Zou Musume

Hello! Café Decadent Desserts

2010-05-26T11:26:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Hello! Café! Today we're sampling some decadent desserts.

Would you care to start with a sweet Valentine treat from Ayaya? It will really speak to your chocolate soul.

Chocolate Damashii (チョコレート魂)
Matsuura Aya
Chocolate Damashii

What's the perfect complement to chocolate? Caramel of course!

Ameiro Caramel (あめ色 Caramel)
Noto Arisa
NO NIGHT EDEN

Of course you have to sample our sumptuous custards.

Seishun no Custard (青春のカスタード)
Ongaku Gatas
1st GOODSAL

Including our extra-special crème brûlée. It's guaranteed to make you smile no matter your age.

Thank You! Crème Brûlée no Yuujou (サンキュ!クレームブリュレの友情)
S/mileage
"Yumemiru Fifteen"

Oh my, that was a real indulgence!

Mini Mari!

2010-05-25T12:09:00.005-05:00

I would like to declare today, May 25, as Yaguchi Mari Day! You might ask, why May 25? Well, it's the 145th day of the year. One day for every centimeter of Mari's height! In celebration I've compiled a mini-album of Yaguchi solo songs. Enjoy!

Click here to download the mini-album.

Hyagu Pasento (ヒャグパセント; 100 Yagu Percent)
Yaguchi Mari

1. Marine Sports! (マリーンスポーツ！)
2. Kaze wo Sagashite (風をさがして) / with Straw Hat
3. Sentimental Minamimuki (センチメンタル南向き)
4. Seinaru Kane ga Hibiku Yoru (聖なる鐘がひびく夜)
5. Hitoribocchi no Heya (ひとりぼっちの部屋)
6. Chuuou Freeway (中央フリーウェイ) / with Melon Kinenbi
7. Seishun Boku (青春僕)

Track 1 is a fan-club-only single from 2001. Track 2 is Yaguchi's most recent single, and the 12th opening theme of the anime One Piece. Track 3 is Mari's solo track from Tanpopo's first album TANPOPO 1. Track 4 is the Mari solo version of Tanpopo's fourth single "Seinaru Kane ga Hibiku Yoru" released as a coupling track on the single. Tracks 5 and 6 are from the compilation album FS4 FOLK SONGS 4. Track 7 is Mari's debut solo single.

Note: this is not an official release but a fan-made compilation.

Daburuyuu Joshi Koutou Gakkou: Math

2010-04-30T14:33:00.004-05:00

The study of mathematics strengthens the foundation of a rational mind and a scientific education. I myself have found it to be an intriguing subject for as long as I can remember, and I liked it well enough to get a degree in it. The students at Daburuyuu Joshi Koutou Gakkou can look forward to passionate instruction and a high standards in this department.

Now, don't be late to class! Look for the door marked 数学 (suugaku).

Daburuyuu Joshi Koutou Gakkou: Math

We begin with elementary algebra. In this course we learn how to solve equations with variable representing unknown numbers.

Zettai Tokeru Mondai X = ♥ (絶対解ける問題X＝♥)
Matsuura Aya
First KISS

We will also learn to find the range of possible values of a variable when we have an algebraic inequality.

Yuki / Ai×Anata≧Suki (雪 / 愛×あなた≧好き)
Takahashi Ai with MC GAKI (Morning Musume)
7.5 Fuyu Fuyu Morning Musume Mini!

In geometry we'll learn lots of properties of shapes. Let's start with the hexagon.

Koi no Hexagon (恋のヘキサゴン)
Pabo
"Koi no Hexagon"

Lastly, we will study trigonometry. In this course we study the properties of triangles and some interesting functions that we can derive from these properties. Now for a helpful presentation on sine, cosine, and tangent.

Hana wo Puun (はなをぷーん)
Kira☆Pika
"Hana wo Puun / Futari wa NS"

Class dismissed! Don't be late for the next one.

Daburuyuu Joshi Koutou Gakkou Special Edition: °C-ute's 12th major single "Campus Life ~Umarete Kite Yokatta~"

2010-04-16T11:29:00.011-05:00

The PV for °C-ute's 12th major single "Campus Life ~Umarete Kite Yokatta~" was released today on the UP FRONT YouTube channel. The single will be released on April 28 and the Single V on May 12.

This is a really outstanding PV! Firstly, the girls are looking GREAT! Everyone looked so wan in the "SHOCK!" PV. Here everyone looks healthy and pretty and happy. Well, I'll do the regular break down.

The Outfits

So, for the dance and close-up shots we get the cover outfits:

And they're pretty rockin'. Especially those shoes! They're like a much more wearable version of the "SHOCK!" boots. They look sexy as hell, but they would be good for summer because they are so open. The rest of the the look is very cute. It fits their image well. I especially like the ties.

For the rest of the PV we get to see casual looks.

Maimi and Saki are looking sweet and feminine. I can't tell if Saki's got on a romper or a really short dress.

The second grouping is Airi, Mai, and Chisato. I think Airi's hair is a little ridiculous, and her outfit is definitely my least favorite. Mai and Chisato both look cute as BUTTONS. I don't think Chisato has ever looked that good before and Mai actually looks her age.

The Song

I have to admit, I'm not a huge fan of the song. It reminds me a lot of "Ai no Suki Suki Shisuu Joushou Chuu," the opening track on Berryz Koubou's fourth album 4th Ai no Nanchara Shisuu. Obviously the "suki suki" hook is a big part of that. I'm just not a fan of this style of song, not even live. At least it's not another glorified solo for Airi?

The Dance

We don't get to see a lot of it, which is fine by me. The only part that really stuck out to me was during Maimi's "suki suki suki."

It's like she's saying, "I like you, but it's a secret ;)" Oh Maimi, I like you, too! Lets not keep it a secret...

The Rest

So like everyone else I will mention the iPod Touches that are so prominent.

Are iPods as ubiquitous in Japan as they are in the US? I don't know. But the image of girlfriends sharing songs on a portable music device isn't so strange to me.

What sticks out more to me is the softball. In the US softball is often associated with lesbians. Is that the case in Japan? Once again, I don't know. But Mai and Chisato were definitely paired in this video more than the other girls, and their looks are not as femmy.

And I hate to say this, because I feel like everyone else is in love with her, but I don't understand Nakajima Saki's appeal.

I find her mouth unsettling, like she might at any moment open it obscenely wide and eat a person whole. I think it's the fact that her teeth are big compared to the rest of her face. Her voice does seem to be improving though.

I'll let Maimi have the last word here.

"Call me, bitches."

Hello! Café Sweet Shop

2010-04-15T16:22:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Hello! Café! If you have a bit of sweet tooth then you've come to the right place.

Sweeeets→→→Live (スイーーツ→→→ライブ)
Okai Chisato, Arihara Kanna (°C-ute)
3rd ~LOVE Escalation!~

I hate "words" like workaholic and chocoholic (alcoholic are not addicted to "alc"), but we all know Tsunku's English leaves much to be desired. So if you're a sweetaholic, come on down!

Sweetaholic (スイートホリック)
Abe Natsumi
"Sweetaholic"

You might even say we have a city of sweets...

Okashi no Machi (お菓子の街)
Minimoni
Minimoni Song Daihyakka 1kan

But really, we mostly have Pocky.

YES! POCKY GIRLS
POCKY GIRLS
No.5

We also have the sinfully mature mousse Pocky.

Megami ~Mousse na Yasashisa~ (女神 ~Mousseな優しさ~)
Venus Mousse
No.5

I hope you enjoyed your sweet break!

Daburuyuu Joshi Koutou Gakkou: Art

2010-04-13T13:04:00.003-05:00

Here at Daburuyuu Joshi Koutou Gakkou we want to cultivate the artistic tastes and talents of our youth. Art education improves students' performance in all areas because it exercises their brains' right hemispheres and delateralizes their thinking.

Now, don't be late to class! Look for the door marked 芸 (gei).

Daburuyuu Joshi Koutou Gakkou: Art

We begin with a bit of art history. Pierre-Auguste Renoir was a French painter and a major developer of the Impressionist style. One of his most famous works is Le moulin de la Galette.

Inshouha Renoir no You ni (印象派ルノアールのように)
Elegies
"Onna, Kanashii, Otona / Inshouha Renoir no You ni / Hitoshirezu Mune wo Kanaderu Yoru no Aki"

Let's now take a field trip to a museum to study some famous pieces of art.

Namida no Iro (涙の色)
°C-ute
"Namida no Iro"

And now that we've seen so much art, how about a practicum? We'll set up some still lifes and easels shortly.

Gag 100kaibun Aishite Kudasai (ギャグ100回分愛してください)
Berryz Koubou
"Gag 100kaibun Aishite Kudasai"

Well, that's all for this class. Don't be late for Math!

Daburuyuu Joshi Koutou Gakkou: Social Studies

2010-04-09T09:16:00.005-05:00

Social studies is the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities in order to promote civic competence. At least, that's how the English wikipedia describes it. Here we're going to be studying Asian history, geography, and civics.

Now, don't be late to class! Look for the door marked 物理学 (shakaika).

Daburuyuu Joshi Koutou Gakkou: Social Studies

First up Asian history. And who is the founder of the largest empire in history? The one and only Genghis Khan! Let's hear his story from our Berryz-sensei.

Dschinghis Khan (ジンギスカン)
Berryz Koubou
"Dschinghis Khan"

Moving on to geography. You'll need to learn the capitals of the Japanese prefectures. Luckily, you've got Minimoni to help you out!

Rock n' Roll Kenchoushozaichi ~Oboechaina Series!~ (ロックンロール県庁所在地～おぼえちゃいなシリーズ～)
Minimoni
"Rock n' Roll Kenchoushozaichi ~Oboechaina Series!~"

Finally, civics. Let's love the place we are. And as a student at Daburuyuu Joshi Koutou Gakkou, that place is Asia!

Bokura ga Ikiru MY ASIA (僕らが生きる MY ASIA)
Morning Musume Tanjou 10nen Kinentai
Bokura ga Ikiru MY ASIA

Well, that's all for this class. Don't be late for Art!

Daburuyuu Joshi Koutou Gakkou: Physics

2010-04-07T13:40:00.004-05:00

Social studies is the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities in order to promote civic competence. At least, that's how the English wikipedia describes it. Here we're

Now, don't be late to class! Look for the door marked 物理学 (shakaika).

Daburuyuu Joshi Koutou Gakkou: Physics

Today we are going to be introduced to three of the fundamental interactions studied in physics: electrostatic force, magnetic force, and gravitational force.

1. Electrostatics

I trust that you've read the assigned text, but if you're still confused maybe Berryz Koubou can help you understand.

Otakebi Boy WAO! (雄叫びボーイ WAO!)
Berryz Koubou
"Otakebi Boy WAO! / Tomodachi wa Tomodachi Nanda!"

2. Magnetism

Magnetism is tends to a more difficult subject to grasp because it is not as intuitive as electrostatics. In electrostatics we can consider "point charges," which have near physical analogs in electrons and protons, but the concept of "point magnets" is entirely theoretical. There is however a law for the force between magnetic dipoles that corresponds to Coulomb's law. More important in the study of magnetism are Maxwell's equations, so you will need a strong calculus foundation before you can dive into the meat of the subject. In the mean time, Kira☆Pika are happy to give a practical demonstration of simple magnetic attraction.

Futari wa NS (ふたりはNS)
Kira☆Pika
"Hana wo Puun / Futari wa NS"

3. Gravitation

Gravitation is an important component of classical Newtonian mechanics, and as such you will spend a considerable amount of time studying it once you take Mechanics. However, while the effects of gravity are well studied and understood the cause is still unknown. Physicists have theorized the existence of "gravitons" to account for the force but why it is 25 degrees of magnitude weaker than even the next-weakest fundamental force is a mystery.

Chikyuu to Tsuki Kare to Watashi (地球と月彼と私)
Ishikawa Rika, Konno Asami, Sengoku Minami, Sawada Yuri (Ongaku Gatas)
1st GOODSAL

Well, that's all for this class. Don't be late for Social Studies!

Hello! Café Pâtisserie

2010-04-06T12:24:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Hello! Café! Today we have fresh cake hot from the oven.

Okashi Tsukutte Okkasui~! (お菓子つくっておっかすぃ〜)
Minimoni
"Genki Jirushi no Oomori Song / Okashi Tsukutte Okkasui~!"

What's that? You've given up cake!?

Cake Yamemashita (ケーキ止めました)
Fujimoto Miki
"Romantic Ukare Mode"

Well, in that case how about some nice fruit pies?

Mini. Strawberry~ Pie (ミニ。ストロベリ〜パイ)
Minimoni
"Minimoni. Hinamatsuri! / Mini. Strawberry~ Pie."

Lemon Tart (レモンタルト)
Melon Kinenbi
THE Ninaime

Daburuyuu Joshi Koutou Gakkou: Orientation

2010-04-06T11:18:00.005-05:00

Welcome to Daburuyuu Joshi Koutou Gakkou! As you surely already know we are Japan's #1 all girls school. Now that you are about to join our illustrious student body you'll need to go through student orientation.

Daburuyuu Joshi Koutou Gakkou: Orientation

First up, you'll need to learn the school song, which we sing at the close of all school assemblies. It will teach you the fundamental values and principles we are instilling in the youth of this nation.

Daburuyuu Joshi Koutou Gakkou Kouta (打武留友女子高等学校校歌)
W
2nd W

Now please allow our school ambassadors, know as the Guardians 4, to tell you a little about how your school days will go.

SCHOOL DAYS
Guardians 4
"SCHOOL DAYS"

But it's not all tea time in the Royal Gardens. You're going to get the best education in Japan! This starts of course with our top-notch faculty.

Lao Shi Lao Shi (老師老師)
Ojousama
Wo Shi Dai Xiao Jie

O___O'

Please don't judge the entire faculty based on Hsue Liang. He's only a guest teacher at our Taiwan satellite school anyhow.

We'll end the orientation on a high note with a story of private school life by some of our students.

Shiritsu Kyougaku (私立共学)
°C-ute
"Tokaikko Junjou"

And don't forget, unlike that upstart Akihabara school, at Daburuyuu Joshi Koutou Gakkou your school uniform will never been in the way. And by that we mean we let you become child prostitutes.

Seifuku ga Jama wo Suru (制服が邪魔をする)
AKB48
"Seifuku ga Jama wo Suru"

Hello! Project 2010 WINTER Kachou Fuugetsu ~Shuffle Date~

2010-04-06T10:24:00.013-05:00

I watched the Shuffle Date concert a few nights ago. It was Glorious

1. Uwaki na Honey Pie / All

It seems that from the solo line distribution the “leaders” of the shuffle groups are as such:

High-King: Reina + Ai-chan
Zoku v-u-den: Risako
Shin Minimoni: Linlin
Aa!: Miyabi
ZYX-alpha: Risa
Petitmoni V: Mano Erina
Tanpopo#: Eri

They all make sense except Zoku v-u-den. Why did Risako get the solo and not Sayumi?

As for the song, “Uwaki na Honey Pie” has always been a favorite of mine. I love the knee-knocking choreography :D

The bright-colored plastic + zebra-print faux fur things are… bizarre.

2. VTR

Nothing too impressive. Every one looks cute of course!

3. MC

I’d much rather have one of the girls MCing than Makoto. His stupid bowl cut just gets more and more irritating.

4. Pen Pen Kyoudai / Shin Minimoni

Oh god. Minimoni is, was, and will always be the best unit ever. The outfits are ridiculously adorable. Plaid! Purses! Tiny capes! Leg warmers! MITTENS! And all of the girls are singing fabulously, especially considering all that jumping. This is one of the best revival unit songs, which is saying a lot since they’re all pretty good.

5. Mini. Strawberry~ Pie / Shin Minimoni

Girls, I would eat a mini strawberry pie from you all any day. This is the perfect unit.

6. GOING ON / Guardians 4

Meh. Boring song. Why did they use so much yellow lighting for this one? Everything just looks kind of jaundiced. Eww. And why can’t we ever get Aika bangs anymore?

7. MC

Oh, it’s 6th gen Morning Musume. What’s up ladies? Eri’s side braid is uggggly. Now they are showing off their ‘r’-rolling skills.

Now, I couldn’t follow this conversation entirely, but it seems that Junjun thinks Captain’s dancing is really cool and that she’s cute. Then she made a full on confession (kokuhaku), complete with a present, that she loved Captain (daisuki!). Looks like Junjun is also getting intimate with another High-King member:

When Junjun confesses again in front of everyone the ladies are SCANDALIZED! Ai-chan is in fits of laughter over this scene:

Risa is outraged and scolds Junjun:

Captain thanks her sweetly though and they move on.

Then there’s some story about Chinami and Ogawa Saki. I cannot follow it. Ai-chan is apparently amused by this one as well though:

Also, did you notice how outrageously large Tanabe Nanami (the newest Egg)’s pigtails are? Each one is literally bigger than her head. Damn. (I've tinkered with the brightness and contrast around her head because it's difficult to see black pigtails against a black background)

8. FIRST KISS / Aa!

I like this song, but I miss Reina’s voice in it :/ She had such a distinct (a.k.a. kind of weird) way of pronouncing her ‘k’s that I loved in her early H!P years. Also, I can’t wait for Miyabi to be rid of those awful extensions

9. Yume no Genjitsu / Aa!

A really fabulous song with outstanding choreography. What more could we ask for? Well, I would ask for better styling. I don’t like anything about those outfits (except maybe the boots) and they all have awful hair. Still, what a rockin’ live song. I hope this one becomes a standard!

10. Pira! Otome no Negai / Petitmoni V

Okay, so this song benefits a lot from some visuals. And those are some spot-on Petitmoni outfits. The choreography is good, too. I love Maimai shaking her nothing of a chest during the bridge

11. Chokotto LOVE / Petitmoni V

Aww, this is a delightfully goofy song, isn’t it? They did really well with it. And the Eggs just added just enough insanity.

12. MC

I think this is a ranking of whom you would most want to kiss? Those are NOT the top three girls I’d want to kiss! For me that would be Ai-chan, Linlin, and Maimi. Mostly Ai-chan though.

Apparently Maasa has voluminous, erotic lips? Oh my!

I have no idea what the Ai-chan/Risako/Linlin thing was, but Linlin has the cutest Chinese accent ^__^

13. Oujisama to Yuki no Yoru / Tanpopo#

Oh, now I see why they are dressed like foppish little princelings. It’s because they are singing “Oujisama to Yuki no Yoru!” Makes a lot of sense now. And holy hairbow does Aika look perfect in hers. Seriously how can her body look like that? It’s unreal. The girls all sound really great. Tsunku put together a top-notch Tanpopo#. But it’s kind of sad to hear and see this song with no Aibon, no Charmy, no Marippe, and no Kaorin :(

14. Umbrella / Tanpopo#

Another great revival unit song. Major props to the arranger and the choreographer. The dance is reminiscent of “Otome Pasta ni Kandou.” And going back to the outfits, why with even as low of heels as the other girls got did Aika get completely flat boots? She always has flat boots. Is it a foot problem?

15. Bravo☆Bravo / Buono!

Sweet boots. Momo looks wonderful (as usual). Miyabi’s shorts are très adorable. I really couldn’t care less about the song though. The best part about it is the inexplicable “P-A-T-I.” WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO SPELL? Is it an acronym for “Please Apply Tapeworms Indiscriminately?” Or maybe "Punch that Asshole Tsunku In the face?"

16. Renai♥Rider / Buono!

Now this is a great Buono! song. They sound a little tired though.

17. BE ALL RIGHT / Risa, Mai, Linlin, Mano Erina, Chinami, Junjun, Chisato, Maeda Yuuka, Ogawa Saki, Fukuda Kanon, Saho Akari, Wasa Ayaka, Takeuchi Akari

Never one of my favorite shuffle songs, and I would have preferred to see Linlin, Junjun, and Risa in smaller groups. And why is this the only mix group to not get a special outfit?

18. MC

There sure is a lot of Junjun and Linlin love in the MCs! I think Linlin said something about revolving cheese. Weird. Also, I just noticed something again that I had noticed in some of the pics from this concert. Linlin’s bag is red, white, blue, and star-spangled. The reason Mika had Americana accessories is that she was actually from America. Shouldn’t Linlin’s Minimoni accessories be red and gold with stars?

19. Suki Sugite Baka Mitai / Sayumi, Reina, Maimi, Maasa

Please stop trying to substitute Sayumi for Rika. Rika could actually sing pretty well and was about a trillion times cuter than Sayumi. On a happier note, Reina really sings well and Maimi is a major hotty even though she’s not in the least bit curvaceous. It must just be her awesome stage presence.

20. LOVE LIKE CRAZY / Eri, Saki, Ai-chan

Love the song. Love the girls. Love the outfits. Love the dance. I’m in raptures watching this performance. Yep, definitely rewatching this as soon it’s over. Can someone explain why Captain’s talents are being absolutely wasted in the background of Berryz Koubou and why she has no photobook?

21. Shiroi TOKYO / ZYX-alpha

Now this was great styling all around. Although the asymmetry of their arm apparel makes it look they got lightly mauled by wild animals on their way to the stage. See what I mean?

Saki’s fuchsia five of hearts is probably my favorite accessory:

22. Iku ZYX! Fly High / ZYX-alpha

How did I never notice before that they spell out ZYX with their bodies at the intro to this song? That is one of the neatest bits of choreography I’ve seen in Hello! Project! Maasa for some reason sticks out as looking super gorgeous in this performance. This unit in its 6nin form is really outstanding. Why didn’t they get a new song?

23. MC

Oooh, a ZYX MC. I bet Maasa is VERY warm in that get up. If I was here I would sit around naked back stage for a while.

24. ONLY YOU / Zoku v-u-den

Damn Risako. You really have some pipes. And that outfit certainly emphasizes your *ahem* Western figure. Junjun looks really nice in the get up as well.

25. Koisuru♡Angel♡Heart / Zoku v-u-den

All the bending over is wasted on those outfits. WHERE’S THE CLEAVAGE? Is this v-u-den or not? And why don’t Junjun and Risako get garters? Those stockings aren’t staying up!

26. DESTINY LOVE / High-King

I wish they did more wide shots for this song. I want to see the dance! Specifically I want to see Saki dancing. And Maimi. And Ai-chan. With Yuuka and Reina I’m kind of take-em-or-leave-em.

Side note: I think I hear women shouting in the audience! Woo hoo.

27. DIAMONDS / High-King

Thank goodness for Saki shorts, but why do Ai-chan and Maimi both get long pants? Surely it’s a sin to cover up legs like those! I do love this song though.

28. C/C Cinderella/Complex / High-King

Yes yes yo, indeed. We’d all be better off with more of this song in our lives I think. This unit is the closest thing to perfection Hello! Project has seen since Morning Musume Sakuragumi.

29. MC

Those corduroy shorts and white T-shirts look even better in motion than they did in photos. Double thumbs up for Linlin, Risako, Aika, and Eri.

30. Renai Revolution 21 / All

I love how during this song they all sort of subtly shifted from being grouped in their shuffle units to being grouped into their usual units.

31. Ending

Awwww, good bye ladies! That was a really superb concert. Probably my favorite since Berry Kamen vs. Cutie Ranger! Maybe one day I’ll be able to go to Japan and see you all live!

Maeda Yuki's 10th single "Mianeyo ~Gomennasai~"

2010-04-05T12:16:00.003-05:00

The PV for "Mianeyo ~Gomennasai~" has been released on Dohhh UP! This single will be released on April 7.

Link to video on Dohhh UP!

Wow, Maeda Yuki is just getting more and more beautiful as the years go on. At 30 years old she is more gorgeous than she was at her debut ten years ago.

The song is lovely as well. It sounds almost whispered at times, and so heartfelt. I feel like she's really apologizing to me for breaking my heart.

The PV is a truly mature one. All the settings are so beautiful and sensual. It's so sad at the end to see her drinking away her pain :(

Berryz Koubou's 6th album "6th Otakebi Album"

2010-04-03T22:23:00.002-05:00

Berryz Koubou's sixth album 6th Otakebi Album (6th 雄叫びアルバム) was released on March 31, 2010.

1. Otakebi Boy WAO! (雄叫びボーイ WAO!)

This really is a song worth naming an album after. The throaty voices are outstanding! And the percussion is much better than usual. There’s some really interesting stuff going on in the backing track!

2. Rival (ライバル)

Such a sweet song! It reminds me of riding my bicycle all over the city during the summer. It’s just a cute little pop song, but one of the best of it’s kind in recent years from Hello! Project. The spoken parts are really just icing on the cake, aren’t they? A cake full of counting, “go go fight!”s, and a sort of ‘50s feel.

3. Ryuusei Boy (流星ボーイ)

This has a truly funky backing track! It’s one of those songs you can’t help dancing to at least a little when it’s playing. The dance break is a little much though.

4. Ai ni wa Ai Desho (愛には愛でしょ)
Natsuyaki Miyabi, Tsugunaga Momoko

I’m not totally in love with this song, but it’s certainly not something I’d skip. I’m sure it will be great live. How could it not be with Miyabi and Momoko? On the other hand, why pair two girls who are already in a small unit together?

5. Seishun Bus Guide (青春バスガイド)

Definitely the weakest of the Inazuma tracks. Still a decent tune. It’s just too monotonous.

6. Kimi no Tomodachi (君の友達)

Is it just me or does that piano in the background sound like it was sampled from a Final Fantasy game or something? I think this is a pretty strong track. Makes me feel like I’m walking through a fantastic landscape in a video game. I could have done without Risako’s monologue though. Why does she seem to get all of them in Berryz songs?

7. Grand demo Rouka demo Medatsu Kimi (グランドでも廊下でも目立つ君)
Kumai Yurina, Sudou Maasa

I prefer the Maasa half of this song, but the whole thing is honestly pretty weak. There’s not enough variation in the instrumentals and it’s just kind of monotonous. It reminds me of Kirby music a little though.

8. Tomodachi wa Tomodachi Nanda! (友達は友達なんだ!)

I know I wouldn’t like this song half so well without the PV, but I like it never the less. I like to think that the Berryz girls really are all friends, and that Momoko is the glue that holds them together. It’s such a sweet image. Momo certainly stands out vocally on the track. I really do like her voice!

9. Kibou no Yoru (希望の夜)

I’m really glad this album only got the one mediocre ballad, but oof, I do not look forward to hearing that opening line sung live. It’s painful enough after being tinkered with in AutoTune. I think I hear Saki’s vocals among the studio singers. I always like to hear her in a chorus. It makes me feel like there’s at least one perk to being Captain.

10. Dakishimete Dakishimete (抱きしめて抱きしめて)

I still love this song as much as I did a year ago. In fact, I probably love it even more now.

11. Yakimochi wo Kudasai! (ヤキモチをください!)
Shimizu Saki, Tokunaga Chinami, Sugaya Risako

This track is kind of fun. Everyone sings so nasally though! All three of them tend to, but it’s a little extreme here. I hope this will have a cute dance for Captain when it’s performed live.

12. Watashi no Mirai no Danna-sama (私の未来のだんな様)

Hands down the best non-Inazuma track from the girls’ last three singles. I think everyone likes the echo parts in the verse. The chorus isn’t bad either. It seems like sort of a strange choice for a last track though. The album seems incomplete.

So this is definitely not as good as 5 (FIVE), which is disappointing but not unexpected. It was at least better than Shocking 5 though. The original tracks were extremely forgettable. In fact I listened to this album several times through before writing this review and not one stuck out in my mind. The whole thing was saved by strong single tracks, so it’s probably a good thing that 7 out of 12 were in that category.

I voted!

2010-03-29T16:51:00.004-05:00

I voted in this year's Hello! Blog poll, and so can you!

Click here to vote

Hello! Café Ice Cream Parlour

2010-03-29T12:58:00.006-05:00

Welcome to Hello! Café! Wouldn't a sweet frozen treat be delightful right now?

We have lots of nice flavors imported from China: blueberry, coffee, vanilla, strawberry, mint chocolate, and mango.

Debut! ~Koi Suru Kado ni wa Fuku Kitaru~ (デビュー！～恋する角には福来る～)
Ice Creamusume
1st Saikou!

Or how about trying some of the sweet AIce cream?

AIce Cream to My Pudding (愛すクリ～ムとMy プリン)
v-u-den
AIce Cream to My Pudding

For another kind of AI, we've got big sundaes prepared in our robot factory.

Lucky Cha Cha Cha! (ラッキーチャチャチャ！)
Minimoni
Lucky Cha Cha Cha!

Or if you're in the mood for something a little lighter we have a sweet pink sherbet, too.

Yuugure☆Sherbet (夕暮れ☆シャーベット)
Athena & Robikerottsu
Seishun! LOVE Lunch

Oh look, the ladies from Berryz Koubou are here enjoying sweet sundaes!

I hope you enjoyed the sweet treat! Please come back soon.

A Covert Operation - Mission 8: Cover Yourself

2010-03-26T15:20:00.003-05:00

Taiyou to Ciscomoon / T&C Bomber was active for only a year and a half, but they managed to release eight singes and two albums during that time. Since then they have been covered SIX times by other Hello! Project acts. Aside from Morning Musume, which has been active for more than 12 years and has more than five times as much material, it is the most covered unit.

Mission 8: Cover Yourself (Taiyou to Ciscomoon / T&C Bomber

1. Uchuu de La Ta Ta (宇宙でLa Ta Ta)
Matsuura Aya with Inaba Atsuko
Kiseki no Kaori Dance.

2. Gatamekira (ガタメキラ)
ZYX
Iku ZYX! FLY HIGH

3. 丸い太陽
Country Musume ni Konno to Fujimoto (Morning Musume)
Senpai ~LOVE AGAIN~

4. DON'T STOP Renaichuu (DON'T STOP 恋愛中)
Country Musume ni Konno to Fujimoto (Morning Musume)
Shining Itoshiki Anata

5. Endless Love ~I LOVE YOU MORE~
°C-ute
Cutie Queen VOL. 1

6. YES! Shiawase (YES!しあわせ)
°C-ute
Cute Queen VOL. 1

Mission complete! Come back next time...

Hello! Café Drag Show

2010-03-26T14:12:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Hello! Café! We were just about to start our after hours drag show!

Ah, drag. There's nothing better guaranteed to bring on a mess of drama than amateur drag night at the local gay bar. Luckily our girls are really just playing dress-up and not doing real drag, but they sure look cute doing it! And I like to imagine that attraction to Hello! Project ladies in drag has caused some confused feelings for some poor wota over the years.

GOOD BYE Natsuo (GOOD BYE 夏男)
Matsuura Aya

This is probably my favorite drag PV. Ayaya's obnoxious summer boy first appears around 0:52. Looks a lot like Apolo Ohno!

Yaruki! IT'S EASY (やる気！IT'S EASY)
Goto Maki

Gocchin looks precisely like her brother Yuuki in this PV. Adorable :D

Koibito wa Kokoro no Ouendan (恋人は心の応援団)
Country Musume ni Ishikawa (Morning Musume)

Rinne and Asami are significantly more attractive as dudes. Is Country Musume not the ugliest Hello! Project group in history?

I WISH
Morning Musume

I first saw this PV around the time I was getting interested in Hello! Project. Back then it was a real challenge for me to identify all the girls because YouTube videos are so grainy and there are just so damn many girls to learn. It took me quite a while to figure out that Aibon is the little man with the mustache. This is probably the most hilarious instance of Hello! Project drag of all.

Koi no Telephone GOAL (恋のテレフォンGOAL)
Abe Natsumi

Mexican Nacchi is the real gem in this PV.

Morning Musume no Hyokkori Hyoutanjima (モーニング娘。のひょっこりひょうたん島)
Morning Musume

One of the best Morning Musume PVs out ever. I adore fake mustaches. In fact, I once bought 30 assorted fake mustaches that I forced my friends to wear at parties. I have fond, but fuzzy, memories of drunkenly walking in a pack to a convenience store wearing them while singing a loud chorus of "Battle Hymn of the Republic." In short, mustaches and pirates and Morning Musume: bliss.

Koko ni Iruzee! (ここにいるぜぇ！)
Morning Musume

Note: this song is terrifying when performed by an actual man.

Mr. Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~ (Mr.Moonlight～愛のビッグバンド～)
Morning Musume

Yossie makes an excellent Mr. Moonlight, but you know who really catches my eye in this video? Kaorin. Check her out around 0:46. Why are there no more bombshells in Morning Musume?

Minihamus no Kekkon Song (ミニハムズの結婚ソング)
Minihamus (Minimoni)

Cartoon drag!

Akai Nikkichou (赤い日記帳)
Akagumi 4

This isn't really drag. Maybe sort of drag lite? The pairing makes it seem draggier though.

Seishun Bus Guide (青春バスガイド)
Berryz Koubou

Very handsome Berryz! Dweeby Momoko is a real laugh. She looks like Umino Gurio from Sailor Moon.

I hope you enjoyed the drag show!

A Covert Operation - Mission 7: Til Death

2010-03-22T12:46:00.005-05:00

Nine years after the release of Morning Musume's ninth single "Happy Summer Wedding" (ハッピーサマーウェディング) Hello! Project returned to the theme with the compilation album Champloo① ~Happy Marriage Song Cover Shuu~ (チャンプル① ~ハッピーマリッジソングカバー集~). So let's get ready to say "til death do us part."

Mission 7: Til Death

1. DIAMONDS (ダイアモンド)
High-King
Originally by PRINCESS PRINCESS

2. Ai wa Katsu (愛は勝つ)
°C-ute, Mano Erina
Originally by KAN

3. YES-YES-YES
Aa!
Originally by OFF COURSE

4. Tentoumushi no Samba (てんとう虫のサンバ)
Shin Minimoni
Originally by Cherish

5. Kimi ga Iru Dake de (君がいるだけで)
Petitmoni V
Originally by Kome Kome CLUB

6. Heya to Y Shirt to Watashi (部屋とYシャツと私)
Tanaka Reina
Originally by Hiramatsu Eri

7. Mamotte Agetai (守ってあげたい)
Niigaki Risa, Kamei Eri
Originally by Matsutoya Yumi

8. Cosmos (秋桜)
Takahashi Ai
Originally by Yamaguchi Momoe

9. Mirai Yosouzu II (未来予想図II)
ZYX-α
Originally by DREAMS COME TRUE

10. ONLY YOU
Zoku v-u-den
Originally by BOØWY

11. Akai Sweet Pea (赤いスイートピー)
Tanpopo#
Originally by Matsuda Seiko

12. for you...
Linlin
Originally by Takahashi Mariko

13. Kanpaku Sengen (関白宣言)
Berryz Koubou, Mano Erina
Originally by Sada Masashi

14. Sekai wa Futari no Tame ni (世界は二人のために)
Michishige Sayumi, Kusumi Koharu, Mitsui Aika, Junjun
Originally by Sagara Naomi

Mission complete! Come back next time for Mission 8: Cover Yourself.

Countdown to Spring! ~Roku~

2010-03-20T09:15:00.000-05:00

Welcome to spring! Today as a special treat you get three songs instead of two AND some sweet downloads. That's right, I've got my own Hello! Project Spring Collection for you along with The Douyou Pops 2 Haru no Uta Shuu (a collection of spring-themed children's songs).

Download links:
The Douyou Pops 2 Haru no Uta Shuu
Spring Collection

Haru da yo (春だよ)
Heike Michiyo

Haru no Uta (春の歌)
Iida Kaori, Yaguchi Mari, Ishikawa Rika, Yoshizawa Hitomi

Haru Beautiful Everyday (春ビューティフルエブリディ)
Kamei Eri, Mitsui Aika

Countdown to Spring! ~Go~

2010-03-19T11:08:00.002-05:00

It's Spring Eve, folks! Tomorrow is the first day of spring, so make sure you stop by to see the last entry and to get your special spring surprise.

Hokkaido Shalala (北海道シャララ)
Country Musume

Zukyun LOVE (ズキュンLOVE)
Minimoni

Countdown to Spring! ~Yon~

2010-03-18T13:07:00.002-05:00

Today we celebrate the breeze of spring time.

I walk at least a mile outside every day, and I've been noticing lately how much sweeter the air is starting to smell. There are flowers blooming and trees budding, and the grass is starting to get green. And thankfully Tsunku has supplied us with some songs about the winds of spring!

Haru no Arashi (春の嵐)
Mano Erina

Purple Wind (パープルウィンド)
Morning Musume

Please enjoy the songs, and the spring breeze!

Countdown to Spring! ~San~

2010-03-17T12:33:00.004-05:00

Berryz Koubou's fourth album 4th Ai no Nanchara Shisuu (4th 愛のなんちゃら指数) was an outstanding release full of really great tracks, and the last two were no exception. "Sakura wa Raku Sa" and "Sakura→Nyuugakushiki" are about as different as Hello! Project tracks get, but they shared a common theme: cherry blossoms, the Japanese image of spring time. Thus I bring you sweet springtime cherry Berryz.

Sakura wa Raku Sa (サクラハラクサ)
Berryz Koubou

Sakura→Nyuugakushiki (桜→入学式)
Berryz Koubou

Come back tomorrow for more spriiiiiing time songs.

Morning Musume's 10th album "10 MY ME"

2010-03-16T18:38:00.005-05:00

Morning Musume's 10th album ⑩ MY ME was released today, March 16, 2010. You can buy it right now at JapanFiles.

I'm going to start out by talking about the worst part of the release: the cover! Risa looks middle-aged, Aika looks like she's about to cry, Linlin looks pissed, Sayumi looks lost, and everyone else looks bored. I know that Ai-chan, Aika, and Linlin look smoking in the outfits, but this cover doesn't do any one justice.

Now let's get down to business. The album blows the pants off of Shocking 5, hands down. Starting with the opening track

1. Moonlight night ~Tsukiyo no Ban da yo~
Moonlight night ~月夜の晩だよ~

Holy fucking god DAMN. This. Is. The. Best. Thing. From. Morning. Musume. In. Years. This is EXACTLY what I've been wanting to hear from them. It starts out so crazy and just stays that way. The electroconvulsive therapy. The instrumental moment of enlightenment. The falsetto. The shouting in the chorus. The ethereal dance break. Sayumi's distorted "let's dance." Oh god, it's perfection. I could listen to this forever. I've already listened to it six times I think. I credit all of this awesomeness to the arranger, Tanaka Nao. He has arranged most of my favorite recent H!P songs (Google 田中直 site:projecthello.com).

2. Kimagure Princess
気まぐれプリンセス

After "Moonlight night" "Kimagure Princess" sounds so tame. I can see where they were trying to go with song, it just didn't quite make it. Still, I like the song. I just think it maybe should have switched places with "Shouganai Yume Oibito" on this album.

3. Genki Pikappika!
元気ピカッピカッ!

At this point I started to lose faith, because this song kind of sucks. Had all of the awesome been packed into the opening track? That's what happened with SEXY 8 BEAT after all.

4. Namidacchi
涙ッチ

I wasn't sure about this song at first. On the one hand, it started out with some nice Linlin vocals, but it was also a little boring. But then it picked up and got super fun! The driving beat in the chorus is a nice contrast to the saccharine piano-ful verse. And then the little rap break just put it over the edge. My final verdict: cute and fun!

5. Onna ga Medatte Naze Ikenai
女が目立ってなぜイケナイ

Well, I just don't know what to make of this single. The guitar and the real violin are interesting, but I just can't bring myself to like the song. Maybe I just need more time.

6. Ookii Hitomi
大きい瞳
Kamei Eri, Michishige Sayumi, Tanaka Reina

They've finally found a way to make Sayumi's voice palettable! Just AutoTune the dickens out of it. But seriously, this is a fun song. I enjoyed it, especially the Sayumi parts.

7. Ano Hi ni Modoritai
あの日に戻りたい
Takahashi Ai, Niigaki Risa

*yawn* This song is booooring.

8. Nanchatte Renai
なんちゃって恋愛

Love it. Loved it since the beginning. Still needs more Linlin.

9. Osaka Oishiinen
大阪美味しいねん
Mitsui Aika, Junjun, Linlin

Waaaaaaaaaa~~~!!!!! TOOOOOOO CUUUUUUUUUTE. If this song doesn't turn you into an absolute Linlinatic then you are hopeless. She's just so unbelievably fabulous. Junjun and Aika really slathered on the awesome (Chinese mutterings and rolled Rs!), but there's no competition with my Lin-chan. Would I like this as well if it wasn't an 8th-gen thing? Probably not. But I love it anyway.

10. Loving you forever

WHAT A SNOOZEFEST.

11. Shouganai Yume Oibito
しょうがない夢追い人

Not my favorite single on this album, but a good track nonetheless.

12. Ame no Furanai Hoshi de wa Aisenai Darou? (Chinese Ver.)
雨の降らない星では愛せないだろう? (中国語Ver.)

Good lord, Linlin. That note was the best thing I've ever heard. I ADORE this arrangement. I almost wish it was just a Linlin solo thought! Still, an absolutely breath-taking song.

Over all a very book-ended album: the first and last tracks were by far the best. And we got to hear quite a bit of 8th-gen, which is always nice. Now I'm really looking forward to 6th Otakebi Album!!

Countdown to Spring! ~Ni~

2010-03-16T12:04:00.003-05:00

It's the second day of spring celebration. I'm apologize to anyone in the southern hemisphere, but in Japan at least there are only 4 more days of winter!

Today we're celebrating spring as berry season. Enjoy these springtime Berryz Koubou singles!

VERY BEAUTY
Berryz Koubou

Munasawagi Scarlet (胸さわぎスカーレット)
Berryz Koubou

Come back tomorrow for more spring celebration. There will also be a special treat on March 20, so stay tuned!

Countdown to Spring! ~Ichi~

2010-03-15T16:33:00.004-05:00

The vernal equinox is on March 20 this year, so let's have a countdown to spring!

Urara (うらら)
Nakazawa Yuko

A very sentimental song of spring time and Yuu-chan's penultimate single.

Sakurairo no Yakusoku (サクラ色の約束)
Melon Kinenbi

The theme here is casting off winter and donning spring.

Come back tomorrow for more spring time celebration.