2011 has been a great year for AKB48 with many accomplishments ,however their latest has set them apart from all other artists in the industry.
For the calendar year of 2011 AKB48`s combined CD,DVD,Blu-Ray sales was 8,911,000 . Their total record sales revenue was 16,280,000 yen the most by any female group in history for a single year.
In the yearly rankings there is 16 categories AKB48 ranks first in 7 of them . They passed every other artist by having five singles in a calendar year sale a million or more copies each and breaking a record set 16 yrs ago . They became the first artist in history to hold the first five spots in the singles sales rankings for the year and a number of other records that I have listed below.
2011 was truly a great year for AKB48 ,with so many new groups rising up and even their sister units gaining ground ,will 2012 be the year of AKB48 or will another yet unknown group arrive on the scene and capture the hearts of the nation ?
Rankings for 2011 that AKB48 were first in.
Total sales, by artist – 16,280,000,000 yen (record for a female group)
Number of copies sold for singles, by work – “Flying Get” 1,587,000 copies ( record for a female group)
Value of sales for singles, by work – “Everyday, Kachuusha” 2,150,000,000 yen
Value of sales for singles, by artist – 9,590,000,000 yen
Number of copies sold for music Blu-ray discs , for a release – “AKB ga Ippai” 148,000 copies
Value of sales for music Blu-ray discs, for a release – “AKB ga Ippai” 1,010,000,000 yen
Value of sales for music Blu-ray discs, by artist – 1,010,000,000 yen
Total sales for CDs, DVDs and Blu-Rays during 2011 8,911,000 copies
Nakano Fujoshi Sisters started in Nakano in 2006 doing early lives with around 30 people in attendance and doing internet web shows .From those humble beginnings they have grown to a force able to draw live show crowds of 1,000 ,with their own television programs and attracting a growing mainstream appeal.
NFS main stomping grounds are Nakano ,Shibuya ,Ikebukuro and Akihabara all of these locations are key to their success story .
Akihabara is the holy land for otaku ,the word otaku will play a big role in this group as we move forward. Ikebukuro is well known for a segment of females who like to use the word Fujoshi ,Fujoshi also plays a part in this group .
Shibuya is a trendsetter area and if you want to get a trend started Shibuya is the place to be. Nakano has its own subculture that you can call equal parts of Akihabara and Ikebukuro.
When you look at the above as separate parts ,it means very little , however when you combine them ,you start to see were NFS comes from.
The very name Nakano Fujoshi Sisters comes from these locations .
Nakano is their birth place ,Fujoshi a reference that means “rotten girls”[ can also use dirty] and used in relation to girls who like to read yaoi manga . Sisters meaning girl group.
However because the group uses the term Fujoshi ,that does not mean that all the members are Fujoshi ,it just means that to them they like to take their passions/hobbies to the extremes limits.
The group is connected to the word otaku ,because every member is in fact an otaku of something . However for NFS they like to be called “wotaku” .By using the term “wotaku” they have set themselves apart from being old school otaku or modern era cool otaku.
Whatever term you want to use this group`s concept is drawing them national and international attention as they have had releases in several Asian countries.
Fudanjuku
Fudanjuku is the “danso,” or “male disguise” alter egos of the female group Nakano Fujoshi Sisters . In short after NFS found idol fame as beautiful girls ,they decided to explore their “danso,” side by becoming the “danso,” idol group Fudanjuku. In a way of speaking they are two sides of the same coin.
While NFS may represent the “naughty” side of the girls and have songs that address subjects related to female otaku . Fudanjuku focus is on cherishing humanity,’ ‘friendship’ and ‘love supported by their “danso” looks allowing the group to grow a very strong following with women . As a result 40% of their fan base is women ,who simply support Fudanjuku.
While this concept may seem strange to readers , “danso,” type fashion actually started in 1913 with the Taarazuka Revue and has grown into theme cafes ,skits on television shows ,fashion concepts, lifestyles and a side of idols that idols like to express.
Fudanjuku/ Nakano Fujoshi Sisters are simply putting a new twist on an old performance style.
When preparing this piece ,I didn`t take notice of the fact that they have made a slight name change to Nakano Fujo Sisters and I forgot to mention that their producer is comedian Jazzy Hanawa.
I should have remembered that they changed their name after Youko graduated.
Instead of creating a new version of the post as the post is reflective on their birth and original name ,I am adding this footnote .
AKB48 Bimyo
Some really good skits ,I liked the final skit the best ,The bug skit was also great [not spoiling it by saying what type bugs or cast] http://youtu.be/dTwoPd28DJA http://youtu.be/D7Q6_YKB7Q0
Embed was disabled
When I first heard that actress Takei Emi was going to make a solo music debut ,I immediately decided I wanted to check it out as her single was going to be written by TAKURO from the rock band GLAY a band that I have tremendous respect for .
Emi`s debut single is called “Koi Suru Kimochi” and it hit the stores on the 14th of this month.
Knowing that any member of GLAY was involved in this single ,that even without listening to it ,it was going to be top class and when I first heard it ,it was as I expected.
The video is a wonderland of beauty ,first Emi`s, then the storytelling and scenery.
The video has segments that reminds me of several videos ,with many scenes that stand out to me that it`s hard to choose one as a favorite .
There is these window close-ups that remind me of something in my life a real life scene that was a very similar setting. A reflection while standing on the cold snowy street looking at a window .For that I thank the director for bringing back my reflection.
Getting back to the video
There is also the moments of Emi walking on the lighted stairs and the forest ,carry equally heartfelt moments.
There is a connecting point when a balloon is released in a snow globe and appears in the sky ,along with Emi captured inside the globe. There is something I believe for every type of heart in this video from the loved to the traveling or about to be traveling heart .
I hate to say that this is my favorite song and video of 2011 ,it`s an equal fight with Gazette`s Pledge ,both videos remind me of special times in my life. So it`s hard to pick between the two.
This video and the Gazette`s Pledge tie for my favorite video and song of 2011 .
If you want to try something different than traditional idol JPop ,give this new artist a chance.
E-Girls the Dream, Happiness ,FLOWER super group have released their video for Celebration
Two things that stands out to me is that these groups may have the best legs in JPop and the video features signature dance movements made famous by the three groups.
With groups this size the trick is always line distribution and harmonies and both are done well here .
The PV is your traditional idol dance and close-up format ,however the costume colors add a nice touch to a standard PV.
“Celebration!” will be released on December 28
Buono! Hataukoi Cider
It`s really hard to say anything bad about this group as they always seem to get the better written songs in H!P ,yet are not major sellers .Name brand says a lot and if you were to give any H!P group song to Morning Musume it would sale up to Musume standards.
Overall this is a good song with a so-so PV .The setting is just too simple and dull for my tastes .I`d like the PV better is the setting was different ,after watching E-Girls this PV style just looks plain and Indies compared to E-Girls celebration. I would have liked to have seen more from a company of this level. Good song ,less impressed by the PV
NO3B Pedicure Day
The 48`s always seem to have the great songwriters .I know that people give the 48`s a hard time and makeup a number of excuses to justify their reasons .However the groups are simply very talented and NO3B is no different than the other 48`s a very solid group.
Pedicure Day like Buno! Single is a good song with a simple PV .The PV fits the theme of the song ,however I guess because I am a guy ,I find myself closing my eyes and listening to the song . Again I guess because I am a guy the PV doesn`t really make me want to rush out and buy the single.
With that said ,if I close my eyes or forget about the video and focus on the song ,the song alone is strong enough to send me to the store and grab a copy.
If you’re a fan of any of these groups make sure that you order a copy of the singles .Music videos are just the reflections of the songs .What may click for one viewer may not for another .
In the end it comes down to the music . The best support that any fan can give an artist is to buy their products ,attend their concerts and turn new fans to support them.
All three of these releases are worth putting on your shopping list.
A brand new Idol unit has been born under the name Stylips .
Stylips stands for Brand-new style for lips!! Or Stylips and features the veteran idol lineup of Noto Arisa, Ogura Yui, Matsunaga Maho and Ishihara Kaori.
Stylips is actually the rebranding of a unit that I have written about in the past then known as Team Dekaris .
Stylips will be releasing their debut single in February and it will be called STUDYxSTUDY and the single will be used as the ending theme for the anime High School DxD.
Short introductions have already been released and as someone who thinks Noto Arisa is just the cutest thing ever ,it`s good to see her leading a unit .
AKB0048 is the name for the upcoming AKB48 inspired anime. AKB0048 is set in a setting of the 21st Century as a great interplanetary war has taken place over technology and resources. As results of this conflict the people of Earth have scattered and started over .To celebrate this new birth a new calendar was created and the first year was recorded as Star Calendar 00.
The new “Super Galactic Alliance” government declares that all types of idol music and entertainment in general is corrupting the minds of its citizens and sets out to end idol genre and entertainment that is not government controlled . Any violations of the law are harshly dealt with.
With all idol groups disbanded the hearts of the population drift into darkness and loss of hope.
One idol group will rise up to face this new ruling power .This idol unit is called AKB0048 .Quickly the government declares them enemies of the state for inheriting the legendary spirit of AKB48 who`s spirit and greatness once shined as a light of hope for the world.
AKB0048 rise and desire to bring back this light of hope by holding underground concerts is seen as a direct threat to the new government who fear that AKB0048 will grow into goddesses and take over the rule of the alliance.
Because of the governments new orders to stop AKB0048 at all costs and their growing popularity an armed struggle develops between the rulers of the alliance and AKB0048 who have declared themselves defenders of light and hope by uniting the people scattered across the stars as one heartbeat and rise the spirit of idols again.
By Star Calendar year 0048 the group has announced their nine members of their 77th generation, who are the anime`s main focus. These nine will set out to keep the traditions of AKB0048 and its idol legends alive, and bring “stars of hope” to the entire universe.
Relared http://akb0048.jp/story/
Cast http://akb0048.jp/
I have to admit this is different from what I was expecting and is something worth checking out.
The show will debut spring 2012.
Nogizaka46
Some good old fashion screaming and freaking out
I think I may have found my Oshimen for this group .When an idol goes into a haunted house and someone jumps out and the idol look is like ,"this is the best you got" ,you have to root for that idol.
Before I start the main part, an intro! Hello readers! I'm Meika, the new writer for PIH, and this is my first post! As Gaki has said earlier in my intro post (Or at least I think he did, I don't remember >.<), he's been busy with him and his daughter's music and due to that fact, he doesn't have as much time as he did before to update the blog and be up to date with all the latest idol news. So I've joined the team to try and lighten his load. With that being said, this is also the first post of a new segment on PIH - Meika's Music for Thought. In this section, I will be reviewing Jpop music videos and giving my personal opinion on them. Originally, this was supposed to be a section for both Gaki and I to do, but he suggested that I make this my section as a way to introduce myself to the reader of Pure Idol Heart. So please enjoy this post and give your personal thoughts on this segment!
I would also appreciate it if you would treat me kindly! After being a reader for a while, it's great to finally contribute to this wonderful blog! ^w^
Roman Stars - ICHIBANBOSHI
Regarding the song, it definitely reminded me of "one formula" that a general idol song would follow; it starts out sort of slow and "innocent" and after, picks up speed. I love those kinds of songs because it introduces the song really well and sort of shows a preview of what's to come. The instrumental is cute and upbeat even if it sounds familiar to another, general idol song with the pauses in the climatic parts, the sound effects used, and the fading out at the end. The members' voices are pleasant to listen to and though they could work on putting more emotion into their voices instead of just trying to sing well, it was overall a nice effort! At first glance, I thought the star background behind each girl was magical and that they fit each girl nicely in their close-up. I felt that they put the most emotion and effort into their close-ups out of all the shots taken. During the dance shot, the background was, again pretty and magical, but I would've been satisfied without the giant star that they have to dance on, especially when it's flashing like it is. During their dancing, the different energy levels and skills of the members kind of made the dance look bad. To make it worse, sometimes their faces looked uninterested and the effort they put in some moves was lacking. And the dance routine itself was already not the best I've seen. The room scenes were probably my favourite because they added variety to an otherwise boring PV. The camera angles were interesting to watch and the settings were reeeeeeeeally adorable! I would SO want to have at least one of those rooms in my house. Sometimes they were awkward to watch due to, again, their facial expressions, but overall, they did really great in those scenes. And them looking out the window to the stars made it even more neat, with the whole star theme in the song and video.
Overall, I give it a 7.8/10.
PINQ - We are PINQ!!
Hmmm... I really don't know what to think of the song. (Well, I do, but you know what I mean.) The instrumental sounds really boring and the bad mixing distracts from their voices, which are probably decent at the least. I understand it's due to budget restrictions but... Let's just say I wouldn't put this song on my iPod. The solo lines sound okay, (Even then, it may be only one person, but I didn't listen to it again to find out >.<) but some of the group lines don't sound united or something. The only part I liked was the fast-paced singing part before the last chorus. The PV... is interesting. They definitely are PINQ, pun intended. Maybe too much pink. I've seen pink used more than this, but even so, the girls in those videos put in a lot of effort, energy and emotion into their performance to make the pink the least of their problems. I think they (sort of) put that emotion into the close-ups and car shots, but during the dance shots... That was kind of a mess, in terms of effort, energy AND emotion. They were smiling, but I felt their smiling was kind of forced and awkward because it looked like they were trying to focus more on getting the moves right. The majority of the PV and song was just a whole disaster.
Overall, I give it a 4.3/10, and even THAT may be a bit too generous.
Sakulove - gyutto
Another song with bad mixing, but even if it had good mixing, I don't think I'd like the song that much. It reminds me of Dorothy Little Happy's Winter Blossom in some aspects which I don't like that much. The instrumental is a snooze fest and the only thing that made up for it were the pixel-like sound effects in the chorus. That's it. I didn't find their voices pleasant to listen to, either.
What I said when the PV started: "OOOO, nice intro, VERY nice intro!" XD The effects were well done and the magical sound effect made it sweet! I also found the hand with the flower cool and thought that that would signal the coolness for the whole PV. The scenery was beautiful and probably the best part about the PV. I thought that the pictures added in would make the PV look bad, but in fact, I thought they added a cute touch to it. The dancing was okay as the unison was there... Mostly... And their smiles were naturally cute... Again, mostly. But I found it weird how they just danced in random scenery. I preferred the inside, studio dance shots more. One of my favourite parts were the hand holding and hugging scenes, as that's what the title of the song suggested in terms of the theme. Another favourite part of mine was that handshake thing at 2:51-2:54. That was pretty awesome, if you ask me! <3 Their outfits were also really angelic and innocent. I'd steal a lot of the clothes they wore.
Overall, I give it a 6.1/10; the PV saved some of the song, for me, but not all of it. XD Idol College - Ame Nochi Hare
In the beginning, with the piano starting it off, I was scared it was going to turn into another PINQ or Sakulove disaster. Luckily, that wasn't the case. In fact, when the vocals came in, I thought, "Awwwww, how innocent and cute!". Ihe instrumental was, personally, well done, catchy, cool and nice. I was kind of surprised when it came to the music after the first set of vocals because of the more electro-like effects, but I came to like it when it reminded me of other songs that were like that. In the first verse, the "Perfume"-like, robotic voices also caught me off guard, but they sound nice enough with the cool instrumental backing it up. Their natural voices are really like little angels and I would seriously put that in a jar and cherish it forever. XD I'd definitely put this on my iPod! The PV... O-M-G, the scenery is so nice and they remind me of little wood elves or something. XDD If you can't tell, that's a compliment. XD It's sort of awkward to see them during their close-ups since they're mostly just looking around and so. But when they sing and smile and laugh (Being that they're natural, which they are for the most part), their charisma pierces through my heart and spreads all over it like a disease. That is seriously enough for me to enjoy this PV. Probably little to no budget used, but if they have the right energy and effort put into it, which they did in my opinion, then I can enjoy it fully. The last bit was a bit cheesy, but I couldn't hate it with their smiles! >.<
Overall, I give it a 8.7/10; Simple, but nicely executed. Time for Questions~!
1. Which song is your favourite and least favourite?
2. Which PV is your favourite and least favourite? 3. What could be done to your least favourite PV to make it better?
3. Do you prefer in-depth or shortened reviews better? (Probably will be hard for me to cut down on my writing since I have a lot to say... But I'll try my best. ;O)
4. What kind of music would you like to see reviewed? Indies, Major, J-rock, Visual Kei etc.
Please share what you thought; every thought counts!
AKB48 has set another record as their newest single “Ue Kara MARIKO” had an opening week sales of 1,199,000 making it their 4th consecutive first week million selling single and the 5th highest first week total single in Oricon history [AKB48 holds 4 of the 5 spots].
With this release AKB48 broke or tied the following records
They became the first artist to ever have four consecutive first week one million sales singles
Every single they have released this year has sold a million copies
Since the 2010 release of “Beginner” they have sold 6million singles through 6 singles.
AKB48 has become the top selling female artist for million sales singles passing legends in the industry Pink Lady, Amuro Namie, Hamasaki Ayumi, and Utada Hikaru who all currently have 5 .
AKB48 has now tied Idol legends and currently active Idol super group Morning Musume for the most number one singles by a female group at 11 .
