AKB48’s 27th Single Senbatsu Elections – Oshima Yuko wins, takes center position once more

AKB48 concluded their much-anticipated 4th annual senbatsu elections for their 27th single this Wednesday. Like many expected Oshima Yuko emerged as the top vote-getter to take the center position once again after being edged out last year by Maeda Atsuko. Maeda, who is graduating from the group in August, was not present in this year’s election after formally withdrawing in order to give her juniors a chance. Watanabe Mayu, who was 5th in last year’s election, moved up three spots to claim the #2 position while fellow Team B member Kashiwagi Yuki remained at #3.

Here are the full results of this year’s senbatsu elections:

Senbatsu

The moment of victory.

01.  Oshima Yuko (AKB48, Team K) – 108,837 (↑1)
02.  Watanabe Mayu (AKB48, Team B) – 72,574 (↑3)
03.  Kashiwagi Yuki (AKB48, Team B) – 71,076 (←)
04.  Sashihara Rino (AKB48, Team A) – 67,339 (↑5)
05.  Shinoda Mariko (AKB48, Team A) – 67,017 (↓1)
06.  Takahashi Minami (AKB48, Team A) – 65,480 (↑1)
07.  Kojima Haruna (AKB48, Team A) – 54,483 (↓1)

08.  Itano Tomomi (AKB48, Team K) – 50,483 (←)
09.  Matsui Jurina (SKE48, Team S) – 45,747 (↑5)
10.  Matsui Rena (SKE48, Team S) – 42,030 (←)
11.  Miyazawa Sae (AKB48, Team K) – 40,261 (←)
12.  Kasai Tomomi (AKB48, Team B) – 27,005 (↑4)
13.  Kitahara Rie (AKB48, Team B) – 26,531 (←)
14.  Minegishi Minami (AKB48, Team K) – 26,038 (↑1)
15.  Yokoyama Yui (AKB48, Team K) – 25,541 (↑4)
16.  Umeda Ayaka (AKB48, Team K) – 24,522 (↑6)

Undergirls

Victor’s speech of gratitude and thanks.

17.  Takajo Aki (AKB48, Team A) – 23,083 (↓5)
18.  Yamamoto Sayaka (NMB48, Team N) – 23,020 (↑10)
19.  Watanabe Miyuki (NMB48, Team N) – 19,159 (*)
20.  Akimoto Sayaka (AKB48, Team K) – 19,121 (↓3)
21.  Sato Amina (AKB48, Team B) – 17,009 (↓3)
22.  Kuramochi Asuka (AKB48, Team A) – 14,852 (↓1)
23.  Shimazaki Haruka (AKB48, Team 4) – 14,633 (*)
24.  Takayanagi Akane (SKE48, Team KII) – 14,111 (↓1)
25.  Hata Sawako (SKE48, Team KII) – 13,920 (↑8)
26.  Masuda Yuka (AKB48, Team B) – 13,166 (↓6)
27.  Oya Masana (SKE48, Team S) – 12,142 (↑3)
28.  Yagami Kumi (SKE48, Team S) – 11,712 (*)
29.  Suda Akari (SKE48, Team S) – 11,323 (↑7)
30.  Furukawa Airi (SKE48, Team KII) – 11,179 (*)
31.  Kizaki Yuria (SKE48, Team S) – 10,554 (*)
32.  Ogiso Shiori (SKE48, Team KII) – 9,596 (*)

Next Girls

Eternal rivals, best friends.

33.  Iwasa Misaki (AKB48, Team A) – 9,297 (*)
34.  Matsumura Kaori (SKE48, Kenkyuusei) – 9,030 (*)
35.  Mukaida Manatsu (SKE48, Team KII) – 8,552 (*)
36.  Nakaya Sayaka (AKB48, Team A) – 8,505 (*)
37.  Nakata Chisato (AKB48, Team A) – 8,315 (*)
38.  Miyazaki Miho (AKB48, Team B) – 8,173 (↓11)
39.  Nagao Mariya (AKB48, Team 4) – 7,809 (*)
40.  Fujie Reina (AKB48, Team K) – 7,782 (←)
41.  Kobayashi Kana (AKB48, Team B) – 7,195 (*)
42.  Maeda Ami (AKB48, Team A) – 7,168 (↓5)
43.  Fukumoto Aina (NMB48, Team N) – 6,912 (*)
44.  Nakagawa Haruka (AKB48, Team A) – 6,890 (↓20)
45.  Tano Yuuka (AKB48, Team 4) – 6,694 (*)
46.  Yamada Nana (NMB48, Team N) – 6,683 (*)
47.  Miyawaki Sakura (HKT48, Team H) – 6,635 (*)
48.  Katayama Haruka (AKB48, Team A) – 6,602 (*)

Future Girls

The center takes her rightful throne.

49.  Muto Tomu (AKB48, Kenkyuusei) – 6,428 (*)
50.  Ishida Haruka (AKB48, Team B) – 6,333 (*)
51.  Kikuchi Ayaka (AKB48, Team K) – 6,185 (*)
52.  Oota Aika (AKB48, Team A) – 6,140 (↓27)
53.  Matsui Sakiko (AKB48, Team K) – 6,058 (↓15)
54.  Yamauchi Suzuran (AKB48, Team 4) – 6,027 (*)
55.  Nito Moeno (AKB48, Team K) – 6,025 (↓24)
56.  Kimoto Kanon (SKE48, Team E) – 5,982 (*)
57.  Oba Mina (AKB48, Team 4) – 5,969 (↓22)
58.  Ichikawa Miori (AKB48, Team 4) – 5,963 (↓19)
59.  Oya Shizuka (AKB48, Team A) – 5,933 (↓30)
60.  Ogasawara Mayu (NMB48, Team N) – 5,919 (*)
61.  Sato Sumire (AKB48, Team B) – 5,706 (↓27)
62.  Yakata Miki (SKE48, Team KII) – 5,606 (*)
63.  Nakanishi Yuka (SKE48, Team S) – 5,592 (*)
64.  Komori Mika (AKB48, Team B) – 5,398 (↓32)

* indicates a new entry compared to last year.

 

2012 senbatsu members.

This year’s senbatsu election was the biggest to date, encompassing all 200+ members from AKB48, SKE48, NMB48, and HKT48. The criteria for becoming a senbatsu member was also expanded to an unprecedented 64 spots, compared to last year’s 40.

The top 16 now make up the main senbatsu, the most privileged members who will be singing the A-side of the 27th single. The next 16 spots comprise the Undergirls, who will be singing the main coupling track. Spots 33-48 represent the newly formed Next Girls, who will sing the second B-side. The last 16 spots make up the Future Girls, another newly formed unit who will be responsible for the third B-side track.

Firstly, congratulations to Yuko for taking center once more! There was no doubt in my mind that she would after Acchan‘s withdrawal, and I do not believe there is a more appropriate girl for this position either. Besides Acchan, Yuko is the only member with the know-how to lead AKB48, having already been the center once for one of the group’s most well-known hits. But just like Yuko gave Acchan a run for her money, there has to be someone that will be giving Yuko a run for hers. Mayuyu could possibly be that person. I’m very surprised at her splendid jump into #2. If you asked me prior to this election who would end up second, my answer would have been Yukirin or Mariko.

Even more surprising is another member’s result. Last year, it was Yukirin jumping five spots up to knock Tomochin out of the “Kami 7”. This year it was Sashihara Rino, who also jumped five spots and effectively replaces Acchan as the new face of the prestigious seven. This girl is really something; she moved five positions up in a ridiculously competitive top 10. Add to that the fact that she was 27th in the first election, 19th in the second, and 9th in the last. That’s a 23-spot jump into godhood! A legendary achievement indeed, and she’s more than deserving of it after all the effort she’s put in these past couple of years. Sasshi is a shining example of how hard work pays off.

My four votes this year went to Kojima Haruna, who I recently settled on as my one and only oshimen. Even though she dropped a position from last year, I couldn’t be happier. Kojiharu‘s been able to maintain a steady ranking every year since the elections came into existence. Seventh isn’t so bad; it’s lucky number 7, and quite fitting for an angel who’s battled her way through two rock-paper-scissor tournaments to become the only member to appear in every AKB48 single released thus far :).

After listening to her speech this year I realized just how precious and adorable she really is. It was very touching to know that she’d been battling with anxiety and doubt in the weeks leading up to the election, all while putting on a cheerfully sweet facade. I cherish her quite a lot for this quality, along with many others. She’s my definition of a perfect Japaese idol ;).

Overall this year’s election did not disappoint one bit, but it definitely did not feel right without Acchan participating. The reality has finally set in that she’s leaving, but at the same time, through this election, the group has shown they will be OK moving on without her. With Yuko taking the helm once again they are in great hands, and I definitely look forward to AKB48‘s 27th single release some time in late August. If HEAVY ROTATION is any indicator it is sure to be another huge hit, perhaps the biggest ever :).

What surprises will next year’s election hold?

 

The top 16 (note: Matsui Jurina not pictured).

Goodies galore pt.33

A compact CDJapan shipment.

Packaging is always so elegant from them.

  

New singles from Itano Tomomi, Sashihara Rino, Nishino Kana, and AKB48!

AKB48’s Itano Tomomi – New 3rd solo single “10nen Go no Kimi he” PV, release on 4/25

The title PV for Itano Tomomi‘s new single 10nen Go no Kimi he was aired a few days ago. Download it here.

They did a damn good job with this music video. I’ve always been a fan of PVs in which the scenes look like they are taken straight from a drama. The direction is fantastic and all the scenes flow so well. I love Tomochin’s expressions :). She’s matured so much as a soloist since Fuini.

10nen Go no Kimi he is definitely her best song as far as vocal performances go. To be honest I did not expect the title track to turn out this well and feel a little guilty for not giving her some more credit. She sings extremely well and everything just comes together perfectly. The piano parts give the track such a powerful feeling and the Latin influence is a huge plus too :).

Count me in on this single :D! It’s turning out to be her best yet.

Be sure to check out her coupling track Clone PV as well!

 
Pre-order:

10nen Go no Kimi he Type A CD+DVD.

10nen Go no Kimi he Type B CD+DVD.

10nen Go no Kimi he CD only.

AKB48’s Itano Tomomi – New 3rd solo single PV “Clone”, release on 4/25

The PV for the coupling track of Itano Tomomi‘s new single 10nen Go no Kimi he has been aired. Download it here.

Hands down, this is her best music video since Dear J! I always knew Tomochin had a nice figure, but hot dayum; what a bod @_@. I think she’s been in dire need of a PV like this to boost her image as a cool sexy pop princess. The dancing and overall direction are excellent.

Clone didn’t appeal to me at first, but after a second listen I think I’m in love :). It has a unique sound and Tomochin does a fantastic job singing the lyrics. I’m glad they place emphasis on “pure” vocals in this song, meaning little to no autotuning or other electronic effects. She has an adorable voice, and it’s definitely not as bad as I initially thought :D.

This is turning out to be an excellent single so far. Stay tuned for her A-side PV!

 
Pre-order:

10nen Go no Kimi he Type A CD+DVD.

10nen Go no Kimi he Type B CD+DVD.

10nen Go no Kimi he CD only.

AKB48’s Itano Tomomi – New 3rd solo single “10nen Go no Kimi he”, release on 4/25

10nen Go no Kimi he Type A CD+DVD.

10nen Go no Kimi he Type B CD+DVD.

 

10nen Go no Kimi he CD only.

10nen Go no Kimi he
Itano Tomomi

Release date: April 25th, 2012

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Type A CD tracklist: 
01.  10nen Go no Kimi he (To You 10 Years Later)
02.  Clone
03.  deal feat. NO-FACE
04.  10nen Go no Kimi he ‒instrumental-
05.  Clone ‒instrumental-
06.  10nen Go no Kimi he ‒instrumental-

Type A DVD tracklist:
01.  10nen Go no Kimi he Music Video
02.  10nen Go no Kimi he Making Clip
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Type B CD tracklist: 
01.  10nen Go no Kimi he
02.  Clone
03.  Always I need you
04.  10nen Go no Kimi he ‒instrumental-
05.  Clone ‒instrumental-
06.  Always I need you -instrumental-

Type B DVD tracklist:
01.  Clone Music Video
02.  Clone Making Clip
__________________________________________________________________________________________

CD only tracklist: 
01.  10nen Go no Kimi he
02.  Clone
03.  lose-lose
04.  10nen Go no Kimi he ‒instrumental-
05.  Clone ‒instrumental-
06.  lose-lose -nstrumental-
__________________________________________________________________________________________

After nearly 9 months of no releases, Itano Tomomi‘s 3rd solo single has been announced! Titled 10nen Go no Kimi he, the release will come in two CD+DVD types in addition to a CD only version. 10nen Go no Kimi he is described as a sad mid-tempo love ballad. The coupling track Clone is currently being used as a tie-up for EMOBILE‘s new CM. According to Itano’s official blog, she wrote the lyrics to lose-lose herself. First press copies of this single will include a retailer-exclusive bonus photo.

Pretty covers, even if they are a little generic. I’m leaning towards the Type A right now. The only major qualm I have so far is the meager DVD content. Just a music video and making clip? Similarly priced singles from other AKB48-related acts include a lot more. That making clip had better be quite long XD.

All of Tomochin’s single tracks have not disappointed thus far, so I have high hopes for 10nen Go no Kimi he. If she can pull off this kind of song, her image as a solo female artist will get a nice boost.

 
Pre-order:

10nen Go no Kimi he Type A CD+DVD.

10nen Go no Kimi he Type B CD+DVD.

10nen Go no Kimi he CD only.

 
Source: Itano Tomomi official website

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.

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!

AKBINGO!

AKBINGO aired on 10-19-2011.

 

I bring to you a hilarious episode of AKBINGO! I watched last week. After a very long absence, Acchan made her glorious return to the show :D. This airing was jam-packed with some of my favorite members including  Tomochin, Miorin, Yukirin, Mayuyu, Yui, and Takamina. It’s always so fun to see how they interact on this crazy variety show.

The main segment of this episode was the infamous “Muchaburi Dodgeball”. This is pretty easy to follow, even for a person who does not know much Japanese. The girls split into two teams and play a friendly game of dodgeball. Whoever gets hit has to do some crazy shit. Yui participates for the first time in this activity, and she also became the first victim on this airing. They made her eat some very spicy curry dish. It was at this point that they looked back almost 3 years ago, when Acchan was put into a similar situation. Whatever she ate was so spicy she actually cried and ran backstage in visible pain while on air! So yeah, these games are no joke. Yui is apparently OK with spicy foods, and to everyone’s surprise the spoonful she ate did not even phase her one bit LOL. The result was the complete opposite of what was suppose to happen.

Takamina, thinking it’s not that bad, tries some herself. Yeah, she was speechless afterwards, because it was so hot for her LOL. One of the hosts then picked on Miorin and made her try some as well. At first, she didn’t react, but after a couple of seconds passed her reaction to the spiciness was so adorable XD. As the segment was about to end, Acchan suddenly wanted to try some, despite what happened to her 3 years ago. She put a spoonful to her lips thinking it was OK, but then immediately found it spicy; it didn’t even make it into her mouth LOL. In the ensuing hilarity, Tomochin tried to surreptitiously take a sip of water from the glasses on the table, but the camera caught her in the act. She didn’t even try the dish, she was just trying to exploit the situation and quench her thirst LOL.

Fast forward two victims to Tomochin. She was made to eat some disgusting bugs that were prepared as a delicacy. It looked absolutely revolting. This wasn’t the first time on the show something like this was featured either. Tomo chopsticked one into her mouth and found it “delicious” XD. Once again, the whole food gag accomplished the exact opposite of what it was suppose to. Tomochin got Acchan to try some too :D. Acchan, thinking “if Tomochin says it’s OK then it should be OK” , tried a little bite after almost backing out. Needless to say, she didn’t like it very much LOL. Her reaction was so cute ^^.

The last victim was Miorin. She got sprayed in the face with a whipped cream-like substance (sounds so wrong I know XD) after not being able to contain her laughter at the sight of a comedian’s gags. Oh Miorin…if only you hadn’t burst out laughing and held on for a bit longer XD.

At the end of the show, AKB performed their new song “Kaze wa Fuite Iru“. Acchan looks so fierce with her current hairstyle! Studio live ftw!

AKBINGO! always puts a smile on my face, and this episode is definitely one of the more memorable ones. It was really nice to see Acchan back, but now Yuko is gone! I really want to see all the top members together on one airing :D. It’d certainly be very entertaining!

Go to Hello!Online’s tracker for this great episode.

AKB48 2012 calendars

AKB48‘s calendars for 2012 are up for order on CDJapan! This year, they are doing things a little differently. Every member (including those from Team 4) will have their own B-2-sized poster calendar. These will come with five kinds of calendar stickers featuring AKB48 members. In addition, the more popular members will have their own traditional hanging wall calendars (a.k.a. Tokyo Date calendars). A clear case is included with these.

Check them out here!

I already grabbed Acchan, Kojiharu, Tomochin, and Yukirin‘s poster calendars. Would love to have Yuko as well, but the photo they chose for her poster is bad -_-. Wasamin looks amazing in her poster hot damn @_@. Just like with Yuko, what were they thinking with Sayaka‘s picture -_-.

Until I see the pictures inside the “Tokyo Date” calendars, I will not be considering them. Some of the covers do look enticing though ^^. I prefer a more mature image for my hanging calendar though, and as such Ayu is a safe bet for me.

These four posters I ordered will be my first from AKB48. I’m excited to put them up ^^.

Goodies galore pt.12

Ok…this is gonna be a big one. Here we go:

One of the biggest boxes CDJapan offers :D.

Love the tissue paper!

Apparently the books I ordered take up a lot of room.

Everything unwrapped.

  

All AKB48-associated single releases: Acchan, no3b, Not yet, and Tomochin's newest singles. Also, Yuko's recently released photobook along with AKB48's 2011 senbatsu election official guidebook.

  

Maeda Atsuko's "Flower" Act I CD+DVD w/ first press CDJapan bonus photo.

Back.

  

no3b's "Kuchibiru Furezu..." Kojima Haruna ver. CD+DVD limited edition w/ first press bonus poster (see below).

Back.

  

Not yet's "Naminori Kakigoori" Type B CD+DVD w/ CDJapan first press bonus photo.

Back.

  

Itano Tomomi's "Fuini" Type B CD+DVD w/ CDJapan first press bonus photo.

Back.

  

AKB48 Senbatsu Sousenkyo Official Guidebook 2011.

Back.

  

Oshima Yuko 1st Photobook "Yuko".

Back.

  

"Kuchibiru Furezu..." CDJapan first press bonus poster.

  

"Type A" poster from AKB48's 2011 senbatsu official guidebook.

 

See, what did I say XD? This is what happens when the girls of AKB48 release something every week for 4 weeks. Just a few thoughts…

Each of these singles come in at least three different versions and I was tempted to buy at least two versions for each. I’d usually order a second version from HMV for the different bonus photo, cover, content etc. This time I decided not to in order to save on money.

For the most part I’m pleased with all the first press photos I got received from CDJapan except “Naminori Kakigoori“‘s Yui photo. I was really hoping for Yuko, Sasshi, or even a group pic. Yui is a sweet cherry and all but she’s not what I was expecting =(. Guess I can’t have everything!

The election guidebook is highly recommended for the price and content. It has a ton of pictures and great info on every single member that was part of the 2011 senbatsu elections. The top 10 or so members get about 4 full color pages each. Each copy of this guidebook comes with one of two different posters (Type A or B). Type B has Acchan, Tomochin, Takamina, Yukirin, Jurina, and Kasai. I’m pretty pleased with my Type A (pictured on top). Kojiharu and Yuko is a fair trade for Acchan, Tomochin, Takamina, and Yukirin…or is it @_@? They were pretty smart in splitting up the top members evenly in each group shot. Acchan, Tomochin, Takamina, Yukirin, Kojiharu, and Yuko would have been godly though! It’s a little regrettable the poster is folded and has ugly creases. Good thing the girls counteract this :D.

Finally, I couldn’t resist buying my oshi’s first photobook. It’s quite thick and has a ton of content for the price. Looks like it’ll make for some great reading too!

Can’t wait to delve into my books and rip them CDs!

 

Interested in buying any of these?

– “Flower” Act I
– “Kuchibiru Furezu…” Kojima Haruna ver.
– “Naminori Kakigori” Type B
– “Fuini” Type B
– AKB48 Senbatsu Sousenkyo Official Guidebook 2011
– Oshima Yuko 1st Photobook “Yuko”