Chuo Dori

Things are beginning to get a bit more “serious” over at Maji Academy.  But that doesn’t mean the most recent episode of Majisuka Gakuen didn’t contain the silly and quirky moments we all laugh at on a weekly basis.

Nachu’s got herself a new scooter, Yay!!!  But it doesn’t take long for the ever-faithful but slightly dimwitted apprentice to have it ripped off.  And I thought there wasn’t any crime in Japan?

It turns out the Yabakune are a lot more “ambitious” than we thought.  In addition to general thuggery, we can now add Grand Larceny and Prostitution to their resume.  Amina and Yukari hang out in Tokyo’s red light district offering “massages” for 5000 yen a “pop”  Maji’s school nurse just hit another level on the “creepy meter” with his fetish for cleaning the wounds of young girls.  Too funny.  Oh, and nice jacket!

In the meantime Yuko-senpai spends time at the local hospital toying with her adult buddies.  But Maeda has had just about enough of this horseplay…

Yuko can tell there is something “special” about this girl, but before she can really pinpoint it she goes all “Sailor Venus” on us and gets dizzy.  Oh, that can’t be good.  I guess that means the “Four Queens” are like Endymion’s Four Guardians, eh?  I am interested to see Yuko-senpai’s reaction when she finally finds out it is Maeda that Sado’s been talking about the whole time.  She is obviously intrigued by Maeda.  This is beginning to become the Sailor Moon plot, isn’t it?  Acchan = Tsukino Usagi?  Now enter the scariest character to appear in this series so far…

If you thought I was going to say Sayaka, you are dead wrong.  Mayuyu is clever, ambitious and evil!  Don’t let the “kawaii” clothing fool you.  She is a master manipulator, and she has yet to flex any muscle to advance her little scheme.  So far the Yabakune and this week’s guest villain Sayaka have fallen into her trap.

Oops, Yabakune may be ambitious, but they aren’t the sharpest knives in the drawer.  This might have been the funniest moment of the show!  Cardboard box is toast!!!

Mayuyu the puppet master begins pulling the strings on Maeda and Sayaka by spreading rumors and fueling Sayaka’s ambition.  The ploy works, and Sayaka begins her quest to take out the new “big threat”.  On the other hand, Maeda’s modus operandi is to ignore the issue as long as she can…

Unfortunately for Maeda her secret is out.  Sayaka uses Maeda’s “keyword” to goad her into a brawl.  However, before things got too out of hand the fight ends.  But why?

I think they both realized how unnecessary this fight actually was.  Sayaka obviously respected Atsuko on some level.  At the same time they both realized they were being “played” by someone else.  So Mayu’s scheme didn’t work…for the moment.

But if you think that’s the last we will see of Mayuyu, guess again.  Like I said, she is the scariest character we have seen so far.  And her plan to use others to advance her own ambition could be described as “Manson-esque”.

Scary indeed!

CK in California

While rummaging through my picture file I came across this pic that someone sent me around the holidays.  I thought it would be a crime not to share it…

That has to be the hottest picture of Nito Moeno I have ever seen!  I don’t care if it Christmas has already come and gone.  Would you look at that outfit?  LOOK AT IT!  Just don’t drool too much.

CK in California

Ahhh, the mystery of the bracelets.  Why is it that Maeda looks so longingly at them, as well as the pictures of Takamina.  Was she betrayed, or perhaps (and more likely) the betrayer?

But that isn’t the only mysterious little plot point to arise in this episode.  Yes, the next juicy “detail” was revealed with the arrival of Atsuko’s crazy mother.

We learned in the first episode that the school principal once had a romantic tryst with Maeda’s father.  So it stands to reason that she and Maeda’s mom would be rivals.  By the way, this flashback scene was too awesome!

Things were a lot tamer back then.  The leaders of Rappappa and Yabakune settled their differences with a bicycle race?  Nice outfits by the way.  This was the Japanese style of the early 80’s?  Is that a Ton Sur Ton sweatshirt?  And why is Maeda’s dad dressed like Elvis???

“V” is for Victory, even if you are half buried in a puddle of crap!

***

This is not good news, not at all!  The principal is jealous of Maeda’s mother.  But she obviously still has a bit of a “thing” for her dad.  How is this little drama going to play out.  Yet another reason for Acchan to watch her back.

REVELATION #1:  Hold on just one minute, didn’t Team Hormone say the rivalry between Yabakune and Maji started with a battle over a guy?  Could this be that battle???

But first things first, back to present day matters…

Sanshou Shimai!!!  At the urging of Shibuya (Tomochin), Acchan now has “Team Loli” on her back.  By the way, is there ever any learning going on in this school?  Let’s see, Rappappa spend the entire day in their clubhouse.  Team Hormone does nothing but eat.  The Kabuki sisters hang out under the overpass.  Even the Sanshou Sisters have their own little room, complete with pictures of all their victims.

Another interaction between Maeda and Yuko.  This should complicate matters once Yuko returns to school.  But it is what Yuko says in passing that get Maeda thinking…

Maeda isn’t too keen on having everyone in school coming after her one by one.  Maybe if she gets her butt kicked everyone will leave her alone.

Yeah right, Sado isn’t buying into that trick one bit.

As dedicated as Daruma is, she isn’t helping matters.  Maeda is very reluctant to have friends for some reason.  When is Takamina entering into this drama?  Much of Atsuko’s personal motivations are still a mystery.  And since she isn’t the outspoken type, that mystery won’t be solved until we learn more about her past.

If at first you don’t succeed…If Sado didn’t buy into their first ass-kicking, the Loli Sisters will just beat Maeda harder.

That is until the undeterred Daruma comes to the res…errr, to take her beating.  One problem, Maeda is still handcuffed.

That doesn’t matter, it doesn’t take much to stop a Lolli…

Boot to the head…GAME OVER!!!

Ehhhh???  Watching Mayuyu giggle when Lovetan and Maachan ran away from the fight was too funny!!!

The Victory Wing.  Maeda learns a little bit about true friendship.

Next week, the series debuts of Sayaka, Amina, Yukarin, Miichan and we learn a bit more about Mayuyu.  Judging by the preview, Mayu is a Yabakune member.

CK in California

It’s time for another episode of the AK-fail-Rangers!

***

Our heroes are enjoying another uneventful day in their secret cave below the Donki building.  What is that they are reading?  Perhaps some putting tips from Tiger Woods?  (Oh no!)  But somewhere nearby White Saturn (or is it Satan?) is continuing his quest to turn Japan completely white…

That is Yuko’s book?  Is she a 3rd grader???  At this rate it will take forever for our villian to fully realize his evil plan.

Then again, the AK-Rangers are the only folks trying to stop him.  So I guess he can take his sweet time.  Checking the scoreboard, the girls have lost two of three against his evilness.  Undaunted, they return to battle White Saturn once more.

Jeez, Yuko doesn’t even know what the challenge is yet.  Just the site of the AK-Rangers has her screaming in horror.  The challenge for today???

Basketball?   Give up girls, you don’t have a shot!  No way…no day!!!

In what was quite possibly the worst free throw shot in the history of sports, Mayuyu clears the entire backboard and seals Yuko’s fate.  In the immortal words of Coach Reeves on The White Shadow, “It’s a FREE throw for crying out loud!”  Oh well, no surprises here.  AK-Rangers fail their task yet again.

Sweet Revenge!!!  Better luck next time Rangers.

It occurs to me that the AK-Ranger-lolis haven’t won since they got rid of Mikapon and Suuchan.  I think this might go down as the worst “trade” since the Boston Red Sox dealt Babe Ruth.

Bring Back Komori!!!!!!!!

CK in California

This weekend it was a very special day, for a very special member of AKB48 Team Kenkyuusei.  I can’t believe I am such a big fan of a 15 year old idol.  But hell, she is so good.  Happy Birthday Wasamin!!!!!

Here are a few screencaps from the AKB48 NY/Cannes DVD.  In this scene she was talking about thanking fans at the end of the show.  She specifically describes bending down to say “arigatou”, and a fan screaming “Wasamin Wasamin, I Love You”.  That is exactly the exchange i had with her in New York.  When I met her in Japan in November, I reminded her of that interaction.  And she totally remembered it.

I was so impressed with her in AKB Infinity.  And I think when the shuffles eventually happen, she will definitely become a player in Team A.  She is that good, mark my words!

Happy Birthday Misaki, from a big fan!

CK in California

A quick update on the latest goings-on at Maji Academy.  I got so involved in the Shibuya AX festivities I forgot to do a post on my new favorite show!

A new face has shown up on campus…

She’s tough, she’s cool, and she seems to have a thing for Maeda, ehhhhh????

________

Yes, she always seems to show up at the perfect time, protecting Atsuko from rival school gangs and random flying athletic equipment.

________

This upsets poor Daruma.  What evil plan could Gakuran have in store for her Atsu-ne?

________

By the way, I love watching Sae play this role.  It is not unlike the way she played Ruka the vampire in AKB Infinity.  Tough, brooding, but with an underlying sadness.

________

In the meantime, the Rappappa girls decide to briefly emerge from their dark lair.  Yes, the natives are restless.  So it is time for the “real” leaders to remind everyone who’s boss.  I will never buy “tough Kojiharu” as long as I live.  As she attempts to torment random students while walking down the hall, I couldn’t help thinking “kawaii!” the entire time.  Yeah, Nyan is as far away from “Yankii” as you will ever get!

________

I am starting to love every time this guy is on screen.  The school nurse is so creepy.  But he creates a great extra element to the show’s plot.

________

But by the end of the episode we find out Sae doesn’t have the hots for Acchan, it is Daruma and her “large frame” that she is really obsessing over.  So the duel is on.  A battle for Daruma’s heart and loyalty!  Talk about a twist, even Nachu was surprised!!!

________

This fight scene is right on par with the one from episode two.  I totally buy into Acchan in this role.  Cute, nerdy and tough as nails!  Ultimately she finishes Sae off with an ancient Chinese fighting technique.  Damn, these girls are good!  And for a brief glimpse at a future character, who is this tough little lolli?

________

And for next weeks Bat-supervillian…

________

Who are these little lollis????  I totally get a “Clockwork Orange” vibe from them.  Especially, Myao!  Will they be the first gang to get the best of our heroine?

________

Hahaha, that is my new favorite screencap!  Oh well, time to get some sleep, I need to be up early to catch the 4th episode.  Should be a barnburner.  Rumor is the lolita gang is tougher than they look.

CK in California

The 4 day AKB48 Setlist concert at Shibuya AX has finally drawn to a close, and in less than suspenseful fashion.  The reason I say that?  Well, I think all of us got a pretty good idea how these votes would end up after seeing the “halftime” scores late last year.  That said, there were a couple surprises early on…

____________

25 - kuroi tenshi (takajo,maeda,fujie) /full/ [A5]
24 - kodoku na runner /full/ [SDN1]
23 - tenshi no shippo (nakatsuka,oota,nakaya) [B3]
22 - kataomoi no taikakusen (nito,komori,yonezawa) [B4]
21 - aitakatta (shuffle) [A2] [B2] [KII1] [MAXI]
20 - ENDROLL (umeda,noro,oshima,matsubara) [K5]
18 - relax! (no3b) [MAXI]
MC oshima,noro,umeda,matsubara
18 - only today [A4] [c/w]
17 - zannen shoujo (nakatsuka,watanabe,uchida) [B4]
16 - kuchi utsushi no chocolate (kashiwagi,hirajima,oota) [B4]
15 - korogaru ishi ni nare [K2]
14 - tsundere! (sato a,itano,kitahara) [A5]
MC SDN (umeda,chu,serina,sato y,akita)
13 - baby! baby! baby! [DIGI]
12 - temodemo no namida (kashiwagi,takajo) [B3]
MC miyazaki,fujie,chikano,matsui r,matsui j
11 - nakinagara hohoen de (oshima solo) [K3]
10 - BIRD (shinoda,takahashi,miyazawa) [A3]
MC akimoto,shinoda,maeda,masuda
*9 - 3 seconds (persona) [soundtrack]
*8 - shonichi [B3] [c/w]
MC team B
*7 - heart gata virus (kojima,kitahara,takajo) /kojima speech ver./ [A5]
MC nachu
*6 - namida surprise [MAXI]
*5 - RIVER [MAXI]
*4 - oogoe diamond [A5] [S1] [MAXI]
*3 - 10 nen zakura [MAXI]
MC urano,sato y (blue collar cosplay)
*2 - kimi no koto ga suki dakara [c/w]
MC noro,ohori
*1 - iiwake maybe [MAXI]
(once again, thanks to Takka, Rui and Jasey for their hard work on the lists)

————

Taking a look at that list, I think we could have predicted 24 of those songs.  The only surprise was SDN48’s Kodoku na Runner at #24.  Then again, had I been in Japan for the voting that probably wouldn’t have been a surprise since all the SDN fans got together to vote that song high into the list.  To me the first two (or maybe three) nights were a lot more fun because they were more unpredictable.

Songs that were notably missing from the Top 100 this year…

Aozora no Soba ni Ite
Hajimete no Jelly Beans
Mori e Ikou
Nage KISSU de Uchi Otoze
Kagami no Naka no Jean da Arc

and of course…Amai Kokansetsu

Ow well, the rumor is Shibuya-AX is allegedly being torn down later this year.  What does this mean for the future of the “Setlist” concert series?  I don’t know.  Obviously there are plenty of venues that can take it’s place.  But as the site of the first ever J-pop concert I ever attended, it makes me a little sad.  That said, with the AX concerts over it is now officially 2010 in the world of AKB…

Onto the shuffles we go!!!

CK in California

Phew, I am finally caught up. And I am ready for tonight’s Top 25.  Of course this means I will not be getting much sleep…again!  This can’t be good for me.  I have been late to work every day since the first night!  This is a big night as far as I’m concerned.  Most of my favorite AKB/SKE/SDN songs are probably not “Top 25″ material.  Personally I figure the last night will be dominated by the singles.  So if SDN and SKE are going to have any more songs in the setlist, they will most likely appear here….

————

50 - ashita wa ashita no kimi ga umareru (kuramochi,akimoto,miyazawa) [MAXI]
48 - yuuhi wo miteiru ka [H1] [MAXI]
MC watanabe,maeda,kashiwagi,itano
48 - sasae (team K,naruse) [K4]
MC sato a,kuramochi,naruse,deguchi (team 4)
47 - MARIA (umeda,kasai,masuda) [K3]
46 - junjou shugi (nito,katayama,nakaya) [B3]
MC rappapa undergirls
45 - kinjirareta futari (oshima,kasai) [K2]
44 - AKB sanjou! [A5]
43 - faint (tojima,kawasaki,itano) [A4]
MC kawasaki,tojima
42 - dear my teacher [A1] [K1] [B2] [S1] [ALBUM]
41 - saka agari [K5]
MC oshima,miyazawa,ono,chikano
40 - renai kinshi jourei (takahashi,miyazaki,minegishi) [A5]
39 - BINGO! [A4] [H1] [MAXI]
38 - itoshiki natasha (tanabe,sashihara,katayama) [B4]
37 - sougen no kiseki [K3]
MC hirajima,matsubara,sato n
36 - tonari no banana (kasai,ono) [H2]
35 - junai no crescendo (minegishi,kojima,takahashi) [A4]
MC no3b
34 - saishuu bell ga naru [K4]
33 - pajama drive (watanabe,hirajima,nakagawa) [B3]
32 - sakura no hanabiratachi [A1] [K1] [S1] [KII1] [ALBUM]
31 - ame no pianist [S2]
30 - nattou angel (nattou angels) [MAXI]
29 - hikougigumo (theathergirls) [A5] [c/w]
28 - tane (no3b) [MAXI]
27 - te wo tsunaginagara [S2]
MC SKE48 teamS
26 - FIRST LOVE (ono) [c/w]
EN1: majisuka rock n roll [c/w]

————

Songs I am anticipating…

46 - Junjou Shugi (nito,katayama,nakaya) [B3] One of the fiercest performances of AX09′.  Haachan just glows in this…so sexy!  I’m sorry not to see Matsuyuki this time around.  But Nakayan should be a cool substitute.  hard to believe two of the three original performers of this song are graduates now.

41 - Saka Agari [K5] So uplifting!  I will never get tired of listening to this.  I didn’t originally think of this song, but it is one I was certainly rooting to rank high.  And why wouldn’t it?  In some ways it reminds me of Hikoukigumo.  A total crowd pleaser with awesome audience participation.

38 - Itoshiki Natasha (tanabe,sashihara,katayama) [B4] Quite possibly the most “hardcore” AKB48 song to date.  Team B is totally kawaii, but they know how to “rock out”.  Need moar Tanamin and Haachan!

30 - Nattou Angel (nattou angels) Is this a surprise?  Don’t get me wrong, I loved this song when I got my Budokan DVD.  What’s not to love about “Nattou Beeeeeeaaaaammmm”?  These three make an excellent little unit, and I would love to see them do more stuff.  Well, the Tomo’s already are.  I hope that song is as cool as this.

26 - FIRST LOVE (ono) This is a great showcase of what a pretty voice Erepyon has.  To me she sounds a lot like Kago Ai.  Angelic and beautiful.  Haunting song!

EN1: Majisuka Rock n Roll Yatta!!!  The fans finally get to hear a more complete version of the song that IMO should be the A-track of the 15th single.

Notes on Day 3…

No Rinatin in Ashita wa Ashita no…???  Apparently she was rushed to the hospital earlier this week with an undisclosed illness.  Let’s hope she is okay.

After three nights we have six SKE48 songs.  That’s great for them!  Although none of my favorites made it.  Does that mean I have bad taste?  Or am I just a bit eccentric?

And no “Black Boy” :(  I can’t imagine it will make the Top 25.  Nor can I see Meetan’s solo song making it either, although MELOS predicted it to be there on his blog.  That would be really cool, although I’m not holding my breath.  I would have loved to see Hatakeyama Chisaki at AX this year.  As well as Nachu.  But you may have noticed that some of the MC’s include the gangs of Majisuka Gakuen.  Could than mean….

Acchan/Nachu MC tonight???  Atsu ne!!!!!

CK in California

I am a day behind on AX posts.  Silly me and my feeble attempt to have a life.  For the few of you whohaven’t seen the list, here ya go.  Thanks to Takka, Rui and Jasey for doing such a great job keeping everyone posted in real time!  BTW, I wasn’t too enthused about the second night’s setlist until about midway through the show…

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75 - kimi ni au tabi koi wo suru [A5]
74 - kimi wa pegasus [K3]
MC akimoto,miyazawa (infinity maids,takahashi,nakaya)
73 - dareka no tame ni [A3]
72 - kioku no dilemma (kuramochi,matsubara) [H2]
MC kuramochi,matsubara
71 - nagai hikari [A5]
70 - shiroi TULIP (watarirouka hashiritai) [c/w]
69 - tanpopo no kesshin (kenkyuusei) [B4]
67 - tobenai agehachou [c/w]
MC ono,nakata,takahashi,ohori
MC takahashi (lame joke 2010)
67 - wasshoi B! [B4]
66 - minnasan mo go issho ni (kashiwagi speech ver.) [B4]
MC team hormone
65 - hatsukoi dash (watarirouka hashiritai) [MAXI]
64 - yaruki hanabi (watarirouka hashiritai) [MAXI]
63 - chuu shiyouze! (AKBIdoling!!!, under=idoling!!!)
MC watarirouka hashiritai
62 - oshibe to meshibe to yoru no chouchou [K4]
61 - christmas present (persona) [soundtrack]
MC shinoda,noro,sato y
60 - BYE BYE BYE (kojima,takahashi,minegishi) [H2]
59 - dakishimeraretara [K5]
58 - wimbledon e tsureteitte (mori,matsui j,yagami) [H2]
56 - wagamama na nagareboshi [K5]
56 - takeuchi senpai [H1]
MC oshima,kasai,itano,kojima,kuramochi
54 - mushi no ballad [K5]
54 - nagisa no CHERRY (maeda,hirajima,minegishi,fujie) [A2] [B2] [KII1]
53 - yuuwaku no garter (garter throwing) [SDN1]
52 - blue rose (akimoto,ohori,masuda,miyazawa) [K2]
MC akimoto,ohori,masuda,miyazawa
51 - tsuyokimono yo (SKE48) [MAXI]
MC kashiwagi (summary)
EN1: choose me [c/w]

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Songs of note in CK’s world…

66 - Minnasan mo go Isshoni (kashiwagi speech ver.) [B4] I loved it when I first saw it in person, although I think the costumes are horrific.  I really hope they wore something else!  And I personally prefer the CinDy speech version of this song.  But like so many Team B songs, it is just so much “crack”!

64 - Yaruki Hanabi (Watarirouka Hashiritai) It’s too bad that the Kanpeki Guu no ne signle came out after the vote eligibility.  Because that single, and it’s B-sides would have made it for sure.  But I am glad to see WH’s underrated single, which I really like.

62 - Oshibe to Meshibe to Yoru no Chouchou [K4] Kita!!!!  Quite a drop from last year.  But that’s okay.  It is Ohori’s tour de force.  And she was so happy to be able to perform it at AX again.  (CK takes note for 2011)  the only bad news is this all but clinches that Amai Kokansetsu didn’t make the Top 100.

61 - Christmas Present (persona) Persona!!!!  That’s so awesome, and the Ogipro trio did it in full costume.  I think it’s also safe to say that “Three Seconds” will be pretty high on the list.  No3b did very well this year.  Hey, if Christmas ga Ippai got shafted again, at least we get this!

from Meetan's Blog

53 - Yuuwaku no Garter (garter throwing) [SDN1] Finally some SDN love!!!  I have a few personal favorite SDN songs.  But in reality I felt only three songs had a legitimate shot to make the Top 100.  This was one of em, along with Black Boy and Kodoku na Runner.  Even if this is the only song to make the list, the girls have nothing to be ashamed of.  It’s not like the group has been promoted outside of the theater much.  And wait till’ you see Yukarin in that outfit!!!

52 - Blue Rose (akimoto,ohori,masuda,miyazawa) [K2] No impromptu stripping this year.  But Blue Rose always fares well on the list.  Which is even more impressive considering it is an old song, and it was never part of a single.  One of the best examples of the awesomeness of Team K.

NOTES:

I mentioned that I didn’t think Amai Kokansetsu would make the Top 100.  And as we creep closer to the Top 25, the chance for another SDN48 song grows slimmer as well.  I hate to think my votes for Black Boy went to waste.  Oh well.

I think it would have been awesome if Idoling!!! did a guest shot for Chuu Shiyouze! I wonder why that didn’t come together?

Not too much Team B.  I am guessing the third night (or even the fourth?) is going to be big for them!

CK in California

I remember when I was younger getting excited about the NFL draft.  I would create charts, lists…have a grand ole’ time…

It’s time  for AKB48’s “NFL Draft” of concert series, The Request Hour Setlist Best 100.  I have loved this concept ever since I went to see the first edition in 2008.  It is so exciting to see where the songs place in fan popularity.  Of course I have my personal favorites that I hope to see on the list year after year.

Here is the setlist for the first night…

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100 - 7ji 12fun no Hatsukoi (maeda,ohe,komatani,masuyama,narita) [A4]
99 - namida no shounan (arii,oshima m,watanabe s,sato y,shinoda) [A2]
MC - komatani,oshima m,ohe,watanabe s,narita,arii,masuyama
98 - koike (team A,maeda a,suzuki,iwasa) [A3]
97 - kaiyuugyo no capacity (team K,ishida) [K4]
MC - shinoda,umeda,kashiwagi
96 - tadaima renaichuu (4-6th gen kenkyuusei) [A4]
94 - boku no taiyou [H1]
94 - higurashi no koi [H1]
93 - manatsu no xmas rose (shinoda,nakata,sato y, kohara) [A5]
92 - GLORY DAYS [S2]
MC matsui j,nakanishi,kuwabara
91 - JK nemurihime [A5]
90 - nounai paradise [K3]
MC - Satos (three Satos then Sumire interrupting in the middle)
89 - GIRLS TALK (no3b) [c/w]
88 - glass no I LOVE YOU (kenkyuusei) [A2]
87 - sobakasu no kiss [B4]
86 - chime wa LOVE SONG [S2]
MC SKE48 team S
85 - idol no yoake (live instruments) [B4]
83 - gomen ne jewel (umeda= oshima y under) [K4]
83 - confession (oshima y,itano,nakata,ohori) [H2]
80 - yume wo shinaseru wake ni ikanai [H2]
80 - himawari (noro,akimoto,kuramochi,shinoda) [H1]
80 - kurukurupaa~ (matsubara,ohori,kobayashi,takada a,hayano) [K3]
79 - squall no aida ni [A5]
MC kobayashi, takada a, hayano
78 - skirt hirari (maeda,oshima y,shinoda,watanabe m,takahashi,kojima,itano) [A2]
77 - 16nin shimai no uta (naruse VTR only) [K4]
MC urano,hirajima,kenkyuusei
76 - RUN RUN RUN [H1]
EN1: enkyori poster [c/w]
(btw, thanks to Takka for updating the list last night, and to Rui for her timely “tweets”)

———-

I know I said I get a kick out of which songs make the list.  But ultimately I’m happy if my favorite songs make it, regardless of placing.  That said, these are the songs I am most excited about…

100 - 7ji 12fun no Hatsukoi [A4] They got Oh-yay out of the way early, as well as a few other grads.  One circulating question is whether or not the grads will be making one appearance, or if they will break tradition and appear more than once.  This IS the final show before the shuffles.  Then again, could it be that the Top 75 will be flooded with new material?

83- Confession [H2] Another question is whether or not the song placings represent the true vote order.  I have always figured that the producers moved songs around in order to keep good flow, and to make costume changes easier for the girls.  But this year is a bit different.  First off, TIES???  That’s funny.  And since Confession and Gomen ne Jewel have a few of the same performers, those girls couldn’t be in both songs.  As a result Ohori got to perform here.  Works for me!

80   - Kurukurupaa~ [K3] Yeah, Meetan is in it.  But I am really excited to see Kana’s reaction after her antics on the last night of the 2009 shows.

79   - Squall no Aida ni [A5] One of my top three favorite songs on A5.  I am so glad to see it included!

77   - 16nin Shimai no Uta [K4] This song was such a “homerun” last year.  My favorite performance of the entire four nights.  I doubt it will be as epic this time around (no Meetan bikini?), but I am sure it will be a lot of fun.

76   - RUN RUN RUN [H1] This is one of my all-time favorite AKB48 songs.  It’s such a cool “rocker”.  This is the second year in a row it has closed the show.  It was the final song of the second night in 2009.

A couple of other notes.  With No3b’s “Girls Talk” coming in at #89, I think it’s a safe bet we will see a lot of this subgroup throughout the four nights.  I really want to see the two “Persona” songs.  I’m pretty sure 3 Seconds will break the Top 25.  How about “Christmas Present”?  Also…

SKE had two songs on the first night.  This makes me wonder how much more of their song catalog will be performed as Chime wa Love Song and Glory Days are both really popular.  I would love to see Mango #2 and Koi no Keikou to Taisaku.  And what about Ame no Pianist, Romance Rocket, Bokura no Kaze and Choco no Yukue? All very popular.  I still hold out hope for lots of Team S

Plenty of other interesting stuff on the first night.  But this is what got my attention the most.  I can’t wait to see Night #2!

CK in California