Morning Musume ’15 is set to release their triple A-side “Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only” on December 29- practically the eve of the graduation for one of their most talented centers. Sayashi Riho graduates on December 31 during the “Hello！Project COUNTDOWN PARTY 2015 ～ GOOD BYE & HELLO ! ～” concert. Much could probably be said about Riho’s graduation, and I hope over the next three articles I cover most of what needs to be said about the girl. As fitting with a graduation, a touch of sadness hangs at the fringe of every emotion. And, even as this song represents the optimism of such a drastic life change, the uncertainty looms just beyond the horizon.

The beginning of the end

“Endless Sky” as a lyric is filled with hope. Remember the illuminated doorway from “Ima Sugu Tobikomu Yuuki” everyone was stretching toward? Well, it makes an appearance in the lyrics. Beyond that door? You guessed it: an Endless Sky. One imagines the big, blue skies that stretch to the horizon and flying under power of one’s own wings. The soft protective down is cast away in favor of feathers of flight. It’s a powerful metaphor for reaching adulthood. Although all daughters will always maintain their identity as a daughter, eventually they must become something more. This is graduation. This is the time to fly.

Lots of looking upward, you can imagine.

Suberizu + Haachin

Team Blue

In the most memorable set piece, the girls of Morning Musume ’15 lie together happily in the shape of a ring. Now, I know a ring is a natural form for such a setting and one of the few choices a director has for the shot. That ring, or shall we say that circle, also contains symbolic meaning. Firstly, the girls lying together and giggling is beautiful. It’s a vision at what a sleepover at, say, Fukumura Mizuki’s house would look like. Of course, they probably would be wearing pajamas and not stage outfits … you can imagine that on your own time. To my point, what happens when one, two or four girls are added to the circle? Well, it’s still a circle. How about when one girl leaves the circle? Yes, it’s still a circle. Should they relive this scene in a month when Riho is studying dance somewhere abroad … it’s still a circle. I’m not going to hit over the head too much with this one. (focus: PonPon in pajamas …)

I’ll have two enduring memories from “Endless Sky”. Firstly, there’s Kudo Haruka. It’s Kudo Haruka crying. She is meant to represent Morning Musume ’15 as a whole. To a girl, they know what they are losing with Sayashi Riho. And, it’s not about losing a key performer. Competitive as these girls are, I’m sure they know a wealth of lines are about to open up to them. Importantly, they are losing a sister. If losing Takahashi Ai, Niigaki Risa, Mitsui Aika, Tanaka Reina, and Michishige Sayumi was like losing their doting mother hens, then losing Sayashi Riho is like watching the first baby chick fly away from the nest. The event is hopeful, yet heartbreaking and full of premonition of the emptying of the nest sure to follow.

As a final feather, Riho begins the final chorus of the song with the solo “I’m not going to cry, I shouldn’t be crying. I chose this future”. It’s a statement of sheer will. For the first part, Riho steels her nerves for the onslaught of tears that await at her graduation. Her emotional state puts her inner thoughts out in the open for the other girls to hear.She says she shouldn’t be crying because she is crying.

“I chose this future”. Ten-ish years agos in Higashi Hiroshima, Sayashi Riho decided to become a member of Morning Musume. She worked herself to exhaustion. Riho put herself in every available opportunity to perfect her idol skill-set with this one dream in mind. Sayashi Riho once chose her future in Hello! Project, and it became her present, her now. At this new crossroad, Riho has chosen a new path somewhere where only the skies can take her.

The feathers come down. The down comes down? down-down?

For my part, the drops of sadness that dot “Endless Sky” make the song and the release a much more complicated, a much richer affair than one expects from the idol world. There is joy in this graduation: a celebration of the accomplishments and the artistry that rippled through Sayashi Riho’s tenure with Morning Musume. To contrast this with the last graduation, Sayashi Riho is not going to boopity-boop off into the sunset like Michishige Sayumi. Riho as a person is much more complicated than that. For her, you get the feeling that as much as her stint was filled with joy, a certain amount of sadness also colored her experiences with Morning Musume. Maybe it’s the loneliness of the long distance runner or the loneliness of Laika. I hope that I have truly appreciated Sayashi Riho’s contributions to Morning Musume as much as I should have appreciated them. Certainly, Riho leaves Morning Musume in a much better place than she found it. Thank you for that, Riho.

And, scene … a.k.a. Sayashi Riho picks out her feather from the crowd

Possible related blogs:
Ms. ThugBear
Kimi.Kame
Hachi Mitsu Blog

You can buy Morning Musume ’15 “Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only” at CD Japan

Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only [w/ DVD, Limited Edition/Type A]


Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only [w/ DVD, Limited Edition/Type B]


Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only [w/ DVD, Limited Edition/Type C]


Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only [Regular Edition / Type A]


Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only [Regular Edition / Type B]


Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only [Regular Edition / Type C]

If you read through lyrics enough you eventually start to realize that although the lyrics seem like love songs to a boy or a girl, they’re really written about something else. There’s a joke that all the love songs written in the 1980’s are really about cocaine, while the love songs of the 1990’s are all about heroin – think about that the next time you listen to Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On”. So while “Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi” seems like it’s written about a love interest boy or girl, Sayashi Riho and the members of Morning Musume ’15 could just as easily be singing a song of unrequited love to Morning Musume itself.

Almost 20 years into their history, Morning Musume is now more of an institution more than a group of girls. Although the 13 current members comprise Morning Musume ’15, the group exists beyond each individual girl and casts shadows longer and more detailed than anyone single Musume past or present. It’s almost certain that the girls of the group have at one time interfaced with Morning Musume as though it was an living and breathing entity. Maybe it’s just the company line, but many of the girls talk as though Morning Musume is a very real first love. Sometimes, the members sounds like Morning Musume is the love of their very young life.

Let’s always have PonPon lines from now on, please

Looked at through this filter, when the girls sing the lyrics “I have a crush on you, I don’t think you’ve noticed it yet”, they’re clearly speaking to the idol dilemma/quest for more screen time. Think about all the work the girls do to improve their performance skills and their personal appeal and then think about a line like “I want you to compliment me so I tried so hard”.

So, what does all this unrequited love and all this uncertainty have to do with Sayashi Riho and her graduation? Well, everything. Riho begins the chorus by singing “When the cold wind touched my cheek softly I suddenly got sad.” The rest of the group join her in singing “My heart started to ache. Ah, notice me”. The uncertainty of her graduation comes to the forefront. The cold wind is the winding rushing past her as she leaves the group. Of course she feels sad as she leaves behind her home for the last five years. And then, in a final moment of despair, the true emotions, the need for attention, rise to the surface.

After each instance of the chorus, Riho dances the solo spotlight we’ve been waiting for her entire career. Sayashi executes flowing forms punctuated with turns, gestures to the sky, and gestures made at her chest. I like to think she’s asking questions from this unseen love- “Has my life turned enough?” and “Is my heart ready for these changes?” or equally “Can you feel my heart?”. In a song where uncertain rules, Riho chooses to express herself through dance- the constant that she has carried with her throughout her life.

Do you see the enveloping spirit?

The single light is always evocative of a conversation


Unadorned, exposed lighting- like the best existentialist sets.

I love Riho’s hand movements in this part. Beautiful, angular, and precise.

Look again at that second chorus. “In the cold wind I walk home, but I want to hear your voice. I want you to hold me. Ah, notice me.” The need of love is desperate. That love from Morning Musume, the institution, means gaining a place among the legends of the group. Has she done enough to stand next to the greats of the last 18 years? Will her graduation induce more buds to flower like the pruning of a spring garden? Nobody knows. Morning Musume could just as easily fall into ruin as it could rise up phoenix-like once again. Nobody knows. Welcome to uncertainty. Welcome to the rest of your life.

Look at the moods. Together yet still alone. Unsettling and uncertain.

Back to Riho




Look at Suzuki Kanon. She wants to feel the warmth.

The shot widens to show the source of the light.

Riho must choose between the light outside and the stark stage lights.

Hairography

I’ve only really listened to “Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi” a handful of times since it’s release. The heartbreaking essence of the song is too much to take this close to Sayashi Riho’s graduation. The moody, mid-tempo song worries me since many would dismiss it as “boring”. Like “Toki wo Koe, Sora wo Koe” before it, I find the atmosphere and the emotion of the song exciting and interesting. The steady bass tones anchor the song without interfering with the important melodic lines. Throughout the song, a filtered guitar lays down a subtle funk groove that lends a melodic response to the vocals. The guitar is like the God frequency permeating, imbuing, and coloring the entirety of the song. The guitar might as well be the voice of Tsunku answer each one of the girls’s doubts with feelings instead of words.

I’ve talked about this on Twitter a few times, and God knows I ran my mouth with it during the 9th generation auditions, but from the first moment Riho stomped her foot on the ground I knew she would be the one to bring Morning Musume back from the depths. That’s a lot of weight for a then 13 year-old girl. The more we learned about her, the more we saw her in the auditions, the more we knew Riho was the one. When Riho began to take the lion’s share of lines, spotlight, and center position, it was always for the good of Morning Musume; and, we celebrated.

Now that Morning Musume sits atop an uncharted peak, this angel of destiny enigmatically takes her leave. Perhaps Riho dreams are taking her elsewhere these days. Maybe she did not want to become another career Musume. Perhaps Riho wanted to be a part of Morning Musume but didn’t want to become Morning Musume. The group before Riho enjoyed an unprecedented stability that may have damaged the group as much as it helped- no doubt for some people, Morning Musume is still (and will always be) Takahashi Ai and company. Riho may know that state of affairs leads to the crushing vortex she worked tirelessly to escape. Before her star stamps out the glow of Morning Musume, Sayashi Riho burns red for a final time.

The wings almost descend upon her.

And, scene.

All my love to Sayashi Riho.

You can buy Morning Musume ’15 “Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only” at CD Japan

Related Blogs
Tokyo Girls Update
Hachi Mitsu Blog

Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only [w/ DVD, Limited Edition/Type A]


Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only [w/ DVD, Limited Edition/Type B]


Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only [w/ DVD, Limited Edition/Type C]


Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only [Regular Edition / Type A]


Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only [Regular Edition / Type B]


Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only [Regular Edition / Type C]

The final A-side of Morning Musume ’15’s 60th release takes on the form of “One and Only”. A first for the group, “One and Only” is the first song by the group that features all English lyrics. The song provides the opening theme for NHK World’s “J-MELO” music program, which coincidentally heavily features the girls of Morning Musume. If you look at the song in purely utilitarian mode, it makes sense that a show presented in English would have a title song in English. Of course, there are other forces at work here. As Morning Musume prepares itself for another concert in the English speaking world, sending out an upbeat and optimistic song like “One and Only” as its ambassador makes a great deal of sense.

Riho looks a bit caught unaware

After spending my last two days meditating on “Endless Sky” and “Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi“, it might be time to go into Katsuta Rina mode for “One and Only”. The song’s lyrics are an adoration of an unspecified girl (or boy or pretty much anything). “One and Only” received performance and play long before the public announcement of Sayashi Riho’s graduation, so we can suspect that the girl in the song is not Riho specifically.

Oda Sakura, vocal anchor

Sato Masaki, indescribably dynamo

Still, “I just wanna get to know you more- everything, anything about you” read like a love letter from the girls of Morning Musume ’15 to Sayashi Riho. I wouldn’t blame anyone for believing “One and Only” has everything to do with the out-going ace.

Vaguely about Riho



Maybe about anyone?

Visually, “One and Only” makes use of enveloping chroma-key effects of “Egao no Kimi wa Taiyou sa“. The imaginary world pops with song lyrics and projections of a world map complete with longitude and latitude lines. I could only imagine this imagery is a manifestation of the group’s aspirations for a global presence. They are sending this song out to the world outside of Asia afterall.

watch the journey behind the formation

The bigger story of “One and Only” for me is the integration of the 12th generation into Morning Musume. Earlier in the year we saw Ogata Haruna, Nonaka Miki, Makino Maria, and Haga Akane as the new girls. As if we didn’t know already, the alternate version of “Seishun Kozou ga Naiteiru clearly heralds the girls as the “New Start” of Morning Musume. If we buy “Yuugure wa Ameagari” as the story of the 12ki members homesick for their old life while excited (and nervous) for the coming changes, then “One and Only” completes the journey with English-bait lyrics. Keep following me- in my write-up of “Ima Sugu Tobikomu Yuuki” I wrote about the foreshadowing of a 9th generation graduation, and I discussed the burgeoning importance of Nonaka Miki in my article about Sayashi Riho’s graduation. I think if you connect the dots you will see a pathway to the changes in store for the group in the coming years.

That pathway leads to a worldwide market. Already, a worldwide contest for vocal and dance covers exists on J-MELO. The next worldwide concert date for Morning Musume is a set to take place in Houston, Texas in late-February. It’s accelerating. Look at the girls themselves: Haachin is a Japanese doll (for the fetishists), Miki speaks English and spent her childhood in the US, Maria has vaguely mixed-raced looks and loves baseball, and Akane is cute and a little “chubby” (for those Zukki loving Americans). In “One and Only”, these girls are no longer “feature girls”. They are part of the fabric of the group, and their destinies will be the same as Morning Musume’s destiny. It’s an incredibly bold journey on which the girls, all of them, are about to embark. “One and Only” could be a cheer for the girls as well as for you the listener. Together you can survive it all with her by your side, you and her.

The 12th generation roll call

some closing

a wave goodbye

And, scene

Related:
Nihongogo
Tokyo Girls’ UpdateKimi.Kame
Zaikei News
Chuu!!Sugoi!Idol

You can buy Morning Musume ’15 “Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only” at CD Japan

Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only [w/ DVD, Limited Edition/Type A]


Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only [w/ DVD, Limited Edition/Type B]


Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only [w/ DVD, Limited Edition/Type C]


Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only [Regular Edition / Type A]


Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only [Regular Edition / Type B]


Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only [Regular Edition / Type C]

If you’ve been reading TheNumber244 for a while, you probably noticed the high praise I heaped upon Shinozaki Ai’s “A-G-A-I-N” earlier this year. In case you hadn’t, I can paraphrase by saying that Aichan’s voice is one of the most enchanting things to come out of Japan in 2015. In support of her new album, the “interestingly” titled “EAT ‘EM AND SMILE”, the gravure idol extraordinaire turned singer released a PV for her track “Hikari”. Honestly, it’s been burning up my playlist. The melancholy mood evoked by the song, the plucked string bass accompaniment, and Ai’s expressive vocal delivery … all of it pulls the heartstrings. The chorus hits, and I literally say, “Damn, this is a gorgeous song!”


Aichan briefly in Hollywood

The light coming down is beautiful


Airports, hamburgers, and karaoke

The promotional video seems shot entirely from a phone at the end of a selfie stick, and entirely in airports or in America. Shots of Shinozaki Ai getting touristy and eating hamburgers pepper the PV. Central to the video, Ai dons her yukata and does up her hair & makeup and prepares for street performances in New York’s Times Square. It’s performance in its most brutal setting.

getting set


Out and about the town

This one might as well be framed

You can see the looks of the passers-by. Even amid the menagerie of Times Square, Ai must have stuck out. Look at how striking her clothes are in contrast to her surrounding. Her immaculate coif, her finely made face … even without singing I imagine she attracted a crowd (as she always has). Of course, I think there is a deeper meaning here.

Many of us like to think that we are listening to our favorite artists because of the music. Some wear it as mark of pride with mottos like “above all, the music matters more than the image”. I know. I used to be like that, too. It’s a lie. The image, the fashion, the politics, the other fans, the perception of those fans – all of it informs our decision to “fan” a group or artist or idol. I’m not interested in getting into a discussion about whether this is a good/bad thing- it’s a reality. My parents listened to the Beatles for of their mop-tops as much as wanting to hold their hands. I don’t believe for one minute that people listened to Frank Sinatra just because of his phrasing. In all my years as a musician, only the musicians I knew who paid attention and carefully cultivated their image ever “made it”. Why should Shinozaki Ai be any different?

So, when I see Shinozaki Ai doll herself for her soap box between Sixth and Broadway, there’s an understanding. It’s a performance art and not just a singing gig. The yukata worn dangerously low on her shoulders is part of her identity as a singer. The look of a full-figured Japanese doll is her professional identity, why should she run from it? She is all these things and more. The trick is to remind us all of her multidimensionality so our very one-track minds do not put her in the box instead of atop of it.

“I’ll be struggling and doing my best to be a great singer. Arigatou, New York. I’ll be back.”

I fully believe that Aichan intends to make her career as a singer. I don’t know if this means abandoning her past, but I know that because of her past any discussion of her vocal merits inevitably turns into a discussion of her work as a model. I suppose this speaks volumes about her success in her first career. Equally, though, it casts suspicion on her decision to sing and instant skepticism on her artistic merits. Maybe that’s just me. I am often beside myself thinking of Shinozaki Ai as a serious singer.

Now I know this isn’t a single release, but I cannot fail to give the girl credit or ink for her release. I don’t know why, but the career trajectory of Shinozaki Ai really captures my attention. I refuse to acknowledge any shame in her works as a model, nor do I accept any attempt to put an asterisk on her musical achievements because of her gravure work. Ai has serious talent as a singer. I can’t wait for more releases in 2016.

Back to Japan

You can buy Shinozaki Ai’s “EAT ‘EM AND SMILE” at CD Japan
EAT ‘EM AND SMILE [Cardboard Sleeve (mini LP)] [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]


EAT ‘EM AND SMILE [Regular Edition]

In a season rife with change, the latest graduation announcement comes from Hello! Project. And, it’s a big announcement. Almost as soon as the red glitter is brushed from the floor from Sayashi Riho’s graduation, another 9th generation Morning Musume graduation is announced. Suzuki Kanon leaves the group this spring. Specifically, Zukki last performance with the group will be the concluding performance of Morning Musume ’16’s “~Emotion in Motion~” tour. So far the date looks to be May 22 at the NHK Osaka Hall in Osaka, although additional dates may be added.

With Kanon’s departure, we are square in the middle of end of the ninth generation. I take keen interest in this generation because they got the revival of Morning Musume started in 2011. As the Platinum Generation members faded away, Fukumura Mizuki, Ikuta Erina, Riho, and Kanon were deprived of their kouhai status almost prematurely. They had to grow up quickly to anchor this new generation Morning Musume. The group rose from the lowest valley in the history of the group due in a part to the stewardship of these four girls. After five years in the group, we are now seeing the goodbyes. Although many things still lie on the table for Kanon, it’s about the right time for her to move on.

Now, I can’t say that Zukki was my favorite Morning Musume member. I appreciated her winning smile and jovial manner. I think her voice was criminally underused by the group. And, like most people, I easily identified with Kanon. Unlike her generation-mate Riho, Zukki seemed like an everyman. Her talent and personality may have put her in the group, but she was far from a diva and not nearly the professional as the others. She was not afraid to laugh, act silly, or become the butt of a joke.

It wouldn’t be an article about Suzuki Kanon unless we talked about her weight. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with her figure- she just didn’t have the figure of a typical idol. But look, almost everyone looks like a cow next to something like Iikubo Haruna. To think the constant scrutiny, less-than-flattering tweets, and other electronic blips directed at Suzuki Kanon didn’t affect Suzuki Kanon is unfathomable. Maybe this issue, which has been riding Kanon for almost the entirety of her tenure, figures into her decision to graduate. Frankly, it would be strange if it didn’t.

Perhaps other reasons for her graduation exist. In my mind, I can see how Sayashi Riho’s graduation opens the flood gate. If Riho, the jewel of the ninth generation and the ace of Morning Musume can leave the group, why would anyone else think they are indispensable? Morning Musume seem to add a powerful voice with every new generation, so the loss of her contributions on that level are ameliorated. Unlike the other girls in her generation, Kanon never seemed destined to lead the group. Like I posited for Riho, the new 12th and upcoming 13th generation need to gain a foothold in media outlets, which is a gentle way of saying that Kanon might be in the way of their development. Her tenure in the group rendered somewhat rudderless, a graduation just ahead of her 18th birthday feels appropriate.

Nobody likes seeing their idols fade away. In my case, I hate to see the entire 9th generation vanish before my eyes. I think stating she would like to pursue work related to welfare speaks volumes about the kind of person Suzuki Kanon is: kind, compassionate, and for the people. When any of Morning Musume needed an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or a person to lean on, Suzuki Kanon was there. It seems Zukki will be there to provide smiles and help to the nation of Japan with her new dreams. Healing people and helping people … doesn’t this sound suspiciously like an idol? Before her spotlight fades, we have the task of making green brightly illuminate her last few live performances- I’m talking to you, Houston.

Original notice (in Japanese): http://www.helloproject.com/news/4322/
Translation (from Up-Front Link Facebook)

Related:
Suzuki Kanon’s blog post translated via blog-project.net
Chia’s Blog
Okay! Musume Time
Sakura Mankai
Stella Fleure’s Realm
Magi-Kat presents “-Magic- Morning Meteora”

Michishige Sayumi – November 2014
Berryz Kobo- March 2015
Shimamura Uta- June 2015
Fukuda Kanon- November 2015
Sayashi Riho- December 2015
Tamura Meimi- May 2016
Suzuki Kanon- May 2016

Look at that list. This 1.5 year span from November 2014 to May 2016 sees the loss of 13 girls from Hello! Project. Some real prominent names occupy this list as well. Girls who anchor their respective group in some form suddenly drop from the scene in droves. The last time I remember such a large exodus from the projects was the Elder Club mass graduation in 2009.

I don’t think this particular batch of departures signifies anything as sweeping as the Elder Club graduation. Some key positions opened up, and it’s interesting to see who will fill the void. Let’s go down the line?

Michishige Sayumi
Sayumi makes some strong argument for the most productive Morning Musume leader since Nakagawa Yuko. Under the pink regime, Morning Musume grew in strength and became a powerhouse idol group once again with an unprecedented 5 straight number one singles. The current leader, Fukumura Mizuki, doesn’t have those numbers, yet. But, she is off to a good start keeping sales figures brisk. The big missing ingredient, though, is Sayumi’s knack for promoting the other members of her group. I can easily imagine the current newbies (12th generation) faring much better in the public eye under Sayumi’s leadership. In this respect, Mizuki has some big, pink-colored shoes to fill

Berryz Kobo
With two factory groups in contention, you wouldn’t think one would run away with the “next big thing” hype. But, Kobushi Factory are doing just that. Ever since breaking out with “Nen ni wa Nen”, the Hirose Ayaka led Factory show themselves to be dynamic, energetic performers. Their cohesion as a unit impresses me greatly. They’re like an army! Meanwhile, Tsubaki Factory reviews are decidedly mixed. I dare categorize they’re progress as sputtering. One thing we can’t tell now is whether either of these groups will have the longevity that blessed Berryz Kobo.

Shimamura Uta
You might think it’s shortsighted to put a girl like Uta in this list. But, I’ve never seen such a firestorm surround a single girl like it did for Uta. She was fire. With the right marketing, we could have been looking at Hello! Projects own “thousand year idol). In her place, Country Girls now have a dynamic duo of pint sized prowess, Funaki Musubu and Yanagawa Nanami. They’re adorableness already noted, we saw the duo’s camera savvy characters in the 1st two “Girls Night Out” episodes. Also emerging is the pair’s high performance level. They blend right in! Will they catch with the rest of the idol community? I think they are only one “get” away.

Fukuda Kanon and Tamura Meimi
The main vocalists for S/mileage and Angerme won’t be replaced with a single girl. Kanon’s steady presence and voice anchored the group through the second phase of S/mileage. One can only contemplate how a lesser voice would have affected the group’s through its progressing toward the present Angerme. Meanwhile, Meimi and her spectacular canines seemed right in the mix to sing her heart out. With her upcoming graduation, though, she will not be the one to carry the torch. Luckily, Angerme have benefited the most from the recent influx of talent into Hello! Project. To carry the group vocally, I see a replacement and probable upgrade in 3rd generation Murota Mizuki. Fellow 3rd gen Sasaki Rikako keeps the group in the consciousness with her contract as a model for Seventeen magazine, while Aikawa Maho plays the cute card. Finally, fourth generation Kamikokuryo Moe brings a similar blend of talent and looks that may develop incredibly in the next few years. Perhaps an “ace in the hole”?

Sayashi Riho and Suzuki Kanon
Maybe I’m being unfair grouping these two girls together, but both girls affect the future of Morning Musume. Sayashi Riho won’t be easily replaced. And, more than one girl needs to fill the void left by the 9th generation ace. In the interim, Mizuki and Ishida Ayumi seem to fill Riho’s spots (in Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi at least). I don’t think this bodes well for the future of the group. Think about how Riho immediately filled in for Takahashi Ai after the former leader’s graduation – that wasn’t a parallel move like a move toward Mizuki and Ayumi would be. A serious foot injury to Nonaka Miki, the most talented 12th generation member, puts a serious delay on the future movement of Morning Musume. The rest of the new generation haven’t proven themselves to be reliable enough vocally to hold down the leads of Riho or the choruses of Kanon. So, in some respects the audition for a 13th generation might be a vote of “no confidence” for the 12th generation. While the group gets larger, they’re having trouble finding their next great ace. While the group may have enough power to carry it for the next year or two (’16 and ’17), we’re gonna see some sputtering unless one or more of the girls takes control.

Now, I usually don’t post articles about single covers. Just remember how much I love Country Girls, and use this as evidence. Here we go.

Limited A

Limited B

Limited C

Regular A

Regular B

Regular C

I love them all. I do.
I can’t even pick my favorite outfit. The “Boogie Woogie LOVE” outfits have a great appeal as an idol take on the ’50s diner waitress. “Koi wa Magnet” is simple and classic. “Ranrarun Anata ni Muchuu” is a frilly lolita thing. What’s to hate?

Let me pick three.
Regular A
The color. The checkerboard pattern. The jukebox and diner stools. CONCEPT WIN.
Limited B
Manakan center. Funaki’s hair flip. MANAKAN CENTER.
Limited C
Maximum frills. Wood floors. FUNAKI TWIN-TAILS

OK, I’m done here.

Here’s your bonus. Watch some live Country Girls.

I admit it (again). I’ve left my series on Cheeky Parade promotional videos hang without any progress for too long now. Well, I’m sure you know I’m not exactly getting paid for my thoughts here- so plans change, things stay fluid, and ideas may occasionally get abandoned. Well, I’m not abandoning this series!

Cheeky Parade have recently been rocked by the announcement of two hiatus members. Both Yamamoto Marin and Suzuki Mariya will take a two-year absence from the group to study abroad and hone their craft. I’m skeptical about their plans to return, but I can only take their word at face value at this point.


Back in 2013, things were looking up for Cheeky Parade. They released their best selling single “Mugendai Shoujo ∀“, and they were ready for take-off. The group released the “Chekera” PV to promote their debut album “Cheeky Parade I”. As expected for a non-single release, the PV works with a fairly non-existent budget. The budget is clearly evidenced by the set design. We look at a darkened soundstage with only old fashioned incandescent bulbs hanging from the ceiling for decoration. Not much to look at. At least the bulbs give the impression of the Cheeky Parade dancing in some intergalactic outer space stage show. Solo shots of the girls floating weightless through camera trickery reinforce this image.

Drifting … falling …


Floating … weightless

The song itself leaves us with the memorable hook “Ch-ch-ch-chekera! Wo-wo-wo- roraba!”. Also memorable are the 8-bit flourishes heard most clearly in the clutter-free verses. “Chekera” switches feels regularly from its half-time rock guitar lead to pop verses to a big-beat breakdown b-melody, and back to a fast paced chorus. The memorable song remains in their repertoire to this day as it begs for crowd participation and chants.

I love the slow drill the girls execute behind Hina’s verse

Marin behind a supernova

Outfits keep the space-age theme intact with a red and silver motif worn on miniskirts. Everything looks futuristic with their outfits’ plastic appearance and sleek lines. High boots and silver accessories complete the look. Let’s just say I approve of the look as the distinctive look sets them apart from most other idol units.

The approaching star

I adore this period in Cheeky Parade’s history. Their freshness clearly comes through in their promotional materials. Again, they show themselves to have a distinctiveness in choreography, styling, and song selection. The space-age aesthetics appeal to me greatly- plastics are the future! Won’t you check it out?
BOOM

and … scene

You can buy “Chekera” on Cheeky Parade’s “Cheeky Parade I” album at CD Japan.

Bonus jumping Mariya … not quite clear enough for the actual article

Details for Suzuki Kanon’s graduation concert have finally been released through the Hello! Project official website. Zukki gets a graduation on May 31, 2016 at Budokan. I think many are releived that Kanon’s graduation locale is set at the storied venue in the light of Sayashi Riho’s seemingly rushed graduation event at the “Hello! Project COUNTDOWN PARTY 2015 ~GOOD BYE & HELLO!~”. The event also relieves the worry at all future graduations would be held on the now annual Countdown Party.

In my previous article on Suzuki Kanon, I mentioned that she has never been my favorite Morning Musume member. But, I think her time and efforts in the group should be rightly rewarded with a graduation ceremony that befits her five years in the group and her part in resurrecting the once-stagnant idol group. I believe that a graduation at Budokan for Suzuki Kanon is appropriate. Hell, Morning Musume performs at Budokan on a regular basis lately. Anything smaller than Budokan for a graduation is just silly- just ask Riho.

At the moment, there is no information about Memorial videos, a Zukki bus tour, or anything of that ilk. A fan Suzuki Kanon Graduation Project materialized expectedly, and you can definitely take part in that (disclaimer: TheNumber244 is not affiliated with the project in any capacity).

Source: Hello! Project website

There are important things happening in Houston on February 26-28. Perhaps most importantly, Houston will be the last chance most of us in the US will have to see Suzuki Kanon as part of orning Musume. Houston will also be our first look at the 12th generation. Should Nonaka Miki feel well enough to travel, we will get to see Morning Musume with an English speaking member. As Hello! Project finds its way into more and more international events, we need to savor our chance to see and meet these extraordinary girls.

On this, the Sunday before Morning Musume ’16’s concert in Houston, I think we need to have a strategy plan. More accurately, I’m gonna type a bunch of things that I plan on doing but will probably not do due to the fluidity of the situation. I’ve even gone and created some visual aids to help us in our plans.

As you can see, there are nine events which list Morning Musume ’16 as a feature. Actually, there are ten events if you include the “press only” Press Conference on Saturday at 11:00 AM. Most of us won’t be able to attend that event so I left it off of the agenda.

Friday begins with the Opening Ceremonies for Anime Matsuri at 3:00 PM. Immediately, we need to choose between attending the ceremonies or getting in line for the Morning Musume ’16 Q&A session scheduled at 4:30 PM. Honestly, I don’t see much good coming out of the Opening Ceremonies. I’ve attended a few, and they are never very interesting. Of course Morning Musume will be there, so that’s something to look forward to. But, our best plan is to line up as early as possible for he Q&A session. We’re guaranteed some interaction with the group during the Q&A while the Opening Ceremonies will probably have Morning Musume ’16 waving briefly and then heading over to the Q&A. So, Opening Ceremonies- skip it, Q&A- line up early.

The next event doesn’t have much conflict. Kudo Haruka and Iikubo Haruna are said to participate at the “J Fashion Show: Princess” event at 8:00 PM. Unless something else pops up, we can safely head over to the fashion show to get glimpses of Honey and Duu as they strut their stuff.

After the fashion show, we have a choice. The folks at A-To-JConnections.com are running a panel titled “All for One & One for All: A History of Hello! Project” at running for 10:00 to 11:30 PM. Concurrently, the Hello! Team are holding their “Hello! Disco” at the nearby House of Dereon Media Center. “Hello! Disco” is a ticketed event that runs $12 online / $15 door (tickets here). “All for One & One for All” sounds a bit scholarly, but it probably won’t be too academic (which is too bad since I love scholarly things). “Hello! Disco” sounds fun, and I enjoyed the last event from the Hello! Team (Hello! Party 4 in New York). I’m a bit torn since I want the A-to-J Connections panel to have nice attendance, yet I also have tickets to “Hello! Disco”. Thoughts? Play it by ear.

Two events happen early on Saturday. Firstly, non Superpass attendees have ticket distribution at 9:30 AM. I’m probably going to be awake, so I may cruise by there and check it out. Next, Morning Musume ’16 have a “Press Only” press conference at 11:00 AM. I definitely plan to lurk somewhere around the conference just to see if I can find my way in. You know, I don’t have much else to do that morning, right?

T shirt: $30

Muffler: $20

Assuming I can’t find my way into the Press Conference on Saturday, my first event will be the Morning Musume ’16 autograph session. I’m getting conflicting reports about whether the Saturday 1:00 PM event is a Superpass only event. We know that an autograph ticket is contingent on a T Shirt purchase. I was planning on purchasing a shirt regardless, so this works for me. I’ll probably also purchase a muffler towel. To be clear, I don’t like either design. But, they are the only merchandise we’ll have (presumably).

The actual concert begins at 7:00 PM. Even though I have a Superpass, I’m not going to assume that everything will go well. I’ll probably start circling the venue as soon as the autograph session ends. I’ve read that line-ups before 5:00 PM are not permitted. This suits me just fine, but I have little faith that others will abide by the policy. Probably best to get there early.

Then I’m going to die.

On Sunday Morning Musume ’16 have another autograph session scheduled at 10:00 AM. I’ll definitely head there to at least watch the proceedings. If things don’t go well with my Superpass, I might be getting my autographs on Sunday. Regardless, the autograph session will be my last event in Texas since my flight leaves that afternoon. The worry, of course, is that I’ll NEED to get my autograph on Sunday and will miss my flight because of it all. Well, that is a worry.

Sometime on the first days of Anime Matsuri, I need to get to the Hello! Project booth to purchase my all-important T-Shirt. Hopefully, my Superpass will get me into the Dealer’s Room early so I can get that shirt. Remember: Shirt = Handshake.

OK, did I miss anything?
Is there a Hello! Project event I’m not aware of?
What’s your personal plan?
Will I see you at Anime Matsuri?
Make sure you say hello!

Miyamoto Karin recently posed for these photos and an interview with Hustlepress for their “Pick Up Idol” series http://hustlepress.co.jp/miyamoto20160312_interview/ . Decked with one of her frillier “Budokan” drama outfit, I think Karin might be returning from her short haircut days. Please take the time to read through her interview when you can. As for the photography, Karinchan-san’s just adorable in this recent set, so enjoy!

Check out the latest Juice=Juice PV

Hello everybody, guest contributor TheNumber244 here to bring you up to date with the new month of Hello! Project rankings. This time I’ll be setting out a pile of Hello! Project photocards and allowing my pet parakeet, Bruno, to pick up his favorites. Based on his beak of destiny, I’ll be able to divine the fortunes of all of Hello! Project! You might call that method a bit weird, but I’m just as crackers as Bruno.

You may have noticed that I’m returning after a one month vacation. Well, I’ve been writing this column for over almost two years now without a break, so I hope you will forgive me a month of rest. Perhaps this was the wrong month to take off, as so much happened in the last 2 months of hello project. February also saw a congregation of Haro Wota in Houston during the last weekend of February. Why were they all there? What could possibly be going on in Houston? Well, to find out out (as if you don’t already know) you will just have to keep reading.

And with that,
rankings come on!

Continue reading →

Fresh from the success of the “Boogie Woogie LOVE/Koi wo Magnet/Ranrarun ~Anata ni Muchuu~” single, Morito Chisaki took time to pose for this wonderful set of photos for LoGIRL at https://logirl.favclip.com/article/detail/5633632437796864. The photos hint at the playful side of Chisaki, who in turn is growing into quite the cute girl. Enjoy!

don’t mind me, I’m just checking some technical things out.

more technical checks

sorry to keep exposing you all to this

content writing here

words words words

more checks

maybe the last?

hopefully the last?

sorry again for all the testing.  hopefully the pretty pictures make up for it.


so, yeah. That’s how that goes.

Through tweets and downright confession, I reveal my favorite Cheeky Parade member as Suzuki Mariya. Imagine how delighted I was to discover a Mariya photo feature in Tokyo Idol http://www.tokyoidol.net/?p=12988 . This is probably one of the largest sets of photos I’ve seen for an idol at an online resource, so be warned. There’s a lot of Mariya here! Hopefully her youthful spirit come through in this set.

(In a related note: why do my favorites always get styled with a hat?)






















and, that’s just for a start!

In the “better late than never” category, we’re going look at Kobushi Factory’s latest release “Sakura Night Fever / Chotto Guchoku ni! Chototsu Moushin / Osu! Kobushi Tamashii”. The sophomore single from the young group performed well selling 33,903 copies and hitting number one on the Oricon weekly charts. To date, the only other groups in the Hello! Project to place at the top spot are Morning Musume and Juice=Juice. Their achievement keeps the group in contention for best third fiddle in Hello! Project. Perhaps more diplomatically, I should say Kobushi Factory‘s second single raises the consistency and general level of Hello! Project. Looking at the H!P stable now we have Morning Musume clearly the flagship with sales over 100,000; C-ute consistently selling 60,000+ copies; Angerme at the 40,000 unit level; Juice=Juice surging to 40,000 units with a weekly number one; Country Girls hitting the 40,000 unit level; and Kobushi Factory at the 30,000+ level with a weekly number one. For H!P, if their lowest selling unit is still placing at the top of the charts, then things look pretty good.

Back to the single, Sakura Night Fever expands the sound of the Factory with an uplifting and energetic disco-inspired dance track. The chorus hooks listeners with the cheer “Fever! Fever!” As the group cheers, Kobushi Factory’s unified presence impresses me greatly. One gets the sense that the girls in the Factory enjoy each other’s company and work together well.

Spring is in full bloom, and the girls open up their smiles like … well cherry blossoms. This is probably the girliest we’ve seen from Kobushi Factory. The spring theme brings out pastel colors and floral patterns.

Oh a valentine for me?!

The girls also do a great job striking alluring poses. My twitter recently exploded with some Ogawa Rena fanboying. And I think rightly so: in my eyes she looks the best in these solo shots.


Fever indeed

Suddenly, an Enka Inoue Rei appears

OK, Fujii Rio can play, too

Then there’s Taguchi Natsumi and her tree persona. The “face-in-th-whole” shtick works hilariously. I especially love Inoue Rei and Hamaura Ayano playing with and teasing the tree.


The tree don’t like it


A jealous tree watching the picnic people

It’s enough to drive a good tree to drink

Weirdest night viewing ever

The bottom line with Sakura Night Fever? Even with a minimal budget, the concept and set design makes this PV a fun romp for any time of the year.

And, the tree chases the girls. Fair’s fair.

The second song from the triple a-side serves up a more obviously groovy “Chotto Guchoku ni! Chototsu Moushin”. The bass impressively funks things up with not only tasty licks but with enough space between notes to let the groove really breathe. Even better, the bass guitar serves an integral melodic role for the main “Chototsu Moushin” melody. Additionally, a fun organ part really brings things together with the brass accents. But really, take a listen to that organ in the instrumental sections. It’s wicked!

This particular song raised eyebrows for its pedigree with Maeyamada Kenichi (Hyadain) providing the lyrics and composition. There was a while when I was begging for a Hyadain x H!P project, and now I finally have one! Speaking musically, “Chotto Guchoku ni! Chototsu Moushin” delivers the most pure instrumental arrangement of the three, which I would not have expected given Hyadain.
Boom! Wada Sakurako!

Like everything Kobushi Factory does, the vocal delivery for “Chotto Guchoku ni! Chototsu Moushin” doesn’t hold back. Attitude laden growls fill the song’s verses and choruses. Shockingly, none of the attitude sounds forced or faked. H!P took a big chance with the vocals: a group with less spunk would have turned the song into a parody.

For this outing, the girls wear monochromatic skirts and blazers which either makes them look like waitresses or game show hosts. Seeing the outfits in front of the sparse set accented with only red lights makes sense.

A wall constructed from cubical foam blocks serves as the main set piece for “Chotto Guchoku ni! Chototsu Moushin”. One by one, the girls break through the wall in probably the most obvious metaphor in recent memory. For that, you should probably cue up some Doors.



I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the close up shots. There are some seriously pretty things going on here … and I’m not just talking about Renako anymore!

“Osu! Kobushi Damashii” sparkles with the kind of high concept goofiness that endear many to Hello! Project. Excessively color-keyed Ouendan costumes accented with leopard spots give the entire project a comic feel. Added to the boardroom scene, the promotion video becomes ripe for fantasy. In keeping with the Factory theme of the groups, “Osu! Kobushi Damashii” reminds me most of Berryz Koubou’s MADAYADE from 2008. It’s the same goofy fantasy on a theme.

The intensity level stays elevated as Kobushi Factory splits into to two opposing factions for the PV. The two sides sit opposite each other and interject animatedly with table slams and heated risings. I don’t know what they are arguing about, but there are allusions to mistakes made in the past. The conceit of the song seems to be an urge to carry ahead spiritedly despite past. Eventually the groups line up opposite each other and get into each other’s faces. The girls seem to really get into character with some priceless facial expressions.


Face time


While I love the board room set, these rows of chairs and the seated choreography also shine for this song.

Look at Hirose Ayaka’s face!

Rei is always going to deliver top facial expressions. What a cutie.

Finally, let’s remember Hamachan.

It’s difficult for me to pick a favorite from these three songs. Kobushi Factory handle these three very different songs admirably. Consistent and intense, Kobushi Factory’s pace will lead them to great heights. While it’s only been two singles, let’s all wish for Kobushi to fight their way to the top once again.

You can buy Kobushi Factory’s “Sakura Night Fever / Chotto Guchoku ni! Chototsu Moushin / Osu! Kobushi Tamashii” at CD JAPAN

Limited A
Limited B

Limited C

Regular A

Regular B

Regular C