Chuo Dori

So one of the problems with visiting the same city over and over is finding enough new stuff to do.  Not that Japan lacks in cultural and leisure activity.  But I am always happiest when I am doing something idol related. So how does one keep it fresh when they have done the traditional idol stuff over and over?  That’s where it’s advantageous to have a solid network of friends…

One of my friends, an old AKB48 fan and I planned a meetup.  Although we had spoken online before, this was the first time we were going to hang out together.  He is a somewhat well known fan, so I was excited.  What I didn’t know was that he had a little tour planned for me that I would never forget!

CK’s Sacred AKB48 Sites and Meetan Hometown Tour 2012!!

I took the train out to Chiba where my friend picked me up.  To start this day he would be treating me to a nice Yakiniku lunch, my favorite!  I had never hung out in Chiba before, but it wasn’t lost on me that this was not only the hometown of Ohori Megumi, but also the hometown of Wasamin.  I was getting a chance to see firsthand the neighborhoods they experienced growing up.  This idea helped me feel even more connected to them than before.  My friend explained to me that he shared the same Alma Mater with Meetan, so our first stop was going to be Meetan’s High School!

My first thought when we arrived was “So here is where she learned to be so pervy!”  Next we drove around the neighborhood looking at houses.  We had no idea where Meetan lived as a teen, but it was fun knowing that we probably passed through her neighborhood.  We also passed through an area known as “Chiberly Hills” which is known for it’s large and lavish houses.    Later we came to another school where Meetan’s first Image DVD was filmed.  However, we couldn’t go in since they seemed to be holding an event that day.

Along the way my friend decided to tweet at Meetan telling her that he was showing me her old neighborhood.  She actual tweeted back something nonsensical, but we took this as a “10-4″.  So Ohori knew I was on her turf!  Eventually we ended up at this bakery…

According to my friend Meetan has often recommended this place, especially for the Curry Pan.  Of course we had to try it out.  I sauntered right up to the counter and ordered “Ohori Megumi no Curry Pan o kudasai!”.  The girl behind the counter laughed, as she knew exactly what I was talking about.  As we continued to browse the shop we asked the owner if she had seen Meetan in there lately.  She said she had seen her before, but not lately.  We took our breads to go as we were both still full from lunch.  In fact I didn’t even try my curry pan until that evening…

The review???  Ohori Megumi no Curry Pan is excellent!!!  Later that week I tried curry pan at a couple of other places, and it wasn’t nearly as good.  So thanks for the awesome tip, Meetan!

We wound our way further East and headed for the coast.  I was a beautiful drive, passing beach resorts and surf shops.  It was definitely a part of Japan I had never seen before.  Eventually we found the beach we were looking for.  You see we weren’t looking for any beach.  We are idol fans.  So what better beach to go to than the one at which they filmed the Bingo! PV.

This was November, so there weren’t too many people around.  My friend said it was called “Desert Rose Beach”, named after the song that played on a loop outside the building in front of the sand.  The building?  You know, the one the girls are in at the end of the PV!

Anyway, it was neat to feel the energy of the ghosts of AKB PV’s past.  But it was getting late, and we had one more destination.  Frankly, all of the driving was wearing me out.  We also kept stopping so I could re-stock on Vitamin C.

I couldn’t believe how long this drive was.  It was getting dark.  All of the sudden I asked myself “How well do I know this guy?  He is driving me into the middle of nowhere!”  He kept saying we were getting close but an hour later we were still driving!  As panic began to set in he assured me that we were just about there…

And there it was.  I could see it over the hill.  For AKB48 fans this might be their version of Mecca…

“The Aitakatta Lighthouse”!

We parked our car at the bottom and began walking up.  In a way it reminded me a bit of San Francisco’s Coit Tower.  We finally got to the staircase where two Obasan’s were chatting by a conbini.  My friend explained I was a foreign AKB48 fan, to which they responded amusingly.  Yah, I get that a lot in Japan.  Anyway, we traversed the long staircase until we final reached the top…

First of all, the entire space was tiny, and a bit torn up.  It is amazing that they filmed so many scenes of the PV in this little space!  But the view was spectacular!  You could see all the way across to Yokohama.

By this time I was exhausted and just wanted to get back to my hotel room.  So we made the long drive back to Chiba where I would catch a train back to Tokyo.  Along the way my fever made a huge jump, causing me major dizziness and horrible chills.  I am sure I looked absolutely awful as I got a few curious stares from the other passengers.  But I made it.  I survived the day, as well as the next one with Momoclo.  And even the following day when I won a Team K Waiting Stage Show.  Sure, it is my least favorite of the three teams.  But these days fans should be happy to win anything!  Hopefully on my next visit I will get to see Wasamin and Team B.  Or maybe even an SKE win.  Now that would be awesome!

So I think that wraps up everything I have to share from last Fall’s trip.  I will try to be more timely and descriptive when I head back late Spring/Early Summer.  I will leave you with photos I took of the birthday flowers for the two Kenkyuusei Okada girls.  Their fans did an excellent job!

Just lovely.  The one with the lights is great!

CK in California

As I said on my last post I want to begin writing on this blog again.  I have been brewing up a particularly venomous post regarding the reactions to the latest AKB48 scandals.  But I have usually stuck with positive posts, so that particular entry may not see the light of day.  Anyway, as I predicted the Miichan controversy has already died down.  We’ll see if there is anything to this supposed Yukirin story.

In the meantime…

I have not booked a trip over to Japan this Spring.  I have opted instead to wait until early Summer for my next visit.  This is due in part to AKB48′s crazy handshake scheduling.  Can you believe they are still doing UZA handshake events?  Eien Pressure is already old news and they haven’t even started that one yet!  I have opted for the So Long events, which will be happening around 4 months from now.

But I never completed my report from last Fall.  I mainly focused on the handshake events.  But I didn’t really touch on some of the special things that happened this time around…

Momoiro Clover Z Live at Budokan, Otoko Matsuri 2012/11/05

I had been relatively unlucky when I came to Momoclo Z.  At least when it came to seeing concerts and obtaining tickets.  I DID happen to run into the entire group walking down the street last year.  But as far as a performance was concerned I hadn’t seen them since Pinky Jones was their new single.  That’s two years almost to the day.  But my friend Peter and I tried our luck at the ticket lottery, and sure enough we pulled it off.  I was finally going to see Momoclo again, and at the legendary BUDOKAN!  With all of the trips I have taken, I had never been there.  So I was doubly excited!

We decided to head over extra early for goods.  The trouble was that I had spent the previous night shivering from fever.  Plus, it was cold and rainy.  It took plenty of medication, an endless supply of vitamin C, and every bit of strength, but I was going to make it through this day.  I missed a Momoclo show in 2009 because of the flu.  It wasn’t gonna happen again.

We decided to get into the monstrous goods line, which stretched all the way around the venue, down the stairs, then down the road, then into a courtyard near the park entrance where it looped around 4 times.  I had no idea what I wanted.  But after 2+ hours of queueing I decided to go hog wild and picked up the Tank Top, a Momoka Oshi Towel, a light stick and a cell phone case.

After a pasta lunch we decided to people watch for a while.  This was Otoko Matsuri, which meant “No Girls Allowed”.  However, that didn’t stop legions of female supporters from parading around the festivities.  That’s okay, the girls had Onna Matsuri the previous month.  And I am sure there were plenty of jealous guy fans hanging around the venue that evening.

We had 6th row seats on the first level above the floor.  They seemed like decent seats, although we had no idea what the stage arrangement would be.  So we were totally jazzed when we saw there was no floor seating at all, and there was a stage ramp all around the venue.  So 6th row 1st level actually was 6th row!  We would actually be pretty close to the girls!  Oh, and just before showtime Yamachan showed up to huge applause!

What an awesome looking stage!  The floor also doubled as a screen.  The show opened with the girls “drawing” Otoko Matsuri on the floor with giant paintbrushes.  There was so much around the stage floor, we had no idea how they were going to utilize all of the space.  Then came the Momoclo Z Overture.  By the way, I love their intro!  I remember when they were an indie they would come out to the Universal Music theme.  But what they do now is totally insane. Frankly, it blows the AKB48 overture away!

One amazing thing about this setlist was the amount of “old songs” performed.  Saikyou Pare Parade is one of my favorite old songs they perform.  Shortly after came Supergirl, along with Momoiro Punch and Mirai e Susume.  But what I really wanted to hear were some of my new favorites!

Unfortunately for me most of my faves didn’t get performed that night.  But they DID do Bionic Cherry, which might be my favorite Momoclo song of all!  The real fun was in all of the shenanigans going on between the songs.  This was Otoko Matsuri, so they filled the show with stuff “guys like”…I guess.  Ninjas, bodybuilders, taiko drummers, judo masters, pro wrestlers.  At one point just before the encore Momoka took a huge header down a ramp.  You could tell she wanted to cry, but Shiori grabbed her, dusted her off and our little giant got back to business.

By the end of the show my fever felt almost completely gone.  Even so I was really looking forward to hitting the sheets.

I must say I enjoyed the show immensely, even if they didn’t perform a lot of my favorites.  It is so interesting the way the idol phenomenon works.  Here is a group I used to go see when they had trouble getting 25 people to watch them.  And it was so much fun!  The interactions we got to have with the group were amazing.  Autographs, two shots, the girls feeding you lunch…

Some Momoclo goods, among other stuff

But now they have grown up and have become a huge success.  It is so bittersweet.  I am happy that they are doing so well, but the good old days are gone for good.  Now they play in huge venues and events aren’t nearly as intimate as they used to be.  This is the way of the idol world.  Like with AKB, most of the original fans are probably gone.  Once the masses discover an idol act, it changes everything. But it’s inevitable. Even though the newer fans will never really get to experience a big part of what was so special about the group to begin with. Oh well.

Pardon me while I go reminisce over my old Momoclo 2-shots and autographs.  Momentos from a time gone by. I just hope it isn’t another two years before I get to see Momoclo again.

CK in California

I must admit, I have been thinking about resuming this blog.  Especially lately…there is so much for me to talk about!  With my previous oshimen (Ohori Megumi) getting married, and Wasamin putting out her second solo single.  Even my favorite member of Hello! Project, Tanaka Reina announced her graduation.  These are momentous occasions, and I need to be commenting on them!

Also, thanks so much to those of you who have been requesting more posts from me.  I am glad to hear that this site has left an impression after so many years of contributing.  That said….

It’s someone’s birthday today!!!  And look what I got…

Actually, I don’t have it in my hands yet.  But that is the Wasamin birthday shirt.  As I write this I know the team is wearing it in preparation for her birthday show tonight at the theater.  As it turns out, only one of the birthday committee members actually won the show.  I can’t wait to hear her encore call when the LOD comes out.  I know she is going to be great!

But wow, eighteen!  Wasamin had just turned 14 when I first laid eyes on her at that Team K show.  It has been an awesome four years of being her fan.  And the last year has been an especially wild ride.  All aboard the Wasabus….

And then grab the Wasatrain…

A Top 5 debut single in Mujineki
Placing 33rd in the AKB48 General Elections
Center Position for “Do Re Mi Fa Onchi”, which placed 57th in AKB48′s Setlist Top 100 concert.
Winning the AKBingo! Diva contest not once, but twice!
Another Top 5 solo single in Moshimo Watashi ga Sora ni Sundeitara (but the way, did everyone get their copies yet?  The cover songs she recorded are especially beautiful)

And what is this?  Wasamin on guitar???  She has just hit another level of cool!  Apparently NagaraPro has some exciting stuff going on with their stable of talent…

Kinda reminds me of “A Mighty Wind”

2012 brought me together with Wasamin on 4 different occasions.  Collectively I had around 20 Wasa-handshake tickets.  Not to mention I got to declare my love for her on Fuji Television.  For 2013 I have scored 9 handshake tickets for an upcoming event.  In the meantime her birthday present is on the way.  I hope she likes what I got for her!

Happy 18th Birthday Wasamin, you are the best! 2013 is going to be awesome!

CK in California

So there wasn’t much rest between the AKB48 handshake event I posted about previously and the SKE event the very next day. So I was off for more idol interaction 12 hours later. But before that…

These reports are completely out of order anyway, so why not throw this little chance encounter. Petelechem, Memorybreak (friends from Nihongogo/Stage48)  and I spent the better part of Monday cruising the shops for various pics, magazines and whatnot. This was all in preparation for the NOTTV lottery later in the afternoon. Memorybreak was our sole winner, the lucky bastard…

Running into idols in public…

Anyway, Petelechem and I headed back to the Donki from the cafe to handle a few errands. When we were about to cross the street in front of UDX a taxi pulled up. I grabbed Pete and told him to stop as I saw  Ichikawa Miori, and then Takeuchi Miyu jump out of the car. It is theater taboo to bother the girls when they are entering/leaving the theater, so I made sure we kept our distance until the girls got inside safely. That is the fifth time I have run into an idol in public. So to those of you who have asked if it happens…indeed it does! But it is always best to give them their space!

SKE “Kiss Date Hidarikiki” Individual Handshake Event at Pacifico Yokohama 2012/11/11

This was my third handshaking event of the trip. I was going to see a few old friends, and a few new girls too. Funny thing, of all the girls I had tickets for the one I was most excited about was a lower tier Team E member. The forecast was for heavy rain, so it was a great day to be spending inside a venue for 8-10 hours! Leading off…

Matsui Rena: This was my first time actually getting to talk to Rena. I was wondering, did I make the right choice? (Choosing Rena over J) But in the end Rena was very sweet, and a good experience overall. When I told her where I was from she exclaimed something to the effect of “You came from San Francisco? Sugoi” BTW, all of the SKE senbatsu were dressed in the outfits from the single. Kind of a royal blue seifuku.

Matsumoto Rina: Another first time meeting. But it was strange. Rina looked much different from when I have seen her before. I’ll say no more. But when I got to her she said “Oh, Hello!” I told her I was from the US. She said “I am Japanese”, to which I responded that I was not Japanese. (hehe)

Takayanagi Akane: As much as I like Churi I always seem to be at a loss for what to talk to her about So I just asked my standard Churi fallback question. “Genki desu ka? Papitan genki?” Any time you can steer your Churi convo into a bird convo becomes instant success.

Oya Masana: I had two tickets. On the first one she exclaimed ” Aitakatta!!!” That’s so neat, she wanted to see me! But by the second ticket she looked tired (sick?). I asked if she was okay, and she said she was cold. I told her I would see her in 2013. she repeated it back…oh hai hai!

Matsumura Kaori: Kaotan’s line reminds me of Nachu’s line when SDN was around. A lot of manic and comedic action going on. But this time Kaotan took it a little bit easier with me compared to the previous day in Tokyo. “Push Push? Watashi? Push Push?” She is great! Later on I made sure to sign a birthday card for her.

Hiramatsu Kanako: I haven’t done a handshake with her for a while. I did the “Myuku Myuku” catchphrase with her, and asked if her leg was better. She was standing, which is a good indication. She pointed to her leg and gave me the “OK” sign. Good to know. She looked so sad the last time I saw her.

Takagi Yumana: Okay, this was great! On my last trip she was positioned next to Wasamin during the GM5 event. She had nobody in her line, and every time I looped Wasamin’s line I would wave to her. She waved back to me every time. So I waited for her queue to empty, then I went for it. Was there a possibility she would remember that exchange 7 months ago? She did, and she laughed so hard when I told her that! Anyway, it was a great official first time meeting. I will surely go back to her next time I have a chance!

Ishida Anna: Is always so sweet and cute. I told her I loved the Shirogumi song, which she was wearing the outfit of. She had a few more people in her queue than before. So perhaps her popularity is getting a small rebound after her promotion to Team B. I hope so. Anyway, I wished her luck in AKB

Yagami Kumi: Like last week in Nagoya, I wished her luck after graduation and told her that I hoped to see her again.

Suda Akari: First of all, this was the last slot. Normally the most popular members are getting pretty tired by now (see Masanya) But not Akarin. No way! She had made these little towel dogs., which she had lined up in front of her. I asked “Kore wa?”, and she started barking. “Arf Arf!” Typical Akarin…on fire! I told her she was cool, and cute. She is such a blast to talk to!

Hata Sawako: My last ticket of the event, Shawako is always going to be a fun experience. I congratulated her on the new theater and told her I wanted to see KII3, she tried to say something in English but got tongue tied, while holding me back from the guard. Eventually the guard won out and Sawako didn’t get to tell me what she wanted to say.

Oh, and…

Kato Rumi: called in sick to the event, so I didn’t get a chance to say hello

And that was it. My handshaking events were completed for the trip!

CK in Tokyo

(Note:  I never made a proper report on my Momoclo experience.  I may do that in the very near future, so watch for it!)

Okay, so I am really skipping around.  During the week I visited a few sacred AKB48 spots.  Went on what I like to call the “Meetan Childhood Tour”.  I took in an AKB show at the theater.  Oh, and who can forget Momoiro Clover Z live at Budokan!!!

But to me the highlight of this trip had to be this past Saturday.  My relationship with Wasamin, and her dedicated fans definitely rose to another level…

AKB48 “Gingham Check” Individual Handshake Meeting at Tokyo Big Sight 2012/11/10

Finally…After being In Japan for over a week I am going to have a chance to talk to Wasamin. I mean damn, I know it is hard to win shows these days. And I was lucky enough to win a K show. But it’s frustrating knowing Wasamin is down the street from me and I can’t see her.

But I had Saturday. I decided to try a new tactic for this event. Instead of getting multiple tickets for a few girls, I would get single tickets for more members. This would give me a chance to meet some new faces. Of course I still had 7 Wasatickets!

I also wondered how many fans would recognize me from the Fuji show. Anyway, here we go!

Slots 1-3
(sandwiched around all of my Wasamin tix, which were also slots 1-3)

Tanabe Miku: Tanamin always dresses cute, and I always tell her that. She has a such a pretty face! But the best part was when I came out and met a guy from Tanamin’s birthday committee. Turns out they were giving away gifts for people who signed birthday cards, including a poster of her in uniform as a Safety Officer for Shiga Pref. So we hoofed it over to her birthday table, where it turned out quite a few of them had watched the Fuji special. So they knew I was a Wasafan but they didn’t know I liked Tanamin too. I ended up hanging out with them for quite a while.

Sato Natsuki: First time I had ever spoken to Nacchi. I told her that I enjoyed her guitar playing, which she enjoyed hearing. Very nice girl. And as with all idols, she looked even cuter in person…wearing an oversized sweater.

Oya Masana: I asked her how she was, and she gave me a really long response. 99% of which I didn’t get. Something about being nervous about something…I think. I have two more Masanya tickets for Sunday. I need to think of some good stuff to say!

Matsumura Kaori. Dressed in the Joysound promotional outfit. Kaotan is like “shot out of a cannon”. She does this crazy cross-handed shake with you, and she holds onto you tightly until the guard has to drag you out. She did this with everyone. Anyway, when I told her I loved Do-re-mi-fa-onchi she went nuts. Joysound??? I said, Next Girls kakkoi! Then she went all the way with “Oshimen??? Oshimen???” pointing to herself. Man, Kaotan scared the shit out of me with her oshi-power play. And I have another ticket for her tomorrow? Sheesh!

Slot 4

Katayama Haruka: Wearing a cute and classy black and white outfit. Very Haa-like. My friend told me she had a rabbit named milk-kun with her. So I went in expecting to see this rabbit. When I didn’t, I asked her where milk-kun was. She said he was at home? Eeeehh?

Ichikawa Miori: I walked in and did her greeting from MG3, which made her giggle. I mainly told her she was great on Majisuka this season. Miorin is always adorable.

Komori Mika: For starters, I got an English “Hello” from Mikapon. That’s new. Mika always looks “sporty-cute” at events. She had on a letterman sweatshirt, with a cute little hat and tight pants. I told Komorin that I saw Tokyo Runway, and that I would support her all the way as a Model. She responded “Kakkoi!” Later on I saw her again and told her I hoped she gets to perform in a lot of B shows. her response? “Kakkoi!” Komori is so funny!

An aside…Once again it makes me sad that Komori has her share of antis. She is sooooo sweet, and soft, and demure, with that look of wonder in her eyes. If you ever meet her you would know there is absolutely nothing to hate about this girl!

Slot 5

Nakamata Shiori: I had never met her before, and to be honest I was at a loss for what to say. So after I introduced myself I think a rambled something off about smart girls being cool. Anyway, she probably thought I was odd. Sorry Shiori!

Nito Moeno: Poor little Moeno, looked soooo sick. I asked her if she was okay, and she of course said yes. But I knew better. I spied her later on with other fans, her eyes were literally rolling back into her head. I noticed she didn’t blog last night, probably went straight to bed. I heard later that she was up all night doing a radio show. So perhaps she was merely tired.

Slot 6

Yokoyama Yui: In the past Yui has always asked me where I was from. This time I walked in and she immediately pointed to me and said. “Whoah! California!” “Sugoi!!” I said. I spent the handshake being flabbergasted by that exchange. I also told her that her Kyoto TV show was beautiful.

Sato Amina: Black and white dress with a studded collar. I had been watching Amina all day from other queues. I decided to reintroduce myself since the only time I had met Amina was at New York, and that was ages ago. When she noticed I was looking at her collar, she immediately pointed to the fact that it said “Eat Me”. I just went, “Uh oh, Eccchi!” and she giggled. Suffice it to say that hearing Amina proudly say “Eat Me” was one of the highlights of the day.

And the best for last (Slots 1-3)…

Iwasa Misaki: What can I say that I haven’t already said in previous encounters with Wasamin? She is my oshimen, and she knows it. I have noticed I get fewer “I love you”s from Wasamin as she gets older. Instead I get “Hello Chris-san!” She seemed to be proud of the fact that she remembers my name now. But we had lots of fun. During my 7 tickets she sang for me (Do-re-mi-fa-onchi), she danced for me, I congratulated her on her 2nd single. Oh, she asked me to come and support the release. Uh oh! I hadn’t planned on coming back that quickly. What to do??? I can’t disappoint Wasamin!

But the best exchange was the last one. By then I had been talking to a number of her fans. And they were telling her about my TV appearance. Thet also told her I said she could speak English, which she vehemently denied! So when I got to her I told her she had the best fans. She responded “I love them” So I said “And I love you Wasamin” She put her arms out and said “I Love YOUUUUUUUUU”, which got everyone in the queue laughing. It was the perfect finale to the 7 tickets!

Later on I was asked to be part of the Wasamin Birthday Committee. So now I am an honorary member! Kyaaa!!!

So there ya go, an awesome day!  I lost count of how many strangers came up to me saying “Christopher-san?” as a result of that show.  So a nice 15 minutes of fame for me, hehe.

BTW, other members I got a close look at due to booth proximity: Myao, Suuchan, Micha, Miyupon, Kana, Reinyan, Minarun, Mariko Nakamura, Akarin, Natsumin, Sakippe, Ayarin, Harugon, Kato Rena.

Sunday was SKE handshake day. I will also post about that soon!

CK in Tokyo

Yeah, I know I haven’t been blogging much at all lately.  Frankly, I think I lost my enthusiasm for it.  Not to mention there are so many great forums to use as an outlet for the fandom.  So what have I been up to?

I am still as much of an AKB fan (and Momoclo) as ever.  But I was preoccupied this past Summer with the purchase of a house.  It is a major commitment, both monetarily and time-wise.  But I love my new place, which I have dubbed the “Casa de Wasa”  The entire upstairs is decorated with AKB and Wasamin paraphernalia.

I also appeared on both of the Fuji television specials that focused on foreign fans.  I wasn’t invited to Japan, but they filmed segments from my house.  One of them featuring Fuji TV talent Fukuzawa Akira.  That was so much fun!!!

Finally I did appear in a web radio show the day after AKB48 announced their latest Team Shuffles.  Old news, I know.  But I thought we did a good job.  You can check it out at the link below if you like…

Stage48 Link to the radio show

So there ya go.  And in the meantime the next few posts will feature reports from the various events I went to on my current trip…

11/4/2012 SKE48 “Kiss Datte Hidarikiki” National Handshake Event at Port Messe Nagoya

When this event was announced I debated making the trip. I don’t have a Railpass this time around, and it is my first full day in Japan. But two things compelled my to go to this event…

1) Kuumin’s sudden graduation announcement. I really wanted to be there so I could see her announcement in person.

2) The fact that AKB’s stages are brand new will make it even harder to win a show, so I better jump on any event I have access to!

Anyway, grabbed the 6am Shinkansen out of Tokyo, which would get me to the exhibition hall around 8:15 if all went well. The queue was pretty big, around 2/3 of the way around the venue, and as I queued up I heard someone talking to me in English. After a brief conversation I found out it was someone who was friends with a member of the forums. So cool! I have someone to pal around with for the event!

As I entered we drew tickets to see which section we would get to stand in. Luckily I got section A which was the closest to the stage. It was half-full when I got there, but most everyone was right down the middle, so I got a spot on the left side right behind the women’s section. Perfect view! Nobody of significant height in front of me! Now it was time for the two hour wait for the show to start while sitting on a concrete floor. PAIN!!! These standing-only shows on a concrete floor are just murder on my ankles!!! Each section began to pack up, and eventually it was time for the show to begin…

Kuumin did the Kage-ana, which drew a lot of reaction from the crowd. First two songs were Banzai Venus and Chime wa Love Song, great songs to begin the show. Banzai Venus is my favorite SKE single, and it drew memories of going to that release event in Tokyo a year and a half ago! It took me a minute, but I finally found Masanya dancing in the back. Churi and Kuumin were right in front.

After the first two songs Yuasa came out and made the announcement about the new theater, then it was time for Kuumin’s oficial announcement…

She didn’t really cry, but she seemed to be at a loss for words. Very long pauses and she kept looking at Yuasa-san with a sort of “Help Me!” look. But eventually with the help of the fans she got through it.

We were then treated to two unit songs. First was Namida no Shounan, which I don’t believe I had ever seen performed live before. I love that song. It was tight quarters, so it was tough for me to do the hand movements. BTW, Yuria was center, and Shawako seemed to be second lead. Aside from Kato Rumi, I don’t remember who else participated. After that was Ookami to Pride performed by the two birthday girls, Ogiso and Kanon! Masanya’s birthday is on Tuesday, but I think it is bad luck to prematurely celebrate?

The birthday girls got flowers, and notes read to them. Yukiko read a note for Shiori, and Rena (!?!) for Kanon. The crowd seemed surprised by that. Airi pretty much lead the MC, which I thought was pretty neat. Oh, and when they read the prize winners, I almost thought I had won the 2-shot. I was one digit off, too bad!

The girls finished with the Akagumi song, and Kiss Datte. Too bad Anna was in Tokyo, the Shirogumi song is my favorite on the single!

Everyone took a one hour break. Then it was time for handshakes. I had four tickets, which was probably perfect since I needed to get back to Tokyo before 7pm (or so I thought) Evreryone got one handshake to start, then when everyone was done you could go back as often as you had tickets. There was also a goods line, with some really cool stuff. But the line seemed insanely long. So I skipped it for the time being (going to another SKE event next week)

Handshake #1: Kuumin and Yukiko. I just knew Kuumin’s line would be insane, and it totally was. Even more than staff expected. They had to redesign the queue to accomodate the fans. These handshakes are so quick that you basically can say one little thing and move on. I congratulated Kuumin on her graduation, and for Yukiko I simply told her where I was from since I had never talked to her before.

#2: Masanya and Shiitan. Oya’s line was pretty small, I got greeted by the ole’ “long time no see” Masanya asked me how I have been. Kinda chummy, I like it! Shiori was a first time meeting, so I basically told her that Team S is great!

#3: Shawako and Seira. Last time I met Sawako she made a big deal out of the line “Nice to Meet You” So I came in and sang it with her. She sang too and laughed. That was fun! Aas for Seira. I couldn’t just come out nd tell her she looks sensational in a bikini, could I? My friend thought I should, but I didn’t want to get slapped! So I went with “Seira-san no solo PV sugoi!” She really liked that I said that. I think I need to make Seira part of my regular handshake rotation!

#4: Churi. I had plenty of time, and one more ticket. Since my new friend was a Rena fan I decided to queue with her over there. After all, the line was moving pretty well. However, they closed it for Rena to take what seemed like a never-ending break! So we bailed and went for Kaotan, but her line was really long too. I wanted to go to Akarin, but I think her line was longest of all. So I went for Churi who had a very short queue all day.

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to say to Churi, so I basically said that her Solo PV was cool too. I am not sure if she remembered me or not (Masanya and Kuumin did, Sawako may have) But she was very sweet and focused on what I was trying to say.

The only bummer of the day was that I ended up not needing to get back to Tokyo so soon after all. So I could have stayed for goods and more handshakes. But that’s okay. I am going to SKE’s event in Yokohama next week.

Anyway, I am still dead tired from the jetlag so it was probably for the best. Hopefully I will have more fun stuff to talk about in the next couple of weeks!

CK in Tokyo

Introducing Team Next Girls’ starting Center…Third year out of Chiba State…Number 33….

WASAMIN!!!!!!!!

I know I said that I usually don’t get excited about the Senbatsu election.  Worried would be a much better description.  I know how hard Wasamin tries, and how down she gets on herself when she doesn’t bring home a victory for her fans.

Last year they showed a few scenes from the election on one of the DVD extras, and in one particular moment they flashed by Wasamin.  She was looking down, completely dejected.  I knew then for sure, how important this was to her.  And then there was her blog post the morning of the election.  At the end of her post she mentioned how hard it would be for her to bring home another apology for everyone.

http://ameblo.jp/misaki-iwasa/entry-11270012758.html#main

You all know how much I care for her, and that post just broke my heart.  It was at that moment that I felt every bit of pain she has been feeling from all the times she has been passed over for Senbatsu.  All of the times she had failed in the Janken.  Just once she wanted to come back with a trophy in her hand.  An acknowledgement that she has been doing a great job.  She wanted to share a victory with us…just this once.

I spoke to my “Team Wasamin” connection last week.  She indeed told me there was a plan.  Wasafans had a strategy.  The goal was to get her not only into a ranked position, but in the Top 40.  I was hopeful, but fearful at the same time.  Sure we had a plan, but then again so do a lot of the girls’ fans.

So after a whirlwind week for myself.  One where I had won tickets to the election, then had to give them up.  I decided to muscle up and go without sleep last night.  Like many of you, I was ready for the all-nighter.  I would stay up at least as long as it took to see her placed.  To me it didn’t matter where.  I just wanted her name called…

I wanted her to be able to stand on that stage with her trophy.  That was all.

As 64 turned to 60, and 59 turned to 50.  My hopefulness began turning to fear.  I was seeing girls who were previously higher ranked taking their spots on the stage.  The closer we got to 40 I knew the possibility of Wasamin’s heart being crushed yet again was becoming a likely reality.  My head would raise every time I heard “Team A” called by the MC, then be disappointed by the fact it wasn’t her.  As #40 passed my fear turned to frustration.  How much more does this girl have to do to prove she is a worthy member of AKB48???

And then came #33.

Despite my utter exhaustion, Every possible positive emotion came rushing through my body.  All I could think of was the relief Wasamin must have been feeling at that moment.  Her dream came true!  And you know what, all of those previous disappointments must have made this victory even more special for her.  The Center of Next Girls, one spot from Undergirls.  Tht is an amazing jump!  And the victory became even sweeter when she posted this adorable photo.  Look at that smile!

I see that photo and wonder if that is the happiest moment of her life.  Certainly it must be one of them.  It makes me feel so good to see her that way.  And of course she spent most of her recent blog posts repeatedly thanking us, her fans, for making this possible for her…

No Wasamin, Thank YOU!

As one of my friends so eloquently said.  It was the least we could do after all of the joy you have given us.  You are amazing, and we love you!

Way to go Center Girl!

CK in California

Life has a way of keeping people busy, and this has been a very busy 2012 for me.  Enough that I have wondered whether or not I will be able to make a second trip to Tokyo this year.  If certain things fall into place i will, but there is no guarantee.  That said…

I mentioned on my previous post that I had entered a “good luck” message for Wasamin into the Google+ Grand Prix contest.  I just thought it would be fun to participate, anwho knows.  Maybe I could win that special message if I am lucky.  But then I woke up Monday to a mysterious email…

Dear Applicant,

Thank you very much for applying for the official fan reporter, and
participating in the "AKB48 Grand Prix Search for the #1 Fan."

Considering the number of +1's on your post and registered
information, we would like to offer you the opportunity of becoming an
AKB48 General Election reporter on 6/6.

Please read carefully through the information below.

■Please wait for a phone call between 10:00AM to1:00PM on May
30th(Wed, PST) from a travel agency to the telephone number [
xxx-xxx-xxxx ]  which was registered in the entry form.

* If the telephone number you have registered is not reachable during
the time above, please send us an email immediately with a different
phone number.

■If there is no answer or the call is not returned within the
timeframe listed above, your offer will be canceled and be given to
the next candidate. Please make sure you are reachable by phone.

■Detailed information regarding your arrival to Japan will be given to
you by the travel agency on the phone.

*If by any chance we find that you have not fulfilled or have breached
any terms of participation, your offer will be invalid.

--
The AKB48 G+ Management Team

OMG, I had won the contest!  This was a dream come true.  I would be going Japan and getting to see the election.  This is going to be the most ama…..

And then life came into play.

To say that I feel devastated…totally in agony would be an understatement.  But given certain issues in my life right now it was just going to be irresponsible to jet out to Tokyo…even for just a few days.  I was practically in tears when I had to tell the contest reps that I would have to give up the prize.  What could have been one of the most amazing experiences in my life has turned out to be one of the most painful…go figure.  But I’ll get over it…

At least I hope I will.

Anyway, I want to congratulate Joe from We’re Namba One for getting the prize in my place.  Have an awesome time dude!  Maybe you can bring me back a little something (like Wasamin!) for giving you the prize.

I guess everything happens for a reason.  But right about now I could really use something wonderful happening in my life.  For having to give up an amazing prize like this, I think I deserve it.

CK in California

Not that there’s a chance in hell I am winning this, but I figured I would link my Google+ AKB48 Grand Prix entry.  Another love letter/appeal for Wasamin.  What else is new?  Please click the link and +1 my entry.  Hey, you never know, right?

My Google Plus Grand Prix Entry

By the way, here is the entry…

Wasamin has been proving to me, over and over, for over three years how wonderful an idol she is and so deserving to be in AKB48 senbatsu. Fom the first time I saw her perform back in March 2009 I knew this girl was special. That glorious smile, hardworking attitude with a hint of insecurity was such a wonderful combination. I could go on for days about what an amazing girl she is, but I will sum it up with three points…
1) She is an amazing singer, arguably the best in AKB. Also arguably the most vocally talented idols in the history of J-pop. She has proven this time and time again. Just watch any recent televised performance of Mujin-eki to see what I mean…
2) She is a hardworking/dedicated member of the AKB family. She may not be the most outgoing member, but she has been quietly waiting for her chance to shine for a long time. She approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm, and is genuinely excited about every opportunity she gets as an idol. She has a great attitude about her work, and her fans. Oh, her fans…
3) If you have ever had the pleasure to meet Wasamin, it was surely an unforgettable experience. She is humble, enthusiastic, genuine, and absolutely adorable! She makes her fans feel so appreciated and loved. I have met so many AKB48 members over the years, and they are all great. But Wasamin…she is something special. Just look into her hypnotically beautiful eyes and adorable smile and you will know what I mean.

I know Wasamin badly wants to do well in this year’s election. And I for one do not want to let her down. She would be so grateful for a great placing in this year’s Senbatsu Election. So please join me in voting for her. Thank You.

Wasamin…I love you!!!!

So we are in the middle of AKB48 Election Season.  Or perhaps I should say AKB/SKE/NMB/HKT Election Season?  Yeah, that would be more appropriate since everybody is participating.  I would love to say that I find this big popularity contest exciting.  But the truth is that I really don’t.  The way I see it, it is pretty much a foregone conclusion of which members will end up in Senbatsu.  Sure, some girls might go up a few spots, and some might drop.  But essentially the results are the same.  We can safely predict at least 90% of the Senbatsu before a single CD is sold.

Not to mention the fact that I choose to root for lesser popular idols.  Of course I hope they do well ithe elections, but I know there chances of making it into Senbatsu are very slim.  This is why I much prefer the Janken contest.  Everyone starts off with the same chance, and the result is always going to be a surprise.  That said, every year I get annoyed with the attitude of a few fans around the net.  This year is no different.  Frankly I lot of what I see and hear makes me want to sit out the election.  But I do want to support Wasamin, and of course I am going to buy at least a few copies of the new single.  So I am going to vote.  But yeah, seeing how douchey so many fans get makes me want to bail on the entire scene.

With that in mind, I present you with

My Top Five Annoying Aspects of the Senbatsu Elections

1. You don’t make the friggin’ rules, so STFU!

First and foremost, I am sick and tired of people bitching about the sister groups being in the election.  They are here, They are participating, so get used to it.  It has been this way every year!  By the way, who ever said that the elections are supposed to be AKB-exclusive?  Some fans have this unwritten set of rules in their head on how AKB48 is supposed to work, and it is all a bunch of crap.  AkiP and friends are making the rules, and they will do as they see fit to ensure the success of all the groups.  Not just one.  Besides, I kinda like the idea of all the girls competing.  Anyway, the elections are for everyone…period!  And by the way, after four years this rant is beyond OLD!

2.  Life isn’t fair, but the elections are.

I never again want to hear about members “deserving” to be higher ranked than they are.  Nobody, I mean NOBODY deserves any more votes than the votes they have received.  Traditionally it was always the Akimoto Sayaka brethren pulling the “deserve” card.  But this year I am hearing it about other members too.  I’m not knocking Sayaka, or anyone else.  I’m just saying that all the girls are deserving on some level.  You say that certain members are hardworking?  I have news for you, there are a lot of hardworking members that never get a sniff of Senbatsu…or Undergirls for that matter.  With that in mind…

3. All antis need to grow the hell up

It is equally lame to be crowing how certain members DON’T DESERVE to be ranked where they are.  I remember when I was 13 and I would have a bunch of energy about music groups I didn’t like.  I liked rock, and thought pop groups were lame.  Yeah, I was just like every other dorky kid.  But I grew out of it.  This election is essentially a popularity contest, and is decided by votes, not by individual assessments of a certain member’s talent…or lack thereof.  This year Sashi and Yui antis have been particularly vocal.  To be honest, they sound like a bunch of bitter H!P fans.  I have news for you, every single girl in AKB was selected because they have some measure of “idol appeal”.  If they don’t appeal to you, that’s fine.  But that doesn’t mean you get to piss on everyone else’s parade.  If you choose to do that anyway, than you are a jerk.  I could tell you a lot of great things about those members.  Does that make me more “right” than you?  No, and that’s the point.  The antis state their opinions like they are fact.  Ya ever heard the one about opinions being like assholes?

Just root for your favorites.  You don’t need to knock everyone else’s to prop up your own.  Because when you do, you make your own oshi look bad.

4. Lying & General Dickishness

Hey everybody, stop lying about how many CDs you bought.  We aren’t buying into it.  I see countless people coming out of the woodwork saying they bought 20-30 copies of this CD.  Really?  Is everybody here Bill Gates?  I make a pretty decent salary and there is no way I could afford to buy nearly that many.  I ha a pretty good grasp of AKB’s overseas demographic, and it is not filled with business executives.  So the statistics don’t add up.  I’m not saying nobody bought that many.  But the amount of people claiming it has me calling “bullshit” on a lot of you.

Also, anyone who tries to steal other people’s tickets by putting random numbers into the vote counter needs to go jump off of a freakin’ bridge.  I haven’t heard any reports of this happening yet this year, but I know of a couple instances last year.  This the “Classic Senbatsu Dick Move” People who do this are not fans, they are thieves.

5. If you are a frontrunning fan, don’t be greedy!

For someone who’s oshimen has NEVER ranked before, I find it offensive when frontrunning fans thow tantrums about their oshis dropping a few spots.  Waaah, she fell to 9th, Waaah, she fell to 11th.  They are still popular members, what the hell are you complaining for?  Do you know how many members would kill to be in Senbatsu, and will most likely never get the chance?  What really bothers me is that so many of these fans never even look at the group beyond the Top 15 or so.  It’s like the rest of the members don’t even exist.  Try rooting for a mid-pack or lower ranked member for a change.

At the end of the day, I just wish for everyone to root for their favorite members and vote accordingly.  This is the real spirit of the Google+ Grand Prix.  Show your dedication to your oshi.  In the end the results will be what they are.  Be supportive of your oshimen.  Vote for them as much as you can.  This is supposed to be fun for all.  Just don’t act like a dickhead.

That’s all I’m saying.

CK in California

Let’s wrap this up with the one other event I attended during my most recent stay in Tokyo…

AKB48 “Give Me Five” handshake event at Tokyo Big Sight 4/8

This was the second day of the AKB handshake weekend. On Saturday I had decided to just do a few tickets so 1) not to tire myself out from handshaking and 2) give me the option of doing something else over the weekend. As fun as they are, I must admit that these handshake events are physically and mentally tiring. Not only are you on your feet for like 12 hours straight, but for me trying to come up with enough stuff to say in Japanese can be a mental drain. And to be honest I probably fail as much as I succeed. Not that it matters…

The way I see it, the girls are trying to make every fan as happy as possible. At least that is what I get from their blog and G+ comments. So while some time I might confuse them with what I say, they probably find it funny watching me struggle. Something like “I don’t know what he was trying to say, but I am glad he was happy to see me”

At the end of the day I get across what is most important to me…that I am their fan and I support them. Plus I get to shake their hand. And they definitely know I exist after the interaction. One of the advantages of being a bumbling foreign fan. Anyway, onto the action…

This was going to be a full day with 20 tickets! For a change of pace, I decided to add some new girls to my handshake menu on this day. Some went great, others…you’ll see.

Beginning with Slot 1 (Congratulating Maeda)

Sasaki Yukari: I got the idea to meet her after her stint as Eguchi Aimi at Seibu Dome. I simply introduced myself and told her that I thought she was great. She was very sweet, and seemed genuinely happy to meet me. Very nice girl.

Maeda Atsuko: Since she announced her pending graduation I was so happy to have this ticket! I wanted to congratulate her and tell her I will support her in the future. And that I did. She was dressed very summery and casual for some reason. She thanked me in English. I am just glad I got one more opportunity to say Hi!

Slot 2 (Seeing girls I had already seen)

Komori Mika: I had already used my wrestling material the previous day. So I just decided to wish her luck with the new Watarirouka single. And I reminded her that I believe WH7 is the best Watarirouka. It has taken a little time over the last couple years, but Mikapon has really warmed up to me. I am thankful for that.

Oya Masana/Ishida Anna: I pretty much already said to both of them everything I could think of last week in Osaka. So this time I pretty much welcomed them to Tokyo. BTW, Anna looked kind of tired. So it was merely a chance to get a little more face time with them.

There were two lunch slots between 2-3, where the trainees and lesser popular girls took over. For some reason Wasamin stayed through these slots. But next to her were a bunch of SKE kks and Team E members. Some of them rarely had visitors, so they were interacting with Wasamin’s long line. For some reason Team E’s Takagi Yumana took a real interest in me on both days. And you know what, I have always kinda liked her. So I guess next time I am over I will have to get tickets for her!

Slot 3 (2 more first-time handshake experiences)

Ichikawa Miori: I had finally scored a Miorin ticket after failing a couple of times previously. She is awesome! I told her I was an American, and asked her how was Washington DC? She started jumping up and down totally how you might imagine. I then joined her in a round of TON TON WashingTON! I have to see her again!

Yokoyama Yui: My third time seeing Yui. She was wearing what looked like some sort of snakeskin jacket? It looked pretty cool. I pretty much told her that and said I had a ticket to see her the next day at the theater. Once again Yui attempted to engage me in some sort of conversation. Unfortunately I never understand what she is trying to ask me.

Oota Aika: I had been warned that Lovetan can sometimes be moody, especially if she is unsure how much you like her. So my biggest tactical error was forgetting that she would be positioned right next to Wasamin, and probably saw me living in her line. I know she spotted me at least a couple of times. So when I got up to her she seemed like she was on “autopilot”. As I was introducing myself she just chopped in “Hello, Nice to Meet You”. I stammered away as she continued with the English pleasantries. I think I said something about loving Watarirouka Hashiritai until I got pushed out by staff. I have a feeling she was thinking “get outta here, Wasafan!” Oh well, maybe next time I will try Ayarin.

Slot 4 (Moar Wasalove)

Nito Moeno: Simply another “Long Time No See” and “You Look Cute” moment since I have seen a lot of Moeno lately. But it was a great strategy anyway as it set the table for all of me interactions with her at the Team K show on Monday.

Iwasa Misaki: I had four Wasatickets for this day. Three in the lunch slot earlier, and concluding with one in this slot. For the first two we just exchanged pleasantries and I told her how she always looks so cute. But for the third I told her that I hoped for a second solo single, and I would definitely come to support her if it happened. She sort of jumped up and said Yayy!

That set up the final ticket, which I saved for the end of her last slot. I just hate the idea of being out of Wasamin tix and her still being there. Plus, I usually get sort of choked up when I know it will be my last chance to talk to her on the trip. But I went in right after Pandadash who got into the Hillary-inspired “We are friends” interaction with her. He then pointed to me waiting on deck and said “We are friends”. So the three of us are laughing and I forgot all about sentimentality. As I walked in Wasamin said to me in English “We are besto friends?” I know in relationships that can be the kiss of death, but I was thrilled that she said that. I replied “Mochiron, I love you Wasamin” She said “I love you too” as staff pushed me out one last time. Anyway, great finish to what ended up being 13 handshake experiences with her over three events!

Slot 4-A (A visit to the Grand Canyon)

Hirata Rina: I just had to visit the one “American” in the group. As I greeted her in English I thanked her for teaching Wasamin the “We are friends” line. She said “Thanks for coming!” I told her that the fans out West are all rooting for her. She said “Oh, I am from Arizona!” I replied “I know Kiddo, I am from California.” I heard her say “Whoah” as I got pushed out. To be honest it felt slightly creepy. Not because she wasn’t nice. She is! But iwasn’t like meeting an idol, it was like shaking hands with a cute, young American girl. LOL!

Tanabe Miku: I always look forward to seeing what Tanamin is wearing. And she did not disappoint. I am not sure what she was cosplaying, but she looked totally hawt. And that is basically what we talked about, how cute her outfits are.

Slot 5 (As the girls begin to get really tired!)

Sato Sumire: Another first time meeting. (If you don’t count “sort of” interacting with her in New York) She was sitting down, obviously tired. So I merely introduced myself to her and told her whe I was from. She brightened up and said “Hajimemashite” She is a nice girl.

Katayama Haruka: At this point I was so tired of trying to think of stuff to say. At the last minute I remembered she is part of the “Art Club”, but I had no idea how to say that I just remembered GakiKame doing that “Arto” thing on Momusu’s old TV show. So after I said Hi and good to see her again I blurted out “Arto!” She replied “Arto?” so I repeated it She repeated it back again in question. ROFL! So I just said “Gomen gomen” as I got pushed out. That was okay. I was all handshaked out at this point.

And that was it! I didn’t do any tickets for slot 6 because…I know better. And as usual I will give a list of girls I got a good look at due to proximity of girls I had tickets for or simply running into them behind the lines…

Kojima Haruna, Miyazaki Miho, Sato Amina, Kuramochi Asuka, Akimoto Sayaka, Masuda Yuka, Ishida Haruka, Oya Shizuka, Fujie Reina, Nonaka Misato, Iriyama Anna, Shimazaki Haruka + a few other trainees I couldn’t name.

So in summary I think it was a great trip! In 12 days I got to… (links attached)
-go to the SDN48 graduation concert
-see the Iwasa Misaki Mujineki event twice with 4 handshakes
-go to SKE48′s Kataomoi Finally Handshake event
-go to AKB48′s GM5 handshake event over two days
-attend Ohori Megumi DVD release event plus 2-shot
-win a Team K show at the theater
-run into Momoiro Clover standing on the street in Toyosu

And not the least of which, I got to hang out with Pandadash and Koba. Plus I finally met Tenkun (at the Wasamin event), Issa (at GM5 event), HoneyRoastedPeanuts (in Shizuoka), Jouttex (at Mujineki, GM5 and Meetan events) I also met some of my old friends from the early SDN days. And I can’t forget the group of Hong Kong fans who also came out for the handshake event. Everyone was great!

So yes, a fun time!

To finish this up I plan on posting a “gets” post.  Yes, I promise this time!

CK in Tokyo