Update: Most 48 videos gone but i’ve found alternative sources. Check them out quickly if you haven’t..
This is a special episode to celebrate Music Station’s 30th anniversary. Show was 10hours long and featured many major acts including X Japan, Ayumi Hamasaki, EXILE, 48Group, Johnny’s Family etc.
48/46 Group
Nogizaka46 – Nandome no Aozora ka Ikuta Erika wows with her piano solo and opera voice. What a talent wasted as an idol!
HKT48 – Melon Juice
SKE48 – Pareo wa Emerald
NMB48 – Nagiichi
AKB48 – Ponytail to Shushu/ Everyday, Kachuusha / Koisuru Fortune Cookie (Kimutaku center) The biggest winner from this performance is SMAP’s Kimutaku, who was forced into the KFC performance by Sashihara. Despite the annoyance on his face, he performed the full choreography perfectly, impressing netizens with his professionalism.In the end Kimutaku said “Music Station does things like this?”
Other members who attracted most attention tonight… Many comments from GirlsChannel on Mayuyu’s growing beauty and how she’s shaken off the idol look.
Within 48 fandom, many gushed over cute Paruru’s healthy return to senbatsu. I have to say Paruru’s signature twintails are really cute! Many are calling Payuyu the strongest combi in AKB48.
Johnny’s Family
Johnny’s performances are quite fun this time around as we have live video footage of Arashi from their Miyagi concert, and medleys where the idols are grouped according to their generation. It is quite interesting to see for example, Nishikido Ryo standing next to NEWS, and KAT-TUN performing Real Face with just 4 members. *Heart pinch*
Which Johnny’s generation do you belong to? Mine is Ikemen Generation.
Masahiko Kondo – Gin Gira Gin ni Sarigenaku
Arashi – Hadashi no Mirai/Carnival Night part2/GUTS!
SMAP – Yozora no Mukou /Dear WOMAN / Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana
Boys Generation Johnny’s WEST – Eejyanaika
A.B.C-Z – Za ABC~5stars~
Sexy Zone – Sexy Zone
Hey!Say!JUMP – Come on a my house
Ikemen Generation
KAT-TUN – Real Face
Kanjank8 – Zukkoke Otokomichi
NEWS – Chankapana
Tackey & Tsubasa – Venus
Ojisan Generation
Kinki Kids – Glass no Shounen
V6 – WA ni Natte Odorou
TOKIO – Love you only
LDH Inc.
GENERATIONS – Brave it out
E-girls – Follow me
EXILE – Choo Choo Train/Rising Sun
Sandaime J Soul Brothers – R.Y.U.S.E.I.
Other acts
Fukuyama Masaharu – HELLO / Sakurazaka
Nishino Kana – Darling
Morning Musume ’15 – Love Machine
X Japan – Kurenai / Forever Love Beautiful performance though i’m not a fan..
Nogizaka46’s Saito Asuka, who seemed to be losing her job as an exclusive model for CUTie due to the magazine’s suspension, has been offered to become a regular model for Sweet magazine starting November 2015.
“As a fashion model,she belongs on a magazine,”says the editor for Sweet.
Saito will join the ranks of Namie Amuro and Ayumi Hamasaki, who have all become cover girls for the magazine in the past. Currently, Kojima Haruna, Rola etc are the cover models for Sweet.
Yet another music festival! This was broadcasted on 4th July 2015 and lasted around 7 hours. My favourites this time gotta be Kanjani8’s “Wahaha” and Tackey & Tsubasa’s summer medley.
Johnny’s Family
Arashi – Love Rainbow/Monster/Ao sora no shita, kimi no tonari
Arashi – Troublemaker
Kinki Kids – Zenbu Dakishimete/Speak Low
KAT-TUN – Keep the faith/Kiss Kiss Kiss
Tackey & Tsubasa – Daki Natsu/Ho! Summer
V6 – Wa ni natte odorou/Music for the people/Darling/Ai nanda/Take me higher/Wait for you
‘Ongaku no Hi’ started back in 2011 after the Great Tohoku Earthquake with the concept “Let’s spread energy across Japan by gathering the power of music and song!” This will be TBS’ 5th year broadcasting the program, and it will be a special project commemorating the 60th anniversary since their establishment.
The show aired on 27th June 2015 for some 8hours and a total of 50 artistes performed.
Kisumai – Brand New World/Kiss Tamashi/Thank you Jyan/ I love the 3rd song..it has a catchy tune and cute dance.
Sexy Zone – King & Queen & Joker/Cha Cha Cha Champion I am not into young boys but this group has good vocals.
A.B.C-Z – Medley
SMAP – Oretachi ni Ashita wa Aru/Karei naru Gyakushu/Humor shichau yo/Sekai ni Hitotsu dake no Hana
48/46 Group
Yamamoto Sayaka – Dakishimetai kedo
NyaKB – Idol wa Unyanya no ken
AKB48 -Ponytail to Shuhu
SKE48 – Mae no Meri
AKB48 – Bokutachi wa Tatakawanai
NMB48 – Durian Shonen
AKB48 – Koisuru Fortune Cookie Rena’s graduation song is so underwhelming…she deserves better really.
Nogizaka46 – Taiyou Knock
Others
WaT – Boku no Kimochi
Ohara Sakurako – Thank you/Manatsu no Taiyou
Nishino Kana – Darling/Moshimo Unmei no Hito ga Iru no nara
Nogizaka46’s new single, set to release 22nd July, will be titled “Taiyou Knock”.
This news was announced when the 10 Fukujin members attended a press event for 7-Eleven on the 13th June 2015. The 10 Fukujin members are namely Akimoto Manatsu, Ikuta Erika, Ikoma Rina, Sakurai Rei, Shiraishi Mai, Takayama Kazumi, Nishino Nanase, Hashimoto Nanami, Fukagawa Mai, Wakatsuki Yumi.
Member Ikoma Rina will be centering this single since “Kimi no Na wa Kibou”.
“This is a cute song compared to the previous summer singles. It is under production, please look forward to it” said Ikoma Rina.
She also talked about SKE48 Matsui Rena who has recently announced her graduation from the 48Group. “Her time with us was only about a year but she led us forward as a member of Nogizaka46. Honestly, it’s lonely but our time together was meaningful. We’d happy if she can come for one more live show while she’s still an idol. We will also work hard so we can collaborate after she graduates.”
On this day, they also promoted limited edition snacks in 7-Eleven which had packaging with their faces on it.
“What should i do? I’m happy but it feels like alot of Ikomas are looking at me,” said Ikoma.
Ikuta Erika said that she’d have to disguise herself as she’s embarrassed but Akimoto Manatsu declared that she’d buy the snacks without covering her face.
AKB48 group’s annual event “5th Janken Tournament” was held at the Nippon Budoukan in Tokyo today. A record number of 112 members participated in a bid to win a solo debut for themselves. In the end, it was NMB48 Watanabe Miyuki who won against AKB48 Kojima Haruna in a nerve wrecking round, making her the 9th member in the 48 group to be set for a solo debut.
As for the rest of the Top 16 winners, they would be singing the coupling track for the sololist’s single, as well as filming an MV. The center for the coupling song is 2nd placed AKB48 Kojima Haruna.
Top 16 members are: Kawamoto Saya, Owada Nana, Miyazaki Miho, Nagao Mariya,Yuki Azuma, Saho Iwatate,Arai Yuki,Sato Kiarai, Kotani Riho, Kashiwagi Yuki, Tomonaga Mio, Fukada Nana, Nakanishi Chiyori, Uchida Mayumi, Kojima Haruna(Center of Coupling), Watanabe Miyuki(Solo).
-Kojima Haruna creates a subunit for herself called “Kojizaka46”
Dressed in Nogizaka-style costumes, Kojima Haruna made a grand entrance with 4 members of Nogizaka46 and danced to a snippet of Nogizaka46’s “Girls Rule”, before introducing her group as Kojizaka46. The reason for this? Her janken opponent was Nogizaka46’s Ikoma Rina so this was a most clever ploy to make things fun for fans of the 2 rival groups.
Before their match Kojiharu said “If i win, please join Kojizaka46!”
In response, Ikoma Rina said “If i win, please let me touch your chest!” Ikoma’s wish did not come true as Kojiharu won and she was drafted into Kojizaka46. You can see her standing alongside the Kojizaka46 members throughout the tournament.
Kojiharu’s IG: The first match was against Ikoma, so i thought of setting up Kojizaka46 and using Nogizaka-style costume. Thanks to the members of Nogizaka who came for this.
AkiP’s 755 reply to fan who requested for a Kojizaka song: I’ll make it. (YES)
Kojima Haruna on All Night Nippon: In case NGZK46 members couldn’t make it, I’ll still stick w/ KOJIZAKA46 but call various famous ppl w/ Kojima surnames to come~ (Credit TKMN World)
-Shimazaki Haruka’s salty reaction when she won
In the matchup between Shimazaki Haruka and Muto Tomu, Shimazaki Haruka(Paruru) had a clear look of disdain on her face after winning.The reason – she didn’t want to win at all.
When she lost to another member in a later match, Paruru said “I’m happy and relieved”. When asked which member she was rooting for to win, she replied “Anyone is fine.” Commentators then followed up with “well she’s probably happy as long as it’s not herself”.
– Best costume: Takamina vs Sayanee?
Awhile back, Shinobu(AKB chief costume designer) had mentioned that these 2 members were the ones to look out for when it comes to costumes. Indeed, the 2 were attention grabbing especially since they were matched up to each other.
This was not only a competition between the captain of NMB48 and AKB48, but also a competition between the representatives of Osaka and Tokyo. Takamina was dressed up as a sparkly Tokyo Tower and Yamamoto Sayaka was dressed up Tsutenkaku, a famous tower in Osaka.
-The final match between Milky and Kojiharu
Both are regular senbatsu members. Watanabe Miyuki had lost a placement in this year’s senbatsu sousenkyo due to her scandal. Kojima Haruna is a 1st generation member who is ready to graduate but yet to receive a solo debut. Both are looking for that breakthrough in their careers. Before the match, Kojiharu talked about showing her true powers and desire to win after 9 years in AKB. Milky talked about making this the best present since her birthday is just a few days ahead.
Milky’s winning speech: I hope i have repaid those who supported me. I’ll work hard.
Kojiharu: If i had won this, i would have announced my graduation. I’ll work hard for a little while more.
-Members’ reactions on social media Maeda Atsuko and Shinoda Mariko apparently were sitting in the audience watching the tournament unfold.
Takamina on 755: I thought Kojiharu’s 2nd position was rigged.
Yuko’s Twitter: Milky Congratulations! #NyanNyan
-AKB48 38th single announced
The anticipated single will be released on 26th November 2014.
With an expanded senbatsu to 32 members and double center system, fans were certainly surprised in many ways. Many younger generations were included in senbatsu for the first time. Members who had been making leaps in the sousenkyo this year, such as Muto Tomu, Oshima Ryoka, Tano Yuka, Takahashi Juri, Kato Rena etc were also included.
Check out the members’ reactions below
Credit : TKMN World
If you are looking for the full janken replay, check out this youtube user’s videos.
A music festival featuring some major jpop artistes was held yesterday to celebrate TV Tokyo’s 50th anniversary. Guests include TOKIO/V6/Kanjani8/NEWS/AKB48/SKE48/NMB48/HKT48/Nogizaka46/Morning Musume OG/Morning Musume ’14/Kahara Tomomi/Golden Bomber/Ikimonogakari/Nishino Kana/Hitoto Yo/Moriyama Naotaro/Sukima Switch/May J.
One of the highlights was Goto Maki’s return to Morning Musume OG after a hiatus of 2.5 years. Once the golden girl of Morning Musume, Goto Maki’s performance with the group brings us back to the days when Morning Musume was at its best.
AKB48 Kashiwagi Yuki, who is known to be a fan of Morning Musume, posted on her Google+: “Everyone in Morning Musume OG were shining brightly. My tears are coming. I like them after all! Ishikawa Rika san too! Goto Maki san is so cute!”
Morning Musume OG – Morning Coffee/ LOVE Machine/Renai Revolution 21 Morning Musume ’14 – Password is 0
NMB48 – Ibiza Girl The 48-group also showed up in full force, together with official rivals Nogizaka46. The new Queen of AKB48 Watanabe Mayu took up center for past hits previously centered by Maeda Atsuko and Oshima Yuko. The sister groups also showed off their new image after being reinforced with new members from this year’s grand reshuffle.
AKB48 – Labrador Retriever/Koisuru Fortune Cookie HKT48 – Melon Juice Another interesting performance was “Labrador Retriever”, as it was performed by the newly selected senbatsu members from the recent general elections.
NEWS – weeeek/ ONE -for the win-
Golden Bomber – Memeshikute These guys are still popular for their one-hit “Memeshikute” and funny skits. Unfortunately, their skits are sometimes based on Japanese comedy so only the natives will get it.
V6 – Wa ni natte Odorou/Darling/Sexy Honey Bunny! This is for the older Johnny’s fans. Anyone?
May J – Let it Go (Japanese version) This globally popular song has been leading the karaoke charts in Japan for a very long time.
Kanjani8 – Zukkoke Otoko Michi/King of Otoko Kanjani8 also went out of the studio to perform. Bringing us on a tour of TV Tokyo, they gathered a whole bunch of employees to join in on a mass dance.Even the CEO of TV Tokyo showed up.
Ikimonogatari – Arigatou/Love Song wa Tomaranai This is for those who love pure Japanese music.
The first performance of their new single “Natsu no Free & Easy” was aired from their variety show “Nogizaka tte, Doko?” on the 22nd June.
Although this song is not particularly summer-like, and the costumes are definitely plainer than plain, I can’t help being in awe at the number of pretty girls they’ve got. Whether it’s the front row or the second row, this group is simply packed with star power.
On the 7th June, the results of AKB48 6th General Elections(6th Senbatsu Sousenkyo) were unveiled in Ajinomoto Stadium. 80 members out of the 200+ member mega franchise were selected to represent the group in their next single. Of the 80, the top 16 will be able to sing the title track and take part in various media promotions. Check out the list of winners here.
Whilst 2013 winner Sashihara Rino had her sights on defending her title, it was 3rd generation member Watanabe Mayu(20) who did the impossible. Amassing the highest amount of votes in history(~160k votes), her victory was a happy ending fans have been waiting to see for years. Read on for the Top16’s winning speeches below.
1. Watanabe Mayu – the ace who got crowned late
“I said in my speech 2 years ago, that i wanted to win. I wasn’t able to realise that dream last year, despite all the hard work i put in. For a moment, i decided to give up. But fans gave me warm words, told me to grab my next chance. That strengthened my resolve to become no.1.
I joined AKB when i was 12, today i’m already 20. To get where i am today, i experienced alot. I am happy to have walked my path, believed in my fans, worked hard and not give up. When i joined AKB, there were alot of seniors. New juniors came in, sister groups were formed. Over time, the seniors whom i respect have graduated. I often wonder..what happened to the AKB48 that i knew in the past? As one of the leftover members from the 3rd generation, i have to stay strong and look forth. In the past, i followed the seniors around. Now that I have gotten this position, i have to stop leaning on the seniors. I want to become a member whom the juniors can look up to and follow, someone who doesn’t forget her initial passion, and is full of gratitude towards the fans.
To everyone, thank you!”
When asked what she had to say to Sashihara, Mayuyu teared up at one point and said, “Sasshi has gone through alot. Seeing her lead the HKT48 members, she has worked really hard. I want to say congratulations to everyone, and thanks too.”
Exiting member Oshima Yuko also made an appearance, congratulating Mayuyu on her win. When asked to give some advice, Yuko said “This is not advice, but in many ways, please take care of AKB48 from now on.”
Mayuyu confessed, “Yuko chan had wanted to entrust the AKB48 group to me 2 years ago,but i was unable to live up to expectations. Today, i’m happy i can finally answer to her request.”
2. Sashihara Rino – hopes for a winning streak crushed
“Honestly, i’m very frustrated. Awhile back, i overheard a conversation at this bookshop. An office lady was asking her friend who might win this elections. The friend answered ‘Sashihara’, but the lady said ‘If she won, wouldn’t it be weird?’. That lady also said ‘If Sashihara can win, then i should enter AKB and live a easy life.’. If that lady is watching this now, i want to tell you that AKB is not a easy place. Alot of members worry before coming here. Even though i still don’t know who’s going to become No.1, i will support that member with all my strength. No matter how tough it may be, i will not lose. I will participate in next year’s Sousenkyo, and i will certainly become No.1!”
3. Kashiwagi Yuki – the girl who doesn’t need to aim high
Kashiwagi Yuki is one of the rare members in AKB48 who has gained high recognition amongst fans despite never voicing her desire to rank high. In 2011, she surpassed same generation teammate Watanabe Mayu to take No.3 in the 2011 Senbatsu Sousenkyo, and has since kept a consistent ranking. This year is no different.
“I am very happy to be in Top 3. This Sousenkyo is not just a place to decide the center, it’s also a place where we can fight alongside our fans. I am not good with vying for things. But I can work hard because the fans are here. At first i only wanted to be an idol, but i have now become someone who wants to support the fans through songs and live shows. Last year, i said that AKB has become an important place for me.The handshake sessions are also an important place for me. Today, i also want to show you my gratitude up close. There may be problems, but i don’t want to lose this place where i can interact with you directly. If you guys are here, i’m sure a warm place will be created for us. This year i am in NMB48 and have gotten alot of juniors, i will work hard as AKB48’s 3rd generation and repay you. Please support me!”
4. Matsui Jurina – 17 years old and aiming for No.1
Matsui Jurina has been really ambitious since placing 6th in Sousenkyo last year. Considering her tenure in the group and her ranking, she is ready to battle for the throne. But looking at her disappointed frame, it’d be better if she develops some mental strength before coming back as the competition will get tougher next year.
“Even though i am very thankful, I feel frustrated not having ranked No.1. But i think it’s all my fault, i haven’t worked hard enough. Please let me make a promise with you. I will work harder than ever. Next year, when i turn 18, i will be No.1!”
5. Matsui Rena – a flourishing solo career and still flying high
As a fellow teammate of Matsui Jurina in SKE48, Matsui Rena has always been neck-to-neck with Jurina during Sousenkyo. This year she confessed to being worried about her placement, since her solo career has been impeding group activities. No wonder she was so happy when her ranking was called.
“I’m very happy to see so many of you here today, despite the heavy rain. Thanks for the support. Not only me, but alot of the other members have bet their lives by standing here, choosing a lifestyle different from that of a schoolgirl. I have the confidence to bet my life here, and work actively in the 48group, as well as in Nogizaka46. Just like how u guys have given me this present today, i will work hard to gift you the same present in future. This year, SKE will be doing a nationwide tour. Please wait for us!”
6. Yamamoto Sayaka – Osaka representative with overflowing ambitions
“This year, people have had expectations of me ever since the prelim results, some even guessed that i would win. On the other side, others have said it’s too early for me to win. I am really honored to have gotten this rank, but i’m really frustrated about not being able to refute those who said it’s impossible for me to win. When i entered senbatsu last year, i was able to work more and enjoyed every day. This time i am the only one from NMB48 to be called into senbatsu. I really love NMB48 and want to bring it to greater heights not only in Japan but also overseas.Last year, i said i wanted to be more active in my media work but i am sorry not have delivered the promise. My hopes to lead the group and become number 1 has never changed since i entered the group. I want to become someone worthy of the absolute center by next year. Please support me”
7. Shimazaki Haruka – ‘I am blunt but you will forgive me’
The member nicknamed “Ponkotsu Paruru”(Clumsy Paruru) is infamous for her blunt and less-than-friendly personality. Her army of fans continue to remain devoted by pushing her into Top 7. However, don’t expect her to contend for No.1 anytime soon. She works at her own pace.
“I don’t know what to say honestly. I am bad at this. People say i’m salty but having attained a great rank like this, i feel somehow satisfied instead. I tried to work hard at handshake sessions, but as expected i can’t do it. My fans always try to make me laugh instead. I think my fans are kinder and more forgiving than others. That’s the end! Thank you!”
8. Kojima Haruna – ‘I will graduate..’
The last beauty from the 1st generation apparently knows how to twist her fans around her finger. Talk about her graduation has been going on for months, so is it time?
“As usual, my prelim rankings isn’t good, but as usual the fans will always work hard for me towards the end. I am really happy. I don’t have any more regrets in AKB…I, Kojima Haruna, will announce my graduation here…..but i won’t! Sorry for the joke haha! I actually wanted to graduate here, but looking at the stabbing incidents recently, i think i will do what i can and stay on awhile more. I will graduate when everyone can smile from the bottom of their hearts. There is one more reason. When i looked on the internet, i was No.1 on the rankings for member most likely to graduate in the elections. I didn’t want to let that report come true, so i pulled back. I too, want the fans to be surprised when I announce my graduation. So please don’t spread rumors of graduation during big events like this. I don’t know how long i have with AKB, but i will work hard to the end.”
MC continued to asked when she started to consider graduation.
“I started to think about it when Acchan graduated. This time round, when the costume for Labrador Retriever was handed over…i am 26 but when i saw the dog prints, i thought ‘omg it’s about time’…LOL.”
MC asked her to declare her lifelong career as an AKB idol.
“That’s not going to happen! I’m just going to work abit more..”
9. Takahashi Minami – Hard work will definitely be rewarded
“This year i asked to be ranked within Top7. Even though i wasn’t able to reach that goal,i thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. As you know, recently a bad thing happened. At that moment,i thought AKB48 was over. I wasn’t unable to cheer up for days.Because of the fans my heart grew stronger. Even on such a rainy day, you guys are willing to wait for us. Because of you we are able to move on. There are people who asked me why i’m still here. I’m here because i love AKB48. AKB48 is the best! There’s a big challenge infront of us. If everyone is here, i think we can overcome this. Please let me support AKB48 a little while more. Finally, let me say the words which i wasn’t able to say last year. Hard work will definitely be rewarded!”
10. Suda Akari – I’ll shine from any position
Suda Akari has the brightest smile amongst all the members and is so professional she smiles even when the camera is not on her. She is known for being a “fisher”, kind of derogatory for a girl but over the years I can really see the sincerity in her. Still, i’m not used to her over enthusiastic personality.
“I am not good at talking. When i googled my name, people say i’m not cute at all. I can’t imagine saying that to a person who got so many votes. Last year, i got into into Top16 due to the help of everyone. After getting Top16, i was even able to move up front within SKE. I wonder if that was a good thing, and cried everyday. Some have questioned why i am up front. But still, i left an impression on them isn’t it? In future, in order to become the center in your eyes, i’ll work hard to shine from any position.”
She cried at the last part because she thought she’d never rank in senbatsu again.
11. Sakura Miyawaki – My rival is Sashihara
Sakura is probably the only member in HKT48 who has a fanbase so strong that she doesn’t need to rely Sashihara’s help. She hailed Sasshi as her rival, but as the original ace of HKT48, she should probably challenge the beasts of sister groups Jurina and Sayanee instead.
“I’m really shocked to receive this rank. I’m always nervous, but the fans are always here for me. If you guys aren’t here, there won’t be me. Someone asked me who my rival is. I can only think of one. My rival is Sasshi. She is all-rounded. I think that if there’s no one who can surpass Sasshi in HKT, then there won’t be growth. I am still not there, but i will work hard so Sasshi can call me as her rival. I’ll show you that i can surpass Sasshi!”
12. Miyazawa Sae – A formidable presence despite zero TV appearances
“Thank you! This year has been an unforgettable year! I met alot of people…experienced alot of feelings. I’m really thankful for it. Again, i want to be a source of strength for many in AKB48. To be able to stand on this stage, i feel very happy. I want to repay everyone, and I hope to show the juniors my cool back!I am also happy to be featured on the LINE stamps!”
13. Yokoyama Yui
-Skip translation because it’s kinda boring-
14. Ikoma Rina – Shocker of the night
As the former center of rival group Nogizaka46, Ikoma was offered a concurrency with AKB48 in February. She accepted it thinking of creating more opportunities for Nogizaka46. No one thought that she’d go far in these elections, but the Nogizaka fans are obviously hungrier that we thought. Catch the priceless expression on her face when her ranking was announced. Even exiting member Oshima Yuko was amazed by it.
“Do you know me? Oh, that’s great, thank you very much! Um… I-I-I never thought, e-even a tiny bit, that I would enter senbatsu, so when I heard just there “Nogizaka’s…” I didn’t know what to think and I still don’t know what to do. But… ah… um…. um, the reason that I’m here is that my fans supported me in all sorts of places, making and handing out flyers, cycling all the way to their home towns, even to places I don’t know, they did all that hard work for me. Members… well, I’m here on a concurrency from a rival group so this surprised a lot of people and no one really knows how this is going to go. But now I feel glad I went through with it… thank you very much. There’s a lot of people I feel grateful to. But I think there’s also a lot of people in Japan who don’t know who I am. I want to take this opportunity for, well for myself as well but I’m from a group called Nogizaka46 and I want to work hard in order to get more people to know who we are! Thank you very much!”
15. Shibata Aya – Another cinderella story
Shibata Aya is one of the cinderella girls in this year’s senbatsu. She is not favored by management but moved into the limelight last year due to fan support. She placed 17th in last year’s general elections and has since been included in the senbatsu lineup for SKE48’s singles. “Last year, i experienced alot after placing 17th in the elections.I felt very blissful becoming an idol. But seeing the difference between 16th and 17th positions, i felt frustrated realizing what entering senbatsu is all about. This year, i promised to enter senbatsu and is finally able to have that dream come true together with the help of my fans. I won’t waste the chance from the fans. I will work hard to aim higher. I like the saying ‘If you don’t aim for No.1, you won’t become 2nd or 3rd.’,so i will become everyone’s No.1 idol.”
16. Kawaei Rina – A bounce back from adversity
The baka center had a poor placement in the preliminary results of this year’s sousenkyo despite receiving much push the past year. The recent stabbing incident threw her back into the spotlight as she was one of the 2 injured, together with Iriyama Anna. I don’t know if it helped to get her sympathy votes but the girl definitely hopes it was not the case.
“I’ve worried everyone! I am very healthy now. Honestly, when i was ranked 52 in the prelim results, i had been worrying and crying every day. When i was thinking of what to do, this incident happened. I think God was telling me to stop waiting around and to wake up. I think everyone converted my adversity into a chance for me. In this year, i will not lose no matter what happens. Thank you.”
MC asked if she was afraid during the stabbing incident. Kawaei said, ‘It’s ok! I wasn’t afraid!”
“Actually i was thinking i shouldn’t care about the results anymore. But the fans created this great position for me. Thank you!”
“This year i had done alot and had no regrets, so i was really afraid of the sousenkyo results this year. But now i am no longer afraid!”
“This time, i entered senbatsu because fans had expectations of me and were worried for me. Next year, i hope to enter senbatsu without the help of any adversities!”
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
And this concludes my translations for their speeches.
[Graduate]Nonaka Misato
“I have been thinking about my future before the grand reformation and discussed with Akimoto sensei and the managers. My decision to graduate isn’t because of the shuffle. I’m sorry to the fans for shocking you with this announcement.”
Nonaka Misato had been transferred to AKB48 Team K after the shuffle but declined the move to stay in Team B. One day later, she suddenly announced her graduation from the group.
“Frankly, i’m very scared now.Since it is a decision i made, i will believe in myself and work hard!” she said.
[Graduate] Shimada Rena
“I, Shimada Rena, will graduate from NMB48.
Last year I had my 20th birthday, and I started to think about my future more than before. I was allowed to make a lot of experiences in this really blessed place that is NMB48 and, including painful and frustrating things, I was able to learn a lot here.
I started thinking about graduation, but the staff and the presence of the members I spent every day with and the words of all my fans who cheered me on during handshake events etc, kept me back. There were times my heart trembled and wavered too, but consulting with my family and thinking a lot, I decided to graduate NMB48.
Taking over the responsibility of being captain was the condition at the time of my comeback, incomprehensibly for me at that time, I became the Team M and 2nd Generation captain. I kept running against walls so much that there was not a day as captain I did not worry, but with the strong wish “I want to make Team M a good team” I came to where I am now as well as I could.
With this tour, I could once again confirm that this team is a really great one.
I really was not the captain-type, but everyone followed me, and I am really grateful that I could make it this far. I am grateful that Akimoto-sensei layed the responsibility of being captain on me at the time of my comeback.
To tell the truth, I wanted us to grow even further through this tour. There was the shuffle, but this Team M overcame so many walls and it only consists of really great members. No matter where they are going, I think they will be able to continue to shine.
I am sad that I won’t be able to meet all the fans who supported me until now at handshake events or theater shows anymore. But I haven’t given up my dream and there are also a lot of things I want to do from now on, so I would be happy if you continued to watch over me.
Thank you so much for everything until now.”
[Declined Transfer] Kikuchi Ayaka
“It’s not that i hate NMB. I still have things left undone in AKB48.”
[Declined Transfer] Iwata Karen
“I’ve always liked SKE48’s dynamic performances and even told the theater manager once that i would love to have a concurrent position with them. However, being fully transferred is a problem as:
(1) I don’t want to increase the burden on my family, especially my mom who has been shuttling back and forth between Tokyo and Miyagi to take care of my grandparents and me.
(2) I’ll be entering high school in Spring and just completed the paperwork for enrollment. It’s difficult for me to adjust to transferring schools now.
(3)I want to continue the work i have in Tokyo, which includes visiting the victims of the Tsunami.
When the announcement was made, Jurina and Nakanishi san were the first ones to welcome me, but i was at a loss as there were problems i can’t solve on my own. I thought about this for what seems like 10 years within these 5 days. Although i’ll stay in Team A, pls take care of me too from now.”
[Declined Transfer] Takashima Yurina
“I decided to refuse my transfer to SKE48’s Team KII.
SKE48…the group I’ve been loving since forever and to which I’ve always looked up…
There couldn’t be a chance as big as this, for the current me.
When my name was called for Team KII and I went to sit on the stage’s platform, before anyone else Furukawa-san called out to me, saying: “Yuurin!”
Mizuho-chan kept being next to me the whole time.
Even though the Team was different, Tsuzuki-san and Umemoto-san kindly approached me as well.
I also talked with Churi-san.
I was very confused, but thanks to that I calmed down so much and I was very happy about it.
However, there were huge walls in front of me.
I’m taking about my age and my family.
I’m 16 years old and I’m in my first year of High School.
I’m attenting a full-day school.
Being able to join this school wasn’t easy at all.
Which is why I had no idea what I should’ve done about school…
I talked with my parents, with my manager, with Miss Shinobu.
I kept thinking and thinking, but without reaching any answer, to the point I tried to ask my self how’s that I managed to find resolution to my worries and troubles until then…
A decision so big that I wondered whether it would be okay for it to be taken by a 16 years old girl like me.
Now that I let go myself of the huge chance this transfer was, I want to work hard in AKB48 in order not to leave any regret, such as thinking “I should’ve gone…”.
And about the SKE48 fans
that welcomed me through their comments on Google+,
saying things like:
“Do your best”
and, even more:
“Welcome!”
“We’ll be waiting for you!”
I was very, very happy. It felt so warm.
Thank you!
Yet, I’m sure there will be people not thinking well of me.
In order for those people to recognize me like “Hey, she’s good!”, I’m going to become 2, 3 times better than I am now!
From now on I’ll be working as part of Team 4, in my beloved AKB48, while keeping to receive motivation by my beloved SKE48.”
[Declined Promotion] Jo Eriko
“I want to work hard as a research student. I will work hard to earn the promotion again. I believe that the chances of promotion is not limited to one. Will continue to mould myself as a research student.”
“The thing about AKB48’s shuffle, i can’t accept it easily,” Matsumura Sayuri (NGK46)
It seems one of the front girls for NGK46 isn’t keen on the idea of SKE48’s ace Matsui Rena joining their group, as she said ” We already have alot of members. Is this because we’re lacking? What does this make of the results we’ve created the past 3 years?Ahh…i must be a nobody in the group then. Matsui san seems to be very troubled by this too, i hope she fits in well though. The members of Nogizaka are all very shy so i’m abit worried.”
Matsumura Sayuri’s comments have since drawn flak from both sides of the fandom, with some calling her stupid/criticising her personality.
On the other hand, despite being worried about her new status, Matsui Rena addressed her new members and fans in a professional manner.
“Nogizaka is a group with their own history and memories. I can’t simply join quickly and expect everyone to take care of me. I will work hard and become a plus factor to the group in order to get everyone’s acknowledgement. I’d be happy if you can tell me things that i can’t do or things strange about me.”
Poor Rena, i think she’s going to be ostracized at this rate. She’s got a mountain to climb but i’m glad Akimoto sensei chose her to do it because there’s so much in store for her if she wins over the Nogizaka fans!
AllThingsJpop 