Is anyone watching Wimbledon? If so perhaps the most remarkable thing has happened from yesterday till today and yet it's still not over! I mean it's all sorts of new records I'm guessing for the game in general and overall as a player I'm not familiar with in Nicolas Mahut and up and comer John Isner have been playing a tennis match for two days and it's been twice suspended due to darkness :O. This isn't a typo……it's now 59~all in the 5th set!!!!!!!!!! I've never heard of such a thing!!!!!!!!! And if I heard correctly they said that this one tennis match is going on 10 hours long and has over 400 winners hit in it :O.
Hmm….I know Wimbledon is rich in tradition but they did adapt by building an electronic roof over Centre Court so I'm wondering if now Wimbledon needs lights?…or maybe better yet a tie~breaker in the 5th set. Those guys must be exhausted and to think even when one of them does eventually win it'll still count as only one match. However it'll go down as one of the most landmark and amazing~* tennis matches in history all time!
A~h! this is so cool! I just never imagined an idol♥ Daruma??? AKB48 and B.L.T. teamed up to bring us this oh so different collectible…it's Yukorin's ”新春” ("Shinshun") meaning "New Year" collaboration Daruma set♥!
Odd maybe?…no awesome!!! and it also came with an official B.L.T. photo and if you're familiar with these photos omg! it's like going to battle each time you even try to bid on one….they're so so popular~* and I don't know, maybe rare? From what I've seen so far most if not all B.L.T. photos appear to come as random inserts and sometimes in their publications so you never know which ones you'll receive.
Oh and if you're not familiar with the famous Daruma notice that his eyes are both clear white, and it's common practice to have these in your home where you'll color in one eye making a wish or hope~* for the future and when that wish comes true you traditionally color in the other eye～＾ ＾。
Maybe Daruma will be a means for a centerpiece for the making of a Yukorin shrine….lol oh wait I'm actually sort of serious (*≧▽≦)♪
Just heard this news from Zdorama and it's causing quite a stir with Arashi/Matsujun fans. It occurred last week on the June 17th episode of Arashi's popular~* "Mannequin Five" corner which airs as part of "Himitsu No Arashi Chan." Morning Musume's Sayumin appeared as one of the five special guests whose job is to critique the varying fashion~* of Arashi members where there's always a theme for each episode and for the "Mannequin" part of the title it's really cute♥ as each member strikes a mannequin~like pose after choosing their wardrobe and then stands as still as possible while the guests browse their choices and each guest is asked later to make a "purchase" as in choosing which member's fashion they liked the best (making a "purchase") until ultimately one member is left standing as the bottom XD! This episode features a few extra "mannequin" guys along with Arashi♥!…..and I always love the funny snide remarks made as each chosen "mannequin" exits happily~* then knowing they won't be victims of the bottom always cracks me up (^q^)!!
This corner is sooooo much fun to watch and one of my most favorites♥ that Zdorama has introduced me to!…and in the past it's always the most candid and often times insightful commentary from the guests which makes you giggle~* only then to have an even much more amusing conversation between the members of Arashi as they try to revamp their wardrobes in between guest visits and comments all the while trying to avoid becoming the dreaded bottom of the day's fashion :P! The mood has always been light and playful with fun jabs being thrown every which way and sometimes in the most unexpected lights～＾ ＾！！
However some remarks made by Sayu on last week's episode have sparked an uproar of anger amongst Matsujun fans so much that it's been reported that Sayu's blog received in excess of 5000 comments after the airing where fans vented their distaste and heavy anger often making very much personal and hurtful comments towards her. For anyone long familiar with Sayu's personality she's been known in the past to sometimes come across as a bit sharp with her words but ultimately much of it stems from her "screen personality" or rather somewhat of her niche when it comes to her cutely playing off of her well known narcissist~flavored humor. As you'll see in the clip, some of Sayu's remarks towards Matsujun in particular included calling him flamboyant, calling his fashion sense horrible and she also said something a bit odd about his face. But while fan reaction has been most harsh towards Sayu, was Matsujun really even upset?? as it appears that he takes it all with a bit of humor laughing much of it off throughout the clip and even bringing up an earlier comment made by Sayu before the first break where he says that "his face has nothing to do with his fashion…"…(^q^)! Matsujun has always had such a fun and comical side to him as well so I'm thinking that he really wasn't bothered at all perhaps? And now I'm most torn between how to feel about this….I mean just knowing Sayu's comic personality and that dynamic of sometimes sharpness she plays with and also seeing how Matsujun responded with his own bit of humor here leaves me wondering….??? and as a fan of both groups in Arashi♥ and Momusu♥ it strikes an even deeper worry and sadness in me =(.
You can watch the clip here @ Kiiroi Namida's Vox and decide if the backlash towards Sayu is warranted or perhaps too harsh? And by the way, Matsujun's♥ looking most gorgeous hereヽ(。´▽`。)ノ。。！！！。。 so much that you also may be tempted to kiss your computer screen just as one of the guests wanted to kiss him while he was in mannequin~mode (*´艸`)！！
じゃじゃんっっ！！！It's just my second AKB48 ranking so far and while it hasn't been too between them there still are quite a few changes!! A very special thank you~* to both Joh @ IW and Harimakenji o(*´∀｀)o゛♥, Joh for creating yet another fun ranking system and HarimaKenji for helping me so much to make this ranker at all visible as Vox has some issues with displaying embedded html text/images if they're deemed too large I'm guessing.
What made this for me even much more challenging than the previous ranker is that while the previous one matched members each and every one side by side giving you the option of whom would be higher but also allowing a draw (lol the draw option I may have used a bit too much though XD!) here there was no option of a draw so truly everyone needed to be ranked in their very own position. You can take Joh's all new AKB ranker here!! and there's also quite a variety of other rankers to choose from ＾ ＾！
Aside from my #1 being #1 and #2 being #2 still…..there's quite a lot of movement everywhere else and um….without the draw/tie option this time around everything's much more definite….I think? =). Since my previous (very first) ranker a lot has both inspired and opened up my eyes so much more, with shows such as "AKBiNGO!" where you get to see a lot more candid situations and here personalities really can grab at you!!, a drama like "Majisuka Gakuen" was just amazing!!!! with everyone present, so much behind the scenes and making of footage as I've gone from pv to pv since their very first singles, magazine articles, senbatsu speeches!! and demeanor while under such pressure!!, and while there were even more factors helping me this time around I have to say reading a few member's blogs in addition has been about as real as it gets and especially when a wonderful personality like with Miichan's♥♥♥ (her posts are just the most candidly humorous and fun to read!!) gets a hold of you (*´∀｀)♪♪！！！Also outside of my more obvious choices members such as Myao (I think she's soooo pretty~*), Kitarie, Akicha Tomo (has the cutest seiyuu like voice) and Natsuki have been grabbing my attention recently however it's also most notable to share how learning of an idol's most endearing♥ gesture can also touch you so much…even if from afar. Specifically this idol is Wasamin and here you can read about CK's first hand meeting and his following accounts which are nothing short of amazing!!!!…here in part 2 and part 1!!! She's really so sweet ♪♪！！、now if only CK can see all the wonderfulness that is Yukorin♥…..kidding of course!…well sort of..hmm (*≧▽≦)！！！
AkiP’s girls aren’t only taking the idol♥ music world by storm!!!..they’re also tackling fashion* sense and here with what I think its their first fashion book?…a wide genre of styles are covered!!
Okay~* some of it may appear initially as purely gratuitous?…well for their male fan~base? However before passing judgment just yet, “Wagamama Girlfriend” goes into the details of specific designs and wardrobe notes ala all of your home order catalogs for everyone interested in acquiring these most stylish and sexy* looks♥!!! Plus in addition you’re also treated to an article w/ featured fashion guru “SHIHO” for a sense~up lesson on fashion♥♥♥! as well as a bit of a before~and~after looks specifically w/ Acchan & Kojiharu which is most revealing and educational~*…and with the AKB girls taking center stage it’s pure love and cuteness!!
Hmm..if you’re like me you know at least one guy or more who “subscribe” to a catalog like Victoria’s Secret?……dual purposes of course possible here? Bf only wants his girl to look hot in particular situations*? or perhaps…well hmmm he’s “subscribing” for their “articles???” naaaaah XD!! In any case Victoria has nothing on the AKB girls!!! The photo book is divided into fashion theme~* chapters…everything from Marine Style where Kitarie absolutely entices!!..while the ever pretty~* Yukirin♥ does what she does to your senses XD…, lingerie! (need not say anything more!) well unless you’ve always wondered how girls dress in near undress just for you! Then there are the special~* limited present “Kiss” T~shirts!!…I’ve included scans of those I most want lol! well all of them really but still if only I were so lucky (´⌒｀。)。。。you know which one I want the most ne~~~! military fashion!..and if Acchan were leading the way surely all adversaries would surrender?!!, swim suits♥ and beautiful flower prints galore~* all so pretty and now I have fashion envy so much lol! time to re~vamp that closet (*≧▽≦)♪！！！
Surely photo sessions such as these bring about the occasional impure thought* (*´艸`)。。。I mean even being completely devoted and straight….even as a girl you can be enticed a bit~*! Also guys! board shorts=’z sexy* those Speedo thingies not so much (/∇＼*)！Just saying…..! But the various poses here!..won’t say another word about that! Of course I have my personal faves♥ in Yukorin, Kitarie, Tomochin, Miichan, Jurina!, Takamina, Miyazaki Miho, Mayuyu, Kohiharu, Acchan, Kasai and this could go on for awhile so…… XD!
While I tried to hold back from scanning everything here as everything is fashion awesome, cute, sexy*!! here are the 61 that I ultimately chose……happy~* sexy Sunday everyone AKB girls are amazing!!! Fashion folks!! fashion!!….okay sexy* AKB girls too…and is this the sexiest* idol shashinshuu ever?…I think so!! o(*´∀｀)o゛♥！。。。,let Acchan —>>> convince you for starters!!!!
~These are so wonderful….the girls meet a sort of Jane Austen look~*meets modern styling!!…first up is the always lovely Yukorin ＾ ＾♥！Erepyon?! ♥! I’m also channeling that Kitarie is most photogenic!!
Love these so much!!!!
Well I do love wine so much especially a merlot or cabernet sauvignon o(*´∀｀)o゛。。。！So today the Cup series visited what is known as wine country in Sonoma California and so awesome that even Jeff Gordon has gotten into the wine business a few years ago so I imagine that there's at least of bit of wine tasting going on during this most unique weekend for all of the drivers~.
With only two road courses on the Cup schedule each year it really is something to look forward to and anticipate greatly!! Critiques of our beloved 4x champion wondered long if he was capable of capturing the checkers on such a track and here with its 11 unique turns it presents quite the challenge for Cup Series drivers whom are much more accustomed to ovals, tri~ovals and the like.
I have to say that today's event turned out to be one of the most hotly contested events here that I've seen….and hot as in driver's tempers and the like which was displayed both on and off track throughout the 110 laps which ensued….patience and courtesy often become secondary when the laps wind down but for today it seemed to occur very much earlier in the event as both obvious hits and questionable driving were on display throughout :O!!
But the final drama and the final outcome didn't even involve any such action under the green as dominate Australian driver Marcos Ambrose appeared to be under crew chief's orders to try to conserve fuel in the waning laps and it all occurred while he was leading under caution!! no less…….at one point Ambrose's car actually came to a complete stop while heading up a steep incline on the track, an infraction which under the rules stated pushed him back to where he had continued to move his car @ that point pushing him back to 7th when the re~start occurred :/! Everyone surely must maintain speed of the pace car and position under the yellow and it really became the unfolding of what up to that point had been a most dominate and inevitable first win for Ambrose as it looked.
So J.J.♥ now with his closest competitor now mired way back in traffic and restarting 7th seized the moment~* to make it to victory lane for his very first road course win of his Cup Series career ＼(^o^)／☆！！！。。it was so awesome to see!!!! I'm completely giddy now。。。うれしー(*≧∀≦)ノ ！！！！
I'm hoping that someone can help me…..it seems that Vox still has some issues with converting I think it's html type text? when they're a bit longer as embedding with YouTube is always okay and with most widgets. I've completed after about two hours of moving and re~deciding and then re~moving members in Joh's new ranker for AKB48♥, however while I saved the html text I'm just unable to have it displayed as Vox will only display a very tiny part of the beginning =(…..just a small portion of this style of text looks like this:
and there are also photo links in between for the members to appear in order with the proper spacing…..if anyone knows of a way to translate this style of text into a photo instead of using embedding methods please please let me know. I've tried using a "html to photo" program that I found online but it didn't work at all please help (;´□｀)！！
May be a bit pre~occupied this weekend so I thought I’d move this post here as I was listening to an old J~Pop disc earlier this week and Noriko~chan came on♥….love love her voice!! and there’s even a little Tsunku tie~in which is awesome..he’s truly everywhere =)! Gosh it’s been awhile since I last posted about some of my early J~Pop loves♥♥♥…I’ll try to do much better as I’ve neglected that aspect recently and there’s still so many artists/groups from yesteryear that I’d so love to share~* please enjoy! ＾ ＾！
(originally posted on April 15th, 2009 4:41 pm)
While Norikochan is deep in thought above thinking about her future……I thought I’d share a bit of her musical♪♪ career and early idol side. =)
Shiina Noriko began appearing in numerous idol publications including UTB and Weekly Young Magazine in the late 90’s leading up to her honor of being named Fuji Television’s “Visual Queen of the Year” in 2001. But unlike previous years which featured only a single winner, 2001 would present four idols being named to this popular title…….but I always felt that Norikochan *shined* the most of the four that were chosen that year and she would prove to be very worthy of the Visual Queen award as she ventured into additional modeling, t.v. dramas and yes~! music!!
While I did very much enjoy her appearance in the drama “LxIxVxE” where she was so adorable….(I was so sad that she was picked on though..(;´□｀) )……I haven’t been able to see her in much else from our broadcasts here.
Norikochan’s music debut came on April 21st, 1999 with the arrival of her single “Aosora dakega sorajanai” while she was popular in idol publications at the time. While so many idols have tested the musical waters over the years what’s notable about Norikochan’s debut is that her vocals even at this early age and stage of her career, is that they were already most polished sounding and powerfully focused.
But I always feel that first impressions are most important whenever trying to introduce an artist…..or anyone cute for that matter..(￣▽￣), so before hearing her debut here’s my most favorite Norikochan song. =)
Songs just don’t get much more instantly catchier than a composition like “Do re mi fa so ra shi do”……..the bouncy and rolling piano rhythm and sweet melody is sure to attract and this being just her third single, Norikochan’s voice is already so developed here~! “Do re mi fa so ra shi do” was released on April 19th of 2000. LOve love love! this song!! ~♥~
Before presenting her singles in order I thought that we’d first listen what would be her final single….”Propose” was released on June 26th, 2002 and featured a clear jacket insert which provides a wedding veil for Norikochan’s cover image when placed over it in the case. =)
~Shiina Noriko “Propose” mp3~
“Propose” shows Norikochan as a fully developed vocalist….the song has light melancoly undertones as this deeply emotional song celebrates one’s happiest day~.
~Shiina Noriko “Kataomoi” mp3~
The coupling with track “Kataomoi” is euphoric mid tempo light rock tune…….
Shiina Noriko released a total of seven singles and 1 album between 1999 and the summer of 2002 and by her 5th single release she was actively composing lyrics for the majority of her releases which always adds a nice personal touch to one’s music. ＾ ＾ And happily she has just returned to music after a lengthy hiatus as she released a new single titled “Dakara waraunda” just a few days ago on April 1st. (*´∀｀*)♪♪ I’ve yet to receive it though…..but it should be here soon~.
Here you can just see how young Norikochan was at the time of her debut! She looks so little! =) Her vocals however seem to be years ahead of her appearance as you’ll hear in the following tracks “Aosora dakega sora janai” and “Hana ga saku hi.” Both are great straightforward pop tracks.
Norikochan’s 2nd single “Isu” was released on October 27th, 1999. It’s still remains as one of her more dramatic
recordings with it’s dark melody and slightly moody lyrics.
~Shiina Noriko “Taiyou no youni” mp3~
“Isu'”s coupling with track “Taiyou no you ni”….though simple and relaxed does possess a nice steady groove as well a subtle sweet flamenco touch during its breaks. Still more or less a straight pop track but catchy nonetheless.
Even near the height of Momusu’s success it seems that song writer/producer Tsunku was able to fit an outside project into his busy schedule……….Shiina Noriko’s 4th single release was penned by Tsunku in both lyrics & music for both songs and even features his back up vocals on the title track! It’s amazing what a small world we all live in with Tsunku here! =) In particular I really love the coupling with track “Sukina hito wa kimi dake dayo” for it’s whimsical sweetness~♥.
~Shiina Noriko “P.S. GOOD-BYE” mp3~
~Shiina Noriko “Suki na hito wa kimi dakedayo” mp3~
T2ya appears as the composer for both tracks on Norikochan’s 5th single “Okina anata chisana watashi” and this is the first release in which she began going by only her last name Shiina. “Okina anata chisana watashi” was released on August 1st, 2001 and the title track is really wonderfully sugary and upbeat~. Its hightly orchestrated coupling with track “Kanaria” bears a much more dramatic tone giving this single a memorable contrast in styles especially when listened to back to back……..Norikochan’s vocals immaculate throughout.
Shiina Noriko’s 6th single release “Koi no fuusen” shows a real departure and leap from her previous vocal stylings….here her range just sprouts wonderfully and is especially notable during the chorus portions. I like to think of “Koi no fuusen” as being one of her all out fun songs…..such a joyous beat wrapped in a warm melodious tortilla……..I think someones *hungry” (…..but it’s much much too late to eat right now )
Shiina Noriko’s first shashinshuu is titled “tabiato” and it’s quite an unusual size for a pb as it measures 7 1/2″ X 10″ approximately………….here’s just a few scans that I chose to give you an idea just in case you’re interested in ordering. Hmmm I need to check to see if it’s still in print……… her shashinshuu is quite thick as it’s 128 pages all shot in scenic Thailand! They have some of the most pristine beaches that I’ve seen!!!!……and I live in Hawaii. 😮
She’s soooooo cute!!! and beautiful!!! Enjoy these scans:
~The following shots are from her “Visual Queen of the Year 2001” DVD which has a running time of just over 30 minutes…..really much shorter than the standard length of idol DVDs today but back in 2001 this was about the average for most releases. The DVD also features an extra track in which Norikochan speaks at length about her future goals and hopes as well as………her ideal and not so ideal thoughts on men. Hm this may be useful for all men out there I think! =) This extra track runs about 10 minutes and features Norikochan in an intimate one on one setting as she lays on a hotel bed towards the camera…..as in the very first photo in this post way atop. ＾ ＾
I scanned the inside of the DVD jacket which is to the left and it explains the interactive portion of her DVD. It’s like a wota’s dream come true in a sense as you’re able to edit and piece together set portions of the DVD program into the order of your choice…….albeit it’s a bit limited as this was way back in 2001 but still I find this feature to be so unique as I’ve yet to come across another idol DVD which hands the viewer such control over what they’re watching. =)
And lastly before I go to sleep, here are just a few screencaps from “Premio” Shiina Noriko Visual Queen of the Year 2001………..
Did I already mention how cute and adorable she is…..
Hi Charmy!…Norikochan is such an adorable idol isn’t she!! Her vocals are so distinct too…..listening to “Do re mi fa so ra shi do” right now~ I just love this song♪ so much! Ah~! I’m so happy that you’re going to purchase her music!! Honto ni ureshii! (*´∀｀*)♪♪
Hum… Never heard of her. I did a quick search and found out she was in Tokumei Kakarichou 3 and 4, that’s interesting, I didn’t know it had seasons 3 and 4, I’ll look for that. Anyway, I like of some of the songs. Mikitty could cover Propose since she doesn’t have much to do lately, for some reason she instantly came to mind when it started. You could probably fool me with P.S.Good-bye and I’d spend quite some time guessing which H!P group recorded that =P Yeah, I think these and Kanaria are my favorites.
Ah~! it’s good to know that we’re not alone in this funny practice! XD It’s sort of refreshing and *soothing*…..um I won’t say anymore!…(u_u*). Thank you Alezra and I’m so happy!!! that you like Shiina’s music too~! I just love the sound of her voice and her personality is really fiery too~~~!
I’m always hoping that we’ll receive more dramas with idols like Shiina Noriko but they’ve been really scarce here in Hawaii for the most part. Oooh I wonder if I can find that drama too~. Maybe Mikitty because of the sort of sophisticated…no that may not be the right description…….what am I trying to say???…..(*sigh*)….lol but I can hear her singing “Propose” as well. ＾ ＾ Shiina Noriko sings quite strongly too so that has a connection too between her and Mikitty in a sense. =) “Kanaria” is a favorite too~…….awwww I’m so shamelessly addicted to “Do re mi fa so ra shi do”…(^q^)……sukijanai desuka? Thank you for listening! (*´∀｀*)
Hmmm….I only know “Precious Time” as being another name for the drama “Kamisama mou sukoshi dake” which starred Fukakyon and Kaneshiro Takeshi. Or perhaps I could be thinking of a different drama but I don’t think she acted in that series.
Oh this was right in the middle of her music♪♪ career……I hope they didn’t go through any hurtful times though. Hmm…I am curious to see how they looked as a couple if you don’t mind sharing. =)
Seems that World Cup mania is taking everyone by storm!!…..and it’s even reached what I think are the cutest and newest Hollywood movie pairing♥ in the upcoming film “Knight & Day” which looooooooks sooooooooooooooo much like fun with the wittiest of dialog!!, action and so much offbeat and awesome humor (^q^)! Mr. Cruise may have been in a bit of a downward spiral a few years ago but surely it’s all turned around now with his most hilarious character featured in “Tropic Thunder” now I’m hearing it’s going to lead to a spin~off movie???…his humility and endearing characteristics have returned and Cameron Diaz has been most beautiful and talented always!
This looks real? It is real isn’t it? But in any case it doesn’t really matter as it’s a pure gem~* I think =)! They’re so perfect together and I soooooooo can’t wait to see this movie ＾ ＾♥！！！
Okay that capture to the left is from quite a ways back!!!!!….but just a quick note here to say Kago Ai formerly of Momusu/Hello!Project is currently here in Hawaii on our very own island of Oahu~♥!
Thank you~* to Anise & Cloves for this heads up on a filming happening this afternoon (possibly @ this very moment I'm not sure) as this Facebook post done just recently only goes so far as to mention it's happening @ Good To Grill which is located in Kapahulu near to the gigantic Safeway super market which I'm yet to see firsthand XD….and it sounds to be a filming of a possible t.v. program? To promote the eatery maybe on Japanese television I'm thinking…..and if you're familiar with Aibon and food, food and Aibon it's sure to be something most special~* to witness =)!!! Good To Grill is located right along Kapahulu avenue and it's very very near to the site in which Kamei Eri♥ made a most cute appearance for her photo book "Juunanasai" where she's crossing the street with the wonderful sight of Diamond Head in the distance~.
Anise & Cloves did mention to me that it's not certain if any of the public will be allowed to actually meet her as it looks to be for filming purposes only but unless they completely close the eatery I'm thinking why not check it out?……just may be a chance that you can dine beside the one and only Aibon♥ here in Hawaii~*! The Food Network features so many wonderful programs which I'm thinking are along the lines of this filming's purpose so it should be most fun I think!…only with a Japanese celebrity instead and I love that the Facebook posting mentions her as a jazz artist♪♪ really so cool (*≧∀≦)ノ！！！
Rare is it that we are graced with such open beauty, expression and talent….all so effortless and relatable and yet so moving and tragic in its poignancy...
Karasawa Toshiaki, one of Japan’s most celebrated actors whose career has long been a staple of Asian cinema has a wonderful gem from yesteryear that I’d love to share here~…..and like so many other prominent figures in Japan’s entertainment industry, diversity and one’s willingness & interest to delve into and explore longstanding personal passions or perhaps just to experience a career outside of one’s main forte can lead to the often unexpected and ultimately wonderful...
Some of the most prominent idols of yesteryear went on to become accomplished musicians & songwriters which is something that for the most part, today’s idols are perhaps still striving to accomplish. Two of my favorites~♥~ that come to mind readily are Moritaka Chisato and Tanimura Yumi both of whom actually shed the idol tag quite early...
If you know the series “Furuhata Ninzaburo (was a top rated show in Japan) and you’ve ever watched the drama series “Hitotsu yane no shita” this’ll be mega~funny…(^q^)! And Kimutaku is uncanny~* here…how he captures the acting tendencies of one Tamura Masakazu also a most popular and accomplished actor in Japan. Not only does Kimutaku vocalize to a tee Tamura~san’s voice and all of his speaking nuances from his odd pauses and elongated vowels but he also emulates his posture and idiosyncrasies like how he often taps at his forehead while in thought~….plus check out the hair!!!!!! as the hair itself is a character here =D!! In a nutshell the character Tamura~san plays is Japan’s answer to America’s “Columbo” character made famous by Peter Faulk and in this special SmapxSmap skit the premise for the murder/mystery is set in an endearing drama of the 90’s in “Hitotsu yane no shita” creating a most hilarious merging of shows into one...
Surely a lot of scrutiny would go into anyone naming whom they consider to be perhaps the greatest vocalist they’ve had the pleasure of listening to over years of being a music lover and most definitely it’s an absolutely subjective outcome for each individual’s taste. Not an easy task by any means but for me personally while there are so many seemingly countless accomplished vocalists from generations past till present one name keeps coming to mind each and every time I hear him sing♪♪…
By 1997 Amuro Namie's music career was reaching new peaks~* during her “can you celebrate?” period and while many perhaps dreamed to reach her level of talent and success, one aspiring artist sought and found true emulation in her style~ling...
A magical marriage in music and stage presence took place on this night as legendary singer Ishii Tatsuya who’s best known for his larger than earth personality+ larger than (your group!) group Kome Kome Club + a larger than life voice to back all that up 200% and then some~!!!…took the stage accompanied by the most talented and beautiful Matsu Takako all on a most special engagement on Music Fair...
While Norikochan is deep in thought above thinking about her future……I thought I’d share a bit of her musical♪♪ career and early idol side. =)
Shiina Noriko began appearing in numerous idol publications including UTB and Weekly Young Magazine in the late 90′s leading up to her honor of being named Fuji Television’s “Visual Queen of the Year” in 2001. But unlike previous years which featured only a single winner, 2001 would present four idols being named to this popular title…….but I always felt that Norikochan *shined* the most of the four that were chosen that year and she would prove to be very worthy of the Visual Queen award as she ventured into additional modeling, t.v. dramas and yes~! music!!
One of the first J-Pop artist’ voices that I fell in love with belongs to Mochida Maki and there’s just something so aesthetically *pure* and *beautiful* in Mochida Maki’s voice….in fact I’ll go as far as to say it’s one of the most *pure* voices that I’ve encountered in J-Pop over the years and that holds true till this day~.
Fukuyama Masaharu♥ has long been one of Japan’s most beloved~* icons and constant figures as both a most accomplished musician and actor~…..his talents reach even further though as he writes, produces and has also charmed~* in the likes of radio and stage~.
I honestly haven’t been this moved and impressed by a solo artists’ release in ages and while Acchan has steadily and surely endeared herself to me there’s always that singular moment when you fully realize just how much and liken it to a coronation of one of your most favorite of idols~♥...
What’s better than idol♥ bowling? Getting idols to dish the dirt on one another in pressure moments while they bowl and to think these select 24 girls thought they were just going plain bowling and it’s quite surprising how many reveal this to be their very first time throwing that oversized gumball with three holes down a slippery lane in search of pins...
I’ve been in a sort of an anime* mood recently and so I thought I’d feature an older Vox post here @ WordPress and in terms of a J~pop idol♥ who better to exemplify an “anime” voice than CoCo’s Miura♥Rieko ＾ ＾。
Qlair, a wonderful part of the legendary Otomejuku idol phenomenon and a great testament to Momusu & H!P’s longevity can be really further appreciated when you examine other idol groups which boomed from the late 80′s into the mid 90′s, many of which held tenures lasting no more than 5 years and often times far shorter than that. What the numbers don’t share though is the high quality of the music produced in these sometimes brief J-Pop careers and Qlair is a great example of just that...
It’s funny how the very initial aesthetics are obvious when it comes to accessorizing as a single cute~♥ hair bow atop is a constant and a fashion statement must!! Mmm but when you really dig a bit “deeper”….Blossom and Takamina….Takamina and Blossom….Blossom and Takamina….Takamina and Blossom…..and soon you can’t tell the two apart or you just feel a bit zany like I do at times :P.
And what’s so different about “Kimi wa, boku no mono” is that it isn’t shot in your typical “idol” way and what I mean by that is that it’s not chaptered into camera seducing♥ segments but rather “Kimi, wa boku no mono” is presented very much like a documentary instead and it’s very warm and candidly~revealing of how production goes on a day~to~day basis~....
Ever ponder what life would be like residing beside Mayuyu♥ post~idol♥ dating into her late 30’s?…or just how often you’ll be “surprised~*” to see omelet rice upon your dining table day or night? Well, wonder no longer as the always experience packed singles presented by the incomparable AKB team have produced a debut single very much worthy of the one~and~only cutest resident nezumi~♥!! You see her voice has always been as preciously adorable as *~animemaki~*...
The stage set up and atmosphere is most intimate and free of any frills or distractions making the music and C~ute’s duo up front and center and while I’ve longed for in the past to see much more musicianship amongst idols as the extra presence of instruments coupled with these all too often hidden talents we know so many of our favorite idols possess, when taken to stage adds an immeasurable dimension to their presence and I believe that to their appeal as well. The presence of a live band versus a recording, then too makes these real~live events even more enjoyable both musically and visually as the nuances of musical improvisation and re~arrangements to familiar songs gives the audience entirely new moods and twists to the set lists breathing an endless possibility for both your eyes and ears. Here the underlying musical theme of sweet~folk~pop takes the reigns on this set list which includes...
I have to start with Final Fantasy VIII. It’s has by far my favorite FF theme song with “Eyes on Me.” Not necessarily the best of the series game wise but I sure really did ♥ it playing for hours into days into weeks. ^ ^ The storyline was no doubt engaging and the characters really grew on you in time in such a real way but it’s this theme song “Eyes on Me” which wins me over unanimously. I had actually never heard Faye Wong sing before playing this game but...
While I think most everyone has either seen or worn seifuku♥ wouldn’t it be cute and sexy* to be able to witness the variations in style and the dressing and undressing of a most adorable idol~♥ as if you were her mirror on the wall~? Um…for educational purposes only of course :P!
For the most accomplished of bands a thorough excursion through their bodies of work is necessary to fully understand & appreciate their accomplishments….for theirs’ is a tapestry on which rare greatness has gone full circle...
Matsu Takako recently released~* a special edition concert DVD set for her “Time for music” 2010 tour and this two disc set includes 19 awesome performances with some very familiar faces as her tour band accompanies her onstage with Shibata Toshibumi on keyboard, Sahashi Yoshiyuki on guitar, Yamamoto Takuo on sax, Kawauchi Keishi on bass, Ogasawara Takumi on drums & the lovely~♥ Matsu Takako performing on keyboards and of course as the lead vocalist~! Wonderfully jazzy arrangements are heard throughout the concert which mainly features the touring~album “Time for music” however there are also quite a few nostalgic j~pop gems too from Matsu Takako’s past release catalog even going back to her very debut single “Ashita, haru ga kitara” which is performed in an amazing new light with a much jazzed up arrangement...
Dating back to 1988, Tanimura Yumi has amassed quite a music collection over the years and even as far back as the early nineties she was already active in writing her own lyrics and music on select tracks. I was so happy to see Ayaya get a chance to showcase her vocals on a Tanimura Yumi composition…well not one but two actually...
~Every scene..a single brush stroke upon the canvas.
Films to savor, for film making of this beauty and depth and scale don’t grace us very often..and the fates truly lie in ways of the wind.
I couldn’t recommend two films any more than the John Woo directed epics “Red Clliff” and “Red Cliff II” and if grading on a ☆ scale these films receive 10 out of 10☆’ｓ。
Every now and then we’re graced with something so unique and special in music♪♪～, artists that move us with their melodies…relate to us with their lyrics and capture us with their hearts~. Sakai Izumi debuted as the lead vocalist for the group Zard in 1991 and for over a decade and a half her powerful vocals would resonate beautifully over 45 single releases and 20 albums (including compilations & tributes)…..she’s truly an artist that has left us too soon~...
Now @ 28 Fukada Kyoko has reached iconic heights as an idol who’s captivated and entertained in the vast opportunistic world of Japanese media where it’s most common for a talent to explore everything from modeling to television to movies and beyond~. Fukakyon♥ was born on November 2nd, 1982 and has remained with a single management agency (HORIPRO) since her early teens when she first began appearing regularly as either a cover~girl or featured girl in numerous idol magazine publications, then most notably with her early Bomb magazine appearances. Her acting career also began early in her mid teens and although Fukakyon is primarily known as a drama/t.v. actress having appeared in an impressive number of dramas which now total over 40 to date she also has a modest but noteworthy movie resume which includes standout performances first, in the dark realism of an idol’s world brought to screen in the 2002 film “Doll’s which mixes dark short stories and the 2004 cinematic~masterpiece “Shimotsuma Monogatari”...
This post is dedicated in the loving memory of my Grandmother♥.
I’ve been wanting to write this post for some time now…as my grandmother on my father’s side was pure Okinawan so this post holds a special meaning for me personally…I hope you enjoy it. ^-^ The lovely Kuninaka Ryoko (Kuninaka Ryouko) was born in Okinawa in June of 1979 and the first time that I saw her was...
Every now and then you come across an artist and individual so amazingly talented and endearing that you do the inevitable…..for me that means going on an instant shopping spree!…(^q^)..where I purchase as many releases as I can find in one swoop~! A seiyuu’s craft is dependant on her/his ability to project emotions, character and just about any nuance imaginable through their vocals as their onscreen personas are brought to life in ways that only a select few born with such *magical* pipes can achieve and excel with~*. I first heard Hirano Aya’s singing voice...
In a musical era where AkiP has brought attention and overwhelming success back to purely~styled J~pop compositions and an approach as well as a product which resonates all that reflects upon Japan’s uniqueness…a purity which over the years has been blurred by outside influences of hip~hop…r&b…euro~pop..and Ameri~pop to name just a few~. Ichikawa Yui in hindsight may have been just a few years too early as she ventured from model/actress into music, too early for the old~school resurgence which is topping the Japanese music charts of today~ and in a lot of ways I think she’s been one of J~pop’s much more underappreciated artists of the millenium~.
Born of Okinawan decent, Ueto Aya’s very first sparked~* interest in the entertainment industry at age 13 as she gained recognition in her very first beauty contest entry~…however much like Fukakyon, Ayachan’s time spent in the idol♥world was brief and was only explored early in her career~. A springboard into numerous successful endeavors~* which have flourished to this day…however before venturing any further I thought it’d be appropriate to first “meet” one of Japan’s most endeared and successful talents~o(*´∀｀)o゛♥...
It’s so amazing to watch Kimutaku, Shingo, Goro, and Tsuyoshi (aka “rice eye”…well that’s what my mom calls him because she can never remember his name… :P ) cook up delicious and amazing gourmet meals!!! I mean they really can cook!!! And not just simple dishes but rather...
Getting my very first taste of what could be Japan’s currently most aggressive all girl band! Four Osaka high school students with a garage~band aura? That was enough to pull me in and now after a little over one week of listening, “Temptation Box” is quickly becoming one of my favorite albums and where to begin?..there’s so much to say!
In preparation for my very first trip to LA and with the one mission in mind of acquiring autographs from AKB48 and Mano Erina that and of course attending a great concert and film event!, surely I needed to have some sort of memorabilia, photos or just something for them to sign, so....
For a somewhat more informative and structured post on Tanimura Yumi see latter posts (also "featured" below)….as today is all about performances and visuals~♥. Tanimura Yumi’s vocals are so immaculate and she makes it look so effortless in concert…..Yumi~chan really embodies all that is possible for any idol who aspires to a much more involved career, one that will leave a lasting impression for years to come. As noted previously Tanimura Yumi’s career went from pure “idol” to songwriter/lyric composer really early in her career and she’s so accomplished on the piano making her concerts appear at times more like recitals in a sense. Her vocal control and range is breathtaking also as will be seen in the following live clips but her pvs are so cute as well~! ^ ^...
Fun fact about Japanese watermelons or “suika” are that they’re much more round than their counterpart American ones so you know what that means right??….they’re great for bowling of course and remember if they drift towards the left they’re not quite ready to eat however if they barrow towards the gutter on the right side then they’re perfectly~* ready to dig into っo(*´∀｀)o! Sorry I just totally made that ↑↑ up just now (._.;)…anyway...
Okamoto Mayo, a most accomplished musician/ singer who’s been active since the mid 90’s debuted with a most distinguished achievement as her debut single “Tomorrow” topped the Oricon Charts at #1…released on May 10th, 1995 it was also a tie~in theme song to the drama series “Second Chance.” Her discography over the years includes 20 singles and 16 original albums in addition to compilations and numerous visual releases from pvs to live concerts. With a most recognizable style and a vocal prowess capable of the sweetest of highs with a range and nuance projected through heartfelt emotions and touch with outstanding control it’s still not her most impressive ingredient stemming from her now long reaching resume in music~...
SCANDAL, I think still the coolest and most impressive~musician oriented all female Japanese rock band since Princess Princess and I love that this album isn’t single~dominated as there are so many new songs here!! Love the entire album top to bottom but I particularly have a soft spot for “Bright” and “HARUKAZE”…♥!...
Like countless others have done so before and since, Nakama Yukie’s rise to becoming one of Japan’s most celebrated actresses/celebrities passed through the gates of idol career, gravure model as well as a venture into a music career…the latter being my initial focus here...
~Simply gorgeous♥, and it’s so much of what you’d envision of a production circled around one of Taiwan’s most popular, *sexiest* and successful models also turned actress and singer～ ＾ ＾。
So a couple of days ago my best and closest girl friend~ Couscous who’s admittedly cute~♥ and yummy♥ beyond words announces to me out “out~of~the~blue”….’I think you’re a vaginatarian.’ What exactly is a vaginatarian?...
With HM@ ratings down and the all new “Berikyuu” show on the horizon bringing the promise of something great, I’ve been trying to think of a few ways in which HM@ could improve their show! :P Starting with…
Well Augusta is upon us again…..and yet I know not much about golf technique and I once “scored” a 35 on that ugh!!! volcano~like miniature golf hole….I mean seriously who invented that thing?? (ノロ≦。)！！！
Back on May 14, 2000 Amuro Namie performed for the very first time in the U.S. and it occurred right here in Hawaii! With substantial financial backing and 2 years of planning this monumental concert took place at Oahu’s famous landmark, the Waikiki Shell....
Sooo what to do in the whee early morning hours??? Watch Dragon Half!
This is so much one of my most favorite animes ever!! I can’t even begin to tell you how much it continues to crack me up no matter how many times I’ve watched it! XD
Feeling tired (_´Д｀)ノ。。of your same old wardrobe? Want to feel the euphoria~* of custom idol♥gear? ………(゜∀゜)………。 …but low on cash$? Well now there’s a way~ to get a~hold of rare concert merchandise.. ..and its free!!!! っo(*´∀｀)o! …
There’s a great possibility that you’ve watched this one too! And there are those special dramas which further draw and endear themselves to the viewer and a few weeks ago I found myself again reliving the drama “Long Vacation” as I’ve watched it quite a few times since its broadcast =) and it’s most wonderful that till this day it hasn’t fallen ill to that sense of ‘dated’ or stuck in an era as great love/ relationship stories can be truly timeless,…when of course the storytelling and development of characters is at a premium in writing and talents respectfully...
1. The opening credits reflects so much of the show’s personality and is one of the cutest ever!! One of J-Pop’s finest, Arashi presents you the main theme song…here hit play while I ramble for a little while…
“Sword of Desperation” (“Hisshiken torisashi”) portrays the life of Sanzaemon Kanemi (Toyokawa Etsushi), a highly skilled swordsman appointed as chief protector to his lord...
In a span of approximately 55 minutes Kamei treats us to some of her inner most thoughts while on location in scenic Okinawa. Whenever I see any footage or photos of Okinawa it just has such a warm and small town feel to their community and their architecture is always so amazing to see~! Unlike any of its predecessors, in large “20 Dreams” is a personal recollection which delves into a much more intimate look into an idol’s aspirations, hopes and dreams as the title suggests and where other previous releases may have only scratched the surface, Kamei’s narrative throughout covers anything from simple aspects such as hair color, dream bedroom & home design and fellow members to much deeper thoughts of family memories, specific childhood events, and future speculation. And throughout it’s all delivered with cute sincerity and more than any other member in Momusu, Kamei possesses the uncanny ability to incorporate the most adorable random and honest laughter that I’ve ever seen...
あっ！すごいかわいく～♥！！かわいく～♥！！！
Harugon, Nacchan, Rabutan, Ayarin & Mayuyu continue to be the cutest~* of units!…and I’m just listening to their 6th single I know so late XD! While I so adore Mayuyu’s vocals and we’ve had plenty till now with her solo songs~♥, but the more I hear Rabutan’s voice the more she’s beginning to become my favorite vocal in the group =)……and while watching the making of she just sounded so anime~like saying “gyu♥!” each time, like the cutest cutest cutest character you can imagine っo(*´∀｀)o！！
Firstly, I wasn’t ever sure if I would see the day in which SPEED’s all time record sales for an all girl group would be broken and not by a slim margin by any means as AKB48 has eclipsed this record (reaching in excess of 826,000 copies sold) which has stood for I think…over a decade now?..and if there were any single which was worthy of such an achievement surely “Beginner” is deservingly so~. At the top of the Oricon this past week, AKB48 has also eclipsed omg!!! even Arashi’s~♥ used to be leading single’s sales plateau for the year for a single release :O and from the outside one may wonder why this single in particular?..and why now?
Do you crave more girl♥power in your life?
Or do you *secretly*….or maybe not so *secretly* ♥ watching very attractive actresses kick some serious butt on screen?!!
Have you grown tired of watching girls bake madeleines in the kitchen all day while the men get to drive the car?
Hmm…if you answered yes to any of the questions above then “so close” may be just for you~. (￣▽￣)
In collaboration with Aquaplus, Dream Tech has created a beautiful 1/6 scale pvc statue of Kousaka Tamaki who is one of several featured characters in the popular Japanese “renai” (aka dating simulation) game “To Heart 2.” This series has gone from Playstation2 to pc and has since become an anime and manga series in Japan...
Uminii’s newest visual release~* arrived and having gone from seeing her much earlier photographs from “Ao no corridor” initially to now “Umikaze”, she’s matured so much in so little time and she’s simply breAthtaking in this release...
While looking @ my bottle of shampoo a few days ago it got me thinking about the full~bodied model/idol♥…(yup I’m weird that way =P) and how it’s nice to see measurements and not have to ask the question possibly coined by L.A.~ians many moons ago: ‘do u think those R real (・c_・;)？？？
Shortly after the January 21st announcement during AKBb48’s “Request Hour Set List Best 100” the pre~orders went up for Akip’s latest unit interestingly named “Not yet” and such is the venue of favor these days for announcing graduations, debuts and other sometimes jaw~dropping bombshells upon unsuspecting fans’ heads~. Happily this time it’s the birth of a new foursome...
In late ’97 a flash of J-Pop goodness appeared on Japan’s horizon in the form of a most unlikely group of members…in a time when “idol” groups were just about to break free from their brief hiatus of unpopularity there came a group comprised of 2 comedians and a very very cute Taiwanese model...
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