Sunday, February 27, 2011

Get to know the 9th Generation of Morning Musume

It has nearly been two months all ready since the 9th Gen. joined, wow where does the time go! I realized I don't know a thing about them & sense I care about the soul / personality then physical beauty I went out of curiosity to see if any one had complied something on the new members & sure enough someone did so. Disclaimer: There is no way I can independently verify the information presented thus one must take such with some scepticism.

So first a closer look at Fukumura Mizuki 譜久村聖


Some were disapointed that Tsunku-san added an Hello!Porject Egg member to the group. In which makes no sense to me why some would think in this way for what is the point in having them to begin with? I'm surprised some have not been added to C-ute in my opinion. Sadly there are a number of them in or reaching thier late teens & with a culture obsessed with youth the remaining Eggs may find no place among the exsisting groups. Time will tell.
I myself am happy for her being added & was disapointed that my favorite Egg member Saho Akari wasn't, but better then nothing.

Points of interest for me. One, she's a wota of the very group she now finds herself apart as Niigaki Risa was when she joined being a big fan of Abe Natsumi. I feel this is a great part of her persona for it keeps her grounded & humble like Takahashi Ai. There have been times when the reality of her dream hits her & has been emotional at times. Understandable. 

Two, her "motto" is her faith in others. Something I lack for I've lost my faith in my fellow man ( too much Fox News / following Politics ). She is an inspiration to me.

Third, "She seems to be getting attached to Mitsui Aika". I can not think of a better Senpai for her. Aika-chan has such a pure heart & shouldn't be leaving MM anytime soon.

And now a closer look at Ikuta Erina 生田衣梨奈 



Quickly becoming the least popular member because her facial looks aren't good enough & being reserved doesn't help. Much like Konno Asami suffered till she became well endowed. Men! So hollow & simple minded. Yes I know I'm one thank you very much, I strive to be a honorable good man.

Points of interest for me. One, though there is no replacement for Kamei Eri she does have simularities in her persona when Eri-chan joined. Shy & "sleeping" as a favorite hobby & can "sleep anywhere"? MM seems to have a new "turtle" among them.

Two, I feel she will be the backbone of the 9th Gen. simply by observing her behavior. What she lacks in beauty by some peoples opinion in mine she more then makes up for it spiritualy. She has potencial to develop a pure heart as Konkon, Linlin & Aika have before her. If she continues to be ignored I'll be more then happy to be her sole American fan 8)>

And now a closer look at Sayashi Riho 鞘師里保



Clearly full of so much potencial & promise. Her previous experience obviously shows and seriously I'm looking forward to the upcoming Spring tour ( in which I feel is way to soon putting them all under excessive stress / pressure ). A late Summer tour would of been more idea.

Points of interest for me. One, her unbelieveable level of confidence.

Two, and who does she choose to look up to? None other then Ai-chan herself. Of course we all know she will be leaving us soon in which is the sad part. I'd of liked for her to grown under her leadership & can only hope she can learn from Ai-chan in what time that there is, though Risa the last member of the "golden era" will be there for her 8)

And now a closer look at Suzuki Kanon 鈴木香音



Credited for reminding the fans of Ogawa Makoto when she joined being energetic, extroverted & chatty I find her some what annoying, but nothing on the level of Kasumi Kohura ( no offense ) in which I just couldn't stand *laughing*. I'm sure she will surprise me over the years & I might just eat my words ( like anyone will remind me ) in time.

Points of interest for me, one being clearly the weakest member ( dancing ) her looking to Sayashi Riho will only improve her skills & like Konkon before her I am looking forward to see that progress.

Two, the further similaities to Mako-chan of "she wants to learn foreign languages and travel around the world" 8)

So who do you think who among these four is my favorite member? The only hint you get is "not who you first think of or the obvious choice". Anyhoo enjoy reading about them & time we will tell if the information provided is acurate.

Credits: Hello!Project Wiki Morning Musume  & to Raffi for the images.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

My all time top artist ~ Kitaro 喜多郎

I had never seen before or since in my lifetime anyone that as talented ( plays multiple instruments ), gifted ( conducts / writes ) & passionate about thier form of art then Kitaro. I was in my late teens when I started spending a lot of time with my cousin Jim whom introduce me to him way back in 1987 and have been a fan ever since. The first CD I bought was " Ki " & loved every song. Over the decades, yes thats right decades , I have been able to support him & own roughly 80% of his CD releases. His music hits me on a spiritual level & thus equate such to my worship of God. Why? Can not stand gospel music. No offense, but to me it is like kissing Gods butt. Gods know of your love, do so in secret for God sees in secret, for I say unto you those who do so in public have thier reward among men ( paraphrasing ). Anyhoo as you have seen he has been around for over 40 years thus I am sure you will find songs that you will like ( Samples ) . The following is just to get you feet wet.

Note:Custom videos set to his music.

Romance

Clouds in the Sky

I had the pleasure to see him live in concert in 1995. The feelings, the emotions were / are indescribable. So if you choose to follow his works all I can say is enjoy! You will not be disapointed.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

You Tube channels of J-vloggers

For those interested in Japan here are some video bloggers I follow.

The Japan Channel An old Aussie living in the country with great wisdom & understanding of the people & its culture. Funny how I've learned more from him then actual Japanese bloggers. A Great place to start is his "How to" playlist.


Tokyo Cooney A American living in Tokyo for the past 10+ years now. Originaly a stand up comic with his twisted point of view of life. Sure to give you a few laughs as you follow his journey.


Hiroko Channel A Japanese women point of view of the country. Great personality, intelligence & wisdom in equal measure. Her website should wish to support her HirokoChannel.com


Last, but not least Heavenly Swan . Sadly he is no longer with us, but well worth your time. Follow his life as he lived it from both first as a foreign exchange student then returning as a teacher.


They are by far quite a few others out there so happy hunting!

Friday, February 11, 2011

The one & only Ayaka 絢香

Yup you have guessed the theme of this post. Yet another J-pop ( solo ) artist for you to look into if you are not familar with Ayaka . In the America genres she could be considered "contemporary". She has such a beautiful voice & uses it quite well. I guess you can say she's a polarizing character for people ethier like her or not at all. Unfortunately she has suspended her career in 2009 to focus on her health after being diagnosised with Graves Disease . I can only hope she is able to manage her condition well enough to return. It will be a shame if we never hear her voice again. The following are a few favorites.

Voice

Mikazuki

Jewelry Day

I Believe


Tuesday, February 8, 2011

In a class of her own: Goto Maki 後藤真希

A J-pop ( Japanese popular music genre ) artitst you might like. Formerly of Morning Musume from 1999 to 2002. A solo artist with HiP ( Hello!Project ) till 2007. Most credit her popularity to the "golden era" e.g. AKB48 now enjoy. She really came into her own after signing with Avex record company. She has worked hard since then despite the lose of her Mother a year ago in which she was close to. Whether you are into "sex sales" marketing or not with her blessed looks it was the obvious move. Normaly I consider women who do such are "sale outs" not unlike a lot of American artists that I have NO repsect for ( poor morals/ethics ) & others borderline "human trash", though I do not her personaly ( duh! ) I know she isn't that kind of person at all. Her only equal if not her better in my opinion from Morning Musume is Takahashi Ai. To this day still modest & humble. The following are a few of my favorites.

Fly Away

Queen Bee

With...

Ashiato

Saturday, February 5, 2011

J-Rock group you might like

Another one of my favorite J-Rock groups. Not has heavy has "The Gazette", but I think you will find they too have a great consistant sound. "Abingdon Boys Schoolhttp://goo.gl/iEhdg caught my ear with thier single "Howling" & have been hooked ever since. Over the last two years I find I like more thier singles then most other J-Pop/Rock groups.

As you might of noticed when it comes to the "guy" groups I enjoy just thier music & really don't have any interest in getting to know them as individuals as I have with the all female group of Morning Musume. I know gee what a surprise there Haha! Anyhow give them a try & support them if you like. The following are just a few of my favorite songs/performances.

Howling


Blade Chord

From Dusk Till Dawn

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Must be nice...

to be a fan club member. First photo set of the new 9 member Morning Musume.
Whaaaa! http://www.up-fc.jp/helloproject/news_Info.php?id=1871 Maybe they will be available at http://www.hellostoreusa.com/ in a month or so. Credit to http://twitter.com/#!/metro0x t.O.M.o for the post.


Sayashi Riho