Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Fresh Faces: AKG




Fresh Faces: AKG

When I first wrote about this unit the group had a different name AKG48 .Well it seems that the 48 has been dropped and the unit is now known as AKG .AKG by the way means Akagi .Akagi is a well-known mountain in Gunma.

AKG is very new having made their debut this past march and they are slowly making a home region name. Their live show is made up of almost all AKB48 songs , giving Aki-P a nice royalty check every live ,however they do have a debut single called “Knee High☆Lover” that is pretty catchy and shows that over time ,they will have a nice original set list.









Call them AKG or AKG48 ,it make little difference as no one cares if a number is after their name ,wotas just love idols ,regardless of the name,  this unit has a lot of potential as this single shows.


Instead of showing you a mini live filled with AKB48 cover songs, I am going to show you a TV show that they were on recently.

When this show was recorded, the graphics still showed the name as AKG48.











HP
http://www.color-g.jp/akg/pc/
[Their HP never changed they just removed the 48]
Blog
http://ameblo.jp/momoiro-akg48/
[Stayed with the same blog as before]

Fairies: More Kiss PV





Fairies: More Kiss PV

Fairies debut PV is now out [Single out 9/21], while I am and have been from their debut scratching my head as to why they selected the track that displays the least of their dancing and vocal skills to be the lead track, I am not turned back by it. Considering Vision Factory and Avex have hit nothing but homeruns with this unit, I expect this is only a tease of what is to come.

While “More Kiss” is not the punch in the face single I’d like to have seen coming out ,knowing what I do now after all the teasers of the recent lives ,the punch in the face is only a matter of time from our newest fresh face idols.

AKB48: Records And More Records




AKB48: Records And More Records

AKB48 “Flying Get” has continued the AKB48 rewriting of history .With “Flying Get” AKB48 has broken or tied a wide range of industry records. So let’s look at the numbers.

“Flying Get” sold 1.354 million copies in a week after selling 1.025 million in a single day.  The single week total was the best opening week sales in Oricon chart history.
AKB48 also holds the second spot with “Everyday, Kachuusha“.

For singles that have sold one million in their first week, AKB48 holds the top two spots out selling the likes of Mr. Children and Utada Hikaru.

Since AKB48 has released “RIVER”, the group has had nine consecutive number one singles putting them in a tie with Pink Lady who has held that position for 33 years.

AKB48 with it`s three one million sellers in a row they have now tied Pink Lady for the top spot for million sales singles in a row.

With AKB48 scheduled to have more releases in the future it is only a matter of time before they pass Pink Lady and the standards set by Onyanko Club. While many fans from other agencies may dislike this group and their accomplishments, AKB48 without question when all is said and done and their final release is out, will be known as the greatest female idol unit in the history of the genre.

It is because of AKB48 that the fresh faces of this genre are rising up at a pace last seen in the 80`s .If AKB48 had remained at 20-25,000 sales a release ,there was a good chance that this genre on the female side could have slipped into nothing more then a cult followed ,dusty shelf memory in time .

As much as some rival fans may be against the success of AKB48, the industry needs and has welcomed their achievements. Just as Morning Musume opened the door for the arrival of AKB48 .AKB48 is opening the door for the arrival of the  fresh faces .It will be  these new next generation idols that PIH has been presenting to you  ,that will be the ones who will carry the genre to it`s next great accomplishments.

Congratulations to AKB48 and your fans.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Fresh Faces: Ricotta★Veil, Sweet Ricotta, Mercy Lapin Mini Live





Fresh Faces: Ricotta★Veil, Sweet Ricotta, Mercy Lapin Mini Live

I am returning to this unit that I previewed not long ago , because one I enjoy this unit and two they have made some adjustments that are not captured properly in that post. It would really help if they had a true web site and not just member blogs.

Ricotta★Veil is an odd group as it is really three groups in one and which unit it is depends who is on the stage at any given time.

Therefore, I will try to explain. Officially currently Ricotta★Veil is often listed and promoted by Hasegawa Risa and Ito Ayami .Sweet Ricotta who also performs with RV is currently simply Nagayoshi Asuka .Simple right ? , not really .Asuka after performing will leave the stage and Risa and Ayami who often start their lives will return for an MC after a costume change .Near the end of the MC Asuka will return to the stage dressed exactly as Risa and Ayami and the three magically become Ricotta★Veil . Confused yet, no, good because it gets even better.

At some point in their lives Asuka, will MC and Risa and Ayami will leave the stage and change costumes and return as a group called Mercy Lapin and many times Risa and Ayami will start the live as Mercy Lapin. In addition, just to make this roster shuffle more interesting there is often another idol in Sweet Ricotta that plays no role in Ricotta★Veil and that member has changed several times as well.

Therefore, Ricotta★Veil can be all things to everyone at all times.

Now if I have not completely confused you all three along with other Kansai Idols have been part of a super unit called KISS x KISS.

Getting away from the who is in what unit Ricotta★Veil and Sweet Ricotta members depend on information releases through their individual blogs and through a growing local cult fan following. Interestingly while these idols are still  new and growing , they have managed thanks to fan YouTube postings to start to pick up a following in such places as Eastern Europe and Latin America with their videos being reposted in various video media outlets.

Following this unit  can often be hard as they currently do not really travel outside of the Kansai region and as I said earlier, you pretty much have to depend on staying plugged into their blogs and their wota fan base for late breaking news and to make travel plans for event dates. Ricotta★Veil and Sweet Ricotta at times put the term underground in underground idols.

However when your two paths finally meet up it`s a magical moment.

 Ayami

 Risa

Asuka




Risa and Ayami as Mercy Lapin








If you can understand Japanese you can listen to their radio show
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=EZ7UQUHW
USTREAM
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/15885635

Morning Musume -“Kono Chikyuu no Heiwa wo Honki de Negatterun da yo! “.




Morning Musume -“Kono Chikyuu no Heiwa wo Honki de Negatterun da yo! “.

The PV is now out for Morning Musume`s upcoming single “Kono Chikyuu no Heiwa wo Honki de Negatterun da yo! “. While this is Takahashi Ai`s last single ,it is clear by the line distribution as far as the 9th gen goes it is also Ai handing off the ace microphone to Sayashi Riho ,she is spotlighted almost as much as the great leader .

For me this is a great song with a PV that has so much over done CGI that it`s hard to watch at times, was it really necessary to do that. It`s like a young kid got a new toy and is testing out all the features or Morning Musume the video game.

I really like the song and if they had not overdone the CGI, I would give it a 100 score. CGI should complement a song like seeing a beautiful women standing in the distance with her hair gently blowing in the wind, not overshadow it.

Here is an idea H!P that works in hard rock .Rent space in the downtown streets of Shibuya ,put up a stage ,invite fans for free and let the group perform live and film the thing for a live concert style PV. This song is good enough on it`s own to sell even by doing that. If you have full faith in the strength of a song and the group performing it, you don`t need to over power the song with lots of CGI.

I truly think this is the best song the group has released this year and for sometime as for the PV to me, it feels like the opening giant screen intro for a concert then a music video.



??????? - Kono Chikyuu no Heiwa wo Honki... by xlittlemystery













H!P Mobekimasu




H!P Mobekimasu

On November 16 under the name, Mobekimasu a super unit created from the combined units of Morning Musume + 10th generation members, Berryz Koubou, C-ute, Mano Erina, “new” S/mileage, members of Hello! Pro Egg, are going to be releasing a single called “Busu ni Naranai Tetsugaku”.

The single will come in seven  editions and each unit  will have their own coupling track on an individual single. As an added bonus the single will come with handshake tickets for an H!P fan event.

So as H!P becomes H!P48 for at least one single [ multiple units combined for a single , units with their own coupling tracks ,trainees having an active role and multiple CD versions ,wota handshake tickets] ,I would caution fans of H!P thinking that this will be some kind of epic sales result by counting the average sales of each unit together .

H!P units for the most part share wotas with a few single unit hardcore dedicated fans . A good measuring stick is the old H!P All Stars single which sold 60,000+ copies. Anything less then that would be a disappointment for this release .

While I may find it funny that this has so many comparisons to another company that it`s like being H!P48 ,I think a single of this type just maybe what the agency needs to generate new interest.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Tsunku And Indie Idols Week #9




Tsunku And Indie Idols Week #9

Last week our loveable heroes were locked in a vicious battle of wrestling for a free PR segment. This week we have the second half with a classic main event between two titans, well one titan and one 140 cm Afilia Saga East Panda. The main event features Yurika from the Possible vs the little panda from ASE Kohime .This was an epic battle, which left everyone drained.

Ok maybe I am over promoting it, but it sure was fun to watch the little panda fight for the honor of Afilia Saga East.

FullMooN.13 DRAWING STARS PV




FullMooN.13 DRAWING STARS PV

When I first previewed this band, their full PV for “DRAWING STARS” was not viewable yet .Now I can make complete the preview.

As I wrote a big preview for the group, instead of reprinting it for this video, here is the earlier post to read again.

http://pureidolheart.blogspot.com/2011/08/fresh-faces-fullmoon13.html

The PV is your basic go out in a snow covered forest, set up and perform, throw in some storyline footage and cut.

Nothing fancy, but the song is good enough without the frills. As with all Indies, the song is a required taste not heavily processed, more raw sound and some fans may like the raw sound, while others will simply reject it after being spoiled by years of over produced music.



Fairies Pre-Release Tour Extended Live Footage




Fairies Pre-Release Tour Extended Live Footage

Fairies are currently on a pre-release tour across Japan drawing 2-3,000 fans a stop. If you have followed my lead in posts on this group, then you know that I mentioned that they have a very impressive opening dance segment. As this is the first time our readers will have seen the dance segment, let me tell you what to expect.

This unit has had serious training  and advice by their seniors Amuro Namie, SPEED and staff .Vision has designed this unit to be a major force in the idol genre, and their dance  opening will show you just how much time has been invested in this unit.

On the promotional front, this unit has a number of product endorsements and in the major cities have large posters on high-rise buildings.




I don`t know how much their debut will sale, but it will not be for the lack of spending money.  Fairies is what happens when you are a major company like Vision Factory and Avex and not one playing as if they are a major company.







Sunday, August 28, 2011

S/mileage: Didn`t Take Long




S/mileage: Didn`t Take Long

I don`t really have a lot to say about this, this is more so a photo send out to fellow bloggers. Things happen very fast in the idol genre, there is a saying that agencies don`t let the body get cold before moving on. H!P is quickly moving on and while Saki fans may not be happy here is what their staff tweets call “New S/mileage ,S/mileage #2”.

Leaving your sadness over Saki to the side ,what do you think ,cute right ?


Fresh Faces: CANDY-GO! GO!




Fresh Faces: CANDY-GO! GO!

CANDY-GO! GO! Is another of the fresh faced idol units that has popped up in 2010. The members are from Tokyo, Ibaraki, and Saitama. CANDY-GO! GO! Is a very active unit performing as many as 20 lives a month and are little older then mainstream Idols ranging between 18-20, but more the average age for Indie idols.

What makes this unit win over my heart from a fan standpoint is that their  image is that they are a “Shibuya-Kei Girls Rock Idol Unit” [Think Buono!]. This is actually a style that is picking up in the Indies and looks likely to grow even more.

Currently CANDY-GO! GO! Is made up of the following members
Yumi: http://ameblo.jp/ynynblog/ , Ayane :  http://ameblo.jp/monch16/
Shouko: http://ameblo.jp/shouko1333/ , Kana : http://ameblo.jp/kana-bunbun/ ,
Tomoka: http://ameblo.jp/tomoka-sakura/ , Nagisa : http://ameblo.jp/pi-popa-po/

From a live standpoint, this unit performs their own original releases and anime track covers, set to an up-tempo beat. Their fan group is called by the way “Candy Strike”.

CANDY-GO! GO! not only has a full active live event schedule ,they have an 1 hour web show every Monday [subscription fee] and every other Thursday night they have a radio show called “Candy Talking”.

So while this may not be a major name idol unit, they are doing exactly the same things that any unit from Hello! Project would do.




CANDY GO! GO!

TV




Parts 2-3 of TV show







Moving On ,lol

PV :We Are !!!!!!







One of the most covered songs in Indies Don`t Say Lazy





Why Being An Indie Is So Great [Freedom To Play With Fans]


YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/candygogo1to1#g/u

HP
http://candy-gogo.syncl.jp/

Houkago Princess Live Stage





Houkago Princess Live Stage

Readers asked earlier what Houkago Princess live stage was like .This is from the 21st at a small live house called Shibuya O-Nest.

It`s not a full broadcast, but enough to wet your appetite for more. As to dancing this unit is going to be more of a vocal unit and very basic dances .It reminds me more of Visual Kei ,when you use your hands to guide the crowd . Houkago Princess Wotas follow the same guide, the girls make hand movements the wotas return the movements.


Related
http://pureidolheart.blogspot.com/2011/08/houkago-princess-houkago-princess.html
http://pureidolheart.blogspot.com/2011/07/houkago-princess-idols-you-can-dress-up.html








Ogawa Saki’s Final Goodbye





Ogawa Saki’s Final Goodbye


The young women of S/mileage have gone through a lot in the last few months and now they know and understand the real world of idols, that nothing stays the same or last forever.

The members gave Saki a goodbye the only way they could, the S/mileage way. There is a part when she looks like she is having second thoughts, but is resigned to her new destiny.
Saki’s final moments as an idol


Smileage - Ustream 110827 by NeoNero



Dorothy Little Happy Live Event




Dorothy Little Happy Live Event

The other day I wanted to bring you the full concert from the August 14 by Dorothy Little Happy, however the audio was so bad, that I could not do it. I have however managed to put together some clips from the 14th live and their Q and A, a few hours ago from the Tokyo Idol Festival.

TIF
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/16894909


If your not familiar with this Sendai based group .They are made up of five girls aged 14-16 and Mari aged 15 is the lead vocalist and at times lead talker .This adorable idol loves to talk. They also have their own extra back up dancers that can make the unit as large as ten members at times. They are also one of our featured Idol coverage as they are a bright star over Sendai.

 full DLH Archives
http://pureidolheart.blogspot.com/search/label/Dorothy%20Little%20Happy
















Features Mari



I am adding this clip just because I like the song and dance

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Tokyo Idol Festival 2011 Live


Hey everyone ,sorry for the short notice ,really got a lot to do today away from PIH .But I wanted to tell you that if you head over here right now to this link , you can watch some of the Tokyo Idol Festival Live or watch the archives . There will be dead air at times as this is live and guests coming and going ,technical issues and the like ,so bare with the staff of the festival as they do their best.

Enjoy the event everyone. 

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/tiftv

HP
http://www.idolfes.com/2011/index.html

See WELCOME MARQUEE for live group schedule


Fairies Endorsements



Fairies Endorsements

New Vision Factory Idol unit Fairies has yet to release their debut single and already the group is collecting endorsements .Vision is not playing around here, they are pushing this unit hard to debut strong.

Here is a look at what they have been up to on the endorsement field.











On the music front, this unit has the makings of being a big player in the genre.

Friday, August 26, 2011

KY Big Adventure [Erina, MM, Hello Pro! Time]





KY Big Adventure [Erina, MM, Hello Pro! Time]

This week on Hello Pro! Time it`s KY madness and all Morning Musume, complete with a preview of Aichan`s last PV.

I think when Risa becomes leader shortly with Sayu; we may see a new very genki Morning Musume.


Screen may look black but video is there]




Achan`s final release PVs CM

Thursday, August 25, 2011

KY Musume [Erina] Joins Oha Star





KY Musume [Erina] Joins Oha Star

Things move very quickly in the idol world, the dust has not even settled on Ogawa Saki’s leaving, and KY has already started her duties as replacement for Ogawa on Oha Star.

KY was her normal KY self in her debut and even included some color extensions in her hair. KY from the second she walked out was like a seasoned veteran bringing her KY style to children of all ages.


Enjoy KY debut broadcast here.


110825 ???? by reanimatedx

AKB48 Play Dress Up




AKB48 Play Dress Up

On the recent AKBINGO episode, select members put on their best male school uniforms, for a good time had by all. Am I the only one who thinks Maeda Ami is growing into a real cutie .Before the drama for me it was all Yuki, but Ami starting to win over.



Ogawa Saki Leaves Oha Suta [Oha Star]




Ogawa Saki Leaves Oha Suta [Oha Star]

Saki has left the children’s show Oha Suta .The hot rumor is that KY Musume Erina is her replacement .She fits the profile 100% of the new Oha Girl

Last time on TV




Special video Saki and a bug



BiS Total Madness


[ I really need to update my photo set for them with their new member]

BiS Total Madness

While Momoiro Clover Z was, doing their Tokyo van tour for their new single BiS was doing their own rebel tour and even at one point “tried” to cut off Clover’s van.

BiS is just another reason why the Indie division is such a special branch.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

AKB48 Flying Get 1Million Sales In A Single Day



AKB48 Flying Get 1Million Sales In A Single Day

Another wow! moment and this time it`s from AKB48 .AKB48 ’Flying Get” sold 1,025,952 copies in a single day.

This is a slight improvement over their last release that took all of a difficult two days to cross 1 million.

It`s very likely that before the end of the week this single will break the record, established by AKB48 “Everyday, Kachuusha” at 1.5 million copies.

The next closest release was 28,943 and PASSPO☆ was third at 14,412 so one member is going bald, lol.

In related news, their Majisuka Gakuen 2 DVD sold 10,000 copies in a week .Only one other drama release has done that. It also by the way included members of AKB48 in the cast. 

Ogawa Saki Leaves Hello!Project And S/Mileage




Ogawa Saki Leaves Hello!Project And S/Mileage

I have to tell you readers of PIH  ,this was not what I wanted to write about today. However I can`t hold off any longer and must tell you the sad news for H!P fans.

Ogawa Saki has decided to leave the idol  world and will be graduating August 27.
She has informed Tsunku and management that she simply wants to go home and be a student .  Her words to Tsunku were “please let me quit.” Turns out this was in part a reason for the auditions.

Tsunku wrote a big release along with Ogawa. Please read below. You are welcome to express your feelings as much as you like on our comments section. We don`t have a message board yet, but as this is such sad news for S/mileage, please feel free to share your comments and memories.

Tsunku

“Thank you for always supporting Hello! Project and myself.

This is sudden, but I have an announcement for everyone.
Just the other day, I announced five new sub-members for S/mileage,
However, as of August 27, Ogawa Saki will be graduating from both S/mileage and Hello! Project.

In the beginning of May this year, she informed me,
“I’ve been hesitant for some time, and I’ve discussed it with the staff a few times, but my feelings of wanting to return to a normal junior high student has strengthened, so please let me quit.”

Although she is the youngest of the group, I have relied on her singing skills.

However, right now is the time to be looking towards the future.
As a group, and as an individual member, we need to have a strong desire for improvement.
In addition, as a producer, I decided that holding back a member who is hesitant, and continuing the group with her would not be good for both the member and the group. Therefore, I chose to accept Ogawa’s request.

When the group was first formed, I made a public announcement that the unit may increase or decrease in members.
Because there was this case, I hastily announced in June that we would be recruiting new members for S/mileage.
Please forgive me that I was not able to report the details and intentions until now, as there were many terms and conditions concerning the group and the contract.

Again, Ogawa is still an inexperienced student and a minor.
For a working adult, it would be unacceptable to give up their job halfway.
However, please consider her straightforward feelings, and watch over her warmly.

With that, please continue your favors towards S/mileage.

Please excuse me for reporting through this letter on my own accord. “


Saki
“Thank you for always supporting me.

I, Ogawa Saki will graduate from Hello! Project and S/mileage on August 27.

After making our major debut last May, I have enjoyed every day as part of S/mileage.
However, somewhere in my heart, the real my S/mileage and me self become distant.
I discussed it with the staff a few times, but I was always troubled. I thought that it would be bad for S/mileage if I were hesitant while everyone else was working with all their might, so I decided to return to being a normal girl.

I am sorry for the last minute announcement.

I do feel sad, but S/mileage’s trademark is always to smile!

I will do my best to finish with a smile until the end of the event on August 27. The remaining times is short, but please support me!

After I graduate, I want to continue supporting S/mileage with its new members.

Thank you for all of your support until now. “

Tomato n` Pine Resume Major Activities



Tomato n` Pine Resume Major Activities

Tomato n` Pine was one of the idol units that had their activities put on pause as a result of the Great Tohoku Earthquake. Not sure why it has taken so long for them to resume their Sony Records actives, when most units resumed activities in April. Regardless Tomato n` Pine is back and has started their fan events in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.

Their first stop was a mini live at Tokyo’s Ikebukuro Sunshine City Funsui Hiroba in celebration of their new single “Nanairo☆NAMIDA” 1,000 fans were in attendance to support Tomapai`s return. Tomapai`s performed a number of songs including a cover version of PUFFY’s “Nagisa ni Matsuwaru Et Cetera” .After the mini live ,the group finished off the event with a handshake line.

This unit is one of our favorites for the PIH staff as they started with no agency at all; self-producing their Indie singles and working up the ranks to sign with Sony.

New Single





Related
http://pureidolheart.blogspot.com/2011/02/idol-spotlight-tomato-npine-tomapai.html

AKB48 Hand Out Special Free CD Covers



AKB48 Hand Out Special Free CD Covers

AKB48 [staff] entered Shibuya Station on August 23 armed with 3,000 gold stamped “Flying Get” CD covers. The covers were freely distributed to anyone who wanted one and were completely distributed in one hour.

What made these covers so special is that they cannot be purchased at any store or online with any version of the CD.

Related Photos
http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/2001030/full/

Afilia Saga East Live Event



Afilia Saga East Live Event

On August 20, Afilia Saga East held a live event that was titled as a battle between them and their producer Halko.



The live starts with their very popular Indie artist/ producer Halko [Haruko Momoi] .If you are familiar with the group UNDER 17, then you have likely seen her perform. Momoi is a classic anime style singer and does a lot of work in that industry, from composing songs, to performing and voice acting.

For me the crown jewel of this live is the idols of moe Afilia Saga East. If you never seen this group perform live, then shame on you [just kidding, lol.]

ASE is just like every other Indies, live concerts are the main focus for Indies and a great deal of time is used on creating live shows that stand out over other units. ASE lives are just as entertaining as any idol unit out.

You really can see a lot of Momoi`s style in ASE

Afilia Saga East Live Event




[There is a video technical error right as ASE starts ,but is quickly fixed]







JunJun The Actress



JunJun The Actress

Fans of former Morning Musume`s JunJun will be happy to know that recently it was announced by JunJun that she had become an actress. She is currently working on a movie shoot called Ai yi Miao .The filming has been completed at this point and behind the scenes video has been released.

JunJun plays a school student that from all indications is connected to a gang. It`s your basic love triangle type film. How big of a role she plays in unclear, but I imagine she is playing a supporting role.

Have to say there is something about JunJun playing a bad girl, which is refreshing. This maybe one film that you root for JunJun to kick some backsides, lol.

As an added note, JunJun has also been holding free fan events and each event she takes a group photo with them.

Video footage
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMjk2MTE5MTcy.html

Monday, August 22, 2011

Nogizaka46 Is Born




Nogizaka46 Is Born

38,934 girls auditioned for Akimoto`s self created rival unit for AKB48 of those 38,934 hopefuls 56 made it to the final round and 36 members were selected. In order to get this unit into the fight quickly 16 members were selected as short-term senbatsu members.

Akimoto in the press event declared Ikuta Erika the face of Nogizaka46, claiming that she carries a Maeda Atsuko presence about her.

In addition, keeping true to their declaration the new unit declared AKB48 their main rival’s .Member Matsumura Sayuri has targeted Mayu, claiming, “I love movies and anime. I definitely won’t lose to Mayuyu-san (Watanabe Mayu) who shares the same interest as me.”

Yoshimoto Ayaka declared, “My rival is Itano Tomomi-san. Right now, I can only say that I’m happy.”

Akimoto went on to explain that Nogizaka46 having their  positions determined from the start will allow the new unit to have a clear focus. Unlike AKB48, this new rival unit will not at least for now have their own theater .Instead they will become a unit that will reflect upon the fans’ voices.”

Akimoto said that Nogizaka46 will announce new senbatsu members after their first half of performances and that the members will get new positions in the second half of their opening performance period. Akimoto compared it to holding an AKB48 yearly election everyday [ fans will have a senbatsu vote at every performance] . When asked about the groups future activates and style, Akimoto said, “They will do things that AKB48 cannot do“.


Nogizaka46 will start a national TV show in October and will release a CD and start a national tour before years end.

The new generation idol units are debuting at such a rapid pace ,the genre is shifting and only those willing to play the game will rise up.Nogizaka46 while being run by AKB48`s founder is willing to join other units in playing the game.
Nogizaka46 which is named after the area they will be based, mainly the SME Nogizaka Building are made up of the following members

Akimoto Manatsu (18), Asou Ririko (16), Andou Mikumo (18), Ikuta Erika (14), Ikoma Rina (15), Ichiki Rena (15), Ito Nene (15), Ito Marika (15), Inoue Sayuri (16), Iwase Yumiko (21), Eto Misa (18), Kashiwa Yukina (17), Kawai Hina (13), Kawamura Mahiro (16), Saito Asuka (13), Saito Chiharu (14), Saito Yuuri (18), Sakurai Reika (17), Shiraishi Mai (19), Takayama Kazumi (17), Nakada Kana (17), Nakamoto Himeka (15), Nagashima Seira (17), Nishino Nanase (17), Hashimoto Nanami (18), Hatanaka Seira (15), Higuchi Hina (13), Fukagawa Mai (20), Hoshino Minami (13), Matsumura Sayuri (19), Miyazawa Seira (18), Yamato Rina (16), Yamamoto Honoka (13), Yoshimoto Ayaka (15), Wakatsuki Yumi (17), and Wada Maaya (13).

The short-term senbatsu members are

Akimoto Manatsu, Ikuta Erika, Ikoma Rina, Ichiki Rena, Sakurai Reika, Shiraishi Mai, Takayama Kazumi, Nakada Kana, Hashimoto Nanami, Hatanaka Seira, Hoshino Minami, Matsumura Sayuri, Miyazawa Seira, Yamato Rina, Yoshimoto Ayaka, and Wada Maaya.

Side notes- The 48 family`s  SDN48 quickly responded by making declarations to not loose to this unit ,expect the other units to follow quickly ,so battle has officially been joined ,giving a new meaning to the words idol war. This news is wide spread ,no fewer then 10 major news services are reporting on this new unit.


Pre-Idols
Kawamura Mahiro is a former H!P member Kansai office .
Yamato Rina,  is a former member of SPL∞ASH
Hatanaka Seira is a former member of CHIMO
Kashiwa Yukina is a former member of Momoiro Clover
Etou Misa is a former leader of CHIMO
Kawai Hina is a former member of Seishun Joshi Gakuen
Nakamoto Himeka is a former member of SPL∞ASH  and is the sister of Sakura Gakuin member Nakamoto Suzuka
Asou Ririko is a   former member of Seishun Joshi Gakuen






HP
http://www.nogizaka46.com/top.html

Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/nogizaka46




Momoiro Clover Z Draw 6,000 Fans + A Saitama Super Arena Date




Momoiro Clover Z Draw 6,000 Fans + A Saitama Super Arena Date

The fresh faced idol units are making their move on the genre and one unit that has come a long way from their street live days is Momoiro Clover Z .Momoiro Clover Z held a live in front of 6,000 fans at Yomiuri Land. The live was a full stage presentation complete with all the things that the unit is known for and backup dancers, water guns and more as the group captivated the crowd with 21 songs of Momoiro Clover Z magic.

In regards to their pledge of a haircutting if they fell short of number ranking Shiori announced “I got my hair cut short.” while looking very much her adorable idol self.

To finish off this historic first outdoor live of the year the unit announced their biggest event to date in front of the fans and the TV Asahi film crew .On December 25 the unit will hold their first arena live at Saitama Super Arena, placing them on the same level of venue artists as Morning Musume, AKB48, SPEED and more. Momoiro Clover Z has truly arrived and are no longer the feel good Indie idols done good story. They are with the very best in the genre now.

How far will they climb we will see on December 25. Saitama will be the place to be for their fans as this unit puts on some of the highest energy off the wall lives in the industry. When you leave one of their lives, you have no energy left .They are really one of the best live units in the industry.

Saitama





Related photos
http://mantan-web.jp/gallery/2011/08/20_9/1.html

Recent lives
December 25 this is coming to Saitama, five idols full of energy and out of control








Fairies Draw 3,000 Fans For Mini Live Concert



Fairies Draw 3,000 Fans For Mini Live Concert

In what maybe the fastest rising idol unit out today Fairies has managed to start drawing 3,000 fans to their live events, before their single has even been released.

When asked at their live stage at Kawasaki Lazona who they are looking up the most to as career role models Momoka said We want to become artists who will not lose to our ’senpai’s’ Amuro Namie-san and SPEED-san.” She went on to add, “We want to perform at Budokan, and hold a nationwide tour. We eventually want to appear on ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen’ as well!” She ended her comments by telling the media that, “To fit the image of a fairy, we will do our best to become artists who are pretty, but can dance well.” These comments came on the heels of an opening 5-minute dance routine that left fans amazed at their professionalism.

These seven women are quickly becoming the fresh talk of the industry and many see them becoming the next generation SPEED.

There is an electric buzz about this unit; no one is ready yet to declare them the ones who can dethrone AKB48. However seeing how AKB48 early shows had as few as seven people at times and Fairies in their opening lives has managed to bring in 3,000 fans for a single event, without a supporting single, the stage is being set for Fairies to become a major player in this genre.

We must put a watch on Fairies as things continue to develop at a rapid pace for them.







Avex preview of Fairies More Kiss PV



Sunday, August 21, 2011

AKB48 Flying Get Movie



AKB48 Flying Get Movie

Not long ago I added the short version of Flying Get to PIH .Readers asked what the full 18-minute version was like. Here is the full 18 minute version of the PV .The video in classic martial arts setting displays various camps representing good and evil  destine to fight an epic battle.

The early moments show the AKB48 forces simply enjoying a meal, knowing all along that a gathering storm is approaching. The writers and directors follow the traditional martial arts film build up with a slow calculated start building to the dramatic finish. To add spark the guardians of AKB48 speak with altered voices, until the members of AKB48 say enough of this foolishness and the song kicks in and the forces of good AKB48 swing into battle.

As with a number of martial arts films, there is a plot twist at the end as one of her own betrays Maeda. 

The movie when you watch from start to finish is nothing more then a dramatic takes on the senbatsu elections and battle for top position.

The amount of time, money and effects involved are sure to keep this unit in the media spotlight for sometime to come with this single.

Flying Get Movie
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMjk2ODAyMjcy.html

Coupling PV`s
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMjk2ODAxNjky.html
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMjk2ODAxNzgw.html
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMjk2ODAxNzUy.html    [now I miss the drama again, lol]

Note will replace PV`s with Youtube versions first chance I get.




 

Tsunku And Indie Idols Episode 8




I am starting to think that Tsunku and I are connecting on some level. I think that he is trying to see how many of my buttons he can push, before I snap, lol.

OK all joking aside, Tsunku takes our trip down idol road even deeper this week with the Indie  idols  bed wrestling. For the winners it`s a full promo.


I really don`t have many words for this other then if you like idols in swimsuits,school uniform, wrestling  you can`t miss this or Tsunku yelling "no hands! No hands!" There is also another reason to watch Ai from AeLL is fighting in this.

Fresh Faces: pramo, New Regional Idols




Fresh Faces: pramo, New Regional Idols

Welcome to PIH Akita`s pramo .If your wondering were they are located on a map, this is just north of Sendai.

pramo is the latest of fresh idol units coming out of the northern regions and they are the latest to be starting their activities after the earthquake hit the Tohoku Region .  pramo is made up SONOKA, MIYU, KOMUGI, SEREN, MAYU, and every member was born between 94-98.

PRAMO has quickly become the go to unit in their home area, racking up a number of endorsements and if their early signs are any indication of future growth, don`t be surprised to see this unit traveling down to Tokyo at some point.  To be a national idol unit, you have to work the Tokyo-Osaka markets heavily .Notice any group you follow how much time they put into promotions in Tokyo and Osaka and view their standings on the scene.


While there is not a lot of history with this unit yet, they are very hard working doing, as many as 18-19 event activities in a month and from the looks of things that schedule may grow even more active.

Therefore, here is a video look at PRAMO and one of the newest units in the idol ranks. For a unit that has only been active for short time, there is a lot of video on them .This is just a small sample.





CMs




Promotions


Live events






HP
http://praco-web.jp/pramo/

Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/pramoakita