H!P/TNX single reviews Jul 2008
H!P/TNX single reviews Aug 2008

Henkka has this obsession with long posts. He says this himself in the beginning to “H!P/TNX single reviews Jul 2008.” There is no problem with this obsession if he is talking about that which he enjoys. But what about when he is discussing music that doesn’t have strong appeal? How can he write a lot about that? Well, Henkka solves the problem by reviewing a bunch of releases in a single post.

As a tangent, and this has nothing to do with these entries by Henkka, the length of a blog entry means little to me. It’s possible to write an entry with a lot of words that says nothing at all and it’s possible to write a short entry that says a whole hell of a lot.

Anyways, back to Henkka, he reviews the July releases of Berryz Koubou (Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance), Canaria Club (Hitomi ga Kirakirara), Kusumi Koharu (Papancake), °C-ute - (Edo no Temari Uta II) and Aladdin (Hi wa, Mata Noboru). Ok, sorry to bring up this “short and sweet” argument, but the review for Papancake is less than 50 words and says everything you need to understand how Henkka feels. In fact, had he expanded on it, it may have lost its impact. He also talks about how he hopes Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance will keep him alive through the Finnish winter and recommends the Canaria Club single, and TNX in general, to anyone who is bored of Hello! Project as of late.

In August, he reviews THE Possible’s Ijiwaru Crazy Love and Buono!’s Gachinko de Ikou!. A lot less material then there was for July. Henkka really enjoys the Ijiwaru Craz Love and considers it a massive upgrade over previous releases from THE Possible. As for Buono!, he points out that there is a formula that most Buono! songs follow and Gachinko de Ikou! doesn’t stray too far from the model. I get the feeling from Henkka that he values diversity in a discography.

Reviews: 8/13 New Releases
Oricon Roundup 8/21: ALL STAR Chart

Mars looks at some releases for this week; reviewing SMAP, FLOW, Tanimura Nana, GARNET CROW, alan and Spontania (featuring JUJU). The Single of the Week ends up being Sora no Uta by alan.

After that, Mars once again looks at the Oricon charts, which saw I AM YOUR SINGER by Southern All Stars topping all singles and BEST FICTION by Amuro Namie as the #1 album again. Mars also notes the progress THE Possible has made with Ijiwaru Crazy Love.

Some PV Reviews (or Do Me Haru Crazy Love?)

Tsukiki brings us reviews of three recent PVs: Amuro Namie’s "Do Me More", Big Bang’s "Haru Haru", and THE Possible’s "Ijiwaru Crazy Love". She is impressed with all three PVs despite disliking Big Bang and THE Possible.

Hirano Aya to Work With Morning Musume Producer Tsunku (hashihime 橋姫)
Ogawa Mana to Release Debut Solo (Stardust)

First of all, hashihime 橋姫 is run by hashihime appears to be primarily an anime blog. However, many entries seem to be dedicated to Hirano Aya, and that is more than enough for me to put it on IW.

And what is the news from hashihime and Stardust? Tsunku, Hirano Aya and Ogawa Mana will be involved, in some fashion, with the OP/ED releases for the anime Hyakko. The reports conflict each other though. hashihime says that Hirano Aya will be singing the ED and Ogawa Mana will be singing the OP. Stardust’s entry has it the other way around, with Ogawa Mana doing the ED and Hirano Aya doing the OP. Either way, it looks like Tsunku will be producing both songs (and writing Ogawa Mana’s).

On Anime News Network’s page for Hyakko, it lists Ogawa Mana for the opening theme and Hirano Aya for the ending theme.

Semantics aside, this is good news for Tsunku, Ogawa Mana and TNX in general. While Buono and Kusumi Koharu - and to a lesser extent, Athena & Robikerottsu - have been releasing music attached to anime, Tsunku has not been directly involved in these releases; or if he has, it has been uncredited.

Ok, I am not fact-checking every single H!P/TNX-related release ever to see if they have been used as anime OP/ED themes. So just leave the generalization that Tsunku has not had much involvement with the anime OP/ED releases as is.

Either way, It would mean for a bigger profile for TNX if this is a direction it takes.

Then again, there was Sentimental Generation by Tokito Ami, which was written by Tsunku and used for School Rumble Nigakki, and Ami did not become a fixture in anime openings/endings after that release.

Member Roundup - Ijiwaru Crazy Love Edition

Another typically epic-in-length post from Julia, this time continuing her coverage on THE Possible, and the focus is on their Ijiwaru Crazy Love single. The members of the group are discussed individually when describing their role in the single, and actually, there’s a lovely overview of where THE Possible are at the moment and how they’ve fared up until the present.

Canaria Club Live Document DVD

Recommended Reading and Ogling.  Mars has gotten a hold of the latest NICE GIRL Project concert DVD, which chronicles Canaria Club’s April shows at Sunphonix Hall in Yokohama.  Mars does a well-detailed track by track review, and has plenty of great screencaps to check out while you are perusing.

Overall Mars is really impressed with this presentation, which mixes backstage and concert footage.  And that enthusiasm for the material shines through in this write up.  Watching this DVD made Mars a bigger fan of Canaria Club.  And I must admit reading this review makes me want to see it too.  And it’s a great chance to get to know some of the girls in the unit.  Check it out!

THE Possible Recapped, Pt. 3

Recommended Reading.  THE Possible have started to make a little noise since moving from Hello! Project to TNX.  Julia goes over the last year of activity, giving her impressions of the last four singles and the subtle changes that have taken place around the group.  Julia seems most fascinated (for better or worse) by THE Possible’s recent image.  Taking note of the lolita fashion and crazy hairstyles they’ve recently worn in magazine spreads and PV’s.  And she’s really excited about their brand new single, Ijiwaru Crazy Love!

I’m also finding it fun watching the development of Tsunku’s NICE GIRL Project.  Granted, they haven’t taken the music industry by storm.  But we are starting to see more regularly released singles, and a bit of experimentation that has been rare around UFA and H!P…

Well, rare at least until Koharu’s latest photobook was released.

Mean Crazy Handball

Admittedly, I’ve not been on Wings of My Heart for a good few months, but it’s nice to see that little has changed. The blog still sounds like a blog, that it’s clearly Julia we’re hearing, and not some hierarchy of artistic license, and to my amusement I see many of the write-ups still look as long as novels. What has really improved is Julia’s writing in general. It’s simply not as messy as it used to be, and it’s a welcome refinement for a blogger whose stuck in there all these years. Anyway, this is just me thinking aloud because it really has been that long since I was on Wings of My Heart.

So, the latest entry. Julia listens to two preview songs and gives her initial reactions to them. The first is Ijiwaru Crazy Love by THE Possible, whilst the other one is C-ute’s Edo no Temari Uta II. In short, she’s liking what she hears and she gives good reasons why. Oh and yes, I have no idea if these singles have been released yet, and I cant for the life of me be bothered to find out. I’m lazy. Anyway the post reads well and it’s worth your while if you’re interested in any of the two groups mentioned.

Rhythm Heaven [Co-developed by TNX]

Berryz Fields has an interest video clip to share. It seems that TNX is co-developing a game for the Nintendo DS, and it looks interesting to say the least. Berryz Fields provides some information on the game and it seems like Tsunku was directly involved with this endeavour.

Well-known Japanese music producer TSUNKU? helped direct Rhythm Heaven and composed the music for it.

Gal Sone gets acting start in “Kamen Rider Kiva” movie

So apparently, competitive eating is indeed a way to make a name for oneself in the geinou world! No word on the status of Gyaruru, though. I wouldn’t mind seeing them return, truth be known.

Canary Club - Nishikikazare

Arashi takes a listen to Canary Club’s ‘Nishikikazare’ single, and she shares her love for the song and the PV. Her comparing them to earlier Momusu, and highlighting a charm in Canary Club that Momusu have lost really has me interested in this TNX group, in all honesty.

It’s a nice write-up which doesn’t really demand much in the way of hyperbolic detail, but it’s smoothed over nicely enough to get the picture. One of the members is 10 years older than the rest, and my first thought: ”awwww”. She’s probably like the mother hen, or queen bitch. I like the idea of both. Recommended reading.

Am I Too Early or Too Late to Hop on “The Possible” Bandwagon?

Recommended reading. Chris does a great job describing how he slowly discovered and was won over by The Possible. I appreciate the small pervy touches - he identifies one member as “the girl who looked like Okada Yui from the neck down” -

and the way he builds dramatic tension believably in his growing ardor for the group.

Idol in waiting …

Wotaku Now takes a quick look at Ami Tokito. There is plenty of eyecandy to go along with it. The hopes for a new single for Ami may fall on deaf ears, but it is clear to see why Ami remains active on variety shows and the such.

Don’t mess with THE Possible!

Courtesy of Anna, news of the ninth single from the TNX group. They look really butch in the photos promoting the single, which is a pretty good thing.

THE Possible goes Canny (Strawberrie)
THE Possible’s 9th Single (Some Boys! Blog)

And this one is for Pony Canyon! Does it mean anything? Is this part of some kind of plan, considering that Buono! is on the same label? Is Tsunku planning some kind of label jump for his youngest, best, and brightest? I have no idea.

Information on TNX’s Cherry

A quick profile on the second winner of TNX’s Meganekko Audition, Cherry. The picture of her is very cute, as another Chinese girl has joined Tsunku’s pop circle.

TNX Acts to Appear At Ameba Studio

Courtesy of Some Boys! Blog. The Ayappe appearance has me happier than the TNX, but this is all quite interesting.

Love Message! (TNX Previews)

Man, the sorta-loligoth outfits on the cover out-pink the C-ute chicken-flap-dancing single.

Pic of the Day “THIS is What Happend to Gyaruru” Edition

Recommended ogling. Unlike Langdon Alger, who shares these covers, I’ve actually watched all three videos and have them stored somewhere in my archives. (And it’s not Gyaruru, it’s Gyrarurururu. Studio’s gotta protect themselves legally, I guess.) It’s a vast improvement from the Konno AV and about as good as the three different Sukeban Deka AVs - but not as good as Double U Dreams or Monbu Ran’s finest Ayaya AV.

Just in case you’re wondering.

What’s Happened to Gyaruru?

Paul wonders where Gyaruru have been hiding for the past six months, and take’s a particular interest in Nacchi’s little sister. An interesting discussion about the group’s blog and it’s inactivity, and in contrast, the activity of the members individual blogs. I’m not too bothered in all honesty, but Paul makes a good case for them.

I’m finding it hard to agree with Paul’s assesment on Abe Asami’s songs though. It’s clear the girl isn’t a strong singer, and when she’s left to deal with the limelight on her own, it’s most certainly apparent. If she was pushing for an Idol image, I suppose we can let it slide, although she may do well taking the root of Koha - releasing songs that don’t require vocal talent. Still, being Nacchi’s sister, she’s got my vote by assosiation. It’s all water under the bridge Asami lol. A good read that may just remind a few of you about this gimmick group that Paul wants back.

What’s with Tokito Ami, The Possible and TNX?

Radicalpatriot profiles Tokito Ami and The Possible, then muses on what Tsunku may have planned with TNX. That said, NGP is even more of a question mark at this point…

THE Possible climb Oricon

The H!P Kids aren’t the only Tsunku-led youngsters making a dent on the charts, apparently. Looks like the bandol-esque new song is getting some serious traction for the girls.

Canaria Club New Single (2008-01-01)

The TNX group start off the New Year with a bang.

THE Possible leave Hello! Pro Egg & become part of Tsunku’s “3rd Project”

Highly recommended reading. Apparently, The Possible are moving to a new Tsunku collective called the NICE GIRL! Project. I’m actually less interested by what happens to The Possible than what the hell Tsunku is up to now…

Dai Ikkai H!P Shinjin Kouen DVD

Highly recommended reading. shirenu does an idol-by-idol evaluation of the concert, noting those who benefited by experience (such as Kanna with her time in C-ute) as well as those who simply shined naturally (Aika, of course). While I’m still learning the names of the Eggs, it’s good to read somebody who knows them all and can provide interesting opinions on each.

Hairstyles Gone Wrong, Hairstyles Gone Right

Highly recommended reading. Another great look at how poor hair choices can ruin an idol’s look, but also of transformations that were positive in nature. The selection of hairstyles and insightful commentary would be enough to recommend this, but the Maiha love at the end is what makes it highly recommended.

THE Possible’s “Kaze no Uwasa”

Recommended reading. Julia does a wonderfully thoughtful, well-detailed read of the new single and PV from The Possible.

Canaria Club’s 1st mini-album

TNX continues to grow in visibility as the first mini-album of this increasingly popular unit is released.

THE Possible Recapped, Pt. 2

Recommended reading: our own Julia catches up with The Possible to the present day, covering their first (mini)album and the split-unit singles. The idea of a PV where an idol uses an ATM intrigues me to no end, for some reason…

Introducing Peach

Because the secret of Tokito Ami’s success MUST be her glasses…

Gal Sone’s Tailbone Fracture

The good news is, it’s not “gastritis” like Tsuji’s little surprise. The bad news is - unlike Tsuji - nobody seems to know how it happened. All kidding aside, I hope Gal Sone feels better soon and takes better care of herself!

THE Possible Recapped, Pt. 1

Our own Julia is so hyped up about the new Possible release that she’s doing a retrospective of the girls’ releases until now. Each single / PV is evaluated in great detail, as Julia does her usual meticulous fangirling to great effect. Highly recommended.

The Canaria Club, and Why You Should Love Them.

Samantha makes a very, very compelling case for this TNX group and why we all should fall in love with them and buy all their products and eventually start thinking creepy thoughts about them. Okay, maybe not the last part. She does a great job describing how she fell into the thrall of Canaria Club, then breaks down the group’s appeal and profiles each of the girls. Shallow bastard that I am, the profiles - with a picture of each girl for future identification - just about clinched it for me. A very enjoyable, informative read - highly recommended.

Gal Sone’s frank confession

Gyaruru’s competitive eater talks about the love who got away. I’d rather hear stories of how close she’s come to blowing chunks at a competition…

It’s beccoming Possible!

TH!P focuses on the TNX group and the strides forward they’ve made, often overshadowed by how H!P artists have been doing.

Jinnai Tomonori dances with Gyaruru

Oh come on! Like I’m the only one who doesn’t think Sonene and Abebe sometimes look like guys in drag?

ギャルル / Boom Boom めっちゃマッチョ！

MorningBerryz reviews the Gyaruru single and PV… and is it me, or does watching Sonene eat get sexier and sexier over time? And by that I mean scary sexy, not sexy sexy.

THE Possible Pentagon Post

shirenu looks at the individual members of this TNX group and rates them on different things.

Hello!Project Newcomer Concert 2

Some Boys! Blog reports a second concert for newer Hello! Project members, to take place in August. It hasn’t been announced yet who will be in it. I find this news strange, since having another concert for them so soon after their first one…well, it can’t really be worth it, can it? Hmm, I’m going to keep my eye on this news.

Kurei Soshi Single Downloads

Some Boys! Blog has downloads of TNX artist Kurei Soshi’s two singles, which are pretty hard to find. He no longer appears to be a TNX artist, since his artist profile and blog have been deleted from the site. In any case, I hadn’t heard of him before I read this entry, so I found this interesting and will definitely be listening to the singles later.

Gyaruru wants to be number one, and Sonene wants cake.

Nacchi in a bikini is like when you see those Disney child stars doing porno and trying to break out of their goody-goody persona

Wow.

Oh, and the review of the PV is a lot of fun, taking into account the big question of whether Chiakii’d like it more if Tsujiji was there instead of Abebe. Myself, I’d like to see an All Sonene Eating Cake version of the PV now… (Mmmm… cake…)

THE Possible Single V Covers

Okay, now tell me this isn’t just me. I swear the cover of the Natsu no Tropical Musume Single V looks like the cover of a porno. Aina (on the right) specifically made me think this; it looks like she isn’t wearing any shorts or anything, and she’s got that cowboy hat…combine that with the setting they’re posing in, and even the title, and I swear someone who doesn’t know THE Possible could mistake this for porn, based on the cover. XD

So um, yeah, support THE Possible! (Heh.)

THE Possible Gets To Third Base (And Beyond!)
Is It For Real This Time?

Two fnoteworthy news shorts from Some Boys! Blog. The first is about The Possible’s first sinel being used for the 89th Annual High School Nationwide Baseball Championships. The second is the possibility being raised, yet again, that Ayaya’s first solo single in over a year will be released - as the image song for NTV News 24. Huh?

Boom Boom Meccha Maccho!

Apparently, the story version of PV is better than the other one. And based on the screencaps, it looks like Sonene shows off her competitive food-eating skills!

Gyaruru Boom Boom Meccha Maccho! PVs (Hello!Blog)
aishitemasu ka? (samipiggy)

The ambitious ones’ video are reviewed by Tom, who isn’t exactly thrilled at the production values, and samipiggy, who seems more enthused. One thing they both agree on: Sonene scares them in the PV.

Gyaruru’s Goal: Number 1 On Oricon

Some Boys! Blog dsecribes Gyaruru’s goal to be number one and notes that it doesn’t look like that’ll be the case with their first single. Hopefully, they’ll keep trying until they get it.

Gyaruru To Outsell All Other TNX Releases?

This is an interesting development, if not wholly unexpected. Hopefully the poll numbers will deliver actual sales, and then they can get to the important business of adding new gens and subgroups and so on.

Gyaruru Makes The Front Page

Gyaruru make the front page of Oricon Style’s site and get a feature article. One can’t help but wonder what Tsuji is thinking about this… and yeah, Amimi is still way hotter with this unit than solo or anywhere else…

[Album] THE Possible - 1Be Possible [2007.03.14]

I’m not a fan yet, and the cover does absolutely nothing for me… but for those who are curious, here’s the first mini-album for download.

Tsunku Loves Teh Wonkz

Some Boys! Blog has a highly amusing look at the search for “another glasses-wearing idol who would act as a sister to Tokito Ami”. I like the fact that the two finalists so far don’t wear glasses in their clips…