I have no idea if these lineups are “official” or not, but I am going to assume that they are.  Liamers and Jin have the tracklists and artists, but they go on to do detailed analysis/predictions on the lineups for each track.

Liamers is most excited about the ZYX and Tanpopo revivals, which isn’t surprising given he sees thing through “Gaki-shaped” glasses.  But he is most skeptical about the Pucchi Moni group.  This is the result of what was being discussed here on IW a few days ago with regards to Manoeri.  Her inclusion in this unit along with MaiMai (who also seems to be getting a lot of flak lately) draws immediate skepticism.  Not that I disagree.  I am not excited about that lineup either.  But H! has proved me wrong so many times before.  Just watch, Pucchi Moni V will blow everyone away!

On the other hand Jin has the least expectations from the ZYX revival mainly because of the absence of the two H!P Kids group leaders from the lineup.  Oh yes, I loved Captain in ZYX!  Like Liamers, Jin is interested in the Tanpopo lineup.  But he is also anticiating the new MiniMoni.  He rates each sub-unit on a 1-5 scale.

I dunno.  I understand that they all have the old group names.  But with the exception of High-King these are essentially brand new units.  So I don’t see any point in comparing them to the old groups, unless of course they start covering the old songs.  So far there hasn’t been a sign of that, and after witnessing the genius of Tsunku at AX last week I will give him and them the benefit of the doubt.

The Senbatsu election is over.  Now we know who will be the participants in AKB48’s upcoming single.  In case you weren’t aware, AKB48’s producers left it to the fans to decide who would be participating in the next AKB48 release.  It was done by fan vote.  The top 21 vote-getters being in the single and PV, and #22 through #30 getting to participate in the c/w track.  Arsencoffee and Hinatin have the results, and Heiwa/Ange are merely gushing about the inclusion of both Miyazawa Sae and Akimoto Sayaka making it into the top team.

This was a unique way of letting the fans be a part of AKB48’s process, although some fans are a bit disillusioned by the power of some hardcore wota.  There are rumors that there are a few rich fans with access to hundreds of votes, which had a major effect on the final results.  And as fun as it was to be involved, one has to wonder how the girls felt.  Especially those who didn’t get a lot of votes.  But as I have said before, welcome to the world of AKB.

I’m guessing this was a one time event, and in the future we will be going back to “business as usual”.  And as a huge fan of one of the girls who made it to the 2nd track (Ohori Megumi, #24), I am hoping it totally blows away the title song.  But I have to hand it to the company brass.  Ultimately it is about keeping the fans engaged.  I think this election did a great job in achieving that.

The Incredible He-Hulk takes an interesting look at the recent career-moves being made for Hello! Project pianist/vocalist Mano Erina, who in a short period of time went from being an H!P Egg to a cute and humble soloist.  He-Hulk sees two things he finds troubling…

First is the style of music she is putting out.  Is this really the type of idol sound that will endear her to the dedicated H!P Wota?  Diehard J-Idol fans loved to jump, cheer and go crazy, which is a bit tougher with piano pop.  Case in point, I have never seen the fans doing wotagei at a Burt Bacharach concert!  The second issue is the frequency of single releases and all of the different versions.  Couple that with a tireless promotional schedule and it is enough to make the most hardcore fan want to lock up their billfold and grab a nap!

I have personally been critical of Manoeri’s musical style in the past, and this article is a great validation to what I have been feeling.  And I have even noticed the heavy promotion.  Manoeri has popped up as the opening act for just about every MoMusu, C-ute and Berryz show I have attended in the last year.  That said, I think her last single was a great shift to a sound more palatable for your average H!P fan.  And it was the first of her singles I really wanted to purchase.  I am also excited to see how she does as a member of the new Pucchi Moni V.  The original incarnation of that group had tremendous energy.  I have high hopes she can pull it off.

But whether or not you agree with He-Hulks position, it is a well-thought out investigation, and highly recommended reading.

PrivateLaughter introduces this talented singer-songwriter, whose Pony Canyon debut came earlier this year. In this quite thorough post, PL goes over Abe’s first album, free, the related “free” promotional video, and a single released in May (with its own accompanying PV). There are Youtube links aplenty here, so you can easily sample Abe’s music, as well as little screencaps from the two PVs mentioned. It’s really a very well-done introduction to a new artist who seems very deserving of some attention–”Tsutaetai Koto” is almost surprisingly upbeat and enjoyable, despite a slow start–so get over to Creamed Potatoes and check this girl out!

This past long weekend was amazing for so many reasons.  I originally figured I would simply be seeing a Morning Musume concert.  And maybe there would be some sort of extra event surrounding it.  Since I have seen MoMusu so many times before perhaps the anticipation in me wasn’t quite as high as some others.  But the event ended up being the blast of all blasts.

-It was incredible because the mythical Morning Musume actually came to California and put on an amazing show.  Even with a bare stage and slightly tinny sound system the girls looked and sounded awesome.  They worked very hard to pump up the crowd, and the crowd (especially the people front and center) responded admirably.

-It was incredible because their enigmatic producer Tsunku made multiple appearances at the event, which is something that doesn’t even happen in Japan.  Tsunku was great.  And his responses at the Q&A session were forthright and enlightening.  If UFA gets the support and feels the demand, more shows await!  And judging from the MM Q&A the girls have no problem with making the trip!

-It was unbelievably incredible because I had the opportunity to stand face to face with each Morning Musume member and interact with them for a brief moment.  Every last one of them was sweet, gracious, humble and absolutely beautiful.  I adore every single one of them.  I don’t want to forget about Yoshizawa Hitomi either.  I loved her hair, she was so cute in person!  I owe Bento from #wotachat big time for helping me score autograph tickets.  You are awesome!

-And last, but in no way least were all of the friends, colleagues and fellow fans I had the privilege of meeting.  I know many who attended the event felt the same way.  Being able to hang out with people who’s work I have read or have merely spoken to in a chat room/thread was far more amazing than I could have ever imagined.  That was amplified by the post concert Hello! Party event.  What a terrific idea hatched by Bryan and Jen from Hello! Ranking.  A room full of J-pop bloggers, IW writers, Hello! Online, JPH!P.com and other H!P fanatics.  Every time I saw a name badge I was in awe.  I had a blast narrating the event on UStream with mp from #wotachat!

Some of the names you might recognize from International Wota were the folks I spent the most time with.  Amy (along with brother Rocky and hawt sister Lysa, hehe), Maize, Joh and Kirarin Snow.  I also spent a lot of time hanging out with Catch Five Bats from Obnoxious Wota.  Greg from Selective Hearing, and of course Paul Thomas from Hello!Blog.  I loved running into Langdon from YODC, SacredCultivator from Hello! Fansubs, and what a surprise to see Yumestarlet from Stage48 and Egao Yes Idols who I had met two months ago at an AKB48 Team B show in Japan…awesome!!!  Although I am sure like me, part of her would have liked to have been in Paris this weekend for the AKB48 extravaganza.

But the silliest one of all had to be Pata from Hello!Island and P-chu piano labs, who sat next to me for the entire MoMusu show and never identified himself…instead choosing to tweet about sitting next to me to everyone else.  Bwahahahahaha!  Next time say hi dude!  Jyo-ru from S.P.A.K.A., I would love to spend a “lost weekend” with him along with Henkka and Shirow.  Party on!

Finally a shout-out to the “senior crew” of Rad, Mozenator and Arden who help make me feel not so out of place!

I hope I am not forgetting anyone.

The bottom line was everyone was great.  It’s one thing to be able to see Morning Musume, but to be able to share the experience with so many incredible people is beyond words.  I have loved reading all of the stories posted this week.  I have always said that you will find a new level of appreciation for H!P after seeing them in person.  And now so many of my friends have had the opportunity to live the experience.  I am so grateful for that.  Every single moment of this event was like a gift.  A gift I will never forget.

I don’t know when or where we will all be able to get together again for such a special event.  But I hope it happens soon.  And I hope some of you that didn’t make it last time will find your way there.  It will be sooooo worth it!

CK

H!P Translator (H!P T): Why don’t you introduce yourself first?
Takahashi Ai (TA): Yes. Morning Musume leader, I’m Takahashi Ai.
Niigaki Risa (NR): Morning Musume sub-leader, I’m Niigaki Risa.
Kamei Eri (KE): 6th generation member, I’m Kamei Eri.
Michishige Sayumi (MS): 6th gen member, I’m Michishige Sayumi. Usa-chan peace!
Tanaka Reina (TR): 6th gen member, I’m Tanaka Reina.
Kusumi Koharu (KK): 7th gen member of Morning Musume, I’m Kusumi Koharu.
Mitsui Aika (MA): 8th gen member, I’m Mitsui Aika.
JunJun (JJ): 8th gen member, I’m JunJun.
LinLin (LL): Hello everybody! I’m LinLin!

H!P T: Wow, you guys are great. I really want to hear all the girls, how to you welcome… How do they welcome your craziness. Can I?

Audience: YES!

TA: I am expecting a different reaction from Japan, so I’m very happy to [hear you guys?]

H!P T: Is this your first time in LA?

NR: Yes, it is my 1st time in LA. I’ve been wanting to come for a long time. I’m hoping we can have a great time together and I’m hoping for a great communication together.

H!P T: They arrived yesterday and there were many fans at the airport. What was their real impression about the United States?

KE: The United States impression was amazing. Everyone is super super hyper. To be honest with you, I was sleepy when I got off the plane, but I woke up.

H!P T: What would Sayumi like to do while she’s in LA?

MS: What would I like to do in LA? In my off time, I’d like to go around to famous places to famous places… What’s it called? Paris..? No, no.. Hollywood! XD

H!P T: Where would you (the audience) recommend them to go?

Audience: Lots of yelling.

H!P T: Did someone say “my house”? LOL

Morning Musume: LOL.

H!P T: Tomorrow is the concert. What kind of concert is Reina expecting?

TR: [Wasn't translated.. o_O]

H!P T: What kind of food are you expecting to taste?

KK: I want to eat soft serve ice cream.

NR: But you can get that in Japan, can’t you?

KK: I know they have lots in Japan, but the ones in America have lots of colours. While I was on the plane, I was thinking of how I could bring it home. [Thanks to Seiya for help with who said the 2nd sentence]

H!P T: What do you want to communicate with fans?

MA: More than communication, I just want to get to you know you guys better.

H!P T: You guys know that JunJun is from China. What is the difference in reactions between Chinese fans and American fans?

JJ: The American fans, their voices are much higher and louder. They have a higher pitch. I’m really excited to hear you guys at the concert. I like American fans – they’re more poppy and energetic. They’re more fun too.

H!P T: Did you know that LinLin is a big fan of anime?

LL: Yes, yes, yes, yes!!

H!P T: Since this is anime expo, I’d like to ask what kind of anime she’s into.

LL: I like One Piece, Inu Yasha, Bleach, Naruto, Tom & Jerry, and more. THANK YOU!!

Audience question (AQ): What do you think is more important? Being an idol, or an entertainer/singer?

MS: IDOL!!!

AQ: Overseas fans get information about you from the internet. In the future, will any of you get a personal or a group blog?

TR: [Answer not translated]

AQ: Do you have any plans to perform in any other cities in the US?

TA: There are no plans yet, but we would really like to play more concerts in the US.

AQ: (Someone wearing a Milky Way cosplay) If you had a free day in California, what would you do?

KK: Go see you guys for sure!! Thank you!!

AQ: After the panel , could I get a photo with you guys?

H!P T: The girls would have to be here for a month to take photos with all of you. Sorry. I’m a devil. XD

NR: SORRY!!! SORRY!! (before she understood what was said. After it was translated for her, she continued to the apologize) SORRY!! (cute!!)

AQ: If someone gave you a GakiKame art theatre parody DVD, would you watch it?

NR: (a very enthusiastic) Yes!!

AQ: Could you do the Atto pose for us?

NR: Okay, okay! ^_^

NR & KE: Atto!!!

AQ: Do you think you would work with any US artists/producers if you do well here?

TA: [answer not translated] (translation was interrupted by H!P T)

H!P T: Who would you want to work with if you could?

TA: Beyonce!

AQ: Obviously there are things about being a celebrity that are fun and entertaining, but what are the aspects that don’t you enjoy about being a celebrity?

TR: The good aspects about being a celebrity… I’m from Fukoka, Japan, and when I go home all my friends meet and greet me when I go home. So I definitely feel a better appreciation for my hometown and I definitely have gained more confidence since I joined Morning Musume.

AQ: There are fans who have studied your songs and have written arrangements for them on other instruments like piano. What is you opinion on these interpretations of your works?

TA: It makes us very happy.

H!P T: Did you know guys know about the myspace concert? Where you guys make your own PV for 3, 2, 1 Breakin’ Out. And Takahashi-san said she was very overwhelmed with your interpretations for the song.

AQ: What was the most recent movie you’ve seen? [I think that was the question... Or was it, "Have you watched Transformers?" The question wasn't actually translated]

JJ: The most recent movie I saw was a Korean movie “Atama no naka no keshigomu”, “The Eraser in my Head” [Thanks to Seiya for clearing up the movie title]. It was a very moving movie.

MA: She really likes moving movies. Heart-wrenching, moving scenes.

JJ: I love moving scenes, and it came out on DVD, so I went out and [purchased it?].

AQ: Is there a dish that you are most confident in making?

JJ: I love cooking and I like making things, trying new things. It may not look very good, but personally, I think it tastes great.

Audience member who asked the question: I would like to try that.

JJ: Thank you!

AQ: [Some question in Japanese I didn't understand]

KE: [Answer wasn't translated]

AQ: Eri, how long did you sleep last night? I didn’t sleep at all because I was very happy to meet you.

KE: I did get enough sleep last night. I actually went to sleep at 11:30, so… 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30. 5:30. 6:30.. So I went to sleep for 7 hours and 20 minutes. I want to say I’m not sleepy, but I have to be honest. My eyelids are a little bit heavy right now.

AQ: What do you really want to do when you’re in LA? Eat, or go to some place?

KE: Pinks. I want to go to the hot dog place.

H!P T: Please don’t camp out there. Please.

AQ: I was wondering if I could have a rock, paper, scissors battle with Reina…?

TR: Yes! Err… In Japanese?

AQ: I was also wondering if there could be a punishment game?

H!P T: Only if you have to do the punishment, even if Reina loses.

AQ: … Err. Okay. The punsihment is the loser has to act like a cat.

H!P T: Okay. But even if Reina loses you have to act like a cat.

AQ: … Okay….

[Jan Ken Pon battle. 1 ties, and Reina wins the second]

AQ: Nyaaa…

AQ: Gaki-san!

NR: Hai?

AQ: Eyebrow beam, kudasai!!!

NR: Oooh.. In English? :O (as in the fan said it in English, not that she would do it in English) …. Mayuge…. BEAM!!!! (with motions)

AQ: Koharu is acting as a voice actress for Kirarin Revolution…

KK: Yeah!

AQ: Do any of you have plans or want to be a voice actress for anime?

KK: [translation was muffled, but Koharu wanted to do the voice from the anime for the crowd] OK! [Some line from Kirarin Revolution, I would assume - it wasn't translated]

AQ: Concert wise, what is the difference between Taiwan and the US?

TA: In the beginning of the Taiwan concert, it seemed like the screams were a little higher pitched, and I saw more female fans. I’m really excited to see the reactions here at the US concert tomorrow.

AQ: Sayumi, you’re turning 20 this year. What kind of adult do you want to become?

MS: I definitely want to stay with Morning Musume, but now that I’m 20 and becoming an adult, people will see me as an adult. I really want to grow, but I want to stay connected with everybody.

AQ: Is being where you are now everything you ever dreamed of?

TR: In preschool, everybody asks you what’s your dream. People say they want to be a pilot, an actor, etc. [I wanted to be an idol - (I'm assuming she said something along these lines)] I auditioned for Morning Musume, and I didn’t think I’d get in but I wanted to see how far I could go. Now look where I am. I’m really excited and very proud of myself.

Audience member who asked previous question: Koharu, I was also born on July 15, 1992.

KK: (confused because she didn’t hear the translation, but eventually pieced it together). We have the same birthday? ……… HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

AQ: Koharu, do you read any shoujo manga? And if so, what’s your favourite?

KK: ONE MORE!! ONE MORE!!!

AQ: (repeats question)

KK: My favourite shoujo manga is Kirarin Revolution!!!

AQ: Takahashi-san, since becoming the leader of Morning Musume and Hello! Project, what’s the best thing that’s come out of it?

TA: The best thing is getting to cheer everyone on!

AQ: What does it mean to you to be an idol?

TA: It’s a dream come true. [Thanks to lazyboyterry for the translation]

H!P T: We have run out of time, but I will ask each girl what they are looking for from you guys.

TA: I am looking forward to the concert, and I hope you all are as well. We will be talking about the myspace concert, so I hope you guys will [??].

NR: I really hope tomorrow goes well. I really want to see how you guys enjoy the concert. I really want to go home with great memories.

KE: Tomorrow, I really want to reach out to all of you. I want to dance hard and sing loud, so I hope you will all cheer loud for me.

MS: For the concert tomorrow, the songs will be cheery and jumpy. I hope you guys will be jumping with us.

TR: The US is a country I always wanted to visit and LA is a city I always wanted to visit. I’m really excited. I hope you guys are excited too, and I hope you guys go crazy.

KK: I’m really excited to meet you guys. I really like you guys and after the concert , I’m sure I’ll like you guys even more. I’m having a lot of fun, and I hope you’re having fun too. I LIKE LA!!

MA: Seeing how excited you are, I know at the concert everyone will be just as excited for us, and I’m really happy for that. I really want to remember each and every one of your faces. I hope to see you tomorrow!

JJ: I am greatful that you guys come to Japan for our concerts, but not we’re here for you. I hope you guys are as excited as I am. LET’S SINGING, DANCING AND EXCITING!!

LL: I am very happy and exciting. I wish we have very wonderful time in tomorrow! (She spoke English – this was directly from LinLin – not through the translator, thus the grammar)

No no no, not THAT kind of FLASH but it’d be pretty funny if Nakata went around flashing people in a club. Maybe if you got him drunk enough.クリスティー (curisuti) shares her birthday experience at club asia with the contemode community. Reader be warned: within lies drinking, womanizing, and talk of boobs, though, those points make the story that much more entertaining. Overall, great story for a great birthday! Happy Birthday, curisuti :3 I’m sure you’ll remember this one for a while!

H!P Translator (H!P T): I’d like to start the panel right away. We’d like to hear the questions. Before we do that, I’d like to ask Tsunku a little about the history of the producing he does. (to the audience) Is that okay?

Audience: Yes!

Tsunku: Yesterday I was told that there were 7,500 people in the audience. I was interested to find out what kind of audience we would get, but I was very impressed that every did their homework. Everyone knew all the songs that Morning Musume was going to perform, and especially that “Love Machine”, the American style audience getting very enthusiastic reacting to the “fu fu” part and “woah woah” part, that was just great.

H!P T: Which part of the show did you like the best? (to the audience)

Audience: All of it, costumes, the medley, “How Do You Like This Japan?”

Tsunku: When that song started, I could tell that the audience was really excited. I liked how there were some audience members who thought they already figured out what kind of songs Morning Musume was going to be singing and they were about to leave the concert, but when “How Do You Like Japan?” started they turned around and came back.

H!P T: Tsunku, is this your first time in LA?

Tsunku: This is my first time in LA.

H!P T: How is it?

Tsunku: It’s summer right? It’s such beautiful weather, and you get such a great view of all around. I was expecting hot weather in LA, but it’s not. If I was expecting something equivalent in Japan it would be over 50 celcius.

H!P T: I would like to ask him about his recent work. How many of you know that he produced the music for Rhythm Heaven? (crowd cheers) How is it? Do you guys like it?

A: It’s a fun game!

Tsunku: Is it difficult?

A: Yes!! (laughs)

Tsunku: I needed to teach the Japanese public about rhythm. Originally the game was for a Japanese release, but when there were going to be international versions, some different versions including a European version, some of the songs needed to be changed to the native language.

H!P T: What’s next? Is he producing other groups? Are you interested? (crowd: Yes!)

Tsunku: Well, some of the groups are already popular in Japan, like Berryz Koubou and C-ute. But aside from Hello! Project, I have Nice Girl Project with The Possible and ??.

H!P T: I’m sure you all have a lot of questions, so question time?

Audience Question (AQ): Apart from the debut of Morning Musume, what was the happiest moment of your entertainment career?

Tsunku: Coming to Anime Expo to see you all. I have equal amounts of regret and joy. Regret that I didn’t come here earlier to see everyone and then I’m very happy that I’m here finally. It’s very fun to be in front of an American audience like that and the fact that everyone is so interested in Japan. And we already have a common language to talk about and that’s the great part.

AQ: We see all these videos of the audition process. 27,000 girls auditioning for the Hello! Project kids, all these auditions. What did you see in young Aya Matsuura, or Koha (she was 13), so young and shy in those auditions, what did you see in them to make you choose them?

Tsunku: I have to get serious for this question. When you look at people, be they 1 year old or 10 years old, they have some personal energy and for someone like me in the industry where you do have to work with people’s, for lack of a better word, ki, you have to feel the energy with your intuitive sense. And it’s if a person has that kind of energy, that’s what I look for. And if I fail to find that in a person that I audition, that’s when I’ll be fired from this business. Fortunately, I can still sense that, and that’s what you can sense when I was auditioning Matsuura. That’s how I go about it.

AQ: I would like to become an idol producer so that I can be surrounded by girls. So my question is, what advice do you have for an aspiring songwriter and producer?

Tsunku: A producer understands that you might be surrounded by cute girls, but you have to be able to keep your cool, or you won’t be able to produce your songs.

AQ: My question is a question that many Morning Musume fans probably have. Will there be any new members added this year or in the near future?

Tsunku: I don’t know if I know this year, but there will be new auditions for Morning Musume. The plan is there, but the specifics aren’t worked out yet.

AQ: I go to about 50 (did he say 50 or 15? I’m not sure) Hello! Project concerts in Japan each year. As a Japanese person, we’ve always been listening to English songs such as The Beatles or Michael Jackson and we’ve been on the receiving end of their music, but how is it like sending of Japanese music to the world and seeing that first hand? For example, in Japan there is non-English music that is foreign like Brazilian pop or Latin pop that is popular among certain demographics, but they seem to be more of a core music audience that is very much older, but yesterday at the concert we saw a lot of young people, kids, and ?? fans that ? about culture. And that’s not something that you would see in Japan. So how do you feel about that?

Tsunku: I think for the people who come to Anime Expo, there are people with big dreams and big aspirations. And also how they have special sensitivity for culture that may be Japanese or is different from the mainstream. You have this kind of sensitivity that makes you affectionate for alternate cultures. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be Japanese, you might be of another culture, but that’s the kind of music you like to see and I’m very glad to see that . And If I were to write my songs for an English speaking audience, I may have the ??, but I think I am talking to people who find Japanese something enjoyable to listen to. For that, I do want to value my Japanese songwriting, but at the same time I think that I also need to incorporate some English elements into my songs so that I can have a better reach into the global audience.

AQ: Following the major success of Morning Musume here in LA, would other Hello! Project groups like Berryz Koubou and C-ute be coming to America any time soon?

Tsunku: The first base of operations outside of Japan was the rest of Asia. There is going to be a Hello! Project audition in Taiwan and a Korean audition was just done. And so, Berryz Koubou, C-ute and of course Morning Musume will be going overseas. This was the first American ? except for Hawaii for Hello! Project and Morning Musume has a special place in Hello! Project in that they were the first to come here. And after the first time, Berryz Koubou and C-ute will have the opportunity to go to places like the United States, and Europe. But in order to make that possible, we really need the support from you guys, we need the budget to make that possible and we need the everyday support from fans like you.

AQ: When you look at Morning Musume, Berryz Koubou and C-ute today, what are their best aspects and also what are the aspects that they still need to achieve?

Tsunku: As you saw Morning Musume yesterday, currently they have 9 members, and Morning Musume has been with these 9 members for the last 2 years and these members weren’t too great with their dancing and singing when they first joined, but they worked really hard to catch up with the rest of the members, and I think they are doing great. So I think Morning Musume is doing just great right now.

For Berryz Koubou, there hasn’t been any member change, but they have been maintaining a high level of performance so far. I think their best aspect is how they look uneven.

More than Morning Musume or Berryz Koubou, the members of C-ute are the most athletic of the Hello! Project girls, and so the athletic ability is what I really demand of them. And that is their highest point.

If I were to give any constructive criticism to the members as they mature and become adult women, they will get their curves and ?? and I hope that they will have sex appeal to the public, but that means that I would really have to keep my cool.

AQ: Would you be interested in recruiting new members here in the states? And I’m not just talking about Hawaii.

Tsunku: [something difficult to make out from the translator] Definitely an American style Morning Musume would be interesting…

AQ: On your official blog, you’ve been talking about reviving Tanpopo and Minimoni [clapping over talking]. First of all, what is your direction with that, and why did you decide to revive them instead of giving the members their own group and their own personality?

Tsunku: Starting this summer in Japan, there will be a remake or revival of Tanpopo, Pucchimoni and Minimoni as the new Tanpopo, Pucchimoni and Minimoni and they will be reviving old hits as well as reviving new songs. So perhaps that is what you may be able to enjoy. [Unintelligible]

AQ: Why not new groups as opposed to bringing back old ones?

Tsunku: Of course there will be new shuffling as well, but it would be too bad to let some of my better songs go dormant.

AQ: In terms of your marriage, how has that affected your creative process and your creative style?

Tsunku: I have twin babies, a boy and a girl. They are a year and 3 months old now, and it doesn’t have to be my own kids. If I go out to the streets or to the market, I notice there are kids, other peoples babies as well as mine, and I see that some kids are very popular with other people, and I hope that my own kids will have that kind of charisma. And also, now that I do go out to the market to shop, I have picked up the language from there and that has given me a broader spectrum of vocabulary to put into my songs, in the past 2-3 years. For example, one of the lyrics in the [??] song mentions the [??] which would be the basement floor of the department store. I don’t know if that’s culturally significant to you guys, but that’s the food floor in Japan, and my wife insists on going there on the crowded weekend. She insists that she get her sweets and pastries there. She likes to get cake there. And she won’t relent on that. So I am very impressed with the fixation that women have on their sweets, and I was able to incorporate that into my song and that was a new discovery. So I’m glad that was something of Japanese culture I could integrate into my song and now you know about it.

AQ: As a Nintendo game developer, I was very impressed and inspired by Rhythm Tengoku, and I wanted to ask you about your relationship with [??] and how it was working with [O-something-san] and the rest of the Rhythm Heaven group.

Tsunku: Rhythm Heaven, as it’s known in the States, originally Rhythm Tengoku Gold in Japan, an before the Rhythm Tengoku Gold there was the original, plain Rhythm Tengoku. I think it would date back to 5 or 6 years ago. And back when we originally started, we had some heated discussions. We had to inspire each other to do better. There were so many important characters that got trashed and didn’t make it into the game. But today we are so close and we get along so well and that is a reflection of the closeness between [??] and [??]. Now that we have Rhythm Tengoku Gold completed, and we have this coming out for worldwide release as well, rhythm is something that hasn’t really been valued in Japanese culture and Japanese music and that is something that I stepped into. I really wanted to musically remind the people as well as the Japanese public on that. I respect the American people as people who are really oriented towards music and you do that with your whole body and I think it might be an unnatural confinement to limit yourself to the fingertips as opposed to entire body dance routines, so I hope you get to enjoy Rhythm Heaven without busting your DS.

AQ: Are you planning to release any more solo albums?

Tsunku: Just look at youtube to catch me singing. I don’t really want to sound too negative right now, but for the past few years my throat hasn’t been doing too well. I’m having a hard time coming out with my falsetto right now. And when I got my larynx examined, there was some strange hardening there 5 mm in size. I find that hard because when I am giving a lesson, I demonstrate by singing the song as well, and so I am still struggling to get myself back into shape and when I get better I hope to be singing, also including the United States.

AQ: In the past there were Hello! Morning and other tv programs where members developed their personalities on [??]. And as a producer, what did you do to encourage that so that people are less reserved in their singing???

Tsunku: When you’re in a group like Morning Musume, all of you are singing the same song and doing the same routine. It’s very competitive and you really have to struggle to differentiate yourself within the group. It’s a very good way to attain yourself – to develop as your own while you’re still in Morning Musume. Some of them tried very hard, and you can see that when they do their stage plays or their magazine interviews or tv interviews. The ones that try hard and develop their own differentiation, personality or character while they’re still in Morning Musume are the ones who go independent and have something that’s strong and appealing on their own. Those are the kind of hits to leave Morning Musume and make it. Others may not be as successful. That’s the kind of training that Morning Musume seems to have. It’s a 2 step process, but that differentiates the winners and those who make it and remain in the committed world of show business.

H!P T: And now I would like to ask Tsunku for his last message to us.

Tsunku: Thank you all for coming. I’ve seen that the audience size increased over the course of the panel and I’m very happy to see that. I think we had a pretty good panel today. And I will still have the chance to see some of you for I am one of the judges for AX Idol later today. I was very excited to see the enthusiastic support you gave to Morning Musume and also me, Tsunku, here at Anime Expo. I do find the language barriers often frustrating, but it is something that I have to struggle with. So if all of you can be my agents who spread what is so great about Morning Musume and Tsunku to the English speaking world, that will lead the way to future appearance of Morning Musume, Hello! Project and Tsunku here, so I really do ask for your support.

As for the autograph sessions, the first was on a first-come-first-served basis with the exception of those who attended the Morning Musume Q&A panel and received an autograph ticket: they received priority in the line. At the momusu Q&A on Day 1, approximately 500 tickets were handed out, each of them with the warning that they did not guarantee anything in return. At the post-Q&A autograph session, around 150 of those with tickets were treated to autographs, leaving the remaining 350 souls (and those gambling to get an autograph without a ticket) high and dry and were told that those with tickets would receive priority for the autograph session on Saturday. Today, approximately 160 of those with tickets received autographs leaving a total of around 190 Q&A attendees and anyone in the standby lines with no autograph. Handshakes were allowed at the post-Q&A and today’s autograph signings

The second autograph session was for the 300 guaranteed autograph tickets being distributed upon purchase of CDs or merchandise at the Japanfiles and JPopHouse booths in the Exhibitors’ Hall. How they managed to give 300 signatures in 2 hours boggles my mind, especially with the size and complexity of Reina’s autograph. Handshakes were not allowed at this autograph event due to time constraints.

Between the two autograph sessions, the IW crew had a bit of an autograph session of their own. IW staff, #wotachat-ers, and bloggers alike gathered for a quick photo and exchanged business cards and little notes to each other. We were even surprised with the appearance of SacredCultivator of Hello!Fansubs!

Then, we took a quick IW staff shot for those of us present.

As for scheduled Morning Musume and Tsunku events, that’s everything, which means that IW coverage of AnimeExpo 2009 is complete with the exception of the Q&A sessions that still need transcribing. Please keep an eye out for those coming soon!

We’re not completely sure if we’ll be attending the closing ceremonies since the word going around is that that girls are heading out tomorrow and their presence is highly unlikely.

Until next time!

Up first was the concert. It lasted a total of 1 hour and 30 minutes, though most of the last 30 minutes was talking about the MySpace OPV contest.

The concert started with the usual opening video segment, with introductory pictures of each of the girls. They then went straight into Mikan to open up the concert, which was immediately followed by 3, 2, 1 Breakin’ Out.

Up next was member introductions, which was absolutely adorable seeing as the girls introduced themselves in Japanese, but had an short something to say in English as well. JunJun and LinLin’s English were particularly impressive here.

They then went to into a flow of songs (see setlist below) until eventually, they went into an MC segment where Takahashi Ai introduced “Ame no Furanai Hoshi de wa Sasenai Darou?” She gave a little speech in English about global warming. Ai-chan speaking English (well any of them speaking English) is too cute!

After a few more songs, Morning Musume’s handler (after a cute intro from Michishige Sayumi, who had a momentary lapse in memory and stumbled over her MC ^_^) came out to start the segment regarding the OPV contest. She then called a surprise guest onto the stage… Can anyone guess who? …. HANGRY! And then she called up a second special guest: Tsunku!

There were 3 categories for OPV contest winners. 1st up was the Morning Musume award, which was of course chosen by Morning Musume. Up next was the Tsunku award, chosen by Tsunku. And 3rd was an the grand prize, an OPV chosen by Morning Musume, Tsunku and high level staff of UFA. Here are the winning entries:

Morning Musume award winning OPV.
Tsunku award winning OPV
Grand Prize winning OPV

And then finally, to close out the concert, the girls sang 3, 2, 1 Breakin’ Out once more, which was fitting seeing as it is the theme song for Anime Expo 2009.

With the highly energetic and historic (for international fans, at least) concert complete, the next thing to look forward to was Hello! Party. I am very happy to report that it was a complete success! So many people attended (nearly all the name badges were used (I picked Niigaki Risa as my favourite member, after a long time trying to decide between her and Takahashi Ai).

The event was live streamed, and after a tweet about the live stream with the hashtag #MMAX, 2chan got word of the feed and viewers of the live stream got to 200+. I would estimate that over 200 people showed up for Hello! Party, which means with that many people watching through the internet, we had a Hello! Project fan event of 400+ fans. That’s absolutely amazing! For those of you who attended Hello! Party, I was manning the sign-in table through most of the night with johpan and Amy (she left at around 10:30).

Up next for tomorrow is Tsunku’s panel and then a day of autograph sessions for Morning Musume. Look forward to our report on Tsunku’s panel! Also, the transcript of Morning Musume’s Q&A panel is still to come.

Concert setlist:
1. Mikan
2. 3, 2, 1 Breakin’ Out
3. MC
4. Shouganai Yume Oibito
5. How Do You Like Japan?
6. Resonant Blue
7. MC
8. Medley
- a. I WISH
- b. Happy Summer Wedding
- c. Koi no Dance Site
- d. Souda! We’re Alive
- e. The Peace!
- f. Renai Revolution 21
9. MC
10. Love Machine
11. Sono Bamen de BiBiCha Ikenaijan!
12. MC
13. Ame no Furanai Hoshi de wa Sasenai Darou?
14. 3, 2, 1 Breakin’ Out OPV Contest winners MC with HANGRY & Tsunku
15. 3, 2, 1 Breakin’ Out encore

Avex Trax’ newcomer Yuka Kagiyama, makes her debut, accompanied by some rock, zombies and good reviews.

amaiyume of Amai Wana likes the cool, yet aggressive nature of the songs. With Love player and its addictive instrumental, amaiyume feels that this is definitely one to catch your ear. The promotional video along with the B-side have a bit of creepiness to them, but as amaiyume says, it fits.

Freaky, sweet and furious are just some of the words Kurayami Monogatari’s Solarblade uses to describe the rock of this single. Akuma wo Nemurasete doesn’t quite have the fever of the title track, however, Solarblade still thinks it’s good. With nice vocals and style, Solarblade and amaiyume give Yuka a thumbs up.

Yonasu continues his “Wota Life” series with an in-depth Q&A with 5 wota, 4 of whom happen to be International Wota contributors. Yonasu asks our own pengie, Amy, CK and Indigo, as well as Hello! Ranking’s Bryan a series of questions digging into the nitty gritty of how old is too old to be into young idols? The candid responses are quite interesting to read, seeing as the respondents range from the ages of 15 to 41, and we have a mix of males and females.

Hmm… This is only the 2nd part of yonasu’s “Wota Life” series. I can’t wait to see what else he’s got on the way.

Leader, Takahashi Ai, addressed the fans and they took their seats.

Moi Dix Mois took the stage after them and the contrast between them was quite interesting.

Also on the Guest of Honor list was seiyu Morikawa Toshiyuki who, among a large list of other roles, was the voice of Final Fantasy 7’s Sephiroth. Takahashi Ai has been known to love the Final Fantasy series and was pleasantly surprised when she heard he was just at the opposite end of the table. Morikawa was asked to end the Guest of Honor welcome by reciting a line using Sephiroth’s voice which caused Ai to jump and gasp. Ai’s fangirling was quite adorable!

The next event with Morning Musume was their Q&A Panel at 2:00 PM and will be reported on by maiZe when she finishes transcribing. Please allow a few days for that post to be up and look forward to it!

Until then, enjoy more pictures from the Japanfiles and JPopHouse merchandise booths!

Bonus Kawaii Gaki-san!

The New Eccentric Girl is a relatively new blog (I think?) that hasn’t yet been written up on IW, but is already one of my favorites. kannazuki has a sharp, witty writing style, and a wide range of musical interests that contribute to an interesting, enjoyable read. In this post she quite openly admits her crush on I’ve Sound artist MELL, and while there’s not a clear path being followed here–she goes from an introduction to some silly notes on English pronunciation rather abruptly–it’s still fun to read. It’s a good introduction to MELL for those of you not familiar with her. Who knows, you might pull some song recommendations out of this post and find another artist to love.

As an aside, the I’ve-related humor here is second only to Aibu’s, because, well, can you really top KOTOKO being compared to a “mermaid, all sparkly and happy and rainbows”? I think not! Anyway, check out kannazuki’s blog, it’s good stuff.