AKB48 sister unit SKE48 will be releasing their second single on March 24 .The new single is called Aozora Kataomoi and the promotional video features them performing on the roof of a high-rise building. Now I will be the first to admit that I have not followed SKE48 as close as I should have, saying that there is just too many idols in Japan and to some degree Korea to cover everyday is not an excuse and it has only been recently that I have taken a real interest in this unit.
Aozora Kataomoi features SKE48 members Matsui Jurina, Matsui Rena, Yagami Kumi, Kinoshita Yukiko from Team S and Mukaida Manatsu, Takayanagi Akane, Ogiso Shiori from Team KII.
Each member brings their own special charm to this video especially front girls Matsui Jurina [it`s hard to believe she is just 12] and Matsui Rena, who knew that behind that cute smile lives Gekikara, the lunatic Queen from Episode 8 of Majisuka Gakuen. The double Matsui`s are definitely stars on the rise and look set to have popular careers. I apologize to SKE48 fans for not spotlighting the other members in this article; however, each one did have moments that caught my attention from a talent standpoint.
As for the members in this video, the thing that I am reminded of in the presentation, is how much more talented they are as idol singers as compared to other idol groups. This however is to be expected from any unit created by the legendary Onyanko Club founder Akimoto Yasushi.
As for the video itself ,it`s really just a standard idol dance/close-up shot that you see coming out of most idol companies ,however what sets this apart is the overall package. It`s refreshing and impressive to see what a company can do to a standard idol dance video, when the company supporting them cares more about turning the group into a franchise and not a fan service . The rooftop setting ,the helicopter flyover shots ,the member shots, the music and the performance, along with the cheering crowd all gave the impression that this was an AVEX group and not idols and that is the point of this presentation to show the viewers that SKE48 like their big sisters AKB48 are pop groups 1st and idols second. It`s the little things that are worth the short term loss in production costs, that sets groups apart from others and leaves the viewers impressed and wanting more.
It takes a lot for me to be impressed by any music video or group, from the standpoint, that I will watch it more then once or recommend it to idol fans. My standards have changed over the years, and what I am willing to accept from companies and groups has changed, and SKE48 with the release Aozora Kataomoi went a long way in impressing me and is worth the time to check them out on video or in their live events.
Aozora Kataomoi is a homerun in terms of quality and will help SKE48 in the years to come to pass other idol groups and it definitely will not be the last time that SKE48 appears on this site.
Gikikara [Matsui Rena]
CD Japan
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