Watanabe Mayu’s last single “11gatsu no Anklet” is a final reminder of what AKB48 was all about

 

 

Honestly i was expecting AkiP to destroy Mayu’s graduation by giving her a meaningless commercial/drama-tied song. However, he must be feeling guilty for shoving Mayu behind the curtains all these years because the last single “11gatsu no Anklet” (“November’s Anklet”) is a nostalgic return to AKB48’s idol roots.

The composers of this song are Marutani Manabu and APAZZI. Marutani san is actually the same guy behind previous AKB48 songs like “Eien Pressure”, “Heart Eleki” and “Labrador Retriever”. Personally i liked most of them so i’m glad he delivered with “11gatsu no Anklet” too. Lyrics wise, i can finally see AkiP actually working hard because not only are they meaningful but also gives room for lotsa imagination.

Translation of Lyrics:

Wow wow wow wow
Wow wow wow yeah

With a semi-bob fringe and you smiling during the weekend
You suddenly asked to meet, what’s up?
An overcrowded beach house, a meeting way past its time.
The pancake we liked is still not coming.

Raising your left hand and showing me your ring finger
Did you want to say you’ve found a new boyfriend?
Ok! You Win!

November’s anklet, i still haven’t taken it off.
It’s the secret that you gave me(I’m sorry~)
Saying Hi to Bye
If you meet someone kinder than me, I can’t do anything about it
Will i be able to give up?

Wow wow wow wow
Wow wow wow yeah

It was supposed to be a happy news, but we’ve lapsed into silence
I want to stop you but it feels like i’d be chided for it
In the compact terrace cafe, on the other side of the windows
It seems like the colors of the sky and beach have faded
Miss you! He’s won! 

The Anklet from that summer, should i take it off now?
It’s swinging when i run on the beach
The memories of my ankle, under the blinding sun
Even the ripples from the waves are becoming sad as well

[Mayu’s solo] I planned to sort out my memories with you someday
I’ll just send them to his house.
Anklet anklet on my left ankle (Regret~)

November’s anklet, i still haven’t taken it off.
It’s the secret that you gave me(I’m sorry~)
Saying Hi to Bye
If you meet someone kinder than me, I can’t do anything about it
Will i be able to give up?

Wow wow wow wow
Wow wow wow yeah

Writing lyrics that paint a picture is actually what i love about 48Group songs, with my favorite piece of work being SKE48’s “Bukiyou Taiyou”. Even if the story is simple, it’s much more meaningful to listen to compared to the so-called hits “Koisuru Fortune Cookie” or “Heavy Rotation” which are basically empty in substance.

In “11gatsu no Anklet”, as usual, AkiP starts off writing from the perspective of a guy(shaded blue). The guy is a little nervous because he’s been called out to meet his ex-girlfriend. He realises she’s found a better someone and feels somewhat bitter because he’s still not over her. AkiP represents these feelings with a pretty catchy line “Ok! You Win!”

The guy ponders over his feelings for the girl while looking at his anklet, a couple item his ex gave. I particularly like how AkiP writes “Saying Hi to Goodbye” to represent the guy’s withdrawal from his ex.

Moving on the 2nd half of the song shaded red – this is where the lyrics get more ingenious. I’ve seen fans in China and Japan discussing what perspective the lyrics are being written from. Simply looking at it, it could still be the guy. But some think it was written from the ex-girlfriend’s perspective. And if that’s the case, the ex-girlfriend has remaining feels for the guy too which makes this an incredibly heart-tugging story.

Overall, the feelings of this guy is pretty much like how fans of Mayu would feel with her graduation. Sad, not so ready to give her up.

 

[AKB48 Sousenkyo]Watanabe Mayu to graduate, a Kami7 legend no one else will surpass

Updating~

This is my last time participating in Sousenkyo. From the first year, i was ranked 4th, 5th, 5th, 2nd, 3rd, 1st, 3rd and 2nd and was always in Kami7 thanks to the fans’ support. I can’t thank you all enough. As it’s the last time, i wanted to challenge myself once more and win No.1 again but unfortunately i was 2nd. It was really blissful thus far receiving your support and warm words on Twitter. It would be a lie if say i have no regrets. But I am happy. 

I’m sorry to say it this way, but I, Watanabe Mayu will graduate from AKB48. I entered AKB48 when I was 12. In July, it will be my 10th year here. I have experienced alot and learnt much. From now, i will step out into the world and start from zero. I want to leave AKB48 to the youngsters. There is not much time left for this year but i will realise my responsiblities as a member of AKB48.

(Responding to MC question) I’ve been thinking about this the past 2,3 years. In the end, i decided myself. I think i have nothing left to do in AKB.”

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Coming up

• Sutou Ririka announces marriage (NO JOKE!)
• AKB48 Takahashi Juri, Okada Nana express anger at members who landed themselves in scandals/learning from Sashihara.
• Sashihara begs fans not to ditch 48 Group (TOO LATE!)

Shimazaki Haruka gets backlash for Ghibli ambitions then retracts her statement

Shimazaki Haruka who announced her dreams of being a seiyuu for Ghibli Studios during her graduation announcement has provoked criticisms from anime fans and antis.

This was due to her talking about not having the abilities to become an actress yet, then following it up with her dreams of being a seiyuu for Ghibli. This made it seem she could easily become a seiyuu even if acting doesn’t work out.

“Paruru please don’t become a seiyuu for Ghibli.”
“Is she dumb? Looking down on the seiyuus?”
“I liked her but i hope she didn’t speak of it so casually…this isn’t what anyone can do.”

On the 4th October, Shimazaki tweeted “I don’t remember talking about wanting to become a seiyuu. Also, it isn’t easy to become one if i say i will.”

She later deleted these tweets.

Source Source

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AKB48 Shimazaki Haruka announces graduation through CM

Shimazaki Haruka announced her graduation from AKB48 through a new advertisement for “Baitoru”, a job seeking website.

“I will be ending my activities with AKB within the year,” she reported. Her last handshake will be Christmas Eve, and last stage performance will be 2 days after.

Regarding her future she said “I can’t say i’m going to be an actress with my abilities now, but there’s the meaning of being positive about it. It has always been my dream to become a seiyuu for Ghibli.”

Source

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Even tho i could see it coming, i expected some news about Kojiharu to come around first. Anyway this tie-in with Baitoru is such a untrendy way of graduating.

Watanabe Miyuki talks about Sayanee and her hopes for a new NMB48

NMB48 Watanabe Miyuki talked about her wishes for a new NMB during a radio show on 21st June 2016.

Her new NMB48
“It’s difficult to imagine a new 2-top consisting Sayachan and someone. It’s better to create a new NMB,” she said. “On the contrary, it’s pitiful for Sayanee to continue as center. Sayachan is known for being the captain….it’d be better balanced if others were the double centers and Sayanee is in 2nd line center, like she’s supporting them.”

Her ideal formation
“If i think about all the members, Nagichan(Shibuya Nagisa) and Mirurun(Shiroma Miru) for double centers. Center for 2nd line would be Sayanee. On her side – Ririka(Sutou Ririka, Fuuchan(Yagura Fuuko). Riripon and Juri are good too.”

On Sayanee
On a previous occasion, Sayanee mentioned that they were formidable when standing next to each other, showing her utmost trust. In return, Watanabe said that Sayanee was the person she was destined to meet in her life.

On that, Milky said “That speech is true, but what i don’t want people to get confused about – SayaMiru are not dating(laugh), it wouldn’t be right if we are taken to be good friends. However, good or bad, we greatly influence each other in many ways. In that sense, i said we’re destined to meet.”

“I too think that i’m here because of Sayachan. If she weren’t around i would be living an entirely different life. It’s surreal.”

Source

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In related news, Milky’s graduation concert will be held on 3rd & 4th July 2016 at Kobe World Memorial Hall. NicoNico will stream her concert from 6pm Japan Time on 3rd July 2016.

Also, checkout her last single “Boku wa Inai” in recent music festivals.

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Preorder her last single below:

Type A

Type B

Type C

Type D

Takahashi Minami Graduation Concert DVD

The concert features Takamina’s last performances in Yokohama Stadium, starting with Maeda Atsuko’s appearance for a duet of “Omoi de no Hotondo”. Fellow ex-AKB48 graduates Oshima Yuko, Itano Tomomi, Shinoda Mariko also make their appearances, making it the grandest send-off for Takamina. A total of 31 songs featuring Takamina as center were performed.

The DVD titled Shuku Takahashi Minami Sotsugyo “148.5cm no Mita Yume” in Yokohama Stadium will be released on 20th July 2016.

Source

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Pre-order her graduation DVD below:

DVD

BLU-RAY

Kojima Haruna to finally announce graduation today(?)

Hitting headlines first thing in the morning..

AKB48 member Kojima Haruna(28) will be announcing her graduation from the group during AKB48 General Elections 2016, to be held at Hard Off Eco Stadium in Niigata today.

According to a related personnel, she has been eyeing this opportunity since months ago and preparing for it.

 

However, another person says that Kojima  has been practicing her graduation announcement and expecting results from it. Since the morning papers broke her news in advance, she might change her mind.

Source

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I believe it’s time…high expectations for this!

Watanabe Miyuki announces graduation from NMB48

Credit Sponichi

NMB48 Watanabe Miyuki (22) has announced her graduation from the group on 13th April 2016, during a theater life in Osaka.

Speaking in tears “Compared to when i first joined NMB48, it took even more determination to graduate. The juniors are shining. From the bottom of my heart, I want to leave NMB48 to the next generation.”

To Yamamoto Sayaka who was also present on stage, she said “We’re the same age, about the same height, and belong to the same blood type. To the end, we’re not able to be friends, but you’re the person i’m most fated to meet. It’s really regretful that i’m not able to be honest, but more than anyone i know that you’re a great person and really respect you. I’ve never been able to relay this message, but i’ll pluck up the courage here and tell you now.”

Yamamoto was apparently the only one who knew about her graduation plans beforehand. She said “Being in NMB48 by itself is not an answer, nor is it the path to success. To Milky who has been with us all the way, we would like to believe in the road you choose.”

Watanabe Miyuki did not elaborate on the specific date or her future plans.

Finally, Yamamoto also revealed that she has discussed with Akimoto Yasushi to have her concurrency in AKB48 removed so she can concentrate on NMB48.

Source

NMB48 Watanabe Miyuki hints at not participating in this year’s AKB48 General Elections

During the 20th Feb episode of  “AKB48 Show!”, she expressed uncertainty at participating in this year’s General Elections.

“Is this the place that i should really care about? It might not, so i’m uncertain. People have different dreams, and mine isn’t the elections.”

When Takamina asked her if she was considering graduation, Watanabe admitted and said “If there’s a timing. Indeed, graduating is also somewhat my aim, as it requires courage to graduate.”

Source

She also talked about wanting to grasp happiness now instead of planning out her life step by step. Her segment of the show appears towards the end.

Morning Musume ’15 releases Triple-A side, Sayashi Riho’s last single

“Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi” was written by Tsunku.It was originally meant to be Sayashi Riho’s solo song but it became an A-side for all the members to sing. He imagines Sayashi’s feelings of departing from a crush as he wrote this song.The MV features Sayashi’s solo dance.

“Endless Sky” is a song talking about moving towards the future. Tsunku wanted this to be embraced by all graduating students in the coming spring.

“One and Only”is the opening theme song for NHK World’s “J-Melo” show. It is entirely in English and Tsunku imagined it to be Morning Musume’s next tour opening song.

I chanced upon these MVs yesterday and liked “Tsumetai Kaze” immediately. Endless Sky is not bad too…more idol-like.

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Purchase their single below:

Limited Edition A

Limited Edition B

Limited Edition C

Regular Edition