Apr 21 2009
One More Thing
I forgot to mention a few thoughts about Morning Musume coming to America’s largest anime convention (and tsunku! and singing the theme song! and selling their CDs there!). All I can say is that the American h!p fan community better make a damn good showing. I don’t care if you can’t stand anime, you should go there to support Morning Musume, for two big reasons.
First, it’s sure to be an awesome experience. Second, they’re obviously putting a lot into this. A lot of involvement. Clearly, they’re testing the waters here for further expansion and promotion into North America. Those of you bemoaning the lack of access to h!p for non-asian audiences, now is your big chance to do something about it. Go to their show! Scream their names! Buy some CDs! If this event doesn’t turn out as they are hoping, I doubt they’ll pursue this much further. Hello Project is just now finally becoming aware of their Western fanbase. Hello Online, a major English-speaking h!p fansite, got an exclusive interview with Yoshizawa Hitomi and Ishikawa Rika. That’s direct communication between h!p idols and their English-speaking fan community. H!p is really starting to pay attention to us, the idols themselves are being made aware of our existence, but if we’re all talk and no action, they may very well decide we’re not worth their while.
Ironically enough, I’ll be in Japan while Morning Musume is in America, but I’ll keep doing my best to support them over here. I have no doubt that many new Morning Musume fans will be born at AX, and I truly believe that this could be the start of something good. Momusu becoming massively popular in America?….no. Let’s be realistic here. Momusu (or maybe even the kids groups) occasionally having concerts in America? Opening an English version of the official site? H!p CDs and merchandise becoming much more readily available outside of Asia? All very possible right now. It’s an exciting time. Let’s not blow it.
~Celestia~
Gosh, I love your Blog! Amen to your sentiments about us US/Western fans supporting this first foray of H!P’s onto our shores!!! I bought my ticket the day they went on sale, don’t really know much about anime or care, but I am taking a friend who lives in LA and is putting me up.
He knew nothing of H!P, so I have been “schooling” him through posts and e-mails, youtube videos and a self-made 3-CD Best of Momusu Mix. (CD’s 1 & 2 were all the singles and Disc 3 were essential concert track faves and personal faves) So he should be up to speed come July! He actually really likes alot of the songs, mentioning Go Girl!, Morning Coffee, and a few others as favourites.
SO I did my part! I’m going and I’m taking a new convert. Everybody who has the means should go too. I hope to see you there and let’s cheer on the amazing Momusu!
Man, I can’t believe I may have the chance to shake Tsunku’s hand and personally thank him for all the joy and music he has given me. Wowza!
I might go, but not the talent show. I have… no talent. whatevs, ill see tsunku anyways!!!!!