Abe Asami Joins Gyaruru!

Thanks to Anna for the heads-up. You rock! (^_^)b

Apparently we have a new member for Gyaruru. And that person is Abe Asami, the younger sister of Morning Musume 1st generation member Abe Natsumi.

In the comments section of Tsunku's official site, he mentioned that he was keen on continuing Gyaruru, that based their gimmick on the Gyaru theme, and was catching on to the masses.

It all started when Tsunku watched Asami's performance in a theater show called "Out of Order" on March and was captivated with her comical but mature act, though he didn't recognize her under the make-up and outfit at first look. He was going "EH~~~!" when he found out who it was. After further research, it was known that back in the high school days, Abe had previously been scouted by another agency while she was shopping in Shibuya. And guess what? She was sporting Kogal fashion! The scouter, of course, was not aware of Abe's identity at that time, and had scouted her with the intention of producing for Kogal starlet that looks like Abe Natsumi. (Yeah, that could have been a cool AV production, innit? ^_^)

After Tsuji's withdrawal, Tsunku thought that it was a good idea to include Abe in the mix. After all, who could have a better credibility to play a part in Gyaruru, than ex-Kogal Abe herself? Abe said that it brings back bitter-sweet memories of her youth, after looking at herself in the mirror wearing Kogal fashion again.

And as is the theme, where competitive eater Gyaru Sone is "Sonene" and Meganekko idol Tokito aMi is "aMiMi" (yeah, I just recently realised that the official spelling for Tokito aMi is with a lowercase "a"), Abe Asami was named "Abebe". Sonene will take the place of Tsuji as leader of Gyaruru.

Tsunku also added in his comments that he had thought of canceling the release of Gyaruru's debut single "Boom Boom Meccha Maccho" because he didn't want an incomplete work to be released and thought that it would be disrespectful to the fans. However, with Abe's addition and her positive participation in the recordings and jacket photoshoot, brought the potential in Gyaruru back to surface again. With that, he was convinced that this will be an attractive single. Lastly, he expressed his regret regarding the delay of the single release to the fans, staff and record stores.



As for me, I didn't expect that it would be Asami. What a surprise indeed!
I knew her as a mainstream J-Pop singer-songwriter, and is fairly well-known for her unique style. Also, I think Tsunku did a good job at following up, whether Asami was deliberately a backup plan or not, the timing was just fine. Plus, end of the day, we get to listen to "Meccha Maccho" and all is right in the land.

Gyaruru will hold an "in-store" event on debut day on 20th June in Tokyo record stores. A free live show and a hand-shake event wil be held on 30th June, at Shibuya C.C. Lemon Hall in Tokyo.

Sorry Yakkun... ^_^ (But then again.... never say never. )


News from Sanspo
Comments from Tsunku's official site
ADDED more news source:
Nikkan Sports
Sports Hochi
Sponichi Annex
Daily Sports


======================
UPDATE 1:11 P.M.
This just in.

Tsunku's message in TNX official site, similar with his comments on his own official site.
PLUS, messages from Gyaruru members in TNX. See front page and click on the second button under 'News & Topics'.
Or more specifically go here.

Translation:

Messages from Gyaruru Members

To the fans that have supported Gyaruru, to company staff that have worked with Gyaruru, and lastly to the members "Sonene" and "aMimi", I truly apologise for causing trouble and worry with my sudden withdrawal.

Although it was a short period working as "Tsujiji", it was fun being able to put on the Ganguro make-up, curled hairdo and fashion that you normaly don't wear. I have heard that we have a new member joining, Asami-chan. I am looking forward to the power-upped and reborn Gyaruru with Asami who will take my place, together with Sonene and aMimi, As former Gyaruru leader, and though I'm going to be a "yanmama" (Young Mama), I will support Gyaruru more passionately than anyone else.

Tsuji Nozomi




Firstly, congratulations to Tsujiji for the marriage and baby! Although it was unfortunate that we were not able to work together, we wish you happiness for always. Next, welcome to Gyaruru, Abebe! Starting with our CD release event, let's all go "BoomBoom" on it (^O^)／!

Tokito aMi

【ギャルルメンバーメッセージ】

ギャルルを応援してくださっているファンの皆様、ギャルルの活動に関わるスタッフの皆様、
そして、メンバーである「そねね」と「ぁみみ」、突然の脱退でご心配、ご迷惑をおかけしまして、
本当に申し訳ありませんでした。

つじじとして活動していた期間は短かったですが、ガン黒メイクをしたり、巻き髪をしたり、
普段しないようなメイクやファッションがふたりと一緒にできてすごく楽しかったです。
新メンバーで、麻美ちゃんが加入するということを聞きました。
麻美ちゃんが加わって、そねね、ぁみみと一緒にさらにパワーアップした新生ギャルルを
楽しみにしています。私は元ギャルルリーダーらしく「ヤンママ」になりますが、
ギャルルの事は誰よりも熱く応援していきます。

辻希美

まずは、つじじ、結婚・そしてベイビーおめでとう！
一緒に活動できないのは残念だけど、いつまでもお幸せに！
そして、あべべ、ようこそギャルルへ！
まずはCD発売イベントに向けて、Boom Boom　行きましょう(^O^)／！

時東ぁみ

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Yakkun Wants to Join Gyaruru

Here's a little something on the side to quench our anticipation, while waiting for news from Tsuji's press conference.

Sakurazuka Yakkun, during the launch of his latest English-learning DVD, expressed his desire to join Gyaruru, which Tsuji Nozomi has withdrawn from. For those who have been following Hello! Morning would probably remember his "diving-kendo-slash" cum "show-underwear-in-the-process" incident on that episode last year. He remembers Tsuji whom he partnered along with Sayu to win a round of game with dominance.

His comments:

"Firstly, I'm surprised! She's 19, right? The rate of divorce for those who got married before turning 20 is high, so I really wish the two will continue to be together."
"If it was me, I'll can join in from a Marc Panther-like stand point. I want to do this, even if it is for 'limited time only'. I'll give Tsunku a call".

*Marc Panther is a Jpop artiste who joined Globe as the group's rapper and lyricist.


He also demonstrated his English skills and congratulated Tsuji's marriage:

"Hope and sunshine shotgun marriage congratulation!"

Nozomi means "Hope" in Japanese (referring to Tsuji Nozomi)
Taiyou means "Sunshine" in Japanese (referring to Sugiura Taiyou)


If there is anything more bizarre than a fake-tan Tsujiji, is a rapper dude cross-dressing as a gyaru in a sailor school uniform and dancing Para para.

Maybe Yakkun is trying to emulate Koriki's success of joining Para Para idol group Hinoi Team?!


Source from Oricon
Source from Sports Hochi
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It's Official... Tsuji Nozomi, Gyaru Sone and Tokito Ami In New Unit "Gyaruru"

UPDATED 11:50 P.M.: Thanks for waiting... Have to run off to attend to my wife who fell ill, and in my haste made some mistakes on this post. Fixed the mistakes and added some more info.

For the past week, of shady news and such, magazine clips and speculations, it's official.

In an event and press announcement in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki - Tsuji Nozomi, Gyaru Sone and Tokito Ami will team up in a new Unit "Gyaruru". It's a ganguro fashion-based Para-Para gyaru unit, a trend that is popular in places like Shibuya, Tokyo. They each get a nickname for themselves - 'Tsujiji', 'Amimi' and 'Sonene'. I think you can guess who is who.



Surprise #1[EDIT]: Guess what? Gyaruru will be releasing a new single produced by Tsunku, and fashion coordination will be handled by one Gyaru manager/entrepreneur - Fujita Miho of G-Revo. The single is called "Boom Boom Mecha Macho" c/w "Onna no urutora", and will be released under TNX on 20th June this year.

Surprise #2: Tsuji talks about Aibon. This time she did it properly.

"あいぼん（加護）が東京に上京した時は頑張るぞと思っていたので、（あの騒動は）残念だった。自分自身としては“ギャルル”をイチからやって、“辻希美”として頑張っていきたい"

I think Aibon (Kago) did her best when she came to the capital city, Tokyo. It was unfortunate (that the scandal happened). I want to be myself and do "Gyaruru" from the start, and to do my best, as "Tsuji Nozomi".

Influenced by her sister's gyaru style, Tsuji admired her, and said that "I want to walk in the streets with this make-up. Center of the street will be nice. At that time, I want to be called 'Tsujiji' by others". Tokito on the other hand comments that "we enjoy the gap. And the glasses won't be taken off.", Gyaru Sone remarks that "Furthermore, it(the fashion) will keep on changing" with a appealing smile.

See the 3 girls' transformation to Gyaruru's gyaru look from Ranzuki magazine here -->
1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Personally, I don't care much about the gyaru or ganguro fashion thing. It's only natural Tsuji likes it because of her sister (those of us who remember Tsuji's home footage of her family after her addition to Momusu was announced would have seen her sister's ganguro look. ^_^)
What's important is that Tsuji has finally got something going on at the moment. I wonder if she will be allowed to appear in HaroMoni@ after that? ^_^

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UPDATE 070425 11:04 A.M.:
And the rumours that we have hearing all this while was true. The club tickets, posters and all ... Gyaruru DID perform at Club Pride as reported by Sanspo press.
Hello! Online has some pics, info and a fan recording for listening preview. Get it from Some Boys! if you can't reach it. I think it's great, suitable for a Initial D soundtrack. Heh! :) And Nono... sorry I meant Tsujiji's voice is so distinctive. ^_^

Additionally, the comments from the girls as reported by Sanspo are a bit different. Tsujiji's comment about Aibon:

地元・奈良で謹慎していた）あいぼんが（復帰に向けて）上京してきた時、一緒に頑張ろうと思っていたので残念です。（今でもＷを）やりたい気持ちはあります」と少し寂しい表情を浮かべたが、気を取り直し「ギャルルを一から、辻希美として頑張っていきたい」

"It was unfortunate, when Aibon (who was suspended in her hometown, Nara) came to the city (towards working on her comeback), I had thought that we can work together again. (Even now)I have the feeling of doing it(W) again." said Tsuji, with a lonesome expression, but changes the mood with "Will give my best as 'Tsuji Nozomi', to do Gyaruru from the beginning".

Awww~~~ (T-T)

"私はなりきるタイプで、ミニモニ。では一気に子供っぽくなれたし、このギャルルの衣装を着たら、さばさばした自分を発見しました。この格好で見かけた時は『辻ちゃん』と呼ばれても振り向きません。『つじじ』と呼んで"

I'm the "be anything" type of person. In MiniMoni I can be very childish, but when I dress in this Gyaruru costume I discovered a candid side of me. When you see me dressed in this outlook, don't call me 'Tsuji-chan', I won't respond to it. Call me 'Tsujiji'.

Cute~~~! (^_^)/


Amimi, apparently the sexiest of the 3 by providing lots of cleavage for viewing pleasure, while she remarks:

３人では私が一番変わったと思いますが、そのギャップを楽しんで。でも、トレードマークのメガネは変わりませんよ

I think among the 3 of us I'm the one that changed the most, I enjoy this gap (between my usual image and now). But, I won't take down my trademark glasses.

I like the ending note by Sanspo:

イベントでは「土浦から東京、名古屋、大阪へと乗り込みます。最終目標は海外進出。ハワイへ行きた〜い」と語り、ギャルル旋風を巻き起こし、世界へ打って出ることを高らかに宣言した。Ｗで果たせなかった夢をギャルルで果たす！！

Gyaruru loudly declared in the event, that they want to move on the international level and creating a worldwide Gyaruru Boom, with the words "From Tsuchiura, we will move into Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Finally will advance to overseas. We want to go to Hawaii!". The dream that W was unable to achieve, is now fulfilled with Gyaruru!!

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UPDATE 070426 12:34 A.M.:
Japan Probe has a summary of the Mezamashi TV news report on the Gyaruru's event.





Sources
News from Yahoo! News
News from Sanspo
News from eltha
News from Japan-Zone
Single release from TNX
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