Chuo Dori

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