Akanishi Jin, Kuroki Meisa tied the knot on February 2 – Tokyograph
Well, talk about heaping surprise upon surprise! Happy one week anniversary to the couple!

Akanishi Jin to wed Kuroki Meisa – Never Ending Music Power
Thennary Nak considers the news and its place in JE history…

Akanishi Jin to wed Kuroki Meisa – Janakya Mottainai
As does AimxAim, who wonders where this leaves Jin career-wise.

Beauty? – Konno’s Story
An interesting thought piece on beauty, though I think a major contingent of males would place “huge knockers” as a high criteria for female beauty.

~Get your KIKS on Route SeXy 6~ – モーニングBerryz48
MB has a fun time looking at how sex can sell sneakers.

Brown Eyed Girls’ Miryo greets her fans in English, Japanese, and Korean – allkpop
I’m very impressed by her fluency in English, but mostly just loving her for being Miryo.

Yamapi-Ai, Texas preview – Janakya Mottainai
Aim notes how un-Yamapi this song sounds.

SMAPxSMAP is ending soon? – aramatheydidnt
I like how the behind-the-scenes rumors fits into this possible turn of events.

SKE48 – Kataomoi Finally PV – Selective Hearing
I never was turned on by girl-on-girl. I prefer girl-on-guy-on-guy-on-guy-on-guy. Maybe in the next SKE48 PV?

Stellar returns to Mnet M! Countdown with “U.F.O” – Koreaboo
I like the song a lot, but it does sound like they’re rehashing all the best elements from “Rocket Girl”.

“Cleavage out, Legs in” — The Key to Understanding Ajosshi Fandom? – The Grand Narrative
James explains how the uncle-fan culture may have contributed to this fashion decision. Now I can’t stop thinking of the Terence & Philip song.

So My Friend Is An Anthropologist… – Idols and Hollywood
A fun look at a specific aspect of otaku culture and what was learned from it.

The Rise And Rise Of NMB48 – IXA Ready
A look at how NMB48 is on the rise with their latest single.

[it's true y'all] JIN IS GOING TO MARRY MEISA KUROKI, SHE’S PREGNANT TOO – aramatheydidnt
Okay, so I joked about how the two of them could make “excruciatingly beautiful babies together” a couple weeks back, but I didn’t MEAN it.

THE REST OF THIS POST WILL BE WRITEN UNDER THE ASUMTION THAT… – Idols and Hollywood
Pretty much what I was thinking as well.

AKB48 Members Mother Arrested – Okay! Musume Time
And looking back at yesterday’s scandal du jour, Chiima considers fan reactions to the news about Takamina’s mother’s arrest.

Takamina’s Mother Arrested For Having Sex With A Minor – IXA Ready
The news about fan support for Takamina herself is very encouraging.

Takahashi Minami’s Mother Arrested – MELOS no Michi
An excellent well-detailed look at the events as they’re known and the tabloid that broke the news.

Wada Ayaka’s “Irodori -aya-” PB Cover Released – Hello! SayuNii
You know, she may actually be fappable… Not Maeda-level fappable, but still…

Netizens select Lee Hyori as the ‘Marilyn Monroe of Korea’ – allkpop
Hyori can now proceed to fuck top playrights, directors, baseball players, and politicians of Korea before ODing on pills and dying a sad, gruesome death.

30 Day Idol Challenge, Day 05 – My Favorite Idol Group (Ever!) – Samurai Tamashii
That’s a pretty wide range, there.

30 Day Idol Challenge, Day 06 – My Favorite Subunit – Samurai Tamashii
I like how this choice…

30 Day Idol Challenge 6 ~Subunit~ – Shanimuni Paradise
… Matches up with this one. Somebody has to buy somebody a Coke, I think.

Co-ed’s male sub group to debut under the name “SPEED” – Koreaboo
I hope they have plans to promote themselves in Japan, because that’ll be hilarious.

KPK @ KPOPCON Part 1: Soompi Keynote – Kpop Kollective
An interesting look at the event and its participants.

Pic of the Day – Your Opinion Doesn’t Count
I was thinking more of Married With Children and BIG ‘UNS.

KARA: Solo Songs for All? – Seoulbeats
An interesting argument for why KARA doing the solo thing may not suit them at all.

“The Izu Dancer” – Two versions of a Japanese classic, one with Maki Goto – Madara Blog
Wow, this goes back to the Golden Age of the group, as Madara considers their dramatic version of a popular story.

The Video I think the set was just to cheap in this case and… – Idols and Hollywood
Sharing an opinion on Morning Musume’s Chicken Farm… I mean, their latest PV.

The Good Fan: A Rational Person – Seoulbeats
A whole lotta words to invoke the value of common sense, but a good read nonetheless.

Where Nakai cock blocks LMFAO and Quest – aramatheydidnt
I love SMAP but sometimes I just think they’re out of their depths. This is fun, though!

China artistes/idol groups plagiarize AKB48′s aitakatta & Ue kara Mariko – aramatheydidnt
Have Aki-P call them CHN48 and just let the Borg swallow them whole.

kyarychan: “Kyarin and Riitan on a date at my house ☆ Way too… – Idols and Hollywood
Oh please let THIS lead to a shotgun wedding…!

Maeda Atsuko spotted in Nogizaka46 Video – Pure Idol Heart
Yeah, because rivals do this kind of thing, right? Make guest cameos to support each other?

Mother of AKB48 member Minami Takahashi arrested for obscene acts with 15-year-old boy – aramatheydidnt
Oy. Right off the heels of the last scandal, too. Hopefully this won’t result in any fallout on Takamina herself.

Auditions – Pure Idol Heart
It’s like Pledge Week for the Jpop sororities!

Graduations, Auditions, and Outrage, Oh My! – Happy! Go! Lucky!
Jess considers the flurry of comings and goings in the idol world.

SPICA unveils the full MV for “Russian Roulette” – allkpop
Another approach to idol graduations…? This MV shouldn’t make me laugh, but it did. A lot.

Hello! Project Kenshuusei Happyou Kai 2012~ 3gatsu no Nama Tamago Show!~ Announced – Hello! SayuNii
With two new Eggs to tantalize and tease you with their potential.

Yasuda Kei, Sudou Maasa, and Natsuyaki Miyabi Will Be Part Of The Stage Play “B・B~bumpy buddy~” – Hello! SayuNii
Alas, it’s not about bump.y but just a… buddy with bumps?

Dir en grey’s tour cancellation is due to singer Kyo’s vocal problems – aramatheydidnt
An explanation is given for this sad turn of events.

Soon . . Buono! in Paris – Berryz Kobo International
Zush is preparing to meet his idols.

30 Day Idol Challenge, Day 04–I Am a Girl (!) And The Girl Is a Boy (?)… – Samurai Tamashii
Sagsousuke has to deal with some roleplay.

SKE48’s Matsui Jurina reveals she’s passed her high school entrance exam + history of Jurina – aramatheydidnt
She’s just starting high school? Be still my beating… um… heart.

Why did Sunny threaten to throw YoonA down the stairs? – allkpop
Because the bitch done stole her man! (Or maybe it was the excessive aegyo.)

~Idol X Biathlon – モーニングBerryz48
MB delivers up some very choice screencaps for this Olympics-esque event.

Stellar reveals 2nd music video teaser for “UFO” – allkpop
Did Kim Ga Young make your heart race? She did mine. I can’t wait for this.

Pic of the Day – Your Opinion Doesn’t Count
Wow. Four of the most fap-tastic members of H!P ever… plus the Gooch.

Girls’ Generation to release ‘The Boys’ in France – allkpop
So now the French must Cherchez Les Garcons! bwa-hahahaha!

Shit Happening- “Sign” PV – Neaux Clicked On It
Now I can’t wait for a band to show up called That’s Fucked Up.

Because You Were There for Me: Ota Aika and Her Mother – MELOS no Michi
Or, “My mother starves me so more dirty old men will fap over my pictures.”

TVXQ’s Yunho spontaneously buys dinner for his fans – allkpop
I love these spontaneous moments of idol-fan interaction and camaraderie.

Tsugunaga Momoko – New PB Announced, Tittled “Hatachi Momoko” – Hello! SayuNii
This is coming out on her twentieth birthday so here’s two words for you: hair nudes.

The Truth About Japan’s Crazy, Super Sexed Up Electronics District – Silicon Alley Insider
A look at the legendary district from a non-wota, tech-minded perspective. Still lots of fun.

Girls’ Generation member Hyoyeon wows with her fashion in NYC – allkpop
Honestly, I think Hyoyeon’s more in her element in an NYC nightclub than in SNSD – and I mean that as a compliment.

Michishige Sayumi x Sanrio Collaboration Announced – Hello! SayuNii
I’m getting a sickly sugar rush just thinking about this.

Stellar reveals MV teaser for “U.F.O” Feat. Shinhwa’s Junjin – Koreaboo
The MV preview is okay, the song itself sounds quite exciting!

Is Fanfiction In K-pop A Force For Good? – Seoulbeats
That reminds me, I need to write my Harry Potter-themed Shindong-sodomizes-Leeteuk fanfic tonight…

Johnny&Associates done goofed with ‘em pandas – aramatheydidnt
Renting those pandas was probably a bad idea.

LM.C at Anime Central 2012 – Shattered-Tranquility.net
American Jrock fans are having a good year so far.

Pic of the Day – Your Opinion Doesn’t Count
Nakkky enjoys the perks of being an adult.

Google explains how celebs and politics are driving Google+ growth in Asia – The Next Web
The article overall is fascinating, but there’s a comparison between Oshima Yuko’s Google+ fan base and Britney Spears’ which is quite illuminating. Makes me wonder how Kpop artists would fare on G+…

Momoiro Clover Z-Mugen no Ai PV preview – Janakya Mottainai
AimxAim was promised pirates in space, and she got pirates in space.

Counterpoint: Wonder Girls and TeenNick Could be “Daebak!” – Seoulbeats
A compelling argument that the movie was aiming for a specific demographic of future fans.

30 Day Idol Challenge 5 ~Favorite Group~ – Shanimuni Paradise
Tsukiki lets her hallyu flag fly with this choice.

This Week in Music 02.08.2012 – New School Kaidan
Garry once again looks at what’s coming in this week’s J-idol releases.

What doesn’t AKB48 have: Design studio crafts AKB48 dolls – aramatheydidnt
I’ll tell you what they don’t have: Blow-up dolls, but with AKB48′s popularity, I expect we will be seeing some produced them very soon.

SCANDAL performs Harukaze – aramatheydidnt
I’ve never actually heard SCANDAL before now, and this is pretty impressive.

Pinku Project! – Genki Almost Idol
Martha introduces the Canadian Idol unit, who will soon debut, and tells us why she loves them.

Album Covers & PV Preview for Moretsu! – Happy! Go! Lucky!
Jess is blown-away by MomoClo’s new PV and covers already, despite seeing so little of it…

Mouretsu Uchuu 16 sec CM Preview – Pure Idol Heart
… And here’s the CM for it!

Ray’s Picks

Thoughts on New S/mileage and Chotto Matte Kudasai Review – idol love
Glad to see the Meimi love, but the Akari part is funniest.

jinsus spreads his knowledge of america in rolling stone – aramatheydidnt
Bakanishi opens mouth. Hilarity ensues.

Idol Otaku Inflict “Semen Handshake” on AKB48 – aramatheydidnt
Well, I knew this kind of stuff happens, but actually reading about it is… yuck.

International Ventures – Never Ending Music Power
At last, Golf and Mike get their turn in the spotlight!

Arama Original: Japanese Idol Timeline/Infographic – aramatheydidnt
A useful reference guide for idol scholars.

Do You Think You Got it? – Konno’s Story
The ultimate lesson? Popularity drives awards in the pop world.

How much does Girls’ Generation earn? – Koreaboo
it’s great to hear they’re earning good money, but what are they spending it on?

Japanese Government Employ AKB48 To Lure Chinese Tourists – IXA Ready
Hey, they could use some SDN48 almuni to help keep Chinese businessmen… ah… busy.

Pic of the Day – Your Opinion Doesn’t Count
Time to unwrap your present, Langdon.

30 Day Idol Challenge, Day 03 – I’m a Guy. And My Girlfriend is… – Samurai Tamashii
The choice is intriguing, and actually makes me wanna learn more about this idol.

O_O OMG Bikinis… – Samurai Tamashii
Next: recreating full-on bedroom orgies during concerts.

!HOT RELEASE ALERT! BENI is releasing a cover album!!! – aramatheydidnt
This sounds like a great idea for the singer to really showcase herself.

NMB48 Junjou U-19 Review (Single) – Shoujiki Media
A very nice review of the single (and its PVs) in various incarnations.

30 Day Idol Challenge 3&4 ~Girlfriend/Boyfriend~ – Shanimuni Paradise
Tsukiki makes some interesting choices.

I Wanna Bust Moves In a Miniskirt Too!! – Wandering Wota
An intriguing question is asked and I gotta agree: why doesn’t AKB48 have a dancing game?

* * * * *

Chaotic Dusk

This blog covers music from America, Japan, and Korea, primarily through detailed track-by-track reviews. Two articles definitely worth your time are end-of-year assessments posted in mid-January: Best Of 2011: Japanese Music and Best Of 2011: Korean Music. The love for Goto Maki and Brown Eyed Girls is especially appreciated in those posts, and it’s a solid look at some highlights from the past year’s Asian pop scene.

* * * * *

AKB48: The next big import from Japan? – Shoujiki Media

This is a great article looking at AKB48 from a newcomers’ perspective. The highlight for those already in the know, however, is the interview conducted with a couple of the people who run the AKB forum Everyday48, especially the contrasts they draw between early AKB fandom and after it boomed into Japan’s biggest pop group. If anything, it makes plain the truisms of any fandom that gets a taste of mainstream success.

* * * * *

Breaking News! Your Oshimen had a scandal… – Wandering Wota

Wandering Wota is a new wotablog, filled with strong opinions and lively writing. This above post was recommended in particular, and it does a nice job of framing the wota’s dilemma (or, more bluntly, hypocrisy) that the recent AKB scandals make painfully obvious yet again. Though when I think about it, the dating scandals don’t seem to involve idols messing around with wota… If anything, they get involved with other idols or non-fans. (Somebody prove me wrong on this, lest my fragile dreams be shattered.)

That said, the post before it, titled There’s room for the Tainted Idol, strikes me as a much better defense – even a valorization – of Nacchan. It’s eloquent and passionate and quite self-aware in how it looks at the idol-wota relationship and what should be expected. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more posts, this promises to be a highly entertaining site.

* * * * *

On Average, I Sleep For 2 Hours [laughs] – Frank Kogan

This was not recommended by the blogger himself – and yes, it’s definitely fine to recommend other people’s posts and blogs besides your own (some of the most interesting stuff comes in that way). The post itself points out what is so wrong with the title statement – this from a member of Kpop girl group T-ara – but I found the comments section helpful in providing a deeper context in which to understand the situation.

There’s also a link to an Al Jazeera video about the Kpop industry – also recommended to IW – but I’ve yet to watch and probably won’t get around to for a while. From the intro, it sounds like a highly critical piece, which is what one expects as the practices of the industry fall under increasing global scrutiny.

* * * * *

Konno’s Story

Another new wotablog, this one dedicated to Kpop and Jpop in equal measures. (I also love that the blog’s name is dedicated to everyone’s favorite former idol / current newscaster; it reminds me of that soda-bukkake incident from a while back and I still can’t believe that fucking happened.) Again, strong opinions on display, lively writing – the takedown of Miryo’s solo album and PV was striking, but fair-minded as well. The most recent post is on Dream Morning Musume’s single and PV, where the love of the group doesn’t keep blogger KonnoAsami from pointing out its shortcomings in an amusing fashion. Again, another blog I’ll be keeping an eye out for from here on out.

Nacchan & Yonechan Say Sorry To The Fans – IXA Ready
The two young ladies say their goodbyes, part one.

30 Day Idol Challenge 2 ~Hate~ – Shanimuni Paradise
I love the choice, and the closing question is perfect.

StereoPony to perform at Sakuracon 2012 – Shattered-Tranquility.net
Seattle fans should be excited about this announcement.

Read All About It: SNSD in the US – Seoulbeats
A look at press coverage in The Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic.

“The Wonder Girls”: The Right Career Move?- Seoulbeats
A point-by-point assessment of whether or not this was the right vehicle for the Wonder Girls.

This is not a Perfume post, prepare for The Holy Trinity new single! – aramatheydidnt
Kalafina announce a new, anime-related single.

FLOWER: “SAKURA Regret” Full PV – Pure Idol Heart
Lots of love for both the PV and song are voiced in this review.

Was S/mileage’s new PV really worth the wait? – Janakya Mottainai
Aim gives her thoughts on S/mileage’s newest PV, and isn’t as impressed as others, butfinds enough time to give a whole lotta Kana and Rinapu love

Idols, Chocolate and Valentine’s Day – MELOS no Michi
My mouth is watering, and I feel jealous of the people who get those pocky designs

Show Luo “DANTE” FULL PV – aramatheydidnt
I love Show Luo, but I honestly prefer the PV over the song

Ray’s Picks

東京事変 – color bars – Plastic Candy
Alvy reviews Tokyo Jihen’s farewell EP.

30 Day Idol Challenge, Day 02 – An Idol I Hate/Dislike – Samurai Tamashii
Sagsousuke threads the rhetorical needle with this one, but convincingly so.

Brown Eyed Girls’ Ga-In spotted at an orphanage – Koreaboo
She’s not just an angel, she’s a freakin’ saint.

30 Day Idol Challenge 1 ~Favorite~ – Shanimuni Paradise
Tsukiki takes her turn with this meme, starting with a favorite H!P member.

Hey! Say! JUMP – Super Delicate PV【理想の息子】ZIP! (by… – Idols and Hollywood
A very positive response to the latest from the nine-member group.

Hey! Say! JUMP-Super Delicate PV preview – Janakya Mottainai
And Aim is loving it, too, especially the focus on Yuto.

Morning Musume-”Pyoko Pyoko Ultra” Event V Cover & Tracklist Released – Hello! SayuNii
The solo performance PVs is something I’d love to get my hands (and ears) on.

Simple but Soothing – Alice Juban’s ‘Skeleton Sky’ PV Review – Okay! Musume Time
Chiima tells us all about this MoBeKiMaSu for indie idols and why we should love them.

Pic of the Day – Your Opinion Doesn’t Count
I’ll take that as an invitation and not an insult.

Morning Musume Stopwatch App Release For Android & IOS – Hello! SayuNii
So I can time myself when I fap to Sayummy?

Shirota Yuu releasing debut album + collabing with a nobody – aramatheydidnt
But can the music be as painfully, excruciatingly beautiful as the singer?

Selective Hearing Roundtable – Them’s Fighting Words – Selective Hearing
The SH crew get together and try to figure out how bad Morning Musume’s ship is sinking. The most amusing part is Greg being the “old guard” fan; I got in at Nacchi’s graduation and still feel like a noob sometimes.

Selective Hearing Roundtable – Them’s Fighting Words Rebuttal – Selective Hearing
A wonderful response that looks at the bigger picture from a different angle. Definitely read this.

Morning Musume – Pyoko Pyoko Ultra – Selective Hearing
And Chiima reviews the single that got people fretting (again) in the first place (again)!

In which Isilie wonders about this “Project” part of H!P – Itsumo Genki
Meanwhile, Isilie is wondering if the other H!P groups – starting with S/mileage – are headed in the right direction themselves.

Shinhwa’s Jun Jin to feature in Stellar’s new MV – allkpop
If they let a different Shinhwa guest-star from MV to MV, that’d make a pretty good career arc.

Kanjani8′s Maruyama Ryuhei stars in sci-fi miniseries “O-Parts” – Tokyograph
Unfortunately, the O-Parts being referred to aren’t below the waist. I think.

30 Day Idol Challenge, Day 01 – My (Almost) Favorite Idol – Samurai Tamashii
Sagsousuke has to go to his third favorite, but makes a good case for her.

WHAT THE HELL… I’ve found my Nogizaka oshimen – Samurai Tamashii
An interesting way to find a new favorite – but also very compelling.

Jumpin’ For More – SUPER☆GiRLS ‘Everybody Jump!’ PV Review! – Okay! Musume Time
Chiima watches SUPER GIRLS jump jump jump jump jump… and loves them for it.

AKB48 anime [AKB0048] updates – MELOS no Michi
I’m still waiting to see who gets to play the tentacle-rapey monster.

Pic of the Day – Your Opinion Doesn’t Count
Oh, waiting for legal is SOOOOO narrow-minded.

Daniel Radcliffe chooses Tiffany as the prettiest Girls’ Generation member – allkpop
Harry Potter likes Tiffany and Taeyeon…

Girls Generation get the boys out! – Kameilicious
… But not as much as Regis, I’m guessing.

Alternate Angles with Airi Suzuki – Hello! Project Feet
Wonderful Airi eycandy.

Miryo, JoHoney, Whatever, She’s Still Alright – Seoulbeats
A balanced, thoughtful assessment of the mini-album.

MayuMan to the Rescue! – Watanabe Mayu’s ‘Synchro TokiMeki’ Solo Debut PV Review! – Okay! Musume Time
Chiima’s a MACHINE today, with yet another review – this one on Mayuyu and her elaborate D&D masturbation fantasy.

Pic of the Day – Your Opinion Doesn’t Count
So were SNSD lost in translation? (Couldn’t resist.)

So SNSD Made Their American TV Debut Last Night… – The Groove Music Life
CJ shares his thoughts on the group’s performance that evening…

So SNSD Made Their US Morning Show Debut This Morning… – The Groove Music Life
… As well as the following morning.

U.S. magazine “The Atlantic” asks, “Does Korean Pop Actually Have a Shot at Success in the U.S.?” – Koreaboo
Addressing that article which is gaining some notoriety.

Simple isn’t Always Good – AKB48′s ‘Give Me Five!’ PV Review! – Okay! Musume Time
Chiima doesn’t like the video, likes the song, and is finally being won over by Yuko.

[IV] Fonchi ~ If Boku no Imouto – Jappydolls
So this is why she really didn’t need Idoling!!! anymore.

StylipS – “STUDYxSTUDY” Cover and MV Preview Released – Hello! SayuNii
Ado finds this group offers something of interest for fans of the individual members.

Murakami Sara Is Now Part Of A Group Called “Gekidan Her Best” – Hello! SayuNii
Another Momusu audition survivor moves on.

Brown Eyed Girls’ Ga-In poses in lingerie for ‘Yes’ – allkpop
Looking very gorgeous and stylish, as always.

Miryo Is Seoul’s Baddest Female – Seoulbeats
Ashley considers the presentation and marketing of Miryo’s solo debut.

Miryo – Dirty – Music Video Review – I Am Ipodman
Ipodman is enjoying the serious attitude on display here.

Seinaru Kaibutsutachi eps 1 and 2 – HamsapSukebe
Akiramike finds the mixing of genres problematic in this show.

Mayu Watanabe – Synchro Tokimeki PV – IXA Ready
The video is deemed charming, the song not-so-compelling, but loyalty to Mayuyu doesn’t fade.

Clip of the Day – Your Opinion Doesn’t Count
Baby Metal, motherfuckers! Baby Metal!

16-year-old Swedish boy to make his Visuel Kei debut in Japan – aramatheydidnt
I shouldn’t be turned on, but I really really REALLY am. Really.

Favorites of 2011!!! – Wota (in training)
It’s not too late to do 2001 In Review pieces? Well, then…

STUDIO APARTMENT releases Miss Universe feat. SU, ILMARI (from RIP SLYME), Kuroki Meisa – aramatheydidnt
The two Rip Slymers sound great, and Su looks good with hair!

ISSAxSoulJa to release 1st album! – aramatheydidnt
Da Pump will live on… forever!