Mitsui Aika Wins Game to Voice Gurocchan In Kirari Revolution

So last week's Haromoni's big announcement was nothing we had expected.

This week's Haromoni hosted a voice casting competition to decide who will be the one to voice the new cat character "Gurocchan" in Kirari Revolution, which was revealed on last week's Haromoni. Pity... since it was Michishige Sayumi who created the character, I thought it would be more appropriate for her to play the part. Oh well...

The competition began where the candidates, Takahashi Ai, Niigaki Risa, Tanaka Reina, Jyun Jyun, Rin Rin and Mitsui Aika. Each are required to deliver the best Yankee line as intimidating as possible... while sucking on helium. ^_^

And here is the winner... Mittsi!!

Namenayo!

"Namennayo" (なめんなよ) literally means "Don't lick me", but this Japanese slang meant "Don't play with me" or "Don't look down on me". It is befitting that Mittsi wins this game, because "Namennayo" is also the name of a cultural boom that hit Japan in the 1980's involving pictures of cats in Yankee attire.

It all began when a man named Satoru Tsuda found an abandoned kitten at the dry cleaners and took it into his care. Although he hated cats, but this particular kitten changed his mind, and he gave it a name "Matakichi", after the dry cleaner's name. As his fondness towards the feline creature grows, one day the kitten was playing with some doll clothes and an idea struck him - he would dress up the kitten in doll clothes and took pictures of it. This gave birth to a nationwide boom called "Namennayo Cats". Since then he has been taking pictures of cats dressed in various costumes and attire. It was a big hit for men and women alike. One of his trademark was being able to make the cats/kittens stand on two legs when posing for the camera. I only look forward to the day he is able to train the cats to do Kishidan performances. ^_^
More information and pictures here.

My take: The decision to cast Mittsi to voice Gurocchan has gotta be pre-decided by the agency already. I mean, the association with Gurocchan as a cat character and the line "Namennayo" has to be more than a coincidence. In any case, I think Mittsi will do very well. But she better not be sucking helium every time she deliver a line for the cartoon character. ^_^


* In other news, Mittsi also won the voice casting role for the new T-Rex character in Robby and Keroppi, in which Niigaki Risa voiced Athena. This time she is required to put on a mohawk hairdo and some accessories, and deliver the baddest line she can. And here is the result:

I PITY THE FOOL!

* Fictional account. (^_^)v
>> Read the rest of this article

Takahashi Ai Takes the Lead

And so Takahashi Ai had her first job as Morning Musume leader .... AND as "2nd Gen EcoMoni" with Kusumi Koharu starting a few days ago in a Nippon TV Eco Week campaign on Friday, where she announces her will to take up the task as leader with a spirited "I will do my best!". And that she did, while she gave some useful eco-friendly tips and practices along with her partner, in support of the campaign.


Yesterday on Young Town Doyoubi we saw the appearance of Michishige Sayumi who took over Fujimoto Miki's place as a regular in the radio show. Ai-chan did not steal the spotlight and remained passive in her responses (well, most of the time she is like that), as she knows the initiation of the new regular is important. Time and again, she pointed out some good qualities in Sayu, and noted that Sayu is probably more mature than herself, more like an older sister. Though she wished that Mikitty would come back to the show soon.

But what kind of leader is Ai-chan? She still seems to be same as usual, still lacking an outstanding personality (well, actually by having no personality IS her outstanding personality. I think lots of people remember her that way ^_^) and wanting things to be the same as it has always been.

Ai-chan, although already 21 years of age this year, have remained a timid 17 year old in my mind. Mostly because of her small stature, and because she was not the most outspoken amongst the Momusu girls. She doesn't speak unless spoken to, and is always in a passive mode. I cannot imagine her leading the "Dancing! Singing! Exciting!" and "Gambatte Ikima-SHOI!!" cheer before concerts and performances later on. ^_^

However, that's where things get more interesting.

In my personal opinion, unlike her predecessors Ai-chan not the type that will lead by taking charge, but is the type that will lead by quietly watching over her fellow members, while they freely do their stuff. It is this trait that lead me to draw comparisons with Arashi leader, Satoshi Ohno. Both Ai-chan and Ohno are talented singers, easily one of the best in their respective counterparts. Both are also good dancers. And both of them are well respected by their peers and juniors. I remember in the past Morning Musume auditions where many participants cite Takahashi Ai as their favourite member and is the one whom they idolize - including current member Michishige Sayumi.



BUT, after all my blabbering here, there's a chance that Ai-chan will come back and throw all my assumptions out the window. As always, she is very unassuming, and performs above her best effort under pressure. Let's see how she will change with this new responsibility as leader and how Morning Musume will turn out this time under her leadership..... unless the paparazzi comes up with another scandalous scoop again.

Here's a little something in commemoration of new Morning Musume leader Takahashi Ai.

An instrumental guitar rendition of Takahashi Ai's solo single - Yume Kara Samete.

Video Link | Lyrics
Hope you like it. (^_^)v


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

Fujimoto Miki Removed from Young Town Doyoubi

Looks like Sanma-san is not kidding after all.

A message updated on the message board of Young Town Doyoubi radio show, announcing that Fujimoto Miki's regular spot will be replaced by Michishige Sayumi. Sayumi will be given a new segment in the show too, in order to educate her and for getting used to being on the show.

The last I visited the official site, I remember seeing Mikitty's picture on the home page but now only Takahashi Ai is on it. Mikitty's profile is still there, though the link is hidden from plain sight.




Slowly, Mikitty is mirroring Yaguchi Mari's after-scandal schedule -> getting less work. I sincerely hope this is not permanent. Hopefully, she gets to come back after the fire has cooled down a bit...

Source from Young Town Doyoubi

ヤン娘。についてのお知らせ
いつもありがとうございます。
前回の放送でありましたように、
藤本美貴さんは、一旦、ヤングタウン土曜日の出演を
見合わせることになりました。

それを受けて、藤本さんに代わり、
道重さゆみさんが出演することになりました。

よろしくお願いします。

そこで、コーナーのネタを募集します。

「ヤンタンの心得」（仮称）

道重さんがヤンタンに出演するにあたって
心得ておかなければいけないこと、気をつけなければ
いけないことをリスナーの皆さんから募集します。

〒530-8304
ＭＢＳヤングタウン土曜日

メールは
yando@mbs1179.com　です。

たくさんのお便りをお待ちします。
よろしくお願いします。

>> 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

Takahashi Ai Sprained Ankle ... But Displays Love

While I was sleeping yesterday, this happened. Damn. There's an epidemic going around here!!!

Takahashi Ai (20 yrs) of popular idol Morning Musume, accidentally sprained her right ankle, during a concert held at Yokosuka Art Center in Yokosukashi, Kanagawa on 28th April.

On the day where 2 performances are held at 2:30PM and 6:00PM, according to the management office, the accident happened on the afternoon performance. Towards the end of the performance, she stumbled on the stage, twirled and sprained her right ankle. She was sent straight to the hospital from the stage, but re-appeared on-stage in good form during the 7th song of the night performance.

Takahashi will also participate in a fan event in Osaka and Tokyo on 29th, just as previously scheduled.

Be comforted though... seems like she's okay now. The guys in H!O confirmed that. Lilangel reports that Ai-chan came back to sing with the other girls, though she didn't dance. While Firefly who attended the emotional concert, shared a great fan-report and witnessed the strong friendship and sisterhood bond amongst the girls in Morning Musume.

In the end, an emotional but exceptional concert performance was delivered. A blessing in disguise? A display of professionalism? No.... That's LOVE, my friends. And Ai is Love! ^_^

高橋 = Takahashi (High Bridge)
愛 = Ai (Love)


Get well soon, Ai-chan. (T-T)b


Source from Sports Hochi
>> Read the rest of this article

Sakura Gumi Curse is Taking Effect

Kago Ai is tops. Cos' it takes TWO scandals to remove her from Hello! Project. But before we all sink to the sick idea that has been circling around the net that Aibon will advance to the AV world, allow me to draw your attention to this - Hello! Project curses.

We've heard of the famous Love Machine curse and Ray followed up with Chokkan 2 ~Nogashita Sakana wa Ookiizo!~ Curse, and I tried to draw a Rainbow 7 Curse and the Duo Curse myself.

Now, the Sakura Gumi Curse is finally taking effect. Observe:



Talks about this curse surfaced sometime last year after the suspension of Aibon. For those who have never heard of it, here's what it means:
Note that the girls in the top row are the good girls. Clean records. Nothing serious there. While at the bottom row, 3 of them are involved in some controversial situation somehow.

Abe Natsumi --> Plagiarism for her book; The case of the endangered turtle.
Kago Ai --> Smoking scandal; smoking scandal + relationship scandal.
Yaguchi Mari --> Secret relationship with actor Oguri Shun; Relationship rumour with Okamura Takashi.

Who's next on the list? Why it's the girl Aibon is playfully pointing at, as if to say "You're next!" --> Takahashi Ai!

Good lordy~~! What could it be? What will become of our unassuming beloved backup-ace with a Fukui accent?
>> Read the rest of this article

Where the heck is Ai-chan?

Takahashi Ai is missing from the Hello! Morning show for 3 consecutive weeks. What happened to her?

7th January 2007 - Haromoni New Year Special. Missing from show. Why?
14th January 2007 - Haromoni Awards Special. She's in the concert but not available for comments?
21st January 2007 - Not in World Pucchi Game, not in Haro Bowling segment, not in the new Hello Project Channel corner. Why? Why? Why?

Is she being punished for something we don't know? Is she occupied with some solo activity?..... Is she on vacation(with family perhaps)?



It's times like this I wish the girls have their own personal blog like Gocchin....
>> Read the rest of this article

Yoshizawa Hitomi Graduates from Morning Musume

It's official. Yoshizawa Hitomi will be graduating from Morning Musume on May 6th 2007 at the end of "Morning Musume Concert Tour - 2007 Spring ~ Sexy 8 Beat ~ " (モーニング娘。コンサートツアー２００７春～ＳＥＸＹ ８ ビート～) in Saitama Super Arena. Fujimoto Miki will succeed the position of leader, and Takahashi Ai as sub-leader.




I got some news on this earlier on, but kept it aside, labelling it as rumour until I can confirm this information. Even drafted an article on predicting the next 3 possible graduating member in 2007. (The other two was Fujimoto Miki and Takahashi Ai; And if all 3 members graduated, suggesting Niigaki Risa as the upcoming Momusu leader)

Later on, the announcement was made public in Hello! Project Official website.

It's strange, only a while ago, I was discussing on the possible routes that Yossie can take if she ever graduates. I'm not entirely shocked. Perhaps in writing that article, it has prepared my mind well on accepting this news (Now you know what I'm going through while writing that). In fact, I'm excited and happy for Yossie. However, it seems that Tsunku is throwing all my ideas away, by stating that Yossie will not only participating as a solo artiste under the Hello! Project banner, she will be a part of a new group unit. He added that various opportunities will be scheduled for her to take on.

With this graduation, Yoshizawa Hitomi will be the last of the 4th generation member to graduate, and has set the record as the 3rd longest serving Morning Musume leader of 2 years and 1 month, and second longest Morning Musume member with 7 years. (Iida Kaori was the longest serving leader at 3 years and 8 months, and Momusu member of 8 years) [Update: Thanks to Faramir's comments]

Yossie has been loyal to Morning Musume for so long already, and her time has come for her to move on. I am most interested to see what the future holds for our dear Yossie.

I'm intrigued to see if Morning Musume will turn all sukeban under the leadership of Fujimoto Miki. Poor Mikitty, she must be really sad to see her best buddy leaving the family now. Looks like Mikitty will be around for a little while longer, and Takahashi Ai won't be graduating soon either. It's time for a new era. Let's wait and see if Morning Musume will embark for another image reformation again.



Additional side note: You know, after a while it's a surreal feeling reflecting on the fact that Yossie won't be around in Momusu anymore. At this moment, "Mushoku Tomei no Mama de" was playing on the background while I am proof-reading this post for mistakes. Though I mentioned that I was happy for Yossie's graduation, I can't help but feel a tinge of sadness, while listening to the lyrics. Also noticed that this song which was sung by Yossie, Mikitty, Ai-chan, Ogawa Makoto and Konno Asami, other than Mikitty and Ai-chan, all other members will not be around come May 2007. An unintentional goodbye song? A Rainbow 7 Curse?? I will never listen/look at this song the same way I always do anymore...


*************


I do not posses a degree in Japanese Language, but with what I studied before, here are the loosely translated comments made by Tsunku and Yossie. Hope this helps. (The goddamn 'blue screen of death' happened while editing, crashing my PC while i'm updating and I have to redo everything again. Seems like even my PC has gotten all moody over this news... )

Tsunku's comment:

To all fans and related parties.
Sincere thanks for all your support all this time.
We wish you our best regards, with the beginning of this new year.

This day, we would like make an announcement with regards to Morning Musume's Yoshizawa Hitomi.
It has been decided that Yoshizawa Hitomi, who joined at April 2000 as 4th generation member, will graduate at the last day of "Morning Musume Concert Tour - 2007 Spring ~ Sexy 8 Beat ~" that will take place from March till May of 2007.

In this 7 years, beginning from Morning Musume's style reformation period, natural funky singing ability, rhythmic dancing that displays athletic ability - with these, she has shown her unique character/personality in Morning Musume.
She has perfectly carried out this role and in her skills.

We think of it as "Graduation with satisfaction". It is with our expectations, that we can hopefully extend this personality after graduating from Morning Musume. And with this personality, we believe a new Hello! Project *wave/wind will begin.

After graduation, (Yoshizawa) will continue under the Hello! Project banner, doing solo works and participating in a new unit - challenging in various chances given.

After Yoshizawa Hitomi's graduation from Morning Musume, Fujimoto Miki will succeed as leader, and Takahashi Ai as sub-leader.

Presently, with consideration for the success of Morning Musume's concert tour this spring, in becoming one with the member's performance, we ask that everyone to give your best support and cheers.


2nd January 2007 - Tsunku

Yossie's comments:

I, Yoshizawa Hitomi, will graduate from Morning Musume on the last day of Morning Musume concert tour this spring, at the Saitama Arena on 6th of May.

After graduation, will be active as a member of Hello! Project.

From now onwards till May, as leader of Morning Musume, will continue to give my best as usual.


Morning Musume - Yoshizawa Hitomi

Comments by Tsunku

ファンの皆様、並びに関係者の皆様へ。
いつもいつも応援いただきまして誠にありがとうございます。
新年を迎えまして、ますますご健勝のことと思います。

さて、本日はモーニング娘。の吉澤ひとみに関してのお知らせです。
２０００年４月に第４期メンバーとして加入した吉澤ひとみが２００７年３月～５月に行われます「モーニング娘。コンサートツアー２００７春～ＳＥＸＹ ８ ビート～」の
最終日を持ちまして卒業することを決めました。

モーニング娘。のスタイルの変革期に加入してきて７年間、
持ち前のファンキーな歌唱能力、運動能力を生かしたリズム感あふれるダンス、
それらを生かしてモーニング娘。の中で個性的なキャラを発揮してくれました。
十分にその役割りを果たし、スキルも十分身につけました。
「満を持しての卒業」とはこのことだなと思います。
モーニング娘。を卒業することによって、さらに個性を伸ばしてくれるだろうと期待しております。
そして、その個性がまた新しいハロー！プロジェクトの風を吹かせることに一躍買ってくれると信じています。

卒業後は、ハロー！プロジェクトに属しながら、ソロでの芸能活動や、また新たなユニットへ参加など、いろんなチャンスにチャレンジしてもらいたいと思っています。

吉澤ひとみのモーニング娘。卒業後はリーダーに藤本美貴、
サブリーダーに高橋愛を任命いたします。

ひとまずは、この春のモーニング娘。のコンサートツアーを成功させるよう
メンバー一丸となってのパフォーマンスが先決と思ってますので、皆様方には益々の声援のほどをよろしくお願い申し上げます。


２００７年　１月２日　つんく♂

Comments by Yoshizawa Hitomi

私吉澤ひとみは、今年春のモーニング娘｡ コンサートツアー最終日、5月6日のさいたまスーパーアリーナ公演をもってモーニング娘｡ を卒業することになりました。

卒業後もハロー！プロジェクトの一員として、活動していきます。

これから約5ヶ月間もこれまでと変わらず、モーニング娘｡ リーダーとして全力でがんばります。

モーニング娘｡ 吉澤ひとみ

Additional source from WHG
News clippings from WHG
>> Read the rest of this article