Houkago Princess Chiba Sakino Announces Her Graduation (Again)

All relevant links will be at the end of the post. Thank you~

... But I only just updated the Houkago Princess Profile on here!!!!! Dafuq!?

On July 5th, through both Chiba's own blog and the HouPri Staff Blog, it was announced that Chiba Sakino will graduate from Houkago Princess on July 21st at Shibuya RUIDO K2.

Below is Chiba's Blog post regarding her decision, translated in English by Momo-Musu.

Hello.
Sorry that it’s so late at night. 

I have something that’s been worrying me constantly, and right now, because I have something that I must announce to everyone, please listen to my announcement.  

I know it’s a really sudden announcement, but I, Chiba Sakino, will be graduating come the Ruiino k2 One Man Show on July 21st. 

The reason is firstly, I’ve found a dream that I want to realize.
Last year, when I took back my graduation announcement, I caused a lot of trouble for everyone, and then now for confusing everyone, I’m very sorry. 

Changing my mind last year, I thought I was really glad that I change my mind, when people thanked me for changing my mind, and a lot of people supported me, Sakino once again realized how much everyone loved me, I really felt like that.

Really, everyone, thank you very much.

Then, since that time one year ago passed, I’ve really found something that I seriously  want to aim for, but I’ve tried not to think about it.
It’s not that my reasoning a year ago wasn’t serious.
Of course, I hesitated in my heart and got depressed over it. 

But, of course, this as it is now, these unclear feelings aren’t good for continuing in Houkago Princess, I don’t think. 

So, clearly, I think it’s best to know where to draw the line.
I’ve said it countless times, of course, I love fashion. 

When it comes to fashion, I want to seriously study it with all of my strength, I thought, apart from just trends, I want to do my best and face fashion concerns. When it comes to fashion, I want to seriously try to tackle it head on, I thought. From here on, I want to advance down my own path with strong determination. 

Really, up until now, as I haven’t been able to tell everyone, I’ve received a lot of support. If I didn’t have everyone, I really wouldn’t have been able to make it this far. 

I’m very grateful, I can’t express this many feelings. Thank you very very much for supporting me. 

So for the remaining few days, I absolutely must repay everyone more and more. That is, to only receive support is definitely no good. 

That energy I’ve received in great quantities from everyone, I definitely won’t forget it after this for as long as I live. 

16 days left.
There’s not much remaining time until I graduated, but in that short time left, I kind of want to make a lot of memories with everyone.

To everyone who’s been helping me in the staff, I’m very very sorry for this sudden announcement.

These are my honest, real feelings. For the remaining time from here on, with all of my strength, I want to spend this time smiling and having fun, so please support me. 

The next time I will be meeting everyone is at my birthday event on Saturday. 

My last birthday event with everyone. 

I feel with all of my heart that  I want to sing and dance and have fun with everyone for my birthday.
Until the very end, I’ll keep an unchanging smile! 

Everyone, thank you very much! 

~Houkago Princess Chiba Sakino

A major thanks to Momo of Momo-Musu for translating this blog post! She says there may be a few things wrong, but I am so massively grateful to her that she was able to translate such a long piece! Thank you!!!! It means the world to me!

 ...

I remember when Chiba Sakino announced her graduation last September, and then my utter surprise when it was suddenly retracted. At that time, I was unsure of what the heck was happening with HouPri, and I was greatly saddened by the news, but now... well, I feel like now I am even more saddened, because I have only just got HouPri back, and now Sakipyon is graduating. However, I do feel somewhat relieved as well; it feels like Sakipyon now knows what she wants, rather than thinking of what other people want.

It seems like Sakipyon is really focused on wanting to pursue fashion right now, and after staying in HouPri despite wanting to graduate last year, she seems to have made a choice now, and I think this time she is determined. I know that fans will be sad with the news, because I am sure many of Sakipyon's fans were so relieved that she decided to stay, but at that point she must have been confused with where she wanted to go, and what she wanted to do, and now she seems to know what she wants after thinking more whilst staying in HouPri.

The blog post is saddening, but I think that it also shows that Sakipyon has grown since September. She seems more determined now, and a lot more thankful towards the fans of Houkago Princess. Yes, the graduation announcement is sad, and I am sad too, but I am relieved to see that Sakipyon has made this decision, and is no longer conflicted.

Sakipyon's last event will be on July 21st... until then, please treasure her terrible make-up skills, neon cheeks, and her adorable voice, before one of the original Houkago Princesses leaves us.

Relevant Links:

Momo-Musu
Chiba Sakino Graduation Announcement (Official Blog Post)
Houkago Princess Staff Blog Announcement
Yahoo News
Sponichi News

Chiima~

Okay! Musume Digest #59

Minna? Digest Dayoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!

This week, in Digest News!

Finally, some news on the SatoUmi units! MoMusu are featured in a Music Jacket Gallery, and are performing at another venue! Kikka to go to the US! Paruru to get a PB, YEAH!!! Sakura Gakuin, Otome Shinto, i☆Ris and Afilia Saga release PV previews! And a little bit more!

Bringin' Back HouPri!

All relevant links will be at the end of the post! Be sure to check them out~

For a while now, I have been meaning to do this post because I not only wanted to update everyone else on this group, but also myself; there have been quite a few changes in this lineup, so of course, I do want to profile everyone as best as I can. So, let's take a look at this group and their changes, shall we?

Houkago Princess, the group that disappeared for about a year before returning with what I can only assume is an army; they were so petite the last time I saw them, and now... well, look at them! The group has seriously grown! What started off as an 8-member group is now a 13-member unit, with 8 'Regular' members, as well as 5 'Cadet' members. Seriously... what happened!?

Of course, since last year it does seem that HouPri have gone on to become better than how they first started... looking at the group now, I do feel that their performance skills are a lot better than when they first started, though they are still quite nervous-looking upon first sight when you watch their videos, with only a few girls seeming to ooze a tiny bit of confidence, but I do think that they have all improved in their own way. I also find their new member-lineup pretty impressive... for an unknown group, that is.

Since their return to the Wota-world that we live in, the group has released a new single in four different additions. Okay, so the 'new' single is basically a re-release of their old songs, with two or three new ones thrown in there, but hey... it's something, right? Also, the group has released four new PV's, one of which is a re-do of their Juliet single, another being Sotsugyoushiki, one of their new songs, and also two songs that were only ever performed live, with one being a Venue-only release, and the other just being... well, a performance song. Those are Chou HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and the other Kojiki Shika!. Believe me when I say that I was surprised to see either of those songs given a PV... I did not expect it.

I would also like to point out that the group is now doing more lives at different venues, rather than simply performing at the Coconuts Lounge or their Ikebukuro 'Theatre' or whatever they call it. The group itself will be going to Tokyo Idol Festival, and have also performed at Shibuya O-East with other groups this year - they are expanding, and yes, it makes me happy to know that the girls are going to different venues to spread their name further!

So, that said and done, I will be taking a look at Houkago Princess: 2013 version! Hopefully you will take a look, too, and find a favourite member!

Regular Members

Name: Odagiri Nana

Nickname: Nana-Nyan

D.O.B: February 18th

Hometown: Tokyo

Star Sign: Aquarius

Blood Type: O

Generation: Gen 1

Position: Student Council President

Official Blog

Official Twitter

Name: Sakino Chiba
Nickname: Saki-Pyon
D.O.B: July 9th
Hometown: Saitama Prefecture
Star Sign: Cancer
Blood Type: A
Generation: Gen 1
Position: Chairman of Style/Fashion
Other: Originally announced her graduation, however changed her mind and stayed (lol)

Official Blog
Official Twitter

Name: Noda Hitomi
Nickname: Hitomin
D.O.B: August 10th
Hometown: Chiba Prefecture
Star Sign: Leo
Blood Type: O
Generation: Gen 1
Position: Chairman of Lunch
Other: She loves Omelette a lot.

Official Blog

Name: Nagafuji Aoi
Nickname: Aotaso
D.O.B: July 3rd
Hometown: Chiba Prefecture
Star Sign: Cancer
Blood Type: O
Generation: Gen 2
Position: Chairman of Fluff, Student Council Vice President
Other: She is the only Gen 2 member left in HouPri
Despite being Gen 2, and having two other senior members, Aoi is the Vice President of HouPri.

Official Blog
Official Twitter

Name: Sakurago Nene
Nickname: Nene-tasu
D.O.B: October 5th
Hometown: Tokyo
Star Sign: Libra
Blood Type: O
Generation: Gen 3
Position: Chairman of the Sweet Tooth
Other: She was the first candidate of her Gen mates to officially debut as a 'Regular' member.
She is a front member of Houkago Princess

Official Blog

Name: Yamaguchi Miran
Nickname: Miran Osuke
D.O.B: March 22nd
Hometown: Tokyo
Star Sign: Aries
Blood Type: Unknown
Generation: Gen 3
Position: Chairman of Football

Official Blog

Name: Shiraishi Rika
Nickname: Ri-ri
D.O.B: June 13th
Hometown: Tokyo
Star Sign: Gemini
Blood Type: A
Generation: Gen 3
Position: Chairman of Dimples

Official Blog

Name: Kizuki Saori
Nickname: Saorin
D.O.B: October 12th
Hometown: Saitama Prefecture
Star Sign: Libra
Blood Type: A
Generation: Gen 3/4 (no idea)
Position: Chairman of the Sagging Brow
Other:  She is the only member outside of Gen 1 and 2 to have a Twitter account within the 'Regular' members.

Official Blog
Official Twitter

Cadets

Name: Ayase Miho
Nickname: Miho-tan
D.O.B: January 30th
Hometown: Chiba Prefecture
Star Sign: Aquarius
Blood Type: Unknown
Generation: Gen 1 Cadet
Position: Chairman of Own Pace
Other: She is the last member of her generation of Cadets to have not become a 'General' member.

Official Cadets Blog
Official Twitter

Name: Aiuchi Kohana
Nickname: Hana-chan
Generation: Gen 3 Cadet (I think)
Position: Chairman of Clearly Blowing her Nose (whaaat? XD)
Other: ?

Official Cadets Blog
Official Twitter

Name: Hayami Rin
Nickname: Riripon
Generation: Gen 4 Cadet
Position: Chairman of Grace
Other: She recently cut her hair short

Official Cadets Blog

Name: Yamakawa Risa
Generation: Gen 4 Cadet
Position: Chairman of ?

Official Cadets Blog
Official Twitter

Name: Miyashita Mayuka
Nickname: Mayu-kyan
D.O.B: November 14th
Hometown: Tokyo
Star Sign: Scorpio
Blood Type: O-
Generation: Gen ? Cadet
Position: Chairman of 2.5 Dimension
Other: An original member of HouPri, Mayuka graduated. However, she has since returned and is now (obviously) a cadet.

Official Blog
Official Cadets Blog
Official Twitter

Name: Suzukawa Kana
D.O.B: November 16th (17 years old)
Hometown: Aichi Prefecture
Star Sign: Scorpio
Blood Type: Unknown
Generation: Gen 5 Cadet
Position: 'Baby' Chairman (unsure of this)
Other: Her hobbies include Swimming and the Piano
She likes AKB48
She likes cycling and sunbathing
Strawberries, Matcha and Cheese are some of her favourite foods
She became a member of Houpri this May

Official Cadets Blog

Graduated Members

Name: Yamaguchi Mai
Nickname: Maawai
D.O.B: February 28th
Hometown: Kanagawa Prefecture
Star Sign: Pisces
Blood Type: A
Generation: Gen 1
Position: Sports Chairman

Name: Yumeka
Nickname: Yumerin
D.O.B: August 6th
Hometown: Chiba Prefecture
Star Sign: Leo
Blood Type: Unknown
Generation: Gen 1
Position: Chairman of Cool
Other: Yumeka graduated from HouPri due to illness.
She can play the drums

Name: Kishitani Yuuki
Nickname: Yukkii
D.O.B: October 3rd
Hometown: Kanagawa Prefecture
Star Sign: Libra
Blood Type: O-
Generation: Gen 1
Position: Naughty Devil Chairman
Other: She is now a part of the Idol group DreamFactory

Official Blog

Name: Kobayashi Rena
Nickname: Renachimu
D.O.B: September 3rd
Hometown: Saitama Prefecture
Star Sign: Virgo
Blood Type: B or O
Generation: Gen 2
Position: Chairman of Smiles
Other: Rena graduated sometime this year, however is still present in the Chou HAPPY BIRTHDAY music video.

Name: Shiorboshi Chiaki
Generation: Gen 1 Cadets
Position: Chairman of Tea Ceremonies

Name: Fuuka Momose
D.O.B: January 9th
Hometown: Kanagawa Prefecture
Star Sign: Capricorn
Blood Type: Unknown
Generation: Gen 1 Cadet
Position: President of Healing
Other: She graduated this June.
She was in a duo with Miho called TanTan Revolution.

Name: Asakura Erina
D.O.B: February 4th
Hometown: Chiba Prefecture
Star Sign: Aquarius
Blood Type: A
Generation: Gen 1 Cadets
Position: Chairman of Blandness

... And now for some videos for all of you to indulge in! Enjoy~

Juliet ~Kimi wo Suki na 100 no Riyuu~ (2013 Version) MV


Sotsugyoushiki MV


Chou HAPPY BIRTHDAY MV


Kojiki Shika! MV


Juliet ~Kimi wo Suki na 100 no Riyuu~ Shibuya O-East Performance


Kojiki Shika! Performance


Ichigo Ichie Performance


Making Of at Shibuya O-East

Relevant Links:

Houkago Princess Official Website
Houkago Princess Official Youtube
Houkago Princess Official Blog
Get Crazy Fansite
Barks News Article
Tower Records Article

Hopefully this article has been somewhat of a help to you all~

Chiima~

PING!!! Idolminded Recommended Reading: July 8th, 2013

Who Are Starmarie?

All links relevant, and also related, to this post will be added at the end of the post. Be sure to check out the links if they look interesting!

It has been a while since I last profiled a group and introduced you guys to someone new, and with recent happenings on both Idolminded and Pure Idol Heart, I thought that it would be pretty good to take a look at a certain group who are certainly worth the mention.

I have a feeling that you already know who it is...~

Say hello to Starmarie! Created back in July 2008, this group has certainly been around for quite some time, however since their creation, the group itself has had a few changes in terms of members. Right now, however, the group seems to be going strong with just the three of them. With a concept of 'Fantasy' and 'Telling wondrous stories to their fans through songs', Starmarie have become a strong and capable unit with determination, and a pretty big goal they hope to achieve, too.

Like most Indies groups, there is only a little information on the group out there, however from what I do know these girls have been far from idle in the Idol realm. They have been performing since they began, have released seven singles, as well as two albums, and have also been a part of the Indies Idol collaboration group ALLOVER where Starmarie were a part of Team-α from April 2012 until March of this year. More recently, however, Starmarie have begun their expansion into the American market... actually, this expansion started back in 2012, but has recently started to develop further.

... Pretty damn cool, huh?

Then and Now

Since the groups expansion towards the English-speaking market, the group now have an English Facebook page, their official website caters to both English and Japanese speaking fans, and their youtube now caters to both Japanese and English fans. What's more, the group itself are also adding their new songs to iTunes for American fans, and are also performing at Anime Expo in Los Angeles! The girls are fast moving forward with their expansion into America, and it looks like they won't stop going forward with their goal!

Looking at Starmarie, the group itself really seems to be heading forward and making themselves known. They are a small group, but they have a certain determination and stamina that is extremely refreshing for an Idol unit; these girls, whilst they may not have a crazy amount of fans like other groups, certainly have something else about them that makes them stand out from the rest. Their driving force is great, too, and I really admire this about them... they intrigue me, that's for sure. If they didn't, then I certainly would not be profiling them right now, and hoping to get their name out at least a little bit more!

So, that all said and done, let's take a look at the members of Starmarie, shall we? Please be sure to tell me who your favourite is!

Name: Aoki Shiori

D.O.B: May 1st, 1991

Age: 22

Birthplace: Kanagawa Prefecture

Company: Tachibana Productions

Active Since: July 2008

Other: She was a model for Pichi Lemon.

In the past, she was under Stardust Promotion as a part of Tambourine Artists.
She is from the original lineup of Starmarie.
She shares the same name as SKE48 Research Student Aoki Shiori.

Official Blog

Official Twitter

Name: Kishita Nozomi

Nickname: Non-chan

D.O.B: May 21st, 1990

Age: 23

Birthplace: Shizuoka Prefecture

Blood Type: B

Company: M-Smile

Active Since: August 2008

Official Blog

Official Twitter

Profile Page (M-Smile)

Name: Takamori Shino

Nickname: Shino-hamu

D.O.B: July 19th, 1992

Age: 21

Birthplace: Kanagawa Prefecture

Blood Type: A

Company: M-Smile

Active Since: November 2009

Official Blog

Official Twitter

Profile Page (M-Smile)

Graduated Members

Name: Arai Kaori

D.O.B: September 3rd, 1991
Age: 21

Birthplace: Tokyo

Company: Was a part of Em Office

Active From: July 2008 - November 1st, 2009

Other: Played Badmington, Volleyball and Rollerblades.

Profile (Talent Index)

Name: Sekine Saaya

D.O.B: April 22nd, 1991

Age: 22

Birthplace: Kanagawa Prefecture

Company: Was a part of Allure

Active From: July 2008 - July 4th, 2010

Ameba Blog (Inactive)

For a while now, Starmarie have been around. They have lost two members along the way, however the girls have been standing strong as a 3nin unit ever since 2010 and seem to continue growing in personality and talent. They seem to making their presence more and more known now, and really, who can blame these girls for breaking out and making themselves present, not only in Japan, but now America as well? They are a talented group of girls with charisma, personality and beauty, and they deserve to be known now!

Personally, this group has become more and more interesting to me now that I have researched and taken a good look at their history; they are different in a way, they have a certain impact and a charisma that I quite like. Some of the songs that I have listened to by them are also quite nice, and also... I love that they all look like beautiful dolls! This group is definitely one that everyone should look out for, because whilst they may still be unknown to some, these girls are Gems in the making, and it seems that their management really know how to promote and sell them... so please, be sure to check them out if you haven'y yet!

Have you yet to experience the talent and beauty of this group? Then be sure to check out any songs or PV's provided! Go on... you know you want to~

Mitsuboshi Restaurant Paul kara no Shoutaijou PV

Yume no Tobira Starmarie ver. (As a part of ALLOVER)

... My favourite song by them, so far~

Honda Kyoju no Daiingu Messeji PV Spot


Mitsuboshi Restaurant Paul kara no Shoutaijou Tower Records Performance


Shibuya Buttobi!! Garazu Matsuri Performance at Shibuya O-East


Mr. Chris no Present Performance
Loving this song quite a bit, too~ <3

Relevant Links:

Starmarie Official Website
Starmarie English Facebook Fan Page
Pure Idol Heart Starmarie Page
VIVID COLOR Records Official Youtube Page
Starmarie Japanese Wikipedia Page
M-Smile Official Website
Starmarie Generasia Page
Starmarie J-Pop Idols Page

Related Posts:

Why Starmarie's American Debut Matters - Pure Idol Heart (Post by Gaki)
Starmarie's Road to Anime Expo - Pure Idol Heart (Post by Gaki)
Indie Idols And The Weight Of New Frontiers - Idolminded (Post by Ray)
Discovering Starmarie - Idolminded/Pure Idol Heart (Post by Serenyty)
When Beautiful Dolls go Bump In The Night (PV Review) - Idolminded/Pure Idol Heart (Post by Me/Chiima)

Chiima~

PING!!! Idolminded Recommended Reading: July 8th, 2013

Otsuka Aina Resigns from Juice=Juice and Hello! Pro Kenshuusei

All links are provided in the post. I will bold them.

Today on July 5th, 2013, it was announced via the Hello! Project Official website that Otsuka Aina of Juice=Juice and Hello! Pro Kenshuusei would resign from the group. The decision is due to contract issues with her family.

An English translation of the announcement has been provided:

We sincerely thank you for always supporting Juice=Juice. 

In line with Otsuka Aina's own wishes, along with some overlap of contractual issues with her family, we were unfortunately unable to reach an agreement with the terms of the contract, and with respect to her family's non acceptance of the contract terms, from July 5th Otsuka Aina will no longer be part of Juice=Juice or the Hello!Pro Kenshuusei. From now on Juice=Juice will continue on with only 5 members.
We beg the understanding of the fans on this matter, and hope that you will continue to support them.

- Translation from Hello! Online Forums

...

I did not expect this. At. All... I don't think that it helps that this announcement has been made the same week Sea☆A announce their disbandment, either... wow. What next? Bump.y are gonna go? Wait, no... KNOCK ON WOOD!!!! Bump.y are staying!!!!!

That out of my system... no, I did not expect this... and I still don't know what to do. I'm actually gobsmacked by this news. It's still processing, I think... well, I don't know what to think. All I know is, though, that I can't imagine Juice=Juice without Otsuka Aina.

There is no way Aina is my favourite member, in fact I pegged her as the girl I least liked because her voice annoys me... in fact, I would have rather had the girl in MM, but to know that she won't be in Juice=Juice is a bit, well... it's weird. I don't know what to do with this information... she's just gone.

... Holy fuck, we had more notice with Ogawa Saki's departure, and that was bloody short notice, to say the least! This... I don't think we've been given the time to process the information that Otsuka Aina will no longer be a part of H!P.

So many fans waited for her debut!!! Holy crap, what the hell?

... Oh Christ, I think I am on the verge of a nervous breakdown... she isn't even my Oshi!!! Holy crap... seriously, what the heck!? I am going with some of the other Western fans on this one, I'm gonna dislike the parents right now because they are the only people I can dislike... arrrrgh, what the Hell!?

This post is going to get stupid if I don;t shut up, but really... what the heck? I don't want to even imagine a five-nin Juice=Juice! Okay, I love all the girls and all, but Aina was a massive part of the group, she was co-lead for crying out loud!!!! WHAT THE...

... Yeah, it's happened. Even a non-fan of Aina is feeling how utterly terrible this all is. I just freakin' pray the girls continue to go on strong without Aina, that or add Rikako in. Who knows? I have no bloody clue, all I know is that, right now, I need to stop typing and go cool my head.

... I need Cranberry juice. Hopefully they will add a Cranberry girl in next, and never graduate her.

... Yup, I'm kinda done.

Chiima

PING!!! Idolminded Recommended Reading: July 5th, 2013

Okay! Musume Digest #58

Minna! Digest Dayo! Are you ready to combat and Digest?

This week in the Digest...

MoMusu to perform at Mezamashi Live! Ayumi's PB cover revealed! Otome Shinto return to release their second single! JKT48 also to release their second single! NMB48 have a successful graduation for Aina! A PV preview from the cute Tsuri Bit! And a little bit more!

Sea*A Have Officially Disbanded

On July 1st, 2013, Sea*A's official Facebook announced that the Singaporean Anime Idol group would officially disband. Since their debut in August 2011, the group has gone on to release four original singles, a mini-album and their first album. The girls have sung for anime, and have also performed live at Anime lives.

Here are the messages left from the Sea*A staff team and Valerie regarding the choice of disbanding the group.

Sea* Staff Message:

Notification of Sea*A disbandment 

As of today, 01 July 2013, the disbandment of Sea*A has been decided.We deeply apologise for the sudden notification. 

From their debut in August 2011, Sea*A was founded as the first Anisong Idol group from Singapore, consisting of members that love Japanese culture and strongly wish to be a part that culture. 

With many thanks to their fans, Sea*A was able to be active in a country foreign to them even though they were unable to speak Japanese when they first arrived in Japan. 

Once again, thank you very much for your support for Sea*A.While Sea*A has been disbanded as of today, Valerie will continue to be active in a solo capacity. We sincerely hope for your unwavering support. 

01 July 2013From all staff of Sea*A

Valerie's Message:

Dear TEAM Sea*A, 

This is perhaps the last time I will be calling you guys this. We have decided together to end our official activities as Sea*A. On behalf of the other girls, I sincerely apologize for our sudden decision. It has been a life changing two years with everyone and we will remember all of TEAM Sea*A dearly in our hearts. We will never forget all the memories we had together. We also want to thank the people that have supported us through and through, not only our fans but also the staff that worked hard and supported us in these 2 years for our activities as Sea*A.  

This decision was made together because each of us has decided to take a different path in each of our lives. And I only wish for your understanding and support for our individual decisions. As of 1st July, I will be continuing this journey as a solo artist and I hope that you will join me in my new journey. The four of us are still great friends and they support me in making this decision. 

I am sad but also grateful that I have met these girls and have crossed paths with them in my life. It has been a truly amazing experience to grow together with them in this short 2 years. It was a heartbreaking decision for all of us to make. But they say if you are brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello. We only part to meet again. 

Thank you for all the love and opportunities that all of you have given to us as Sea*A in these two years. 

Please continue to support us individually. 

Love, Valerie

  ...

To be honest, I don't know what to do. I don't know what to write... because I think that this is one of the worst things I could come across this year yet. I liked Sea*A, maybe not as much as Morning Musume, but I really liked them and enjoyed whatever they brought out. Heck, their songs and PV's have been a beacon of glory most of the time, and the girls are such a joy to watch as Idols... actually, it is hard to believe that they aren't Japanese sometimes, they are just so wonderful and professional about everything...

It was so sad and heartbreaking to see this news on my Facebook news feed and to realise that this is true, that they have disbanded... I'm still processing the idea that Sea*A, an amazing group made up of Singaporean and Malaysian girls, is not here any more. Seriously... they were so perfect together, and so dang talented... Why, why, why?

Of course I can't do anything, I am a fan and all I can do right now is sit back and wish them luck with what they want to do, but as a selfish fan, I just want them to stay together... Okay, their run has been a good one. Two years together, despite being a non-Japanese Idol group, is damn good! They have released four singles, a mini-album and a full album, and they have made a name for themselves. They have sang popular anime songs, made fans and sang for anime, and they have some damn good songs, too. They are an awesome group, and to be around for just two years and to have accomplished this much... yeah, it's amazing... but two years feels like it is too short.

I will miss them so much... they are an amazing group and I am so glad that I have been around as a J-Pop fan to see their run. They have brought me absolute joy with their songs and their bubbly personalities in their PV's. They are so talented and so wonderful, it is a shame that they are disbanding... but I can't stop it, no one can, because it has already been decided, and it has already happened. Sea*A is no more, and it saddens me so much.

Sea*A was such a good group, and I already miss them. I didn't realise how much I treasured them or their talent until now, when it is too late... goes to show that sometimes you may overlook something so great, for something that is nice, but not as good.

Goodbye, Sea*A. I loved you whilst you lasted. Maybe not as much as others, but I did treasure you. It hurts to know that you won't be around any more... now, let me cry in peace as I listen to the most beautiful song that you produced, Friendship Birthday ~Arashi no Yoru ni~.



Ja ne...

Chiima~

PING!!! Idolminded Recommended Reading: July 1st, 2013