H!P HNPH News - Kakei Toshio Will Not Let His Costars Get Pregnant!

Matsuura Aya, Tokito aMi and Kakei Toshio appeared in Tokyo for a press conference promoting their theater show Sukedachi ~ す★け★だ★ち (Seems like a trend for people to put stars in the titles), which will open on 5th to 14th August at Koma Stadium in Shinkuku, Tokyo. It's a wild story of a national idol(Ayaya) and a historical character(Kakei) offering a helping hand to an alien, who is suffering under a dictator ruler. No, aMi is not the alien, but she plays the role of the villain. (^o^)/

For those who don't remember, Kakei Toshio also took part in a recent theater "Itsu no hika kimi kaeru" which Ishikawa Rika and Tsuji Nozomi took part in a double cast... before Tsuji got "ill" and replaced by Yoshizawa Hitomi.

I have known about Kakei Toshio since way back in the late 90's of the hit franchise Odoru Daisousasen, he is an excellent actor with gripping performances. However, it is also noted that in Kakei's past theater participations, something will happen to his co-stars i.e. getting pregnant (Hirosue Ryoko in 2003 and Tsuji Nozomi in 2007). Therefore, in reference to Ayaya's agency UFA and its continuing scandals, Kakei funnily remarked "Somehow, my costars will eventually get pregnant in my theaters. I will play the role of a 'father' and make sure that my idol costars here (Ayaya) will NOT get pregnant!". Kakei is 44 years old, the same age as Ayaya's father. Co-actor Kitamura Yukiya jokingly added to the light-hearted atmosphere by saying that people have been losing their cell-phones in theater, and HE will make sure no one else loses theirs. ^_^

EDIT: Tsunku will be in charge of the music for this theater. Apparently Kakei only agreed to star on this theater on the condition that he is allowed to perform a duet with Ayaya.

Also involved in this theater are comedian Miyagawa Daisuke and (surprise, surprise) competitive eater and Gyaruru leader - Gyaru Sone.
Lastly, the theater casts announced that they are determined to give the audiences a good performance and something to remember from summer.



Sources:
News from Oricon
News from Nikkan Sports 1 and 2
News from Sponicni Annex
News from Chunichi Web
Source from "The Television"
Video on H!O
>> Read the rest of this article

H!P HNPH News - The H!P Week at a Glance...

Managed to salvage my PC in one piece. Not without some casualties of corrupted files and configurations. Nevertheless, we're back in business.

Okay, let's talk about them scandals..... ahh... but that's old news by now. I've been deprived of my rantings over the whole scandal issue, but maybe that's a good thing, I've much to say and it ain't all positive.

First let's start with some news.... I need some warming up. ^_^

Nakazawa Yuuko's Marriage Life and Comments
Morning Musume 1st gen member and leader Nakazawa Yuuko will be playing one half of a married couple in a theater production "Blue Blue Birthday". She's in Tokyo at a press conference to promote the show that will begin from 22nd June till 2nd July, in Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space (東京芸術劇場小ホール). Playing her husband will be Ishida Issei, who is probably best known amongst J-Dorama lovers for his portrayal of Kashiwagi Kazuya in the 90's hit soap opera "Hitotsu Yane no Shita" or "Under One Roof" 1 & 2. Nakazawa received lots of advice from the experienced Ishida. Of course, it was a good opportunity to get some comments from Nakazawa about the current scandal news, specifically about Tsuji Nozomi marriage and Fujimoto Miki's resignation from Morning Musume, to which Nakazawa (who probably have seen it coming ^_^) responded with "Ah, the main topic has come!" when approached by the journalists.

Nakazawa made remarks about Tsuji first, "She turns 20 yrs old this month, I've known her since her graduation from junior school, so she's like a sister to me. I have congratulations for her, but I didn't think it would happen! We wish her well and hope she takes good care of her health."

About Fujimoto, Nakazawa responds with "She made the decision (to resign) herself, and takes up the responsibility for her actions. Isn't that good? It's very mature of her.". Furthermore, it was made clear that Nakazawa received a phone call from Fujimoto saying "Sorry for causing much trouble". To which Nakazawa added "As a graduate myself, I worry for my juniors and comrades, but I will give my support to them.".

As for herself, she laughs "For now, my only 'love' is my work. I don't have a partner, but I am not in a hurry either!". Ishida on the other hand is currently going out with actress Kawai Chiharu.

Source from Oricon 1
Source from Oricon 2




Mikitty Apologises to the Fans in Concert
Matsuura Aya and Fujimoto Miki, held their first concert as duo unit GAM on the 1st and 2nd of June, in Welcity Osaka, in the wake of Fujimoto's relationship scandal with comedian Shouji Tomoharu. After only 15 minutes into the show with 3 numbers sung, Fujimoto addressed the fans right away, regarding her scandal and announced her resignation from Morning Musume. She apologised to the fans and added that she will continue as a solo act and with GAM. Before the concert started, some fans were wondering if there will be angry audiences in the hall, but after seeing Fujimoto's poise and her apology, fans responded with positive cheers of "Gambare~~!" and "We will support you no matter what~~!". After the show, Fujimoto comments that she was grateful to receive such support from so many people.

On the night of 2nd of June, right after the concert, Fujimoto participated as a regular in the radio show, "Young Town Doyoubi" hosted by veteran comedian Akashiya Sanma. There when probed by Sanma-san, she expressed her regret, held responsibile for her own actions and resigned, as predicted by Sanma-san, quoting past example of Yaguchi Mari. No futher comments by succeeding Morning Musume leader Takahashi Ai, though she showed her support in other form of words. Fujimoto later added that she will probably be getting some solo work from the agency.

Source from Daily Sports
Source from Sports Hochi
Source from Sponichi
Summary of 02-06-2007 Young Town Doyoubi from H!O



Changes in Mikitty's Schedules
Sanma-san made a jest about Mikitty will not be able to come back as a regular on his show, on the same broadcast mentioned above. Was it really a joke? Or a veteran's insight? Some scheduling adjustments have been made after Mikitty's unfortunate turn of events.
For instance, she will not be participating in the upcoming concert in July - Hello! Project 2007 Summer 10th Anniversary Daikansya Matsuri HaroPuro Summer Festival | "Hello! Project 2007 Summer　10thアニバーサリー 大感謝祭　～ハロ☆プロ夏祭り～". Strange, cos it's not a Morning Musume only concert, so was she excluded because of the scandal issue? Other changes include the change of referring her with Morning Musume, as noted by Some Boys!, that her name/logo of her radio show has omitted the "Morning Musume's" part, so now it's only "Fujimoto Miki no Dokimiki Night".

Takahashi Ai and Mikitty was supposed to participate in Nippon TV Network's "NTV Eco Week 2007" event this Friday on the the 8th. Now, Mikitty is replaced by Kusumi Koharu. The girls will be taking part in the opening ceremony and the talk show segment.

Dokimi Night Official Site
H!P News - NTV Eco Week 2007
H!P Announcement about Fujimoto Miki




Berryz Koubou 14th Single Jacket Photo Revealed
From UFW official site, Berryz Koubou latest single "
Kokuhaku no Funsui Hiroba" (Confession of Love at the Plaza Water Fountain) jacket photo was revealed. It is due to be released on 27th of June. Serving Berryz in a Maid Cafe. Nice! Looks like UFA isn't letting go of their fanbase in Akihabara.
Pray hard that no scandals may occur upon them at this time. (Cos it seems to be a trend for it to happen nowadays.)
SINGLE+DVD
Normal Edition





Niigaki Risa Alo Hello DVD Preview
Official site at Up Front Works has a small video preview for Niigaki Risa's solo Alo Hello DVD.
Details | Preview
>> Read the rest of this article

H!P HNPH News - GAM's Mikitty Lives her "Freedom" and Satoda Getting Busy

You know Hello! Project is getting too much attention, when a busy guy like me is creating 4 posts on a single day, and covering 5 news in two posts. ^_^ Not that it's forced upon me, but because things like this has to be historically documented somehow.

First things first...

GAM's Theme is "Freedom"

In an exclusive interview with Oricon yesterday on the 23rd, members of GAM, Matsuura Aya and Fujimoto Miki talked about their first album "Amai Yuuwaku" ~ "1stGAM～甘い誘惑" which was launched on the same day. The interview started off by mentioning Hello! Project caters to different listeners to their own age. Ayaya noted that because their busy schedules, the pair have to do their recording on different sessions and in order to do so they each have to imagine each other's presence. But given their long time friendship, their chemistry provided for great teamwork and have completed their recording without major problems. For example, when Ayaya sings the chorus, she is able to envision Mikitty's voice and singing style in her head to provide her part. The pair stated that they owed their rapport and chemistry to them knowing each other since their solo career days even though they have formed GAM only a short while ago.

Therefore Ayaya and Mikitty exclaimed that the theme for GAM is "Freedom". The pair wished to show the fans the GAM that they have created on their live concert, and is confident that they will enliven the crowd to sing along.

All this sounded good, and I look forward to their first concert. However it seems to me Mikitty have exercised her "freedom" a little too much, because...


Fujimoto Miki got Friday'd

The headlines on Friday tabloid on Fujimoto Miki isn't just a hoax. Friday have proven time and again on their reliability for such scandals. Love 'em or hate 'em, they're just doing their job. Had it not been Friday, some other tabloids would have covered the scoop, I'm sure. The good people at Hello! Online have further discovered more news about Mikitty's case. Here's a little quote from there ->

Friday reveals news of the two leaving a sauna, and having a 3-day-long date. Both are seen entering Shouji's 4WD car, going for a 2-hour-long dinner to a Japanese-style dining bar, then stopping at Miki's apartment and leaving in less than one hour for a sauna salon. Just after midnight, they are seen going back to Shouji's apartment.

Is this the end of Mikitty? Are we witnessing the shortest reign of being leader of Morning Musume at only 3 weeks? How will UFA handle this situation given the recent trouble caused by Kago Ai and Tsuji Nozomi?
Source here.


On the brighter side of things...

Satoda Mai getting busy

Busy with work, that is. Satoda Mai have been receiving numerous praises of being a wonderful TV talent. Other than her pioneering a new futsal league back her hometown, Satoda have been increasingly active in her "solo career" as sole member of Country Musume. Her activeness on variety shows and the like is only second to Nakazawa Yuuko. Even Yaguchi Mari is getting less appearances, but then again she has her own radio show and a regular show.

Satoda Mai have a solo single released, entitled "Oyaji no Kokoro ni Tomotta Chiisana Hi". Or rather a duet really, as reported in BARKS. The single will also feature the participation of veteran duo "Fujioka Fujimaki", whom have their own show called Oyaji Entertainment. I don't think this single is aiming at the top of the charts, but it's meant to be fun. Some Boys! Blog noted this news and provided a sample, please buy it if you like it.

In addition to that, Satoda gets her own regular column in B.L.T. magazine, named "Satoda My Favorite" starting today. ALSO, she will be next featured on Hello! Project Digital Books for the month of June. Yup, ANOTHER photo album eyecandy for us.

I guess we can quash that speculation of having Satoda, Yoshizawa Hitomi and Coconuts Musume Ayaka forming a buddy unit. BUT, as I always say, never say never! ^_^
>> Read the rest of this article

Scandals, scandals..... What the heck is going on in Hello! Project?!

Been SO busy with work and I didn't have the time to digest the news of Tsuji's marrying Sugiura. Please take this blog post as my personal way of ranting and collecting my thoughts. Apologies in advance for any offense caused.

So here we go...

There are so many scandals going on in Hello! Project. That I can't help but wonder - what has happened? Who or what started it? Here I recount some, and only some, of the many scandals that I can recall and blog about.


Yaguchi Mari
Any news press that talk about scandals within Hello! Project will surely mention Marippe on their articles. Now, she is not only remembered for her outgoing and outspoken personality, she has become the mother of all scandals in H!P. Sure, Nacchi and Kaorin had been rumoured to have boyfriends, it wasn't as shocking as Marippe's.
I've said this before and I'll say it again - I've always thought Yaguchi Mari's scandal with Oguri Shun wasn't a coincidence. At the back of my mind, I still think that it was damn well planned and orchestrated. Why? Because I've read news, rumours and other hear-says that Marippe was tired of being Morning Musume leader but nobody listens to her, or do not offer enough respect. When I watched the video of the jacket photoshoot for "Namida Tomaranai Hokago" single, I saw the other girls playfully teasing Marippe for her height. Sure they're friends and all, but come on... she's their senpai and leader. You don't see them do that to Kaorin, do you? (With the exception of Yossie, of course) Therefore, I suspected that she used this method to force her agency to remove her from Morning Musume.

Now, being a big fan of "The Gooch", I still reserve about 30% of doubt about her scandal. Maybe she did indeed found a happy relationship with Oguri. However, apparently due to work commitments, they broke up, but Oguri found another girlfriend soon after, in Tokuzawa Naoko . Marippe, on the other hand, doesn't seem too shaken by this, and found herself headlining the Friday tabloid with another relationship, this time with former Kansai Johnny's Jr. - Uotani Teruaki.

But, no matter what was the truth behind her private life and relationships, in my view, this has caused a chain reaction of scandals later on. Did the other girls used Marippe's case as an example? Did Marippe's daring actions and having the guts to make her own decisions about her own life affect others?


Kago Ai
Kago Ai was caught enjoying a puff on Virginia Slims at a restaurant, and as we all know, was suspended for underage smoking. Later on, she was reportedly feeling the regret, and worked as an intern en route to her come back. Then it happened again, and not only because that she was reported by Weekly Gendai that she was smoking again, she spent the night with Ishimoto of SOMA at an onsen.
However, I suspected that this incident may have happened much, much earlier. There were sightings of Kago going for onsen trips during the same year of her suspension, so maybe that news was recycled again due to her hot comeback news. Cos' I still cannot get over the fact that the current chief editor of Weekly Gendai was formerly working for Friday. Nevertheless, Kago had admitted to the relationship.



Matsuura Aya
Ayaya have long been associated with Keita Tachibana of Jpop super trio w-inds. Later on, good ol' Friday tabloid made it official when they spotted her loaded with bags groceries and stayed over night at his house that one night. This news didn't get too publicized, due to it being an "open secret". The storm slowly settled down and nobody got kicked out of either of their agencies. Which brings me to the next person who also didn't get kicked out.



Tsuji Nozomi
This by far is the least scandal-like. Mostly due to the positive feedback by UFA, and the much televised press conference announcing the marriage. Why, yesterday's Haromoni@ even featured the announcement in the final minutes of the show. Tsuji did the right thing of pre-informing the agency about her relationship, probably have lessen the severity of her "scandal". However, I still lament the timing of it. But who knows, maybe the agency have gotten used to these news already, OR maybe this is a start of how differently the management view their talents' personal life.


... and the most ironic of them all...

Tanaka Reina
Sorry I had to bring this up, CJ.
I dove into my picture archives and found this....

"Tanaka Reina in Love and Retires"

"And the plan is to get pregnant..."

Can't remember when and where I got this from, but most possibly it was back when Reina got Friday'd last year.
Reina was involved with a boy in high school, and eyewitnesses said that they saw the two have been going out together many times. The agency couldn't afford to lose her to a scandal at that point of time, where Morning Musume's popularity was already fading and was trying to promote her by making her center in the "Ambitious! Yashinteki de Ii Jan" single.
So the agency summoned her to the meeting room and asked her "Either you break up with him, or you quit", in which Reina promptly replied "Okay, I'll quit", much to their surprise. We don't know what happened in the end or what UFA did, eventually Reina is still around and her boyfriend was never mentioned ever again. But as a result, Reina was never featured much ever since then and became the least active member in Morning Musume... compared to Sayu, Kame, Gaki-san, and even newcomer Mittsi, who have their own radio shows.

The ironic part of that news clip is that a personnel from another agency suggested a surefire method for her freedom from UFA - get pregnant. However, this method cannot be executed smoothly because her boyfriend was still in high school. Whether Tsuji picked up this idea from Reina or not, is up to us to guess.



These are only a few that made it to the headlines. I didn't even list down the other rumoured scandals yet and...... you know what, I think I might do that on my next post.

Thanks for reading.
Peace ^_^
>> Read the rest of this article

GAM steals the "sexy" tag

Something short and recent before I get back to writing essays.

Kd of Iroiro Aru Sa made an interesting post about the different departments in Morning Musume that appeals to the fans. This is why I love reading her posts - she always think outside the box. Basically, she highlighted some different styles that caters for the fans. Namely The Sexy Ones, The Cute Ones and The Cool Ones. I'll leave it for you guys to read the rest of it.

Currently, the obvious ones that is being pushed with the "sexy image" (or ero-kawaii, whichever you may call it) are Goto Maki, and Biyuuden. (I'm not including the PBs here.) Now, GAM is taking over that faction.



.... okay, to be fair, they are TRYING to take over the "sexy" faction. This picture compensated my previous remark about them high socks covering up the legs. That's the same outfit in the PV for the single "Lu Lu Lu". It would excite me even more, if they dance in them. There... I'm happy now. \(^o^)/

Ayaya has lost some weight lately, and looking better than ever. Reminds me of her role in movie Sukeban Deka. And Mikitty? Honestly... I'm growing a soft spot for her for some time already. She's still got quite an attitude, but I like her for her character.

On the "sexy image" part, I don't know how the overall fan reaction/acceptance to where GAM is going. But it will be interesting to see what the UFA will do, if they find that after all the hard work they invested on the image training for Gocchin and Biyuuden bunny girls, and GAM just strides in to snatch the trophy. ^_^




EDIT: If you're wondering what colour of them panties Ayaya and Mikitty is wearing under the white shirt in the first pic........ See here -->



No panties. Just... grey sweat pants. Bleh...
(Never mind the high socks though, audree says it's fashion)
>> Read the rest of this article

GAM - New Single, New Outfit

So after the much discussed Gay Great Aya and Miki single "Melodies", they have a new song coming up and a new outfit. It is their 3rd single now, to be released on March 21st. It's called "Lu Lu Lu".

Had a listen of the radio rip of Lu Lu Lu, and the supposedly coupling song (B-side) Family, it's a rip from Mikitty's Dokimiki Night radio show.
[ Note: For preview purposes only. ]



"Lu Lu Lu". What a title... The good thing about it though, is that it is easy to remember, even if you don't remember/like the song. It makes you want to look for that phrase, and when it's found, you're halfway to the song already. (But I don't think the songwriter/lyricist think of it as complicated as I do ^_^)


Honestly, I like the song "Lu Lu Lu" (or "Lululu". Not sure which is right). Sounds like a nice song to be made into a soundtrack of a movie. One thing though - Mikitty has gotta start learning how to do harmonies. You can't leave it all to Ayaya all the time. As for "Family", this rock & roll piece ain't a family song. ^_^
Tom has pre-ordered the single, and I hope he enjoys it.



But you know what pops into my head when I saw the single cover? 90's duo and pop sensation - Wink. Somehow something is telling me that the current GAM is an after-millennium version of Wink. (Maybe it's the hat? ^_^) If that's true, GAM may be much more popular with the release of their 3rd single, just as Wink did with theirs. But I may be dreaming, cos' I'm not sure if "Lululu" can top the Oricon charts.

We'll see if a GAM-only concert ever take place, just as boldly declared by Ayaya and Mikitty in the Hello！Project 2007 Winter Shuugetsu！ 10th Anniversary Concert. Maybe Aida Shoko (one half of Wink) can give the girls a few pointers. (Note that Aida Shoko is currently working with Up Front Works)



Lastly,..... mini-skirt one-piece for the outfit. Probably going for a 1920's kind of fashion, an era where the 'GAM' takes their name from.


What I don't understand is that if this outfit is for showing them legs, why are they are given high stockings that goes past the knees? Show the legs but cover 'em up again? What's the point?



Wink image taken from http://www.idollica.com/wink/Wink.html
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Matsuura Aya..... and her Happiness

Couldn't sleep. All because of UFA/Hello! Project for no news on Aibon. So to occupy my mind before I go mad, I grabbed my guitar, played it for a while.......... then I recorded this song and made this video. Some mistakes here and there though.

Happiness by Matsuura Aya.
Combined the arrangement for Ayaya's Hello Pro Hour performance and her live rendition at Shinka no Kisetsu concert.




Love this song. Love the lyrics even more. One have to listen to Ayaya sing this one to realise that Ayaya is no longer that young cutie pie with cute demeanor of introducing her self with a high pitched "Matsuura Aya deeeesuuuu~~~". She is now a solid songstress in her own right, with great singing ability. A real woman. I prefer that she gets more songs like this in the future.

I wonder why they made Happiness is a B-side song. And what is furthermore baffling is that UFA is not capitalizing on her talent but kept her on a passive mode as noted by Mitsui of Ikimasshoi.


Was it because of her jaw injury? Okay so maybe... only maybe.... her injury in October have further delayed her possible next single release. And now she is not being kept inactive so as not to further aggravate her condition. But she seems to be okay now. Was it because of her participation as one half of GAM? The entertainment scene in Japan is not NBA. The media in Japan forget easily and will move on to the next focal point in an instance.


I for one, hope that Ayaya gets more opportunities to shine this year. UFA have been pushing Ayaya last year as a mature Jpop solo presense, and it's only logical that they follow-up much more closely in 2007. Otherwise, when the fans lost their interest, all their previous effort are wasted.

---

Ayaya in Hello Pro Hour


Ayaya in 2006 Fall Concert Tour ~Shinka no Kisetsu~

>> Read the rest of this article

The Duo Unit Project

In the past, Hello!Project are notorious for their ever changing Morning Musume lineup, with their frequent graduations and newly added members combined. There was also the shuffle groups and subgroups, most shocking of all is the splitting of the Momusu lineup to Sakura and Otome gumi. What are they doing? Probably experimenting with group handling and finding out how/which kind of variation can help with sales and self-appeal. I can name two that have been immensely successful: Minimoni and Tanpopo. Currently UFA is moving on to the formula of duos.


W(DoubleU) was the first - a combination of the troublemaker and moodmaker duo of Tsuji Nozomi and Kago Ai. The concept of W was a twin duo group but not biologically twins. Stemming from their Minimoni image of cute and playful girls, W was formed almost immediately after the hiatus of Minimoni. Later, UFA felt it was safe to move them a level to the mature audience and gave them a kawaii and sexy image outlook, starting with their hit single "Miss Love Tantei". I am most sure that UFA have plans to go all the way with these two, seeing that their singles have been at most 4 months apart and have two albums to their credit within a year.

Until that fateful day, when Aibon was caught smoking by Friday. W is put on hiatus and Aibon was suspended indefinitely.

So UFA is shelving the duo concept away? Hell no! It's a marketable concept and W's track record have proven it. So in comes GAM.


GAM (Great Aya and Miki) combination of two long time best friends Matsuura Aya and Fujimoto Miki and that became their concept. Maybe my interest in W was too strong, but I can't help but see traces of similarities between GAM and W.


1) Same costume - It's common in Japan for duos to wear similar costume/uniform, but they don't have to do the same for GAM, they are different enough and can each carry their own weight. Still the bonding and association between the two have to start somewhere, hence the costume.
2) Shoujou-Ai - Long time fans of Nono and Aibon knows that both of them have less interest in boys, and both of them have been intimate enough to kiss. They have developed a chemistry that even by looking at each other's eyes, they know what the other is thinking. Ayaya and Mikitty can do the same.
3) Self-appeal - W's appeal strategy is to let them talk their hearts out on-air. Their closeness, talkativeness, bickerings, how well they know each other, how well they get along etc... are enough to promote themselves to the market. GAM is about the same. Although, yes, Hello!Project is known to use "let the product market themselves" strategy most times. But after GAM's appearance on Hello!Morning and Music Fighter, I feel they are stressing this point too much and too obviously.
4) Music style - I cannot help but think that their style is a continuation of what W's path could have been. The bits and pieces of unreleased W songs sung by Nono reflect on GAM's singles. (Just a little bit, in my personal opinion).

So what's next? Create another duo of course! This concept works, so why not spawn another one. Maybe not immediately, but I think another one is on the way. So who is the next two best friends within the Hello!Project or Morning Musume?

I can think of two:
A) Michishige Sayumi + Kamei Eri
B) Takahashi Ai + Niigaki Risa

The two sets above are well-known to all fans as best friends off-stage. But I don't think they will work. Combination (A) have two slow-pokes together, and they are easily rivals as they are best of friends - that's bad energy. Combination (B) cannot work either, since obviously Takahashi Ai is booked for a solo career in the future, adding the less popular Niigaki in will only lower Ai-chan's popularity. So, I'm guessing it's neither of the two combination, but one half of each: Eririn (Kamei Eri) + Gaki-san (Niigaki Risa).

Why? After watching Morning Musume related programmes and performances lately, I noticed that Eririn and Gaki-san have been paired up quite frequently.

Hello Pro Hour


Hakkan Commercial


Zekkyu Commercial


The latest Morning Musume Single "Aruiteru" Jacket shoot


And during previous performances, notably "Wonder Hearts Land Concert 2006" (past concerts too) and also the "Music Fair 21", they are paired up together again.

Unlike GAM and W, the Niigaki-Kamei combo is quite different, they may have not have the rapport and chemistry, but they are a perfect boke-tsukomi pair, for sure.

Right now, I'm just speculating, it may or may not come true. In any case, they are probably reserves for now, like a backup duo-group, in case GAM have any problems. (I see that UFA have learned from its past mistakes). Right now, I feel that Gaki-san and Eririn still lacks the chemistry but it's up to UFA to work on it.

There must be a reason why they don't pair the real-life best friends together. Maybe to UFA, their company goals and missions trumps all personal interests and situations. Kinda sad, but that's showbiz for you.


End note: Actually, it's hard to compare GAM with W. GAM is already unique on its own already, and I like them that way. But somehow, I cannot help but see W in them. I see GAM as how W could have been if they were not suspended.
Additionally, I hear GAM's next single is already in the making and will be released before the end of this year, and I'm looking forward to it.

Peace ^_^
>> Read the rest of this article

The GAM Kiss

Yes, boys and girls. After much speculation and rumours, it is official now. In GAM's single PV "Melodies" Fujimoto Miki and Matsuura Aya kissed at the closing seconds of the video. And the fans ran amok, excited over this footage.


Actually, it's not the first time we see members of the Hello!Project family kissing.

We had Nono and Aibon kissing.


We even had the four-way kiss, between Nacchi, Yaguchi, Nono and Aibon.


Young (Japanese) girls do that and it's nothing really. In a previous Music Fighter show, Ayaya and Mikitty even revealed that the two of them are so close together as friends that they shower together. Now if only I can plant my webcam in their shower box while they're at it... :)

One of the reasons why this news is so hot, is that fans already have a long time fantasy about lesbianism among Morning Musume or Hello!Project members, all the more since Ayaya and Mikitty are known to be best friends and all. It's not a-first, Yoshizawa Hitomi have been paired with Mikitty and also Ishikawa Rika too.

Another other reason is the concept of this video, which is shojou-ai - love and affection between two girls. It's a brave move, considereing that they want to break into the mainstream audience. (Or is it BECAUSE they want to break into the mainstream, therefore they chose to do it.) Now in Japan, such attraction between girls, are considered to be common (if not natural), especially amongst the senpai and kohais (in school or at work). Things like holding hands, kissing, gift-giving and touching are part of it, though I think the some of the touching part may be viewed as sexually explicit in the eyes of the West. Such love can be beautiful, and may range from secret admiration to absolute infatuation. So let's not be confused and stereotype it to just the sexual reasons. (It's OK to fantasize about it though)

My observation and findings:
- Ayaya is a watcher, she didn't even close her eyes during the kiss.
- If the two of them are lesbians, Ayaya will be the butch, since she is the one drawing the kiss.
- This may or may not be GAM's idea to do this. Either way, Mikitty seemed a bit more nervous than Ayaya. Unlike Ayaya, Mikitty didn't part her lips during the kiss. Shows the difference in terms of professionalisn between the two.
- Read somewhere else that the director for this video has another project that projects similar concept and script. He may be hired for this purpose.

All in all, it's still a hot thing to see. So get your hands on the video if you can. I got mine! ^_^
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Ayaya is Back!

It's been a week of rumours and developments for Hello!Project. Yeah, I didn't blog them real time, but I just want to be sure before I do. Information overload, lots of speculations, rumours... all of which have been too heavy for my head to take. Overall, it has been good news so far.

Return of Matsuura Aya.
Yes, she's back. Apparently, she still have to "continue with medical treatment". But nevertheless, she is trying to come back to her schedule. That's how much she cares for her fans. Now you see why I say she is hardworking? Don't know if working ethics should surpass personal well-being, but that's Asian women for you. Is she on painkillers? Most definitely. Nobody can bounce back from such condition in two weeks. Let's hope the side effects doesn't cause any complications.
Source here.
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Matsuura Aya - Down with Pain

"Matsuura Ay--yeOWW!!!"

That's probably what you will hear from Ayaya if she tries to introduce herself now. Injuries, cancellations, scandals,... all coming out one after another for Hello!Project now. Feels like the NBA.

Jokes aside, this is worrying. Reportedly, two of Matsuura Aya concerts have to be cancelled two days ago as she is diagnosed with "temporomandibular athrosis". Some say it can be also described as "temporomandibular joint disorder". It is a condition where there is an disorder or dysfunction of the joint at the part where the skull is connected with the jaw bone with ligament and muscle (the curve of your jaw right under your ears),

The doctors have advised for her to rest now, however it was also reported that this was not the first time this condition has caused problems in her work. I pray that she recovers soon. Sad to see her career taking off to a great turn and getting this problem in the middle of it.

There are many possiblities as to what caused this. But basically it is when you apply too much stress on the muscle at the joint by grinding or gritting your teeth too much, too long and too often. Being a musical artiste, part of your work is talking and singing, so your jaw may be exercising its use too much. When a muscle is put to too much stress, it causes spasms, and as a result causing acute pain. Think of it as a toothache right at the back of your mouth that won't go away. And given its close position to the ears it is also affected, which is like having a needle poking at your eardrums.

Work stress can also be a factor, since the muscle tenses under work pressure. Some people subconciously grind their teeth while working, especially under pressure. No doubt that she is a hard-working worker, but this really shows the competitiveness and harshness of the music biz in japan

In my personal observation of Ayaya singing habit, normally she will jut out her chin/jaw when she is hitting the high notes. (Actually most people do that). It's not proper, but quite common in Japan. She is in the music biz for 5 years now, this improper practice may have started since her debut and have culminated to this.

I know all about injuries and pain, and all other things that come with it. Had a share of a minor case like hers, so I know exactly how she feels. You will have problem eating, sleeping and even simple daily chores. The aftermath of this ain't pretty either, and in her case, I think that not only medical treatment is needed but psychological therapy too, because pain anywhere near the brain can wear your mental energy down. Sure, there's always painkillers, but too much drugs can kill your voice.

Ayaya, you're in my prayers. I pray for you speedy recovery and hope you feel better soon.

Read source here
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