Intl Wota was well received, its readership growing over the next couple years. I grew restless and decided to leave IW in the hands of others. A little over a year ago I returned to IW, and since then we’ve revamped the site a couple of times, changing it to better suit the demands it can place on the staff.

However, I’m growing restless again and knew it was time to close International Wota for good. I actually would have shut it down sooner, but figured reaching the five year mark was a worthy enough goal to see through. We’ve had a good run, the site has played itself out, and it’s time to move on.

This is NOT to say that the project at the core of IW won’t continue. I will keep on covering our corner of the blogosphere and encourage a sense of community among idol bloggers. But I’ll be doing so under a different model, with different rules, and a different domain. I’ve already started working on the new site, and it will debut in ten days’ time.

In closing, I’d like to thank everyone who’s contributed to Intl Wota – there’ve been over thirty since we first started – for their time, effort, and patience. I also want to thank all our readers, and all the bloggers we’ve covered over the years for sharing in our mutual love of idols of all kinds. I’d like to think that Intl Wota has not only done a good job, but also done some good – most notably with our auction to help disaster relief last year, but also in encouraging a dialogue among the overseas fan community about Japanese (and more recently Korean) idols. It’s exactly that dialogue which makes the overseas idol fan community worth covering, and which has grown increasingly sophisticated and productive in the past half-decade.

That’s all folks. See you on March 28!

Meisa Kuroki to make first appearance since marriage – aramatheydidnt
So will she be showing off her baby bump?

Shibata Ayumi – “Setsuna” Short PV Preview Released – Hello! SayuNii
Shibata is looking real good here…

Official Shibata Ayumi Facebook Page Opened – Hello! SayuNii
And now we can social media-fy with her, too!

6 active minutes: Sakura Station – Plastic Candy
Alvy celebrates spring with one of his mix tape posts.

Sexy Zone Variety – Never Ending Music Power
Doing what comes natural for any JE group…

Sexy Zone’s Lady Diamond and new dramas – Never Ending Music Power
And even more Sexy Zone for the small screen!

Officially Addicted – NU’EST “FACE” – Shanimuni Paradise
Tsukiki falls hard for the Pledis boy band, especially the gorgeous gorgeous Ren…

Releases and Reviews~ – Konno’s Story
… And more love for Nu’est, as well as others.

2012 H!P Ranking Explanation – Wota (in training)
Mina goes through her top twenty.

Sayarin’s daughter likes akb more than momusu? – aramatheydidnt
Children like the darnedest things? As in, what everyone else seems to like.

Super Junior’s Sungmin is “Marilyn Mingro”? – allkpop
I’m sorry, Sungmin, but you’re no Ren. Not even close.

~「TGIF!」Idol♥’s unzipped on way back Fridays~ (volume 12) – モーニングBerryz48
Enomoto Kanno headlines this look back to 2002!\lo!

This Is A Hello! Project Kenshuusei (Egg) Post. – aramatheydidnt
Oh wow, that Akari looks pretty sexy!

Pocket Morning Berryz Weekly Q&A (Week of 3/9/2012) from H!O~!!! – Chuu! Sugoi! Idol
Momoko’s answer is best.

SDN48 [Next Encore] 1st Day Sales – MELOS no Michi
Will this save the group? I have no idea.

Happiness’ 4th single “We Can Fly” Details! – aramatheydidnt
They’re still around? And up to their fourth single? Really?

Akimoto Yasushi Talks About SDN48 – MELOS no Michi
I find this statement puzzling: surely Aki-P isn’t as impotent to guide SDN48′s fate as he seems to imply here?

Kis-My-Ft2 to get their own variety show – Never Ending Music Power
Oh please let everyone – hosts, guests, audience – be on roller skates.

Aya Ueto in Leslie Kee’s “THE COLORS OF HOPE” photobook – aramatheydidnt
More Ueto loveliness, with artistic intent as icing on the cake.

Ranran to be Regular in Golf Nadeshiko – aramatheydidnt
Our Pop Overlords continue to expand their reach beyond music.

JYJ, Sasaeng Fans, and Reconstructing the K-pop Industry – Seoulbeats
An excellent essay that shows how the extremes of fandom spring from the more mundane expressions of fondness we take for granted.

I Want Some “CANDY CANDY”~ – Konno’s Story
Konno has great fondness for his “fav Harajuku bitch”.

Entertained and Charmed – A.B.C.-Z’s ‘Za ABC ~5stars~’ PV Review! – Okay! Musume Time
Chiima pays loving attention to her current favorite Johnny’s PV.

Pic of the Day – Your Opinion Doesn’t Count
Better a Nagel than a Leroy Neiman.

Arama Original: Ameblo net idols – aramatheydidnt
A fascinating look at a kind of idol most of us usually don’t consider.

Full audio of Morning Musume’s ‘Renai Hunter’ – aramatheydidnt
It would have been nice to hear more than the regular 4, but oh well, C’est La freakin’ Vie…

[Updated] HQ Covers Of Morning Musume’s “Renai Hunter” Released – Hello! SayuNii
Is it bad that I think Niigaki’s solo cover looks better than what Ai got?

Ray’s Picks

Acchan, Sasshi and Mariko are classy in the morning while drinking Wonda coffee – aramatheydidnt
AKB48 doing morning coffee!

BiS – Little Bit Of Fun – Pure Idol Heart
Is it me, or is the novelty wearing thin?

Taku Takahashi LASHES OUT ON TWITTER “fuck jpop” – aramatheydidnt
Another case of social media fail, it looks like.

Pocket Morning Weekly Q&A (week of 3/13/2012) from H!O~!!! – Chuu! Sugoi! Idol
Doesn’t Shining Musume count as a fairy tale?

Orgasmic Expressions and Puppy-Dog Eyes – Hey! Say! Jump!’s ‘Super Delicate’ PV Review!!! – Okay! Musume Time
Chiima squees over Ryosuke and company. Can you blame her?

Have You Seen JUMP Lately? – aramatheydidnt
A huge improvement in wardrobe from the PV…

Sparkles and Orgy Parties Galore! – Arashi’s ‘Wild At Heart’ PV Review!!! – Okay! Musume Time
Rumor has it that Chiima’s going to rename her blog Okay! Johnny Time.

YG Entertainment to open offices in the U.S and Hong Kong – Koreaboo
The expansion of the hallyu empire.

GYM – Fever to Future PV review – Never Ending Music Power
This is the first JE video I really loved, and it’s great to see a screencap review by Thenarry.

V6 leader Sakamoto becomes new TV chef – MomoEdgewood’s Mediawatch
Well, he can at least get a fry cook job if this idol business doesn’t pan out…

Pic of the Day – Your Opinion Doesn’t Count
Langdimus shares some Nakky love.

Bunshin ep 4 and how good is Nagasawa Masami? – HamsapSukebe
Akiramike considers the acting ability of the actress and what suits her best.

New girl group BTswing releases debut MV “Rescue 101″ – allkpop
I like how they try to appear sultry while wearing Mickey Mouse T-shirts.

Aya Ueto 25ans magazine April issue scans + translated interview! – aramatheydidnt
Aya’s grown as beautiful now as she was when she was jailbait. Whoda think it?

KARA becomes the first girl group to be made into figure dolls – allkpop
Oh, but are they as anatomically correct as fans need them to be?

#9 Smile ☆Pocket (スマイル☆ポッケト) – Pure Idol Heart
Gaki continues to share idols we likely haven’t heard of, here…

#11 Pinafore (ぴなふぉあ) – Pure Idol Heart
… And here.

SMAP’s Takuya Kimura caught speeding twice – MomoEdgewood’s Mediawatch
I joked about this with my wife, but she got all serious and wanted to know how fast he went and how long. So I guess it IS a big deal for Japanese citizens.

Introducing… The Yamashita Brothers – Never Ending Music Power
Thennary profiles these former Johnny’s Juniors and their career trajectory.

In the never ending fanfic known as Jin’s life – Japanese Entertainment Rumors
Nothing like impending fatherhood to change a person’s attitude.

Guess what? H!P’s company isn’t poor, it’s just cheap! – aramatheydidnt
Now fans don’t have to worry about H!P going under, just H!P downsizing for the sake of greater profit.

Shinoda Mariko Will Be a Seiyuu for Kami Usagi Rope Movie – MELOS no Michi
Because being a seiyuu for the AKB anime would be too obvious…

SDN48′s Final Single Reaches New Heights on Oricon Weekly Charts – aramatheydidnt
Good news even as the final bad news looms nearer.

After School releases first full Japanese album, “Playgirlz” – Koreaboo
I never got into their Japanese activities, but I’m still happy to see this.

Hump Day Eye Candy Extravaganza – Your Opinion Doesn’t Count
“Drill me” takes on a different connotation here.

Maybe I’m just a massive prude but… well one of… – Idols and Hollywood
A response to that candy-swapping kiss promo.

AKB48, SKE48, NMB48, HKT48 and Club Activities – MELOS no Michi
Next: homeroom assignments and detention.

Because You Were There for Me: Sashihara Rino – MELOS no Michi
She’s insulted by both Aki-P and her grandma in this article.

Anna Tsuchiya- “Is the Love?” clip – Neaux Clicked on It
She is looking so damn beautiful here! Wow!

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu- “Candy Candy” PV – Neaux Clicked on It
In America, she’d be a postmodern installation artist at the SFMOMA. In Japan she’s a pop star.

Hallyu Hits Pyongyang – Seoulbeats
Shades of Nancy Sinatra!

Big Comic Spirits No.14 [2012] – Jappydolls
This is an all-Mayuyu file for you AKB fans out there!

AKB48 to Perform in Washington, DC March 27th 2012! – New School Kaidan
This is an unexpected treat for American fans! Maybe we’ll see Congressmen waving lightsticks!

[AMERICA] AKB48 to Perform in Washington DC’s National Cherry Blossom Festival – MELOS no Michi
Here is the line-up for the event.

Unleashing the Inner Fangirl – KAT-TUN’S ‘LOCK-ON’ PV Review!!! – Okay! Musume Time
Chiima squees over a Johnny’s group, especially Kame. Can you blame her?

Temple Students And Professor Compose Song For 1-Year Anniversary Of Japanese Earthquake – aramatheydidnt
Another video to commemorate the Tohoku tragedy.

“S/mileage MegaBank Vol.5 ~2 Years Anniversary Special~” Announced – Hello! SayuNii
Like Ayuchii, I can’t help but marvel at all the changes they’ve undergone in the past year alone.

ABCHO 1st Single Announced, Titled “Me wo Tojite Gyusshiyo” . Hello! SayuNii
As long as there’s some hot lesbianic subtext, I’m looking forward to this.

GACKT Visits Earthquake Memorial Services in Iwate and Miyagi – aramatheydidnt
Gackt and his band pay their respects.

Dream Morning Musume Memorial Pack For Android, Recochoku, and iTunes Announced – Hello! SayuNii
This is a great tie-in to the momentous concert at the Budokan.

CinDy in Watarirouka Hashiritai 7?! | Rant – Wandering Wota
An argument against CinDy that is both passionate and thoughtful.

Lessons Learned from the Idol Challenge – Samurai Tamashii
A personal look at the difficulties of idol blogging. I’m sure many of us can sympathize.

Jin Akanishi – Japonicana – Selective Hearing
Greg likes the album but doesn’t see it making the inroads it should with the American market.

~Smap vs. Jero – モーニングBerryz48
MB goes back to 2008 for this meeting of musical greats over some balls.

Nogizaka46 vs Sasshi Is On! . IXA Ready
My money’s on Sasshi.

Chef Tatsuya Kawagoe Debuts as Artist – aramatheydidnt
This guy should team up with Shingo Mama.

Amuro Namie to hold 20th anniversary live in her hometown Okinawa – Karakui.net
Twenty years? Amuro is indeed like fine wine.

Pic of the Day – Your Opinion Doesn’t Count
KFM rears its head again, Langdimus style.

Photo of the Day – Genki Almost Idol
And this is a case of FFF, amirite?

Jmovie review: The Last Ronin / Saigo no Chuushingura – HamsapSukebe
Akiramike finds himself enchanted by a particular presence in this movie.

tutumon:This is seriously the tiniest PB ever XD So cute… – Idols and Hollywood
So does this mean you can only fap with your thumb and pointer finger?

pup:bamboobranch:koiwokatarushijin:Sayaka’s interview from… – Idols and Hollywood
A great article about Sayaka and the Philippines.

haruchan16:Kawaii~them Dimples~ ;A;Is it just me or has… – Idols and Hollywood
I think she just realizes there’s life after AKB, and is acting accordingly.

One year on since the Tohoku Earthquake, Marching J has raised more than 800 million yen – MomoEdgewood’s Mediawatch
Marching J ends on a high note, making an astounding amount of money for disaster relief.

Keiichiro Koyama says meeting earthquake victims made him grateful he was in Johnny’s – MomoEdgewood’s Mediawatch
I like how being an idol is seen as a positive role here and not just some frivolity.

#8 Otome☆Corporation (オトメ☆コーポレーション) – Pure Idol Heart
Office Lady idols? What’s next, nuns? Pharmacists? Train station attendants?

This Week in Music 03.14.2012 – New School Kaidan
Why hello, Station♪…

T-ara donates to the victims of the Fukushima nuclear disaster – allkpop
It’s great to see T-ara has their hearts in the right place.

Faithless But Longing – Plastic Candy
Alvy considers his love of TVXQ ans their split into two groups.

Nishino Kana sets digital record with 10 #1 consecutive singles – aramatheydidnt
Congratulations to Nishino, it’s interesting to see if she’ll build with this through more song apps.

Info: Jung ah and Son Dambi Recorded a Song Together! – AfterSchool ❤
It’s great seeing Jungah singing beyond After School.

Berryz Koubou – Be Genki (Naseba Naru!) PV – Selective Hearing
Greg, like myself, finds his superheroic expectations dashed against the rocks.

がんばろうニッポン – Genki Almost Idol
Martha shares a song with us to commemorate the Tohoku anniversary.

Girls’ Generation releases teaser for “Time Machine” PV – Koreaboo
I bet they’re going to make Hyoyeon play a Morlock.

Kis-My-Ft2 turn into girl band for new commercial – MomoEdgewood’s Mediawatch
I’m intrigued but not as turned on as I thought I’d be.

Kazuya Kamenashi wishes he could turn into a girl and wear skirts – MomoEdgewood’s Mediawatch
Now THIS turns me on… but only if Kame’s female self is named Meisa.

Pic of the Day – Your Opinion Doesn’t Count
Langdimus admires a geographical landmark.

Possible New Puccho CM. Kuchiutsushi no Puccho? – MELOS no Michi
I want to see them continue this idea with a mouthwash ad.

Hello! Project Feet Q&A for 3/12/12 – Hello! Project Feet
I like the advice to a boy who wants to meet girls who’ll enjoy his foot fetish.

Oguri Shun, Yamada Yu to marry on March 14 – Tokyograph
So it looks like Yu does prefer domestic over imports.

PV Round-up: Be Genki, Kimi wa Jitensha and Tasogare Kousaten – THE Blogpower!!!
Kath looks at three recent H!P PVs for us.

I Love You Japan ~For 3.11, From U.S.A.~: support on March 11 – aramatheydidnt
A wonderful tribute video showing support for Japan across the United States.

AKB48 SKE48 NMB48 HKT48 Charity Performance Set List – MELOS no Michi
Details of yesterday’s show.

SKE48 Member Injured At Today’s Performance – IXA Ready
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Johnny’s talents begin donation collections at Tokyo Dome – aramatheydidnt
Johnny’s continues to do their part.

~One year ago today – モーニングBerryz48
MB still has some lovely T-shirts available, for those wanting to show their Aloha spirit.

Kuninaka Ryoko～♥…from Okinawa with love. – モーニングBerryz48
One of MB’s patented, uber-comprehensive profiles, this time of Okinawa idol Kuninaka Ryoko.

Watanabe Mayu – Synchro Tokimeki – Selective Hearing
Chiima covers all of Mayuyu’s debut, and finds much of it to her liking.

Photos from Dream Morning Musume’s Budokan Concert ft. some guests – aramatheydidnt
More details, more photos, and more anticipation about actually watching this whole.

Introducing Cheeky Parade (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻ – aramatheydidnt
They’re loli in age, but are they loli in spirit?

#7 Asfi – Pure Idol Heart
Unless people actually get hurt in their shows, that F in their name is a lie.

Jdorama ramblings 12/3/12 – HamsapSukebe
Akiramike does some quickies; that last Shaken Baby! screencap is a winner.

quiltyy: Fresh jr~ Ooo~ Who that on the bottom right? What a… – Idols and Hollywood
Fresh meat for the grinder. Who the grinder is, I don’t need to say.

Yajima Maimi & Suzuki Airi Acoustic Live DVD Announced – Hello! SayuNii
This actually sounds kind of interesting.

AKB48 Earthquake Anniversary Performance To Be Streamed Live 3/11/12 14:30 Japan Time! – New School Kaidan
It’s coming up in a few hours, so get ready!

Hello! Project Orgasm~~~~~ – Konno’s Story
I just call it “Time with Yuuka’s Photobook” but… Oh wait, this is about the great new releases from H!P. Never mind.

misono’s weight loss secret? :( – Japanese Entertainment Rumors
A sad story, especially considering how tumultuous her solo career’s been.

Akina Minami, Gravure Gamer, Playing Blaze of Time – aramatheydidnt
Gravure and gaming always seem to make a great combo.

Interview with SNSDKorean (Part 2) – Selective Hearing
The discussion continues on the site, the fans, and SNSD themselves.

~「TGIF!」Idol♥’s unzipped on way back Fridays~ (volume 11) – モーニングBerryz48
MB goes back to 1997 for a look at idols from that time.

A Dream Come True: Dream Morning Musume Special 2012 Budokan Concert – Not Another K-Blog!!!
A wonderful account of the concert, making me eagerly anticipate the concert DVD.

Urano Kazumi to Join Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 Tentatively – MELOS no Michi
Apparently, they’re contractually bound to be seven no matter what…