Thursday, 30 November 2017

This Sweet Memory Stained With Tears. MACO's 'Sweet Memory' Music Video Review

November is coming to its untimely end, and with its end, we will begin the December posts. But before any of that can happen, let's take a look at one last November release

It's time for a love story, but will it have a happy end?


MACO has a penchant for creating love songs, and I honestly like a good chunk of them. I'm a sucker for a pretty, ballad-type song, and that's the style that fits MACO best. It's also the style she overuses to heck, but because I am a sucker for it, of course I buy into it. Hence why we're here.

Plus, this video is sad as heck. I like a good, tragic love story from time to time, and after BiSH's Orchestra from last year, it's nice to see that just a year later, a new love story follows suit, one that echoes many a tale, as well as some people's reality: The unattainable crush.

I find it highly ironic that this has been titled Sweet Memory, when it's such a melancholy song. I expect something cute and fluffy, but the lyrics and video both show something that is more bitter than it is sweet. That said, it does have its moments of sweetness, mostly in the memories that the protagonist has. I suppose that is where the title really comes into play.

Anyways, it's time to delve into my final review of November '17. Through all the memories, the smiles and the tears, let's take a look at this tale of love and see where it goes. Is it a tale of happiness or resolution, or will it be filled with woe?

Let's look back through these memories, and remember the sweetest ones. It's time to look back.

Sunday, 26 November 2017

Abracadabra, Love Me More! Hear The Desert Maiden's Spell in 'Abracadab Luv!'

With November's end upon us, it's time to clear up with a few final posts for the month, just before the onslaught of December hits. It will be a busy month this year, with very few opportunities to post anything but Graduation Appreciations, Christmas themed reviews and my Year End selections.

And if y'all didn't know this was coming, then you don't know me well enough, because THIS IS HOUPRI, BITCHES >8U

Bibbidy-Bobbity-Blimmin'-BOO!


With HouPri's quiet departure from Universal Music Japan - no promotion since July '17, the change in their 'uniforms' for day performances, Cute Black Ltd's. closure, as well as the fact the group has released the full music video on their channel, the first in two or so years - the Princess themed unit continue their story-book quest in Abrakatab Luv!, which begins a brand new chapter in their own story, as well as creating a refreshing new theme for one of the worlds most beloved stories.

Inspired by the One Thousand and One Nights collection (also known as The Arabian Nights), the members of Houkago Princess transform into a beautiful Arabian princess, most likely inspired by both Disney's Princess Jasmine and Scheherazade, the story teller from One Thousand and One Nights who tells her husband a story each night in order to prolong her life. Here, the members express the tale of a beautiful desert Princess through rich, emotional song and choreography, with the hopes that they will cast a spell on you all.

Now, when the information for the song was originally released, I mistakenly claimed this to be all about the tale of Aladdin. I don't think it actually is; Abrakatab Luv! seems to be linked more to One Thousand and One Nights, though it could easily be a mixture of both the story collection and Aladdin. I have yet to read the lyrics, so, I can't determine what it's about yet, but for now, I'm saying it's more likely the group is depicting the character of Scheherazade, with Jasmine's look thrown in there for good measure. Of course, I could be completely wrong, because it's me; I get everything wrong.

It's also the best explanation for why there are a lack of flying carpets and jinni's. I am sticking to it >o>

And now it's time to enter a whole new world of glittering jewels, floating veils and chai tea. In their latest adventure, Houkago Princess tackle one of the most beloved story collections of all time, and embody the Princess who told beautiful tales for 1001 nights. Are you ready to be enchanted by HouPri's spell?

Friday, 24 November 2017

[PV Selection] October '17

I'm hella late with this, but surprisingly, I'm still in the month of November. What in the heckity-heck?

It's because I need to get these November posts out, before December hits. I have a full month ahead of me, and I honestly can't afford to lose a day of it. So, let's get this over with. ARE YA READY KIDS? 8U


As per the usual spiel I drag out before these posts, here lies the videos that I have personally enjoyed from the month gone by. Any that do not appear, have been neglected for a reason. Perhaps I have not watched them, or maybe I did, and if I have, then there is the chance that I did not like the video, or I intended to add it, but my opinion on it changed, and it was taken out.

There is also the possibility that the videos you enjoyed from the month gone by are blocked in my country, cause y'know, Youtube and entertainment companies hate me.

Of course, you do not have to like what I like. I am simply listing videos that entertained and appealed to me, in the hopes of introducing you to groups, songs and videos that you haven't really cared to look up before now. These are also here to catalogue the videos of the year that I have preferred over others, to help me in my end of year lists.

Oh, and because prettiness. It's always nice to see pretty videos that can be visually captivating.

... Okay, let's go. Videos Ahoy!

Monday, 20 November 2017

Morning Musume 20th Anniversary: Top ⑳ Music Videos (Of All Time, According to Chiima)

In celebration of Morning Musume's 20 years as a group, let's take a look at some of the more memorable music videos and entertain ourselves. Through the nostalgia, the fun, the laughter and the tears, it's time to amuse ourselves once more with the best of Morning Musume, in all their visual glory.

It's all preference beyond this point, but which videos will make the cut, and which ones will be given honorable mentions? It's time to check out some videos, and make our decisions. Are you ready to make your choice?

Cross-posted with: Selective Hearing



With around 20 years' worth of footage and a little bit of time on my hands, I wanted to celebrate Morning Musume's 20th anniversary the only way I can: by making a list! So, here it is, after about three hours' worth of video watching, note taking and ratings, and a further 10 hours' worth of sorting, writing and re-arranging, I have my final compilation of my Top 20 Morning Music Videos, from their debut until now! Wow, that took a while!

The fact I did it all in one day is kind of impressive, though. I typically sit on my butt and uhm and ahh a lot before doing something further, however, I really wanted to write this one up and get everything sorted as soon as possible, before I became too busy all over again. I hate adult life.

In regards to the list itself, as stated above, it's all preference beyond this point; I am fully aware that my tastes are different to yours, however, I did try to include videos that, whilst to my taste, would appeal to others as well. I also tried to think about which videos would also be included in other Top 10 or 20 lists, but some videos listed here might come as a surprise, and would probably never come up on another list any time soon. Again, it's all about preference, and my weird tastes.

That said, I do hope some of your favourite videos from the group turn up on here. If not, feel free to berate me, and inquire why I never listed it, and why I'm an idiot for not listing it.

For the sake of it, I would like to note that I have used a Rating system for these videos, with 10 being perfection, and 1 being a big ol' nope. I have included my rating for the videos in the list, and made the decision early on when taking notes that all videos rated 7 or above, would become a part of my Top 20 list. Of course, with the amount of 7's and 8's I gave, a few were cut, making up my honorable mentions list. It was the fairest way, I found, especially when I rated a lot of MoMusu's MV's in the 6's.

Ratings will be included in the honorable mentions, just so you know where they stand.

Also, in terms of the reasons for why I have chosen certain videos, I am basing a lot of my decisions (and ratings) on these aspects: Themes, Style, Entertainment quality, Editing technique, Camera Angles / Cinematography, Lighting, Graphics, Location / Setting / Set Design, how Memorable it is, and Nostalgia. Not all of these aspects have to present in the video, of course, but I would like at least a few of these to be present. Clearly, the older ones will be more nostalgic than current MV's, whilst the newer videos will have better graphics, and some might encompass more than others. It depends on the video, as well as how a person sees the video.

I would also like to point out that, despite a videos rating on here, I will put it anywhere, depending on how I view it personally. So, even a video earned a 8/10, it might find itself somewhere with the 7's, because my preference for it is a little lower than others. Likewise, even if a video is an 8, it can still become a honorable mention, only because I felt it wasn't as good as certain videos that I had rated a 7/10.

And before I move on, I would like to say that, whilst I have created this list, it is not a definite or official list about the best MoMusu PV's out there. This is simply a list I have compiled for my own enjoyment, as well as to see which videos are to my taste after enjoying and begrudging the group for so long. This is not to slander your favoured MV's, nor is it to say what is better than others. I am simply doing this, because I can.

Feel free to disagree with me on any videos placed here, but feel free to agree with me, too. I don't mind, either way, I just want to throw out reasons why I enjoy certain videos, and why I think they're good.

I hope you all enjoy, and finally, we're going to get to the list itself. In honor of Morning Musume's 20th Anniversary, let's celebrate the music videos that have captivated us for so long! This is my Morning Musume Top 20 Music Videos List, where we will take a trip down memory lane and look at all the good this group has brought us. Who will make the cut, and which video will reign supreme?

It's time to tune in, dear readers. Press the play button, and let the results unfold.

Saturday, 18 November 2017

Viva La Cake! 7 Years. 2555 Days. So Many Idols.

I have eaten a cake for every anniversary I celebrate. No wonder I've gotten so fat (ha!).

I didn't make a banner this year. Huh.


In 2015, the blog writer Morningtime made the decision to move his blog to a new address, just shy of his seventh year writing on the original. At the time it happened, I began to wonder if this would be me one day, doing the same thing as always, but through a new address? Would I even be blogging any more?

I look back on this thought a lot, especially when the idea of quitting or moving platforms creeps up. But, I am happy to say that, come my 7th Anniversary here, I am still on the same blog, and I am still enjoying my Idols as much as before. I just happen to be a little busier, and therefore, I am blogging a little less. Still, my desire to share with you all has not lessened.

Every year when this day rolls around, I celebrate and reflect. I think about everything I have written, the memories that I have created, and the things I have achieved. Granted, the achievements are minuscule, but every moment spent on this blog is one step further towards my own improvement, and every second I think about this place allows it to grow. Okay! Musume Time is special to me, and I say it every year; I love this blog, and I feel proud that I can celebrate 7 wonderful years as a writer here.

Even though I doubt myself a lot - especially when it comes to my writing - I feel confident in Okay! Musume Time. I am thankful that it's something I created, a place where I can share so many things about Idols.

Like all years prior, the 7th Anniversary is a special day for me, another milestone completed. Through all the ups and downs, my own idiocy and inaccuracies, the gripes and whines I create as a Wota, and anything else that makes me human, this blog has become one of my bright sparks in life. It's a happy place, despite the times I bitch and moan, and it's all mine. This is where I share my Idol-hood, the life that I chose to lead all those years ago.

If it wasn't for this blog, I am unsure if my love for Idols would have bloomed into what it is now. So, welcome to my happy place. I hope you enjoy the Idols, as well as the cake~

Now only 365 days until the next one! I'm already looking forward to it ;)

And finally, it's time to celebrate with Idols and Cake! What two things could be more perfect together?

Wednesday, 15 November 2017

Let's Make A Wish! Houkago Princess Prepare For A Magical Adventure in 'Abracadab Luv!'

After a long wait, the next chapter in Houkago Princesses fairy tale is about to begin! Finally revealing the promotional image and covers for the groups next release, it's time for HouPri to tackle their latest fairy tale adventure, and what better way to end the year of 2017 with a magic carpet ride?

Set in the beautiful country of Arabia, it's time to spin the enchanting tale of Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, and watch as HouPri soar as the beloved Princesses of this popular, unforgettable tale! Are you ready to be spellbound in the twilight skied desert?


Celebrating the groups 7th major single release (14th overall), set for sale on December 20th, 2017, Houkago Princess have finally unveiled the new cover art for their up-coming release, Abracadab Luv!, which will honour
the beloved tale of Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, a story that has been passed down through the generations. Whether the roots hail from China or the Arabian deserts, the story of Aladdin is one that will stand the test of time, forever known for its use of magic and enchantment.

And now we will watch and hear Houkago Princess spin the tale with their very own words! Wearing rich purple garments befitting a true Princess, the members show off their veils and sheer trousers (pants), a new look that is not typical of the dress and transformation oriented group.

Tuesday, 14 November 2017

[PV Selection] September '17

... Yeeeeah, this didn't come out in October when it should have, did it >o> Whoops, looks like Slob Blogger Chii is at it again, posting over one month later, and leaving these PV's in the dust. I swear... -rambles to self, throws a chair, rolls on floor, then posts, finally-

My excuse? I'm busy, I go to school Monday to Wednesday, and work at a bar at the weekends. My days off are spent doing laundry, plotting my takeover of the world, watching Idol videos, and making up blog slogans. Aren't those reasons to forget to do this?

Oh, and I actively hate looking up the romaji for the song titles and the group names that I don't know. There's an even better reasons not to post, right? o3o

... Okay, let's actually watch some videos >o>


Usual spiel:

All videos thrown into this here post are, for the most part, videos that I actively enjoy. Not all Idol music videos will be added into this post, either because I A) Didn't enjoy them as much as others, B) Never watched them, C) They were blocked in my country (Thanks, NG and Kayaking 46 >o>) or, D), I didn't actually like them at all. There are many reasons why I never posted them, but please remember, I am one person, so my tastes are absurdly different to yours, and also, I don't have the time to watch everything.

Amazingly, I have to be an adult now. Ouch. I don't like it, either. Puberty Being a grown-up sucks, don't do it, kids.

For those who do not see a favoured September release here, either, please remember that you can comment and post your preferences, too! It's good to share, and if I never viewed it or didn't care for it, it's a great chance to make me see what you saw. Sometimes, I need a kick or a shove in the right direction, so, prod me. Let me understand your love.

... AND NOW, ONTO THE VIDEOS!

Are we there yet?