the plug on them this early on, and let them fall into deep shit.

Honestly, I do think that Riho graduating now, though it is early and was a surprise, is a good decision on her part. It's obvious that, as of late, she has been tired and that she is in need of a break. After handling so much, after spending 4 years being the groups leading lady, its backbone, the front-runner and more, she deserves to have some time to herself, because more than anything, she needs it.

Though UFP may like to think this, Riho was not, and is not, Ai, nor is she Reina. When Riho came in, Morning Musume was in need of new blood and a new ace, and that happened to be Riho. When both Ai and Reina came in, there were multiple front girls whom H!P could rely on to keep the group afloat, but in 2011, they only had Reina and Ai, and they were desperate. From then on, Riho had a lot thrust upon her, and H!P relied solely on her and no one else to hold the group together. Ai and Reina, however, had a substantial amount of time to become Aces and leads. With plenty other members already there to lead and aid them, both girls were able to grow and mature enough without it affecting them. For Riho, even with Ai and Reina there, she was forced to mature a lot more quickly, only to have that cause a little more damage than anyone expected, I think.

And now she's helping herself by getting the heck out of there, allowing herself that much needed break. If you ask me, this is one of the wisest, most mature decisions an Idol can make, and I highly respect Riho for doing this. She is not weak for admitting she needs to leave, she is not being selfish for wanting to leave the group all of a sudden. She is strong, she is sure, and she is so mature for deciding that, right now, she has to go and choose a new path, one where she is no longer the back bone, face, spirit or life of Morning Musume. For this, I salute her, and I think even more highly of her than I have ever have before.

I do believe, though many will disagree here, that this time is a better time than any for Riho to go. She's 17 years of age, the world is at her feet, and with all of the experience she has gained by being a part of Morning Musume, her future is a good one if she chooses to use it. By leaving now, Riho has a better chance at getting into the industry she wants to when she is a fully-fledged adult, whether it be entertainment, business or art based.
 Her future is hers to decide now, and honestly, after four years of being a part of Morning Musume and Hello! Project, Riho has had a great run, better than some others who leave the business around the same time she has. She has been the Ace, the center, and for many, the savior.

Vocally, I will not miss Riho (though her Peaberry stint is one of her best, I believe), however I will miss that cheeky charm she brings to PV's, as well as her stellar stage presence. She is a girl that, whilst not my oshi, is someone I can respect and enjoy, and a girl I can now appreciate wholeheartedly. And, with her impending graduation, there is certainly a part of me that is happy she is leaving, because now other girls will have time to shine, but I am also happy because it is a decision Riho made for herself in order to take a rest and allow her health to stay stable, as opposed to letting her career pull her down and hurt her any further.

Sayashi Riho is not my favourite. She is terrible vocally, and she has been pushed to the front far too much for some, however what she is is this; an amazing dancer, a girl with charm and charisma, and someone who has brought light to the lives of many. She is strong and persistent, and she is one of the many reasons as to why Morning Musume is what it is today. I would not go as far to say that she, Sayashi Riho, is Morning Musume, but she is definitely one of the girls who has allowed them to climb to the top, and for these past four years, she has lead them to the front once again.

I am glad that she has been a part of Morning Musume, however now, I look forward to the future that she will carve for herself as simply Sayashi Riho, not Sayashi Riho of Morning Musume '15.

Her graduation is nearing, and soon she will no longer be a part of the world many love. For this Idol and her impending departure from the Idol world, think about what you appreciate about her, and let it be known.

Sayashi Riho, Morning Musume '15's Ace, a girl who managed to carry a group on her shoulders, all from the young age of 13. In many ways, she is amazing, and by many she is loved. There is no denying that this girl has made an impact, even if it wasn't necessarily on everyone around her.

Omedetou.

Until next time.
Yahoii~

It's Tribute Time! Join the Chuu! Sugoi! Idol! 'Sayashi Riho Graduation Tribute Plan' Before She Leaves!

For the original post and full information on what to do, be sure to check out the original tribute plan post on Chuu! Sugoi! Idol!~

"I volunteer for Tribute!" - Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games

On December 31st 2015, Sayashi Riho will graduate from Morning Musume '15 during the Hello! Project Countdown Live, breaking the hearts of her many fans as she does so. Of course, Riho will not be leaving Hello! Project itself, however her departure from the umbrella's flagship is one that has shocked many, myself included, for how sudden the announcement was, and how quickly she would leave after said announcement had been made.

That said, many will cherish the short amount of time they have left with Riho in MM'15, and for some, there will be plans to make tributes to one of MM's most beloved members...

Like they have done in the past, the Idol blog collective that is Chuu! Sugoi! Idol! will be holding a special Graduation Tribute Plan for Sayashi Riho before she leaves Morning Musume '15 at the end of this year. The tribute will be all about the Western fans' undying love towards Riho, and to show everyone's support for her, all in the form of an amazing video that will be sent off to J-melo once completed!

So, what do you need to do exactly?

First...

Choose whether you want to send in a Song Cover, a Dance Cover or a Photo Dedication, or all three! Both Song and Dance covers will be of MM's 9th generation debut song, Maji desu ka ska!!!!

For both Song and Dance covers, C!S!I! have asked all participants to send J-pop singing samples and dance covers to their Hello! Project Fanpage. Dance covers can be new, pre-existing, and they can be done solo or in a group. For the song covers, however, they must be sung solo and acapella.

Further regarding the song covers, C!S!I! are only choosing around 2~3 people to sing the song, and upon selecting these lucky few, will then ask for them to record the audio for Maji desu ka ska! and to also record a close-up video of them singing it. So, if you choose this option for the tribute plan, I wish you all luck!

So, whichever you choose of these two, remember; send your videos and audio samples to Chuu! Sugoi! Idol's Hello! Project Fanpage on Facebook!!!

Finally...

For the Photo Dedication and Message portion of this tribute plan, fans can send in a photo of themselves wearing something red, whilst also doing the Ganbare! pose that Riho is holding in the photograph above. This can be done either solo or within a group of people.

You can also write a message to go alongside the photo, though it is limited to 10 words or less. The message can be written in Japanese or English, and must also be as readable as possible!

All photo and message entries are to be sent to either the Facebook fanpage, or the email address emceepurplemee@gmail.com, with the subject line 'SAYASHI RIHO GRADUATION TRIBUTE', and you must include your name and country!

And the deadline...?

Chuu! Sugoi! Idol! have set the deadline for December 12th, 2015 at 11:59PM PST, so if you plan on getting in on this tribute, you better get crackin' and sending in those videos and photos, and of course, sending your love to Riho!

This is an amazing thing to do if you love Riho and want to send her off with something special from the fans of the world, so if you can, be sure to take part and give Riho a lot of love to leave with! Make it special, make it big, make it amazing! I know you can do it, so please, join in and become a part of this great plan!

For the original post and all of the information you will ever need for this great plan, be sure to check out Chuu! Sugoi! Idol! right now, and then send yo content in!

DO IT FOR THE RIHO!!!! <3

That's all for now guys~ Until next time please take care, stay happy and healthy, and of course, LOVE THE IDOLS!!! Muah!

Much Love,
Chiima~

Say What!? Sayashi Riho to Graduate Morning Musume '15!

The opinions stated are my own, opinions and thoughts that you do not have to agree with. I don't expect you to follow my line of thought, likewise, do not expect me to follow your line of thought. Don't like what I have to say? Totally fine by me, but please don't expect me to change my way of thinking for your sake. I will listen and form opinions, but I will NOT change how I feel for the sake of keeping others happy. That ain't how I roll.

...

Well I'll be damned o-O

Some editing has been applied to this document as I made a few mistakes that friends have corrected for me <3

(image from UP-FRONT LINK's Facebook page)

On October 29th 2015 (annouced via her blog, my lovely pal Calli of Calli Loves Hello! Project tells me!), it was announced that Sayashi Riho of Morning Musume '15 would graduate from the group on December 31st, however it was also stated that she would not leave Hello! Project.

Reasons for her graduation have been given, with the agency stating that she aims to devote herself to dancing, whilst Riho herself has stated that she wishes to study abroad and to dance. It is her aim to one day come back to the entertainment world, however when is still a mystery for now.

Translations from both the agency and Riho herself have been translated and posted via the official UP-FRONT LINK page, so be sure to check them out as well:

Announcement from UP-FRONT PROMOTION:

"Thank you for your continued support towards Morning Musume。'15.

Today, Riho Sayashi has announced she will graduated from Morning Musume。'15 on December 31st in her blog post.

Riho became a 9th generation member and made her debut with "Majidesuka Suka" in 2011 and continued her carrier until now.
She said she wants to devote herself to her progress in dancing, and she talked about this matter many times. With her consent, we came to this conclusion.

Riho will graduate from Morning Musume。but she will be a Hello! Project's member after the graduation.
Before flying with her own wings, we will watch her with this new challenge.

Until her Morning Musume。'15's graduation as a member, she will continue to perform much more during the current tour and during the other activities.

Please continue to support Morning Musume。'15 and assist Riho Sayashi in the future.

2015/10/29
UP-FRONT PROMOTION Minoru Ohhama"

 Sayashi Riho's Graduation Announcement:

"Thank you for your continued support towards Morning Musume。'15.

I have to make an announcement to all of you.

I, Riho Sayashi,
Will graduate from Morning Musume。 on December 31st of this year.

Since kindergarten, I wanted to take part at the group Morning Musume。 and I became a member when I was 12 years. During 5 years, I started with Tsunku♂-san and continued until now with the support of many staff, with all the Morning Musume。 and Hello! Project members, and more than anything, with the fans.

However, I thought during this year many times about continuing like this in my future life.
As a human alone, I started to think if there were things that I have to experience in order to live strongly?

I have discussed many times with the people of the company, and I decided to graduate after I checked the growth of the 12th generation kohai ("kohai" means "juniors" here) this year.
Concerning the day of my graduation, I had the privilege on deciding the graduation on the last day of the "Morning Musume。'15" on December 31st during the Countdown Live.
Concerning the Morning Musume。's tour, the last performances will be on December 7th and 8th at the Budokan.

I am really sorry for the abrupt news.
I think this is quite a surprise.
But until now, inside of me, it has worried me.
And it has led me to this decision.

From now, I think I want to study abroad and learn more English and dance.
Then with those experiences I will mature much more, and I will try my best to come back as soon as possible.

There are 2 months left until then, but until this moment with all the members I will do everything we have to do for "Morning Musume。'15".

Until December 31st, I want to run through everything with all my power so please continue to support me!

Riho Sayashi"

(You can find the announcements HERE on the official UP-FRONT LINK Facebook page!)

...

(image from Hello! Project wikia)

Well, at least y'all can trust that a graduation announcement will get me out of my blogging funk, right?

Okay, so I actually found out about Riho's graduation via a message my darling friend Ash (of The Casual Hello! Project Fan) , and damn, I was really surprised and taken aback by it! I mean, it's not exactly the sort of news one would expect after waking up from a 4 hour nap, right!? It's also not the sort of news I would expect from H!P, not when Fukuda Kanon's graduation is just around the corner...

So, yeah, I was seriously surprised by the news, but I was admittedly not very sad. Actually, I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a part of me that did a happy jig, because there was. I mean, I'm not the biggest Riho fan out there. I appreciate all she does, I think she's a stellar singer and a wonderful performer, but an all around crappy singer. I don't dislike her, but I don't think she's the greatest, either. There are merits to every Idol, and each one has a charm about them that everyone likes. For me, Riho was never my cup of tea, and even if she's graduating, whether I like her or not will not change just because she is leaving. I ain't about that.

But, still... I'm really surprised by the announcement, because it just feels so out of the blue! Then again, I've not been following Morning Musume that much, heck, I haven't even watched their recent PV's, so...
 I'm really surprised, though, but I'm definitely not shedding tears for this announcement.

I know a lot of fans will be upset by this, likewise, a lot of fans will be rather happy with this piece of news. It's half and half, but there is no denying this: Morning Musume '15 will be losing a really talented member of the group. Maybe not a singing talent, but definitely a talent in dancing, as well as a member with a lot of presence.

Again, I am surprised, mostly because I thought Riho would literally wait out leaving Morning Musume until after she gained leadership status. That said, pressure and spotlight can get to you, and after being an ace since the very beginning of her tenure, Riho may feel that enough is enough right now, and that she needs to focus more on her dance career as opposed to her singing career.

And who knows, maybe one day she will be back. Considering she's still going to be a part of Hello! Project even after her graduation, one can only suspect that H!P might give her a career in dance or, and this thought makes me cringe, a solo career. Either way, there's a big chance she will make her comeback after doing whatever she wants, and given she's Sayashi Riho and not Mitsui Aika, I have a feeling H!P would actually utilize Riho's talent and use her once again.
 That, or they'll have another English translator in the H!P line to aid the fans! Wouldn't that would be nice?

I know a lot of her fans are really saddened by this news, but honestly, I'm not, and her graduating does not change how I feel towards her at all. I find her talented, sure, but really, I think it might be a good thing for Morning Musume '15 to have such a big change for the on-coming year of 2016. It means that now, they may just have to promote and give spotlight the other members more than they did beforehand.
 ... Actually, maybe this was the reason why the new single included a Duu x Zukki center!? I mean, seriously, that may be it o-O Holy cow!

No matter what though, I do wish Riho luck in whatever she wishes to pursue in the future. I also hope that, in these last two months within Morning Musume '15, she treasures each moment together with her fellow members and strives for an amazing final concert. I don't doubt one bit that, when her graduation does finally come, she will deliver what may actually be her best performance within the group.

Until next time everyone,
Chiima~

External Links:

Up-Front LINK
Tokyo Girls' Update

Okay! Musume Digest! #16

It's time to DIGEST! How has your week been going? Oh quite dandy, thank you muchly my girl! Chuu~

I've had two cans of coca cola today, apologies for my hyper state

Okay, so this week has been full of surprises and lots of lovely news! I was really happy with the amount of information that was available this week, and we have some nice surprises that made me happy, and some news that just made me smile too. It's been a good week, to say the least, which helped me to stay happy as I prepared myself for the trauma of First-Day-Of-College, which happened to begin yesterday! It wasn't traumatic, thank goodness!

Also, Happiness (or on-coming trauma, it depends really) will come along this week, but you won't know until I post about it, or you do know, but you pretend that you don't know... OR you do know what is happening, because you're smart and have read my blog for a year or more now. It doesn't matter which, because whether you know or not, I'm not telling you until it happens x3 WHEEEEE!

Anyway, all of the News-goodness you will find out soon, but right now we need to talk about something a bit more important... Like the picture of the week x3

Boob grabbing at its best. Oh how I wish I was that hand right now...

Enjoy, Wota pervs ;D Enjoy...

... Yeah, because that's important, right? Well, it is to me, and I am pretty sure that many of you other fine young men and women will appreciate it just as much as I do! So enjoy the wonderful boob-gropage of Chisato...

Picture aside, and our pervertedness locked back up in our closets, shall we get onto the real part of the digest and pretend that Chiima isn't a little demented today? Okay, we shall do that...

It's time, my dears, for the:

NEWS OF THE WEEK

On this week's episode of Hello! SATOYAMA Life!

CM's! Watermelons! A BBQ!!!

This episode mostly focuses on the girls talking and preparing a BBQ, so for fans who can't understand Japanese, this episode might be a hard one to watch because of how much focus there is on the girls conversing with one another (wait... that's every episode) hough I like how we get to see the girls prepare their food for their BBQ with ingredients that the have helped to unearth. This episodes reminds me of when my family used to have BBQ's in the summer and how nice it was to stand outside eating yummy food whilst talking to my family and friends.

The episode is quite nice to watch, and it reminds me of a happy end of summer. I also love that

Shanimuni Paradise has been put in as background music.

A promotional video for the Morning Musume + OG member Pachinko machine has been released! The members shown are Natsume Abe, Fujimoto Miki, Aya Matsuura, Satoda Mai, Ogawa Makoto, Niigaki Risa, Takahashi Ai, Ishikawa Rika, Nozomi Tsuji, Yoshizawa Hitomi, Reina Tanaka, Michishige Sayumi, Nakazawa Yuko, Iida Kaori, Yasuda Kei and Yaguchi Mari.

THERE'S A GAME? WHY DIDN'T I KNOW ABOUT THIS? And where's Koharu!? She's sexy enough to be in this, too, though I am ecstatic that Gaki is in it! WHOOHOO!

Anyway, this was a nice surprise, and I am happy that the older members of Morning Musume have released a Pachinko game. It looks fun, and they use a nice assortment of songs on it, including The Matenrou Show performed by Gaki, Shige and Reina.. it also has a PV to it, and I want to see more! Also, Gaki totally should have been in The Matenrou Show and not Riho. She wins at that song, my lord!

Anyway, I am happy. Wheeee~

Source

It has been announced that Kitahara Sayaka will be switching music labels. She will transfer from her current label FRAME to Avex in October.

Hearing about Sayaka's move is quite surprising, and it makes me wonder if this is simply a label move for her music, or a full transfer to a brand new company, meaning that she will have left UFA. However, this move seems to be a positive one for Sayaka, who debuted as a Seiyuu singer, but it seems she wants to do more in regards to her music. Hopefully this move will be good for her and she will get to sing more and produce even more music. If it means moving to a new label, then we can only support her and hope for the best!

Surprising news, but it's also happy news!

Source

C-ute have left a message regarding their newly released song, Aitai Aitai Aitai na on Kawaii Girl Japan's youtube. Here, they talk about the song and what it means, and talk about their thoughts on the dance, video and song.

I love Kawaii Girl Japan, because they always translate any promotion that the girls seem to be doing, and this one is no different. It's nice to know what the girls are talking about and to see how they are promoting their newest single release.

Hopefully everyone will take a look and listen to C-ute talk about Aitai Aitai Aitai na.

Source

Tsuji Nozomi has announced that she is pregnant with her third child!

Erm... wow... I'm surprised this is her third and not her fifth, cos she seems to always announce her pregnancy... xD Okay, I'm joking, but you get what I mean. Out of the OG members, she seems to have the most consecutive pregnancies... or at least, that's what I think. Anyway, her new baby will be 3 years younger than her second child, her son, who is also 3 years younger than his older sister.

Here is a translation of what Tsuji wrote on her blog:

“I’m looking forward to see the Sugiuras that will be even more lively with the new family member. Everybody, please continue to watch over us, Sugiura family warmly.” - Tokyohive

Congrats to Tsuji and her husband! May they continue to create Off spring!

Source | Source

Who doesn't love a girl in chains?

PASSPO☆ have revealed that their fifth major single, titled WING, will have the concept of 'PASSPO☆ meets German metal'. This will be the third part of PASSPO☆'s Airline trilogy (or World Tour Rock), and will be available in two editions: 'Economy Class' and 'First Class', with Economy Class featuring the title track and the B-side Dum Dum Freedom as well as the instrumentals, whilst the First Class edition will come with a bonus DVD featuring the PV for WING.

When I saw that the girls were going to take on the concept of German metal, I was quite surprised and intrigued. I have no idea what German metal involves, but if it's PASSPO☆, I am pretty sure that these girls can pull it off, because I absolutely adored Next Flight when it came out.

Anyway, the single seems to be promising. The girls all look amazing in their new costumes, and the covers themselves look great! I'm going to take a guess that this song will be quite dark and different, and if it is, it is something I really look forward to seeing from these girls! I can't wait for the PV to be released!

Source | Source

More details for Erena Ono's second single, titled Erenyan, have been revealed!

Erenyan will be released on October 3rd in five different versions, Limited A-D and a Regular edition. The title track has once again been written by Erena herself. All editions will come with the coupling track Senbonzakura, as well as the track Aa, Subarashiki Nyansei on the Limited A, B and D editions and Regular edition, whilst the Limited C will contain the track Takaramono. Each limited edition will come with either a PV or a making of, depending on the cd you get.

Also, to commemorate the singles release, Erena will be holding an event across Japan called Maneki Erenyan Shufuku Tour!!. She will appear at each event wearing different costumes.

Tour dates:

Saturday, September 15th – Sendai Parco (Miyagi)

Sunday, September 16th – Akihabara (Tokyo)

Saturday, September 22nd – Fukuoka

Sunday, September 23rd – Nagoya (Aichi)

Saturday, September 29th – Matsumoto Parco (Nagano)

Sunday, September 30th – Sapporo (Hokkaido)

Seeing updates for Ono Erena is always exciting for me, and I honestly can't wait for the release of this single and to listen to it! I adored Erepyon, so hopefully Erenyan will be just as well recieved. There's is little under a month now until the release of this single!

Excitement and anticipation!!! Wheeee~

Source

A 'Dummy version' for Morning Musume's up-coming single, Wakuteka Take a chance, has been released via Morning Musume's Youtube channel.

So... are these the dance instructors? If yes, or if no, who cares? It's good, and honestly, I'm surprised that this was brought out... unless UFA are really trying to promote in any way they can? Recently they've become creative with their promotions, actually, and I do like that we get another preview of this song, but with new dancers, or 'Dummy's'. And I can't say much else as of yet other than that... I like this song. A lot. Yeah ._.

This one didn't take long to win me over xD One Two Three can't touch this song x3

Source

A 'Live Back Shot Ver.' of C-ute's Aitai Aitai Aita na has been released on their youtube channel!

Er... what?

I can see all you back fetishists licking your lips in anticipation and pleasure right now. Oh yeeeeah, backs baby... backs

I find this a little confusing, though my sister eased said confusion when she explained that there are some parts of the dance which require moving to the back which you don't generally see in the dance shot on the MV, so I can kinda understand it from that view point, but still... back shot is a new one xD

Oh well, promotion is promotion, and the weirder and kinkier for some it is, the better, right?

Source

A digest for Mano Erina's September 1st release event for her song Song for the DATE has been released through her official channel.

Digests are always great for giving fans a taste of what to expect from a DVD release, and of course this one doesn't fail to deliver. We get a good mix of song previews from the performance Mano delivered during this event. There is about 10 minutes of footage, and Mano sounds amazing in all of her songs! Definitely check this out if you are a Mano fan!

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Tracks from Morning Musume's up-coming album, 13 Colorful Character will be used as background music for Nagoya TV Show Sound Storm until the end of September.

This news was really surprising, but extremely exciting because it means that the album will be gaining quite a bit of promotion through the show, and allowing viewers to listen to the songs before the album is due out. I think that UFA are trying their hardest to sell Morning Musume now as an Idol group and they are doing really well. Hopefully they will continue this promotion and pimp out the latest album from this iconic group!

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The Satoyama Life Movement's official youtube channel has uploaded two unreleased pieces of footage to their youtube channel.

I was quite surprised to see that the Satoyama movement had revealed two clips that weren't seen before, though now that I have watched them, I honestly don't find anything exciting about the clips, because it is the same as what we always see now. It would be nice if the clips were concert based like the other two surprise performance clips showing Peaberry and DIY♡ off. Anyway, I am sure that this will please some fans, but for me it's pretty boring.

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The cover to Sayashi Riho's solo DVD HyaaHo~i♪( ´θ｀)ノ has been released! The cover features Riho in a cute and carefree pose.

This is a really cute cover, and I like how the carefree nature of the pose and look Riho has fits with the title of the DVD. The cover looks great, and I like that we see a more child-like side to the ever-so-serious Riho who is such a hard worker. She looks adorable here, and I think that the cover suits her character well and shows off that childish, cute side we barely see on camera. It's honestly pretty refreshing!

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Morning Musume's One・Two・Three/The Matenrou Show has recieved Gold Certification from RIAJ.

Whilst I am pretty clueless about RIAJ in general, it is nice to see that Morning Musume were awarded Gold Certification for their 50th single! I think that it is to do with the sales of a single, so for Morning Musume this is a wonderful achievement! Let's just hope that they keep achieving (and promoting!) and get another award?

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It has been announced that Idol unit 9nine will be holding their first nationwide live house tour in November and December. The tour will be called Shucchou! Zenkoku Live House Hao Hao! Tour 2012, with the girls scheduled to perform in Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Nagoya.

Satake Uki commented: “To make up for the times we weren’t able to meet people in other regions, we will do our best for more people to get to know 9nine through this tour.” Meanwhile, Kawashima Umika stated, “All regions, let’s not lose to Tokyo and show our energy!”

 - Tokyohive

This is wonderful news! 9nine just keep getting busier everyday, with new events creeping up and the girls becoming hosts or starring in drama's. It's wonderful to know that a group who have been around so long, with two new members added and three older members still there, are creeping up in the Idol industry and showing that they are still around and ready to take on a new image and a new sound. I am happy for this group, because 9nine as they are now are amazing, and I can't wait to hear more from them!

Keep it up, girls!

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In a surprising twist of fate, happiness ensues as fans around the Wotasphere find out that the 9ki and 10ki members have opened up group blogs for their generations!

I was really surprised by this piece of new, mostly because I really just wasn't expecting it at all! I didn't think that the girls would get blogs any time soon, let alone group blogs where we will be able to see the girls interact with fans in a new way!

Of course this is a smart move, you have to admit - with these blogs, the girls will be able to write about their day or any experience with the other members whilst fans follow, which will help the girls to gain much more popularity and recognition. I think that UFA are trying hard to show off these girls now and give them all a chance to shine.

Currently, there are four posts on each blog, with each girl from their respective generation introducing themselves to the wotasphere.

Hopefully all fans will follow these girls and read their blogs regularly!

9ki blog | 10ki blog

Kudo Haruka, Morning Musume's resident Queen of Lollipops and Gum drops, will be holding a birthday fanclub event on October 29th.

We all know that this will be amazing, because Haruka is an amazing singer and she puts her all into her performances. This will be a geat event for any Haruka fan, and hopefully many of her fans can attend the event and support Haruka on her 13th birthday! Finally, Morning Musume's Lolita is hitting the teen years!

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Niigaki Risa's FC Birthday event has been announced. It will be held on the 20th of October.

Has it really been a year since Gaki's FC event with Fukumura to celebrate their birthdays? Time has flown by, it really has, so I'm surprised that this FC event has been announced now, but of course this is great news for all of Gaki's fans. She will be able to spend time with her fans and celebrate her birthday outside of Morning Musume after 10 years! Hopefully Gaki and her fans will have a great time, and she will have a day to remember!

I really wish that I could go!

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Hello! Project's Queen of Smiles and Bow-ties is releasing her second photobook, titled Metamorphose, which will be released on October 12th!

Am I dreaming? Is this truly real? Is this happening? Is my Chinami-chubs getting another freakin' photobook!? This calls for celebration. POP THE CHAMPAGNE!!!

This is fantastic news, and one which really bowled me over when I first read it. I simply could not believe what I was reading when I saw the news on my Twitter feed, actually. I was just stunned, but I am incredibly happy about this. Chinami deserves it, and I am absolutely loving the push she has been getting lately! Next up, UFA: MAASA!

Anyway, the title of the photobook makes me think of Cosplay or Butterflies, because Metamorphosis is the change of one thing into another, like a super hero or, caterpillar to butterfly. Well, Chinami has never been a caterpillar, but I would love to see her act as a butterfly! Maybe get Zukki in on the act, too?

Anyway, I am excited! Who wouldn't be!?

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Niigaki Risa was recently featured on Asu no Chikyuu Tokodomo Tachi ~Pray for Happiness~ where she interacted with what seems to be the shows mascot, and gets attacked by him!

Watching this, I thought that it was quite cute. I liked how it was carefree and had a playful nature, so I am guessing that this show is for children just by how the mascot looks and how Niigaki acts. It's a cute little segment which we get to see Gaki in, and it's quite enjoyable to watch, so definitely check it out, Gaki fans!

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C-ute have announced that they will be releasing a second Best-Of album, with the tracks re-recorded and re-arranged with the current line-up.

This news isn't actually surprising (I know, I've been surprised a lot this week!) because with the current popularity that C-ute are riding on, and their success with their new singles as a 5nin line-up, it's actually quite expected that they would release a best of album with this great line-up!

I'm anticipating how the old songs will sound with the current vocals of the group, as most of the past singles had more of a focus on Airi and Maimi and Mai, but with Okai as a lead now, and Nakky being a great singer anyway, I wonder how the songs will sound with this mix of vocals.

Hopefully all fans will anticipate this release, because I know I will!

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A trailer for Space Shower TV's 3-hour special for Morning Musume's 15th Anniversary has been released. The special will be released on the 15th of September.

I am pretty sure that a lot of people are really anticipating this show when it becomes available for all fans to watch, and I don't think that it can get anymore anticipating than seeing a CM for the special itself! We see some of the members, old and new, talking as well as the man himself, Tsunku. It's a nice little clip that will help fans to get excited for the show, and with a great new song playing as the background melody, I can easily say that I really want to watch this show, subtitles or not!

Hopefully everyone will wait for the show with patience and excitement!

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Clips from Girls News have been released, with footage focusing on Hello! Project's Summer concert and the girls' practice.

It's really nice to see footage with backstage or practice videos that fans can see, because it means we can look at how hard working the girls are and to see who is doing well, and to also look at how our favourite members act behind the scenes. The clip focused a little on the struggles of Nakanishi Kana and Satou Masaki with their dancing, which was nice to see how the two newest, and clearly the two who struggle the most, in Hello! Project are doing right now.

These are great clips to watch, so definitely take a look!

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AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAND That's all, folks! Please stay tuned for the next episode of 'Okay! Musume Digest', which will be out next week, when I find more news and where I will probably be less bloody hyper! ADIOS!

Chiima~

PING!!! Idolminded Recommended Reading: September 11th, 2012

Okay! Musume Digest! #14

DIGEST TAIMU!~

Ah, I almost forgot about this again... what the heck is wrong with me? Actually, I'm gonna lay the blame on my sudden urge to watch a movie, and also playing a random dating/Idol sim game called Star Project. My sister, I blame you for this addiction...

ANYWAYS...

Week wise, I'm happy with the news that has been available, but even happier at the amount of posts I have done so far. I feel like I have accomplished something in a way xD I finally updated with a post I wanted to write so long ago, but never got around to it until recently.

So, that's that~ It's been a so-so week news wise, but I found some great pieces which I really liked, as well as a good week in terms of actually posting, or at least good for me.

Sadly I can't post my picture of the week this time around, because blogger has decided that HEY! It's hate Chiima day, so I will only be posting it up on the actual blog (if it lets me) so yeah...

And before I get into what the poll will be, here's something for you all to see...

Amazon are now selling Miyamato Karin! Fans question the motives behind UFA and their Kenshuusei, whilst rabid Wota bid away their life insurance just to try and get hold of this valuable Idol in the making...

Say whaaat?

Honestly, I love ads! They can mean something different if you don't look at it closely. But yeah, UFA have a new way of selling their Idols' image! Holy cow!

Okay, let's get into the poll question for this week!

This weeks Question is: Who is your favourite AKB48 Senbatsu member?

As I am now doing a 3 day challenge concerning AKB48, I thought that this would be a good question to ask, as everyone has a different member that they like. I would also like to see who will be the senbatsu of this poll, woohoo!

So vote away guys! ;D

Now, without further ado, let's get into the...

NEWS OF THE WEEK

(EDIT) This weeks Satoyama Life is definitely one of the best I have seen so far, as it shows footage from Hello! Project's summer concert. Also, this has to be the episode everyone has been waiting for, as it contains footage from Morning Musume's 11th generation auditions.

A lot of hype went into the fact that this episode contained a two minute clip showing off some girls singing or dancing, and admittedly, all of the girls sounded quite good... but, it's most likely a ploy from the editors to get everyone excited, as remember everyone... there is a chance that these girls haven't passed! So far, this is only a taster, and we don't know just how many girls auditioned, or how many passed even. Anyway, I'm not going to excite myself over these auditions until training camp footage, or at least more than two minutes of video, is released.

Anyways, it's a good episode of Satoyama life, and allows us to see this new Hello! Project in all its glory!

A radio rip for Morning Musume's up-coming album song, Be Alive! has been released for everyone to listen to! So listen!

Be Alive! is a ballad, I guess, and a very sweet song which is nice to listen to. I like that Morning Musume now have a low and gentle song under their belts, because whilst they have other songs that are slow, I don't think that we have had a much-needed ballad in a while. The new MoMusu fit this gentle and serene song well, and it makes me happy when I listen to it. The girls all sound absolutely amazing, even Riho in all her ear-grating glory, and Reina is, of course, quite spectacular here.

It's a very pretty song, and well worth the listen if you want to get an idea of this new Morning Musume and how they sound right now. It's a great song, and is heavy on group parts as opposed to solo parts.

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Sayashi Riho's up-coming solo DVD is titled HyaaHo~i♪( ´θ｀)ノ

Recently the front cover was released for Riho's second photobook, so soon enough, the title would come along for her solo DVD and the cover as well. Well, we have the title, and after reading it, I thought that it was really cute and extremely fitting of Riho, because she seems to be the sort of person who would say something cute like that. Hopefully, the solo DVD itself will be cute and everyone will look forward to watching it!

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A preview, or a short PV, for AAA's MV I$M has been uploaded to Avex Network's youtube channel to give us a sneak peak at the official music video for one of AAA's album songs from 777 ~Triple Seven~!

I decided to randomly search for AAA's track listing for their new album, as it was released on the 22nd of this month, and was surprised to see a good amount of MV's available with this release, including an MV for one of the album songs. Looking at it, the video seems to be poker based and pretty cool, and extremely heavy on effects more than anything. Regardless, this preview gives us a glimpse at what to expect, and it looks good so far!

I am looking forward to this MV when it is eventually leaked onto the internet or released, because it seems interesting and I like the poker concept.

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The cover to Morning Musume's 9th and 10th generations first official photobook has been released!

The cover, in my opinion is pretty boring and far too formed. I'm the sort of person who prefers PV covers to be natural, or to look glamorous... or something. Anyway, I really wish there was some sort of movement going on in the image, though Zukkini and Eripon's smile are the best in this picture. The girls look cute (Zukkini and Eripon) but the others look bored. Haruna looks happy, and Riho... well, she looks smug. Come on girls, give me happiness!

Riho... EMOTION PLEASE! You too, Fukupon. Smugness and pretty faces don't get you everywhere, sweethearts.

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Idol duo YuiKaori will be releasing their sixth single, titled Ueikatsu!! (Wake Up!!) on October 31st this year. There will be a regular and limited edition available. The Limited edition will include the music video for the title song.

This is the news I have really been waiting for; YuiKaori's next single release. I really like how these two girls sound together, and they have great chemistry, so I'm excited for their next single release! The title sounds like the song itself will be refreshing, however seeing as it will be released on Halloween, I am expecting something thrilling as well.

We won't know until the PV or previews are released, though! Well, whatever it happens to be... I am going to anticipate it! :D

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A radio rip for C-ute's Saikou Music has been uploaded to youtube for everyone to listen to!

Saikou Music is one of two of C-ute's B-sides for their up-coming single, Aitai Aitai Aitai na. It is available on the Limited B, C and D singles and is an up-beat and energetic song which really fits the image of C-ute, and is a nice contrast to their A-side song.

I was surprised by how up-beat and happy this song was, but I really enjoy the sound of this song, and I am impressed with all of the girls' vocals, especially Nakky's. They all sound great, and I love the energy and happiness this song has. It's a nice beat which reminds me of the old C-ute before they began to produce more mature music. It's a song which is just really nice to listen to, and really carefree.

I encourage everyone to listen to the song, because of how fun and cute it really is.

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AAA have announced that they will be holding an event in Taiwan on October 5th. The news was revealed during the groups release event for their latest album, AAA ~777~ which was held on August 23rd at Lalaport Toyosu in Tokyo.

This is great news for AAA fans, as it means more exposure in other countries for this group. A s a new fan to AAA, I am extremely happy for them because it means that they can present themselves to a new crowd and show off their talents and hopefully gain even more popularity in Taiwan.

Hopefully there will be a full crowd, and when the event comes around, hopefully a few clips will be uploaded online for the fans to see!

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Ishida Ayumi and Kudo Haruka will both be taking a break from Morning Musume activities due to injuries. Ayumi has sprained her ankle, and has been told that it will take one month for her ankle to completely recover. Regarding Kudo's condition, she is undergoing detailed examination, and may have a meniscal tear.

When I heard this news I was really sad - I don't wish any hurt upon any MM member, and for two of the stronger singers and dancers in the group to hurt themselves and halt activities is something that every fan dreads to read about.

I was aware of Ayumi's condition before the news about Haruka leaked out, and I was already sad and hoping for Ayumi's recovery, and it's the same case for Haruka now. Even though I like Haruka more, I equally want both of these girls to recover soon and begin activities once again, because they are key members to Morning Musume and I am pretty sure that everyone is worried about them.

Recover soon, girls!

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Girl group 9nine have announced that they will be providing the ending theme for a new anime series titled Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun which will begin airing on October 1st. The song will be released as a single sometime in December, just one month after their single Yi Er! Jiang Shi feat. Hao Hao! Jiang Shi Girl! hits the stores.

9nine seem to be getting busier by the day! With two new singles coming out a month apart, as well as a Christmas one-man live and drama's, shows or radio that the girls get to take part in, these girls are really making a name for themselves in the Idol industry with the image that they have now!

I find it amazing how 9nine have come so far after the change in lineup, about the same time I started to take a good look at them as I was getting into the Idol world, despite being around since 2005 (the same time when AKB48 was formed and debuted). These girls have really made a name for themselves now, and it's great to see that they are all doing so well in their activities and getting more recognition!

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AKB48's Takahashi Minami will (finally) be making her solo debut!

I've often wondered just why TakaMina was never a soloist in AKB48, and whilst I admittedly don't know what she sound likes, I am sure that she sounds better than Sasshi and Mayu put together.

Anyway, it seems that prayers have been answered, and many wota tears will be shed, because hark! She will become a soloist! FINALLY!!!

The fact that this was apparently one of TakaMina's dreams also makes this sweeter, and a lot more overwhelming, for a casual fan like me. I'm really happy that she is getting this chance, and I hope that her songs are interesting, because I would love to take an interest in her solo debut and whatever happens afterwards.

Anyway, good luck to a happy debut! Hopefully her songs won't bore me as much as Tomomi's do.

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Miyamato Karin and Tanabe Nanami have been added to the cast of Sugar Spot.

If people remember, Sugar Spot is a stage play which both Yajima Maimi and Tokunaga Chinami will be appearing in, so to hear news that two Kenshuusei members will also be starring in it is wonderful!

Karin has a lot of experience in acting thanks to stage plays, so many fans will be happy to know that she is continuing with her usual activities and getting her name out there even more. As for Nanami, I don't know if she has been in many stage plays, but they are a great way to gain more experience as well as to promote yourself and gain a few more fans!

Stage plays, I think, are great for Kenshuusei, as it means that the girls will learn more and also they will have the opportunity to talk to their senpai's and gain experience. Also, as I said beforehand, it gets their name out there and will give them more opportunities and possibly even help the girls in making a debut.

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Morning Musume and some of the OG members made an appearence on 24 Hour Television, and sang a medley together made up of the songs Love Machine, Happy Summer Wedding and Dekkai Uchuu ni Ai ga Aru. Ishida Ayumi and Kudo Haryka were absent from this performance due to injuries.

Whilst there aren't many songs, I really love the interaction between the past and present members of Morning Musume. Just seeing how these girls look together is good enough for fans, but their interaction is pretty great, too! Also, I was greatly surprised by how Kanon was allowed to join Mari in her memorable, and rather funny, stint in Happy Summer Wedding where she jumps across the stage yelling Pa Pa Pala no ACHAA!. It was also sweet when the two girls joined Morning Musume in the song Dekkai Uchuu ni Ai ga Aru. I enjoyed the medley, and I am sure that many other fans will too~

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Ikuta Erina and Sayashi Riho have appeared on an episode of J-Melo and learn about the Yosakoi Festival and the dance that people do during the festival.

This is a cute video, and really shows how much Morning Musume members interact with society as Idols, helping fans of Japan learn more about Japan's culture and what different prefectures do for their home town's. The video was really interesting to watch, and I like how well Riho and Eripn interact with each other as a duo. The girls really looked like they were having fun, and the dancing they did looked really fun.

For any fan or Eripon or Riho, please check out the video!~

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Michishige Sayumi and Tanaka Reina appeared on Exile Tamashii where they talked about certain songs from the group as well as performed Reinai Revolution 21 with the group E-girls.

In my opinion, Sayu has really improved in her singing! She sounds great in this live, and I loved that both Sayu and Reina were able to perform such a popular Morning Musume song together on a show, with E-girls backing them up. Whilst I don't much about E-girls, and don't even follow them, it was great to see their interaction with another girl group!

It's a good video, so watch it whilst you can guys! :D

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And that's all the news I have for everyone this week! Hopefully some of it was interesting, and may next week be just as informative! YEEEEEAH!~

Chiima~

PING!!! Idolminded Recommended Reading: August 28th, 2012