Archives for the ‘Rants’ Category
Intersex’d or…the Q is talking to me
Recommended reading. As Jim puts it, this post is “a late night metarant regarding the topics of sex, the internet, J-pop blogging and how not to combine the three.” He touches upon a number of ideas, starting with the “it’s my blog and I can post whatever I want” topic, then expanding into the ages of bloggers, honesty of males online, and ending with a Sharan Q song. It sounds strange until you read it: Jim has a way of making entries like this seem as if they’re a friendly, one-on-one conversation over lunch, nothing too serious or restrained to a single topic, but entirely worth getting involved with.
pengie • Jun 12th, 2008
Blogs, Rants, Recommended • No Comments
In Which the Japanese Entertainment Industry Is A Science Experiment…Not
Kimitsu begins this piece with some ranting on how scandals are handled in Japan, along with the justified plea to “stop shoving it in my face”. Then she segues into the use of variety shows in Japan to showcase the imperfections of their stars, making them more human, but in a controlled manner. That’s where it really gets interesting for me. The willingness of Japan’s stars to play stupid games, endure ridiculous “punishments”, and engage in other silly shenanigans is one of my favorite parts of being a fan of Japanese performers. Our A-list celebrities wouldn’t be caught dead on a game show with meat strapped to their heads in order to tempt a large iguana, and that’s a crying shame. An interesting read. Recommended.
celestia_414 • Jun 11th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, Johnny's, Rants, Recommended • No Comments
A Whole Bunch Of Thoughts But Nowhere To Put Them
Well, I’ve been nice about this up until now, and now’s the time to come clean and tell you what I really think of Yoshimi. She’s the queen b**** of bloggers. No doubt. She’s a bloggin b****. I really mean that, and I also mean that in a way that turns me on. Yoshimi’s writing gets me flustered. It’s authoritive when aggressive, thoughtful between the rioting notion one gets from being pissed off half the time at her place, but fun and addictive for it. Sure, she easily insults, and I’ve shouted at my screen so many times already - thanks Yoshimi - but I’m quite simply attracted to her writing. Simple. And how many bloody times must I admit this? Others of similar candor, I have to admit, will usually get ignored, but since I see a lot of thought between much of the ‘arrhhhh’ moments in Yoshimi’s writing, I’m happy to stay on deck.
This is another post that ticks me off, completey. Again she continues to preach, which is to say that when she talks about her not caring about what others think about her blog et al, one gets the feeling deep down that she does, and also that she should remember that we all dont take blogging as seriously as she would like to think. Well, most of us. And so a lot of the time I was thinking ‘hey, who do you think you’re speaking for?’ But regardless, this entry has it’s usual bite, and she’s bored of the Intl Wota circle, guys. What can I say? Broomhead might be interested to read this, along with much of the Intl Wota crowd. This is also a nice look into Yoshimi’s character, at least as far as bloggining goes, and that’ll interest those who’ve come to like or actually hate her place. Hmmm, I dont quite no what to say. It’s certainly interesting and I liked it…if that counts for anything. I am, however, waiting for Yoshimi to finally have a dig at me. I’m sure she’s just waiting for the right time. Just read it if you’re interested. I dont want to really break it down.
wu-san • May 14th, 2008
Blogs, Rants, Recommended • 6 Comments
Where is facepalm.jpg when you need it?
Gray shares some frustrations with Wikipedia and their half-assed policies, using his attempts to correct Hitomi Yoshizawa’s entry there as a prime example. Speaking from experience, considering how far Wikipedia has been going down the shitter since Jim Wales started getting bad copyright and legal advice from his retainers, this should be no surprise to anyone. Believe me, Gray, there’s a lot of that going around; For me, it’s just a reminder of why I stopped contributing to that site last year.
CJ Marsicano • Apr 26th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, Rants • 4 Comments
Yamapi Gets Mobbed by Fans in Korea
Recommended reading. Apparently, on a private trip to Korea, Yamashita Tomohisa of NewS (better known as Yamapi) was absolutely mobbed by crazy fans. Oritsme expresses outrage and disgust that the fans would behave like this, and I can’t help but agree. The video is downright frightening. I don’t think any blow darts were shot, but it wouldn’t have surprised me. If you are harming or jeopardizing the safety of the idol you claim to love, your fandom has officially gone too far. The post segues into the differences between how stars are harassed in different countries, naming Korea as one of the worst because the companies there do not do enough to protect their idols. Yamapi is also commended for his extremely professional behavior amidst all the chaos, and I’ve got to second that point too.
celestia_414 • Apr 8th, 2008
Blogs, Johnny's, Rants, Recommended • No Comments
Recommended reading. The news that Avril Lavigne is going to write (or at least be given songwriting credit alongside Butch Walker on) the forthcoming Puffy AmiYumi single “All Because of You”, isn’t sitting well with many Puffy fans, including Jeff at the Puffy blog AmiYumidas. Jeff links several other reactions (including a thread about the single and collaboration at fan site PuffyAmiYumiWorld.com and this editor’s “nasty and NSFW blog post” on the subject) to back up his assertion that Avril isn’t qualified to be involved with anything within a 100-mile radius of Puffy, and also advises Ami and Yumi not to make a big deal out of the collaboration because of Avril’s repeatedly tarnished reputation.
CJ Marsicano • Apr 2nd, 2008
Blogs, Fan Sites, Pop Idols, Punk, Rants, Recommended, Rock, Snark • 10 Comments
The Joys and Horrors of English Lyrics in Jpop
If you are an English-speaking fan of Jpop, I’m sure you have found yourself amused, horrified, or at least surprised by the questionable use of your native language in Japanese music. Jpop Addict considers the good, the bad, and the ugly side of the issue, pointing out specific artists who use English well, and those who don’t. While the piece is very much against the use of poor English in Jpop, personally I’m all for it, because I think it’s funny as hell. Whichever side you take, you’ll probably enjoy this well-written post. Recommended Reading
celestia_414 • Mar 21st, 2008
Blogs, Rants, Recommended, Snark • No Comments
What’s in a review? That which by any Other Words Would Sound as Sweet
Kimitsu brings up some thought-provoking questions on the topic of writing music reviews in our blogosphere. She wonders, and not unreasonably, “what is the point?” It’s a genuine question, and it’s not aimed at criticizing review blogs. The post moves from Kimitsu’s own personal reasons for blogging to speculation about our little community in general. I know that I have grappled with similar questions about my own motivation (attention whore) and the purpose (to entertain) of my blogs. They are certainly questions worth asking yourself, and I suspect that the answers will be slightly different for everyone. Recommended Reading
celestia_414 • Mar 20th, 2008
Blogs, Rants, Recommended • No Comments
After reading a recent post on Aoi♥Usagi - as appropriately linked - Yoshimi decides to take the conecpt of giving one’s own imagination the power to manage Hello! Project.
Now, some of Yoshimi’s plans for Hello! Project are just plain silly - in a good sense - whilst others should definitely be carried out. Overall though, regardless of where I stand on some of the points made, they all had me smiling in some form or another. Seriously though, lets keep Koha on the smack Yoshimi. It’s nice to see Mucchi - as I don’t like to call her - getting some attention too, and heaven knows she needs it if she’s going to try and win votes. There’s even an inclusion of a flattering photo at the end, although I’d even date her as the brick face.
An often fun and lively read without the weight of politics, suprisingly. Ok, with a post like this you cant avoid it, but this time around Yoshimi uses her wit to make it seem like less of a chore. I mean, this could have easily read like the dictionary. Recommended reading.
wu-san • Mar 9th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, Rants, Recommended • No Comments
Ayumi Hamasaki does “Sweet” magazine, Feb 08
Found by Vee. The infamous LiveJournal celeb gossip community Oh No They Didn’t features Ayumi Hamasaki in this post. Fortunately, it’s just her latest magazine cover and the poster just criticizes what they see as a bad Photoshop job on the cover and throws in a couple of recommended video clips to shut up the “haters”.
CJ Marsicano • Jan 23rd, 2008
Avex Trax, Blogs, Eyecandy, Pop Idols, Rants • 2 Comments
WARNING MATURE CONTENT
LINK GOES STRAIGHT TO YOUTUBE CLIP
IF YOU’RE LIKE ME YOU MAY FIND THE CLIP DISTURBING
“姬野愛 AV Idol wanna cry after Blow Job”
One small step for man… One giant leap for my argument, my point of view. Yes maybe just maybe I feel worse now than ever and maybe just maybe that does mean… Iono T_T
craig • Dec 25th, 2007
Rants • 15 Comments
A trio of entries in quick succession over at Pink Wota.
[Rant] R-E-S-P-E-C-T
[Quote] The Tao of Leadership
[Eye Candy and Food for Thought] Idolatry
Pink Wota’s ‘other’ contributer comes out of hiding in defence of Takahashi Ai, asking Takitty haters to show a little respect. No matter how I look at all the angles, I still believe this girl’s got tenure. Simply because she’s more talented at being a Singer than most of the others. The strength of this piece comes from the writer’s conviction, and whilst I feel some of her views loose that higher ground, due to a lack of exploration in parts, It doesn’t beg, and even has a gusto about it at times, lines like ”Do you remember Mr. Moonlight? No? Yes? I really don’t care” giving much of the writing legs to stand on. The fact that it doesn’t get on its knees and instead points the finger makes it a good read with good potential. I also like the fact that we have two conflicting views on Takitty on one blog. I hope to see more from ‘gal circle’ in the future.
Pinkocracy starts quoting from the “Tao” on leadership, hinting towards Takitty’s tact and style of play as leader. The quotes certainly make for good reading, especailly when connected to Momusu’s bread winner. Although I always imagine Sayu and Koha doing that job…they could cutesy bakeries out of pastry all too easily. And when that doesn’t work, Gaki can just shout at people. Anyway, a read that will entertain the impartial and work the brains of people wanting to get involved with Takitty…no, not like that. Well, ok, maybe like that.
The thrid entry is a very, very detailed essay on D-boys. Much of the start is plain fangirling, and having fangirling tendencies myself, it’s somewhat liberating to absorb in. But there’s also a nice literal quality to the way Pinkocracy dictates everything to us. The essay soon turns towards the ideology of idolizm, and from there it takes on a greater importance. The overall read is rewarding, and that says a great deal about the dexterity of Pinkocracy’s writing at times - to have me reading about blokes who aren’t Nissy. I’ll admit there’s a short flurry of ranting I dont agree with near the end, but that’s probably my problem. Not hers. Contradicting my own writing for a moment, the ending thoughts on the relationships between fan and Idol could’ve done with more exploration - I know I know, Ray says I do it all the time too - but there’s still enough to sink your teeth into. Highly Recommended reading people!
wu-san • Nov 23rd, 2007
Blogs, Hello! Project, Rants • 2 Comments
AKB48 May Have Jesus, But They Still Lack Something
Yossha Yossha YOSSHA! provides a very entertaining read - a snark rant of her dislike for many (but not all) things AKB48. I don’t like AKB48 myself. The gimmick wears thin with me on this one, and Yossha Yossha YOSSHA! seems fed up with the processed and packaged shell of ‘Yuuhi wo Miteiru ka?’. A good post from a good blogger.
wu-san • Nov 4th, 2007
Blogs, Rants • No Comments
Sorrowful Women Smiling In The Nude
A highly entertaining read that is both engaging and rewarding with it’s wit and humour, and on the side, there’s some rather freaky observations. I dont agree with some of them but they’re always fun.
Covers discussed are: The two Kanashimi Twighlight versions and Egao Yes Nude.
wu-san • Oct 30th, 2007
Blogs, Hello! Project, Rants • No Comments
Doraibuchuu Mo Ara?! - H!P Stars In Cars
Just in time for version 2.0 of her blog, The Princess of Snark puts her crown back on straight and looks at newbie driver Natsumi Abe’s little fender-bender.
CJ Marsicano • Oct 12th, 2007
Hello! Project, Rants, Snark • No Comments
WHY MAKE IT SO THAT ONLY PEOPLE IN JAPAN CAN GET PAST THIS STEP IN THE SIGN UP PROCESS WHHHHHYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(And I was so happy half way through 
IT FELT SO CLOSE… )
EDIT: HELP IS AT HAND IN THE COMMENTS
craig • Jul 31st, 2007
Rants • 6 Comments
[Review] ‘glitter’ PV…doesn’t.
pinkocracy is apparently very disappointed in Ayumi Hamasaki’s new video for the song “glitter”, which not only borrows the title from Mariah Carey’s ill-fated film debut, but also seems to steal from Whitney Houston’s The Bodyguard.
CJ Marsicano • Jul 14th, 2007
Blogs, Pop Idols, Rants, Snark • No Comments
Where all those market research people be at? Do you remember when I wanted to buy this? Everything from the term gaijin to the way you treat gaijin is a big F’ing insult… and now everyone is downloading this for free, I hope you’re happy. Go Mishima yourself LOL hsgjsaj ;P
craig • Jun 9th, 2007
News, Rants • No Comments
W Is For Wanton (American Wota)
Ray Mescallado gives his typical lengthy dissertation on the Misadventures of Knocked-Up Nono and Adulterous Aibon, throwing in some visual snark by way of screencaps of the infamous J-porn DVD Double U Dream.
CJ Marsicano • May 10th, 2007
AV Idols, Blogs, Hello! Project, News, Pop Idols, Rants, TNX • No Comments
Tsuji pregnant, and getting married (Hello! Online)
You know MiniMoni’s not so mini anymore when… (Wings Of My Heart)
Nono, eh? (MorningBerryz’s blog)
Tsuji Will Be A Married Mommy (Some Boys! Blog)
Rumors of Tsuji’s Pregnancy (American Wota)
STOP THE PRESSES!!!! Nono’s knocked up! (Stuck In A Pagoda With Motoko Aoyama)
…and boy, does it continue! Hello! Online has the most news it can get ahold of right now. The man who plays Tsunku to our own MoMusu, Ray Mescallado, is waiting for official word (as are everyone else) from UFW. Julia at Wings of my Heart deserves a special award for Blog Post Title of the Moment and Opening Paragraph of the Moment. Some Boys! Blog points out that Tsuji’s baby daddy was in a dorama with her former MoMusu/MiniMoni bandmate Mari Yaguchi, and that him and Tsuji had been shacking up in her flat for awhile already, while both myself and MorningBerryz are still collecting our thoughts but just had to post our intial reactions.
CJ Marsicano • May 7th, 2007
Blogs, Hello! Project, Pop Idols, Rants, Snark, TNX • 2 Comments
Tsuji Nozomi pregnant?! And is getting married??!! (Hello Non-Pro Hour)
A Little Too Curious Nono?! (Hello! Blog)
I’m calling this one right now. (Unchained)
News of a knocked-up Nono has the whole J-pop-web abuzz. Jin at the Non-Pro Hour and Paul at Hello!Blog pretty much have to pick their jaws up off the floor, while Nicole (pengie to the rest of you) at unchained.nu says she saw this coming and also predicts that, with news of Ai Kago signing with a different label late last week still fresh in all of our minds, Tsuji could be reuniting with her exiled musical life partner outside of the H!P/TNX idolsphere.
CJ Marsicano • May 7th, 2007
Blogs, Hello! Project, News, Rants, TNX • 2 Comments
See those links there? They are to some nice new Berryz pics from houenhaimu2000 on Yahoo! JAPAN - オークション. I think they might be sold already but that’s not your only problem: Seller will not ship internationally.
Why of course not. I mean who the F am I or U? Huh? *cracks knuckles*
craig • Apr 9th, 2007
Rants • No Comments
Ai Yai Yai Idols - A Lot Can Happen In A Week
Kd plans ahead and fires off some random shots on pop idol paychecks, Aibon (again), the cover art to Koharu’s new single, the Yossi/Mikitty live cover of “Rainbow Pink”, Aika’s radio show, and MoMusu b-sides, since Her Royal Snarkyness is planning to be occupied with other matters for the rest of the week.
CJ Marsicano • Apr 3rd, 2007
Blogs, Hello! Project, Rants, Snark • No Comments
The Idol Escape Plan - Let’s Go Together!
Inspired, obviously, by the recent departures (voluntarily or otherwise) of several H!P talent over the past several months, Kd tries to figure out why anyone would want to quit being a pop idol in the first place. A very interesting read for sure.
It could be worse, Kd - Kurt Cobain is said to have killed himself because he couldn’t handle the fame (unless you’re like me and think Courtney had something to do with it…).
CJ Marsicano • Mar 29th, 2007
Blogs, Pop Idols, Rants • 2 Comments