AKB48, News → Thirty-Three
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
Tags: AKB48 Senbatsu, Iwasa Misaki
June 6th, 2012 at 10:17 pm
On another note I think it is way past time that the members of AKB who do have skills, as in singing, make their way up the ladder and bring some added respectability to the groups. Wasamin is certainly a good singer and could hold her own against any in the group.
Her new job as centre of a good group of girls will cement her position and see her rise for sure, increased exposure will also add to her future CD sales whenever she has more singles.
This well earned break for the hard working introverted and sometimes gloomy Wasamin I think has just assured her life time career as a singer. It will adds some depth to her foundations, recognition and give her more opportunities.
Reading Wasamin’s blogs is certainly an experience. She goes through all the emotions. Anger, gloom, perverted and trolling and I see gets herself in to some little strife with her comrades from time to time.
I certainly agree that she deserves this reward, or should we say over due payment, and what a reward it was. Makes you wonder if a few votes weren’t shifted here or there to ensure she got exactly 33. Well she certainly has the experience and authority behind her now to be a centre, which is important as her team mates cant look down on her.
Many were very happy as was I to see the young girl who has persevered and driven herself to despair, get such a reward.
June 6th, 2012 at 11:51 pm
Glad to see your favorite member placing so well CK! That would be a good enough ranking to get her well into the undergirls last year! I think being center of a unit is ever better though
June 7th, 2012 at 3:02 pm
[...] Thirty-Three – Chuo Dori And of course, CK continues to cheer for his own one-and-only. [...]