Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Okay! Musume Digest #44

Digest with me! OKAY!!!

In this weeks Digest of Idol news, MomoClo Z and HKT48 provide theme songs for different shows! Another NMB48 graduation!? Solo single releases are announced for a certain AKB girl and an ex-SEK girl! Sexy Zone announce their next single release FINALLY! Two MoMusu members announce the release of solo DVD's, babies are born and much much more! Will you Digest with me today?

Welcome back to my Digest my darling Chimians, how are you all doing today? Spreading the wonderful Idol news and love, I see? Good good, as I would expect... so yeah, I nearly did not post this Digest today because I am tired and really can not be bothered... I have this week left before we hit up Easter break for my college, and then I am free to basically do what I want or choose to do some college work. Guess who's gonna procrastinate? MOI!!!

Anyway, that said and done, what video shall I be forcing upon you all today?

Video of the Week

Seishun GIRZ Saizansen!!! by Love La Doll


I have mentioned Love La Doll before on this blog, however I very rarely update about them, but I do love their songs! I also recently found out that they have released their first album titled lovedes last month, so I am excited! I hope to buy something of theirs at some point... but for now, I will introduce you to the girls through their first official PV. They have dance shots available for most of their songs because they are actually a Para Para group, much like Hinoi Team, however this is their first full PV with a storyline and varying shots. It's also a catchy and cool song which surprised me when I first heard it way back when it was released... but I love it. I also like that they have used the costumes from LOVE MAGIC's jacket covers, including the pink costume from the Chinese version single of LOVE MAGIC. Also, Lee is so damn fine... and I have no idea what this has to do with the video and why I chose it... but I basically chose it because I love this group and want to try and get others to notice them too, because they are talented and just a bundle of fun to watch, really.

... Yep. That's it :D

Picture of the Week


Look at those flowers, adorned by beautiful legs. My, they do look pretty...

Because the poll for last week ultimately results in no image (I know, weird right?) I decided to just go ahead and put up a random image, and considering how I am listening to Never Ending Story covered by E-girls, I thought why the heck not? I've really been digging these girls lately, and I tend to put up a lot of H!P pictures, so it's time to highlight another group for once, and E-girls are amazing, so of course they're gonna get it... though I was thinking of Dream5 as well.

I need to make an Avex orientated poll, don't I?

Speaking of which...

Poll Results

For the poll that was I asked you all if you were looking forward to the 12th Generation auditions, and you answered me, so thank you! Now, what will the results show us?

You answered YES!

62% of your votes said that yes, you are looking forward to the auditions, and why not? Auditions are fun, exciting and they can get you riled up when the girls you like don't picked! That and so many blogs will be raging with the auditions, you'll have plenty to read and maybe a few people to agree or disagree with on who are the good auditionee's, and who are the LOSERS!!! YEEEEAH!

With that, let's take a look at the rest of the results, shall we?

Auditions are like Crack to Tsunku... 28%
No 14%
THERE ARE AUDITIONS!? 4%

And those are the final results! Thank you everyone for taking a part in the poll, and if you have any poll suggestions, or video suggestions, for next week please leave a comment! Also, if you know any Avex groups outside of E-girls... AAA... Dream5... please comment! I would love to know!

AND NOW FOR THE MAIN PART OF THE DIGEST!!! HIIYA!

NEWS OF THE WEEK


It has been revealed that Momoiro Clover Z's new song Kasou Dystopia will be used as the theme song for Fuji TV's news program Mezamashi Doyoubi for the month of April. Kasou Dystopia will be available on Momoiro Clover Z's fifth album 5TH DIMENSION that will be released on April 10th 2013.

Great news for the Crazy Candy-Suckers! Though I wonder how deranged their song sounds right now, hm...

Source


The short MV for Takahashi Minami's up-coming single Jane Doe has been released! Please take a look and enjoy!

I have yet to actually watch the MV, however I have heard it, and Minami sounds so nasally and unappealing to me... also, the song, whilst pretty cool, is very AKB48 in how it is constructed and how it sounds.

Hm... xD



Nogizaka46 member Shiraishi Mai will become an exclusive model for the fashion magazine Ray, it has been revealed. This will be the first exclusive modelling contract for a Nogizaka46 member. Shiraishi has already guest appeared in the magazine three times in 2012, and is also an avid reader of the magazine and a fashion lover.
I want to become a multi-talented person who can act and model, among other things.  I will be thrilled if I can increase the number of female fans for (the group and myself).” - Shiraishi Mai
Shiraishi will appear in the May issue of Ray, which will be available for purchase from March 23rd 2013.

She is actually really pretty. If NG46 keep doing well song and PV wise, and I start to like them more, I might make her my NG46 Oshi.

... NG46 sounds like a games console.

Source


It has been revealed that HKT48's song Kataomoi no Karaage performed by Amakuchi Hime will be used as the ending theme song for the upcoming TV anime My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. The song is a coupling track from HKT48's major debut single, Suki! Suki! Skip! Type A.

I was not expecting news like this at all, but I am happy that the girls are able to provide the ending theme for such a well-known and greatly loved cartoon! Hopefully all fans of both the My Little Pony franchise and HKT48 will be able to support both the franchise and the singers!

Congratulations to HKT48 for landing the deal! Though the song itself is nothing special, in my opinion Negative bitch here!

Source

Wtf, ugly effing costumes, only Shiori and Marius looks decent

It has been announced that Sexy Zone will be releasing their 4th single, and that it will come as a Double A-side. The single title is Real Sexy!/BAD BOYS. The song BAD BOYS will be used as the theme song for Nakajima Kento's up-coming drama, BAD BOYS J in which he has a starring role. The single is scheduled for a May 1st release.

I am deliriously happy now, my adopted son (Marius) and his group are having another single! YAAAAY!!!!!

... I swear, this is the only JE group I manage to follow properly. I love you Marius!!!! >3<

Also, these names are getting hilarious for their singles haha!

Source | Source


It has been announced that another NMB48 member will be graduating from the group. Shinohara Kanna, a 1st generation NMB48 member, announced her graduation from the group at a theatre performance on March 21st.

Shinohara also commented on her announcement on her blog with her own reasons:

“I, Shinohara Kanna, will be graduating from NMB48. I’ve been in NMB48 as a first generation member since I was a first year student in junior high, but I was never one of the front-line members.
I always had a dream to be a model, and I never forget my wish to make the dream come true.
After I was promoted to team N, I have experienced many things up until now. There were many fun and happy things, but of course there has been hard and disappointing things as well.
Even though I was a part of Senbatsu members for the 1st single ‘Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shoujo’, I have not been chosen as a part of single Senbatsu since then.
I have been putting forth my best efforts after I failed (to be chosen for Senbatsu), but it was not enough, and I could not make a good announcement for you fans due to my inadequacy. I am really sorry for you all.
I have also been said that ‘why are you in team N’ at handshake event. I was really sad, and I’ve even wished that I was never promoted to team N, but at the same time, I also thought that it was inevitable as I had nothing to be confident about.
However, I tried to think positively up to today. All I can say to you now is that I’m glad to be in team N! Being able to stand on the same stage with this wonderful members, to visit many places for tour, to laugh about silly things, and to frolic around…it was so much fun!!!
Even though there were times I suffered some hardships, and was scared to attend handshake events, I was still able to enjoy the events naturally and I felt comfortable just by thinking that there were people who waited for me, wanted to see me, wanted to cheer for me.
Thank you for saying that you loved somebody like me.
Thank you for supporting me.
I was happy to be able to encounter wonderful people like you fans and the members!!! I love NMB48members.
I will try my best to pursue my dream to be a model!!!
I can’t be too dependent on NMB48 forever. Now that I graduated from a junior high school, I am taking a new step forward.
I would be happy if you support me when you see the name ‘Shinohara Kanna’ somewhere again.
Thank you for everything, and for your continuous support!”
 Shinohara Kanna will graduate from the group on April 12th 2013.

Reading the blog translation regarding her reasons to as why she wants to graduate, I became really sad. As I am not a Japanese citizen, nor have I ever visited Japan, I am ignorant to how fans can act or be so when I read the statement, I was shocked and sad that a member had been put through this. I know that I may say harsh and snarky comments towards members, but I never mean it; I joke about it more than anything (unless you count earlier posts, of course) so when I read this I was overwhelmed with sadness for Shinohara.

Hopefully she will be able to find a career where people can appreciate her more. I know that the NMB48 members love her dearly, but I hope that she can find a career where she is respected by those who work with her and those who do not.

Source


Morning Musume talk about their Spring Tour in this video that has been uploaded to Morning Musume's official youtube channel. Please check it out!

It's weird to see my Zukkini baby standing in the front, but it makes me damn happy you know!

Also, I wish that they would let other girls comment who do not have the names Riho or Reina, or even Sayumi. Everyone else has opinions and/or something to say too, UFP.

I hate UFP today XD



Announced on Fukuda Kanon's blog, both she and Wada Ayaka will release a joint photobook in April to celebrate their graduation from High school. Please look forward to it!

This is a nice and surprising announcement for fans, and I am sure that all fans of the remaining two original members of S/mileage will be happy to purchase their photobook! Look forward to it, and hopefully some previews will be leaked soon! YAY!!! Dawa legs ahoy!!!



Footage of Koharu Kusumi on the runway at Tokyo Runway 2013 S/S has been uploaded to youtube, so please watch as Koharu struts her stuff!

She looks mega happy on stage, and that makes me happy! I do love my Koharu!



Toho Channel have uploaded footage from the final performance of the musical The Wedding Singer. During the curtain call, Takahashi Ai cries.

Awww, poor Ai-butt ): Don't worry girl, you'll get more stage appearances  That's because you're actually a good actresss!



Morning Musume have announced the locations for their upcoming individual handshake events via lottery! Please enjoy!

Harunan is so cute it's unbelievable. I also wish those costumes were used for a PV and not the concert, it is criminal to deny fans these awesome costumes!


Episode 6 of UF LICKS has been uploaded, so please check it out and enjoy the new episode!

This week Tasaki Asahi is once again our host and focuses, yet again, on the live performances from the SATOYAMA and YOKOHAMA Music Festa Vol. 0, and also includes an interview from one of UFP's solo artists who took part in the Music Festa event.

... I m getting bored of Music Festa Vol. 0 content. But that's just me, ya know?



Kudo Haruka will release a new e-Hello DVD titled Haruka - Thirteen. This will be Kudo Haruka's second e-Hello and her third DVD release overall. Haruka - Thirteen will be released in May of this year.

Do you know who I would love to see get a second DVD or even a new photobook?

Someone with BOOBS. And someone who has a MIZUKINGDOM. Please stop giving me flat little Loli girls, thank you. I love Haruka but I feel like a damn perv if I see an image of her in a bikini!



Former v-u-den member Miyoshi Erika will be featured as an MC on YU-A's new weekly Sapporo TV show!

Erika was the hot one who should have been a v-u-den front girl and not Rika, right? Yeah, I thought so~



Michishige Sayumi appeared on Nico Nico's Hangame Live on 21st March 2013. She cosplayed as Haloli to promote Dragon Quest. There are 4 parts to this Live stream, so please enjoy~

Sayus dress top fell down... YES!!!!



Tsuji Nozomi and her husband Sugiura Taiyo's 3rd child, a healthy baby boy, was born on March 21st 2013. Congratulations to both parents!

... I continuously think that NoNo is on her fourth or fifth kid, not third! Oh well, she will get there eventually...

Also, congratulations to NoNo and her husband! Hopefully both NoNo and her new son are happy and healthy!



Kawaii Pateen return with another instalmant of fashion reports at Akihabara Backstage Pass! Please watch and enjoy part 12!

Another cute report from Kawaii Pateen! I love seeing the girls' different fashion styles and their tips on the fashions that they wear. It's just fun to see what the girls are wearing and the tips they give too! I love it~



Up Up Girls will be releasing their next single Next Stage/Ano Saka no ue Made on April 10th!

These girls release their indies singles like hot cakes! I swear, they have so many releases... but I wish they had PV's, too, because they are amazing singers and their energy is awesome. Their PV's would surely rival H!P quite well and probably even force UFP to give H!P a damn budget!

Also, in the article sourced, there is mention of Queen's Boehmian Rhapsody.... is this song/single similar to it!?



It has been announced that S/mileage will perform on Happy Music on March 29th 2013.

Will they force the girls to sing live, or will they tell the girls they don't want to sing that they have to lipsynch? Dilemma dilemma dilemma...

If anything, none of them should sing live if at least two others can't. Urrrgh...



Suzuki Airi graces the cover of Baseball Game Magazine!

At least she doesn't look high/tired in this one. She looks semi-decent... but a little tired, too.



S/mileage will perform at the 2013 SHIBUYA TV-Festival on April 13th.

S/mileage land a lot of festival gigs, don't they? A lot more than the other groups do. Then again, these girls are more marketable because they look like toddlers/children/elementary school bait... or something XD



S/mileahe have achieved their first number 1 spot on the Oricon charts with Tabidachi no Haru ga Kita for March 23rd 2013!

Whilst not a massive fan of the song, I am extremely happy that S/mileage were able to get a #1 for the single for a day at least! This is the first of what will hopefully be many more, and these girls deserve it! Congratulations, S/mileage! Many fans will be proud of you!



Suzuki Airi and Yajima Maimi grace the cover of Big Comic Spirits magazine! Please check it out!

"Hmph! I wanted Chissa!!!" - Airi on realising she was being paired with Maimi, as shown above in the image

Why is it that Maimi always looks stoned?

Source


An Akihabara Backstage Pass & Sabra gravure e-book has been announced.

I would actually read this... then again, these girls are all darned cute!

Source


A cover shoot video for Suzuki Airi and Yajima Maimi's photoshoot for Big Comic Spirits magazine is available to watch, including comments from both Airi and Maimi.

Airi looks like a swan, DAMN! I can only guess that Maimi is meant to be Odile whilst Airi is Odette?

Hell yeah for knowing ballet stuff

Source


Yajima Maimi has been featured on the Digimono Station website, so please check it out!

For once she doesn't look high. Maybe she should always keep her mouth closed?

Also, she looks pretty darned cute with glasses.

Source


Berryz Kobou are interviewed on Thai youtube channel Pop Free TV where they talk about their recent concert in Bangkok. There is also footage from the live.

You know what? I wish H!P would give this sort of treatment to all the girls. I want to see MoMusu in London, dangit! And C-ute! C-ute have yet to go anywhere that isn't Hawaii, right? Have S/mileage even been to Hawaii, by the way?



Toky MX have provided 17 minutes worth of footage and interviews with Morning Musume and Tsunku from the opening day of the Spring tour. Please enjoy at the source! (Embedding has been disabled)

This keeps popping up, doesn't it? I swear I have seen this numerous times... XD



Footage from Fujimoto Miki's 10th Anniversary Fanclub event has been uploaded thanks to MAiDiGi TV. Niigaki Risa and Nakazawa Yuko make guest appearances at the event, so pease check it out!

I would ask where Kamei's live is, but then I have to remind myself (sadly) that she is no longer an Idol, and that sadly... Miki is. CRRRRRY!!!!!

Okay, I kid, Miki is fabulous!!! I just don't like her much. At all.

Nakazawa still rockin' it in her old age!!!! XD



S/mileage's 2nd album has been announced and will be released on May 22nd 2013! Please watch out for it!

Whoa, seriously? YAY for S/mileage! I wonder how cracked up and cooky some of their new songs will be? Oh wait, I forget, they got boring recently, didn't they...



Mano Erina's graduation concert will release on both DVD and Blu-Ray on May 22nd 2013.

MANO!!!! ;^;



The opening March 27th stage of LoVendoЯ's first concert tour at LIQUIDROOM in Tokyo has SOLD OUT!

Holy mother of Fu---- SERIOUSLY? CONGRATS!!!!!!!!

... HOLY MOTHER OF BEEP IN BEEP BEEP BEEP, WOW!



Morning Musume's profile images have bee updated.

Can I just say: FINALLY!!!!

Also, awkward Riho looks Shriekingly awkward and spoony.



The covers to Brainstorming/Kimi Sae Wah Wah have been revealed in LQ quality!

Once again, can I just say FINALLY!!!!



The cover to the Event V for Cabbage Hakusho ~Haru Hen~ has been released.

Doesn't this look just like the other covers? I mean, Riho's face never changes, like it's the same smile and overall look!



It has been announced that Kasai Tomomi will be releasing her 2nd solo single on May 8th. The single is currently untitled, and the ending track will be used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo's upcoming drama Meshibana Keiji Tachibana which will star Kasai herself. This will be the first time for Kasai to star in a drama independently. There will be a Type A, B and C available for the single.

WAIT!!!!! She's still singing? Holy heck, all press really IS good press, eh?



Ichii Sayaka announced through her official blog that she had successfully given birth to her 3rd child, a baby boy, who was born on March 25th at 2:51am.
We’ve become a family of 5! Just 2 and a half hours after being admitted into the hospital, I was able to have an easy delivery.
The entire family is overflowing with joy,” and continued, “Thank you for coming to our family. Your sisters are very happy. You look so much like your dad, even your grandpa lol. - Sayaka's blog
 So... it seems that both NoNo and Sayaka are competing and producing the next lineup of Morning Musume, right? Or maybe we should dub them 'Mini Musume'?

Anyway, congrats to Sayaka and her family!

Source


Former SKE48 member Matsushita Yui will be releasing her solo debut single! The single, titled Shooting Star, will be released on May 22nd. Details including the cover have also been released, along with a comment from Yui regarding her long awaited solo debut.
I’m glad that my long-cherished dream to make a solo debut has come true this fast!! I have no words (*^^*) I've loved to sing since I was little, and had a dream to become a singer. It’s all thanks to the fans who have been supporting me until now, and people concerned. Thank you very much! I am also grateful to my family who have always cheered for me by my side. I would like to make a start here again, and do my best, so please continue to support Matsushita Yui!!” - Matsushita Yui

Track List:
01. Shooting Star
02. Rigel
03. Love Monster
04. Shooting Star (Instrumental)
05. Rigel (Instrumental)
06. Love Monster (Instrumental)

Whoah, she is helluva cute, and that single cover gives me vibes of Koi Kana by Koharu Kusumi, but whatever, I love her dress too... I might dig this chick, kinda like I dig Ono Erena when I'm in the mood... or whatever.

What the hell am I saying?



Awkward Smiles galore will be holding her Birthday FC event on May 28th 2013.

Weirdly enough... that smile reminds me of Aika. Also: How old is she this year? 14? I very rarely pay attention o-o



Tasaki Asahi has opened up an official Ameba blog! Please visit her blog and comment if you can!

My first thought when I saw that banner was 'whoooooah her hair is loooooong...' and nothing else. Seriously.



The Queen of Dynamic Sexiness and Boobs galore, Fukumura Mizukingdom, will (apparently) be releasing her first solo Image DVD on May 22nd 2013. A Photo book is also rumoured to be in the works.

HOLY BOOBS YES!!!! YES!

FINALLY, UFP, YOU'RE DOIN' IT RIGHT! Stop giving me damn Loli's, I want BOOBS!!! And legs. Legs too... -nose bleeds errwhere-



Hello! Pro Station Episode 8 is available for everyone to watch, so please enjoy!

DAWA is back with another episode of H!P goodness for us all to enjoy (she sounds a tad ill, or just husky, who knows) including footage from a recent S/mileage release event for their single Tabidachi no Haru ga Kita which includes live performances, a Vampire in twin tails, hoop skirts going everywhere and comments from the members regarding the single. Other content includes Sayashi Riho singing Furusato (yeah, she actually didn't butcher it, though she sounded flat and did a Risako warble somewhere in there), footage from Morning Musume's spring concert tour, the interviews, Tsunku talking to the girls and, last but not least, a performance from Juice=Juice of their debut song.

Overall... quite a good episode. Stay tuned for more!


And that is all the news we have this week in the world of Idols! Hopefully this week's digest of news has really filled your appetite, but for now that is all we have time for, so until next time, please yet your appetite digest a little!

Saturday, 23 March 2013

All Praise and no Fail for Nogizaka46 and their single 'Kimi no Na wa Kibou'

All thoughts and opinions regarding the group, their songs and/or PV's are my own and no one else's, regardless of how YOU want me to think. Just because I do not agree with you does not mean that my opinion is wrong; opinion's are subjective, so please, remove your head from your arse and deal with it. Thanks~

My desire to write has been lacking quite a bit lately, however after a recent hit of inspiration from both music and a certain blogger (she who shall not be named, but she knows who she is) I have once again found the desire to write, and what better than to actually write about the music that has inspired me in a Single review?

I have also reasoned with myself that this will be a good time to redeem myself with this group as well, and to let you all know that I really am not that much of a bitch when it comes to a certain Idol group that I really did not like.

See that? See that there. Past tense. YEAH!!!!



It took me a while to actually take a good look at this single if I am totally honest with you, and after listening to it for a few days, it took me another day or two to try and figure out where the heck I would post this review. I have a few blogs that I can post this review on; Here is obviously one of them, Idolminded is another (unless Ray refuses, of course) and then there is Selective Hearing which is, undeniably, my default choice of blog to write reviews on when it comes to groups outside of AKB48 and Morning Musume. In the end I chose my own blog because honestly, I feel like I owe it to Nogizaka46 after all the shit I gave them last year for the amount of suck they provided.

2013 is looking to be a positive year, isn't it?

Anyway, tangent run and done, I have decided to take a look at Nogizaka46's latest single Kimi no Na wa Kibou and their first release of 2013. After the terrible year that was 2012 in terms of how the girls looked and appealed to me, I really did not have any hope for them, but back when the A-side PV was released for this song and single, I was extremely surprised and completely overwhelmed by how fantastic I thought it was, to the point that I thought other people were crazy for saying it was pretty boring or not as interesting as their previous single A-sides. Then again, as I continuously forget, I have a vastly different opinion of this group compared to others, and I really did not like them. But that was 2012, and this is now, and after Seifuku no Mannequin, I do think that NG46 are on their way to become a better group and improving my overall opinion of them.

Hell, if anything, this single is a good enough reason for me to start liking them! Even though I am as stubborn as a mule and did not want to like anything they did, I was completely won over by this single. Honestly, there is not a song that I hate or dislike in this; I enjoy them all completely, and yes, that is really weird, unnerving and surprising all at the same time, but hey... whatever it takes to get me to enjoy these guys and regard them as a real group, right?

Okay, enough talking, let's take a look at what this single has to offer us shall we?

Track List:

1. Kimi no Na wa Kibou
2. Shakiism
3. Romantic Ikayaki (Limited A)
4. 13hi no Kinyobi (Limited B)
5. Dekopin (Limited C)
6. Psychokinesis no Kanosei (CD only)
(+ Instrumentals)


1. Kimi no Na wa Kibou



First up is the A-side, as always, and when I first heard this song I was really taken aback at the time, but I was also extremely amazed as well. It was new, fresh and different and totally expected from this group, but it impressed me and made me realise that these guys are not that bad and that I should really give them more of a chance this year. Again, I was seriously impressed, because these guys managed to go from the bottom to quite high up on my scale after I heard this song.

Where Seifuku no Mannequin did not impress me as much, I feel that Kimi no Na wa Kibou made up for it, and also made up for the amount of suck that NG46 brought in 2012. This is how strong the song is in my opinion, dear readers; it has really had a powerful effect on me, especially if it can change my mind about the group in a matter of days and manage to make me forget how terrible this group was in 2012.

... I keep bringing up 2012, don't I?

Well it is true; this is the song that made me re-evaluate how I saw Nogizaka46 as a group. It's a song that made me feel quite happy and somewhat nostalgic. The composition is memorable and beautifully done, the girls actually sound like they have had singing lessons, and it reminds me of school choirs/choruses, making friends and coming together to work in a team. It's a very sentimental song, if anything, and quite fitting for Spring as well. I love how it sounds and when I listen to it I can't help but think about how happy and gentle it sounds despite being such a calm and moving song.

For me, Kimi no Na wa Kibou is the best A-side to come out of this group since their debut. It's sung beautifully, it has been arranged beautifully, and it sounds perfect to me, and whilst I do wish that AKB48 had been given a song this amazing for their Spring single instead of So Long!, I am happy that NG46 were able to sing it because it shows that they have strength in musical numbers like this and sound extremely powerful and moving if given the right song. It also sounds totally original as well, and is the song that has pretty much forced me to reconsider my thoughts regarding this group.

... Yes, I like this song. A lot.

2. Shakiism



When I started this B-side for the first time I could not help but think that the opening sounded exactly like SUGAR RUSH does when it opens up. It has that same game-like quality in the sound, and is probably just as cute and quirky as it is, though the similarities between Shakiism and SUGAR RUSH die afterwards and you get a bit of a different tune, one that I would actually expect from NMB48 because of the cutesy, Idol-like sound it has. It's quite a youthful song, if anything, hence why I think it would probably fit NMB48 better, but it works well for NG46 as well and manages to capture a more fun and energetic side to them that I failed to see in their first few singles.

... well, I was ignoring everything but their A-sides at that point, so I have no idea if they had anything quite as fun or cute as this.

I quite like Shakiism as a song because of the cute, girly sound it has, though I found the video paired with this song extremely contradicting to how it sounded, but also very enjoyable. I guess I like the song though because not only is it a mix of Idol music, but also a mix of sounds that I would probably hear from a shoujo game soundtrack. I have said before that I like music that reminds me of my past, especially songs that remind me of games, and this one is no different. It's cute and fun, and it adds elements of game-like sounds that remind me of SUGAR RUSH and Wreck-It Ralph, too.

Out of all the cute songs on this single, I do think that Shakiism is my favourite because of how fun and adorable it sounds, and how much it reminds me of games as well. Nostalgia plays a big factor in how I view a song, really, so don't be surprised if I fall in love with Shakiism at some point.

... It is not my favourite song on this entire single, though.

3. Romantic Ikayaki



My favouritism is actually reserved for this song, Romantic Ikayaki. I have no idea what makes me enjoy it so much or regard it as the stand-out song on this entire single, but for me this is the song that I think makes me like this single so much more than I want to.

This is the song that I have been listening to non-stop, a few breaks for other songs in between of course, for the past few days because of how beautiful I think it is. It has an amazing composition that is catchy and memorable, and the lyrics are actually pretty easy to sing along to as well, which is one of the reasons why I enjoy it so much in my opinion. It also has some lovely solo lines in it too, but my favourite parts of the song have to be the chorus parts; they are pretty energetic and just great to listen to, and it's also these parts that make me realise just what I have missed out on with this group; they sound amazing together! They have a certain charm to their voices when they sing as a chorus, and they don't sound soft or overly blended together like AKB48 or the other sister groups do, no... they sound quite distinctive and have a bit of a sharper tone to their vocals that makes them sound better than AKB's overly blended vocals. Its nice to hear the tone differences as well during different group parts.

For me, this is a really nice song and the one that I think is the winner of the entire single; I love it, and I really can not fault the song at all for how it sounds. I think that this is near damn perfect, actually, and really shows off how well the girls sound as solo singers and as a group. It has a great pace, good energy and a wonderful composition; it sounds like a school choir, and everyone sounds like they are enjoying themselves when they are singing together. It's a lovely song, very beautiful and perfect for the spring. It's not too up-beat, but it isn't too slow or sombre either. It's just a great song fit for the spring, and a song that really makes me think that NG46 are a pretty awesome group.

... so of course I was pretty darned crushed when I found out that this song did not get a music video! DAMN YOU, AKI-P!!!!

4. 13hi no Kinyobi


Next up is probably the most annoying song on the entire track list and the one that I tend to avoid, though it isn't that bad either... at least it lets me know that these girls have a good amount of energy and that I should not doubt their ability to sing with emotion and absolute cheerfulness, eh?

13hi no Kinyobi is a very cute, quirky and annoying song that manages to get on my nerves the more I listen to it. It has a wonderful amount of cheerful sounds thrown in there that makes me think of happy bunnies, children's TV shows and, from some of the sounds thrown into the instrumental, retro girly girls and retro music. It sounds so... happy and tacky, really.

Out of all the songs on this track list, this is admittedly the one song that I listen to the least. It has a wonderful amount of energy and cheer in it, don't get me wrong, but the cheerfulness can get to be a bit too cheerful and peppy, and so it becomes extremely annoying quite quickly if you listen to it a bit too much. I'm only my third or fourth loop, and I have already had to pause the song a few times to take a break because it's giving me a headache, however if I have a small dose of the song I actually quite enjoy it. I love the instrumental and the cute quirks it has because it is a fun song, and to me this is probably the most energetic cute song NG46 have to offer here. In fact, thinking more about it, I think that this song would cater well to children and pre-teens because of the energy and absolute adorableness it holds. It's catchy, very easily remembered and a fun listen, but for an adult it can be a tad too sugary and peppy, so if you want to try listening to this... put a kid in the room with you and see how much they like it as well, but don't loop it for too long if you have low tolerance for sweet, girly songs that sound like the girls have had one too many cupcakes.

It's just irritating, is all, and I can't stand it for too long, so with that said, can we please move on to the next song!?

5. Dekopin



Dekopin is another cute song to add to the list of cute songs that this single has to offer, but it is one of the tamer ones in terms of how cheerful and cute it sounds. The song is sung by five girls and actually makes me think of the AKB48 sub-unit Not Yet when I listen to this song. I can just imagine those girls singing this song, I really can, but I think that the five girls in this song all sound great, and they keep the song sounding fresh and youthful as well.

I like the sound of Dekopin, but much like 13hi no Kinyobi it is one of those songs that is not played as much as others from this single. I guess I prefer the songs that have more of a sentimental sound to them rather than the generic cute, sugary sweet Idol sound, but this song is still extremely enjoyable; I prefer it to 13hi no Kinyobi actually, but I guess that's because it's a lot more tolerable and I can bear with the instrumental... but both songs have a strong amount of 'girlishness' to them that makes me think of pre-teens and candy.

Speaking of candy, the PV for this song is extremely colourful and eye-catching. I was surprised, but I also felt like this song was too toned down in its cheerful sound for the PV and that they were a little mismatched. I would have honestly preferred to see 13hi no Kinyobi with the PV for Dekopin. They would have suited each other more, but that's just me, however I did enjoy Dekopin's PV. It's eye-catching, and I do like bright and colourful concepts because they are extremely enjoyable to watch!

That said, I do like Dekopin, and I also like the fact that this song does not annoy me as much as 13hi no Kinyobi did. I can tolerate this one a lot better, and I have listened to it on a loop a few times too. Yaaay!

6. Psychokinesis no Kanosei



Are you ready to take off, because Thunderbirds are GO!!!

... And that is what Psychokinesis no Kanosei reminds me of when I listen to the opening; Thunderbirds and taking off in a plane, however weird that may seem... but it does, and I get really excited when I listen to this song because it sounds so... well, different to the other B-sides, and I totally wish that this song was given a PV, because it's pretty much perfect.

This is actually a pretty new song to me; I did not find it until today, actually, however since I have found it I have really enjoyed this song, and along with Romantic Ikayaki, this has to be one of my favourite songs from the entire track list. It's energetic, fun and really really epic! I love the sound of it, the instrumental sounds amazing, and the girls are all fantastic in this song. Everyone is having so much fun singing this song, you can tell by their tones, and there is just so much personality put into this song it is pretty overwhelming. I just... my gosh, I love it, and I do wonder how this song and Romantic Ikayaki did not manage to get PV's, because they are just perfect, absolutely wonderful and... well, perfect. What more can I say?

I feel like this song just shows off NG46's talent so perfectly and demonstrates that they really can sing and that I should have not judged them from last year's crap pile of singles and A-side fails. It's wonderful, and I am really enjoying this song... my lord, I do like it so much, I can not even begin to say how much I am enjoying this other than what I have already written! It's just so good!

... I think I need to conclude this post now, don't you?

The Conclusion:

So overall I am completely in love with this single. No lie, I love it; this has been the single that I have looped the most since I decided to find it, and whilst I did initially feel like I was betraying myself for actually enjoying something by Nogizaka46, I have come to realise that the group is not as bad as I thought they were and that I really should give them more of a chance this 2013.

This is a damn good single though, in my opinion at least, and I like that the songs all sound different to each other and have some diversity to them; okay, some of the songs fall into the same category in terms of how it is styled and how chirpy and cheerful they can sound, but none of the songs sound similar to each other or like long-lost cousins - each song is individual and sounds different to the next one, and I like that. Honestly, I did expect the songs to sound similar to each other because Suki! Suki! Skip! was such a major disappointment in terms of how the songs sounded, but Kimi no Na wa Kibou proved to be an absolute surprise in terms of sound and how much I enjoyed it, and I really really have enjoyed this single... despite how much I disliked Nogizaka46 before and how I initially refused to listen to this single because I feared that I would be going against myself and end up enjoying it more than I wanted to.

But I can not deny it; this is a damn good single, and it deserves to be praised. It has amazing songs, some more than annoying others but whatever, that happens with most singles, and the soundtrack does not sound like a complete AKB rip-off or rehash like... well, like most AKB songs now. It's different, and it's a strong single that shows off NG46's improvement and how much better they have become.

This single also does not have shitty PV costumes, either... so props there, NG46, props there.

Kimi no Na wa Kibou is better than I ever thought it would be and has also really impressed me and even changed my views on Nogizaka46 as a group. Do I think that they are rival material for AKB48? Not until they sell on the same day, but in terms of sound... hey might be getting there. We'll have to see what the rest of 2013 brings, won't we?

But until then... keep up the good work, NG46. You guys might make a fan out of me yet.

Chiima~

PING!!! Idolminded Recommended Reading: March 23rd, 2013

Living it Up with ElectroCute Lightning's Debut 'Let's Live!'

As always, all thoughts and opinions are totally my own and no one else's. You can agree to disagree if you want, wheee!

EDIT* I refer to ElectroCute Lightning as a Net Idol group, however Kaya has stated that she prefers music group to Idol group, so hopefully I will remember to say music group in the future!

I have mentioned before (I think) that I am not a keen fan of self-made net Idol groups. I do not necessarily mind them, mind you, but I don't avidly go around looking for them either. I guess I am the sort of fan who likes to keep Idols in Japan, I guess? Wow, I sound super cold and racist to... well, Americans, Brits, anyone outside of Japan, actually. But I'm not, it is simply just my preference.

Of course there are net Idol groups out there, and not all are trying to make it in Japan; they do it because they want to, and because they like the style, and I do respect that wholeheartedly. But again, I do not actively go looking for net Idol groups because they generally do not interest me.

... I guess that is why Kaya of Kaya's Pink Cabaret asked me to give a review of her groups debut PV, Let's Live, because she probably knows where I stand on net Idols and that I will, undoubtedly, give an unbiased opinion on it. She actually did mention that she knew I would be honest, by the way, and hopes to continue to improve her group and up-coming video's through reviews and such.

Also, Kaya did say that this review could be private, however I would like to share it with you all because after watching this, I was extremely positive about it regarding both the song and the PV, and I actually thought that I would finish the MV either disliking it or feeling unaffected by the content. Of course that did not happen.


The video and song are both actually very short, only hitting a mere 2 minutes and 38 seconds of visual and musical content! I was quite surprised by that, however considering this is their debut, and everything is what I presume to be totally self-funded, this really is not that surprising either. But still, I was shocked by how short the video was.

By the way, the group is now called ElectroCute Lightning... random trivia of the day!


Now when I started this video I did expect something similar to what Oishii! Project provided with their first MV; washed out, heavily filtered close-up shots and the girls in rather random, and very different, locations that made it pretty obvious that the girls were a net Idol group. Again, this is what I expected, so I was quite surprised (once again) that this was not the case with ElectroCute Lightning, because they were actually together, dancing, playing around... together. In the flesh.

Needless to say I am impressed by that, because I was not expecting that. However it is undeniable that the group chemistry also worked well for this video, but more on that later...


The video itself, for me, was actually really enjoyable to watch. I had some of my own tiny, random issues with it, but for the most part I really did like it. The location they had for a majority of the MV worked extremely well, and I love that natural lighting was used. Now, however contradicting that may sound to everyone, because I have a pet peeve with natural lighting, natural light can either work damn well, or it can totally ruin a PV, and in a way this video actually examples both the good and bad of natural lighting quite well, though it really is more good than bad in my opinion.

In the two images above, I found that the natural light in the slide scene was not the best because of the lens glare from the sun, but that is more to do with directing the camera towards the sun and not using a reflector, but these scenes are very few, and the other scenes outside show how good natural lighting can be. In fact, I liked how sunny it was for the dancing and park scenes; it felt very natural and refreshing and, in all honesty, made me want to visit the park.

There are also inside shots that I think could have had better lighting, but again I do think that this PV is self-budgeted, and honestly the indoor scenes don't look half bad, but you can see the clear contrast in lighting when those scenes pop up... but it isn't bad, but also something to watch out for, so consistent lighting is something to think about in the future for ElectroCute Lightning's PV's.
... But at least they didn't resort to a damn white-wash filter!!!

I would also like to randomly point out that there also weren't any background people walking around in the park (nothing will go unnoticed, I take Media as a course, I learn to be observant... sadly) from what I can see, and that really impressed me that Kaya was able to secure a location and not find any random people walking around either. Props to Kaya and her location scouts!


There are some lovely shots in this video actually, but one of the parts that is the most memorable is the shot where Mayu flies off the swing and falls to the ground, hitting the cue of the music perfectly in that scene as well. I have to say, whoever edited this timed it darned well and made sure that the sequence of the video was done well.

I also love the fact that ElectroCute Lightning played up the shots and made sure to keep us interested as we watch the video; there weren't any standard close-up shots and dance shots, but instead a variety, with the only consistent shot being the dance itself. There is a nice amount of variety, and everyone got creative with what to do for the video, and we don't stick to one location, either, which is a good thing to me as a reviewer and a viewer.


Of course I have my own peeves when it comes to the video, but really, what video is ever perfect? That said, the things I have a main issue with when it comes to the video has to be the lip synching from the girls and the dance itself. Whilst the dance is cute enough and quite simple, it's clear that it is not totally synchronised and there seems to be some confusion on Hazel's part as the dance goes on. That said, I find Hazel's random antics and energy throughout the rest of the video undeniably hilarious and wonderful, but when it comes to dancing and being precise, Mayu is my definite favourite.

... I think I have an Oshi from a net Idol music group!?


But yeah... other than some lighting issues and problems in being synchronised in the dance, I don't think that the video itself is that bad. The girls present in the video are energetic and fun to watch, and they make the video feel so alive and, in a way, homey and friendly. I feel like I am having fun myself when I watch this because of how random, cute and fun Kaya, Mayu and Hazel are in the video. Their carefree antics make it so easy to watch as well, especially Hazel, and their smiles are incredibly infectious! I do wish that there were close-up shots in this video because then the emotion from the girls would have been brought across more, but I do appreciate the shots given; we have a good variety, and most shots consist of the girls having fun together and showing off their group chemistry and how close they are, and that's one of the things I always want to see in any group: Chemistry. It's something that can make or break a group, and it really did make me like ElectroCute Lightning more than I thought I would, and even makes me want to watch PV over and over and over again...

Which I have done already, actually. Quite a few times...

Give me those skirts!!!!
Now that I have given a rather long and thorough review (the most thorough EVER, me thinks) I want to talk a little bit about the song, because whilst it is short, it is very catchy... but I have other things to say about it, too.

Firstly, the song is in English. Something that I did not, yet again, expect. I thought that ElectroCute Lightning would take the Oishii! route and try and be Wapanese, but nope. English, and honestly I am happier with the song in English. The girls are sticking to their mother tongue (I think?) and using cute lyrics that English speakers can understand clearly, and whilst I honestly do not pay much attention to the lyrics much, I do think that they sound sweet, if not a little cliché and sugary for my own liking.

The composition of the music itself is extremely catchy as well. It has a very infectious, up-beat tune that gets stuck in your head easily, and the vocals are pretty darned nice too, though they do sound a bit weak at times.


Kaya in all her random glory, the scene where I actually burst out laughing like a looney
A thing that I did find with the music, however, was more to do with the microphones than anything; there was a pretty clear difference in the sound quality for some microphones, because someone had a bit of background fuzz going on. I actually did not pick up on this until I put my headphones on, but after that I could not help but notice it more. That said, it isn't too bad, but it is something to look out for in the future I think.

The mandatory High school musical JUMP!!! All friends need Alone
All in all, this is quite a well done video for the debut of the net Idol group ElectroCute Lightning! I think that they did really well by keeping it carefree, fun and simple, and managed to produce a fun and sweet MV that made me really happy as I watched it, and also a video that really makes me miss my friends back where I used to live. It's lively and has a nice amount of energy, and an incredible amount of group chemistry! There are obviously some issues that can be sorted such as consistent lighting and making sure to kick the lens glare in the butt, but the timing of the edit, the pace and the locations were all really good and worked well for the girls.

Choreography and keeping the movements sharp and synchronised is another thing, also lip syncing  but I did enjoy the video despite these minor problems I found, though next time I would love to see close-up shots, group mid-shots and possibly different costumes as well, but overall this is an extremely positive and fun PV that really just shows off how well these girls know each other and how fantastically they get along as well. It's homey in feeling, and when ElectroCute Lightning bring out their next video I really hope that they don't lose that homey, fun feeling that was present here, because I enjoyed it.



The debut of a new Net Idol Music group... and possibly the beginning of me actually enjoying net Idol groups!? Who knows~