AKB48 – New single “Ue Kara Mariko” PV, release on 12/7

A little late on this one, but here it is: the PV for AKB48‘s upcoming janken single titled “Ue Kara Mariko“. Download it here.

Lol a drama PV…didn’t see that one coming -_-. I’m not a big fan of it to be honest. They should have just gone the generic route like they did with “CHANCE no Junban“. The drama BGM makes it really lame XD. Why they couldn’t be more original and based this whole video on a janken tournament I cannot comprehend.

Looking past all of that though, the music video is quite good. It has a clean crisp look to it, and you can tell right away the directing is good. Mariko looks so cute in her uniform ^^. I like how the choreography incorporates mini rock-paper-scissors fights. It’s really clever. Overall this PV has a grander feel than last year’s janken single PV, which I think is quite appropriate considering who’s headlining the single this time around.

“Ue Kara Mariko” sounds awesome. The chorus is amazing and catches on a lot more compared to “CHANCE no Junban“. The lyrics sound a little awkward at some parts, but it doesn’t throw the song off too much. This year’s janken single track is definitely stronger and comes off as less generic-sounding. The quality comes close to what is seen with AKB’s main senbatsu roster singles.

That said, I have high hopes “Ue Kara Mariko” will sell well on the charts…as in sell a million copies well XD. Maybe not first day million, but I do expect first week million. Taking into consideration AKB’s massively successful year so far and the fact that a top senbatsu member will be leading the charge, it is quite possible.

Do your part and help this group net their record 5th consecutive million-seller! I’ve already done my part…three times XD.

Pre-order: Type A CD+DVD, Type K CD+DVD, Type B CD+DVD

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION – New single “MARCHING BAND” PV, release on 11/30

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION‘s PV for their new single “MARCHING BAND“. Find it on Jpopsuki.

Really cool PV =D. It looks and feels so natural. The whole video just screams of youth and matches AKFG’s music well. Despite the simplicity, there’s a lot going on in this music clip. I like how everything seems to exaggerated. Combined with the special effects, this video really jumps out and comes to life.

The song sounds just like something AKFG would release and is very characteristic of them! Everything from the steady drum/bass line to the excellent guitar riffs and melody draw you in right from the get go. There’s a clear distinction between rhythm and lead guitar here. As such, “MARCHING BAND” is a great example of how well AKFG embodies the ideal quartet band. Every member’s part can be picked out easily, and they all come together to create an amazing sound.

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION is the first Japanese artist I seriously listened to. They were the gateway into J-music for me. After all these years, I’m so glad to see they are still making these kinds of excellent songs.

Pre-order: CDJapan

5000 Japanese words mastered!!!

After almost 3 years, I’ve just broken 5000 Japanese words mastered on iKnow!. For those who do not know about iKnow! (link on right), it’s a language learning tool. I started using it back in February 2009, and it’s gotten me very far with my Japanese vocabulary. I can read and write so much now :D!

Three years ago, I never would have imagined accomplishing so much. It certainly takes a lot of time and dedication…out of my other studies XD. There’s only 2000 more words left for me to master, and then I should be able to read most of a Japanese newspaper (hopefully). This 2000 will probably be the most advanced words, but I’m committed to finishing what I started at this point.

Fyi, the service was free until about last year, when they started charging. Users who had been with the site got a discount. I decided to pay because I was so far into their courses already. They have a core course for both Japanese and Chinese. I’d recommend it to anyone who really wants to immerse himself or herself in the language. There are definitely other options to learning Japanese vocab, but I found this tool handy because it has everything in one place and is nicely organized.

For more info, visit the site itself. I’ve also conveniently provided links to some other very useful tools for learning Japanese on the right. Be sure to check them out!

Naruhodo High School

Naruhodo High School aired on 11-10-2011.

 
A very entertaining episode of AKB48‘s educational variety show “Naruhodo High School” was aired two weeks ago. This will be my first post about the show :D. Basically, every airing features a large contingent of AKB48 members (including senbatsu) and two or three guest celebrities. They do experiments and take a look at all kinds of things in general. The material is always something fresh, which makes watching it a lot of fun.

This episode in particular is a good example of that. They held a “Gachi Machi Sousenkyo”, where they had 12 select members (Takamina, Sae, Sasshi, Kojiharu, Yukirin, Acchan, Tomochin, Tomo~mi, Yui, Kitarie, Akicha, and Sayaka) walk a predetermined course through the bustling part of a city. The objective was to be noticed by someone, fan or not, as fast as possible with the 20 minutes they were allotted. Along the way was a Tomochin stand and a guy handing out flyers (bonus for noticing the stand or getting a flyer from the guy XD). None of the girls were allowed to do anything to make themselves stand out. The guests and hosts tried to predict the top 3 members with the fastest times in the correct order. The prize for predicting the top 3 correctly was 100,000 yen.

In the end, it boiled down to Sasshi and Acchan. The top 3 were Sayaka, Tomochin and Yukirin at this point. The host Tamura had his final ranking as Sasshi-Sayaka-Tomochin, while the guest Ariyoshi had Acchan-Sasshi-Sayaka. Basically, if Sasshi got the fastest time and Acchan was not able to displace 2nd or 3rd, Tamura would walk away with the money. If Sasshi got the fastest time and then Acchan topped it, Ariyoshi would win. As it turned out Sasshi got a surprisingly fast time of just under 2 minutes to take first place, but Acchan subsequently beat her out by 4 seconds, giving Ariyoshi the victory.

I found this so funny and entertaining because it really came down to the wire between Sasshi and Acchan XD. Even though the popularity of the girls plays a role, most of it is based on pure chance and luck. For example, some of these girls had to do this in rainy weather, which significantly decreased the amount of people around. It was ridiculous how Ariyoshi, who is actually co-host of another AKB variety show titled “Ariyoshi AKB Kyowakoku” with Kojiharu, got the top 3 order correctly based on all the factors in play. He said he’d buy a ton of SKE48 CDs with the money he won, in front of all the AKB members LOL.

PORNO GRAFFITTI – New single “Yuki no Iro” PV, release on 11/23

Here’s the PV for PORNO GRAFFITTI‘s new single “Yuki no Iro”, which was released yesterday. It can be found on Jpopsuki.

This seems to be just in time for the holidays. It’s a very scenic PV, carrying with it the feelings of winter. The first part of this looks almost surreal with the picture effects. It makes me feel like I’m looking inside a globe shaker, and seeing little people dancing and singing.

I must say, Akihito has a crazy ass feminine look going on here XD. His hair is so shiny it almost looks unreal, and his lips are very red from the lipstick he’s probably sporting. In addition, they put a ton of powder onto his face. Kind of creeps me out, but it really adds to the surrealistic look of the PV.

“Yuki no Iro” is a slow winter ballad. I wasn’t too big on it when I first heard it, but it’s actually a pretty good song. It’s a nice easy listen, and the orchestra string lines really accentuate the spirit of winter. I also like the guitar solo in the middle. PG has always been a group that puts out solid releases, and this single doesn’t seem to be an exception.

Pre-order: CD+DVD limited edition, CD only regular edition

Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 – New single “Kibou Sanmyaku” PV, release on 11/30

Watarirouka Hashiritai 7‘s PV for their upcoming single “Kibou Sanmyaku” was aired recently. Find it in HD glory here.

This PV is awesome! I love the vintage theme and its presentation. The whole stage performance really looks like an authentic one from the 60s or 70s. I love how the crowd goes bonkers watching them XD. Mayuyu is cute as always. Komorin and Ayarin look a little weird with their hairdos.

Even the sound of “Kibou Sanmyaku” is reminisicent of something from Japan’s 60s or 70s. It’s unconventional for today’s mainstream, but in no way does that mean it’s bad. It’s actually quite refreshing and addicting to listen to as a result. The strong point about this song definitely has to be the booming and all-powerful chorus.

If you’re a fan of this group or have an oshi in any one of the members, this is certainly not a single to be missed! Even though I’m not too big on the squeaky nasally voices, I’m considering getting a copy myself.

Pre-order:

Type A CD+DVD limited edition

Type B CD+DVD limited edition

Type C CD+DVD limited edition

CD only regular edition

Goodies galore pt.20

CDJapan

Grade A+ packaging. Look how neat it is ^^.

"Tatoe Donna ni..." first press edition.

Fawking gorgeous little lass.

"HOW CRAZY YOUR LOVE" CD+DVD limited edition.

Tracklist on back.

Acchan, Kojiharu, Tomochin, and Yukirin poster calendars :D.

They are housed so nicely!

MiChi – New single “Find Your Way” PV, release on 11/30

Here’s MiChi‘s PV for her new single “Find Your Way“. Download here.

Wow it’s been a while since MiChi’s last release! I haven’t really been following her all that much this year or last. 2009 is when I was really into her stuff.

This PV is kind of blurred, but I think they did it on purpose. Could just be the video quality though XD. It’s a straight forward music video, but the yellow/gold hue makes it beautiful. There’s a natural feel to the whole thing in general.

“Find Your Way” sounds like a song of support/encouragement. It’s a nice easy listen. The chorus is pretty good. This is the kind of song I could doze off to :P.

Pre-order: CDJapan

FRENCH KISS – New single “Saisho no MAIL” PVs, release on 11/22

Here are FRENCH KISS‘s two PVs for their upcoming single “Saisho no MAIL“. Head on over to Jpopsuki to download both videos.

The main title PV is pretty good. Its style and direction are very similar to “Zutto Mae Kara” and “if” in terms of the drama/movie-like scenes. This music video defines FRENCH KISS and their mature image; it sets them apart from the other AKB subunits. All three members’ acting abilities are not too shabby. Yukirin is so cute in her daycare instructor role and Akicha‘s hairstyle looks great in her useless office lady role @_@. She gets chewed out pretty hard by her “boss” XD.

On a random note, I dunno if people noticed, but during one scene when Yukirin is trying her best to comfort a crying little girl, part of a microphone sticks out into the PV as they zoom out LOL. Just wondering if other people noticed this. I caught it out of the corner of my eye as I watched the video. It’s pretty horrible how they let something like this happen -_-. Hopefully its edited out when this single goes on sale XD.

The song itself is very solid. I actually like it a lot :D. Akicha and Mocchi both have strong voices, with Yukirin‘s soft voice balancing them out. Listening to the chorus makes me feel like I’m flying through the clouds :D.

Overall I like the PV and song a lot for the theme about going through the hardships in life and never giving up on your dreams. It also shows how a beautiful and strong friendship can really shine through when the going gets tough.

 

Woah XD! This is…so different from the image of FRENCH KISS that I described earlier. While still mature, they now border on really cool too. Only Mocchi and Yukirin are featured in this video, but I can definitely see why. They just give off that cool sexy aura (and they both have matching long black hair XD). Both of them look amazing in the black outfits @(@. The dancing is pretty intense and complex compared to their past works. I’ve always seen Yukirin as stiff when it comes to dancing, but her movements look good here. Overall really cool concept for a video. This has potential to be A-side material.

They did a good job with the song. It’s not anything spectacular (at least by my standards), but solid. I really like the beat :D. The sound is different from the usual FRENCH KISS song but that’s a good thing. “Candle no Shin” makes for a great B-side.

I’ll be passing on this single, but AKB fans who have an oshi in this group should definitely not pass it up. It’s their strongest work yet!

Pre-order: Type A CD+DVD limited edition, Type B CD+DVD limited edition, Type C CD+DVD limited edition

AKB48 – New 24th janken single “Ue Kara Mariko” release on 12/7

"Ue Kara Mariko" Type A CD+DVD.

"Ue Kara Mariko" Type K CD+DVD.

 

"Ue Kara Mariko" Type B CD+DVD.

"Ue Kara Mariko" theater edition CD only.

“Ue Kara Mariko“
AKB48

Release date: December 7th, 2011

Type A CD tracklist:
1.  Ue Kara Mariko (Mariko From the Top)
2.  NOEL no Yoru (Noel’s Night)
3.  Rinjin wa Kizutsukanai (The Neighbor Doesn’t Notice) – by Team A
4.  Ue Kara Mariko off vocal ver.
5.  NOEL no Yoru off vocal ver.
6.  Rinjin wa Kizutsukanai off vocal ver.

Type A DVD tracklist:
1.  Ue Kara Mariko Music Video
2.  NOEL no Yoru Music Video
3.  Rinjin wa Kizutsukanai Music Video
4.  24th Single Senbatsu Janken Tournament Document Movie (Before)

Type K CD tracklist:
1.  Ue Kara Mariko
2.  NOEL no Yoru
3.  ZERO SUM Taiyou (Zero Sum Sun) – by Team K
4.  Ue Kara Mariko off vocal ver.
5.  NOEL no Yoru off vocal ver.
6.  ZERO SUM Taiyou off vocal ver.

Type K DVD tracklist:
1.  Ue Kara Mariko Music Video
2.  NOEL no Yoru Music Video
3.  ZERO SUM Taiyou Music Video
4.  24th Single Senbatsu Janken Tournament Document Movie (During)

Type B CD tracklist:
1.  Ue Kara Mariko
2.  NOEL no Yoru
3.  Yobisute FANTASY (A Familiar Fantasy) – by Team B
4.  Ue Kara Mariko off vocal ver.
5.  NOEL no Yoru off vocal ver.
6.  Yobisute FANTASY off vocal ver.

Type B DVD tracklist:
1.  Ue Kara Mariko Music Video
2.  NOEL no Yoru Music Video
3.  Yobibute FANTASY Music Video
4.  24th Single Senbatsu Janken Tournament Document Movie (After)
5.  Shinoda Mariko Interview by Puccho-kun

Theater edition CD tracklist:
1.  Ue Kara Mariko
2.  NOEL no Yoru
3.  Hashire! PENGUIN (Run! Penguin) – by Team 4
4.  Ue Kara Mariko off vocal ver.
5.  NOEL no Yoru off vocal ver.
6.  Hashire! PENGUIN off vocal ver.

AKB48‘s fifth and final single of 2011 has been revealed. Titled “Ue Kara Mariko”, the release will come in three types (one representing each of the three teams) along with a theater edition. First press copies will include a randomly enclosed photo (chosen from 36 types) and an event application. In addition, retailers will be offering their own exclusive bonus photos.

The 16 main members participating in this release were decided through the 2nd annual janken tournament that was held in September. Team A’s Shinoda Mariko emerged victorious to take the center position for this release. This will be the first time in the history of AKB48 that a single title is named after a member.

This single is very similar to last year’s janken single “CHANCE no Junban” in terms of the content and format. I have high expectations for “NOEL no Yoru”, and not just because it’ll be sung by the real senbatsu line-up. “Yoyaku Shita CHRISTMAS” totally blew me away last year, and this looks to be another Christmas-y tune. The team tracks should be interesting too.

Like many others, I was taken aback by the single title. It looks like Mariko really hit jackpot this time XD. While she remains one of the most popular members, Mariko has never shined in same way as Acchan or Yuko. Now she’s obtained something arguably way bigger: her name will forever be immortalized in AKB48.

In the end, this surprise and randomness is the kind of thing that defines AKB. Coming from Aki-P, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise to anyone XD. I think it’s a great idea that they’re pushing Mariko and putting her out there. Her image and demeanor represent the group well, and she more than deserves it. I think management has some big plans in store for her, which would explain why they’re doing something so unprecedented.

This year’s covers are a lot better than last year’s. They are so damn stylish, and most of it has to do with Mariko. Type A is the best-looking, because Mariko in red owns me @_@. The other two covers don’t fall too far behind. What the hell happened with the theater edition though -.-?

You can bet I will be snatching up all three types. Wouldn’t want to miss the janken documentaries or the team-exclusive tracks :D. Now let’s see if Mariko-sama’s supporters can band together to make this AKB48’s record 4th consecutive first week million-seller ;). I can’t wait for December!

Pre-order: Type A CD+DVD, Type K CD+DVD, Type B CD+DVD

Source: AKB48 official website