Le Hello ! Project (ハロー !プロジェクト, Harō ! Purojekuto ?) ou H !P est un vaste ensemble de chanteuses-idoles japonaises et de groupes féminins de Jpop, découvertes ou créés depuis 1997 par leur producteur Tsunku.

Groupe et solo actif

- Morning Musume.

- Berryz Koubou

- C-ute

- Buono!

- Guardians 4

- Shugo Chara Egg!

- Aa!

- High-King

- Mano Erina

- Frances & Aiko

- Ice Creamusume

-S/mileage

Groupe et solo inactif :

- Tsukishima Kirari starring Koharu Kusumi
- MilkyWay
- Kira☆Pika
- DEF.DIVA
- Athena & Robikerottsu
- GAM(Great Aya & Miki)
- Country Musume.
- Coconuts Musume.
- Mini Moni
- Pucchi Moni
- Morning Musume.Sakura Gumi
- Morning Musume.Otome Gumi
- Morning Musume.Tanjo 10 Nen Kinentai
- ROMANS
- W(Double You)
- Biyuuden
- Gomattô
- Nochiura Natsumi
- ZYX
- T&C Bomber
- Tanpopo

Suite ici …

I just got back from the Hello!Chanpuru concert at Nakano Sun Plaza with Celestia.  It was… way beyond amazing.  When the girls first came out, I almost cried because it was… (definitely hard to describe)… something I’ve only dreamed of seeing, never thought I would, and… I dunno… it was like, “Wow.  These girls are actually real.  Not just some people on my computer screen.  They exist!”

Anyway.  Maimai was absent from the concert tonight, which is a real shame because after Erika she’s my favorite girl in C-ute and I was really, really looking forward to her in Pucchimoni V.  But that’s okay.  Didn’t ruin my day.

01. Guru Guru Jump! Man, what a perfect concert opener.  This song was awesome.  I also liked that it wasn’t all Linlin-Junjun-Koharu like the Winter Concert.  Everyone got lines (well, you know, not everyone, but a lot more than just the main three).  You can tell the Pandas really love this song; they got to into it.  As well as the crowd.  Energy 100%.

02. Piriri to Yukou I adore this song.  It’s one of my favorite early Berryz songs, and is totally perfect for anything summer-themed.  I haven’t seen this in a few years on a setlist, so it’s nice to see it surfaced again!

3. aMa no Jaku S/mileage was fantastic.  I was expecting them to not sing very well live, since they’re all so young, but it was actually really good!  Poor Yuuka, she had incredibly dark bags under her eyes and seemed so exhausted.  Saki really shined here.  And Kanon is so adorable. (And I still don’t know the other girl’s name)

4. Omakase Guardian I don’t particularly like this song, but I do rather adore Mittsi and Yurina.  They were nice.

5. Minimoni Jankenpyon! I wasn’t sure whether this group would be able to match Minimoni in my eyes because Minimoni is my favorite H!P group to ever exist.  However, this was awesome.  Linlin is the perfect leader for this group and the other girls, despite being way young (omg Karin holy crap), definitely have the energy and charisma for Minimoni.  I look forward to more from this group.

(I think Ice CreaMusume performed here?  I can’t remember when they came on) But it was dull.  I really don’t like Koisuru blah blah, and even with Junjun and Linlin, it’s still beyond boring.

6. Sekai wa Summer Party I’ve seen this on TV and this performance has definitely been the best.  She had some trouble with notes here and there, but Mano was way cute.  And this song is fun to dance to.

7. Shochuu Omimai Moshiagemasu I love this song.  Missed Maimai, but I loved it nonetheless.

8. Seishun Bus Guide When I got around to ignoring Risako, I totally loved this song live!  Berryz never fail to disappoint me.

9. Nanchatte Renai I adore this song.  End of story.

10. Shouganai Yume Oibito This really does sound just like Nanchatte, but either way this was a nice performance!  I love the dance.

11. Yume to Genjitsu (Aa!) I’m not too keen on this group seeing as I was a huge fan of the original Aa! and I’m a huge fan of Buono! and I think this group kind of ruins both.  I mean, if they release this as a single, it’s like, “Oh, it’s not Buono! or Aa!, it’s ‘let’s shuffle Airi and Miyabi around with other girls a lot!’”  I liked the song, but it didn’t had such a Buono!-esque vibe that it just didn’t seem right not to have Momoko there.

12. Pira! Otome to Onegai (Pucchimoni V) WOW.  This has to be one of the best songs, despite being only NakaSaki and ManoEri singing it.  I know Maimai would have just shined on this, so that was disappointing.  But this is such an incredibly catchy song.  I really hope this gets released as a single.

13. Heya to Y shirts no Watashi I liked it much better on the CD.

14. Umbrella (Tanpopo #) This song is SO Tanpopo!  And all the girls dressed like Tanpopo too!  I think this is my second favorite song on the setlist.  I absolutely loved it.

15. MY BOY And this is my favorite.   It was awesome.  The girls did so well and it definitely had that rock vibe that the girls seem to strive for in Buono!.

16. JUMP What a great concert song, really.  I was pretty dismayed at not being able to JUMP though.

17. Cosmos I don’t think I was listening to the song, really.  It made me sleepy.  I was more focused on Aichan’s lovely dress and her lovely earring… which she was only wearing one of.  It was odd.

18. Only You (Zoku Biyuuden)  I didn’t like this song on the CD.  Or the fact that these girls called themselves Biyuuden.  But after seeing it live… man, it was awesome.  Junjun got down on the ground rockin it out, and I couldn’t take my eyes off of her the entire time.  She really has grown since she joined.  She’s gotten so much more comfortable, and trust me, it was obvious to see on this song.

19. Iku ZYX! Fly High I don’t really like this song, but damn, Gaki-san was sexy.  And I’m very glad Erika got Megumi’s lines.  It’s nice she got a little attention before she leaves.

20. Diamonds I expected more from this live.  Like, oh, you know, maybe some dancing from the group that was put together for their dancing.

21. C\C I am.  So happy.  That I got to see this live.  It was amazing.  And getting to dance along was way fun. 

22. Special Generation I’ve complained about this being overperformed before, and I know a lot of you have too, but I realize now why it is.  You can’t really understand unless you’re there at the concert, but it really gets the crowd going, and that makes for an awesome addition to any concert.

23. Tokaikko Junjou Same goes for this song.  I was rather disappointed that Maimai wasn’t here for this one.  Whoever was supposed to cover her first solo forgot, which was pretty amusing to watch.  I think it was Maimi since she covered her last solo line.  But like true performers, it didn’t phase C-ute at all.

24. Resonant Blue I would have been very okay without this song on the setlist.  But whatever, it was fun to chant to.

25. Sono Bamen de Bibiccha Ikenai jan! This song was really fun to watch live with all those girls!  There was really way too much going on to concentrate on anything, but it’s a great concert song nonetheless that really got the crowd going.

26. Koko ni Iruzee! Wow, Mittsi really belted her solo out.  I was very pleasantly surprised.  Kamei was way cute on this and Aichan rocked her solo at the end.  Overall, loved this song.  I wish it was the last number.

27.  Aozora de blah blah whatever Don’t like this song, thought I would live; not so much.  It’’s boring.  I wasn’t even paying attention.  My thoughts wandered like none other on this song.  I played the bow-finding game.  It was easy.

Overall, I feel like my journey of being a Hello! Project fan can now be happily completed.  Not that I plan on that happening anytime soon in any foreseeable future, but if it ever does, I will have accomplished all there is to accomplish.  I had a great time (and thank you so much Celestia for going with me, I felt so much better with someone else haha).

On the down side, the only shirts they had were L-sized, so my shirt is huge, but I have a Morning Musume shirt (that came with a complete photo set!) that I will put up pictures of later.

The lineups for the “revival groups” in Hello! Project’s summer shuffle album have been revealed!  Now I’m about 89342 times more excited to get the album and see it live!  (Ftw, bought my ticket!  I’m sooooooo excited!!)

First, the new Aa!:

Natsuyaki Miyabi, Suzuki Airi, and Saho Akari

I’m a little upset seeing as the original Aa! is still all in Hello! Project, so I’m not too sure why they left Reina out, but I don’t like Reina anyway, so I’m not too too upset about that, but couldn’t they have picked anyone else?  There’s a reason Saho didn’t make it into S\mileage, and that’s because (in my opinion, and always had been) she was the worst of all the girls in Shugo Chara Egg.  She’s not physically appealing, she can’t sing to save her life, so I’m just wondering why on earth she was put into a group with two of the most talented Hello! Project Kids.  Hm.

The new Minimoni:

Linlin, Fukuda Kanon, Takeuchi Akari, and Miyamoto Karin

Now this, as you know, I am thrilled about!!!!  I adore Minimoni, I adore Linlin, Fukuda Kanon is way adorable, and the other girls don’t totally suck.  Now, often Eggs don’t stick with me (unless they debut like Kanon and Maeda Yuka who is oddly absent from any of these lineups), but Akari stuck out in my mind from the Egg concert, and Karin just joined, right?  I don’t know why, but she caught my attention right away.  Probably because she’s so friggin adorable.  I’m looking forward to this group the most!

The New Pucchimoni:

Nakajima Saki, Hagiwara Mai, and Mano Erina

Ewewewewew NakaSaki.  She can’t sing her way out of a hole, why does she get attention??  Otherwise: Maimaimaimaimaimaimaimaimai!!!!!!!!!  She has been seriously shoved out of the limelight ever since Tokaikko, which really depresses me because I adore her.  She’s my favorite C-ute member.   So I’m kinda hoping she’ll be the Goto Maki of this group.  And then ManoEri~  I don’t think she’s a good soloist at all, but she does well in groups, so I hope this works well for her!

The new ZYX:

Niigaki Risa, Kusumi Koharu, Tsugunaga Momoko, Suudo Maasa, Tokunaga Chinami, Umeda Erika, Carrot Wada Ayaka, and Ogawa Saki

I’m glad to see so many of the original Kids in this group (all minus Megumi and Saki, right?), but I’m not so sure why they made this group so much bigger.  I love love love that Gaki-san’s in it, not so much about Koharu.  I do like Ogawa Saki, she’s very talented, and Dawa makes me laugh.  I like this entire lineup lots and lots minus Koharu.  Who, unfortunately, will  probably ruin it for me.

The new Biyuuden:

Michishige Sayumi, Junjun, and Sugaya Risako

I was a huge Biyuuden fan and I don’t think anyone can replace them.  The difference between Biyuuden and every other revival group is that the others were all either shuffle groups or subgroups to begin with, but Biyuuden was always a permanent group.  And it’s so so soon after their disbandment, I think it’s inappropriate to “revive” them.  And I think this subgroup hardly does them justice, Junjun or no Junjun.  Of course I’m really excited to see Junjun in this group, but I hate Risako, and Sayumi… oh dear Sayumi.  You know she’s gonna take Charmy’s lines and destroy them too.  Sigh.

And lastly, the new Tanpopo:

Kamei Eri, Mitsui Aika, Kumai Yurina, and Okai Chisato

I wasn’t a huge fan of Tanpopo except for when Aibon was in it, and even then it was kind of blah, but I think this lineup could make me change my mind!!  I adore all of these girls, so I’m super excited to hear and see them!  I hope they do Tanpopo justice (and not that third lineup crap)!!

…………………………….

In other news, omg!  Kanna!  D:  She left H!P.  Hello! Online speculates it may be because of her boyfriend, Johnny’s Entertainment Jr. Hashimoto Ryosuke (who I’m in love with ftw).  Whatever it’s from, omg!  Kanna!  D:  C-ute will never, ever be the same.

Ever.

My online cover group, Mignon! Project, is holding auditions, so if you’re interested, read on!

Mignon! Project, a J-music cover group, is officially opening 7th Generation auditions! If you’re interested at all, don’t hesitate to audition! All auditions will be accepted as long as the directions are followed.

To audition, you will need some kind of recording program. **Videos sent over youtube are not allowed** The audition needs to be in either mp3 or ogg form. **.Wav files will, under no circumstances, be accepted.** If you need help with that, I’m more than willing. You must send in a full Japanese song. There must be background music, whether it’s the official karaoke or a self-made one (which I can make for you). Also, do not edit the file in any way, meaning no effects whatsoever (i.e.- noise removal, reverb, phaser, etc). If you have read these rules, in the part of the form that asks “apple?”, respond “banana.” The only way your audition will not be accepted is if that area is not filled out correctly.

When you audition, please fill out the following form:

Name: [what you go by online]
Age: [optional--just for reference]
Vocal Range: [soprano, alto, tenor, etc--if you don't know, it's okay]
Link to Audition Song: [please include the name and artist]
Is (are) there any Hello! Project artist(s) you particularily dislike?: (NOT a particular member, a group)
Is (are) there any non-Hello! Project artist(s) that you like?:
Which group do you want to be in the most (in M!P)?:
Do you have any previous experience in cover groups?: [won't affect my decision]
Who refered you to M!P?: [if no one did, leave this blank]
Apple?:

You can PM me, email me [tsuki[at]nekohimenaoko[dot]com], IM me [tsuki__hime[at]hotmail[dot]com], or whatever other way fancies you with that form (and your audition) or any questions that you might have.

Auditions end June 14th, 2009.

**PLEASE NOTE IF YOU AUDITION: Mignon! Project is NOT like youtube dubbing groups. We operate outside of youtube. Not all of our songs go up on youtube either. You will not be cast to a specific Hello! Project group as a certain person (unless you get into Kawaii’iro Seishun-tai, as they’re the only group that assigns H!P girls). Our groups generally do music by one artist, but it changes as does who sings what part. Often you aren’t even assigned parts and we use arrangements of lyrics.

So please just keep in mind that this will be nothing like youtube dubbing groups. And if you can’t handle either that or strict deadlines, please don’t audition. **

That’s it! Good luck auditioning!

<3 Tsuki, Producer of Mignon! Project

~!Setlist!~

1. I WISH / Nakazawa Yuko, Abe Natsumi, Iida Kaori, Yaguchi Mari, Ishikawa Rika, Yoshizawa Hitomi, Konno Asami, Ogawa Makoto, Fujimoto Miki

2. I Know / all
Opening Movie
MC
3. Juunen Ai / Nakazawa Yuko, Abe Natsumi, Iida Kaori, Yasuda Kei
4. Screen / Abe Natsumi
5. Koi no Telephone GOAL / Abe Natsumi
MC
6. Lalala•Sososo / Mano Erina
7. Give Me Up / Melon Kinenbi
8. Kenchana ~Daijoubu~ / Maeda Yuki
9. BABY! Koi ni KNOCK OUT! / Yasuda Kei, Yoshizawa Hitomi, Ogawa Makoto
MC
10. 100kai no Kiss / Matsuura Aya
11. Yeah! Meccha Holiday / Matsuura Aya
12. Tanpopo (Single version) / Iida Kaori, Yaguchi Mari, Ishikawa Rika, Shibata Ayumi, Konno Asami
13. Agekai ni Dakarete / Iida Kaori
14. This is Unmei / Melon Kinenbi
15. Ai ~Suite Room~ / Biyuuden
16. Boogie Train 03 / Fujimoto Miki
17. Kuyashi Namida Porori / Nakazawa Yuko
MC
18. Magic of Love / Inaba Atsuko, Maeda Yuki
19. Aoi Sports Car no Otoko / Iida Kaori, Yaguchi Mari, Inaba Atsuko, Melon Kinenbi, Miyoshi Erika, Okada Yui
20. Thanks! / GAM (Chorus dancers: Inaba, Maeda, Melon, Miyoshi, Okada)
21. Kizuna / Matsuura Aya (Chorus: Fujimoto, Inaba, Melon, Miyoshi, Okada)
MC
22. Come Together / Ongaku Gatas
23. Narihajimeta Koi no BELL / Ongaku Gatas
24. MM OG Medley:
• Morning Coffee / Nakazawa, Abe, Iida, Yasuda, Yaguchi
• Manatsu no Kousen / Nakazawa, Abe, Iida, Yasuda, Yaguchi
• Ai Araba IT’S ALL RIGHT / MM OG
• The Peace! / MM OG
• LOVE Machine / MM OG
25. Koisuru Angel Heart / all, except Matsuura
MC
26. Never Forget / all
MC

——————————-

Let’s REVIEWWWWWWWWWW~

Before I start I just wanna say this was an amazing concert and since I’m reviewing something on such a big scale I dunno if I really ever want to do it again. xD I doubt I’ll do Wonderful Hearts because I can’t simply be bothered doing all this again. When I get my hands on Elder Club’s real last concert I might review that. How exciting! (As if I can be bothered though) Also this contains small spoilers (in a way) so just be careful if you wanna avoid then.

——————————

~!Review!~

1. I WISH / Nakazawa Yuko, Abe Natsumi, Iida Kaori, Yaguchi Mari, Ishikawa RIka, Yoshizawa Hitomi, Konno Asami, Ogawa Makoto, Fujimoto Miki

Wow. Just wow. Great way to start. The red lights were cool and music smoothed well into the actual song. Everyone sounded good but I think the standouts were definitely Nakazawa Yuko (She shines throughout this whole concert mind you) and Yaguchi got to do the high part at the end which she did really well which I loved. Something else I noticed was the new and improved dance that went along with it was really good. Full of energy and really suited the song I think. Also, all the girls were looking good. Age has been good to them all. That’s always good. Haha. I have to say Ishikawa Rika was absolutely adorable. I used to really dislike her but after this concert… ah… her voice has gotten so much better as well. Anyway, onto the next song.

–

2. I Know / all

A good jump into this song, all the girls coming out onto the stage. Good to see that Aya did get a fair few solo lines which Hello! Project seems to forget to do sometimes at concerts when big groups sing a soloist songs. Everyone out there looked good and the outfits were cute without being overly cheesy, even with the big bows and all. Good energy by everyone. Aya stood up the top in the middle and did a good job despite the broken toe (They mention it later and the crowd gives a big “ehhhh?”) Good song, yayayay. Done.

–
MC

I know it’s just a MC but like…. I just have to say Mano Erina really shouldn’t have been then. She just seems so out of place. It really felt like they really were trying to push her in that spotlight. I don’t really like it.

–
3. Juunen Ai / Nakazawa Yuko, Abe Natsumi, Iida Kaori, Yasuda Kei

I didn’t know what this song was when I first heard it. *hides in embrassment* It’s from “Bokura ga Ikiru MY ASIA” single by the Morning Musume Tanjo 10nen Kinentai. I never really listened to the b-sides from either of their two singles. (more embarassment for me). It was a really great performance and MUCH better than the original (I just listened to it on itunes). At first I felt why is Yasuda there, being the only one not from first generation, but they really did need her there. This song is very tantilizing if you ask me. All the girls are very seductive singing it. Yuko really stands out. Her voice is the best suited for this. She sounds a lot stronger in this concert can I just say. I’m really in a Yuko loving mood lately. Haha.

Extra Little Fact: When they showed the girls on the sides they really failed at trying to dance along. Their confused faces were very funny. Haha.

–
4. Screen / Abe Natsumi

Wow. Abe sings this so well. Even though I think as a solo performer Abe isn’t as good as in a group, but she still definitely has a strong presence. Her outfit is really good too. Screen is her latest single and it shows a really good side of Abe’s voice. I would have liked for her voice to be a bit different though. It sounds just like the actual single. That isn’t exactly a bad thing but when you watch a concert, a little change is always good. The crowd also seemed really into this.

–
5. Koi no Telephone GOAL / Abe Natsumi

My god this takes me back. My favourite Abe Natsumi song. She sings this song better than Screen in my opinion and she’s having more fun too. The kick type thing was also cool. She’s flexible. ;D Haha. She also does good crowd involvement, getting the crowd to jump with her. Just was a really fun performance.

–
MC

Oh not again. Mano Erina has wormed her way into being interviewed next to Abe Natsumi by Makoto (he is lol). I don’t really like that. I like Mano Erina but I still can’t get over this whole “why is she there?” feeling. She’s cute… but this concert has got more than enough cute to go around if you ask me.

–
6. Lalala•Sososo / Mano Erina

This song is good. That’s about all there is to say though. I love the piano and Mano Erina looks as cute as ever but… that’s it. No flavour. Her voice is suprisingly similar to her single so it shows that her voice is quite better than I originally thought. It kind of has a very calm, sleepy effect to it though. I don’t like that at all. =_= Bad choice just after Koi no Telephone GOAL.

–
7. Give Me Up / Melon Kinenbi

When I first heard this song I was a little confused because it sounded so similar then it hit me like half way through the song this was a W song. After further investigation, it seems its on MEGA MELON which is their best-of album. To tell you the truth, this song gave me mixed views. I liked it but I thought the poles attached to the microphones were quite useless and it was a little on the repetitive side. Vocally, Melon Kinenbi is as stunning as ever. All the girls have really improved their voices and they are really amazingly talent, all four. I fail to see how this group can have such a small fanbase. I bet if you were to promote these girls properly and give them singles they would be going amazingly well as a girl group within Japan. It frustrates me how talented they are but how little they are used.

–
8. Kenchana ~Daijoubu~ / Maeda Yuki

Okay, the talent is just overflowing. Currently my favourite song, there is absolutely nothing I can say that I dislike about this song. First two lines she seemed a little breathy but she pulls it in amazingly and from there onwards she just blew me away. Maeda Yuki has always been such a strong performer but this was just amazing. I love how this song is a ballad too and is different to her usual song with her more traditional enka voice being put away. It’s so great to see Maeda sing like this. It really holds so much emotion within it. I’m so glad to have watched this performance. Was definitely one of the highlights of the concert for me.

–
9. BABY! Koi ni KNOCK OUT! / Yasuda Kei, Yoshizawa Hitomi, Ogawa Makoto

Onto something completely different here from enka to hypo girls dancing about. All three of them looked so strong on that stage and their dancing was just amazing. Vocally they were all strong and it might be due to the distance between the last time I heard her but Makoto’s voice seems to have changed. I can’t put my finger on it but I could hear it. All of them were just perfect. And the crowd was eating it up. Makoto Ogawa was my favourite in this performance. ^_^ Yasuda was fun too and, of course, Yossie was so cool.

–
MC

A nice little “Natsukashii” or Memorable Moment was shown and was a nice little touch I thought. It didn’t seem scripted and the girl that popped up was Fujimoto Mikitty on that screen around her debut time. Mikitty’s getting married now… wow it shows how much she’s really grown up.

–
10. 100kai no Kiss / Matsuura Aya

Yay. This is the first song that Aya ever performed at a Hello! Project concert so it only seemed fitting to have her sing it here. She looks pretty but then I realized it’s a lepord print ballroom dress. She manages to pull it off suprisingly well without looking like a loser. This performance reminded me a lot of when she performed it at her Double Rainbow concert in 2007. Her voice is song and I absolutely love the hell out of this song. Also, for someone with a broken foot, she really didn’t look like she was in that much pain. Aya really knows how to bring such an amazing presence though even just standing in one spot. That my friends is… PURE SKILL.

–
11. Yeah! Meccha Holiday / Matsuura Aya

YEEEAA MECCHHAA HOOLLIDAAAYYY! That shor skirt under her ball gown is so cute. Even though I saw picture of it before it was so much more adorable watching it in action. She even had a fluffy tail. Great energy from Aya who, again, manages to perform this song in one stop. When it gets to the “zubato” part I like how they cut to the people sitting on the side (she couldn’t do it because of her foot.) But I think this song got the best message from the girls on the side out of the whole show. They were really into it. Yuko looked so happy too.

–
12. Tanpopo (Single version) / Iida Kaori, Yaguchi Mari, Ishikawa Rika, Shibata Ayumi, Konno Asami

Ah. Now this song really takes me back. I kind of wished it would only be Yaguchi and Iida but I guess it’s okay with the other girls there. This performance really is the so emotional for Iida and Yaguchi. When Yaguchi was singing at the start it really looked like she was about to let her tears flow out. What I think made this performance so important for me was Iida holding her stomach for the whole end. She even did it as she was walking. I really think she sung this to her child that recently passed away. It broke my heart just thinking about it.

–
13. Agekai ni Dakarete / Iida Kaori

One of the two singles that was released by Iida a fair while ago, this song is really sweet and I really do love it. She sung this song top notch. I remember watching her perform at other concerts and in that period between her last she really has become so much stronger. She sounded amazingly good through out this whole song and really was amazing. If you compare this performance to the CD it sounds so much more beautiful and heartfelt. It really was a great performance.

–
14. This is Unmei / Melon Kinenbi

The crowd just loves this song. They really get into this. Hitomi really has become fierce and I say that in a good way. Her long hair was cool too. I love her so much. xD She’s so much fun (Sorry getting off track.) Vocally I think this is their best performance of “This is Unmei” and that’s always a good thing. Megumi really stands out in this performance more than usual which is weird for me as she always been the girl I remember least. Overall amazing group, amazing performance, amazing song. Nothing to complain about at all.

–

15. Ai ~Suite Room~ / Biyuden

Okay, I don’t particularly like Biyuuden but I am always willing to try. Considering this isn’t a single, I actually hadn’t heard this song before. I love it. I really, really loved it. The performance had a good atmosphere and Ishikawa just shined. She really shined through this whole concert actually (Did I say that earlier?). Actually, all three girls shined. I’m willing to give Biyuuden a second chance now I think. This song really is so catchy. The blowing kisses to the audience thing they did was so cute too. This is a lot better than any of the singles I’ve seen by Biyuuden. Who knew they had it in them. xD

–

16. Boogie Train 03 / Fujimoto Miki

Oh god. The outfit was… interesting for this to say the least. This song oozes out happiness at every place possible and Fujimoto does a great job. She must have been really fit to move like that and sing so well. I have a new grown respect for this woman. Can I just say, there is like one move she does in this song, man she is flexible. I’m suprised she sung this and not Okitegami… although that song probably isn’t really what she’s best known for. Oh well. She didn’t seem to be shy though going back to her kiddy self though.

–

17. Kuyashi Namida Porori / Nakazawa Yuko

Nakazawa Yuko=Legend. This woman is truly the leader of Hello! Project and for all time will be the best. The amount of the respect you can have for someone can only reach a certain limit but I still manage to see her as even more and more of an amazing sensei to the whole of Hello! Project. She has a look of determination on her face while she sings this song and she just connects so well with the audience. The crowd was also particularly loud for this when they chanted out her name. I loved that. When she says “Arigatou” at the end about to cry you just know she was trying her hardest. Her tears were so emotional. I love this woman.

–

MC

Another Memorable Moment was shown this time and it was Ishikawa Rika. Her reaction is so adorable. The crowd went nuts when they showed a clip of her in 3 Nin Matsuri. I found that funny. Haha. Ishikawa showed a lot of personality here which is always great because she is full of it.. My god, she has grown to be an amazing performer and everything. From today onwards I love Ishikawa Rika.

–

18. Magic of Love / Inaba Atsuko, Maeda Yuki

I loved this song for a long time and these two singers singing it is just as amazing thing. You hardily will ever hear Maeda Yuki and an upbeat song like this come together unless she’s in a big group. Her voice suited it so well. Inaba Atsuko is someone who is kind of always in the background so it was great to truly hear her voice shine. Together these girls really should start a group. I’d pay to listen to something like that. Honestly… they are both so talented. This song really blew me away so much. I loved every part of it. Top notch voices and just mind blowing in many aspects, especially for Hello! Project Concert standards.

–

19. Aoi Sports Car no Otoko / Iida Kaori, Yaguchi Mari, Inaba Atsuko, Melon Kinenbi, Miyoshi Erika, Okada Yui

Everyone loves fake guitars and dancing on stage, right? Vocally it’s all very much group stuff so it was all very smooth. Yaguchi is adorable as ever jumping around and wins the prize for cutest performer for this song. Haha. Again Hitomi is just oozing cool. Her little wink is the best part of this entire song if you ask me. Melon Kinenbi is just gold. Can I just say though that Hitomi loves her hair was too much. Kept flicking it about. The two Biyuuden girls really didn’t seem to do anything though. I wanted to see them more.

–

20. Thanks! / GAM (Chorus dancers: Inaba, Maeda, Melon, Miyoshi, Okada)

Wow. This song sounds as good as ever. Aya and Miki both look at their best and vocally everything is working well for them. I think it was good having the other girls there. Just added to that presence on the stage. Plus with Aya not being able to move much it made sence to fill up the stage and give it a bit more life.

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21. Kizuna / Matsuura Aya (Chorus: Fujimoto, Inaba, Melon, Miyoshi, Okada)

Okay… I hope I never have to say this again but… here I go… I didn’t really like this performance. It was so out of place and just seemed boring there. I would have preferred Hyacinth or something. And also… the chorus thing wasn’t a smart choice. All those girls singing along sounded weird for the song.Well it seemed weird for me. I would have prefered just Aya. It is so good yet with this placing it really losing a lot of it’s effect. Aya sounds amazing though. Really, really amazing.

–

MC

Nothing to talk about here. Just talking. Ootani was as cool as ever. Biyuuden’s girl (I dunno her name and don’t want to look it up.. I think it’s Yui but I don’t wanna say it and make a fool if I’m wrong)… I didn’t really take much notice of her. She really was giving off a lot fan service to the men in that audience. Her dress was cut pretty low and she does have a fair bit to show off. Haha. Can never complain about that. ;D

–

22. Come Together / Ongaku Gatas

I love half the girls in Ongaku Gatas. The other half is meh. There is a lot of favourites in there… the biggest probably being Satoda Mai so I don’t have much bad things to say about this group. This song is actually my favourite Ongaku Gatas song so I’m glad they sung this song. Satoda is definitely my favourite there. Vocally she was amazing too even if it wasn’t exactly pushing her vocal chords. I would have liked to see her perform a Country Musume song. *Sigh* I can dream. Konkon wasn’t really shown much in this song. I thought that was weird. Focus was more on Yoshizawa, Ishikawa and Satoda.

–

23. Narihajimeta Koi no BELL / Ongaku Gatas

Okay I don’t have the same kind of love for this song as Come Together. Vocally all the girls sound as good as before. Something about this song doesn’t catch me though. I don’t really have much thoughts on this song.

–

24. MM OG Medley:

• Morning Coffee / Nakazawa, Abe, Iida, Yasuda, Yaguchi

• Manatsu no Kousen / Nakazawa, Abe, Iida, Yasuda, Yaguchi

• Ai Araba IT’S ALL RIGHT / MM OG

• The Peace! / MM OG

• LOVE Machine / MM OG

Yay. Here it is Morning Musume Medley. When I saw this on the tracklist I was really excited. Straight into Morning Coffee they sound great. Yaguchi and Yuko sound great together. The crowd really loved this song too which is great. It suprised how popular this song was for the crowd. They really were flawess here though so I don’t blame them.

Manatsu no Kouen had a lot of energy in it and with their voices stronger now than before it sounded nicer too which I like. Yasuda hugging Abe was really cute. Yasuda has always been cool in a kind of weird way which is cool. Haha.

Now all the girls come out for a little Ai Araba It’s All Right. Apart of me wishes it was still just the 5 but they all deserve to be out there. Konkon sounds really good. This song somehow went from very happy to really thankful which I love. They really got a good feeling going in it.

The Peace was the first song that was so addictive to me when I started listening to Morning Musume so I loved that they sung this here. Yuko looked like she really was enjoying singing this song. They focused a lot more on the later generations though.

LOVE Machine was such a good way to end this medley. The song that made them famous. Iida’s face was so cute too when they zoomed in on it at the start. And then Yaguchi’s ending. Pure gold. Everything about this Medley just was so nice to hear.

–

25. Koisuru Angel Heart / all, except Matsuura

I don’t like this song so it broke my heart to see it here. It also seemed strange to place it here and it was the the second last song too. Half the lines where Ishikawa’s too. I thought it was a really weird song. It’s also from Biyuuden… I don’t know why this is here really. They didn’t sound bad but I don’t know… spoilt the mood for me a bit.

Getting passed that though, it’s so good seeing all the girls on that stage and vocally it’s all very good which has been consistant this entire concert. Makoto’s (MC man. Not Ogawa) “yeeeey” at the end I found to be quite funny.

–
MC

It was really sad seeing these names get called out and hearing the crowd cheer for them. Makoto really ruined it for me though. Only the girls on stage really cheered for him. Then when he said it was going to be the last song the faces of the girls just suddenly became so sad. And worst of all, he looked at the paper as he said “Never Forget”. Did he forget the song title. Talk about irony. *Sigh*

–

26. Never Forget / all
I will never ever, ever forget this group of performers. Even if after they graduate and we never see from them again,I know that I will never forget the memories. Through H!P, we’ve seen these girls grow and we’ve come to know each girl and been introduced to their personality. As I watched I felt myself get emotional saying goodbye to these girls. Thankyou for the memories. We’ll never forget you.

Nakazawa Yuko’s face at the beginning of this song says it all. This is the end of a long journey. Even Aya who was probably strongest at performing in this song looked upset. Abe and Miki kept it pretty serious which I thought was a good thing. If everyone was liek how Nakazawa looked it would have been the saddest performance yet probably best performance to ever his H!P. Yuko’s face at the end was really what took this performance to a whole new level. Again, Nakazawa Yuko, thankyou.

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~!Favourites!~

Favourite Performance: I WISH~ I really just love that song and I loved how well they sounded and looked. In close second is ‘Kenchama ~Daijoubu~’ and ‘Never Forget’

Most Emotional Song: For some reason I found Tanpopo (Single Version) to be really emotional. I think most likely it was because Iida was there. Although, obviously Never Forget wins.

Funnest Perfomance: Ai ~Suite Room~ by Biyuuden. Just was so good on so many levels.

Happiest/Most Hypo Performance: Boogie Train ‘03. Ah that was fun. xD Good old Mikitty. BABY! Koi ni KNOCK OUT comes in second place.

Favourite Singer: Nakazawa Yuko definitely. Especially in like Juunen Ai, you can hear how good she sounds and being the mother of Hello! Project she really put so much into this concert.

Best Sounding Singer: Maeda Yuki. She sounded good in every song she was in. Magic of Love and Kenchama ~Daijoubu~ were two of the best sounding songs to ever hit a Hello! Pro concert.

Most Shocking (in a good way) Person: Ishikawa Rika completely shocked me at how good she sounded this entire concert so I think she wins most shocking thing. I wanna see her more in the future now for sure. She just needs to find a group like Satoda Mai did and promote off that and reclaim a strong idol fanbase.

Favourite Outfit: Aya’s cute outfit for Yeah! Meccha Holiday. The whole thing showed that her growing up doesn’t mean she can’t be as cute as ever.

Most Outragous Outfit: Fujimoto’s big fluffy thing for Boogie Train. That dress was hilarious.

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Okay this mega long post is finally finished. I was going to add lots of pictures but it’s long enough. Thanks if you read all this.

]]> http://kangaesugi.wordpress.com/2009/02/03/who-said-idols-never-cry-hp-elders-graduate/ Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:21:45 +0000 Masa http://kangaesugi.wordpress.com/2009/02/03/who-said-idols-never-cry-hp-elders-graduate/

Hello! Project’s Elder Club graduated on Feb. 1st. And I haven’t had a chance to see it, but I also don’t want to. It’s just going to depressing, like graduations, but on a mammoth scale. Because it’s not just one or two or even four members… it’s all of the great Idols that we’ve watched grow and improve. It’s favorites like Mari Yaguchi and Kaori Iida, and Hitomi Yoshizawa and Tsuji Nozomi. Members who we were so excited to see come back leaving us once again, like Makoto Ogawa and Asami Konno. It’s heart breaking! It’s 22 of our favorites gone. Originals like Nacchi, Yuko, Kei and Kaori~! Gone. entertaining ones like Charmy and Mikitty. Soloists like Ayaya and Yuki Maeda! With Yui Okada & Erika Miyoshi gone, there’s none of the ex-Biyuuden members left. Mai Satoda and Atsuko Inada of Country musume. Gone. non H!P eggs of Ongaku Gatas! Gone. There’s is hope for Melon Kinenbi, who although is graduating has said that they will remain together. Of course, I’m surprised why they’re staying together, they weren’t really all that popular and they haven’t exactly been shooting out singles or albums. That said, I wouldn’t mind seeing them sign up to a different agency that would allow their music to grow into something more than pop idol music. There was a very special guest backstage though! Anyone remember Aya Ishiguro? She was most certainly one of the coolest original members ever! Here’s how she used to look in Morning Musume way back then in case it triggers any memories. She had the nose ring, had past tense, she’s a mom now, I doubt she has it anymore.

This picture is from the Morning Musume first photo album anniversary book in case anyone was wondering. Such a beautiful picture.

And then this is her backstage with Mari Yaguchi and Kei Yasuda. I find it funny how different Mari & Kei look when compared to Aya, the whole difference in outfit alone is funny.

Some more pictures of the concert

This was probably the hardest thing for Yuko to do. This is when Yuko Nakazawa gives Ai Takahashi the role of leader of H!P. Yuko used to be the oldest and the “mother” and “leader” of H!P, which really meant nothing, but it meant that she was greatly looked up to and had been there the longest. But since she’s graduating along with most of the other conditioned members, it is now up to Ai Takahashi. Ai is now the oldest member in H!P and considered the leader of H!P. I can’t imagine the pain for Yuko. H!P was her start, it was her life, Morning Musume, she grew and improved and watched all her friends graduate until she did and even then continued mentoring. She did shows and everything revovled around her and her ‘yanki’ tendencies, which would always be a joke, it was mostly how she would act unladly like once in a while really. But it was all H!P related, the shows, the performances, the music and dances. She was in H!P for so many years, it must be quite painful to have to just give it up like that.

Such a sad event, even Yossie is crying…

Here Yuko & Nacchi walk down crying, Kei being on the bottom, she seems sad, but not nearly as distraught as the other two are. That said, I feel Kei has been shunned in H!P for way too long, Hopefully she’ll continue on to new and better things.

I’m glad Kago was fired before this… I mean, I adore Kago and was so upset when she was finally fired from H!P. But the way I see it, she has started her career up again. If she had stayed in H!P she would’ve been shown the door, this was a mass firing. I hope they can all find jobs after this. Though Kago already had to find a job, and now she’s doing movies, two trailers for Kung Fu Chef are now online (a movie that Kago is in, I heard that she lent her voice in some of the music!) Not to mention she was in a play recently. She has a blog and a fan club already “the Biscuit Club” and apparently she  wants to graduate from an american high school and “battle against foreign teachers” and she wants to study English so I wish her the best, since, as I’m sure all Aibon fans know… she’s not very good at English…

Los voy a extrañar!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

OHHHH domo arigato les agradesco por todas las visitas y tambien por estar en ese puesto del top yumeki ,ya saben mañana o hoy habara una secion de walls!!!!

Enserio quisiera desearles muchas felicidades a las 2 por un cumpleaños,que la pasen muy bien!!!y sigan creciendo!!! dense cuenta que las 2 fueron parte de Hello Project Egg,teniendo Yuuka 14 y Yui 21.

Here it is everyone! My list of…

The Best 110 Single Releases of Hello! Project

Before I get into it I’d just like to point out some of those who came close to entering this list.

• Kusami Koharu – I’m sorry darling but I want good singles.
• Milky Way – Refer above.
• Ongaku Gatas – I actually am a fan of Ongaku Gatas but I don’t think they’ve made enough impact to be on this list. I want to see what they do after their first album before I place them on this list.
• Biyuuden – Well… I just am not a fan of Biyuuden. I liked their first single so much then they went really downhill for me and I already have a real dislike to Ishikawa Rika so that didn’t help much. Maybe it was those bunny outfits.
• Nakazawa Yuuko’s Enka Tracks – H!P wasn’t made for enka.
• 2005 Shuffle Groups – We all know they sucked.
• Other Minor Groups – I just don’t care for you much as all.

SO LET’S START OFF THE COUNTDOWN.

What will be coming in at #110

Number: 110

Song: Lucky Aura

Singer: Mano Erina

What a song to start off this list. It’s a pretty new song too. Well this song is good but let’s face it: It’s kind of dull. Even though, her voice is crisp and I am really obsessed with the parts where it’s just the piano playing and her voice, it does lack that star factor. Maybe that’s why she’s still just releasing Indie singles. Plus, is it just me or is Mano Erina a bit… weird. I don’t know. Imagining her in a recording studio singing this song kind of gives me the creeps. I mean, she is cute. But Something about her is off.

–

Number: 109

Song: Tokyo Bijin

Singer: Nakazawa Yuko

Nakazawa Yuko. Her first song to appear on this list… obviously. The mother of Hello! Project. Could this list be complete without her? I love Yuko’s voice even though we all know it’s never going to be able to produce a number 1 hit track ever. I love this track though. It’s like a such a pleasure listening to this track hearing her talk about wanting to be a ‘Tokyo Bijin’ when she says she is a ‘Tokyo Hag’. Don’t we all wish that we could be Tokyo Bijins? Yuko, you are a Tokyo Bijin! We all know it! I think her lack of confidence put this song so low on the list.

–

Number: 108

Song: Yaruki! It’s Easy

Singer: Maki Goto

And here she is: The one and only Maki Goto. I’ve never been the biggest fan of Maki’s more kiddish stuff but this song is the big exception. “Daijyoubu, kitto daijyoubu.” Who else had that line stuck in their head forever after hearing it? I remember how I nearly puked after finding out Ai no Bakayarou was her first single. I hate that song. It’s not THAT bad but I mean what were they thinking? *sigh* To leave Morning Musume and release that. Yaruki! It’s Easy I think was the first step in the right direction for her though. She is so cute in the film clip. How cute is that outfit by the way? xD

–

Number: 107

Song: Egao

Singer: Matsuura Aya

Matsuura Aya: the idol, the cutest girl ever, the talent, the star, the ballad singer. What can’t she pull it off? Matsuura Aya is one of the biggest reasons I love H!P today. Her voice is so amazing. I have to say Egao is an amazing song. I had my doubts about it too but after hearing a few live performances of it, my mind was changed completely and I fell in love with this song. Her voice is so good. I’m so glad I started this list…

–

Number: 106

Song: Iku ZYX! Fly High

Singer: ZYX

Why didn’t ZYX ever produce more singles? :’( They had so much going for them. They had Yaguchi! YAGUCHI god damn it! When Yaguchi left Mini Moni for this group I was like ‘how is this possible!’ feeling my heart break but then after ZYX actually proved to be good so I was slightly relieved. Then they got rid of them >_< This song has a great upbeat feel and it is cute without becoming too overboard on it all. I just wish Tsunku would shut up in it. I don’t care if he composed it, I don’t like his voice that much. Great way to start off what could have been a great group.

–

Number: 105

Song: Chance of LOVE

Singer: Melon Kinenbi

As you might have noticed, this blog is named after one of my favourite Melon Kinenbi songs so it’s no surprise to see Chance of LOVE here. This song is one of those singles in between their cute stage and their more mature style I guess. Actually, what is their new style? Dancy? I don’t know how to describe it. (I love Unforgettable by the way. Too bad it’s not on this list. >_<) Anyway this song is just so good. Except that kind of cheap jazz sound they got going through it but after a few listens you get used to it. The reason this song is so low is because I don’t wanna get used to songs. I want them to jump out at me more. Still, in saying that this song really is good.

–

Number: 104

Song: Halation Summer

Singer: Coconuts Musume

The girls from Hawaii. Who didn’t see this kind of song coming out from them? Even though this song definitely contains some really bad Japanese it’s so catchy I forgive them. If I ever had to pick a favourite Coconuts Musume song it would have to be this song. It is just so good from start to end. Too bad it didn’t make at least a bit more of a splash in Japan. Oh well. Let’s face it. They really did nothing good no matter how you say it…. I wanna listen to Watashi mo I LOVE YOU now. =_= (And that’s all there is for Coconuts on this list.)

–

Number: 103

Song: Nikutai wa Shojiki na EROS

Artist: Melon Kinenbi

What? Melon Kinenbi again? Well here it is. This song is such mixed bag for me. I went through monthes of soul searching before I put this song onto the list. Have you seen the video clip for this? Oh my god! Melon Kinenbi should never be marketed as sexy. And when they squat. Oh god. Stick to singing. Anyway, onto the song. This song is a good more stylish song with lots of little good stuff in it. It’s a little boring but still it’s another great hit from Melon Kinenbi. Urgh, I still feel sick from the PV. Avoid it.

–

Number: 102

Song: Get Along With You

Singer: Nakazawa Yuko

I’m so disappointed at myself for this. I’ve had this song on repeat so often and it’s not even in the top 100. Nakazawa Yuko with another ‘hit’ that was great but still was not enough to put her into the big leagues. This song, unlike the other songs she had before it was actually quite happy. Not cute, hyper happy happy but happy all the same… Well I think it’s happy. Have you seen the front cover for it. Nakazawa Yuko looks so good for her age even to this day. I love love love this song. But still, as I said. It did lack something so it’s here.

–

Number: 101

Song: Manatsu no Kousen

Singer: Morning Musume

Here are the big guns of H!P. The ones that started off this little fairytale. Manatsu no Kousen is one of their early releases that I love so much that was so happy and bubbly at the time but now you compare it to songs like The Peace and Koko ni Iruzee and it’s almost a ballad for Morning Musume. xD Maybe not that extreme. Anyway, This song is just overall really cute and Abe Natsumi is just a star in it Her voice shines as always. Everyone else too of course. Would have liked to hear more of the other girls too though. Everything is very harmonized and its just so good to listen to. I think I already said that. Oh well. You’ll get over it.

–

Well first 10 down. This little project shouldn’t take me too long to do I’m hoping. I just need to stay focused. I’m currently writing fanfictions, forming and now blogging. I’ve got lots and lots to do. Haha.

Wait for the next installment. Look forward to the appearance of Tanpopo and some more Morning Musume songs of course. ^___^

The year is nearly over so I thought I’d run down my favourite ten H!P singles of the year. The only ones still to be released are already available to listen to and watch on DohhhUp. I’ll also give my thoughts on the pv’s where the mood takes me just because…well H!P can be so wonderfully visual.

10. C-ute – Forever Love.

C-ute had never really appeared on my radar until this release. Sure I’ve noticed some members through other work such as Yajima Maimi singing with Nacchi on 16sai no Koi Nante which is a perfectly decent song. And of course there’s the aptly cute Airi Suzuki in Buono! Then of course there’s Maimi again in the excellent High-King. Okay so I knew two of them but that’s two more than I knew this time last year. Then intrigued by the suits on the cover of their latest single (yes I am that easily intrigued) I decided to check out Forever Love. Well I’m a sucker for a good pop tune and if it’s even vaguely guitar-based then even more so. This song has the tune and some guitars and then gets a further tick for those ever so cute “I love you” bits. Listen to it just twice and you’ll find yourself humming it. A third time is then inevitable and so on it goes. Oh and I like the suits…if not the other clothes on display in their pv.

9. Abe Natsumi – Screen.

Probably the baby-faced one’s last H!P single. I’d have liked maybe a change of style as the one criticism I do have of Nacchi’s solo career is that it tends towards the same type of music a lot. Even so this is a good enough finale for her Hello!Project days. A more mature type of song than the rest of the songs on this list. A sign of Nacchi’s stature really. I think her voice sounds great in this. I like the bits where her voice reaches up and finds a new level. Screen would fit on her best of album very well if only it had been included. This song takes a few listens for it’s charms to become apparent but it’s worth taking the time to let that happen. As for the pv well I’ve already posted some thoughts here. I think the one criticism of the pv would be it’s a bit too static. But Nacchi looks great and does all that’s asked of her. I wouldn’t have minded more than just the one room in the pv  though. It’s been done before with her. Hopefully the move to UFA will give her career a new impetus. Is it too much to hope for an injection of fresh blood behind the scenes and some new ideas on the direction she should go in?

8. Ongaku Gatas – Come Together.

What we’d call a grower but none the worse for it. Sometimes the songs that only unravel their hooks after a few listens are the ones that last the longest. This isn’t a blindingly brilliant song but it is good. It’s solid. I always like a good guitar based pop song and we get one here. We also get hand claps. Never a bad thing. I am still happily listening to this song a few months on. It may not be top of my list but it’s still a song that deserves a place on it. I think it’s my favourite of OG’s three singles so far. It comes from a different kind of place to the other singles on this list. It’s upbeat but in a slightly more mature way than a lot of the others. It doesn’t catch you up and speed you along like some songs but then it doesn’t attempt to. It’s a feel-good song that creeps up on you instead and has you humming it before you even realise it had entered your head. As for the pv well women in boots, skirts and leather jackets is never a bad choice. Add that mock kiss and some fun backstage scenes and again, while it doesn’t hit you full in the face, it does get into your system. Also Konno = enjoyment always.

7. Morning Musume – Resonant Blue.

I’ve often thought that Morning Musume tended to be a bit lightweight when it came to albums. They have had so many good singles but on the whole their albums have tended to disappoint me. Based on their previous singles Mikan and Onna ni Sachi Are I was expecting the next album, when it came, to be much like their 4th, 5th and 6th albums. A few okay songs and some poor kiddie appeal stuff that even most kids wouldn’t find appealing. Then along came Resonant Blue and I was thinking that actually maybe what we’ll get is something a bit cooler. Something like albums 7 and 7.5 (only hopefully without the words Shige-Pink and Koharu-Pink appearing anywhere). Of course in the end what we got was a cover versions album so all this is irrelevant for the time being. But I do hope that if we get another Morning Musume album at some stage in the future that it leans towards the Resonant Blue style of music. Something with a more modern sounding vibe. Although I didn’t dislike their previous two singles this is much more my kind of thing. Like with High-King this is all about Lovely and Reina. They are the two stars of MM at the moment. They combine with Koharu to give us some strong vocals to lead the music and the backing ooh’s and help me’s. When this song got to number 3 I was so pleased. MM dead? Hah. Not quite yet. Not quite. Oh and the pv(s) were great. We got something a bit more than the usual close up and then dance formula. Everyone got their own little moments. More pv’s like that would be good.

6. Mano Erina – Lucky Aura.

To be honest I don’t even remember the cute polite one being in Ongaku Gatas. I remember when her graduation was announced I was mainly thinking “who’s she?” But I am very glad she did leave. Her solo career has started off in promising style. Her first single had enough about it to suggest better things and her second single delivered on that promise very quickly. The start and finish of this single sound unlike any other H!P song from any artist or artists under 20 I’ve yet heard. A smooth, strangely harmonious voice and a piano prick your ears up before the music kicks in proper and you get this…addictive oddity. A dance style song that kind of musically sounds like it belongs in the eurodisco 90’s but with a piano that gives it more quality. A cute voice that does seem a bit unwavering in tone but that itself seems appealing. I’ve heard people say she needs singing lessons to emote more and I can kind of see where that is coming from but at the same time that kind of jarring lack of range actually adds to the song. It just sounds great but slightly strange to me. A kind of unusuaI not quite 100% polished song. I like that. Imperfection can catch the ear more sometimes. I have no doubt her voice will improve but even if she never betters this song for overall pleasure, as long as she at least equals it I’ll be buying her music. She is a bright new light in the H!P world.

5. Buono! – Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!

The best sounds-like-it-should-be-the-theme-tune-to-an-American-comedy-series-about-a-group-of-young-friends song H!P have ever released. Pure joy. It’s even got a harmonica. How can you not be won over? A perfect pick me up. It makes me feel about ten years younger. Oh who am I kidding…fifteen years younger. It’s pure unadulterated energy and joy. The pv is great too. In it Momoko is funny, Airi cute and Miyabi becoming quite beautiful in a cool way. Buono! seem to lead the way when it comes to interesting pv’s. Excepting Rottara Rottara we tend to get more going on than just singing and dancing. There’s more humour and character to them. This one has the mock playing of instruments, the funny use of Momoko’s height, the playing up of Momoko’s weird personality (the reading part), Airi reminding me of Konno with her little looks and gestures and we get cute uniforms too. A pv that does the song justice. That’s the Buono! way.

4. Berryz Koubou – Dschinghis Khan.

Possibly the most wonderfully catchy song that you shouldn’t like that you will ever hear. How can a German Eurovision song contest entry from the 70’s – about Genghis Khan of all people – be taken by a bunch of Japanese teenage girls and made into something so brilliant? It’s a funny old world. You just have to let all the uh’s and ah’s take over you. Resistance is futile. It’s the kind of song that cheers you up when you are having a bad day as you just can’t help but be won over by it’s insanity. It’s 3 minutes of perfect pop. The Mongolian Dance pv is my favourite. Mainly because I’m a narky old git and don’t want to watch a bunch of kids jumping around…well except the ones who are Berryz members obviously.

3. Buono! Renai Rider.

It’s a Miyabi and Momoko treble. Three in a row. This is a great song. Lively, sunny and with a great pronunciation of “double peace” from Airi Suzuki. I can listen to the song countless times without it starting to get boring and the pv is the same. I never tire of watching it. As usual with Buono! the pv is as entertaining as the song. A rarity with H!P sometimes. Somehow with Buono they manage to inject some extra ingredient that’s normally missing from other groups. In the pv Airi Suzuki is kawaii,  Miyabi Natsuyaki is cool and Momoko Tsugunaga is funny…again. All three have a great style in it. This is my kind of H!P look. Kind of timeless. At once both modern and a throwback to the past. How attractive is Miyabi becoming? She looks great here. In quality the pv matches the song perfectly. The song has a sense of fun, of energy, of youth. It’s catchy as hell. The pv takes that and smashes it straight into your brain. Great song, great pv, great release.

2. High-King – C\C (Cinderella\Complex).

Another rare occasion where H!P manage to bring us a great song with a great pv. Where with Buono! you get a pv full of fun cuteness that perfectly matches Renai Rider and Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! here you get cool and sexy dancing, great style and Takahashi doing that thing with her hand that could be annoying but really isn’t. Reina is as sexy as ever (in fact probably even more so than ever before), Takahashi looks more beautiful than she has in Morning Musume in the past year at least, Maimi starts her own move towards some kind of wider recognition by not looking at all out of place next to the two bigger stars, Maeda is a cute little thing and Saki is…well…Saki. The song is more towards the urban style of pop that I’ve just made up. Urban pop. Yeah that’ll do. It’s urban pop. Definitely pop music but with an urban, modern sound. The song flies along and, crucially, can be listened to about a thousand times without losing it’s impact. It’s another great example of a song that just drags you along with it. No matter what mood you were in this song is going to have you moving to it’s rhythm. And really, considering it’s Takahashi & Reina, why would you want to refuse?

1. V-U-den – Nanni mo Iwazu ni I Love You.

Biyuden (or however you want to spell them) are in my opinion one of the most underrated groups H!P had. They were disbanded far too soon. However in this their swansong they at least went out in style. Even though it’s a cover version it feels 100% theirs. By the time the song builds to it’s wonderful crescendo it has gone straight into your heart. Do you feel that? That’s love. This song was love at first hearing. A classy song that is deserving of three beautiful women to sing it. It’s a very rare occassion when a song with a ballad aura doesn’t make you want to violently projectile vomit across the room and onto your midi system/iPod deck or whatever but this song manages it. Somehow the song feels joyous and not mawkish. It feels like a celebration of love for the group itself. Just check out the la la la’s at the end and try not to feel swept up in it. Please treasure me says the lyrics (only in Japanese obviously). For a final song it’s a good sentiment. V-U-den will be treasured. All three members will be. Yes even the far too often overlooked (including by me) Erika. Best H!P song of the year. No doubt in my mind. It sweeps it soars and it takes you with it heart and soul. If you can avoid being swept up in it’s finale you have no heart. Simply beautiful.

The pv serves the song well and deserves a paragraph of it’s own. The grainy cinecam style picture on the outdoor scenes gives the pv a warm nostalgic feel while the indoor scenes are all elegance and beauty. Somehow the pv matches the mood of the song perfectly. It gives a feel of remembering and appreciating the past while loving the present and looking to the future. V-U-den always had far more interesting pv’s than anyone else. This one brings the curtain down perfectly.

So I’m watching my shiny new V-U-den summer concert tour 2008 dvd and one thing got me thinking. All that ^%$£*&^ shouting that the wotas do after every single line is sung…does that mean that basically unless you’re a wota it’s pointless turning up for these things? I mean I’ve noticed it a bit on other concert releases but the shouting is really loud on this. After virtually every bloody line too. Call me old fashioned but if I was going to a concert I’d want to actually hear the singing and the music. No wonder H!P fans are given a slightly derogatory press. On tv they can drown out the shouting from the crowd when showing football matches. Couldn’t that be done for this dvd? Mind you if I find it annoying I wonder what Rika thinks?

Despite that I am enjoying this dvd a lot. I love seeing these three together. They had more impact as a unit than all of the current Morning Musume put together. Harsh…but fair. I hope Erika and Yui get given something new to do soon. They deserve it. Both showed their worth during their solo spots. The extra tracks on Nanni mo Iwazu ni I Love You gave all three members a solo song. All three songs are very good and all three are sung well here. That last single was good value. Four great tracks. That’s more than some H!P artists manage on a whole album. Come to think of it that’s more than some H!P artists manage in a whole career. But enough of Ayaya.

Anyway I was thinking of reviewing the dvd but that would detract from my enjoyment of actually watching the dvd so instead here is a link to one of the songs. I really like their performance of Jaja Uma Paradise. Always a favourite song of mine anyway but here they seem to be having fun and I love Rika’s introduction. “It’s showtime. Here we go.“

V-U-den. Gone but never forgotten. They could never be forgotten. It’s too easy to remember the cowboy moves.

I just recently watch yo yo cop girl codename:Asamiya Saki..
and  my opinion?..Some are amazing scenes and some are just..Zzzz

I know 2 years and i just watched it yesterday?

Maan, Malaysia reaaaallllyyy need to get INTREND quickly! >_<
anyways..Im an action adventure kinda girl..

So the fighting scenes are just my cup of tea..
my characters reviews based on H!P girls are

Matsuura Aya= I love her acting with the badass killer look..expecially with the slight bleeding left eye..fighting scenes are great..effects on her are like sisters XD..The screaming and running..and the “F” word scene is kewl XD..

Ishikawa Rika= The part really fits her…the two faced and being all confident in looks and walk and stuffs..Im not a fan of her ever since 2000..but somehow i admired how she could pull off the “im the bitch now bow down before meh” act XD

Okada yui= Most of the time, I can’t understand a soul she was saying..she talks from the noise..with all the cutesy innocent act and shy talks makes me harder to listen to what she’s saying!  But she definitely CAN act…

Ohtani Masae=This girl can be a badass ANYDAY!..her short appearance in the begining and the bomb effects are effin GREAT!

last but not least..

Miyoshi Erika= I like this girl..and i think her personality really shines within H!P..But she could NEVER live being an actress…pretty face with a bad acting..I definitely NOT convince with her acting..but i don’t really want to complain because i think she’s a very great …

There’s a scene on the school roof balcony where there’s a little scene of Yui with Erika…its a big spoofs of lesbianism to me XD..
and the “hours” scenes really remind me of Tv Show “24″  Don’t ya think?

and Rika and Aya’s latex sexy suit fighting scene *drool* when Rika avoid Aya’s YoYo is really Matrix XD…

but overall….its an ok movie…
I’d give it 8.5 rating from 10…

If you haven’t seen it…
Go and rent or buy it!

WORTH TO WATCH!

heachan

Albums:

Suite Room Number 1

Descarga – Download

Single Best 9 vol.1 Omaketsuki

Descarga – Download

Singles:

Koi no Nukegara

Descarga – Download

Kacchoiize! Japan

Descarga – Download

Aijisai Ai Ai Monogatari

Descarga – Download

Hitorijime

Descarga – Download

Kurenai No Kisetsu

Descarga – Download

Issai Gassai Anata ni A-Ge-Ru

Descarga – Download

Aisucream To My Purin

Descarga – Download

Koisuru Angel Heart

Descarga – Download

Jaja uma Paradise

Descarga – Download

Nanni mo Iwazu ni I LOVE YOU

Descarga – Download

The Elder Club is hot (most of em, imo). But they’re being dropped soon. I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news. And if you are a wota and you like H!P in anyway, then you know already. If not, then I’m glad I was the first to inform you.

That entire group of girls right there will be graduating March 31st of the year 2009. Wow, that’s lot… about 25 girls (I did a quick count, I apologize if I’m off) are going to be “graduated”. From what I understand they’ll still be a part of UFA, maybe. Either that or they’ll continue their lives as stars in some way and others will just go back to a normal life (though that in itself will take time). Here’s my perspective on the big move as a whole.

Old Morning Musume members:

• Nakazawa… the leader of all H!P, the commander in chief who wields 50+ girls at her disposal!!! Though I know she hasn’t really done much of anything in the past couple of years. It’s a really big shock to me. When I first saw Morning Musume on Hello! Morning, she was there. I remember Nakazawa Yuko as Morning Musume. It does sadden me to see her go.
• Yaguchi Mari… my I love her too. She seems to be pretty set as a TV personality for now so she’s got something to do. Yasuda Kei is also acting in some things so she’s pretty set. Abe Natsumi, the face of Morning Musume no more… for many years now and maybe now she can be the face of herself or the face of some other group/record label. She really hasn’t been doing much lately anyway.
• Oddly enough I don’t see Mikitty up there^… But she hasn’t been doing much lately either (I believe she’s doing a Grease musical right now?). Love her voice, so let’s see if she’ll continue singing.
• Yossie and Ishikawa are doing Hangry and Angry (which I need to look into soon) and I guess it’s a one-shot deal if they’re going to be graduating in like half a year. H!P is really famous for all these one-shot groups. Yossie has got her own tv show though, so I think she’ll still stick around and do stuff. And Ishikawa, well she has a lot of fans so I don’t see her stopping for anything.
• Iida and Tsuji are busy being mothers. Maybe they will come back and do something but for now I’d count them out of it.
• Ogawa was pretty much already gone. I never really identified with her anyway. Konno, awww I liked Konno. Now she can go and completely focus on her studies I guess.

And the others:

• Melon Kinenbi… hahahaha they…. yea….I don’t really listen to them. So I can’t say much. I will admit I have a softspot for Megumi’s glasses. So I hope to see her wearing her glasses someday again. ^_^
• Inaba Atsuko does about as much as Ayaka has in the past years before Ayaka even stopped doing stuff.
• Maeda Yuki doesn’t do much either, she may just become an obscure enka singer.
• ex-Biyuuden… I was amused to hear the idea that Yui should become a gravure idol from another blog. But that sure would make a lot of sense, I have to admit. Erika can keep singing… somewhere.
• Matsuura Aya, I definitely want to see her continuing entertainment. I really like Ayaya. She’s cool.
• Ongaku Gatas: I can see Satoda Mai graduating. But just like everyone else, I’d be confused about the eggs graduating too. They haven’t been given that much time but I guess it’s time for Tsunku to axe the eggs.

I wonder why the sudden move to graduate everyone. I guess it makes sense since half of (if not 3/4) the Elder Club is sitting around doing nothing. I’m sure it’s a ploy to squeeze some sales. Or maybe it has something to do with the economy? (Hah, I hope not).

The one thing that really irks me is… This means Takahashi will now be receiving the black uniform that Nakazawa once donned. Takahashi, the star of the 5th generation of Morning Musume is now… not only the leader of Morning Musume, the flagship group of Hello! Project, but now she’s the commander in chief of all of Hello! Project. Hah, that means my love, Gaki-san is vice. Hopefully this is a good move. I hope this will give some more quality to the big three groups of H!P (Berryz, C-ute, and Morning Musume). Admittedly, I only recently started getting into the H!P kids. And hell, they’re really not kids anymore, in a matter of a couple more years they may as well just be Morning Musume’s sisters.

On another sidenote, this HAS to mean Takahashi has to be the face of Hello! Project now. She’s gotten so much special treatment for this moment. She’s either going solo sometime soon or she’s going to be stuck in Morning Musume. Not that I mind. I like her so no problem with me.

But I will miss the old days and the fact that those old days are going away now. But not all change is bad right? I hope so.

Congratulations to all and I hope their life after H!P is successful and prosperous!

~Siggy, who felt compelled to write this post after joining wotachat~

Yah! What the hell?!

Please, please, please, please, pleeeease be some sort of sick joke from someone with no sense of humour!

I think Tsunku has actually gone mad…

The ENTIRETY of the Elder Club is ‘graduating’. Yeah, all of them. Including Matsuura Aya, Ongaku Gatas, all the Morning Musume old girls and the remnants of Biyuuden. Can you say “What the fuck?!”.

I never actually swear in real life and I have never crossed the line in my blog posts, but this calls for it. I am sorely tempted to boycott H!P if at least most of these girls are not put onto another label.

I understand that most of the soloists weren’t exactly raking in the dough (Nakazawa Yuko, case in point), but to ‘graduate’ Matsuura Aya. The most popular soloist they have is just asking to come back and bite the establishment, where is not the issue.

Hey girl,  if you’re reading, get your ass over to avex!

oOh,Oh and how mean is it for the Eggs in Ongaku Gatas?
I was just starting to like them n’all and was quite disappointed when they got barely any lines in Come Together.

At least I know that IshiYoshi (two of my favourite members ever) have something else coming out…

But then you have to wonder what this means for Wonderful Hearts as well. There are people gunning for a graduation or two from Morning Musume, but now that’ll probably die down, because there’s nowhere for them to go! Unless they stay in Wonderful Hearts. But has that happened before?

In reference to that boycott comment. I don’t know if I could actually do it. So much of my favourite music is H!P and it would be difficult to do, that said recently I’m not sure that most of the releases have been exactly stellar… MilkyWay aside.

 EDIT; They’re all staying with UFA…. Why the hell did are they ‘graduating’ from the Elder Club then?

I’ll write more when I’ve calmed down.
And anyway, most of the things I’ve said could be completely wrong anyway.

Oh the joy of having something released in the UK that involves H!P members. Yes Yo-Yo Girl Cop was released today on dvd in the UK with a full range of subtitled extras. 80 minutes worth in fact…

Look you get interviews with the cast…

Yui looks so cute. Which makes a change from her looking like a total minx.

Then there’s the Premiere Press Conference where Yui looks an absolute fox and Rika sports an interesting hat that may have once been a fox…

And then there’s the not a premiere Press Conference…

Best of all though is a 41 minute making of feature…

This is bliss. Well when you live in a country starved of J-pop related merchandise and where you have to spend a fortune importing items this makes such a refreshing change. I mean I suspected that even if this film was ever given a dvd release it’d be just the film with no trimmings. So to get all this extra goodness and subtitled too is just excellent. As Charmy would say HAPPY!

Para quienes nos sepan, este video, es de la última presentación de las chicas de Biyuuden. El proximo 17 de Septiembre, lanzarán un DVD con este gran espectaculo.

Para verlo, clicker en la foto anterior

So Sukeban Deka Codename Asamiya Saki (or Yo-Yo Girl Cop as it’s known in the west) is being released here in the UK on dvd in September. It is probably the only time any UK-based H!P fans will be able to buy something even vaguely H!P related in the UK. I have never seen the film before but I have pre-ordered from HMV. Well it does feature all of V-U-den so how could I refuse? Oh and of course it’s main star is Aya Matsuura, whose character has to go undercover to expose a deadly terrorist plot hatched by lesbian suicide bombers. With a plot like that how can you not want to see it?

In no particular order… however if I have more than one of their photobooks uploaded then you can just find their name, the ones who I have more than one of will be towards the top of the list. I hope you enjoy

Fujimoto Miki

Cheri- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Fujimoto%20-%20Cheri/

Coeur- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Fujimoto%20Coeur/

Winter 2007- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Fujimoto%20Miki%20Winter%202007/

Risako Sugaya

Solo- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Risako%20Sugaya%20-%20solo/

Pure- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/risako%20sugaya%20Pure/

Rin Rin Rin- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Risako%20Sugaya%20Rin%20Rin%20Rin%203rd/

Tanaka Reina

GIRL- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/GIRL%20-%20Reina%20Tanaka/

Reina Tanaka- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Reina%20Tanaka%20-%20Reina%20Tanaka/

Shashinshuu- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Tanaka%20Reina%20-%20Shashinshuu/

Shoujo R- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/shoujo%20r%20-%20reina%20tanaka/

Reina- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Reina%20-%20Reina%20Tanaka/

RE- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/RE%20-%20Reina%20Tanaka/

Yajima Maimi

MAIMI- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Yajima%20Maimi%20MAIMI/

Sousora- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Yajima%20Maimi%20Sousora/

Tsuji Nozomi

Nono-http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Nono%20Nozomi%20Tsuji/

Nono19- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/NoNo19/

Morning Musume

Solo Fan Book- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Solo%20Fan%20Book%20Morning%20Musume/

Alohello- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/alohello/

Alohello 2- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/alohello2/

2nd Photobook- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/2nd%20Photobook%20-%20Morning%20Musume/

Heso Fan Book- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Heso%20Fan%20Book/

Best Shot Vol. 16- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/BEST%20SHOT%20VOL%2016%20Morning%20Musume/

Chain, Chain, Chain- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/chainchainchain/

The Strange Mirror (comic, romanji)- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/The%20Strange%20Mirror/

Konno Asami

Sweet Days- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Konno%20Asami%20Sweet%20Days%20PB/

See You Again- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/See%20You%20Again/

Ishikawa Rika

Mon Amour- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Ishikawa%20mon%20amour/

Abyuu- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Ishikawa%20Rika%20-%20Abyuu/

Kazahana- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Kazahana%20Ishikawa%20Rika/

Yaguchi Mari

LoveHello- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/LoveHello/

OFF- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/OFF/

YAGUCHI- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/YAGUCHI/

Takahashi Ai

Ai- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Ai%20Takahashi%20-%20Ai/

Aigokoro- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Aigokoro%20Ai%20Takahashi/

Digital 28- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/hp%20digital%20book%2028/

Mouhitotsu no Ai- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Mouhitotsu%20no%20Ai%20-%20Takahashi%20Ai/

Takahashi Ai Complete Works- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Takahashi%20Ai%20Complete%20Works/

Wataame- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Wataame%20Ai%20Takahashi/

Mizu- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Takahashi%20Ai%20Mizu/

Ai19- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Takahashi%20Ai%2019/

Yoshizawa Hitomi

8teen- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/8teen%20-%20yoshizawa/

Hello Yossi- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/hello%20yossi/

Yossui- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Yossui%20-%20Yoshizawa/

Suzuki Airi

6gatsu no Kajitsu- http://s188.photobucket.com/albums/z221/tokiozimmer/6gatsu%20no%20Kajitsu%20-%20Airi%20Suzuki/

Suzuki Airi CLEAR- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Clear%20Airi/

Michishige Sayumi

Doukei- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Doukei/

Sou sou- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/michishige%20sousou/

Shashinshuu- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Shashinshuu%20-%20Michishige%20Sayumi/

Kamei Eri

ERI- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/ERI%20-%20Eri%20Kamei/

Digital 17- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/eri%20digi%2017/

Digital 24- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/eri%20digi%2024/

Eri in Phuket- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Eri%20in%20phuket/

Digital 38- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/hp%20digital%20book%2038/

Complete Works- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Kamei%20Eri%20Photobook%20Complete%20Works/

MAPLE- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/MAPLE/

Tsugunaga Momoko

Momo- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Momo%20Momoko%20Tsugunaga/

Momoko16- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/momoko16/

C-ute

So Cute- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/so%20cute/

Tandoku Concert- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/cute%20tandoku%20concert/

Niigaki Risa

Amanatsu- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Amanatsu%20Niigaki%20Risa/

Isshou- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/gaki%20-%20isshou/

Happy Girl- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Happy%20Girl%20-%20Niigaki%20Risa/

Michishige Sayumi, Ishikawa Rika ANGELS- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/ANGELS/

Matsuura Aya, Fujimoto Miki Ayaya to Mikitty- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/ayaya%20to%20mikitty/

BerryZ Koubou, C-ute Wonderful Hearts 2006- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/berryz%20koubou%20cute%202006%20wonderful%20hearts/

Kusumi Koharu 1st Solo- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/1st%20solo%20-%20koharu%20kusumi/

Mini Moni Photobook- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Mini%20Moni%20photobook/

Biyuuden Fleur de Fleur- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Fleur%20de%20Fleur/

Yaguchi Mari, Tsuji Nozomi- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/hp%20digital%20book%2029/

Kago Ai, Tsuji Nozomi UtoU- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/UtoU/

Hello! Project Piano Music- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/HP%20Piano%20Sheet%20Music/

Mai Satoda My Life- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Mai%20Satoday%202nd%20PB%20My%20life/

Natsumi Abe ECRU- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Natsumi%20Abe%20ECRU/

Makoto Ogawa- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Makoto%20Ogawa/

Natsuyaki Miyabi 1st Solo- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Natsuyaki%20Miyabi%201st%20Solo/

Ongaku Gatas SALS2008- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Sals2008/

Shibata Ayumi Ayumi- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Shibata%20Ayumi/

Goto Maki Foxy Fungo- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Gomaki%20Foxy%20Fungo/

Kago Ai Go on the Journey- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Go%20On%20the%20Journey/

Sukeban Deka *Matsuura Aya, Ishikawa Rika*- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Sukeban%20Deka/

Yurina Kumai- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Yurina%20Kumai%201st/

RURU Cosmos- http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg278/rikkuarimasu/Cosmos%20-%20RURU/

I’ve kind of been putting this one off as you’ll see from the way I ramble and get twisted up in knots. So I apologise in advance. Charmy…what do I think of her? I’m struggling really. I like her in Morning Musume. I like her in Ongaku Gatas. I like her in V-U-den. I like her presenting Hello! Morning. Oh and I really like her Hello Pro News section clips with Yuko Nakazawa. So why the struggle? I mean she’s very pretty, is a big personality in H!P, has done some sterling work in various pv’s ( Issai Gassai Anata ni Ageru for one and Jaja Uma Paradise for another. Not to mention The Peace! of course) and can be really funny at times. And yet…I think there’s something I don’t like too. But maybe I do. Take her infamous sports festival incident. There’s not many members of H!P who would react like that. On the one hand you could see it as someone who really needs to get a bit of perspective or who is a bit childish (mind you she was a lot younger at the time) but on the other hand here is someone who is very competitive, someone who really doesn’t want to lose and who when she feels injustice is not afraid to shout about it. Well at least she has some fire even if she lost a bit of dignity. Yes there seems to be something just under the surface with Rika. Is she more complex than other members? Or should that be more normal? And why can’t I put my finger on it properly?

Anyway I do really like her. Why? Well yes there’s her looks. If you ignore her horrible blonde hair period she is certainly damn pretty, stunningly so sometimes. But looks mean nothing in H!P without personality. After all there’s bloody loads of pretty girls in H!P so why like one just based on looks? Besides when you look at someone, whether you realise it or not, you automatically place a personality on them. You never can separate looks and personality. Everything from the way a person moves to the way they dress, style their hair, smile, speak, laugh, etc, influences your opinion of them (especially when it’s someone you don’t know and so have no preconceived ideas about). So I don’t think it’s just looks. So it must be something to do with the personality then. Well she is funny. Her Hello Pro News segments were brilliant. With Yuko’s natural wit and Lovely’s cute dress-up randomness the news segment was really at it’s height. Charmy led it so well. Her introduction songs were inspired lunacy and the interplay between her and Yuko was always a delight. Away from Hello Pro News she was also a great presenter of Hello! Morning. Her scatterbrained persona was endearing and often very amusing. Okay so she makes me laugh. Big plus point but what else? I mean just who is she? Is she a geek? A beauty? A villain? A mother figure to younger members? Is she part Charmy? Is she ditzy? I think…yes. Possibly. Maybe it’s the fact that she is a bit fussy or a bit girly or a bit…wet. Maybe it’s because there’s a warmth there. Maybe it’s because she’s so hard to really pin down. Maybe it’s because she is normal, with all the hopes, dreams, beauty and imperfection that brings with it. An ability to be both sexy, charming, caring and flawed. Then again maybe it’s just the V-U-den pv’s. No that can’t be it I liked her before I saw them. Well it’s still got me beat. Whatever it is Rika has enriched H!P with her presence and I’d be very surprised if she doesn’t get another unit or a solo career. She still has Ongaku Gatas anyway but I expect her to be a bit more busy than Ongaku Gatas generally seem to be. Bring back V-U-den I say.

So somehow she seems more real because she seems to have more to her. What other member is like that publicly? You can sum up most members of H!P with a few words. Normally the words are a mixture of ‘lively’, ‘funny’, ’sweet’, ‘cute’ and so on. Rika is harder to sum up. Even her nickname Charmy doesn’t begin to properly express her personality. Whatever the reason ultimately it doesn’t matter. I like her performances in each group she has been in, I like her photobooks (gorgeous as they are), I like her in pv’s where she is always a mix of charming and sexy, I like her in tv programmes where her humour really comes through and I’d like her right now to be lying in my bed but that’s not really relevant. Or is it? Actually I think it probably really is. The girl they called Charmy has never really seemed to totally suit that nickname but you could call her beautiful, funny, silly, sexy and talented and they do suit. I guess it doesn’t really matter why I like her. What matters is I do and will get plenty more enjoyment from her whatever she does in the future. Even if there is still that something that I just can’t put my finger on I think it’s actually a special something. Rika’s personality is unique in H!P. She stands out. She was the perfect leader for V-U-den and will continue to entertain, tantalise, delight and maybe occasionally confuse. That’s as it should be. It’s more interesting that way.

So Okada Yui. The first Hello! Project person I have featured in my H!P Girls posts who isn’t a current or former member of Morning Musume. How best to describe her? What words can I use to put across just how beautiful, flirtatious and gorgeous her looks and personality are? How can I explain how mesmerising I find her in V-U-Den pv’s? How to even begin to enlighten you as to the thrill I get when I see her on old Hello! Morning episodes? A certain kind of feeling that is somehow different to the feelings I get when I see other H!P members. How to describe that special brand of sexiness that she possesses? The kind that, while it is sexy, is also very funny. A lively, happy sexy as opposed to anything more sleazy. A Carry On style of sexy. How do I even begin to put into words all these thoughts and feelings I have? How do I, in a few short paragraphs, sum up someone so unique, charming, funny, forthright, sexy, funny again, sexy some more and of course sexy? Well I think she can be best described thus…

Minx minx minx minx minx. Minx minx minx minx minx minx. Minx minx minx minx minx minx minx. Minx minx minx. Minx. Minx minx minx minx minx! Minx minx.

Minx minx minx minx minx minx. Minx minx minx. Minx minx minx minx minx minx minx minx minx minx minx. Minx minx minx. Minx minx minx, minx minx, minx minx minx minx minx minx minx. Minx minx minx minx minx minx – minx minx minx – minx minx. Minx minx minx minx minx minx minx, minx minx minx minx. Minx minx minx.