50 fans experience getting married with Kojima Haruna

AKB48 Kojima Haruna(27) marked sales of 150,000 for her photobook “Dousuru?” with a special event for fans on the 18th May 2015. This event is titled “Kojima Haruna and 50 Bridegrooms”.

As suggested, 50 lucky fans who bought Kojima’s photobook were chosen to attend a reception where they would experience getting married to Kojima Haruna. Kojima turned up in complete wedding dress and took a photo with all 50 bridegrooms. Pictures of her growing up were played on a screen and she even cut the wedding cake to make the whole experience more realistic. “I’m happy to be surrounded by men dressed in such a beautiful dress,” she said.

Having just turned 27 on the 19th April, Kojima confessed to feeling worried since it is said that wearing a wedding dress before getting married would jinx her chances in future. “I feel the crisis. Once i graduate, when i think about meeting people, there’s not much time.”

Kojima also expressed excitement when talking about blind meetings. “I want to do them! My ideal type is someone kind, funny, and calm.Someone who doesn’t expect anything of me.”

When Tokyo Sports offered to help her source for the ideal partner, she said “Your choices can’t be reliable. No way!” When asked if she found the ideal partner in any of the 50 fans who attended her event today, she also denied.

On this day figure skater Asada Mao announced her return to competitive skating. When asked if she had decided to graduate yet, Kojima said “Hmm….For me, it’s also half half!” (She’s actually mimicking Asada Mao who once said her chances of continuing skating is 50-50.

On the upcoming Sousenkyo which will take place on 6th June at Fukuoka’s Yafuoku Dome, Kojima said that she’d probably not be able to see anything from outside. “I will go to the event location but I’m not sure,” she laughed.

Kojima also said that she hopes fellow first generation member Takahashi Minami(24) would place first, and also showed her support for Minegishi Minami.
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Kojima Haruna talks about graduation at Peach John event

This is a Peach John Selfie Party which Kojima Haruna attended yesterday. She was interviewed on her graduation, and the recently released Kibouteki Refrain music video which features graduated aces like Maeda Atsuko and Oshima Yuko.

When do you take selfies?
I don’t do it on special occasions, but like randomly everyday.

What is the trick to taking a good selfie?
I have been doing it since middle school, so i’ve learnt the good angles. If i take a cute picture, my tension would go up.

What are the most impressionable selfies you’ve taken?
I actually passed the auditions for AKB thanks to a selfie. I took a selfie in high school and thought it was cute so i sent it for auditions. As expected i passed.

What are your impressions of the latest “Kibouteki Refrain” MV?
It was like…”Wow Acchan!”

What are the members’ thoughts about the graduated members?
Like legendary..*laughs*

Your graduation announcement has not happened?
It’s not like i didn’t think about it. I wanted to do it if i won the Janken Tournament. But i didn’t. However, i’ve already decided on the dress I’d wear and the songs for my graduation stage. What’s left is the date. The timing is important. (On the method of announcement) I’ll not do what everyone else has done.

 

Kojizaka46 makes a debut with original song “Kaze no Razen”

Kojima Haruna, who earned herself much spotlight with self-created subunit Kojizaka46 during the recent AKB48 5th Janken Tournament, made an official debut with her group during a Nogizaka46 concert on 15th October.

Making a surprise appearance onstage together with 5 other members whom she initially recruited for the Jankan Tournament, she first introduced the group before announcing the rest of the senbatsu members.

After that, they performed Kojizaka46’s original song “Kaze no Razen”.

“Even though i didn’t request for it, somehow only my choreography was made easy,” Kojima revealed, drawing laughter from the audience.

Kojizaka46 was initially meant to disband after the Janken Tournament, whether Kojima won or lost. However, with support from the Nogizaka46 members, including Ikoma Rina who was recruited during the Janken event, Kojima was able to progress to the final rounds. “I was able to come thus far with the support of you, so I won’t disband even if I win,” she said.

The song will be included as a coupling track in AKB48’s 38th single “Kibouteki Refrain”, to be released 26th November.

Source

Firstly, i love that Nogizaka style flowing skirt. It looks so elegant and the pastel blue is so pleasing on the eyes!The dance looks very graceful too and i’m glad they made it simple for Kojiharu because i can’t imagine her juggling Center of Kojizaka, Center of Janken Coupling Song, and Senbatsu of Kibouteki Refrain all at the same time. I can’t wait to hear the full song….read elsewhere the lyrics actually make the song sound like a graduation song?

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Purchase the AKB48 38th Single “Kibouteki Refrain” here:
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**Limited Type A**
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**Limited Type D**

Kojima Haruna’s graduation announcement: Is it long overdue?

Is she really serious about graduating?

Seems like dragging it out  is having the opposite effect for AKB48 Kojima Haruna(26), who has been hinting about graduating for perhaps far too long.

Ever since touching on the topic at the AKB48 6th General Elections in June, Kojima has time and again denied graduating on different occasions – Tokyo Dome concert in August, radio shows, pr events and the most recent Janken Tournament in September.

After the Janken Tournament in September, Kojima said that she’d have graduated if she had won over Watanabe Miyuki in the final round. AKB48 Watanabe Mayu(20) also commented that Kojima’s chances of graduating if she had won was as high as 90%, but since she lost, she’d probably be around for awhile more.

Group producer Akimoto Yasushi (56) apparently left it to the girl herself to decide on her retirement from AKB48, but looks like her Janken lost would require her to work till at least end of the year.

“As Kojima said herself, if she won the solo debut from Janken Tournament,it’d give her the excuse to graduate since she’d have a graduation song.  Since she placed 2nd, Akimoto san said she’d have to stay on for another half a year, so it’d be difficult for her to graduate within the year.” -AKB related personnel.

Those who placed 2nd to 16th in the Janken Tournament are scheduled to sing the coupling song for winner Watanabe Miyuki’s solo CD. For Kojima, who is the center for that coupling song, and also a senbatsu member for AKB48’s 38th single (to be released 26th November), her schedule couldn’t be busier.

Also, as reported, the reason why Kojima couldn’t decide on her graduation date was because she’s still troubled about her career direction after graduation.

“She wants to have a relaxed career just like now. Frankly, she isn’t expecting her fans to be reckless, so being relaxed is her good point. However, if turns solo she’d have to work harder than before like the rest of the graduated members. She isn’t sure if she can do it and seems to be scared,” said the same person.

Somehow, her undecided attitude is also drawing criticisms.

“Kojima is making comments in various places, saying things like she’s got a few months left in AKB and this is like a digestive period. Even though she has no bad intentions, staff is saying that it’s rude to other members who are working hard and thinking about Kojima. They think she should be more careful about her actions,” says another related personnel.

Akimoto san had praised Kojima as the “greatest entertainer in history”, and promised to back her up if she turns solo. Hopefully, she will find her direction soon and show us a “Kojiharu” style graduation announcement.

Source

Just want to say …NO ONE should force the girl to graduate. I personally want Kojiharu to stay on just cos no one entertains me as much as she does.

Performances from Ongaku no Hi 2014

This is an annual music program from TBS that brings together the greatest idols/bands/artistes. Hosted by SMAP’s Nakai Masahiro, this year’s “Ongaku no Hi” will last for as long as 13 hours, making it the longest running music program ever.

Check out the list of performing artistes here.

Highlights of the show:

• French Kiss perform new folk song”Omoidasenai Hana”, showing off their harmony
• Yamapi dances to “Summer Nude ’13”, ends with some fanservice
• Special collaborations between AKB48-E-girls-Solo female artistes

Selected performances below:

Yamamoto Sayaka – Jungle Gym

Watanabe Mayu – Synchro Tokimeki

NMB48 – Nagiichi/Ibiza Girl

SKE48 – Pareo wa Emerald/Bukiyou Taiyou

AKB48 – Tenohira ga Kataru Koto

AKB48 (Shimazaki Haruka center) – Candy Candy
Paruru with twintails is the epitome of kawaii! So..this is the AKB48 without Mayuyu/Takamina/Kojiharu!

AKB48 – Kokoro no Placard/Manatsu no Sounds Good/Koisuru Fortune Cookie
In the performance of KNP, Mayuyu holds up a signboard asking Nakai(MC) if he’d sing a duet with her, which he replied with a no. The MCs then join in the fun with Nakai showing a signboard asking Oshima Yuko if she’s watching the show. These signboard gimmicks are so fun!

Nogizaka46 – Oide Shampoo/Natsu no Free & Easy

French Kiss – Omoidasenai Hana

E-girls – Gomenasai no Kissing You/E.G. Anthem ~we are venus~

EXILE Takahiro – I Love You

SID – Monochrome no Kiss/ Enamel

DAIGO – Change!!

Golden Bomber – Rola no Kizudarake

Kinki Kids – Flower / Hey Minna Genki Kai?

Yamashita Tomohisa – Summer Nude ’13

Kis-My-Ft2 – Another Future/Perfect World

Sexy Zone – Otoko never give up/Bad boys
I decided to get to know these guys after hearing so much about them but…there’s a Jin inside?! I like their songs but i’m not sure the boys are too cool for their age?!

Sekai no Owari – RPG/Honoo to Mori no Carnival

Special Collaborations

Kojima Haruna/Ami/May J – Ashita ga aru sa

Kahala Tomomi/Ami/Aya/Takamina/Mayuyu – Makenaide

 

Kojima Haruna talks about her graduation date

Kojima Haruna appeared at an event on 24th December 2013 to promote her first photobook “Kojiharu”. The book also contains interviews, some of which talking about her graduation. She commented “After Acchan graduated, i’ve always thought about my own timing. As i was doing this photobook i thought about giving back to the fans more, so i’ll wait for awhile..”

In addition, first week sales figures for her photobook has just been released on Oricon. Congratulations to Nyan Nyan for ranking No.1!

If you’re interested in Kojima Haruna’s first photobook, you may purchase it below.

Kojima Haruna 1st Photo Book: Kojiharu (Kodansha Mook) (Title subject to change) / Kodansha

Kojiharu on being appointed center: “I just wanted to graduate peacefully”

 

A few articles about Kojiharu came out today…

Kojiharu: “My fans will be happy because i get more screen time now”
AKB48’s 33rd single “Heart Electric” was revealed on Music Station on the 27th September. During the interview, Kojiharu talked about her fans’ reactions to her newfound center position. “Because i have no wish of being center, my fans have no expectations as well. But they might be happier now that i’ve more screen time,” she laughed and said.

Source

AKB48 Music Director Yuasa Junji: “Kojiharu is a solid vocalist. It’s a surprise she hasn’t been the center yet!”

Yuasa Juni admitted that he didn’t know that Kojiharu would be center for AKB48’s 33rd single. He said Kojiharu gave the song a very fresh vibe, and that he thought she was a very natural center as he watched the filming for their music video.

When it comes to solo singing parts in the song, the center traditionally gets limited lines, but Kojiharu’s solo stands out in “Heart Electric”. Not only is Kojiharu a fashion model, she is also blessed with good looks and solid singing skills.

“She’s amongst the top 3 when it comes to vocal ability in AKB48. Her voice is good and her perception is good. In this sense, it’s even more of a surprise that she hasn’t been appointed center,” said Yuasa Junji.

Source

Kojiharu on being center: “I hated it. I just wanted to graduate peacefully.”

Q: What’s your feelings on being center for the first time?
I was always on the 2nd row or 3rd row. It’s so spacious infront i feel so awkward!

Q:When did you realise you were going to be the center?
Akimoto sensei texted me 1 or 2 weeks before the PV shooting.

Q:How did you reply?
I was like “!!” and sent him a flustered emoticon.

Q:How did you feel?
I hated it. I have no aspirations to be in a attention seeking position, and thought it’d be good to graduate peacefully. After Mariko and Tomochin graduated in summer, there was a period of time when i thought about what i should do and who will be the next center…but i didn’t think it’d be me.

Q:Have you asked Akimoto san why you were chosen?
I didn’t ask, but i want to know.

Q:But how would you explain it from your point of view?
I have no idea…it’s abit surprising.

Q: Do you think this song suits you?
I’m actually better at “idol” songs or “feminine” songs…so i thought songs of those styles will come. But i was shocked to find out that it was actually Group Sounds. ( a form of Japanese rock music)

Q: So what happened during recording?
I was asked to sing like Shuri( i think from some band).I don’t know much about Group Sounds so i practised. *smiled bitterly*

Q: As expected, being the center is tough?
I think Mayuyu or Yuko are really great. When i was shooting for the covers, i had difficulties posing in the center. In the past, because of my height i’ve never stood in the center.

Q: How are the reactions of Yuko and Takamina who stand next to you?
They are very easy on me when i make mistakes with the choreography. They laugh and get mad at me.

Q: Is the mood different as compared to other centers?
For me, the mood is different. If the younger ones saw it and think that it’s fun and they wanna do it as well,i’ll be happy.

Q: What’s your message to fans?
Pls watch my performances kindly! (laughs)

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AKB48’s Oshima Yuko & Kojima Haruna featured in Robin Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines’ parody PV

 

AKB48 members Oshima Yuko and Kojima Haruna have collaborated with singer Robin Thicke for the parody PV of his song “Blurred Lines“.

“Blurred Lines” is a hit number that has held the number 1 spot in Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for 12 consecutive weeks. Its PV has gathered over 200 million views on YouTube.

Regarding the collaboration, Oshima commented, “Robin did a really good job leading us, so we were able to enjoy it in high spirits.” Kojima added, “It was so fun that I wondered if it was reality.”

Meanwhile, Robin said, “They are beautiful, their personalities are wonderful, and they are very good at dancing, so I really enjoyed myself.”

Source

You can see Yuko and Kojima being goofy and teaching Robin Thicke dance moves from Koisuru Fortune Cookie….they look very cute next to Robin…but excuse me, who is Robin Thicke?!

First performance of AKB48 33rd Single “Heart Electric!”

The next new song of AKB48 “Heart Electric” was revealed at their 4th Janken Tournament yesterday. The audience awaited with bated breath as the senbatsu lineup was announced and members walked out on stage one after another. The audience grew increasingly excited as the former centers – Watanabe Mayu, Oshima Yuko and Shimazaki Haruka etc. were all called up first, meaning the center whose supposed to come out last was someone “new”. Kojima Haruna came out last, marking the first (and what may be the last) time she’s gracing center position since joining AKB48 in 2005.

Kojiharu commented on her new status “I don’t know why it has come to this, but i’ll work hard!”

This song is the 2nd song they’ve gotten from RoopSounds(the first being their 2nd single “Skirt Hirari”). It’s not a dance song like last year’s UZA, but nevertheless portrays a tough feel judging from their expressions and military uniforms. Kojiharu gets what seems like the most amount of solo lines in the history of AKB48 centers. I totally applaud this move cos Kojiharu’s voice deserves more limelight!

The only weird part of this song is the member introductions in the middle. According to sources,the concept for this song is that the girls are part of a band, and according to band protocols, the vocalist is supposed to introduce the members sometime during their performance.

So Kojiharu shouts out her band members’ stage names in the middle of the song (alas the stage names are all in english!)…..it may be a move to speak to the international audience but i guess only Japanese are going to understand what’s happening.

Full list of senbatsu members and stage names:

Kojima Haruna – Michelle
Iriyama Anna – Veronica
Takahashi Minami – Linda
Oshima Yuko – Lucy
Kashiwagi Yuki – Catherine
Sashihara Rino – Rola (She’s naming herself after popular model Rola)
Watanabe Mayu – Elizabeth
Matsui Jurina – Caroline
Shimazaki Haruka – Angelina
Matsui Rena – Sandy
Yokoyama Yui -Mary
Yamamoto Sayaka – Rosanna
Watanabe Miyuki – Josephine
Minegishi Minami – Barbara
Oota Aika – Margaret
Kawaei Rina – Kawaei

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Preorder 33rd single here!

33rd Single: Title is to be announced [CD+DVD / Regular Edition / Type A]

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33rd Single: Title is to be announced [w/ DVD & Event Ticket, Limited Edition / Type A]

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33rd Single: Title is to be announced [CD+DVD / Regular Edition / Type K]

AKB48

33rd Single: Title is to be announced [w/ DVD & Event Ticket, Limited Edition / Type K]

AKB48

33rd Single: Title is to be announced [CD+DVD / Regular Edition / Type B]

AKB48

33rd Single: Title is to be announced [w/ DVD & Event Ticket, Limited Edition / Type B]

AKB48

No3b members(including Minegishi Minami) make final appearance on Snack Kissa Eden

No3b members Takahashi Minami, Kojima Haruna and Minegishi Minami have apparently been filming this late night program for 5 episodes before Minegishi Minami’s scandal broke out. The original intent was to end the program at episode 6, and since there was only 1 episode left, Miichan was allowed to return and wrap up the show. Just like Kousagi Dojo, she appeared wearing a wig and a hat.

The last episode features each of the members singing a solo song.

Takamina chose a rock style song “Yume Miru Shoujo Jya Irarenai”  originally sung by Aikawa Nanase, which is rather similar to her “Jane Doe”.

Kojiharu sang Namie Amuro’s “Can You Celebrate?”. I love Kojiharu’s voice but i think her high pitch is too scratchy on the ears.

Miichan sang Hitoto Yo’s “Morai Naki”. Amongst the three, i thought her voice is the weakest but she did quite a decent job especially for such a difficult song.

This episode is a rare find since AKB48 members always perform as a group. I’m glad Kojiharu got a chance to sing solo because i want to see her debut as a solo singer!