ー：：おくの　の　毎日：：ー

Maeshima Ami to release her first solo photobook!

2011-12-30T23:08:00.003+08:00

前島亜美 (Maeshima Ami) comes from an idol group called SUPER☆GiRLS, and it was recently announced that she would be releasing a solo photobook in 27th January, titled 'あみた' ('Amita'). This is not only the first time Amita (Maeshima's nickname) would be releasing a aolo photobook and is also the first time a member of SUPER☆GiRLS would be releasing a photobook! Am so excited about this!

The photobook will consist photos that were shot in Miyakojima, secret private shots of Maeshima Ami as a SUPER☆GiRLS member, and as a model of “Pichi Lemon”. There would also be a interview section. Amita herself would making an appearance at Fukuya bookstore (Shinjuku Subnade) during the day of the release.

I started to like SUPER☆GiRLS and following them when I came across their second single song, 'ＭＡＸ！乙女心' ('MAX! Otome Gokoro'). I did have the impression of hearing their debut single 'がんばって青春' ('Ganbatte Seishun') then but I don't really know why I gave the group a pass that time. Maybe due to my fandom in AKB48 being amplified to enormous proportions when AKB48 released their 18th single 'Beginner' and 19th single 'Chance no Junban'.

I only started to make Amita my favourite among the 12-member idol group when they released their third single '女子力←パラダイス' ('Joshiryoku←Paradise'). I did take note of her in the PV of 'MAX! Otome Gokoro' quite often initially, but it was this single's PV that make me come to the conclusion, 'This is it! Amita is my favourite in SUPER☆GiRLS!'. She is just so irresistibly cute, especially her voice! ♥

Congratulations to Amita for her first solo photobook! おめでとう!!

No Sleeves 8th Single - 'ペディキュアday' ('Pedicure Day')

2011-12-28T23:33:00.006+08:00

Seems that I forgot to blog on the announcements of no3b (ノースリーブス - No Sleeves) 8th Single release. The single was released today and the track lists and album arts are as shown below.

Type A (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] ペディキュアday [Pedicure Day]
2. [CD] ジェシカはドアをノックしない [Jessica wa Door o Knock Shinai]
3. [CD] 微睡み [小嶋陽菜ソロ] [Madoromi/Kojima Haruna]
4. [CD] ペディキュアday -Instrumental-
5. [CD] ジェシカはドアをノックしない -Instrumental-
6. [CD] 微睡み -Instrumental- MADOROMI
7. [DVD] 「ペディキュアday」ミュージック・ビデオ [Pedicure Day music video]
8. [DVD] 「ペディキュアday」ミュージック・ビデオメイキング [Pedicure Day music video making]
9. [DVD] 特典映像1 Type-A ver. [Bonus Video 1 Type A]
10. [DVD] 特典映像2 Type-A ver. [Bonus Video 2 Type A]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type B (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] ペディキュアday [Pedicure Day]
2. [CD] ジェシカはドアをノックしない [Jessica wa Door o Knock Shinai]
3. [CD] Still [高橋みなみソロ] [Still/Takahashi Minami]
4. [CD] ペディキュアday -Instrumental-
5. [CD] ジェシカはドアをノックしない -Instrumental-
6. [CD] Still -Instrumental-
7. [DVD] 「ペディキュアday」　ミュージック・ビデオ [Pedicure Day music video]
8. [DVD] 「ペディキュアday」　ミュージック・ビデオメイキング [Pedicure Day music video making]
9. [DVD] 特典映像1 Type-B Ver. [Bonus Video 1 Type B]
10. [DVD] 特典映像2 Type-B Ver. [Bonus Video 2 Type B]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type C (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] ペディキュアday {Pedicure Day]
2. [CD] ジェシカはドアをノックしない [Jessica wa Door o Knock Shinai]
3. [CD] 半分こ [峯岸みなみソロ] [Hanbunko/Minegishi Minami]
4. [CD] ペディキュアday -Instrumental-
5. [CD] ジェシカはドアをノックしない -Instrumental-
6. [CD] 微睡み -Instrumental-
7. [DVD] 「ペディキュアday」ミュージック・ビデオ [Pedicure Day music video]
8. [DVD] 「ペディキュアday」ミュージック・ビデオメイキング [Pedicure Day music video making]
9. [DVD] 特典映像1 Type-C ver. [Bonus Video 1 Type C]
10. [DVD] 特典映像2 Type-C ver. [Bonus Video 2 Type C]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Regular (CD only)
1. ペディキュアday [Pedicure Day]
2. ジェシカはドアをノックしない [Jessica wa Door o Knock Shinai]
3. ペディキュアday （French Pop Mix） [Pedicure Day (French Pop Mix)]
4. ペディキュアday -Instrumental-
5. ジェシカはドアをノックしない -Instrumental-
6. ペディキュアday （French Pop Mix） -Instrumental-
CDJapan
HMV Online

Pedicure is a real nice song I must say. The PV is also kind of interesting. Wasn't able to view the PV through Sony Music Network Youtube as it was 'not made available to my country'.

Video is flipped and the pitch is increased by this uploader

NHK’s 62nd ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen‘ Performance Order

2011-12-27T17:03:00.004+08:00

Blogged earlier regarding the NHK's 62nd 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' line up, the performance order and titles were revealed!

[First Half]
1. Hamasaki Ayumi – progress
2. NYC – “100% Yuuki NYC”
3. Angela Aki – “One Family”
4. flumpool – “Akashi”
5. AKB48 – “Kohaku 2011 AKB48 Special MIX ~Ganbarou Nihon!~”
Red/White Duet: Ashida Mana & Suzuki Fuku – “Maru Maru Mori Mori!”
6. FUNKY MONKEY BABYS – “Soredemo Shinjiteru”
7. Nishino Kana – “Tatoe Donna ni…”
8. AAA – “CALL”
9. Kawanaka Miyuki – “Nirinso”
10. Hirai Ken – “Itoshiki Hibi yo”
11. Fuji Ayako – “Ayako no Okuni Jiman dayo ~Ganbarona Tohoku!! Kohaku Special~”
12. Hosokawa Takashi – “Nebuta”
13. Mizuki Nana – “POP MASTER”
14. Porno Graffitti – “One More Time”
15. Inawashirokos – “I love you & I need you Fukushima”
16. Godai Natsuko – “Kinmokusei”
17. L’Arc~en~Ciel – “CHASE”
18. Mizumori Kaori – “Shounai Heiya Kazeno Naka”
19. Mori Shinichi – “Minato Machi Blues”
20. Shiina Ringo – “Carnation – Akagumi nara Dare Demo”
Red/White Duet: Natsukawa Rimi & Akikawa Masafumi – “Asu to Iu Hi ga”

[Second Half]
21. KARA – “KARA 2011 Special Medley”
22. Tokunaga Hideaki – “Jidai”
23. Perfume – “Laser Beam”
24. TOKIO – “Miageta Ryusei”
25. Shoujo Jidai – “GENIE”
26. Gou Hiromi – “Go Smile Japan”
27. aiko – “Koi no Superball”
28. Yuzu – “Hey Wa”
29. Koda Kumi – “Ai wo Tomenaide”
30. Tohoshinki – “Why? (Keep Your Head Down)”
31. Hirahara Ayaka – “Ohisama ~Taisetsu na Anata e”
32. Sen Masao – “Kita Guni no Haru”
33. Kobayashi Sachiko – “Onna no Sakaba”
34. Nishida Toshiyuki – “Ano Machi ni Umarete”
35. ayaka – “Minna Sora no Shita”
36. Nagabuchi Tsuyoshi – “Hitotsu”
37. Wada Akiko – “Ano Kane wo Narasu no wa Anata”
38. Arashi – “2011 Kohaku Special Medley”
39. Ikimonogakari – “Aruite Ikou”
40. Itsuki Hiroshi – “Furusato”
41. Matsuda Seiko & Kanda Sayaka – “Ue wo Muite Arukou”
42. Hikawa Kiyoshi – “Jounetsu no Mariachi”
43. Sakamoto Fuyumi – “Yozakura Oshichi”
44. Fukuyama Masaharu – “Kazoku ni Narou yo”
45. Matsutouya Yumi – “(Minna no) Haru yo, Koi”
46. EXILE – “Rising Sun”
47. Tendou Yoshimi – “Ai Sansan”
48. Kitajima Saburou – “Kaero Kana”
49. Ishikawa Sayuri – “Tsugaru Kaikyo Fuyugeshiki”
50. SMAP – “SMAP AID Kohaku SP”

Looks really awesome! Can't wait to watch it =D

Sashihara Rino to star in a drama for the first time!

2011-12-26T22:02:00.007+08:00

It was announced that Sashihara Rino, from AKB48 and sub-unit 'Not Yet', will be starring in a new NTV drama titled 'ミューズの鏡' ("Muse no Kagami') which will be aired confined in the Kanto region.

It would be the first time Sasshi would be starring in a drama and will be playing as a girl who seems to have nothing to recommend her, but after being discovered by an formerly great actor 'Okita Ryu', she starts growing, and awaking as an actress. (tokyohive/natalie)

The drama would start airing on January 14th (every Saturday at 1:55 am ~ 2:10 am).

Hope I am able to watch this drama. Really anticipating to watch Sasshi's acting!

Iwasa Misaki solo debut - '無人駅' ('Mujin Eki')

2011-12-21T23:36:00.006+08:00

As posted earlier this month, Iwasa Misaki (Wasamin) would be debuting as a solo enka singer on the 1st of February 2012.

The title was revealed to be '無人駅' ('Mujin Eki') and that there would be a cover of 'ヘビーローテーション' ('Heavy Rotation') in Enka version. The DVD would contain the PV for 'Mujin Eki', the making of the PV, a short movie featuring the history of Wasamin, and a celebratory message from other AKB48 members.

Track lists are yet to be announced.

Photos from natalie

Watanabe Mayu to make a solo debut in February

2011-12-19T23:23:00.038+08:00

It was announced that Mayuyu (Watanabe Mayu) would be making her solo debut on 29th of February 2012 with the single, 'シンクロときめき' ('Synchro Tokimeki'). She would be the fourth AKB48 member to debut as a solo singer after Itano Tomomi, Maeda Atsuko, and Iwasa Misaki.

Her solo debut song would be used as the theme song for a new drama on TV Tokyo (title yet to be released), which Mayuyu would be starring in for the first time. The drama would start airing on the 13th of Jannuary 2012.

From: tokyohive|Sanspo

UPDATE (5th January):

Preview of the drama, 'Saba-dol'

AKB48 monopolized Oricon's top 5 ranking of Yearly Singles for 2011

2011-12-19T18:26:00.054+08:00

Blogged previously, AKB48's 24th single, '上からマリコ' ('Ue kara Mariko'), sold a total of 1,199,000 copies and topped many charts. It was recently announced on Oricon even more records that AKB48 made and broke!

From Oricon/tokyohive,

Oricon revealed that idol group AKB48 monopolized the TOP 5 of yearly single ranking for 2011. AKB48’s total sales for CDs, DVDs and Blu-Rays during 2011 reached 8,911,000 copies, and for the first time since they debuted 6 years ago, AKB48 received the “Total sales by artist” honor which is given to the artist who has the most total annual sales during the year which for them was 16,280,000,000 yen. Moreover, they topped 7 out of 16 categories in “The 44th Yearly Ranking 2011” proving that 2011 was the year for AKB48.
AKB48 released 5 singles this year, and all 5 sold over a million copies. Though three groups; Pink Lady in 1978, Hikaru GENJI in 1988, and Arashi in 2009, have monopolized TOP3 of Oricon’s yearly single ranking in the past, this is the first time for any artist to monopolize the TOP5. Selling over a million copies for 5 singles in one year is also a new record broken by AKB48 for the first time in 16 years when B’z and Mr. Children made the record with 4 singles in 1995.
Team A Captain, Takahashi Minami, who was present to receive a trophy for the “Total sales by artist”, commented surprisingly at the records they made, “Thank you for letting us have this wonderful prize. This makes me feel that we are accepted by people for a little bit, and also makes me really happy“.
Oshima Yuko also said, “It was a big surprise. When AKB48 started 6 years ago, it was like ‘the future is a closed book’ for us, and I never expected that AKB48 would be able to become the group to make these records. I’m honored“. Shinoda Mariko also stated that she wants to aim for more next year.
Below are the 7 categories in “The 44th Yearly Ranking 2011″ topped by AKB48:

“Total sales, by artist” – 16,280,000,000 yen (*new record for a female group)
“Number of copies sold for singles, by work” – “Flying Get” 1,587,000 copies (*new record for a female group)
“Sum of sales for singles, by work” – “Everyday, Kachuusha” 2,150,000,000 yen
“Sum of sales for singles, by artist” – 9,590,000,000 yen
“Number of copies sold for music blu-ray discs (BDs), by work” – “AKB ga Ippai” 148,000 copies
“Sum of sales for music BDs, by work” – “AKB ga Ippai” 1,010,000,000 yen
“Sum of sales for music BDs, by artist” – 1,010,000,000 yen

<2011 Oricon Yearly ranking TOP 50 : Singles>
01 – “Flying Get” – AKB48 : (1,587,229)
02 – “Everyday, Kachuusha” – AKB48 : (1,586,840)
03 – “Kaze wa Fuiteiru” – AKB48 : (1,418,888)
04 – “Ue Kara Mariko” – AKB48 : (1,198,864)
05 – “Sakura no Ki ni Narou” – AKB48 : (1,079,460)
06 – “Lotus” – Arashi : (625,935)
07 – “Meikyu Love Song” – Arashi : (614,131)
08 – “Maru-Maru-Mori -Mori” – Kaoru to Tomoki, Tama ni Mook. : (498,920)
09 – “Pareo wa Emerald” – SKE48 : (466,037)
10 – “Everybody Go” – Kis-My-Ft2 : (441,680)
11 – “Okie Dokie” – SKE48 : (434,307)
12 – “Let’s try again” – Team Amuse!! : (312,666)
13 – “Oh My God!” – NMB48 : (309,846)
14 – “Rising Sun/Itsuka Kitto…” – EXILE/EXILE ATSUSHI : (305,001)
15 – “OVER” – Hey! Say! JUMP : (297,781)
16 – “Why?(Keep Your Head Down)” – Tohoshinki : (285,051)
17 – “Banzai Venus” – SKE48 : (274,973)
18 – “Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shoujo” – NMB48 : (263,187)
19 – “T.W.L/Yellow Pansy Street” – Kanjani8 : (257,932)
20 – “Kazoku ni Narou Yo/fighting pose” – Fukuyama Masaharu : (255,572)
21 – “Magic Power” – Hey! Say! JUMP : (254,171)
22 – “Shuumatsu Not yet” – Not yet : (246,129)
23 – “Eternal” – Akanishi Jin : (241,630)
24 – “Zero” – BUMP OF CHICKEN : (238,656)
25 – “GO GO Summer!” – KARA : (230,082)
26 – “Jet Coaster Lover” – KARA : (225,175)
27 – “Dear J” – Itano Tomomi : (216,781)
28 – “Don’t Wanna Lie” – B’z : (216,239)
29 – “Let me cry” – Jang Geun Suk : (215,714)
30 – “Sexy Zone” – Sexy Zone : (211,908)
31 – “ULTIMATE WHEELS” – KAT-TUN : (210,749)
32 – “BIRTH” – KAT-TUN : (209,871)
33 – “Flower” – Maeda Atsuko : (209,781)
34 – “Naminori Kakigoori” – Not yet : (205,645)
35 – “Pera Pera Perao” – Not yet : (196,660)
36 – “My Home” – Kanjani8 : (190,942)
37 – “Greatest The Hits 2011~2011″ – Maximum the Hormone : (189,659)
38 – “‘Arigatou’~Sekai no Doko ni Itemo~” – Hey! Say! JUMP : (188,555)
39 – “Tsubasa Ni Koi” – Kanjani8 : (186,571)
40 – “365 Nichi Kazoku” – Kanjani8 : (185,395)
41 – “Superstar” – Tohoshinki : (184,317)
42 – “Ano Ko to Nogiku to Watashibune” – Hikawa Kiyoshi : (183,300)
43 – “RUN FOR YOU” – KAT-TUN : (179,296)
44 – “Sayonara Kizu Darake no Hibi yo” – B’z : (177,180)
45 – “WHITE” – KAT-TUN : (174,332)
46 – “MR.TAXI/Run Devil Run” – Shoujo Jidai : (172,205)
47 – “Time” – KinKi Kids : (171,068)
48 – “Yume Tamago” – NYC : (151,056)
49 – “Saisho no Mail” – French Kiss : (145,163)
50 – “Anata e/Ooo Baby” – EXILE/EXILE ATSUSHI : (142,927)

(Oricon/tokyohive)

Congratulations to AKB48 again!! 2011 is indeed the year for AKB48!

Nogizaka46 to release their debut single

2011-12-19T10:51:00.003+08:00

Nogizaka46 was formed back in August, as the official rival group of AKB48, by Akimoto Yasushi - the very creator of AKB48. The group would soon be releasing their very own debut single on the 22nd of February 2012.

~~More details are yet to be announced.~~

The Senbatsu members for the debut single was announced on the Nogizaka46 TV show, 'Nogizakatte, Doko?'

Senbatsu Members
Ikuta Erika
Ikoma Rina
Ichiki Rena
Inoue Sayuri
Kawamura Mahiro
Saito Asuka
Saito Yuri
Sakurai Reika
Shiraishi Mai
Takayama Kazumi
Nakada Kana
Nishino Nanase
Noujo Ami
Hashimoto Nanami
Hoshino Minami
Matsumura Sayuri

'七福神' (Top7 front girls; equivalent to AKB48's Kami7)
Ikuta Erika
Ikoma Rina
Shiraishi Mai
Takayama Kazumi
Hashimoto Nanami
Hoshino Minami
Matsumura Sayuri

[Nogizaka46 Official Website]

UPDATE (11th January):
Senbatsu members released.

AKB48 breaks record again with '上からマリコ' ('Ue kara Mariko')

2011-12-12T23:03:00.009+08:00

AKB48's 24th Single, '上からマリコ' ('Ue kara Mariko'), sold a total of 1,199,000 copies in the first week, thus became the highest selling single for the week of 19th December and the 5th highest selling single in its first week till date. Furthermore, AKB48 became the first artists ever to sell four consecutive “First Week Million” singles. What's more, all five of their singles this year have sold one million copies.

From Oricon/tokyohive,

AKB48 has surpassed Pink Lady, Amuro Namie, Hamasaki Ayumi, and Utada Hikaru to become the top female artists with the most million selling singles.
The group is currently tied with Morning Musume for having the most number one singles for a female group; which is 11.
AKB48 is currently tied with GLAY with 5 consecutive million selling singles. GLAY has held the record since February 22, 1999, with their single “Winter, again”; that’s 12 years and 10 months.

[Highest First Week Sales]

1. AKB48 “Flying Get” (August 24, 2011) – 1,354,000 copies

2. AKB48 “Everyday, Kachuusha” (May 25, 2011) – 1,334,000 copies

3. AKB48 “Kaze wa Fuiteiru” (October 26, 2011) – 1,300,000 copies

4. Mr. Children “Na mo Naki Uta” (February 5, 1996) – 1,208,000 copies

5. AKB48 “Ue Kara MARIKO” (December 7, 2011) – 1,199,000 copies

[Female Artists With A Million Singles Sold]

1. 6 singles – AKB48 “Ue Kara MARKO (December 19, 2011)

2. 5 singles – Pink Lady “Monster” (September 4, 1978)

2. 5 singles – Amuro Namie “CAN YOU CELEBRATE?” (March 10, 1997)

2. 5 singles – Utada Hikaru “Can You Keep A Secret?” (March 5, 2001)

2. 5 singles – Hamasaki Ayumi “H (independent, July 1st, HANABI)” (November 25, 2002)

Congratulations AKB48!! ☆*:.｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆

Documentary of AKB48 Show must go on

2011-12-11T23:03:00.009+08:00

It was announced that AKB48 would be releasing a sequel to their previous documentary movie, 'Documentary of AKB48 to be continued', title as 'Documentary of AKB48 Show must go on 少女たちは傷つきながら、夢を見る'.

'Documentary of AKB48 to be continued' focused on the group from late 2009 (during the mass reshuffle of the members, where many members were forced to switch teams) to the end of 2010, when soaring sales records and increased exposure made them a national phenomenon. Backstage footage, out-and-about roadtrips, and interviews with several of the group's members paint a picture of what goes on behind all the song and dance routines. (AnimeNewsNetwork, 2011)
It was a really tear-jerking and touching movie to watch, and I really enjoyed watching it.

'Documentary of AKB48 Show must go on 少女たちは傷つきながら、夢を見る' would be focusing on their hardships and successes through 2011. And again behind-the-scenes/backstage footages, illnesses, concerts, AKB48 Senbatsu Elections. The Great Tohoku Earthquake relief effort by AKB48 would be also featured in the movie. It would be aired in theaters in Japan on the 27th of January next year.

Am totally looking forward to it!

UPDATE (27th December):

262 foot wide wide poster for AKB48’s new documentary placed in Shinjuku

(from Oricon)

UPDATE (5th January):
It was just announced that NHK will be broadcasting their own documentary on the AKB48 on 23rd January titled, “DOCUMENTARY of AKB48+1“, at 24:15 JST. It is different from the documentary movie, 'Documentary of AKB48 Show must go on 少女たちは傷つきながら、夢を見る'.

UPDATE (18th January):
It was revealed that their regular performances in Singapore would be featured in the documentary movie.
Their new song 'First Rabbit' would be used as the ending theme.

AKB48 6th Anniversary Celebration at AKB48 Theater

2011-12-10T23:37:00.110+08:00

公演オープニングで「上からマリコ」をパフォーマンスするAKB48じゃんけん選抜メンバー。 (C)AKS

AKB48 celebrated their 6th Anniversary on the 8th of December, the date that they debuted 6 years ago, at their very own theater in Akihabara, Tokyo. Once again Happy 6th Anniversary AKB48! お誕生日おめでとう~! (Happy Birthday!)
At the celebration, all members of AKB48 [Team A, B, K and Kenkyuusei (trainees)] performed on the stage, including the newly formed 13th Generation Kenkyuusei.

Here are the comments from three of the members on their blog (translated - from tokyohive):

[1st generation member, Team A] Maeda Atsuko wrote about her hopes for their 7th year, “We’ve really increased our number of members, so we’ve become a big family now (*^^*)” “I’ll do my best to work carefully so we can stand here and advance (into our 7th year). Please look after AKB48 in our 7th year as well ♪♪”

Oshima Yuko, 2nd generation member (later known as Team K) who debuted in April 2006, declared, “I was able to see our 10th anniversary that’s felt so far away. I never imagined I would feel this… Again, I want to brace myself and work hard to build up AKB!!!!!! We still have more to go~”.

3rd generation member (later known as Team B) Kashiwagi Yuki commented, “Starting with the fans, I will never forget my gratitude to all of you for supporting AKB!! I hope we can swiftly run into our 7th year.”

[My post on AKB48 6th Anniversary - My 3rd Anniversary]

More photos below,

公演オープニングで「上からマリコ」をパフォーマンスするAKB48じゃんけん選抜メンバー。 (C)AKS

MCの様子。 (C)AKS

「隣人は傷つかない」を披露するチームA。 (C)AKS

「ゼロサム太陽」を披露するチームK。 (C)AKS

「呼び捨てファンタジー」を披露するチームB。 (C)AKS

「走れ！ペンギン」を披露するチーム4。 (C)AKS

「AKB48」を披露したチーム研究生。 (C)AKS

「桜の花びらたち」を披露するAKB48。 (C)AKS

Photos from natalie: http://natalie.mu/music/news/61019
Copyright of photos belong to AKS

JKT48 released a CM for 'Pocari Sweat' with 'Heavy Rotation'

2011-12-09T23:50:00.002+08:00

Formed recently, JKT48 released a CM for 'Pocari Sweat' where they performed 'Heavy Rotation'.

The looks of the girls totally turned up to be so much better than my expectations! The thing that I feel they need to work on is the singing. Don't really feel that it's up to standard. I also felt that the tone is kind of near the lower side.. well, that can be worked on though.

There are also rumors of the release of their first PV is rather soon. Would be anticipating how would it be like.

AKB48 6th Anniversary - My 3rd Anniversary

2011-12-08T23:45:01.668+08:00

Debuted in 8th December 2005, AKB48 started out with 20 first generation memebers, which are later known as Team A. After 6 years of journey, AKB48 have grown to become a very popular idol group in Japan and also spreading around the world at a really fast pace. Currently it consists of more than 48 members with 16 members in each of Team A, K and B, and 11 members in Team 4. Not to forget, 33 Kenkyuusei members (Research Students/Trainees), excluding Eguchi Aimi - the virtual idol made in collaboration with Glico's 'アイスの実' CM.

I shall not talk too much into the history, which I already posted on a page of this blog, and go straight to my reflection on my three years of AKB48 fandom. Thus, can be considered 3rd Anniversary for me.

2008

It all started with '大声ダイヤモンド' ('Oogoe Diamond'), which I happen to come across on Youtube, not on AKB48 Official Youtube Channel as that time the channel wasn't created yet. Or was it a friend send me a the link.. cannot remember very clearly but what I do remember is all started with that 'Oogoe Diamond' PV, around the period after my O-Level Exams - which is coincidentally around start of December.

'大声ダイヤモンド' uploaded on AKB48 Official Youtube Channel near 2 years later

Loved the song instantly due to the 'high-school' theme, the dance, Matsui Jurina and at to a little extent the broad vocal range - which is possible with so many members, where different groups of girls filling in the high mid and low pitch. One might ask, why Jurina? Some fans that were in the fandom way before me even told me that when the 'Oogoe Diamond' was released, not many fans were happy with the push given to Jurina, where the covers of the single only featured her and the center (lead) of the single is also her and not Atsuko Maeda, the center/lead of past AKB48 singles since debut.

Regular (left) and Theater (right) version of 'Oogoe Diamond'

My answer would be her mature looks, and the energy in her dance.
(Her actual age was 11 but seriously she looks much much more mature than her age)

Matsui Jurina is actually from SKE48 and the first non-AKB48 member in an AKB48 single. I didn't know of that yet at that time.
There are also a handful more members that caught my attention also, although not as much as Jurina, whom I did not know their names at that time. They are Atsuko Maeda, Miyazawa Sae, Akimoto Sayaka, Itano Tomomi, Shinoda Mariko and Watanabe Mayu.

Soon after, through suggested videos, more AKB48 PVs caught my attention - '軽蔑していた愛情' ('Keibetsu Shiteita Aijou'), '制服が邪魔をする' ('Seifuku ga Jama wo Suru') and 'BINGO!', in chronological order. I totally fell in love with 'Keibetsu Shiteita Aijou' mainly due to the vocals and this time round to a large extent the broad vocal range, which I mentioned earlier. As for 'Seifuku ga Jama wo Suru', the mystery feel and again the vocals, and for 'BINGO!', the massive cast (which I later know is the whole AKB48) and the energy in the song and PV.

However, my fandom then wasn't very deep, but at least enough for me to download the PVs using a certain Youtube downloader (which really sucks). I wasn't that Google-savvy (or rather search engine-savvy) then, so I did not know where to get the tracks online and not to mention, know about forums. Searched torrent sites that I knew that time - mininova and thepiratebay - but to no avail. Searched through local music stores while already knowing it was totally no hope. Came across CDJapan but I did not have credit card - even Paypal then only can be topped up using credit card.
The most I was able to do was to watch the downloaded PVs on my MP4 player I had that time, which again totally sucks - the heads of the AKB48 members only appeared as a few bunches of pixels as the pixel density was super low! I also converted the PVs to MP3 files, which sounded horrendous, but considered okay to me at that time because I just want to listen to the songs no matter what.

2009
Into 2009, I saw the peaking of my passion for all things otaku (anime, manga, visual novels) which took up most of my time and attention and slowly, money. My AKB48 fandom thus gradually dropped to an all-time low for the first three quarters of the year. I still listen and watch 'Oogoe Diamond', 'Keibetsu Shiteita Aijou', 'Seifuku ga Jama wo Suru', and 'BINGO!' though.

It was only until a few weeks after '言い訳Maybe' ('Iiwake Maybe') was released that my fandom started gradually rising again. The song is really catchy and I found the dance in the PV rather nice. This time, I already know of more download sources that I can at least get the tracks of some of the singles AKB48 released so far. This is when I started to love AKB48 more and more as I am slowly exposed to more of their songs.

'言い訳Maybe' uploaded on AKB48 Official Youtube Channel slightly more than a year later

The sources that I use weren't that complete and doesn't update much so I still had problem getting all AKB48 songs. Nearing the end of 3rd quarter 2009, I realized that I can actually T.T. (Telegraphic Transfer) - which charges SGD20 service charge per transfer - my money in my bank to Paypal but by then my love for all-things-2D was already peaking and most of my money went to figurines, cosplay and figurine & cosplay photography (loved film thus spent hundreds on the films, developing, etc). My photography was peaking around this time too by the way. In other words, I already found the way to buy the singles online but I just didn't have the budget.

Through more download sources I found, I came across '夕陽を見ているか?' ('Yuuhi wo Miteiru ka?'), '桜の花びらたち' ('Sakura no Hanabiratachi'), 'Baby! Baby! Baby!', '10年桜' ('10nen Zakura') and more. Love the 'Yuuhi wo Miteiru ka?' a lot due to the carefree feel it gives me.

Soon after, 'RIVER' was released and I discovered it faster than before this time round - within a couple of weeks after release. My first impression on 'RIVER' when I heard the song and saw the PV was: 'OMG.. So much energy! I LOVE it!'. Instantly loved it! Found Jurina's hairstyle super awesome too. More members of AKB48 caught my attention whom I didn't know/still didn't know their names then were, Kashiwagi Yuki, Watanabe Mayu, Erena Ono, Oshima Yuko, and Minegishi Minami.

'RIVER' uploaded on AKB48 Official Youtube Channel slightly more than half a year later

When I came across the PV for the b-side of the 'RIVER' single, '君のことが好きだから' ('Kimi no koto ga suki dakara'), which was sang by the Undergirls then, the song immediately became my top most favourite song. Played it on my phone (got a phone capable of decent MP4 play back by then) almost every time I am free while I am outside.

Takajo Aki, the center of the Undergirls, caught my attention the most and every time during her screen time, her cheerful expressions and the energetic dance totally melts my heart. At that time I still didn't know of her name though, neither the term 'Undergirls'. (Definition of Undergirls)
My favourite member started to waver from then on. Other members that also caught my attention in the PV whom I did not know their names that time were, Matsui Rena, Sato Sumire, Sashihara Rino, Ishida Haruka, and Oku Manami.

'君のことが好きだから' uploaded on AKB48 Official Youtube Channel slightly more than half a year later

Thus, I have two favourites under AKB48 since then till after a couple of months from mid-2010. Did not start on SKE48 yet as wasn't-interested-as-of-yet that time.

2010
1st Janruary 2010 was a rather memorable day in my AKB48 fandom. On the last day of 2009 after 11pm, which is already 2010 in Japan, I discovered two significant source that greatly exposed me more into AKB48.
Came across umi_uta which is a very simple page with links to every singles AKB48 released so far that time, singles from one-shot units, sub-units, albums, live concert albums, and even random tracks that were related to AKB48!
I also found D-Addicts where I found out about 'AKBINGO!', AKB48's variety show. Slowly 'AKBINGO!' became a must-watch, even till now I still regularly follow very closely every episode that's released weekly. It's just too hilarious and entertaining!

One might think my AKB48 fandom is on the rise now but no, it dipped for the second time (which was the last time till date). My love for Korean pop was actually been there for very long but lesser than for Japanese pop initially - partly due to influence at home as my household loves Korean pop and drama a lot.
With the release of 'Oh!' and 'Run Devil Run' by SNSD in January and March respectively, 'Lupin' by Kara in February, and 'Nu ABO' by f(x) in May, the love for Korean pop totally became K-Pop fever! Other than the above mentioned three groups, I was also into Wonder Girls, 2NE1 (mainly their 'Fire'), 4Minute (especially their 'Hot Issue'), and Brown Eyed Girls.

With so much attention placed on K-Pop and not to forget my new found hobby of cosplay, the first three quarters of 2010 again was the dip of my AKB48 fandom (sounds like deja vu). I still continued to followed 'AKBINGO!' and releases though.
Found '桜の栞' ('Sakura no Shiori') really nice thus I did some search and soon after I discovered 'マジスカ学園' ('Majisuka Gakuen') - a drama, which I only start watching months after I discovered it.

'桜の栞', the ending theme song of 'マジスカ学園'

[Going to go off topic here for the moment as SKE48 do affect my AKB48 fandom in some ways - in a good way]
Around the third quarter of 2010, I started picking up on SKE48 when they released their third single 'ごめんね、SUMMER' ('Gomen ne, SUMMER'). The single caught my attention as the song and PV for the cover song, 'Gomen ne, SUMMER' was really energetic and upbeat - very suitable for the ever-summer of Singapore.
Slightly before the release, I have already decided to place Takajo Aki as my 推しメン (Oshimen - which means #1 favourite) for AKB48 and Matsui Jurina as my 推しメン for SKE48. After watching PV, that decision became more firm. I shall have two favourites but from different sister-group. Through the PV three other SKE48 members also caught my attention, although not as much as Jurina, whom I did not know their name initially. They were Matsui Rena, Yagami Kumi and Takayanagi Akane.

'ごめんね、SUMMER' - found this PV in SKE48 Official Youtube Channel through suggested videos

As I start researching and catching up with SKE48, my K-Pop fever start to have signs of cooling down. I came across '青空片想い' ('Aozora Kataomoi') and '強き者よ' ('Tsuyokimono yo'), their second and first single respectively, and through 'Aozora Kataomoi', yet another SKE48 member caught my attention, Ogiso Shiori - didn't know her name for quite some time initially.

'青空片想い' from SKE48 Official Youtube Channel

I felt the need to find new sources as all the sources I know of does not have anything regarding SKE48! This is where I decided to create an account at H!O. I did come across H!O some time ago but did not bother to use it as I initially find it troublesome to create an account.
With H!O account created, I soon found that I seriously need to buy a new hard disk - thus my current 2TB external HDD, and through H!O I am further exposed more into all the media related to AKB48, TV shows, music events, etc.

Soon enough, I start dropping cosplay and made AFAX (Anime Festival Asia 2010) my last event. Was really sad that I did not have to the time and budget to go for the AKB48 concert at AFAX - the first ever AKB48 concert in Singapore! Felt that I need to free up budget to start funding my AKB48 fandom.

[Okay, back to topic - AKB48]
With the cooling down of my K-Pop fever, I started catching up on AKB48 again and just nice, AKB48 Official Youtube Channel started uploading PVs. From there, I found 'ヘビーローテーション' ('Heavy Rotation') and 'ポニーテールとシュシュ' ('Ponytail to Shushu') and initially I found it a bit odd that Maeda Atsuko isn't the center of 'Heavy Rotation'. Slowly did I realize the reason when I learned about the AKB48 Senbatsu Elections. Through these two PVs alone I saw a sharp rise in my AKB48 fandom.

'ヘビーローテーション' from the AKB48 Official Youtube Channel

Through AKB48's Official Youtube Channel, I also came across 'マジスカロックンロール' ('Majisuka Rock'n'Roll') - where the PV is the opening theme for 'マジスカ学園' ('Majisuka Gakuen'). This triggered me to start watching the drama and only regret I had is not watching it earlier! It's just too awesome! A must watch for all AKB48 fans I would say, and a recommended drama to watch for those who aren't.

'マジスカロックンロール' from the AKB48 Official Youtube Channel

And by the way, throughout the drama, 'Gekikara' acted by Matsui Rena (SKE48) and 'Nezumi' acted by Watanabe Mayu caught my attention the most and really love it when they are on screen! And it's also from this drama that my SKE48 oshi (favourite) started to waver and soon became Rena.

Towards the fourth quarter of 2010, many things happened that was really major to my fandom. 'フレンチ・キス' ('French Kiss'), a sub-unit from AKB48 consisting of Kashiwagi Yuki, Takajo Aki and Kuramochi Asuka, debuted with their first single 'ずっと前から' ('Zutto Mae Kara'). Well, Takajo Aki (or Akicha) is my oshimen (favourite), so I started following French Kiss since their debut. Through the sub-unit, I start to love Yukirin (Kashiwagi Yuki) more and more, and of course Akicha even more!

A month later, AKB48 released their 18th single, 'Beginner', which totally blew me away. It was this very moment that I dropped K-Pop (not totally though, till now I still love a few K-Pop groups) and not only did my K-Pop fandom dropped to all-time low, my otaskuism (love for all-things-2D) also started to drop. In 'geek' term, can be considered a sign of conversion from otaku to wotaku/wota (idol otaku - simply crazily in love with idols) I guess. There was so much energy and 'ferocity' in the song and PV, along with the cool costumes and awesomely cool feel it gives, that it made me love it A LOT. It's still one of my top favourite tracks by AKB48 till date. My AKB48 fandom thus saw a steep ascend.

'Beginner' from the AKB48 Official Youtube Channel

[The original uncensored version - not on official youtube - is even more awesome by the way]

At the later part of the year, a Janken tournament was introduced to decide the Senbatsu members to appear in the next single. I did not follow the tournament at that time but did found out that Akicha, my oshimen, got into the Senbatsu for the Janken single. I find the cover song, 'チャンスの順番' ('Chance no Junban'), was rather okay only and the main highlight of the single to me was actually the b-side of Type A of the single, '胡桃とダイアローグ' ('Kurumi to Dialogue')

Totally love every aspect of the song, which do have some mysterious feel to it. The PV was really good and I really like the meaning behind it. The temptations in life eh...

Wanted to buy the singles itself this time round, since found the way to and am able to transfer money to my Paypal, but couldn't. Pre-ordered too many figurines and anime collectibles, which I actually do regret pre-ordering, and out of responsibility, I decided to pay for them and not cancel my orders last minute. Ended up with not only not enough cash to buy the AKB48 18th and 19th single but also not being able to go for their Meet-the-Fans session at Singapore Toys Games & Comics Convention (STGCC 2010) on the 10th of December. Thus, from then I started to stop all my pre-ordering and buying of otaku stuff, and put my film photography on hiatus, to free up budget and save up for single releases.

2011
In the first month of 2011, French Kiss released their second single, 'If'. This is the very single that made me love French Kiss as a group a lot, not just because Akicha is in the group. The songs are totally sweet to my ears and exactly the type/style that I love the most. The PV for the cover song 'If' is super touching, at least to me. Felt my heart beat every time I watch it, seriously. The story behind the PV is really touching - there's even a 45-minute mini drama to it. Frankly speaking, some part of the mini-drama did make me want to cry. ‎(TдT) Oh by the way, it was through this single that I started to love Yukirin more and more till I met with the situation of two equally top favurites under AKB48 again. Oops!

'If' Promotional Clip from Watanabe Entertainment Official Youtube Channel

Soon after Itano Tomomi (Tomochin) debuted with her first solo single 'Dear J'. Fell in love with the single straight away due to the techno feel, plentiful of bass, and found that her singing is really good. Went ahead to watch the PV and found the dance is really nice. From this single I started to like Tomochin more and more. I still remember I even placed the PV of 'Dear J' and 'TUNNEL' (b-side) in my phone and play it every time on the way to school, and also on the way to internship in the March holidays. Since then I started to catch up on all the songs Tomochin sang as a solo or outside of AKB48 and am still even following now.

As Valentines Day arrived, through suggested videos and the sources that I use, I came across a PV called 'バレンタイン・キッス' ('Valentine Kiss') by '渡り廊下走り隊7' ('Watarirouka Hashiritai7') - a sub-unit from AKB48, which is from their single of the same title. The PV was totally like both sweetness and cuteness to the max being mixed together, giving me sugar rush every time I watch it. Started following Warota7 (short for Watarirouka Hashiritai7) since then and also searched up on Watarirouka Hashiritai - the original group name before two additional members, Iwasa Misaki and Komori Mika, joined in.

As I watched the 'Valentine Kiss' PV more and more, I realized my attention tend to be attracted more on one of the member, Iwasa Misaki - mainly due to her super pretty face! This is where I started to have three favourites under AKB48... oh noes... ヽ(ﾟДﾟ)ﾉ

Iwasa Misaki in 'バレンタイン・キッス' PV

Not long later, AKB48 released their 20th Single, '桜の木になろう' ('Sakura Ki Ni Narou'). Realized that AKB48 releases their singles in a pattern, with February-March's release as Sakura-themed. Loved all their Sakura-themed songs so far, where all of them are so relaxing and soothing, except for '10年桜' ('10nen Zakura') which is more upbeat and energetic, which is real good too.

'桜の木になろう' from the AKB48 Official Youtube Channel

Not Yet, a new sub-unit from AKB48, released their debut single in March 16 called '週末Not yet' ('Shuumatsu Not Yet') and I decided to give it a try. It turned out to be really good and feels cheery. Love it and thus started following Not Yet's releases from then on.

A short preview of '週末Not yet' from Columbia Music Japan Official Youtube Channel

While in the midst of my examinations where I am pretty stressed out, I came across 'ノースリーブス' ('No Sleeves' - or no3b), a sub-unit from AKB48, with their 2008 single 'Relax!'. The song was really morale boosting and loved it a lot. Did some research on no3b and found more of their singles too, including their then latest single, 'Answer'.

Lyrics & Translation: http://stage48.net/studio48/relax.html

Towards April, around the last day of March, there was rumours of a Singapore branch of AKB48's 3-in-1 concept, Theater + Official Shop + Official Cafe. I presumed it's an announcement from Akimoto Yasushi (did not see the news myself) but I felt that it might be an April's Fool joke as it's 1st of April the next day and it just sounds too good to be true. Idols that I loved so much and have been following since 2008 is going to come regularly to Singapore so that I can really experience he 'idols you can meet' concept?? It was used to be only in my dreams!

Ticket to the second time slot of the first AKB48 Theater 'LIVE' in Singapore.

Not long later, into May, it was really announced that AKB48 is really going to have regular 'Live' concerts in their first overseas theater - right at *SCAPE in Singapore! I was totally over-joyed and when tickets of the first 'LIVE' was on sale online, I was super anxious that it would go out of stock as tickets were selling super fast within first 4 hours (was monitoring it while having lessons).
Indeed, it did went out of stock soon enough. Did not buy online as I knew I would not make it by the time my money is transferred to my Paypal. Was extremely sad till they announced physical ticket sales would start in the morning on the 7th. Went to get my tickets on that date early in the morning, and I didn't know there were so many fans of AKB48 in Singapore! I was such a lonely fan all the while! Only if I had went for their concert on AFAX or the Meet-the-Fans on STGCC last year...
[See my first post of AKB48 Singapore here]

Also in May, French Kiss released their 3rd single 'カッコ悪い I love you!' ("Kakkowarui I love you!'). This time I actually do have money to buy it online but decided to save it for the opening of the AKB48 Singapore Official Shop. Which I regretted later as the single is really good and I could have used part of the money I overspent (which I would talk about later) to buy all three types (A, B and C) of the single.

'カッコ悪い I love you!' (short ver.) from Watanabe Entertainment Official Youtube Channel

14 & 15 May - Two of my most significant days of my AKB48 fandom. On 14th May, the launch of the AKB48 Official Shop and handshake session with three guests, Iwasa Misaki (Wasamin), Komori Mika (Komorin, or Mikapon - which I knew her as that time), and Miyazaki Miho (Myao) and on 15th May the first 'LIVE'!

Post on:
Visit to AKB48 Singapore Official Shop Opening
Photos of Iwasa Misaki, Mika Komori, Miho Miyazaki
AKB48 Singapore Theatre 'LIVE' Vol.1

The handshake session is really memorable as it was the first ever handshake session with my favourite artiste (group for this case) in general. The previous time I got so close to an artiste was at a mini-event at Bugis Junction by Rainie Yang for her single 'Meeting Love', which is long time ago! But well, I was still a lonely fan at the handshake session so I was only able to keep the excitement to myself.

As mentioned in my 'Visit to AKB48 Singapore Official Shop Opening' post, a $15 voucher is distributed (sold at $15 of course) to allow those queueing at the ending part of the long queue to go for the handshake session first and use the voucher at the shop later, since $15 spent at the shop is required for the handshake session and the session won't last long. Out of all the excitement I got after the handshake session, I think somehow I dropped the $15 voucher and only remembered about it after I paid for what I bought in the shop, exited *Scape, and entered the train back home! ( TДT)

Anyways during the waiting time before the concert, I was talking to a new friend known through my school friend, and saw my horoscope in an app on his phone. It says that from 15th May I would experience an increase in activity and it was really true!! Browsing through my post of my AKB48 fandom in my blog would show why. ‎(´∀`)
After the concert, we were able to give a high-five to each of the AKB48 members while we walked out of the theater (*Scape 2F Warehouse). All this interaction I had, and possible interactions, like cafe visits and more handshake events totally made me fall even deeper in the AKB48 fandom. That day is also the very day I consider myself no longer a otaku as I have decided to put my attention solely on AKB48 and the '48' project in general. (The decrease in love for 2D was still gradual though, just at a faster rate)

Less than a couple of weeks later, AKB48 released their 21st single, 'Everyday、カチューシャ' ('Everyday, Kachuusha'), which like 'Ponytail to Shushu' last year, the first press editions would contain a voting ticket for the upcoming AKB48 Senbatsu Elections. (Information I posted regarding the Senbatsu Elections)
The song is energetic and really very suitable for summer, and also quite nostalgic as the PV is like a summary of almost all the PVs AKB48 made so far. (My post that time where I compared screen-shots from 'Everyday、カチューシャ' and past PVs)

'Everyday、カチューシャ' from the AKB48 Official Youtube Channel

Shouldn't have spent too much at the Official Shop launch and run out of money to buy singles to vote for my favourite members, Akicha, Wasamin and Rena ( TДT)

Anyways, from the 'Everyday、カチューシャ' single, my favourite track was actually 'ヤンキーソウル' ('Yankee Soul'). Partly it sounds rather cool and yankee, and partly due to it being the theme song for AKB48's 'マジスカ学園2' ('Majisuka Gakuen 2'), the sequel of the first season.

Watched the first season last year and this time I had been following the new season since the announcement of it till the last episode. The first few episodes was kind of crappy and was rather disappointed, but slowly into the drama, it got more and more interesting and really made me anticipate the next episode a lot. However, I still feel that the ending of the last episode was rather abrupt. A great 'war' between two rival yankee schools just ceased when Acchan arrives, talk some sense into Tomochin - leader of Yabakune/traitor of Majisuka and surrenders to the cops for the deeds she did throughout the season. Whats more the two schools can even start help each other up!
Other than the not so impressive introductions at the start of the second season and the rather abrupt end, the drama is still really awesome to watch in overall and really enjoyed every episode. Would really have bought the box set if I had the money when it was released!

Making of 'Yankee Soul'

Towards the end of May, 10 Kenkyuusei (trainees) from 9th and 10th Gen were announced to be promoted and was then later announced that they would be forming a new team, called Team 4. Was really happy that two of my favourite Kenkyuusei members, Miorin (Ichikawa Miori) from 10th Gen and Paruru (Shimazaki Haruka) from 9th Gen got to be promoted.

Paruru is really damn cute! Was so happy to hear about the promotion.

Into June, rumoured new member of AKB48 Eguchi Aimi was said to join as 12.5th Gen Kenkyuusei with Akimoto Yasushi saying that she will be “the heroine of the new age” and got the center position in the campaign for Glico's Aisu no Mi, whom later was revealed to be just CG idol.
Before the announcement saying that Aimi is CG, the rumours of her created much heated discussion among fans, where I actually thought she is real with still some doubts of course. I am really impressed with the level of CG they were able to achieve when it was announced she's CG.
Unlike quite a lot people I come across, I actually do like Aimi even though when it was revealed that she's not real. She's just really well made and Sasaki Yukari (12th Gen Kenkyuusei) was really a good choice for Aimi's voice in my point of view.

June was really another month to remember in my AKB48 fandom as it was the month where for the first time I made a board (and a really elaborated one) to support a favourite AKB48 member (or even artiste in general).

Did this whole board by myself including the LEDs that make up the heart - soldered up the circuit myself

In June, AKB48 had their third stage in Singapore and Paruru, one of my favourite AKB48 member - who was just promoted to Team 4 then, was in the member list and also graced the launch of the AKB48 Singapore Official Cafe, along with Takeuchi Miyu and Abe Maria. The whole experience of camping over night at the airport for the first time for a favourite artiste, showing her the board and receiving warm thanks from her personally, being so up close to her was a totally over-whelming experience. I felt as if I was on extreme sugar rush - seriously! (Posted about my whole experience and the cafe launch in this post)
The concert was also really wonderful, with well, most of my time spent focusing on Paruru!

Went for both 3pm and 6pm!

'フライングゲット' ('Flying Get'), released in August (after the 3rd Senbatsu Elections), initially raise quite some expectation when they performed at '音楽の日' ('Ongaku no Hi'). Looks really grand and the song sounds really nice. Liked the performance choreography on stage too, with all the movements with the mic stand. When the PV was released however, I was really disappointed. It didn't even get near the standard of the two singles that were released after the 1st and 2nd Senbatsu Elections, 'Iiwake Maybe' and 'Heavy Rotation' in my opinion - PV with story-line version.
Anyways, since Akicha managed to enter 'Media Senbatsu', the highest portion of the ranking pyramid, I ordered both types of the singles for keep-sake.

'フライングゲット' (dance ver.) from the AKB48 Official Youtube Channel

The start of September was totally awesome. I can say I did not actually go home much for almost the whole week and spent most of my waking and even sleeping time at the airport and *Scape. ~~Got lectured by parents after that of course but all was worth still, seriously!~~
Shall not talk about the Team KII concert, and the 'Super SKE48 Festival' in this post and save it for my SKE48 Anniversary post, and jump straight to Sashihara Rino's visit on the 6th.

Was really sad that I didn't make it to the airport welcome her and wasn't able to go for her cafe event. Nonetheless, I made a rather big board (biggest even till date) for her and brought it to *Scape to show her at the handshake session with her in the Official Shop. Thanks to the board my handshake with Sasshi (Sashihara Rino) was the longest as it struck a somewhat short conversation.

September did not end just like that though. The excitement rose even more as 20th September steps closer as it would be the 2nd Janken Tournament where the Senbatsu members of the 24th single, '上からマリコ' ('Ue kara Mariko') would be decided, which was aired live at Cathay Cineplex Orchard. Was rather depressed when Akicha (Takajo Aki) nearly got into Senbatsu (lost to Kojima Haruna), Wasamin (Iwasa Misaki) and Jurina lost at the beginning, and with Rena, Shiorin (Ogiso Shiori) and Sayanee (Yamamoto Sayaka) not even in the main tournament. My Akicha pin accidentally broke just because of that. Oops!

The whole event did not end all that bad to me though. Was really glad that Mariko-sama (Shinoda Mariko) got 1st and thus the center position of the 24th Single - thus her name in the title of that single.
Not only that, the PV of the upcoming single, 23rd Single - '風は吹いている' ('Kaze wa Fuiteiru'), was revealed and it was as expected rather dark/fierce-themed, similar to 'River' and 'Beginner' which were released in the same season in 2009 and 2010 respectively. The song and PV were really awesome and rather catchy. Love it a lot. Into my favourite it went instantly!
Really regretted not buying it when it was released in October due to most of my cash spent on the Singapore theater photo sets and online bidding.

'風は吹いている' from the AKB48 Official Youtube Channel

In October, Takahashi Minami, Leader of Team A and overall leader of AKB48, visited the AKB48 Singapore Official Shop and Cafe. Already expecting this to happen but didn't expect it to be so soon. Was really sad that I did not even get to catch a glimpse of her as I was at work. Wonder when would be the next time, if there would even be one, she will drop by again.

November was a really anticipated month for me as French Kiss released their 4th Single, '最初のメール' ('Saisho no Mail') on the 22nd November. Ordered from 7net Shopping through a friend all three types (A, B, and C), one more Type B from CDJapan for the poster and found the other exclusives given by other stores like, HMV Japan, Tower Records, and Tsutaya. I have long awaited for this so that I can truely support French Kiss by getting their singles directly.

All the songs and PVs of the single are superb! Type A's b-side, 'キャンドルの芯' ('Candle no Shin'), sounds and looks very cool and love it a lot that I even made it my ringtone. The b-sides of Type B and C kind of more into the techno side a bit, which to me is... awesome! The Type C's b-side PV is very nice and touching as it summarizes the whole Korea trip Yukirin (Kashiwagi Yuki), Akicha (Takajo Aki) and Mocchi (Kuramochi Asuka) went and is actually a smooth combination of the video clips and photos they took while they were there! Glad that they had fun while at Korea and I really enjoyed their PV. Great job there French Kiss, for this awesome single!

'最初のメール' from Avex Network Official Youtube Channel

'キャンドルの芯' from Avex Network Official Youtube Channel

Wasn't able to embed the youtube video of French Kiss trip to Korea posted by JIJIPress nor tokyomx. (Link to JIJIPress post here and tokyomx post here)

While nearing to 8th Dec 2011, my 3rd Anniversary in AKB48 fandom, one more awesome news was announced. Wasamin (Iwasa Misaki) would be debuting as a solo enka singer! OMG! I have been awaiting this news for so long. She is really good in enka songs after listening to her singing them on various performances and appearances. I wish her all the best and would give her all the support I can give!

8th December 2011. It's been three years already. And six years for AKB48. It's been a great journey and I hope this continues on with more and more great, record-breaking and touching singles and performances to come. And before I end this post, I would like to wish AKB48,

お誕生日おめでとう! Happy 6th Anniversary AKB48!!

NMB48 3rd Single - '純情U-19' ('Junjou U-19')

2011-12-08T20:02:00.010+08:00

'純情U-19' performed in HEY!x3 Christmas Special on 19th December

NMB48 would be releasing their 3rd single on the 8th of February 2012, titled '純情U-19' ('Junjou U-19'). Senbatsu members and Shirogumi & Akagumi members are released while more details are yet to be released.

Senbatsu Members:
Team N - Ogasawara Mayu, Kadowaki Kanako, Kishino Rika, Kinoshita Haruna, Kotani Riho, Kondo Rina, Jonishi Kei, Shiroma Miru, Fukumoto Aina, Yamada Nana, Yamamoto Sayaka, and Watanabe Miyuki
1st Generation Research Student - Kinoshita Momoka
2nd Generation Research Student - Jo Eriko, Yagura Fuko, and Yogi Keira

Shirogumi
Yamamoto Sayaka, Yamada Nana, Ogasawara Mayu, Jo Eriko, Kadowaki Kanako, Kinoshita Haruna, Yogi Keira, Kishino Rika, Kodakari Yuka, Shinohara Kanna, Yamagishi Natsumi, and Okita Ayaka.

Akagumi:
Watanabe Miyuki, Fukumoto Aina, Jonishi Kei, Shiroma Miru, Kondo Rina, Kotani Riho, Kinoshita Momoka, Yagura Fuko, Hikawa Ayame, Yamaguchi Yuki, Murakami Ayaka, and Tanigawa Airi.

UPDATE (15th January):
Yamamoto Sayaka to make her first 'solo' debut' with a solo song 'Jungle Gym' in the Theater version of the single.

New skin for a new phone!

2011-12-07T18:54:00.004+08:00

Got my new phone, Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, not long ago and I decided to make a skin for it.

Able to tell where this image is from? =3

AKB48 to hold their own 'Kohaku Uta Gassen'

2011-12-06T23:22:00.069+08:00

It was announced on AKB48's official blog yesterday that they would be holding their very own '紅白歌合戦' ('Kohaku Uta Gassen') - a singing competition between Red and White Teams.

AKB48 would be participating and supporting NHK’s 62nd 'Kohaku Uta Gassen', which would take place on the last day of 2011, but before that, they would be having their own 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' where members are separated into Red and White Teams. It would be held on the 20th of December at Tokyo Dome City Hall.

UPDATE (15th December):
Viewers nationwide and overseas (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, and Singapore) would be able to vote to decided which would be the winning team.

Red Team
Captain: Takahashi Minami
Iwasa Misaki, Otsuka Shizuka, Kuramochi Asuka, Kojima Haruna, Shinoda Mariko, Takajo Aki, Nakagawa Haruka, Nakata Chisato, Nakaya Sayaka, Maeda Atsuko, Maeda Ami, Matsubara Natsumi, Akimoto Sayaka, Uchida Mayumi, Umeda Ayaka, Tanabe Miku, Nakatsuka Tomomi, Nito Moeno, Fujie Reina, Miyazawa Sae, Yonezawa Rumi, Ishida Haruka, Kasai Tomomi, Kitahara Rie, Kobayashi Kana, Komori Mika, Sato Sumire, Sato Natsuki, Suzuki Mariya, Chikano Rina, Hirajima Natsumi, Masuda Yuka, Abe Maria, Izuta Rina, Iriyama Anna, Kato Rena, Nagao Mariya, Fujita Nana, Kojima Natsuki, Natori Wakana, Morikawa Ayaka, Omori Miyu, Sasaki Yukari, 16 members of NMB48

White Team
Captain: Oshima Yuko
Oota Aika, Katayama Haruka, Sashihara Rino, Itano Tomomi, Kikuchi Ayaka, Nonaka Misato, Matsui Sakiko, Minegishi Minami, Yokoyama Yui, Kashiwagi Yuki, Sato Amina, Suzuki Shihori, Miyazaki Miho, Watanabe Mayu, Ichikawa Miori, Kobayashi Marina, Shimazaki Haruka, Shimada Haruka, Takeuchi Miyu, Nakamata Shiori, Nakamura Mariko, Yamauchi Suzuran, Kawaei Rina, Iwata Karen, Saeed Yokota Erena, Suzuki Rika, Takahashi Juri, Tano Yuka, Hirata Rina, Muto Tomu, 13th Generation Research Students, 16 members of SKE48, 16 members of HKT48

What's more, Golden Village Vivocity would be having a simulcasting of the AKB48's 'Kohaku Uta Gassen'!
Details from AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook Page

Date: 20 December 2011
Time: 5pm
Venue: GV Vivocity Hall 2 and 11
Ticket prices: $40 (GV Movie Club Members), $45 (Public)
Tickets can be purchased from Golden Village Box Offices and the Golden Village website at www.gv.com.sg.

[Golden Village - Akb48 Kohaku Utagattsen 'Live' Show]

UPDATE (20th December):
AKB48's 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' would be aired live on their Youtube channel unlisted and Google+.

UPDATE (20th December):
White Team, led by Oshima Yuko won!

UPDATE (21st December):
Photos from Sanspo

Iwasa Misaki from AKB48 to debut as an Enka singer

2011-12-06T12:50:00.044+08:00

Ever since Wasamin's (Iwasa Misaki) transfer to Nagara Productions from OgiPro in April, which houses many veteran Enka singers, I already felt that Wasamin's dream of becoming an Enka singer would very soon be fulfilled. In AKB48, she often performed Enka songs at AKB48’s events.

Announced yesterday, Wasamin would be making her solo debut as an Enka singer under Tokuma Japan Communications. This makes her the third in AKB48 to make a solo debut, after Itano Tomomi and Maeda Atsuko, and the first to debut as an Enka singer.

Wasamin is scheduled to debut on 1st of February 2012.

Wasamin commentedm, "I was surprised but very happy, as it’s been my dream to make a solo debut as a singer since I was little. It’s all thanks to the people who are always supporting me. I will continue trying my best as Iwasa Misaki with the mindset of standing on a new start line."

Source: Mantan Web|tokyohive

Sending off Riichan at Changi Airport

2011-12-05T23:21:00.001+08:00

One might, 'Riichan? How about the other NMB48 members?'. Well, partly due to my careless mind and partly I wasn't able to camp over night at the airport as I have a test today.
I did took the first train this time but I was given bad news from fellow fans that the NMB48 members have left. They said that when they came over to Changi Airport Terminal 2 at around after 12am, there was a Japanese fan there who told them about half of the NMB48 members, including Sayanee, have already entered the check-point. And that the very moment that I arrived at Terminal 2, slightly before 7am, the remaining NMB48 members, probably including Maachun, are already entering the check-point at Terminal 3. They were simply waiting for a miracle to happen, what ever miracle it can be, thus waiting at Terminal 2 till now. I decided to wait too since it would be still early if i go to school now and I also feel like trying my luck.

Amazingly, a miracle did happen! Riichan appeared! I was really surprised as I didn't expect any NMB48 members left behind as there's already two batches of flights (1am+ flight and 7am+ flight, which I missed). She was so called totally the miracle to us who missed the first two batches and we greeted Riichan warmly while sending her off. She looked really tired and did not really interact with us much. Understandable though, since they are only able to sleep a little after the tiring concert.

It was slowly did I realize Sayanee and the other NMB48 members are attending school today, thus need to return to Japan as soon as possible after the concert. Should have realized this earlier. It won't change anything actually though since I can't camp over-night. It must be really hard on the NMB48 members. Hope they are okay! (> <) 頑張って!!

My post on the NMB48 concert yesterday here.

AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.10: 'NMB48 1ST STAGE' (Team N)

2011-12-04T23:45:00.001+08:00

Was super excited and was anticipating for NMB48 Team N's first stage in Singapore A LOT. Sadly, the very next day is the start of my Mid-semester Tests, thus even though I came up with a excuse to come out of house today, I couldn't come up with a 'valid' excuse to stay over night yesterday at the airport to welcome the NMB48 members when they arrive.

Bought the the ticket for the second time slot from the store when sales start and got ticket for the first time slot from a friend few minutes before the concert start. Was really sad as I initially wanted to buy the concert t-shirt but when I arrived, it was already all sold out. Should have went down to get it yesterday!

The concert was totally awesome and my attention was mostly placed on Sayanee (Yamamoto Sayaka), followed by Maachun (Ogasawara Mayu). They are my top two favourites in NMB48 and Sayanee is my oshimen (top favourite).
The setlist of the concert is as listed below,

-overture-
Seishun Girls (青春ガールズ)
Beach Sandal (ビーチサンダル)
Kimi ga Hoshi ni Naru made (君が星になるまで)
-MC1: Introductions-
Blue rose (Fukumoto Aina, Yamamoto Sayaka, Ogasawara Mayu, Kishino Rika)
Kinjirareta Futari (禁じられた2人) (Yamada Nana, Yoshida Akari)
Ame no Dobutsuen (雨の動物園) (Watanabe Miyuki, Kondo Rina, Mori Ayaka, Shiroma Miru, Jonishi Kei, Kadowaki Kanako, Kinoshita Haruna)
-MC2-
Fushidara na Natsu (ふしだらな夏) (Ogasawara Mayu, Jonishi Kei, Kinoshita Haruna, Fukumoto Aina, Yamada Nana, Yamamoto Sayaka, Watanabe Miyuki, Yoshida Akari)
Don't disturb!
Virgin love
Hizukehenkousen (日付変更線)
-MC3-
Boku no Uchiage Hanabi (僕の打ち上げ花火)
-Encore-
Yakusoku yo (約束よ)
Korogaru Ishi ni Nare (転がる石になれ)
~~Cinderella wa Damasarenai (シンデレラは騙されない)~~ (Was in the original N2 set list but not in today's set list)
*Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shōjo (絶滅黒髪少女)
*Oh My God! (オーマイガー!)
*AKB48 Medley (Beginner, Chance no Junban, Ponytail to Shushu, Heavy Rotation)
*Everyday, Kachuusha (Everyday、カチューシャ)

I got really crazy, jumping and waving my light sticks (and also my D-I-Y supposedly-ultra-bright yellow LED light sticks) for almost the whole of the concert for both time slots. There are just so many songs that I enjoy in the set list!

One of my top favourtie, 'Seishun Girls', totally made an awesome kick-start. 'Blue Rose', right after the introductions, was the song I have been anticipating the most as not only does it sound really good, the performance in general totally ROCKS!! To add on, it was performed my two most favourite NMB48 member, Sayanee and Maachun, with two more NMB48 members that I also love a lot, Ainyan (Fukumoto Aina) and Rikanyan (Kishino Rika).

The very next song 'Kinjirareta Futari' was also one of my favourite as it's very melodic and frankly speaking it was also because Yukirin (Kashiwagi Yuki) was one of the singer of the song in AKB48 Team B's first stage in Japan.
'Virgin Love' and 'Boku no Uchiage Hanabi' were also my favourites in the set list.

With so much epicness before the encore, a lot of energy was already drained but it was really just appetizers. The encore was the real deal! Almost everyone lost ourselves and I was forcing out what ever energy that I still have. By the way, this was not all as about two and a half hours time later (6pm), I had a round two! My hands and in fact almost my whole body are still aching even till now. I totally did not give a thought about my tomorrow's test to be honest. Oops!

The handshake session was really unforgettable too, for both sessions (2pm & 6pm concerts). At the first session, I confessed my love to Sayanee.. I mean told her that she is my most favourite member in NMB48 and want to be her top fan. She got very delighted and thanked me very sincerely while holding to my hand even more tighter. (´∀｀)♡
When I reached Maachun, before saying 'ありがとうございます' (Thank you), I added in 'あああ! まーちゅん!!' with so much passion that made her though that she is my oshimen (most favourite) and like Sayanee, became super delighted and held on to my hand tightly. Uh ohh... Never mind! She's my second favourite so it's okay (^ ^") It became more obvious that she thought I oshi her during the 6pm concert's handshake session, where just right after I let go of the hands of the member before Maachun, even before I turn to face her, she grabbed my hands and shook so sincerely, thanking me even before I opened my mouth! Σ(゜゜)
In general, the whole handshake session was really good and most of the members were referring to and commenting about the t-shirt I was wearing. (I wore a 'for Japan' tee by 'The Design Society' where proceeds would be donated to the Touhoku earthquake struck areas)

As usual, straight after the handshake session of the 6pm concert, I rushed straight to the back of *SCAPE to get a good spot at the van area.
Sayanee sat at the seat just in front of the seat that I am facing while Maachun sat at the seat just behind and here came the awkward moment..

Initially, I was showing Sayanee a heart made with my hands (can say the same as the moe-moe-kyun one but reaching out to her). She waved to me happily and took photos. Soon after, Maachun spotted me (while I already put my hands down luckily), pointed and waved so happily to me. Well, I gave her a heart made with my hands too and what she did in return totally melted my heart and gave me the final blow, she gave me back a heart made with her hands! Oh dear... o(>_<)o ♡
Shortly after, Sayaka started video recording us fans, while the van moved a bit. I gave Sayanee a heart again and she pointed her camera straight at me right away! I think she even took a photo too before the van started to move off.
Super awkward to have two favourites in a group. While I was giving a heart to one, I was worrying the other would see. This really shows two-timing is not good huh.. hahax!

Ah well, shall rest and wake up early tomorrow to send the NMB48 members off at the airport, with an excuse to my parents that I need to settle some stuff in school before having my test. ('x' )

By the way, I also collected quite a lot of stuff I ordered through my friend,

Three French Kiss 4th Single 'Saisho no Mail' (Types A, B & C) , two Wasamin (Iwasa Misaki) photos, one Rena photo, and the Everyday Kachuusha single (Theater ver) was from another friend.

I opened my 'Saisho no Mail' singles to see what photo cards I get and shockingly, I got Akicha (Takajo Aki) - my kamioshi (most top favourite of all among all the '48' groups) - for all three!! I was like, 'OMG... What are the chances of getting all three my top favourite?!?! This must be fate!' I wanted at least one Yukirin (Kashiwagi Yuki) though as I already have one Akicha and one Mocchi (Kuramochi Asuka). Just happened that a fellow Akicha fan did not get any Akicha and have a Yukirin to trade with one of my Akicha photo card.

Collected many light stick from fellow fans for 'raw materials' for my personal project (･ω ･ )

NHK’s 62nd ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen‘ line-up

2011-12-01T12:57:00.070+08:00

'紅白歌合戦' ('Kohaku Uta Gassen') is a year end (31st December) music event in Japan, the largest scale, where female artists compete with male artists in front of a panel of judges.

The artist line-up of NHK's 62nd 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' was released yesterday through live stream on Kohaku’s official website.

紅組 (Red Team - females)
aiko
Ashida Mana
Ayaka
Angela Aki
Ikimonogakari
Ishikawa Sayuri
AKB48
KARA
Kawanaka Miyuki
Kanda Sayaka
Koda Kumi
Godai Natsuko
Kobayashi Sachiko
Sakamoto Fuyumi
Shiina Ringo
Shoujo Jidai
Tendou Yoshimi
Natsukawa Rimi
Nishino Kana
Perfume
Hamasaki Ayumi
Matsuda Seiko
Matsutouya Yumi
Mizuki Nana
Mizumori Kaori
Wada Akiko

白組 (White Team - Male)
Akikawa Masafumi
Arashi
Itski Hiroshi
Inawashirokos
EXILE
NYC
Kitajima Saburou
Gou Hiromi
Suzuki Fuku
SMAP
Sen Masao
Tohoshinki
TOKIO
Tokunaga Hideaki
AAA
Nagabuchi Tsuyoshi
Ishida Toshiyuki
Hikawa Kiyoshi
Hirai Ken
FUNKY MONKEY BABYS
Fukuyama Masaharu
flumpool
Hosokawa Takashi
Porno Graffitti
Mori Shinichi
Yuzu
L’arc~en~Ciel

This time, AKB48 not only would be participating in the event but also be official supporters of the show, where they are featured on the official website doing the count down of number of days to the show.
I love this show a lot. So many favourite singers in a single event performing. Can't wait to watch it!

SKE48 8th Single - '片想いFinally' ('Kataomoi Finally')

2011-11-26T23:50:00.111+08:00

SKE48 would be releasing their 8th single, '片想いFinally' ('Kataomoi Finally'), on 25th of January 2012. ~~Details are yet to be announced.~~

Type A (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 片想いFinally [Kataomoi Finally]
2. [CD] はにかみロリーポップ (白組) [Hanikami Lollipop (Shirogumi)]
3. [CD] 今日までのこと、これからのこと [Kyou Made no Koto, Kore Kara no Koto]
4. [CD] 片想いFinally (off vocal)
5. [CD] はにかみロリーポップ (off vocal)
6. [CD] 今日までのこと、これからのこと (off vocal)
7. [DVD] 片想いFinally (music video) [Kataomoi Finally (music video)]
8. [DVD] はにかみロリーポップ (白組) (music video) [Hanikami Lollipop (Shirogumi) (music video)]
9. [DVD] 特典映像「SKE48紅白対抗マル秘芸認定大会・PART1」special movie [Special clip SKE48 Kouhaku Taikou Maruhi Gei Kakutei Taikai, PART 1]
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Type B (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 片想いFinally [Kataomoi Finally]
2. [CD] 声がかすれるくらい (紅組) [Koe ga Kasureru Kurai (Akagumi)]
3. [CD] 今日までのこと、これからのこと [Kyou Made no Koto, Kore Kara no Koto]
4. [CD] 片想いFinally (off vocal)
5. [CD] 声がかすれるくらい (off vocal)
6. [CD] 今日までのこと、これからのこと (off vocal)
7. [DVD] 片想いFinally (music video) [Kataomoi Finally (music video)]
8. [DVD] 声がかすれるくらい (紅組) (music video) [Koe ga Kasureru Kurai (Akagumi) (music video)]
9. [DVD] 特典映像「SKE48紅白対抗マル秘芸認定大会・PART2」special movie [Special clip SKE48 Kouhaku Taikou Maruhi Gei Kakutei Taikai, PART 2]
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Type C (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 片想いFinally [Kataomoi Finally]
2. [CD] 寡黙な月 (セレクション8) [Kamoku na Tsuki (Selection 8)]
3. [CD] 今日までのこと、これからのこと [Kyou Made no Koto, Kore Kara no Koto]
4. [CD] 片想いFinally (off vocal)
5. [CD] 寡黙な月 (off vocal)
6. [CD] 今日までのこと、これからのこと (off vocal)
7. [DVD] 片想いFinally (music video) [Kataomoi Finally (music video)]
8. [DVD] 特典映像I「SKE48紅白対抗マル秘芸大会」special movie [Special Clip I SKE48 Kouhaku Taikou Maruhi Gei Kakutei Taikai]
9. [DVD] 特典映像II「Team KIIオリジナル公演への軌跡」documentary movie [Special Clip II (The Path to KII’s Original Stage Performance)]
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Theater Version (CD only)
1. [CD] 片想いFinally [Kataomoi Finally]
2. [CD] はにかみロリーポップ (白組) [Hanikami Lollipop (Shirogumi)]
3. [CD] 声がかすれるくらい (紅組) [Koe ga Kasureru Kurai (Akagumi)]
4. [CD] SKE48 8th single medley
5. [CD] 片想いFinally (off vocal)
6. [CD] はにかみロリーポップ (off vocal)
7. [CD] 声がかすれるくらい (off vocal)

Kataomoi Finally
Senbatsu: Oya Masana, Kizaki Yuria, Kuwabara Mizuki, Suda Akari, Hiramatsu Kanako, Matsui Jurina, Matsui Rena, Yagami Kumi, Ogiso Shiori, Takayanagi Akane, Matsumoto Rina, Hata Sawako, Furukawa Airi, Mukaida Manatsu, Kaneko Shiori, Kimoto Kanon

Hanikami Lollipop
White Team: Ono Haruka, Nakanishi Yuuka, Hirata Rikako, Matsui Jurina, Abiru Riho, Ishida Anna, Goto Risako, Wakabayashi Tomoka, Isohara Kyoka, Shibata Aya, Yamada Erika, Saito Makiko

Koe ga Kasureru Kurai
Red Team: Katou Rumi, Kinoshita Yukiko, Takada Shiori, Deguchi Aki, Matsui Rena, Sato Seira, Yakata Miki, Ueno Kasumi, Umemoto Madoka, Hara Minami, Mano Haruka, Yamashita Yukari

Kamoku na Tsuki
Selection 8: Kizaki Yuria, Matsui Jurina, Matsui Rena, Yagaami Kumi, Ogiso Shiori, Takayanagi Akane, Mukaida Manatsu, Kimoto Kanon

Comments by SKE48 members in interview by reporters after the 'Okie Dokie' handshake event on 18th December at the Nagoya Port Messe in Aichi,

“Homosexual love is one of the themes… I filmed [the music video] feeling like I’d become a boy,” said member Matsui Jurina. “There’s some skinship in there that’s absolutely unordinary for me (laughs), so please pay attention to it.”

Matsui Rena also commented, “This time, ‘Kataomoi Finally’ is a song that feels a little different to what we’ve been doing up until now, so we’re really looking forward to the fan response. It was really scary filming the dance scene in a high place (on the roof of a building), but I’m really pleased with how amazingly it turned out.”

One reporter asked the girls, “Are all of you in one-sided loves?”, prompting Matsui Rena to reply, “I’m in love with Churi (Takayanagi Akane)!” Upon hearing this, Takayangi replied, “I’m happy [to hear that], but I guess it is a one-sided love (laughs). But when ‘Kataomoi Finally’ comes out next year, maybe it’ll be a mutual love, or maybe it really will be the end of the ‘kataomoi’ (unrequited love) finally,” earning a laugh from the members.
(from tokyohive/natalie)

This single is totally a fresh new feel for SKE48 and not only the song, the PV of both the cover song and b-sides are very nice! Loved 'Kataomoi Finally' the most followed by Akagumi's b-side, 'Koe ga Kasureru Kurai'. This so tempting to get.. especially when the covers are so awesome!! I think I am going to get all three types if possible!

UPDATE (19th December):
Covers, track lists and PVs released

AKB48 to release anime series 'AKB0048'

2011-11-25T22:14:00.006+08:00

AKB48 would be releasing an anime series, called 'AKB0048', and would start airing next spring. There would be 9 Kenkyuusei roles to be taken up and more than 200 members from AKB48, SKE48, NMB48 and HKT48 would be participating in the auditions.

30 members would be selected and announced on the 2nd of December 2011, and
9 members would be chosen out of the 30 through the final auditions to be held on 13th of December and would be open for public audience.

[AKB0048 Official Website]

UPDATE (13th December):
9 members chosen - Satou Amina (Team B), Iwata Karen (AKB48 Kenkyuusei), Yagami Kumi (Team S), Nakaya Sayaka (Team A), Hata Sawako (Team KII), Satou Sumire (Team B), Ishida Haruka (Team B), Mita Mao (NMB48 2nd Gen), Watanabe Mayu (Team B).

UPDATE (15th December):

Storyline

In the beginning of the 21st Century, a world war breaks out over interplanetary travel technology. After significant damage to the ecosystem, mankind forces themselves out of Earth, which begins the Star Calendar 00.

Shortly after, entertainment and music become heavily regulated because of it’s power to corrupt people’s hearts. One by one, idols disappear, and eventually go extinct. However, there was one idol group by the name of AKB0048 who had reincarnated during that time. They rise up as “illegal idols” by inheriting the light and spirit of the legendary AKB48.

Because they have an overwhelming influence, the girls are attacked and are labeled as “terrorists”. They bear arms and fight back in order to protect their stage, their fans, and the citizens.

In the Star Calendar 0048, a new story revolving around the 77th generation research students is about to begin.”

AKB48 Official Shop in Shanghai Opened!

2011-11-23T19:48:00.014+08:00

Following the opening of Official Shops in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan, one more AKB48 overseas Official Shop opens in Shanghai!

Announced on tokyohive:

On November 22nd, AKB48 members Kitahara Rie, Miyazawa Sae, and Yokoyama Yui held a handshake event to commemorate the opening of their official shop in Shanghai.

As their first handshake event in Shanghai, the members appeared in their cute AKB48 outfits and greeted the 1,000 fans in Chinese.

“AKB48 Official Shop Shanghai” is AKB48’s forth overseas shop following the Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan branches. This shop was made in the image of AKB48 Theater in Akihabara, and features a variety of items including t-shirts, posters, towels, and other official goods.

Additionally, to celebrate the opening of the shop, the official goods are now available for purchase on their online store throughout China.
tokyohive

Source: tokyohive|Model Press

Sending off AKB48 members at Changi Airport (Vol. 9)

2011-11-21T07:00:00.002+08:00

Unlike at yesterday's concert, today I brought my Maria fan board along to the airport to send Maria and the other AKB48 members off. Another fellow fan was also supporting Maria at the airport.

Changed the words from 'Congratulations...' to 'Happy Birthday...'

However, to our disappointment, not exactly disappointed actually, Maria obviously is shunning us when she enter the Departure Hall, all the way to behind the glass doors! D=
After some recalling I realized she must be shunning us as she don't us to see her face! The members do not put on make up when they are leaving Singapore as due to the standard flight timings, they usually don't have time to do so.
The previous time Maria came, she did not wear mask and her face can be seen when leaving. Her eye bags were really bad then. Maybe due to this, she shy away from us fans this time?
Well, at first was kind of puzzled but over time find it kind of moe~ =w=

Anyways, time for school soon! Can't wait for NMB48 concert next month. My oshimen (favourite), Sayanee (Yamamoto Sayaka) would be coming!!

AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.9: 'AKB48 5TH STAGE'

2011-11-20T23:44:00.001+08:00

The member list for this concert wasn't that appealing to me and I have more important priorities, like French Kiss 4th single release and there would be a NMB48 concert here in Singapore for the first time, thus did not get tickets to go for the concert this time round.

I went down *SCAPE at around past 2pm and to my surprise, many fellow fans were gathered outside the warehouse (concert grounds) and watching the concert via the screen just beside the door. Was intending to do this in the first place but I did not expect that there would be that much fans outside. Some of them are going for the 6pm time slot but mostly are actually wanting to check out the song list or simply watch the concert from outside.

Slowly did I realize that some of them did want to get a ticket to get in but tickets were sold out. Was surprised at first as the concert tickets were never sold out, except for Vol.1 - the first stage in Singapore. Later did I know that a large portion of the tickets were reserved for Canon guests - no wonder the 'Presented by Canon Singapore Pte Ltd' everywhere. I remembered seeing the same phrase on Vol. 10, NMB48 1st stage in Singapore, and thus immediately went over to buy tickets for the NMB48 concert - before it gets sold out.

While watching the concert via the screen outside the warehouse, my jaw totally dropped at the song list. There was 'RIVER', the very song that I have been wishing for since the first stage back in May! It was then followed by 'Beginner', and '風は吹いている' ('Kaze wa Fuiteiru'). I totally regretted not buying the tickets to watch the concert even though the member list don't really have my top favourite AKB48 members.
Fortunately during the 6pm time slot, a friend helped me in getting into the concert. Even though I missed the overture and the first few songs, experiencing the three epic songs in a row, 'RIVER' & 'Beginner' & 'Kaze wa Fuiteiru', in the concert itself was already enough. Really want to thank my friend a lot!
Have been rooting for and supporting Maria throughout the concert. I like her tsundere character.
Somehow I think she remembers me during the handshake session after the concert, most probably because I made a board with a heart made out of LEDs for her at the AKB48's 4th stage.
And not only that, it was the first time ever since AKB48's 3rd stage in Singapore that Maria smiled so warmly to me, both during the handshake and at the van outside *SCAPE after the whole thing! Omg.. a warm smile from a tsundere TwT -Achievement Unlocked!-

Shall go to the airport tomorrow to send Maria and the other AKB48 members off before heading to school!

More information on the concert here.

AKB48 tops the United World Charts!

2011-11-08T19:10:00.004+08:00

Week 45 of 2011

“Top achievement charts” for “Tracks with the most points in a week (since 1999)”

The United World Chart ranks the most popular tracks according to “global paid downloads, single-sales and airplay”.

Congratulations to AKB48 again!!
[AKB48's Single 'Kaze wa Fuiteiru' Ranks 1st in Oricon Weekly Chart]

Source: toykohive|United World Chart

AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.9: 'AKB48 5TH STAGE'

2011-11-05T21:13:00.032+08:00

The member list for the upcoming concert was just released on the AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook earlier today.

Details of the concert from the Facebook page:

Latest Update!
20.11.2011 (SUN)
PRESENTED BY CANON Singapore Pte Ltd
AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.9
AKB48, STAGE 5- 2PM & 6PM
Performing Member list announcement and online ticket sales are now up! Full details here: http://www.akb48.com.sg/

Hmm... not really interested this time as the member list don't have any of my favourite members this time and I also need to save up for French Kiss's new single. French Kiss is my favourite sub-unit from AKB48 and am going to support them as much as I can by buying their singles! I may still go down to view the concert through the television screen outside to check out their song list on that day though.

SDN48 4th Single - '口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みのもんた' ('Kudoki Nagara Azabu Juban duet with Mino Monta')

2011-11-04T18:26:00.094+08:00

It was recently announced that SDN48 would be releasing their 4th Single on the 28th of December. It would be coming in a Type A and B editions, where each would include three tracks and a DVD. The third song would be different, thus there would be in total four new tracks.
Could this be the last single before the mass graduation of all the members (disbandment)? ~~More details are yet to be announced.~~

Details released:

AKB48’s sister group SDN48 has revealed that the title of their new single will be “Kudoki Nagara Azabu Juban duet with Mino Monta“!

For this new single, the girls will be singing a duet with tv presenter Mino Monta. The song is described to be a duet song perfect for karaoke during the New Year’s holiday. The 8 members who will be participating in this song are Akita Kazue, Urano Kazumi, Ohori Megumi, Kohara Haruna, Sato Yukari, Serina, Noro Kayo, and KONAN.

It’s been about 5 years since Mino Monta participated in a CD recording. The recording for “Kudoki Nagara Azabu Juban duet with Mino Monta” was held in early-November.

The single will come in both Type A and Type B editions. Both versions will come with a DVD containing music videos, making-of clips, and special clips.

“Kudoki Nagara Azabu Juban” is slated for release on December 28th.
tokyohive

Type A (CD+DVD)

1. [CD] 口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みのもんた [Kudoki Nagara Azabu Juban duet with Mino Monta]
2. [CD] やりたがり屋さん/アンダーガールズチームG [Yaritagariya San / Under Girls Team G]
3. [CD] カムジャタン慕情/アンダーガールズA [Gamjatang Bojou / Under Girls A]
4. [CD] 口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みのもんた (off vocal)
5. [CD] やりたがり屋さん (off vocal)
6. [CD] カムジャタン慕情 (off vocal)
7. [DVD] 口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みのもんた MUSIC VIDEO
8. [DVD] やりたがり屋さん MUSIC VIDEO
9. [DVD] カムジャタン慕情 MUSIC VIDEO
10. [DVD] レコーディング&MVメイキング映像(Type A version) (特典映像) [Recording and MV making-of (Type-A version)]
11. [DVD] SDN48コント KYキャバ嬢・佐藤さん・同伴出勤 (特典映像) [SDN48 Conte (KY Cabaret Club Employee / Sato-san / Bar Hostess)]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type B (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みのもんた [Kudoki Nagara Azabu Juban duet with Mino Monta]
2. [CD] やりたがり屋さん/アンダーガールズチームG [Yaritagariya San / Under Girls Team G]
3. [CD] カシャーサで自白する/アンダーガールズB [Kashaasa de Jihaku suru / Under Girls Team B]
4. [CD] 口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みのもんた (off vocal)
5. [CD] やりたがり屋さん (off vocal)
6. [CD] カシャーサで自白する (off vocal)
7. [DVD] 口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みのもんた MUSIC VIDEO
8. [DVD] やりたがり屋さん MUSIC VIDEO
9. [DVD] カシャーサで自白する MUSIC VIDEO
10. [DVD] レコーディング&MVメイキング映像(Type B version) (特典映像) [Recording and MV making-of (Type-B version)]
11. [DVD] SDN48コント野呂家の謎 (特典映像) [Recording and MV making-of (Type-B version)]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Frankly speaking, I don't really like the covers of both types of the new single. I just hope that the tracks would turn out good.
Anyways, I feel that this single is kind of awesome as to get a top shot like Mino Monta shouldn't be that easy. In case for those who don't know him, he is a Japanese television presenter who is recognized by the Guinness World Records as being the TV host with the most hours of live TV appearances in a week (22 hours, 15 seconds), as of April 2008.
In short, he is often seen on Japan TV.

UPDATE (21st November):
Images and details updated, added album covers and track lists.

JKT48 1st Generation Members Selected

2011-11-02T23:24:00.023+08:00

It was previously announced that auditions would be held in Jakarta for JKT48, AKB48's first overseas sister group.

The final audition was held earlier today at a hotel in Jakarta, and 28 girls were selected to form the first generation members. The auditions started out with 1200 applicants, which reduced to 50 after the selections and interview. The final stage involved singing, dancing and another interview.

JKT48 would be making their debut within a year and another overseas sister group, TPE48 (Taipei, Taiwan) is scheduled to be debuted next summer. Following up would be sister groups in Singapore and Thailand.

Source: tokyohive|Sanspo

UPDATE (4th November):
JKT48 1st Generation Members Profiles revealed

Allisa
Real Name: Allisa Astri
Born: June 23, 1990
Blood: O
Height: 160cm

Mova
Real Name: Allisa Gallimova
Born: August 28, 1993
Blood: O
Height: 162cm

Ayana
Real Name: Ayana Shahab
Born: June 3, 1997
Blood: O
Height: 156cm

Beby
Real Name: Beby Chaesara Anadila
Born: March 18, 1998
Blood: B
Height: 160cm

Cindy
Real Name: Cindy Gulla
Born: May 29, 1997
Blood: O
Height: 157cm

Cleo
Real Name: Cleopatra
Born: December 20, 1993
Blood: O
Height: 170cm

Delima
Real Name: Delima Rizky
Born: October 25, 1997
Blood: B
Height: 159cm

Devi
Real Name: Devi Kinal Putri
Born: January 2, 1996
Blood: A
Height: 162cm

Diasta
Real Name: Diasta Priswarini
Born: September 9, 1991
Blood: O
Height: 165cm

Fahira
Born: July 27, 1998
Blood: B
Height: 165cm

Frieska
Real Name: Frieska Anastasia Laksani
Born: March 4, 1996
Blood: O
Height: 160cm

Gaby
Real Name: Gabriela Margareth Warouw
Born: April 11, 1998
Blood: O
Height: 163cm

Gaya
Real Name: Siti Gayatri
Born: March 1993
Blood: O
Height: 163cm

Ghaida
Real Name: Ghaida Farisya
Born: May 29, 1995
Blood: B
Height: 163cm

Intan
Real Name: Intania Pratama Ilham
Born: July 19, 1991
Blood: -
Height: 166cm

Jessica
Real Name: Jessica Vania Widjaja
Born: January 22, 1996
Blood: O
Height: 156cm

Jessica
Real Name: Jessica Veranda Hardja
Born: August 19, 1993
Blood: O
Height: 168cm

Melody
Real Name: Melody Nurramdhani Laksani
Born: March 24, 1992
Blood: O
Height: 168cm

Nabila
Real Name: Nabilah Ratna Ayu Azalia
Born: November 11, 1999
Blood: B
Height: 152cm

Neneng
Real Name: Neneng Rosediana
Born: January 24, 1999
Blood: O
Height: 162cm

Rena
Real Name: Rena Nozawa
Born: may 6, 1998
Blood: B
Height: 167cm

Dhike
Real Name: Rezky Wiranti Dhike
Born: November 22, 1995
Blood: B
Height: 157cm

Rica
Real Name: Rica Leyona
Born: August 19, 1991
Blood: O
Height: 158cm

Sendy
Real Name: Sendy Ariani
Born: August 12, 1993
Blood: A
Height: 157cm

Shania
Real Name: Shania Juniantha
Born: June 27, 1998
Blood: B
Height: 165cm

Sonia
Real Name: Sonia Natalia
Born: December 17, 1997
Blood: O
Height: 153cm

Sonya
Real Name: Sonya Pandarwaman
Born: may 18, 1996
Blood: A
Height: 156cm

Stella
Real Name: Stella Cornelia
Born: November 3, 1994
Blood: O
Height: 160cm

Source: tokyohive|JKT48 Official Web

AKB48's Single 'Kaze wa Fuiteiru' Ranks 1st in Oricon Weekly Chart

2011-11-01T20:53:00.058+08:00

It was revealed on Oricon that AKB48 claimed the first spot in weekly sales again with 1.3 million copies!
Furthermore it's their tenth consecutive time topping the weekly chart, breaking the record of Pink Lady of nine consecutive of first place in weekly sales almost 33 years ago.

AKB48 now takes over the top three position for best first week sales with “Flying Get” at first place with 1,354,000 copies and “Everyday, Kachuusha” at second with 1,334,000 copies. This makes AKB48 the first artist to ever to achieve three million-selling-single in a row.

What's more is, all the singles AKB48 sold since their debut adds up 10,034,000 copies, making them the fourth girl group after Pink Lady, SPEED, and Morning Musume to break through the 10 million mark in the history of Oricon.

Congratulations AKB48!! I will always support you all! ^^

Source: tokyohive|Oricon

AKB48 24th Single - '上からマリコ' ('Ue Kara Mariko')

2011-10-29T23:39:00.138+08:00

During the release commemoration handshaking event for their single, “Flying Get” at Aji no Moto Stadium in Tokyo earlier today, AKB48 members announced the title and coupling songs for their 24th single which features 16 Senbatsu members chosen from their ‘24th Single Senbatsu Janken Tournament’. The single would be released on the 7th of December.

The title song is announce as '上からマリコ' ('Ue Kara Mariko' - Mariko from the Top) and the single would be released in 4 versions: Type A, Type K, Type B and Theater. All types would include a common B-side, 'Noel no Yoru' and the B-side title for Type A, K, B and Theater are 'Rinjin wa Kizutsukanai (Team A)', 'Zerosum Taiyou (Team K)', 'Yobisute Fantasy (Team B)', 'Hashire! Penguin (Team 4)' respectively.

Type A (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 上からマリコ [Ue Kara Mariko]
2. [CD] ノエルの夜 [Noel no Yoru]
3. [CD] 隣人は傷つかない(Team A) [Rinjin wa Kizutsukanai (Team A)]
4. [CD] 上からマリコ (off vocal ver.)
5. [CD] ノエルの夜 (off vocal ver.)
6. [CD] 隣人は傷つかない (off vocal ver.)
7. [DVD] 上からマリコ Music Video [Ue Kara Mariko (music video)]
8. [DVD] ノエルの夜 Music Video [Noel no Yoru (music video)]
9. [DVD] 隣人は傷つかない Music Video [Rinjin wa Kizutsukanai (music video)]
10. [DVD] 24thシングル選抜じゃんけん大会ドキュメント映像(前編) [24th Single Senbatsu Janken Taikai Document (First Volume)]
CDJapan Link
HMV Japan Link

Type K (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 上からマリコ [Ue Kara Mariko]
2. [CD] ノエルの夜 [Noel no Yoru]
3. [CD] ゼロサム太陽 (Team K) [Zerosum Taiyou (Team K)]
4. [CD] 上からマリコ (off vocal ver.) [Ue Kara Mariko (off vocal ver.)]
5. [CD] ノエルの夜 (off vocal ver.) [Noel no Yoru (off vocal ver.)]
6. [CD] ゼロサム太陽 (off vocal ver.) [Zerosum Taiyou (off vocal ver.)]
7. [DVD] 上からマリコ Music Video [Ue Kara Mariko (music video)]
8. [DVD] ノエルの夜 Music Video [Noel no Yoru (music video)]
9. [DVD] ゼロサム太陽 Music Video [Zerosum Taiyou (music video)]
10. [DVD] 24thシングル選抜じゃんけん大会ドキュメント映像(中編) [24th Single Senbatsu Janken Taikai Document (Second Volume)]
CDJapan Link
HMV Japan Link

Type B (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 上からマリコ [Ue Kara Mariko]
2. [CD] ノエルの夜 [Noel no Yoru]
3. [CD] 呼び捨てファンタジー (Team B) [Yobisute Fantasy (Team B)]
4. [CD] 上からマリコ (off vocal ver.) [Ue Kara Mariko (off vocal ver.)]
5. [CD] ノエルの夜 (off vocal ver.) [Noel no Yoru (off vocal ver.)]
6. [CD] 呼び捨てファンタジー (off vocal ver.)
7. [DVD] 上からマリコ Music Video [Ue Kara Mariko (music video)]
8. [DVD] ノエルの夜 Music Video [Noel no Yoru (music video)]
9. [DVD] 呼び捨てファンタジ Music Video [Yobisute Fantasy (music video)]
10. [DVD] 24thシングル選抜じゃんけん大会ドキュメント映像(後編) [24th Single Senbatsu Janken Taikai Document (Volume Three)]
[DVD] 篠田麻里子ガチインタビュー (インタビュアーぷっちょく)
[DVD] 篠田麻里子ガチインタビュー
CDJapan Link
HMV Japan Link

Theater (CD Only)
1. [CD] 上からマリコ [Ue Kara Mariko]
2. [CD] ノエルの夜 [Noel no Yoru]
3. [CD] 走れ!ペンギン [Hashire! Penguin (Team 4)]
4. [CD] 上からマリコ (off vocal ver.) [Ue Kara Mariko (off vocal ver.)]
5. [CD] ノエルの夜 (off vocal ver.) [Noel no Yoru (off vocal ver.)]
6. [CD] 走れ!ペンギン (off vocal ver.) [Hashire! Penguin (off vocal ver.)]

UPDATE (6th December):

A giant poster of AKB48’s upcoming single, “Ue Kara Mariko“, at JR Shibuya Station

NMB48 tops the Weekly Single Charts again!

2011-10-25T19:58:00.025+08:00

NMB48's second single 'Oh My God!' sold over 265,000 copies in its first week, thus ranking first in the Oricon Weekly Single Ranking Chart. This makes NMB48 to be the first group to top the charts twice in a row since their debut and also the first female group to sell over 200,000 copies in its first week, two singles in a row.

Congratulations NMB48!!

Source; tokyohive|Mantan Web

Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 9th Single - '希望山脈' ('Kibou Sanmyaku')

2011-10-21T19:37:00.005+08:00

It was announced that Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 would be releasing a new single on the 30th of November. ~~Details are yet to be announced.~~

Type A (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 希望山脈 [Kibou Sanmyaku]
2. [CD] 犬語を話せる男の子 [Inugo wo Hanaseru Otoko no ko]
3. [CD] 猿のシンバル/ 渡辺麻友, 仲川遥香, 小森美果 [Saru no Cymbal/Watanabe Mayu, Nakagawa Haruka, Komori Mika]
4. [CD] 希望山脈 (Instrumental)
5. [CD] 犬語を話せる男の子 (Instrumental)
6. [CD] 猿のシンバル (Instrumental)
7. [DVD] 希望山脈 (Music Video) [Kibou Sanmyaku (music video)]
8. [DVD] お兄ちゃんの部屋に来るまゆゆ (特典映像) [Privilege video : Onii-chan no Heya ni Kuru Mayuyu (Mayuyu visiting older brother’s place)]
9. [DVD] まゆゆのベトナムひとり旅ショッピング篇 (特典映像) [Privilege video : Mayuyu no Vietnam Hitori Tabi Shopping volume (Mayuyu’s solitary journey to Vietnam *shopping volume)]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type B (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 希望山脈 [Kibou Sanmyaku]
2. [CD] 犬語を話せる男の子 [Inugo wo Hanaseru Otoko no ko]
3. [CD] 思い出は遠いほど…/ 渡辺麻友, 多田愛佳, 菊地彩香 [Omoide wa Tooihodo…/Watanabe Mayu, Oota Aika, Kikuchi Ayaka]
4. [CD] 希望山脈 (Instrumental)
5. [CD] 犬語を話せる男の子 (Instrumental)
6. [CD] 思い出は遠いほど… (Instrumental)
7. [DVD] 希望山脈 (Music Video) [Kibou Sanmyaku (music video)]
8. [DVD] 隣の部屋に住むまゆゆ (特典映像)[Privilege video : Tonari no Heya ni Sumu Mayuyu (Mayuyu living next door)]
9. [DVD] まゆゆのベトナムひとり旅お散歩篇 (特典映像) [Privilege video : Mayuyu no Vietnam Hitori Tabi Osanpo volume (Mayuyu’s solitary journey to Vietnam *leisurely walk volume)]
10. [DVD] 希望山脈 (Dance Shot Version) [Kibou Sanmyaku (Dance Shot Version)]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type C (CD + DVD)

1. [Disc 1] 希望山脈 [Kibou Sanmyaku]
2. [Disc 1] 犬語を話せる男の子 [Inugo wo Hanaseru Otoko no ko]
3. [Disc 1] 秘どっきりで行こう/ 渡辺麻友, 平嶋夏海, 岩佐美咲 [Maruhi Dokkiri de Ikou/Watanabe Mayu, Hirajima Natsumi, Iwasa Misaki]
4. [Disc 1] 希望山脈 (Instrumental)
5. [Disc 1] 犬語を話せる男の子 (Instrumental)
6. [Disc 1] 秘どっきりで行こう (Instrumental)
7. [Disc 2] 希望山脈 (Music Video) [Kibou Sanmyaku (music video)]
8. [Disc 2] 彼氏の部屋に来るまゆゆ (特典映像) [Privilege video : Kareshi no Heya ni Kuru Mayuyu (Mayuyu visiting boyfriend’s place)]
9. [Disc 2] まゆゆのベトナムひとり旅マッサージ篇 (特典映像) [Privilege video : Mayuyu no Vietnam Hitori Tabi Massage volume (Mayuyu’s solitary journey to Vietnam *massage volume)]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Regular (CD only)
1. [CD] 希望山脈 [Kibou Sanmyaku]
2. [CD] 恋は心配性/ 渡辺麻友 [Koi wa Shinpai-shou/Watanabe Mayu]
3. [CD] 希望山脈 (Instrumental)
4. [CD] 恋は心配性 (Instrumental)
CDJapan
HMV Online

UPDATE (18th November):
Album art, track lists and PV released

All SDN48 Members Graduating

2011-10-15T23:45:00.006+08:00

During the SDN48 stage performance today, Noro Kayo, captain of SDN48, announced that the whole group would be graduating with a farewell concert next year 31st of March.

This news was spread rather fast and soon enough I got to know about it through a fan-base in Singapore. Was rather shocked and did not really wanted to believe till it was official posted on the SDN48 official blog.

SDN48は、それぞれのメンバーが進むべき道を目指すために

全員揃ってグループを卒業をすることになりました。

2012年3月31日に現行メンバー揃ってのさよならコンサートをもって

SDN48としての第一章はその役目を終えます。

Link for the full blog post here

Translation of a part of the blog post:

“It has been 2 years and 2 months since we formed SDN48, and we would like to thank you for your large support and warmhearted messages since the beginning.

In order to focus on each member’s career path, all the members of SDN48 will graduate from the group together.

Through their farewell concert on March 31st, 2012, the first chapter of SDN48 will conclude its role.

We are approaching the time where we need to think about our break point.

Though all of us will go on a new stage to fulfill our own dreams, please continue to support us.”
Translation from tokyohive

The post also mentioned about the graduation being the end of the 'first chapter' of SDN48. I suppose all members would indeed graduate and replaced a fresh new batch? Can't confirm anything yet, so shall wait for more news to come.

What's for sure to me is I would definitely miss Yukarin a lot as she is the only one that I love a lot in the whole group. Hope she get into a career that she likes after graduation. I will forever support her! >_<

NMB48 1st Overseas 'LIVE' to be held in Singapore!

2011-10-09T22:18:00.008+08:00

Announced in the NMB48 Official News page, NMB48's Team N would be performing their 2nd stage'青春ガールズ' (Seishun Girls) in Singapore on the 4th of December. This would be the first time for NMB48 to perform a 'LIVE' concert outside of Japan. The announcement was first made at their 1-year anniversary 'LIVE' at NHK Osaka Hall. More details are yet to be announced ~~and on Singapore side, SOZO have yet to make any announcement on the concert.~~

The captain of Team N, Yamamoto Sayaka strongly asserted, “We should start studying how to greet there in Singapore. We will try our best carrying Japan on our back.”

Very well said Sayaka! ^^ Will be anticipating to the awesome performance by NMB48 Team N this December!

Posted on AKB48 Singapore Official Site:

04.12.2011 (SUN)
AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.10
NMB48, STAGE 1
2PM & 6PM

2011年12月4日(日)
AKB48 シンガポール劇場 ‘ライブ’ Vol.10
NMB48 第一弾！

UPDATE (29th October):
Details are found on AKB48 Singapore's Official Site

Sending off SDN48 members at Changi Airport

2011-10-09T08:33:00.002+08:00

Woke up early today to catch the first train (caught the second train instead) from my place to Changi Airport. Still wasn't able to come up with a gift to give Yukarin as a souvenir yet so decided to take a look in the 7-Eleven at Changi Airport Terminal 2 Departure Hall. Didn't find anything that is really good to give her as a souvenir so I went ahead with this Merlion.

SDN48 members entering the Departure Hall

Didn't realize I went so close the member next to Yukarin until I saw this photo that my friend took for me. Wanted to pass Yukarin the Merlion. =X
(Yukarin is wearing a cap)

Hope Yukarin likes the gifts I gave her and I hope to see her again. Missing her already. T_T

Post on the SDN48 2nd stage in Singapore here.

AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.8: 'SDN48 2ND STAGE!'

2011-10-08T22:41:00.000+08:00

After reaching home from the airport, I took a short power nap before preparing to set off to work. Yes, work. =_= Wasn't able to get whole day off but I still managed to bargain a half day off though.

Rushed down to *SCAPE at around 5pm and while on the way, a bird shit drop on my head. Omg.. what a day is today. T_T Lucky the bird is eating healthy and managed to washed it away easily in the toilet.

My ticket did not get me the first row (Information on the queuing system here) so I joined my other friends at the back, behind the last row of seats. Wanted to be in first row to be closer to Yukarin (Sato Yukari) and get her attention (and her garter - inside people would know what I mean ^w^) but sadly don't have the luck and 'connections'. The back wasn't that bad though. It was so fun as there's no space constraint! Only thing that still hurt my heart is that I wasn't able to catch Yukarin's garter during the song, '誘惑のガーター' ('Yuuwaku no Garter')... TAT Only the first couple of rows (first row in fact) stand the chance to catch it when she throws it!

Whining aside, the concert was as expected, really awesome and of course sexy! (SDN48 is a mature-themed sister group of AKB48 whose concerts were supposed to be age restricted. With age restriction lifted, the dances would of course be milder but still are sexy)
The concert reached it's peak when they performed the cover songs of their three singles,'Min Min Min', 'Ai Chuseyo', and 'GaGaGa'. Was totally going crazy then o(^o^)o

The handshake session while exiting the concert area was like the previous SDN48 concert in Singapore, totally AWESOME! The SDN48 gives really good handshakes! The day reached it's peak when I reached Yukarin. She remembered me and said some stuff that I did not get initially while I keep trying to say if I can be her #1 fan. I not sure if she got it but I heard something '4' from her. Only soon later did I realize she was referring to the letter I wrote to her, which was given to her along with the customized tee at the airport!

She was actually referring to me only able to come after 4 due to work, to confirm that it was me and was talking about it to me which I don't really remember as I was already on cloud nine!
Due to the delay I caused while I had a conversation with Yukarin, the people behind me was being pushed to speed up the queue - and causing my friend to be not able to shake a couple of SDN48 members' hands. Oops! Sorry!! This is what normally happens when one meets his/her most favourite member of a group. >_<
Only if my Japanese is much better. T_T I could have a proper conversation with her instead of one containing so many question marks!

Rushed out to the back of *SCAPE after the handshake to camp at a good spot at the side of the van which the SDN48 members would be leaving in...

... but in no luck as other SDN48 members sat on the seats in front of my spot and thus Yukarin sat nearer to the back. I did attract Yukarin's attention while she finding for a seat though and what she did TOTALLY MELTED MY HEART!! She waved to me and gave me a moe-moe-kyun heart sign!! <3
Ohhh myy godddd... It was totally unforgettable >w<
(Did not have photos of her as I was too preoccupied waving and keeping my eyes on Yukarin)

Now the trouble. Feel like giving another gift to her relating to Singapore as a souvenir when sending her off at the airport tomorrow but at this time it's impossible to find one already... Shall see what to do tomorrow then.

Welcoming SDN48 members at Changi Airport

2011-10-08T06:44:00.094+08:00

How been anticipating for this for quite some time already. One of my oshi (favourite member from the '48' groups) is coming to Singapore! It would be SDN48's second stage later today and my SDN48 oshi, Sato Yukari, is in the member list. Went down to Changi Airport to welcome the SDN48 members yesterday and most importantly, to give Yukarin the custom made tee that I designed.

I did successfully give the tee to Yukarin but the process of giving to her was rather... Ah well, quite sad.. but well, she got it in the end and know that it was from me, so it's still okay.

While they were still behind the glass doors, collecting their luggage, most of the fans that I know were not able to recognize who is who initially as almost every of the SDN48 members were wearing masks, which is actually not uncommon for Japanese. I managed to identify who is Yukarin after awhile and really hoped that I am right as I don't want to give the tee to the wrong person and create an awkward situation. =X (which actually did happen but in another way)

While they started to walk out, a fan girl was totally screaming out to Yukarin that when by the time she reached near the area of the barricade I am at, she did not notice me calling out to her and trying to give her the tee. Unexpectedly, the SDN48 member behind her thought that the tee was for her and took it while thanking me. I was stunned for a moment and I thought I have identified wrongly but when she looked at the tee, she said 'Yukarin?' then I realized I did identify correctly. I am so sorry to that member and I wasn't able to identify who is she so that I can apologize during the handshake event after the concert later today. Things did not really went out of plan though, she called out to Yukarin and passed her the tee while pointing out that it was from me. I tried to wave to Yukarin while showing the tee I am wearing (the exact same tee I made for her - the tee shown above). She spotted me and waved back while thanking me and say 'I love Singapore!'. Was damn happy and I shouted back 'I love Yukarin!!' <3 >w<

Yukarin holding on to the tee

SKE48 7th Singe - オキドキ (Okie Dokie)

2011-10-06T19:51:00.105+08:00

During a handshake and mini-live event in Nagoya on September 17th for SKE48's 6th Single, 'Pareo wa Emerald', it was announced that they would be releasing a new single on the 9th of November, titled 'オキドキ'. The track lists for the 4 different editions (Type A, B, C and Theater) were released about half a month later and the album arts were released just recently.

Type A (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] オキドキ [Okie Dokie]
2. [CD] バズーカ砲発射 (白組) [Bazooka-hou Hassha! (Shiro-gumi)]
3. [CD] 初恋の踏切 [Hatsukoi no Fumikiri (All members)]
4. [CD] オキドキ (off vocal)
5. [CD] バズーカ砲発射! (off vocal)
6. [CD] 初恋の踏切 (off vocal)
7. [DVD] オキドキ (music video) [Okie Dokie Music Video]
8. [DVD] バズーカ砲発射! (music video) [Bazooka-hou Hassha! Music Video]
9. [DVD] 特典映像「ガチ! おやすみ」(白組) (self video) [Privilege video (Shiro-gumi)]
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Type B (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] オキドキ [Okie Dokie]
2. [CD] 微笑みのポジティブシンキング (紅組) [Hohoemi no Positive Thinking (Aka-gumi)]
3. [CD] 初恋の踏切 [Hatsukoi no Fumikiri (All members)]
4. [CD] オキドキ (off vocal)
5. [CD] 微笑みのポジティブシンキング (off vocal)
6. [CD] 初恋の踏切 (off vocal)
7. [DVD] オキドキ (music video) [Okie Dokie Music Video]
8. [DVD] 微笑みのポジティブシンキング (music video)
[Hohoemi no Positive Thinking Music Video]
9. [DVD] 特典映像「ガチ! おやすみ」(紅組) (self video) [Privilege video (Aka-gumi)]
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Type C (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] オキドキ [Okie Dokie]
2. [CD] 歌おうよ、僕たちの校歌 (セレクション8) [Utaouyo, Boku-tachi no Kouka (Selection 8)]
3. [CD] 初恋の踏切 [Hatsukoi no Fumikiri (All members)]
4. [CD] オキドキ (off vocal)
5. [CD] 歌おうよ、僕たちの校歌 (off vocal)
6. [CD] 初恋の踏切 (off vocal)
7. [DVD] オキドキ (music video) [Okie Dokie Music Video]
8. [DVD] 特典映像I「ガチ! おやすみ」(32人) (self video)
9. [DVD] 特典映像II「SKE48 7thシングル選抜ドキュメント」(documentary movie)
10. [DVD] 特典映像III「AKB48 24thシングル選抜じゃんけん大会〜密着! SKE48〜」(digest movie)
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Theater Edition
1. [CD] オキドキ [Okie Dokie]
2. [CD] バズーカ砲発射 (白組) [Bazooka-hou Hassha! (Shiro-gumi)]
3. [CD] 微笑みのポジティブシンキング (紅組) [Hohoemi no Positive Thinking (Aka-gumi)]
4. [CD] SKE48 7th single medley
5. [CD] オキドキ (off vocal)
6. [CD] バズーカ砲発射 (白組) (off vocal)
7. [CD] 微笑みのポジティブシンキング (紅組) (off vocal)

オキドキ [Okie Dokie]

バズーカ砲発射 (白組) [Bazooka-hou Hassha! (Shiro-gumi)]

微笑みのポジティブシンキング (紅組) [Hohoemi no Positive Thinking (Aka-gumi)]

More singles to 'Flying Get'... eh... pre-order! >_< Hope I have enough budget once my pay comes. The PVs looks really awesome. Especially 'Okie Dokie', which I find really cute and full of energy!

SDN48 Special Cafe Event & Shop Visit

2011-10-05T22:52:00.092+08:00

Following the SDN48's 2nd Stage this coming Saturday, it was announced on AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook page that there would be a special cafe event on Sunday (9th October) with three SDN48 members,陳屈 (Chen Qu), 近藤さや香 (Kondo Sayaka) and 伊東愛 (Ito Mana), in two sessions, 12:30pm and 5pm.

Tickets would be on sale this Saturday (8th October) 12pm at the AKB48 Official Cafe Singapore and could be either purchased at SGD35 or redeemed with a completed AKB48 point card (limited amount available). Drinks would be served during the event and food vouchers would be given to redeem a meal after the event, which would be valid for two weeks (till 23rd October).

Tickets for overseas fans are also available via balloting:

Overseas fans can apply for tickets by sending in an e-mail with the subject: ‘SDN48 cafe Event Application’ to contact@akb48.com.sg with the following details:

Name:
E-mail:
Contact number:
Passport number:
Preferred Session:

Applications will close on 07.10.11 (FRI) 11:59 and successful applicants will be notified by 07.10.11 (FRI) 23:59. Collection of these balloting tickets will start on Saturday 12pm. Please produce your-email and passport as proof of identity when collecting the tickets. Uncollected tickets will be sold 20 mins before the start of each event.

(from AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook page)

It was also announced that the three SDN48 members, Chen Qu, Sayaka Kondo and Mana Itou would also be visiting the Official Shop from around 5pm onwards. A minimum spending of SGD20 is required during the session to have the point card stamped by the SDN48 members.

I think I can't make it to get the tickets this Saturday... T_T My boss want me to work at least from 12pm to 4:30pm... She actually wanted me to work till 9pm but with some bargaining I managed to be able to work just half a day with a lie (a white lie I would say =X) so that I would still be able to go for the second time slot of the concert. Damn the boss. I did go according to the contract by telling in advance that I can't work on the 8th! Am already damn pissed that I am unable to go for both time slots (2pm & 6pm) and if she changes her mind and say I must work whole day, I am going quit with no hesitation! (Since I actually should not be working for now as I am still studying in Polytechnic and that I got the job in the first place is to get extra income to spend on my fandom, not to obstruct my fandom!) Sorry if this sounds childish >[

Not Yet 3rd Single - ペラペラペラオ (Pera Pera Perao)

2011-10-03T08:26:00.118+08:00

It was announced that Not Yet, a sub-unit from AKB48 consisting of Oshima Yuko, Sashihara Rino, Kitahara Rie and Yokoyama Yui, would be releasing a new single titled 'ペラペラペラオ' (Pera Pera Perao) on the 16th of November. ~~More details are yet to be announced except for some preview photos posted on Sanspo.~~

Type A (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] ペラペラペラオ [Pera Pera Perao]
2. [CD] 海鳴りよ [Uminari yo]
3. [CD] 元カレが結婚する時 [Moto Kare ga Kekkon Suru Toki]
4. [CD] ペラペラペラオ (off vocal ver.)
5. [CD] 海鳴りよ (off vocal ver.)
6. [CD] 元カレが結婚する時 (off vocal ver.)
7. [DVD] ペラペラペラオ Music Clip [Pera Pera Perao (Music Clip)]
8. [DVD] 特典映像「パジャマでお鍋会」
9. [DVD] 「波乗りかき氷」イベントよみうりランド編 (ダイジェスト映像)
10. [DVD] 「波乗りかき氷」イベント幕張メッセ編 (ダイジェスト映像)
11. [DVD] 「ペラペラペラオ」Music Clip (LIP ver.)
12. [DVD] 「ヨンパラ」似顔絵編
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Type B (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] ペラペラペラオ [Pera Pera Perao]
2. [CD] 海鳴りよ [Uminari yo]
3. [CD] 風車が見える街 [Fuusha ga Mieru Machi]
4. [CD] ペラペラペラオ (off vocal ver.)
5. [CD] 海鳴りよ (off vocal ver.)
6. [CD] 風車が見える街 (off vocal ver.)
7. [DVD] ペラペラペラオ Music Clip [Pera Pera Perao (Music Clip)]
8. [DVD] 「ペラペラペラオ」Music Clip メイキング
9. [DVD] 一流ペラペラペラオに訊く! Not yet"人生の極意"横山由依×徳光和夫
10. [DVD] 一流ペラペラペラオに訊く! Not yet"人生の極意"大島優子×コロッケ
11. [DVD] 「ヨンパラ」グダグダトーク編
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Type C (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] ペラペラペラオ [Pera Pera Perao]
2. [CD] 海鳴りよ [Uminari yo]
3. [CD] 味方 [Mikata]
4. [CD] ペラペラペラオ (off vocal ver.)
5. [CD] 海鳴りよ (off vocal ver.)
6. [CD] 味方 (off vocal ver.)
7. [DVD] ペラペラペラオ Music Clip [Pera Pera Perao (Music Clip)]
8. [DVD] 一流ペラペラペラオに訊く! Not yet"人生の極意"北原里英×今田耕司
9. [DVD] 一流ペラペラペラオに訊く! Not yet"人生の極意"指原莉乃×土田晃之
10. [DVD] 「ペラペラペラオ」Music Clip (DANCE ver.)
11. [DVD] 振付映像「ペラペラペラオ」ダンスレクチャー ※(by Dancers)
12. [DVD] 「ヨンパラ」テープチェンジ編
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Pera Pera Perao PV

Not yet talks about love in “Pera Pera Perao” DVD

AKB48 sub-unit Not yet is gearing up to release their third single, “Pera Pera Perao“.

As reported earlier, the single will come in three different versions: Type A, Type B, and Type C. Each edition will come with a DVD containing the music video for “Pera Pera Perao” and a special video recording.

The DVD for Type A will feature a ‘girl’s talk’ between members Oshima Yuko (23), Sashihara Rino (18), Kitahara Rie (20), and Yokoyama Yui (18) in their pajamas. Although AKB48 has a ban on relationships, the girls’ conversation will revolve around the topic of ‘love’. With Oshima as the primary listener, each member will mention the type of person they like.

Yokoyama revealed, “If he tells me he likes me, I might end up liking them back.” Sashihara agreed, saying, “I’m the same!“, before exposing her negative philosophy on love.

The DVD for Type B and C will include footage of the members interviewing ‘talk specialists’. Oshima will interview talento Korokke (51), whom met before her break at a darts bar. Yokoyama will chat with Tokumitsu Kazuo (70), the free announcer who served as the MC for AKB48’s “3rd Senbatsu Election“, while Sashihara will seek advice from talento Tsuchida Teruyuki (39), who appeared on her show, “Sashiko no Kuse ni“. Finally, Kitahara will sit down with talento Imada Kouji (45), her co-star in CBC’s “Nobunaga“.

Be sure to catch this footage when “Pera Pera Perao” gets released on November 16th.
tokyohive

UPDATE (11th October):
A short preview of 'Pera Pera Perao' was uploaded on Columbia Music Japan Official Youtube channel.

UPDATE (25th October):
Track lists were released.

UPDATE (16th November):
Track lists, DVD lists, and album arts updated.
Details of DVD updated

Takahashi Minami's Special Visit to AKB48 Official Cafe & Shop Singapore

2011-09-25T10:38:00.072+08:00

What I have been fearing (not scary kind of fear but fear of what would happen to fans in Singapore and overseas) totally came through. It was announced on the AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook page yesterday midnight that 高橋みなみ (Takahashi Minami), leader of Team A and AKB48 in overall, would be visiting the AKB48 Singapore Official Cafe and Shop next week Monday (3rd of October)!

More details are yet to be announced.

I bet there would be a real epic scene of Takamina fanboying/fangirling going on all the way during her arrival at the airport, her visit to the Official Cafe & Shop, and her departure from Singapore at the airport. Sad that I would not be able to catch all the action as I would be working on the 3rd. =[

UPDATE (29th September):

From AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook Page,

CAFE EVENT
There will be three events at the cafe. The door open timings are as follows:

Session 1 - 15:15
Session 2 - 16:30
Session 3 - 17:45

Ticket sales will start on Saturday 01.10.11 12pm at the AKB48 Official Cafe Singapore. Fans can either purchase their tickets at SGD35 each or redeem a limited number of tickets using a completed AKB48 point card with 20 stamps. Limited quantities of tickets are available for redemption.

Overseas fans can apply for tickets by sending in an e-mail with the subject:
‘Minami Takahashi 高橋みなみ cafe Event Application’
to contact@akb48.com.sg with the following details:

Name:
E-mail:
Contact number:
Passport number:
Preferred Session:

Applications will close on Saturday 11:59 and successful applicants will be notified by Saturday 23:59. Collection of these balloting tickets will start on Sunday 12pm. Please produce your-email and passport as proof of identity when collecting the tickets. Uncollected tickets will be sold 30mins before the start of each event.

The duration of each session will be approximately 45 minutes. Each ticket comes with a Calpis drink and an entree dish. The Calpis soda drink will be served during the event and the entree dish can only be redeemed after the event through the same event ticket. The redemption period for this dish will be only two weeks and end on 17.10.11.

Please note that each customer is only allowed to purchase a maximum of two tickets only, for one chosen session, and may not purchase multiple sessions for each customer. This is to allow as many different fans as possible to attend the event.

SHOP EVENT
After the cafe events, Minami Takahashi 高橋みなみwill be having a hand shake session with fans in the shop at 1830. Starting from 01.10.11 (SAT), the first 50 fans who purchase more than SGD20 worth of goods, excluding Singapore Exclusive AKB48 Photo Sets, will be entitled to one handshake session coupon.

Exclusive Takahashi Minami T-shirts would also be on sale on the 3rd of October and pre-orders would begin on the 1st of October. Only limited quantities of sizes S to XXl would be available.

UPDATE (3rd October):

( From AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook page)

Omg... Just look at the crowd... I wasn't able to be there... TAT

AKB48 The 24th Single - Janken Tournament (第2回じゃんけん大会)

2011-09-20T22:35:00.065+08:00

A lot of things happened in this Janken Tournament, with most of them very near to my prediction. In overall, I rather depressed with the results, but before I go into anymore moaning (which I did while coming out of the theater) here is the list of members who made it into the AKB48 24th Single Senbatsu

優勝 - 篠田麻里子 (Shinoda Mariko)

2位 - 藤江れいな (Fujie Reina)

3位 - 峯岸みなみ (Minami Minegishi)

4位 - 小林茉里奈 (Kobayashi Marina)

5位 - 秋元才加 (Akimoto Sayaka)

6位 - 大家志津香 (Oya Shizuka)

7位 - 前田亜美 (Maeda Ami)

8位 - 佐藤すみれ (Sato Sumire)

9位~16位:

肥川彩愛 (Hikawa Ayame - NMB48 Kenkyuusei)・梅田彩佳 (Umeda Ayaka)・河西智美 (Kasai Tomomi)・桑原みずき (Kuwabara Mizuki - SKE48 Team S)・小嶋陽菜 (Kojima Haruna)・山口夕輝 (Yamaguchi Yuuki - NMB48 Kenkyuusei)・山内鈴蘭 (Yamauchi Suzuran)・北原里英 (Kitahara Rie)

The tournament started out with some introductions and a performance of 'Chance no Junban' by last year's Janken tournament senbatsu, where 内田眞由美 (Uchida Mayumi) - champion of the Janken Tournament last year - started off the song, solo, in ballad.

There was the appearance of the special guest, pro wrestling legend Antonio Inoki, and what shocked me for a while was his slap on Matsui Rena's face. Realized it was '闘魂注入' (Toukon Chuunyu) or 'Instilling Fighting Spirit' which is well-known in Japan. Matsui Rena did not make it into the Janken Tournament as she lost the premliminary rounds. Was already very sad for that already. D= I could only hope that Takajo Aki (my oshimen), Iwasa Misaki (my next favourite AKB48 member) and Mtasui Jurina (one of my favourites in SKE48) or either of them gets into Senbatsu in for the 24th Single.

Sadly, Wasamin lost in the first round and left Akicha and Jurina who would be competing for the Top 16 positions with Kojiharu (Kojima Haruna) and Miichan (Minegishi Minami) respectively - which secures a place in the 24th Single Senbatsu. Was super depressed when both Akicha and Jurina lost that I simply slumped back on to the chair and did not really bother to pay much attention to the rest of the tournament. =X I guess my hopes of having my favourites in the Top 16 - Senbatsu - was a bit too high eh.

Looking on the bright side, at least at least two AKB48 members that I like is in Senbatsu, with one being the champion of the Janken Tournament - Shinoda Mariko. The other member is Umeda Ayaka, who managed to get into Top 16. I have a feeling that the 'scissors' earring Mariko-sama wore during the tournament did affected the decisions of most of her opponents on which move to make, sort of like a mind game. If it's really for that purpose, I really have to praise her for that!

There's also another AKB48 member whom I took note of during tournament - Kobayashi Marina from AKB48 Kenkyuusei. I don't know much about her but from all the calculations I did before the tournament with the statistics available in the AKB48 Janken Tournament Official Guidebook, I predicted that she had the most chance in getting the Center position (Champion) or at least near there, and indeed, she got into Top 4! Which is really close to my prediction! =D Firstly, congratulations to Marinchan!! ^^ Through this chance of being in Senbatsu for the AKB48 24th Single, I hope that Marinchan is able to shine, especially in the PV, and get the chance to be promoted to Team 4.

At the ending part of the Janken Tournament, the full PV of AKB48's upcoming single '風は吹いている' ('Kaze wa Fuiteiru') was aired. There were many varying comments from my friends with some liking the song but find the costumes, hair style and dance not really nice. As for me not only I find the song awesome, I actually do find the costume and hair style really fitting, along with the background and dance too. I am totally impressed with the whole PV and really made me want to place an order for it.
(Check out my previous post here for more information on AKB48's 23rd single, '風は吹いている')

When the whole live screening ended and as I was about to leave, I realized that one of my Akicha pins (which is a set of two) broke. I did remember it's still intact during the live screening of the janken tournament, even before Akicha was up against Kojiharu. I wonder if it broke due to my rage when Akicha lost? However, I don't remember hitting so hard that a pin can break just like that.

Luckily it's not the one with Akicha photo on!

That part of the pin is self-replaceable though (at least to me). Just need to find a replacement for the broken part.

Before the AKB48 24th Single 'LIVE' Screening, I got the Majisuka and Yabakune pins (from the AKB48 drama, Majisuka Gakeun) I ordered through a fellow forum user, samx, from Nihongogo.

Looks awesome eh? Looks exactly like the actual one in the drama!

More information on the AKB48 24th Single 'LIVE' Screening in my previous post here.

NMB48 2nd Single - オーマイガー！ (Oh My God!)

2011-09-18T21:42:00.098+08:00

NMB48's 2nd Single were announced and scheduled to be released on 19th of October, titled 'オーマイガー！' ('Oh My God!'), in three regular editions (Type A, B and C) and a Theater edition.

Type A (CD +DVD)

1. [CD] オーマイガー！ [Oh My God!]
2. [CD] 僕は待ってる [Boku wa Matteru]
3. [CD] 結晶/白組 [Kesshou/Shiro gumi]
4. [CD] オーマイガー! off vocal ver.
5. [CD] 僕は待ってる off vocal ver.
6. [CD] 結晶/白組 off vocal ver.
7. [DVD] オーマイガー! (ミュージックビデオ) [Oh My God! (Music Video)]
8. [DVD] 結晶/白組 (ミュージックビデオ) [Kesshou/Shiro gumi (Music Video)]
9. [DVD] オーマイガー! (ミュージックビデオダンシングバージョン) [Oh My God! (Music Video Dancing Version)]
10. [DVD] 第1回NMB48紅白対抗水泳大会 [前編] [Dai 1 kai NMB48 Kohaku Suiei Taikai (Part 1)]
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Type B (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] オーマイガー! [Oh My God!]
2. [CD] 僕は待ってる [Boku wa Matteru]
3. [CD] 捕食者たちよ/紅組 [Hoshokusha tachi yo/Aka gumi]
4. [CD] オーマイガー! off vocal ver.
5. [CD] 僕は待ってる off vocal ver.
6. [CD] 捕食者たちよ/紅組 off vocal ver.
7. [DVD] オーマイガー! (ミュージックビデオ) [Oh My God! (Music Video)]
8. [DVD] 捕食者たちよ/紅組 (ミュージックビデオ) [Hoshokusha tachi yo/Aka gumi (Music Video)]
9. [DVD] オーマイガー! (ミュージックビデオダンシングバージョン) [Oh My God! (Music Video Dancing Version)]
10. [DVD] 第1回NMB48紅白対抗水泳大会 [後編] [Dai 1 kai NMB48 Kohaku Suiei Taikai (Part 2)]
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Type C (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] オーマイガー! [Oh My God!]
2. [CD] 僕は待ってる [Boku wa Matteru]
3. [CD] 嘘の天秤/NMBセブン [Uso no Tenbin/NMB Seven]
4. [CD] オーマイガー! off vocal ver.
5. [CD] 僕は待ってる off vocal ver.
6. [CD] 嘘の天秤/NMBセブン off vocal ver.
7. [DVD] オーマイガー! (ミュージックビデオ) [Oh My God! (Music Video)]
8. [DVD] オーマイガー! (ミュージックビデオダンシングバージョン) [Oh My God! (Music Video Dancing Version)]
9. [DVD] NMB48 feat.吉本新喜劇 [NMB48 feat. Yoshimoto Shin Kigeki]
10. [DVD] NMB48の軌跡 [NMB48 no Kiseki]
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Theater Edition (CD only)

1. [CD] オーマイガー！ [Oh My God!]
2. [CD] 結晶/白組 [Kesshou/Shiro gumi]
3. [CD] 捕食者たちよ/紅組 [Hoshokusha tachi yo/Aka gumi]
4. [CD] なんでやねん、アイドル [Nandeyanen, Idol]
5. [CD] オーマイガー！ off vocal ver.
6. [CD] 結晶/白組 off vocal ver.
7. [CD] 捕食者たちよ/紅組 off vocal ver.
8. [CD] なんでやねん、アイドル off vocal ver.

UPDATE (21st September):

Short PV preview from NMB48 Official Youtube Channel

A Fresh New Side of Matsui Rena!

2011-09-16T23:46:00.006+08:00

Came across this article while browsing through my tokyohive live feeds:

SKE48’s Matsui Rena to star in BeeTV’s new drama
by ustar on September 16, 2011 at 5:00 pm

SKE48 member Matsui Rena will be starring in BeeTV’s (mobile broadcast service) new mobile drama, “Oshare ni Koi Shita Cinderella ~Okarie ga Yumi wo Kanaeru Made~“, starting on October 1st.

The drama will be based on the image of charismatic ‘gyaru’ blogger Okarie (Okamoto Rie), who will be played by Matsui. From her pure and innocent idol image, she will undergo a big image change as she will appear in the drama with brown hair, fake eyelashes, and thick eyeliner.

Okamoto will be in charge of the styling in the drama. Matsui has also prepared 33 ‘gyaru’ outfits, and carries around a decorated cell phone for enthusiastic performance.

Additionally, there will be a special segment in the drama, titled “Okarie no Kore You Check★“, where Okamoto herself will introduce the coordinating points of the outfits. The items that are introduced will be available for purchase the official website. Okamoto’s brand, “Ank Rouge“, will also release limited edition products in collaboration with the drama. The cosmetics and color contacts that are used in the drama will be available for purchase as well.

Check out an interview with Matsui Rena below!

-

Interviewer: What were you aware of when you played the role of charismatic ‘gyaru’, “Okarie”?

Matsui: I read Okarie-san’s blogs and magazines. When I played her character, I felt like I was floating above the clouds.

Interviewer: What is your impression on ‘gyaru’ make-up?

Matsui: I used Okarie-san’s make-up as an example, but it was fun becoming someone different from my usual self using fake eye-lashes and color contacts. Also, my first time with brown hair was fresh.

Interviewer: Will you share an episode with the director during filming?

Matsui: I was told, “rhythm is important,” but at first, I thought he meant the rhythm when I recite the lines. However, as the filming continued, I realized that it was the rhythm of the “speech dialogue”. I feel that I was given a big hint for growth.

Interviewer: Any troubles during filming?

Matsui: I was in a different spot than usual, so it was very embarrassing to do “comical acting”. I had trouble discarding myself.

Interviewer: What do you think of your co-stars?

Matsui: Kokusho Sayuri-san (role of charismatic stylist ‘Kanetaka Asako’) gave me a word of advice saying, “you should think about ways you can relax“. Thanks to those few words, my nervousness disappeared.

Interviewer: How are you similar to the main character, who makes dreams come true step by step while facing difficulties?

Matsui: There are difficulties everywhere, and in order to make dreams come true, I think you have to move forward step by step. Not only me, but I think anyone could relate.

Interviewer: If you were to become the director of your own fashion brand, what would you want to make?

Matsui: I like clothes, but I really love hats, so I would make hats that match all kinds of clothes. I want to make clothes where the hat will be the main point.

Interviewer: Please share the highlight of the drama.

Matsui: I want people to pay attention to the earnestness of the girl who does her best to make her dreams come true. Also, the cute clothes that appear in the drama is a must-see!
tokyohive

Matsui Rena (before)

Matsui Rena (after)

After seeing Rena in Majisuka Gakuen 2 as Gekikara, this drama would give a totally fresh new feel with Rena being so kawaii and moe. Furthermore, this would be the first time Rena would be in brown hair! Wanted to watch this series so much but sadly it would be on BeeTV as a mobile drama. Shall hope that it would be on Youtube too. =[

UPDATE (30th September):
オシャレに恋したシンデレラ　第1話（あらすじ）

オシャレに恋したシンデレラ～おかりえが夢を叶えるまで～　第2話

UPDATE (5th October):
オシャレに恋したシンデレラ～おかりえが夢を叶えるまで～　予告編

French Kiss 4th Single - 最初のメール (Saisho no Mail)

2011-09-16T12:49:00.121+08:00

It was announced that French Kiss (sub-unit from AKB48) would be releasing their 4th single on the 22nd of November. ~~Details are yet to be announced.~~
There would be four editions, Type A, B , C and Regular edition, where all types except regular will include a DVD containing the PV of “Saisho no Mail”. The three editions will also feature an original trading card featuring the members, an event ticket and will possibly also include another special event ticket for a chance to take pictures with one's favourite member. There would be 20,000 trading cards available and 300 special event ticket.

Type A (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 最初のメール [Saisho no Mail]
2. [CD] キャンドルの芯 [Candle no Shin]
3. [CD] 最初のメール (off vocal)
4. [CD] キャンドルの芯 (off vocal)
5. [DVD] 最初のメール (music video) [Saisho no Mail (Music Video)]
6. [DVD] キャンドルの芯 (music video) [Candle no Shin (Music Video)]
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Type B (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 最初のメール [Saisho no Mail]
2. [CD] Last train
3. [CD] 最初のメール (off vocal)
4. [CD] Last train (off vocal)
5. [DVD] 最初のメール (music video) [Saisho no Mail (Music Video)]
6. [DVD] フレンチ・キスオフショットコレクション [French Kiss Off-shoot collection]
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Type C (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 最初のメール [Saisho no Mail]
2. [CD] ドラゴンフルーツの食べ頃 [Dragon Fruits no Tabegoro]
3. [CD] 最初のメール (off vocal)
4. [CD] ドラゴンフルーツの食べ頃 (off vocal)
5. [DVD] 最初のメール (music video) [Saisho no Mail (Music Video)]
6. [DVD] フレンチ・キス韓国弾丸PV撮影ツアー [Korea Bullet Tour clip]
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Regular (CD only)

1. [CD] 最初のメール [Saisho no Mail]
2. [CD] 真夜中の歯磨き(柏木ソロ曲) [Mayonaka no Hamigaki (Kashiwagi Solo)]
3. [CD] 最初のメール (off vocal)
4. [CD] 真夜中の歯磨き (off vocal)

Saisho no Mail PV

This is the most anticipated single release of the year for me as French Kiss is my most favourite sub-unit from AKB48! I foresee that a lot of my pay would end up on this singl. XD

UPDATE (8th October):
Details updated, Radio rip added

(from tokyohive)

UPDATE (12th October):
One of the types of the single would feature a footage of French Kiss in 'Korea Bullet Tour'

[With regards to the single’s promotions, the girls will be doing a campaign on Recochoku called “A ‘First letter’ from French Kiss”. One member will choose their favorite “love mail” and send one back. French Kiss expressed that it’s an exciting project for them, and Takajo sweetly pointed out that the scenario is like what one would find in a manga. She requested that their fans send a letter that will make her heart skip a beat. Kuramochi, on the other hand, wants one that is more straightforward.]

(from tokyohive)

Sound super interesting but I would not be able to take part in it I guess T_T

UPDATE (24th October):
Short preview of the PV posted on avex official youtube channel

UPDATE (25th October):
Rest of the track lists (the Type B and C B-sides) were announced

UPDATE (23rd November):

French Kiss holds a release event for their latest single

On November 22nd, AKB48 sub-unit French Kiss held a release event for their latest single, “Saisho no Mail“.

French Kiss performed their new song in front of 50 fans who were invited to the event through a lottery. Regarding the song, member Takajo Aki commented, “It’s a song about destined love that starts with one mail. It has lovely lyrics like something that would appear in a girls’ comic. It’s a very cute song appropriate for French Kiss.” Kuramochi Asuka added, “The three of us can dance together, but Yukirin’s (Kashiwagi) angle of her turns is especially cute!”

Although AKB48 has a ban on relationships, each member commented on love. “I’m not good at household chores in general, so I want someone who can do household chores. I don’t have any desire for marriage, but I would think about it if he’d do everything for me,” explained Kashiwagi Yuki. Meanwhile, Kuramochi revealed, “I want to feel that excitement the first time I meet him.“ Takajo also shared, “My dream is to date for about 10 years, then get married. I want an inseparable marriage.”

After the event, the girls gave each fan a high five on their way out of the venue.

tokyohive|Oricon

AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.8: 'SDN48 2ND STAGE!'

2011-09-14T17:22:00.051+08:00

SDN48's 2nd Stage in Singapore was announced to be held on 8th of October during the Vol.7 - SKE8 2nd Stage a few days ago and member list was just released on the AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook Page.

穐田和恵 Kazue Akita
伊東愛 Mana Ito
大山愛未 Aimi Oyama
加藤雅美 Mami Kato
近藤さや香 Sayaka Kondo
佐藤由加里 Yukari Sato
芹那 Serina
チェン・チュー Chen Qu
津田麻莉奈 Marina Tsuda
西国原礼子 Reiko Nishikunihara
野呂佳代 Kayo Noro
福田朱子 Akane Fukuda

Tickets would be on sale this weekend and more details are yet to be announced.

The moment I saw the member list, I was like 'OMG!!! This concert die die MUST GO!'. My SDN48 oshimen (favourite), Yukarin (Sato Yukari) is in the member list!! I am so going to get off-day from work to meet my oshimen in person! Now.. what shall I give her as a gift... >w<
I need to find a way to get money first... T_T

UPDATE (17th September): Added poster from AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook page at top of post.
Tickets are on sale now online and from tomorrow at the AKB48 Official Shop.

UPDATE (7th October):

The SDN48 Stage 2 T-shirts are in stock and comes in two colors, black and white, at $35 each.

I'm getting both! XD If my pay is enough though =X

Details of the concert here.

AKB48's first overseas sister group, JKT48

2011-09-11T23:53:00.063+08:00

As announced on tokyohive,

AKB48 held a theatrical-style handshake event for “Flying Get” on September 11th, where they announced that they would soon create their first overseas sister group, “JKT48“!

Produced by AKB48 mastermind Akimoto Yasushi, JKT48 will follow the concept of “an idol you can go to meet“. Auditions will be held in Indonesia, with the aim to have JKT48 make their debut at the end of the year.

Those applicants who pass the final exam in mid-October will proceed to lessons and become the first generation of JKT48. According to officials, JKT48 will be “an unique idol group with Indonesian culture,” who will still reflect AKB48’s concept.

Stay tuned to tokyohive for the latest reports on JKT48!
tokyohive

This would be the first 'Project48' group to be formed outside of Japan, and the announcement of the auditions and rumors of it before the official announcement brought various opinions from AKB48 fans.

To me, I am actually rather curious what overseas group would be like but frankly speaking, I don't really approve of the idea of forming sister groups outside of Japan. It just don't have the original feel as AKB48, or rather the whole project in general, started out as J-pop. I feel that the project should just focus on J-pop and the plan of making a sister group in different prefectures of Japan.

I already feel that the idea of making different groups in all the prefectures of Japan rather ambitious and worry that the quality of work would be diluted with so many groups. With so many sister groups forming, I wonder if Aki-P would soon run out of creative juice to produce all the theater performance pieces and singles' songs on a regular basis. =[ Hope that would not happen and if come to a point where a co-producer is needed, I hope the co-producer is up to standard.

I won't be putting my expectations anywhere even near average for JKT48, and also other overseas sister groups to come, but I would still keep myself updated on news regarding them though.

AKB48 Janken Tournament will be screened 'LIVE' in Singapore!

2011-09-09T12:17:00.001+08:00

It was announce on the AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook page that the 'LIVE' screening of the AKB47 2nd Janken Tournament would be at Cathay Cineplex Cineleisure Orchard from 5pm on the 20th of September (Tuesday)! Tickets would be on sale from tomorrow online (More details on Cathay Cineplexes site here)

For the line-up and details of the tournament, check out my previous post here.

I am so going for this live screening! >w< Hope I can get enough cash in time =X
Wish Akicha (my oshi, a.k.a. favourite member) all the best in getting the center position (1st)! XO

Sahihara Rino Board - 'さしこ' LED Panel

2011-09-06T23:40:00.015+08:00

Completed the final part of my Sasshi board, which I wasn't able to complete before heading down to *Scape earlier today for her special visit. Thinking of putting this part up and show my finalized board to Sasshi while sending her off at the airport. The problem now is, when would she be leaving Singapore? Heard she would be staying for maybe a couple of days for some shoot or filming.

The finalized Sasshi board

UPDATE (8th September):
Saw Sasshi's latest update on her blog this morning saying that she reached Japan... which means she took off from Changi Airport around near midnight yesterday?? Omg.. nooo... why no one know/inform me about it?? TAT

Sashihara Rino's Special Visit

2011-09-06T16:38:00.002+08:00

Managed to print the pictures, paste them on the board and use the gold marker bought earlier in the morning. Wasn't able to complete the 'さしこ' (Sashiko) LED panel in time though.

Rushed down to *Scape straight after to queue early for the Official Shop Special Visit by Sasshi.
(More information on Sashihara Rino's Special Visit to *Scape in my previous post here)

One would need to spend a minimum of SGD20 in the official shop before the handshake session with at least one Sashihara Rino merchandize

Bought a set of Sasshi pins with a couple of AKB48 pens, and managed to be 3rd in queue for the handshake session/official shop special visit. And just for today, I took down my Akicha pins on my bag and pinned up these Sasshi pins. (Very sorry Akicha >_< Just for today only)

Was already super excited upon seeing her coming down the escalator. The crowd outside the official shop were also getting high.

During handshake session, I dare say mine took the longest as all the other fans who went in the shop for the hand shake with Sasshi only had around at maximum 3 seconds each - handshake with exchange of a couple of phrases. What happened when I went in was totally unforgettable. I held the Sasshi board I made (which is about 75x50cm) in front of me while walking and immediately, Sasshi was surprised and gave comments like 'Amazing/Wow!', 'Thank you very much!', 'I will work harder in the future!' (in Japanese of course). Thus my handshake session was lengthen all the way to about 10 seconds! >w< She still even continue saying 'すげい!' ('Impressive!') while I exited the shop.

Soon after the handshake session, we were told that Sasshi would be giving us a high-touch (high-five) when she comes out of the shop.

Usually, as she walks down the line, for each person would be like one high-touch and maybe at most a couple of phrases. When she reached me, she gave me a high-touch first, commented on my board again saying 'Amazing! Good Job!' with a thumbs up and followed by a second high-touch. OMG... I am so going to rank her higher up in my favourites list! >w<

さっしー大好き!! (I love you Sasshi!!) >w<
Hope that you could come Singapore again!

Sahihara Rino Board

2011-09-05T21:28:00.028+08:00

Made a lot of screenshots from all the TV shows Sasshi appeared in and spray painted the board before heading down to school to print. Discovered my home printer no ink. =[

Things did not really go according to plan as I did not check before hand what time my school library close during holidays, thus went back home without the most critical part of the board.

By the time I came back the paint shop that I want to get a gold marker from has closed, so I can only work on the wiring of the LED for now.

Guess my board would not be ready to go airport to welcome Sasshi to Singapore. =[ Shall rush down to school to print the pictures to be pasted on the board tomorrow morning before heading down to *Scape then.

(More information on Sasshi's visit to Singapore in my previous post here)

UPDATE (7th September):

The finalized board

Sending off SKE48 Team KII members at Changi Airport

2011-09-05T08:08:00.052+08:00

Took a very early train down to Changi Airport (around 6am+) and not long the van which the SKE48 members took arrived. Can say unluckily before they entered the glass doors, one of my magazine dropped out from my file and as I tried to slot it back in, Shiorin had already walked past and reached the check-in counter.

I thus rushed over to the final glass door which leads to the gates to wait for them to come over.
This time, when Team KII started to enter the glass door, I walked towards Shiorin and called out to her while showing her my 'board'. She waved back at me as usual with the very happy face. >w< which also made me very happy~XD

From about around 0:22, Shiorin can be seen waving to me! >w<
(Video taken by a friend of mine)

I bet I am going to miss Shiorin a lot after so much interaction between me and her! >w<

Yosh! Shall rest for awhile before I start working on my Sashihara Rino board for her visit tomorrow! (More information of Sasshi's special visit in my previous post here)

AKB48 Singapore Theatre 'LIVE' Vol.7 - SKE48 2nd Stage

2011-09-04T23:57:00.022+08:00

Managed to go for both of the time slots of the SKE48 concert today and I really want to thank many people for this as I really wanted to see Shiorin and shake her hand but didn't have the money to buy the ticket myself. I did not go for the cafe event yesterday, where Shiorin was in for the first session, and felt very sad for that already. =[

Took my this self-made SKE48 LED panel from the SKE48 board I made for the SKE48 1st stage in Singapore and attached it on my bag for today. Attracted much attention I would say. XD

Like the SKE48's first stage in Singapore, the whole concert in general is packed with so much energy! What's different this time round is that they are performing actual KII2 stage performance (or rather Team KII 2nd Stage) that they perform in Japan, with a few AKB48 songs added in. To add on, my friends and I were at the very back of the warehouse where there is plenty of floor space, where we had so much freedom jumping and 'running' around, doing all the wotagei!

During most of the emcees, I waved my that last-minute-made 'board' with additional advance happy birthday greeting to her written on it (more information on it in my previous post) and the pages featuring Shiorin in the magazines I got from my friends. During one of the emcees, Shiorin spotted me waving the 'board' and looked directly at me and waved! Ah.. another impact on my heart! I am sure it did jumped awhile when she waved at me >w<

At the handshake session after the 2pm concert ended, I further confirmed that it was me that she waved at during the concert as she remembered me and thanked me for the 'board' I made so sincerely while shaking my hands. Yet another impact to my heart! >w<
Other Team KII members spotted my SKE48 LED panel that is attached on my bag during handshake and pointed while commenting at it ('Sugoi!', 'Ooo! Lighting!'). Some of Team KII members who came for the SKE48 1st stage even remembered me due to the LED panel!
I went for the 6pm concert too and similarly during handshake session after it, Shiorin thanked me again so sincerely and more of the Team KII members recognized me by my 'lighting'. =D

As usual, we went to the back of *Scape, awaiting for the girls to come out an board the van back to their hotel.

It seems that a lot of props and equipments are used that a truck is needed specially for them

When the truck was gone and the van moved over, I happened to be positioned at around the middle of the van. Hoped that Shiorin would take a seat by the window at my side around the middle of the van so that I can see her (and she can see me) more clearly again >_< and my 'board' too.

Sadly, she went all the way back and sat at the back seat. I waved my 'board' frantically and what happened next totally melted my heart. She stood up just to wave at me! >w< My friend took a video of the members boarding the van and uploaded it on youtube.

At around from 0:40, Shiorin noticed my board and stood up to wave at me! =D

I was totally on cloud nine while waving back to her XD Am so going to send her off at the airport tomorrow morning!

(More information on the concert and member list in my previous post here)

Before the encore in the concert, it was announce that the next 'LIVE' performance, Vol. 8, would be SDN48's second stage!! OMG!! This I must go! Damn.. this makes it 6 consecutive concerts in a row =X Went for Vol. 1 but missed Vol. 2 as I wasn't able to go for that concert.

AKB48 23rd Single - '風は吹いている' ('Kaze wa Fuiteiru')

2011-09-04T22:57:00.129+08:00

During their handshake event for their 22nd Single, 'Flying Get', at Nagoya Dome earlier today, AKB48 announced the title of their upcoming single - '風は吹いている' ('Kaze wa Fuiteiru') - which would be released on the 26th of October. ~~More details are yet to be announced.~~

Type A (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 風は吹いている [Kaze wa Fuiteiru]
2. [CD] 君の背中/ アンダーガールズ [Kimi na Senaka (Undergirls)]
3. [CD] Vamos/ アンダーガールズばら組 [Vamos (Undergirls Bara)]
4. [CD] 風は吹いている off vocal ver.
5. [CD] 君の背中 off vocal ver.
6. [CD] Vamos off vocal ver.
7. [DVD] 風は吹いているMusic Video [Kaze wa Fuiteiru Music Video]
8. [DVD] 君の背中 Music Video [Kimi na Senaka Music Video]
9. [DVD] Vamos Music Video
10. [DVD] 風は吹いている Music Video [Kaze wa Fuiteiru Music Video (DANCE! DANCE! DANCE! ver.)]
11. [DVD] AKB48コント「フェロモン刑事」編 (特典映像) [Bonus Clip AKB48 Skit “Pheromone Keiji”]
CDJapan Link

Type B (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 風は吹いている [Kaze wa Fuiteiru]
2. [CD] 君の背中/ アンダーガールズ [Kimi na Senaka (Undergirls)]
3. [CD] ゴンドラリフト/ アンダーガールズゆり組 [Gondola Lift (Undergirls Yuri)]
4. [CD] 風は吹いている off vocal ver. KAZE HA FUITE IRU
5. [CD] 君の背中 off vocal ver.
6. [CD] ゴンドラリフト off vocal ver.
7. [DVD] 風は吹いている Music Video　[Kaze wa Fuiteiru Music Video]
8. [DVD] 君の背中 Music Video [Kimi na Senaka Music Video]
9. [DVD] ゴンドラリフト Music Video [Gondola Lift Music Video]
10. [DVD] 風は吹いている Music Video (DANCE! DANCE! DANCE! Ver.) [Kaze wa Fuiteiru Music Video (DANCE! DANCE! DANCE! ver.)]
11. [DVD] AKB48コント「タクシー」編 (特典映像) [Bonus Clip AKB48 Skit “Taxi”]
CDJapan Link

Theater Edition (CD only)

1. [CD] 風は吹いている [Kaze wa Fuiteiru]
2. [CD] 君の背中/ アンダーガールズ [Kimi na Senaka (Undergirls)]
3. [CD] 蕾たち/ Team 4＋研究生 [Tsubomitachi (Team 4+Kenkyusei)]
4. [CD] 風は吹いている off vocal ver.
5. [CD] 君の背中/ アンダーガールズ off vocal ver.
6. [CD] 蕾たち/ Team 4＋研究生 off vocal ver.

(News from tokyohive)

UPDATE (22nd September):
Post updated with track lists released. (From Natalie and tokyohive)

UPDATE (29th September):
Added PV from Dailymotion

UPDATE (30th September):
Post updated with album arts

Super SKE48 Festival

2011-09-03T23:46:00.135+08:00

Took a short nap after reaching home from the airport and before heading down to *Scape. Reached *Scape at around past 11am to chat with friends. (More information on this weekend events in my previous post here)

Took some photos of some changes in *Scape, which was there for some time already actually, while waiting for the SKE48 Special Shop Visit and SKE48 & AKB48 Music Video Screenings to start. Wasn't able to go for the Cafe event as I wasn't able to get money to buy the tickets in time

The poster showing the member list for tomorrow's concert

Flowers from fans to congratulate Team KII on their first overseas stage

Changed to Japanese language a little while later

I entered the AKB48 Official Shop with some of my friends to take a look at the goods and started chatting with one of the staff for a while. As we were chatting, two SKE48 girls entered the shop and some of us were like 'eh? Isn't that... Shawako??'. It seems that the shop visit had started and the first two girls for the special shop visit were Hata Sawako and Goto Risako (can't really remember clearly but I think should be Risako). We were like so called the 'first customers' to be able to see Shawako and Risako in the store even though we were just talking with a staff inside. We were of course asked to get out by one of the managers shortly after since we are not intending to buy anything. XD

We were queued outside the shop awhile later to receive high-touch (or high-five) from the girls as they come out from the shop. Went into the theater for the screening soon after.

Not much PVs were screened actually. A few PVs were just looped again and again, both AKB48 and SKE48 PVs. When they played the 'Beginner' PV (Original version - supposedly uncensored) I was initially rather excited but well... those gore parts were censored out with pixel blur. Kind of spoiled the whole feel of the PV but since the screening is open to all, can't be helped though.

Through the period of the music video screening more SKE4 girls visited the store and my friends and I like were coming in and out of the theater rather frequently for the high-touch with the girls

The screening started to play the AKB48 2011 Request Hour Best 100 LIVE at SHIBUYA AX when I was about to set off for my grandparents house, and it was followed by a stage performance by the cafe girls from the Official Cafe, and from what I heard, commentary by the SKE48 girls of the performance.

Welcoming SKE48 Team KII members at Changi Airport

2011-09-03T07:55:00.008+08:00

According to the application on my iPod Touch I used to track flights, there would be two flights that would be touching down yesterday, one at after 5pm and another near midnight. Thought that it most probably would be the 5pm one and went down to the airport without checking the Team KII members' blogs beforehand, only to realize there are no barriers set up at the arrival hall and the Team KII members just blogged that they are preparing to set off soon. Which means, they would be reaching Singapore near midnight.

Went back home for dinner before going down to the airport again at around after 11pm. Was rather concerned whether anyone did a board for Shiorin (Ogiso Shiori - 小木曽汐莉) as she is one of my favourites in SKE48 and I don't want her to arrive without a board that is supporting her. Used a A4 paper and some markers to make a last minute 'board' when I found out that no one did a board for her.

(Above photo added on the 4th September. The advanced birthday greeting was added in before the concert on the 4th)

I'm not sure if she saw my 'board' before exiting the gate but I am sure she saw it after exiting the gate and started walking towards the van waiting outside. She waved to me with such a happy face and even the way she wave shows that she was really happy! >w<

She spotted me while in the van and waved to me!! >w<

Only Churi (Takayanagi Akane - 高柳明音) have not arrived to Singapore as she was busy and unable to take the same flight as the rest of the team. She would arrive most probably today evening.

I missed the last train home and didn't really bother to check on the last bus so I camped overnight at Terminal 2's McDonald's yesterday.

AKB48 Sashihara Rino visiting *Scape on 6th September!

2011-09-02T17:38:00.038+08:00

It was announced on the AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook page that 指原莉乃 (Sashihara Rino) of Team A from AKB48 would be visiting *SCAPE on 6th of September (Tuesday) from 1pm to 2pm. Details of the visit are yet to be announced.

The announcement was totally a pleasant surprise! This would be the first time a Media Senbatsu member would be visiting Singapore since the launch of AKB48 Theater Singapore and second time in general, where the first time was 渡辺麻友 (Watanabe Mayu) last year during STGCC (Singapore Toy Games and Comics Convention). I wonder what would be in store for us at *Scape. Heard that she's coming Singapore mainly for filming or something like a photo book shoot.

UPDATE (3rd September):

Latest Update!
13:00 - 06.09.11 (TUE)
指原莉乃 Rino Sashihara Special Café Visit!

Each S$35 Session Ticket include:

1 x special food voucher for 1 meal item
(Any Pasta or Omu Rice / Curry)*

1 x complimentary drink during café event.

Customers with fully stamped point cards, may redeem their cards for one session ticket. Limited to the first 20 point card holders only.
Tickets on sale at the AKB48 Official Café Singapore from 12pm 04.06.11 onwards!

*Special Food Voucher is only valid till 06.10.11
Terms and Condition Apply.

(From AKB48 Singapore)

UPDATE (5th September):

Surprise Update! 06.09.11 (TUE) 指原莉乃 Rino Sashihara will also be visiting the AKB48 Official Shop in Singapore from 13:30 onwards! To enter the shop and interact with her, customers must purchase official Rino Sashihara goods when in the shop. This opportunity applies to the first customers to enter shop within 20mins. Thank you! ^^

(From AKB48 Singapore)

OMG!! I must not miss the Shop visit! Since I cannot get the cafe visit tickets in time, I shall 'meet-and-greet' her at the shop visit with my board! If I can finish it up in time that is. =_=

Super SKE48 Festival This Weekend!

2011-09-01T12:45:00.002+08:00

"Here's the consolidated update! There's really no reason not to head down to *SCAPE this weekend!

Super SKE48 Festival! 03.09.11 (SAT)

SKE48 fans, here’s what we have installed for you!

1. SKE48 & AKB48 Music Video Screenings
From 2pm onwards till 7pm, come by with your friends to enjoy a non-stop video marathon of all your favorite music videos from both SKE48 and AKB48! Taking place at the *SCAPE Warehouse, this is a free event for all to enjoy! ^^

2. SKE48 Special Café Visit!
There will be 2 Sessions for the day!

Session 1 ~ 12:00 Featuring SKE48 Members:

阿比留李帆 Riho Abiru
小木曽汐莉 Shiori Ogiso
古川愛季 Airi Furukawa

Session 2 ~ 15:00 Featuring SKE48 Members:

松本莉奈 Rina Matsumoto
赤枝里々奈 Ririna Akaeda
石田安奈 Anna Ishida
向田茉夏 Manatsu Mukaida

Each session ticket is S$35.00 and will include one food menu item, and includes many fun filled activities. Session tickets on sale from 6pm 01.09.11 (THU) at the AKB48 Official Café Singapore!

3. SKE48 Special Shop Visit!
Catch various SKE48 members throughout the day on Saturday at the AKB48 Official Shop! The members will be making many appearances throughout the day at the Shop! More details to be announced!

Don’t forget! There’s also Sunday’s performances by SKE48’s Team KII! Get your tickets here! http://www.akb48.com.sg/

Are you ready? See you all at *SCAPE for an incredible SKE48 weekend! 1!2!3!4! ヨロシク!

AKB48 Official Cafe Singapore Event Terms and Conditions apply:

1. Each customer may only purchase ticket(s) for one session. To ensure that everyone gets a fair chance to attend the cafe events, each customer is only allowed to purchase tickets for one session. You may, however, purchase multiple tickets per session.

2. Groups of more than five (5) will be allocated seats in designated areas of the café.

3. Recording devices, such as (but not limited to) DSLRs, Compact Cameras, Video Cameras are not allowed during the Cafe Event. However, customers may take photos using their mobile phones.

4. The AKB48 Official Cafe Singapore is not HALAL certified. All food served is not HALAL.

5. AKB48 Singapore’s decision(s) are final and will entertain no correspondence. It also reserves the right to amend any of the rules or implement additional rules without prior notification."

This weekend is really going to be so awesomely packed with SKE48 that I think I guess I would be stuck at *Scape for almost the whole of the weekend! Hope I can just get enough money before the cafe session 1 tickets and the 6pm concert tickets run out T_T I want to meet-and-greet Shiorin.... Shawako and Akane too!
Anyways, even if I can't get the money to buy the tickets in time I am so going down to *Scape for the two days! XD

More information of the SKE48 2nd Stage in my previous post here.

UPDATE (3rd September):

'SKE48 Special Shop Visit!
Throughout SAT 03.09 - Catch Team KII SKE48 members as they make their rounds at the AKB48 Official Shop Singapore! Simply purchase S$20 worth of products and above to have your point card stamped by SKE48 members! Terms and conditions apply.'

(From AKB48 Singapore)

AKB48 22nd Single 'フライングゲット' (Flying Get) First Week Sales

2011-08-30T08:30:00.001+08:00

Reported on Oricon News, AKB48 created yet another mark on the Oricon chart with their 22nd Single 'フライングゲット' (Flying Get) selling more than 1.354millions copies in the first week. This made the single the best first-week-sales in the history of Oricon! The second placing now is AKB48's 21st Single 'Everyday、カチューシャ' (Everyday, Kachuusha), which sold about 1.334million copies in the first week.

AKB48 started to top the Oricon weekly-sales chart since their 14th Single 'RIVER' in 2009, which makes them on tie with the legendary idol duo Pink Lady, who released “Chameleon Army” nearly thirty-three years ago, on having nine chart-topping singles consecutively and also the status of a female group with the highest number of million-seller singles in a row.

That's totally awesome! Way to go AKB48! Congratulations!! ^o^

My recent post on the AKB48's 22nd Single first day sales here.

(Source: tokyohive|Oricon)

UPDATE (19th September):

The sales of the AKB48 22nd single reached 1.5 million, 4 weeks after it was released, with it's latest weekly sales at 23,000 copies. This makes it the 2nd consecutive single to reach 1.5 million sales, where 'Everyday Kachuusha' sold 1,573,000 copies in total.

The record of selling 1.5 million copies for 2 consecutive singles has been accomplished by B’z in 1993, Mr.Children in 1994, and in 1996, KinKi Kids in 1998, and Utada Hikaru in 2000. AKB48 is thus the first female group in history to achieve this.
(adapted from tokyohive)

AKB48 Singapore Theatre 'LIVE' Vol.6 - AKB48 4th Stage

2011-08-27T19:04:00.006+08:00

Didn't intend to go for the concert today initially, mainly due to lack of spare cash =[ Went down to *Scape with just intending to get a concert flyer and go back home. However, thanks to a very kind person I got to enter the 2pm concert!! ^o^ (eh wait.. I thought I should be studying for my Power System Analysis examinations already?? o_o)

Anyways, before the concert I got news from the friend which I ordered Rena photo sets through that one more of the sets arrived. Costed me SGD21 =X Well, Matsui Rena is my SKE48 oshi (favourite). =p
Here it is,

As for the SDN48's 3rd Single 'Min.Min.Min.' ^

I preordered through a friend in the forum, Girls of 48, and got it from her after the concert. Thanks! ^^

(Received the Kohara + Serina photo from the single)

This concert can be considered one of the best I gone so far, not because of the member list (don't have any of my favourites this time in the performing member list), but because of the experience I had while at the most back row. There was so much space at the back that me and my friends went very high during the concert, jumping more than usual, along with all the wotagei actions and shoutings - which are usually rather toned down while we were around the middle rows, due to space constraint and having people behind us. There was so much 'exercise' for my hands and legs that I was totally exhausted at the end and so much shouting that my throat went very sore, considering I just fell slightly sick this morning. XD
The handshake that followed the concert was rather okay. More of like touch and go for most of the AKB48 girls. =[ I still missed the SKE48 and SDN48 handshake sessions as they so much more friendly, holding on to my hand (or rather all the people's hands) with some even as if not willing to let go. =X

Walking around outside the warehouse and the AKB48 Official Shop for awhile after the concert and saw a Japanese guy with a ton of the AKB48's 22nd Single 'Flying Get' Theater version photos. Spotted 4 Akicha (Takajo Aki) and a friend of mine took 2 of them while I took one.

Had a real hard time closing the deal. =X The Japanese guy wanted to traded it for only full set Singapore Theater photos so I offered both my Haachan (Haruka Katayama) and Nakayan (Sayaka Nakaya) full Singapore Theater June sets for just the single Akicha 'Flying Get' Theater photo but he also don't want and said he looking for Team 4 full sets, which I don't have. =[
I tried to offer SGD15 but he also gave me the 'No no'. He asked if can trade with my the two 'Marutto AKB48 Special 2' Team 4 photos, which are the Maria and the Paruru+Miyumiyu+Ranran. This time was a 'No no' from me. Totally not worth. Those photos are Singapore exclusives for the magazine and is in very limited amount, and the Akicha photos can be found very easily on auction sites while those Singapore exclusive magazine photos are not.

Had no choice but to offer a higher cash price and I got it at SGD20

Looks a bit too China-like =X but well.. I'm still okay with it.
She's my kamioshi (Most favourite) XD

More information on the concert in my previous post here.

Welcoming AKB48 members at Changi Airport

2011-08-26T22:36:00.002+08:00

Have been pondering very long whether to make the Abe Maria board as I am very sure she would remember the Paruru board (with awesome load of 'stalker' photos) that I made last time when she arrive with Paruru and Miyumiyu for the Official Cafe launch. However, I can still remember that time no one did a Maria board and most of the support and love from the fans went to Paruru and Miyumiyu. She looks kind of sad that time and walked real fast. She already reached the van outside when Paruru and Miyumiyu are still walking slowly together, with a massive amount of fans following. Maria only had a couple of fans following her that time if I remember correctly.

After the Vol. 4 concert, I find her not bad and started following her, and starting to like her. =p Decided to make a board for her partly due to my my slowly growing interest for her and partly fearing that history happened again and that there's no board to support her. I want her to be happy when arriving in Singapore =[

After all the pondering and stuff, I only had two hours to plan & design, scavenge for materials, and make the board out itself. Wrote a small message which means 'Congratulations on promotion to Team 4!'

with a photo of her slot in in the custom-made-photo-holder I fitted on the board...

and with LEDs turned on!

Some not that good photos I took while fanboying at the airport:

ahh... Maria... the photo is blurred! I can't see Maria clearly!! >_<

Maria's back...

Ah... Objective accomplished! She looks so much happier this time! =D

Didn't go down to *Scape after that, where the AKB48 members would be having their private event - meal in the cafe, followed by going down to the warehouse, to familiarize with the concert stage I guess. Had to tidy my room plus I would be having an exam on Monday. Have to study... eh wait, why aren't I studying now... o_o Shall start studying soon!

Got this photo from a friend at the airport...

Rikako's Senbatsu Elections poster photo

And before I headed down to the airport, I grabbed my letter from the mail box and opened it while at the airport, and I got this! ^^

Yuko and Mayuyu 7-11 exclusive photo
Won it as part of my 'happy bidding' on eBay =p

Before I go to revise on my exam, I would like to post the little, but rather long and interesting history of my board, or rather, the scrapbook I used to make my board.

I got the scrapbook before my Secondary school days, around the ending of my Primary school days, to hold the drawings I made when I have nothing to do (Top left hand corner is an example).

When I entered Secondary school, I continued to use it as my art work scrapbook, with collected art pieces by other people (from news cuttings etc like the one in the middle of the photo ^) as references.

At around the mid of my Secondary school days, I didn't really have much interest in art in form of drawings already as I realized my real interest is in crafting part of art so I continued the pages of the scrapbook with those kitty comic strips that I like from the newspapers that my Secondary school subscribed for us instead (Top middle and top right)

I slowly developed my passion for photography art also and did experiments on developing photos (bottom right). Those two photos aren't taken by me by the way. Those are from Nikon, which I used to experiment on developing photos, finding what different settings, paper etc can affect the output quality, etc.
The book was then abandoned for the rest of my Secondary 4 years and first two years in Polytechnic until only recently I took it out.

Tore out all the used pages and used the remaining empty pages for my Diploma Plus assignment - a collection of articles relating to each of the topics covered during the course of study of the particular Diploma Plus module - Social & Economic Sustainability - along with reflections, and a 500 word write up. (Bottom left) All the pages were used then.

and today... I tore out all the pages except for the black piece, which happens to be the cover page of my assignment. That remaining black piece still intact had one side pasted with articles (like the one in the bottom left) but I pasted that surface to the grey cardboard (which is the back of the scrapbook). The other page was used to be the front of my that dip plus assignment where I used pencil to design the word 'Journal' on it, so it was rather easy to erase off and to be used as the surface to work on as my Abe Maria board.

I guess this would be end of the long reuse cycle of my scrapbook. It had been a real long and interesting journey with it. ^^

AKB48 Singapore Theatre 'LIVE' Vol.7 - SKE48 2nd Stage

2011-08-26T22:34:00.001+08:00

As posted previously, the AKB48 Singapore Theatre 'LIVE' Vol.7 would be the SKE48's second stage. When I heard about the member list first hand when I was at *Scape myself (helping my friend buy the cafe special visit tickets), I did not believed it until I saw it myself online. It would be a full Team KII stage!! OMG!! THIS I MUST NOT MISS!!

Anyways, the details posted on AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook page:

'04.09.11 (SUN) AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.7 - SKE48 STAGE 2
Member Performing List!

Presenting Team KII!

赤枝里々奈 Ririna Akaeda
阿比留李帆 Riho Abiru
石田安奈 Anna Ishida
小木曽汐莉 Shiori Ogiso
加藤智子 Tomoko Kato
後藤理沙子 Risako Goto
佐藤聖羅 Seira Sato
佐藤実絵子 Mieko Sato
高柳明音 Akane Takayanagi
秦佐和子 Sawako Hata
古川愛季 Airi Furukawa
松本莉奈 Rina Matsumoto
向田茉夏 Manatsu Mukaida
矢方美紀 Miki Yakata
山田澪花 Reika Yamada
若林倫香 Tomoka Wakabayashi

Online tickets sales will start today 26.08.11(FRI) from 6pm at the official AKB48 Singapore website! http://www.akb48.com.sg/'

Akane! Shawako! Shirorin! Omg... It's hard to decided what board to make XD Maybe I shall just do one with all the members on it!

AKB48’s “Heavy Rotation” creates new record on Oricon’s Karaoke Ranking! - tokyohive

2011-08-25T23:20:00.006+08:00

AKB48’s 17th single “Heavy Rotation”, which was released back in August of 2010, has come in at number one on Oricon’s Karaoke Ranking this week, making this their 43rd consecutive week at number one! Up until now, ORANGE RANGE’s “Hana” has held this record for six years with 42 consecutive first place wins.

“Heavy Rotation” was the result of AKB48’s “2nd Senbatsu General Election”, where Oshima Yuko took first place and was in the center position for the first time. This track was second to AKB48’s first million-seller “Beginner” in Oricon’s 2010 Yearly Ranking, selling 713,000 copies.

“Heavy Rotation” officially entered the karaoke ranking on September 13, 2010 at #12. It gradually moved up in rank until November 1, 2010, where it finally took the first place position and has continued to keep it for 10 months. More than a year after its initial release, “Heavy Rotation” is still in the TOP100 single ranking and is a song people love to sing at karaoke.

–

1. AKB48 – “Heavy Rotation” : 43 weeks (November 1, 2010 – August 22, 2011 [still going])

2. ORANGE RANGE – “Hana” : 42 weeks (November 29, 2004 – September 12, 2005)

3. GReeeeN – “KISEKI” : 37 weeks (June 23, 2008 – March 2, 2009)

From: tokyohive
Source: Oricon

Heavy Rotation is indeed an all time favourite amongst fans, or even amongst casual listeners. I love the song a lot as it's really catchy and cheerful. ^^ Way to go AKB48! Congratulations! =D

Heavy Rotation, Sakura no Ki ni Naro ~Relaxing Orgel~

2011-08-25T20:09:00.000+08:00

Finally, my order for the 'Heavy Rotation, Sakura no Ki ni Naro ~Relaxing Orgel~' (aka Music box collection of AKB48's hit songs) arrived this afternoon! It has 12 tracks of AKB48's hit songs in form of music box style, which are:

1. 言い訳Maybe IIWAKE MAYBE
2. ヘビーローテーション HEAVY ROTATION
3. 桜の栞 SAKURA NO SHIORI
4. 涙サプライズ! NAMIDA SURPRISE!
5. ポニーテールとシュシュ PONYTAIL TO CHOUCHOU
6. 桜の花びらたち SAKURA NO HANABIRA TACHI
7. Beginner BEGINNER
8. 大声ダイヤモンド OOGOE DIAMOND
9. チャンスの順番 CHANCE NO JUNBAN
10. あなたがいてくれたから ANATA GA ITE KURETA KARA
11. 会いたかった AITAKATTA
12. 桜の木になろう SAKURA NO KI NI NAROU

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=DLOR-581

Listened to it in continuous loop throughout the day and found it really very relaxing and pleasing to the ears ^w^
It's still available in CDJapan (link above), so get it when it's still available!

ー：：おくの の 毎日：：ー

Maeshima Ami to release her first solo photobook!

No Sleeves 8th Single - 'ペディキュアday' ('Pedicure Day')

NHK’s 62nd ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen‘ Performance Order

Sashihara Rino to star in a drama for the first time!

Iwasa Misaki solo debut - '無人駅' ('Mujin Eki')

Watanabe Mayu to make a solo debut in February

AKB48 monopolized Oricon's top 5 ranking of Yearly Singles for 2011

Nogizaka46 to release their debut single

AKB48 breaks record again with '上からマリコ' ('Ue kara Mariko')

Documentary of AKB48 Show must go on

AKB48 6th Anniversary Celebration at AKB48 Theater

JKT48 released a CM for 'Pocari Sweat' with 'Heavy Rotation'

AKB48 6th Anniversary - My 3rd Anniversary

NMB48 3rd Single - '純情U-19' ('Junjou U-19')

New skin for a new phone!

AKB48 to hold their own 'Kohaku Uta Gassen'

Iwasa Misaki from AKB48 to debut as an Enka singer

Sending off Riichan at Changi Airport

AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.10: 'NMB48 1ST STAGE' (Team N)

NHK’s 62nd ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen‘ line-up

SKE48 8th Single - '片想いFinally' ('Kataomoi Finally')

AKB48 to release anime series 'AKB0048'

AKB48 Official Shop in Shanghai Opened!

Sending off AKB48 members at Changi Airport (Vol. 9)

AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.9: 'AKB48 5TH STAGE'

AKB48 tops the United World Charts!

AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.9: 'AKB48 5TH STAGE'

SDN48 4th Single - '口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みの もんた' ('Kudoki Nagara Azabu Juban duet with Mino Monta')

JKT48 1st Generation Members Selected

AKB48's Single 'Kaze wa Fuiteiru' Ranks 1st in Oricon Weekly Chart

AKB48 24th Single - '上からマリコ' ('Ue Kara Mariko')

NMB48 tops the Weekly Single Charts again!

Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 9th Single - '希望山脈' ('Kibou Sanmyaku')

All SDN48 Members Graduating

NMB48 1st Overseas 'LIVE' to be held in Singapore!

Sending off SDN48 members at Changi Airport

AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.8: 'SDN48 2ND STAGE!'

Welcoming SDN48 members at Changi Airport

SKE48 7th Singe - オキドキ (Okie Dokie)

SDN48 Special Cafe Event & Shop Visit

Not Yet 3rd Single - ペラペラペラオ (Pera Pera Perao)

Takahashi Minami's Special Visit to AKB48 Official Cafe & Shop Singapore

AKB48 The 24th Single - Janken Tournament (第2回じゃんけん大会)

NMB48 2nd Single - オーマイガー！ (Oh My God!)

A Fresh New Side of Matsui Rena!

French Kiss 4th Single - 最初のメール (Saisho no Mail)

AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.8: 'SDN48 2ND STAGE!'

AKB48's first overseas sister group, JKT48

AKB48 Janken Tournament will be screened 'LIVE' in Singapore!

Sahihara Rino Board - 'さしこ' LED Panel

Sashihara Rino's Special Visit

Sahihara Rino Board

Sending off SKE48 Team KII members at Changi Airport

AKB48 Singapore Theatre 'LIVE' Vol.7 - SKE48 2nd Stage

AKB48 23rd Single - '風は吹いている' ('Kaze wa Fuiteiru')

Super SKE48 Festival

Welcoming SKE48 Team KII members at Changi Airport

AKB48 Sashihara Rino visiting *Scape on 6th September!

Super SKE48 Festival This Weekend!

AKB48 22nd Single 'フライングゲット' (Flying Get) First Week Sales

AKB48 Singapore Theatre 'LIVE' Vol.6 - AKB48 4th Stage

Welcoming AKB48 members at Changi Airport

AKB48 Singapore Theatre 'LIVE' Vol.7 - SKE48 2nd Stage

AKB48’s “Heavy Rotation” creates new record on Oricon’s Karaoke Ranking! - tokyohive

Heavy Rotation, Sakura no Ki ni Naro ~Relaxing Orgel~

ー：：おくの　の　毎日：：ー

SDN48 4th Single - '口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みのもんた' ('Kudoki Nagara Azabu Juban duet with Mino Monta')