Yorosen! Week 8 - How C-ute
Yorosen! Week 7 Subbed

Okay, I know everyone watched the last two weeks of Yorosen! episodes what with the Sensei’s being the ultra popular Momo and Airi, right?  Momoko sure got the festivites off to a hot start in that silver dress…Yowza!!!

That said, M’s review of Momo’s week 7 fun has me right to YouTube to find the episodes.  It seems like she has been one of the funniest and cheekiest teachers the girls have had so far.  In Airi’s week, it doesn’t seem quite as spirited, but the girls of C-ute and Manoeri come up with great one-liners like “How do you say idiot in English” and my personal favorite “Oh no, bunker!”  Morningtime’s dislike of golf is also evident.  Anyhow, there are literally tons of screencaps.  It’s like watching the whole show!  For once, these episodes of Yorosen! are…recommended!

Berryz Koubou ~Berikore!~ on TV

Just a quick announcement that television network M-ON will be televising Berryz’ fall concert on December 14th at 7pm local time.  I don’t know the last time a Morning Musume or Hello! Project concert was broadcast, but this is the 2nd time in the last two years for Berryz (Saitama Super Arena show).

I just want to say that I find it interesting that with this news, C-ute’s Edo no Tomari Uta II being nominated for an award, and Morning Musume putting out a great tribute CD that they weren’t invited to this year’s Kouhaku event.  The three groups seem to be having a pretty good year.  Oh well.

50!!

DJ K-Sno has a couple new mixes. They’re slightly more experimental with the backing tracks, not using instrumentals but just reducing the vocals. RoboVector ☂ sounds odd at first, like two songs simply playing at once. But the time is really locked. I like that effect of the song parts contrasting, but the background vocal might be too distracting for some people. VERY BEAUTY no Hitsujitachi almost doesn’t sound like a mashup, with the vocal in the background acting more like melodic counterpoint. It’s her 50th remix. Nice!

Let there be lips!

superhappygenki, from SUPER HAPPY GENKI HYPERFORCE GO!, has made a return to blogging! Upon her return, she brings us an interesting review of some H!P smiles. The categories used are smiling, not smiling, and CHU!. superhappygenki comments on each girl’s smile, and who is good at what smile. I was very amused by this, and not at all surprised by who superhappygenki considers to have a good smile.

BerryS Koubou World Tour 2008 Pamphlet

I love these pics Roselinde has uploaded from Berryz’ latest tour pamphlet.  The individual photos are like a quadruple exposure, and all of the girls look really hot.  I don’t remember seeing these at the souvenir booth when I saw the show.  Jeez, I missed out on a cool item!  Anyhow, this is great eyecandy for any Berryz fan!

Yorosen! - Week 6 Subbed

I know I am a full week behind on Yorosen! writeups.  So for anyone who was waiting with bated breath…Anyone?  Anyone???  Bueller?????

Morningtime’s reviews of this show are far more entertaining than the show itself.  And the week 6 episodes are especially not an exception.  It was mostly Saki eating Yakiniku!

M has started to notice that two things are becoming a universal truth when it comes to Yorosen!  1) How entertaining the show is depends on who the Sensei is.   Spazmonster Kusumi (Morningtime’s term) made the show interesting in her week.  Captain Saki, boring.  But I guess some people like when J-pop idols talk about meat in 4-minute segments, right?  2) The fifteen-or-so seconds of Manoeri at the end is the most exciting moment of every episode.  Not only because she is cute, but it’s the only time you see the girls in Berryz do anything remotely funny, like make fun of Manoeri in the background!

I’m beginning to wonder how much longer this is going to go on?  And when I say this, I mean how many more episodes can Morningtime bear to watch and screencap?

Risako Loves Fantasy…

Our Yorosen! reviewer of the week is Shirow!  He feels that the recent week of the program, the one with Risako dressed as a witch has turned the show to a better direction.  He focuses mostly on the antics of Risako herself, and on the subtle messages on everyone’s shoes.  Which I hadn’t noticed until he posted it.

Ya know, I have always considered Risako one of my lesser favorite idols.  I don’t hate her, but I’ve just never gotten excited about her.  However, I must admit she looks rather fetching in that outfit she wore on the show.  And Shirow found some very cute expressions on her face to screencap.  Some nice eyecandy included.

Miya was Destined to be in Buono!

Our maiZe draws a straight line between Miya’s early BK days outfit and the punk style costume our dazzling Buono! lady was wearing some time ago. It’s interesting to see that in her younger age Miya was wearing almost the same style top than she had on her in those earlier Buono! publicity photos.

I guess those both tops could be from Hangry&Angry collection. And let me remind you that Miya has always been attached to skull designs & punky style.

Another remark: In BK’s Switch ON! concert tour in 2005 one of the BK’s costume sets were punky ones. So from the past you’ll find even more links to Buono! and Miya’s wardrobe.

“避暑地でデートいたしまshow”…H!P 2008 Summer Wonderful Hearts. (MorningBerryz’s blog)
[Review] Hello! Project 2008 Summer Wonderful Hearts Kouen ~Hishochi de Date Itashima SHOW~ (Renai Revolution 21)
2008 Summer Wonderful Hearts concert ~ My Review (mayuge Madness)

Recommended Reading. The 2008 Wonderful Heart Summer Concert has been out for a few weeks and we have a few bloggers sharing their thoughts on the performances put on by the future of Hello! Project.

MorningBerryz starts it off by going over the performances he thought were most memorable. Obviously everyone will have their own thoughts on the best or most memorable songs within a concert, and it’s interesting to see MB’s choices. Screen caps and video are interspersed as is usually the case in MB’s posts to help bring the oberservations home.

Up next, we have Wendy of Renai Revolution 21 giving a song by song rundown of the concert with a little commentary on each performance, as well as a grade out of 10. I really have to comment on one thing in this review for Wendy says, “It’s amazing to watch Namida no Iro performed in Edo outfits.” I don’t know about everyone else, but I find myself thoroughly amused watching Maimi perform Namida no Iro in that bulky outfit of hers… It looks like an highly approved concert until we get to the second half. Buono!, and the “generic” performances got some harsh reviews.

Finally, we have Liamers of Mayuge Madness chiming in with his thoughts. I have to say, if he was this excited over Risa’s performance of Manatsu no Kousen, it makes me wonder if he’s seen Risa’s version of the song in Morning Musume’s Spring concert. I’m a huge Risa fan, and I’ll take Risa’s solo version over this lip synced version anyday! And I must say, the die hard Matsuura fan in me dies a little every time I see something like “But ya they sang a song I had never heard of before “Hajimete Kuchibiru wo Kasaneta Yoru” and it was really nice.”. XD

Monkeys, a giant and that sweet lovely girl
Buono! by fans

zush shares more fanart with us and it’s quite lovely. I was particularly tickled by the one titled “The Gentle Giant”. Can you guess who’s featured in that piece?

Berryz welcome the elder graduations with Happiness!

Shirow found this video on YouTube with an interesting translation of the lyrics of Happiness ~Koufuku Kangei!~.  BTW, I know I am on vacation in Japan right now, but I found the video so hilarious I had to cover Shirow’s article.

Just watch!

CK’s Japan Tour, Fall 2008 Day 1 ~Hello Ayaya!~
CK’s Japan Tour, Fall 2008 Day 2 ~An Unexpected Trip to the Don Quixote Theater~

Recommended reading. CK is currently living it up in Japan, and in the midst of his hopping around from place to place, he’s giving us updates with a Japan Tour journal.

On Day 1, he had quite a hectic day, seeing as a few hours after landing he was off to see Matsuura Aya in concert. I have to say that I am absolutely jealous that he went to see Aya, and his description of the concert makes me really want to see some footage. The concert was at a Jazz club dinner theatre, which made for quite an intimate setting. Oh, how I wish I could go see Aya in concert like that…

On Day 2, it looks like CK’s settling into being in Japan quite quickly. He describes a stop by an official H!P store and took a photo of some of Berryz Koubou’s battle concert outfits in the store window. He then goes on to explain his quest to get in to see an AKB48 show… It’s definitely something else. I don’t think I’m a big fan of their system of getting in to the show. “Your ticket has a number on it, but then they call you into the theater randomly. So ticket #1 has the same chance as ticket #250 to be in the front row!” … How odd.

I deny all !

Now, I don’t mean that zush has sexy legs, though I’m sure he’s a fine young gentleman. He brings us tons of eyecandy of Tokunaga Chinami! Namely, of her long and slender legs that leave all wota drooling. There’s not much to say about this, but I found zush’s denial at the beginning of this post very amusing. Every time I look over this post, I just want to scream, “OH MAN CHINAMI’S LEGS, DAYUM.” but I try to refrain from doing so in public. Oh man Chinami’s legs.

The amazing wonderful hearts summer preview!

Midori has a preview of the H!P 2008 Wonderful Hearts Concert! They’re performing Ame no Furanai Hoshi de wa Aisenai Darou, and that’s quite a mouthful to say! I loved this performance, and Junjun and Linlin performed their solo lines amazingly. Midori brings us her usual review of the performance and finds nothing wrong with the song except for the ridiculous outfits. I personally liked C-ute’s outfits, but I agree with Midori when she says that Berryz Koubou had ridiculous outfits.

Mongolian Rhapsody

Johannes Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5 was one of my earliest discoveries in classical music along with Jean Sibelius’ Finlandia Op. 26 and Antonin Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances. In spite of that it came me as a surpsirse that P-chu has now played Berryz Kobo’s version of Dschinghis Khan with style & spirit of that old Hungarian Dance.

Again very interesting musical experiment from P-chu Piano Labs with informative description where he reveals that also Franz Liszt and Frederic Chopin has something to do with his version of Dschinghis Khan.

My Latest Wonderful Hearts ratings: °C-ute
My Latest Wonderful Hearts ratings: Berryz Koubou
My Latest Wonderful Hearts ratings: Morning Musume.

Wendy of Renai Revolution 21 shows us a more updated list of her rankings among the Wonderful Hearts troupe of H!P. I think the most shocking development for everyone would be the placement of Linlin; with all the “jokes” she helped start, its suprising how high on the list Linlin actually is. I however find the rank of Sayumi most surprising; I can’t find anything to hate about dear Sayu, and plenty to like. To me, she is a crucial part of the group’s character. I guess this is one thing that Wendy and I disagree upon!

Berryz girl for everyday of the year

The new Berryz Kobo DVD magazine vol.13 is in reality a DVD calendar.  Each month has a theme, and the girls rotate with a comment and/or skit for each day of the year.  Zush has a few screencaps of some outtakes and a link to the YouTube video.  And he did what most of us would probably do, immediately forward to his birthday to see who commented on it.  Zush was hoping for Miya, but instead got Maasa.  It’s a cute DVD, albeit slightly repetitious.

Or maybe I’m just jealous.  I wanted Maasa on my birthday, but instead got Yurina. :(

Berryz Kyuuden

Recommended reading. Berryz Kyuuden is a new Hello! Project blog by Dran which focuses mainly on the Hello! Project Kids groups Berryz Koubou and C-ute. However, he also looks at other H!P groups and artists such as Morning Musume, and even has his thoughts on the latest unit announced Yoshizawa Hitomi and Ishikawa Rika’s Hangry & Angry. He has them down as the new H!P group, but I’ve read in other blog posts that the group itself isn’t part of Hello! Project, and this group is under the indie label GOTHUALL. Though, with your front-liners being half of Morning Musume’s 4th gen, they’re obviously going to be lumped in with Hello! Project no matter what you do.

Anyway, back to the blog… It covers all sorts of media, from singles to PVs to magazine articles to stage plays. The blog has been around since the end of August, so there’s lots to browse through. I’m looking forward to seeing how this blog progresses.

Still shopping for a 2009 H!P calendar for next year?…this may help.

It looks like CDJapan loves MorningBerryz, seeing as the Morning Musume, Berryz Koubou and C-ute calendars which were scheduled for release in Japan on October 11 arrived in HAWAII for MB to enjoy on that same release date. AND, MB was kind enough to share in his good fortune and took pictures immediately to help out those who may still be trying to decide on which H!P calendar to buy.

MB has pictures of each page of each calendar, and I have to say after seeing these three calendars, I went and ordered Berryz Koubou’s release for myself. MB has links to CDJapan and yesasia for anyone interested, and while CDJapan has cheaper calendar prices, the cost of shipping easily matches the prices offered at yesasia (for shipping to Canada at least…). Yesasia, on the other hand, has free shipping on orders over a certain amount depending on where you’re shipping to. Definitely something to keep in mind.

Berryz Koubou at Asia Song Festival 2008 (Hello!°C-ute)
Berryz in South Korea - part 4 (Berryz Kobo International)

Berryz Koubou performed at the 2008 Asia Song Festival in Korea and Hello!°C-ute and Berryz Kobo International have links to youtube clips that a fan has posted of the performances.

I watched them all, and one thing that really struck me as odd was Shimizu Saki’s introduction as the “Leader” of Berryz Koubou. When the heck did that happen? Last I heard, she was the Captain of the girls, and anyone who called her otherwise would get a death glare… I think everything I’ve known to be true is crumbling to the ground… Or not. XD But seriously, what’s going on there?

Another thing is that the girls all look like they’re having the time of their lives in these performances. Maybe it’s just such a refreshing change for them to see female faces out in the audience during a performance for once… Who knows? ^_^

Gekiharo 5: Berryz Koubou VS. Berryz Koubou

Hello!°C-ute has news as well as the promotional posters for Berryz Koubou’s next stage play. It looks like this is a yearly thing for Berryz now. I’m still hoping that someone will sub the stage play from last year, seeing as I quite enjoyed Berryz first stage play, ‘Geki Haro “Edo kara Chakushin!? ~Timeslip to Kengai!~’.

Yurina gets owned by a tomato
Berryz are bigger than Jesus

In an older post, Shirow takes a look an episode of Berikyuu where Berryz Koubou members Shimizu Saki and Kumai Yurina have to eat some food that they randomly choose out of a box. The Berryz Caption does quiet well with her challenge, but the gentle giant of Hello! Project doesn’t fair quite as well. I just have to say, I’m with Yurina on this one. Tomatoes do not sit well with me. I probably wouldn’t cry eating one, but I’d most likely be “recoil[ing] in pure disgust” like Yurina…

In this more recent post, Shirow posts photos and a video of Berryz Koubou arriving in Korea for the Asia Song Festival. I’ve watched a few videos of their arrival, and boy did they ever get a massive welcome from their Korean fans. The girls are all looking lovely, but Shirow singles one girl out, and I have to agree with him… “just LOOK how stunningly radiant Miyabi is looking …”

Berryz in South Korea - part 2
Berryz in South Korea

Zush shares some fan-taken photos of Berryz Koubou arriving in South Korea, with the last three showing the gang rehearsing on stage. I love what Saki’s wearing in the second snapshot, and the smile she adorns on her face is only ever trouble. Just what is she up to? Lets hope it involves spaceships and love-rainbows and other ridiculously epic shit.

An earlier post is the prologue to the above one, linking to a blog with more BK photos at the Seoul Gimpo airport, and there’s a video at the bottom turning those pictures into live motion. I must admit though, the footage looks terrifying, espcially when the cameraman starts running. It was like Maasa let off this nuclear fart, and everyone had to flee for their lives.

Miya’s FC Solo Event DVD!!!!

You know, it’s not only maiZe who can watch after her socks when seeing these fresh, new and sweet Miyabi Natsuyaki video recordings from latest H!P fan club DVD collection. Yes, this Berryz & C-ute Menber Solo Event DVD set comes with 4+1 volumes and has about 15 minute doses from each of these 14 girls. Not really a surprise that our maiZe takes a closer look at Miya’s part of this collection plus offers us a couple of clips from Miya’s event. I’m saying: Uber kawaii.

So my collection begins…
HALP! The Sheep Will Eat Me!

A quick post from Charmy who has scanned in her first two Atsuka Inaba cards/photo, and theres news of more on the way.

An earlier entry has Charmy commenting briefly on the PV for Berryz Koubou’s remix for Dschinghis Khan. After declaring that her sense of humour is well suited for this stupidly bizarre video, Charmy goes onto praise the multiplying sheep.

REVIEW: BERRYZ KOUBOU “5 (FIVE)”
REVIEW: MORNING MUSUME “Pepper Keibu” single

Four and a half stars for both?  I always thought CJ was more of a “Rex Reed” type when it came to H!P reviews.  Maybe my memory is failing me…

In the Berryz review, CJ gives us some brief thoughts on their past full-length CD efforts.  “Enjoyable but imperfect” is a great description as far as I’m concerned.  With that he feels this is Berryz’ best full-length release to date.  CJ always does a great job of analyzing the musical styles used in each track.  And most every song gets good feedback, except for the Special Generation Remix.  I love how everyone is so opinionated about this song! 

As for Pepper Keibu,  CJ feels the song contains the best harmonization Morning Musume’s current lineup has ever done.  He is also glad that they took the song into their own direction, rather than doing a note by note imitation of Pink Lady’s original.  And given that this is CJ’s third post in reference to Pepper Keibu, I’m guessing he really likes it!

But most importantly he enjoys Reina’s solo lines.  And as someone who is probably as big a Reina fanboy as CJ, I am always glad to see Tanakacchi get some good ”pub”.  Recommended

5(Five) Limited Edition CD

From the tone of Paul’s recent post it looks like the lack of activity in the Momusu camp this year so far coupling with his growing attachment to the wonderful range of personalities BK has to offer, has him leaning perhaps slightly in the direction of the kid’s units above their seniors. While I’m not yet quite ready to declare a personal liking of one over the other no doubt there is an allure to speak of here. First Paul shares a brief prelude to his current growing feelings towards BK and then jumps right into an in depth look at their new album going over tracks he enjoys immensely and it often has him troubled finding song supremacy here which is a great thing to speak of as the album in his eyes just keeps getting better and better with just one fault to speak of coming from the track “Yume wo hitotsubu-Berryz Kamen Ending Theme.” “BE” is a noted standout and perhaps one of the albums’ best tracks and I have to agree there! And whether you’ve been on the fence regarding your love or distaste for Risakochan or have long jumped over to the side where it is void of her it seems that Paul has a strong feeling that there’s a solo gem  here to behold and perhaps have you crossing over to the other side. Packaging is noted to perhaps leave something to be desired but Paul has also scanned the entire accompanying liner notes booklet which quickly makes up for it and closes with an extremely cute “winking” clip from the included DVD extra where Chiichan rules them all…..and I wonder if there will be a changing of the guard atop Paul’s fave BK member list soon. ^-^

But like anything new there are side effects to speak of as is the case nowdays with any new FDA approved drug it seems and a couple to note as seen first hand by Paul himself include: Threats of harakiri by others may be brought on by too many plays of “Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance” and the excess of “Uuh! Haa!’s may cause discomfort to your girlfriend or significant other. So ask your doctor if listening to lots of Monkeys and exclamations are right for you. Please only use as directed.

ジンギスカン　タルタルミックス 　ビデオクリップ (Dohhh UP!)
Dschinghis Khan Tartar Mix PV (「☆☆☆」)
Dschinghis Khan’s remix PV is here (Slasha’s Tatami Mat)
There are no words to describe this. (Dschinghis Khan tarutaru PV) (Renai Revolution 21)
Dschinghis Khan Tartar Mix PV (Hello!°C-ute)

A full ten days after the single itself was released, the Dschinghis Khan Tartar Mix PV has now hit the Netwaves, unleashing a scourge of unspeakable horror. Whereas the remix itself was just terrible, this visual rendition takes us to a place never before seen by human eyes, transcending mediocrity to reach terrifying heights of indescribable magnitude. And already, the reviews and non-reviews flood in as viewers are dumbstruck by the sheer extremeness of this unprecedented disasterpiece.

Bri of 「☆☆☆」is impressed and thinks both the song and PV have outdone the original Berryz versions. I’d have to disagree about the song itself, but the PV is indeed something.

Epic win. There aren’t new shots of the girls or anything, but there are sheep. SHEEP! This is amazing.

Oh yes. Sheep.

Slasha of Slasha’s Tatami Mat agrees wholeheartedly:

This has got to be the most genius and most random of every H!P PV ever made. If the dancing sheep weren’t enough [...]

Oh yes. Dancing sheep.

Also, if rickrolling (Look it up) gets replaced by a new video, I hope it’s this one.

I was just thinking this could easily be the next big Internet meme…. if so, H!P would now be responsible for two big Internet phenomena in recent years (the other being the Dramatic Chipmunk/Prairie Dog).

Wendy of Renai Revolution 21 is likewise impressed:

My god.

Best PV ever.

I want that sheep omg yes

Indeed. Sheep.

And finally, Roselinde of Hello!°C-ute, in lieu of a review, lets us know that a Single V release will be out 2008-11-26. Since the version released is only half as long as the audio track, perhaps we’ll see a full version on the Single V. I can’t wait.

Blast From the Past! ~Berryz & C-ute

If you’ve been aching for the return of Uta Doki, H!P fans, wait no more! This may not be a permanent thing by any means, but a few recent episodes of Berikyuu! have featured Uta Doki segments, meaning the Berryz Koubou and C-ute girls have been given the chance to pay tribute to some classic Japanese music from multiple genres. (The Jitterin’ Jinn “Natsumatsuri” cover has already been mentioned by CK here.) Mars has some great commentary going between each video, but I the highlight of this post is the “Roppongi Shinjuu” cover at the very end. Weird song for Berryz Koubou to be singing, but man, Momo looks fierce here.

Zen Poem about Autumn - 10.000

Zush shares a Zen poem about autumn with us, which is quickly proceeded by plenty of early Berryz Koubou autumn dressed photos. Tis’ the season, and all that.

Berryz Koubou - 5 (FIVE) [5th Studio Album] (Amai Wana)
[Album Review] Berryz Koubou - 5(Five) (Wings of my Heart)
Berryz Koubou 5th Album [5(Five)] review (Sazaki’s H!P Weblog)

Recommended reading. More blogs have their thoughts to share on Berryz Koubou’s 5th album and it looks like there’s a positive response going around.

amaiyume of Amai Wana is generally impressed with Berryz’s 5th album, finding only a few weak points. amaiyume goes through the entire album, giving a rundown the strengths and weakness of each song. Overall, amaiyume found that the girls gave strong vocal performances, however some of the instrumentals/melodies just weren’t memorable for amaiyume.

Julia of Wings of my Heart chimes in with her thoughts and surprises even herself with her desire to write a review on BK’s latest album. It looks like Berryz Koubou were able to bring themselves out of the rut they settled into in Julia’s H!P world - a rut caused by their recent string of childish releases. Julia takes a detailed look into the songs that have really caught her attention, with some passing thoughts on the rest of the album. Like amaiyume, Julia find that the vocals are pretty strong on the album. And Julia, I totally feel your pain…

…Okay, and I wish there was more Miya, once I start thinking about it. I really love her. I might just need some quality Buono! time right about now.

Sazaki is very impressed with this album. They go through each track and give a score out of 10. While not particularly in depth, you can feel Sazaki’s enthusiasm for the album. The one downer looks to be the Special Generation remix, which they find sounds like a fan-remix). While I agree with Sazaki that BK’s 5th album “overcame and surpassed C-ute’s album”, I can’t quite agree with their following conclusion:

I must say that this is the best Berryz Koubou album, if not best in all Hello!Project.

The best in all of Hello! Project? That’s 10+ years of material to go up against, with albums by Golden Age Momusu and Matsuura Aya in her prime… That’s definitely a bold statement to make. However, to each their own. XD

Oricon Roundup 9/16: COMPLETE AYU

Mars has another Oricon Roundup as this week saw Amuro Namie’s Best Fiction finally being dethroned. It was replaced by another best-of, Hamasaki Ayumi’s A COMPLETE ~ALL SINGLES~. In fact, as Mars astutely points out, the best selling albums this year are all best-ofs; Exile and B’z join Ayumi and Namie for this distinction. Mars also notes Berryz Koubou’s relatively disappoint sales.

Berryz’ 18th Single Pushed Back (Hello!°C-ute)
Berryz Koubou’s 18th single Pushed Back! (Tricia’s H!P and TNX Blog)

Hello!°C-ute and Tricia’s H!P and TNX Blog both note that Berryz Koubou’s next single, originally slated for October 22, is being pushed back to November 5.

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

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

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

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

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

Mona Yurina

Zush makes the connection between Berryz Koubou’s Yurina and that old timer Mona Lisa. A collectors card is compared to the famous painting, and if you want to stretch the imagination a little, I can see where Zush is coming from. Actually, the more you look at both pictures, the more you see the similarities. It’s like comparing Koha with a donkey smoking a crack pipe. The more you think about it, the more it makes sense.

Berryz Koubou - Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance [17th Single]

blackmager of Stereo Love has a review for Berryz Koubou’s Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance. For better or worse, blackmager appropriately sums up the single, claiming that “Yuke Yuke Money Dance is sillier than the title itself.” The only downside that blackmager finds is that the song is too long.

5 (Five)  (Hello! Soli)
5 (FIVE)  (Keys to Eveything)
Hi 5 to the Berryz  (Sakuraichigo’s Weblog)
5 (FIVE) album review  (H!P Fangirling like Nobody’s Business)

Everyone seems to really like Berryz’ new CD.  What I found most entertaining about each review was their thoughts on the Special Generation Remix…

Soli loves the covers, and finds the CD “above average”.  She gives her thoughts on each track and also remarks how some of the songs are reminiscent of a couple of old H!P acts.  As for SGR, she sees it as a sort of “coming of age” for the group.

Ali wonders if this CD will restore Berryz to the #1 spot in her H!P pecking order, which is currently occupied by C-ute.  She grades each track, and most of the tracks fare well.  Except for SGR, which Ali describes as “painful”

Sakuraichigo also gives her thoughts on each track, comparing quite a few of the songs to past H!P works.  She also like SGR’s techno feel, but finds it somewhat odd that Maasa’s lines sound much more mature than the rest of the group.

DJ MaiMai goes over the new songs on the CD.  She is starting to get annoyed about Risako always being the center of attention, and suggests they might as well make her Captain instead of Saki.  As for SGR, MaiMai thinks it is the “best remix of an H!P song ever”.

What I find most remarkable is the consensus all love the Risako solo tune, even MaiMai!  The reviews are overall positive, so I guess I’ll put it in my purchase queue as well.

[Review] Because the term “eyecandy” would be debatable

Recommended.  I think Vee has decided that everyone has been a little too nice about the Hello! Project calendar covers.  So she gives them a good going-over, and nobody comes out of it unscathed.  Vee seemed to have the most “fun” with Morning Musume and C-ute’s calendars, noting the strategic positioning of legs and some funny criticisms of LinLin and Aika.

I don’t know who can look at C-ute’s version and not laugh at that Amish Country motif.  Vee finds it remarkable that Maimi can still look hot in such a silly photoshoot.  In fact, she has prescribed to the “so bad it’s good” theory awarding this and Ayaya’s cover the win.

Ya know, I never thought of it that way until Vee mentioned it.  Now the C-ute calendar is my favorite too!

Rii, is everything all right?

Many of you may have noted Sugaya Risako’s sudden preference for very baggy clothes. Zush is concerned that her recent weight gain may be a reflection of deeper problems, like the stress of being the most focal member of Berryz Kobou getting to her. Of course, we can’t really know what’s going on in an idol’s head, but Zush’s theory doesn’t seem unlikely.

Diving with dolphins
Kimono Berryz

Zush talks about Berryz Koubou’s DVD Magazine Vol. 12, screen capturing a particular segment where Maasa, Miyabi, Risako and Yurina go underwater to play with dolphins. I think H!P should send them to space next.

An earlier entry sees zush posting up pictures of a younger BK donned in Kimono with the visual appeal of traditional Japanese styled settings.

Morning Musume in Hawaii Fan Club Tour merchandise…

MB finally posts up his purchased items from the latest H!P Hawaii Fan Club Tour, and to say there’s a lot of merchandise would be a gross understatement. There’s a store of eye candy for you to filter through, and JunJun and Sayu look absolutely stunning. Is it me, or do they look close to being sisters with every new photoset? Anyone sense a new unit? Granted, the vocal output would be terrible, but on aesthetics alone it would be a f****** hot time. Anyway, I have to wonder where MB gets all his money to purchase all these lovely UFA photos. Damn him!

~Berikore!~ Tour Merchandise

Paul takes a look at some Berryz Koubou merchandise coinciding with the group’s Berryz Koubou ~Berikore!~ tour, and then decides they’re a bit too bland for his taste - the T-shirts at least. Still, Paul dispalys some of the items for sale and then links to Ohta, the middle man for getting H!P merchandise for those of us who are nowhere near the shores of Japan.

Morning Musume Hawaii FC Concert
Berryz Kobo Concert Tour 2008 Autumn ~Berikore!~ Setlist

I love setlists!  It is so exciting to get a preview of what we will be seeing on future DVD releases, although Morning Musume’s FC Concert DVD is usually expensive and not easy to get a hold of.  Tricia is excited about the number of solos in the concert, and there are quite a few.  And Koharu is singing Himawari?  Gee, I wonder if it will be lip-synched?  Could this possibly be a preview of Momusu’s Fall tour?

Speaking of Fall tours, Tricia is very excited about Berryz’ set.  Well, except that Special Generation is part of it…again!  Tricia has also linked to the tour merchandise page from the official site.  Now this is a concert I will be getting the chance to see live.  And I am most excited to see Suhada Pichi Pichi on there.  Anyhow, both sets look pretty cool.

It’s funny how enthusiastic most of us are before the DVD’s come out.  Hopefully these two won’t disappoint.

Berryz Art - Dance to the music
Shake, Rattle and Roll !

More Berryz Koubou art brought to you by Zush, and this time around Saki and Maasa are given the topic “Dance”. The pictures are so boring however, that I’m struggling to pull out a witty comment. Next!

An earlier entry has picture of the week for BKI, and its Risako in another curious costume from the ever-crazy H!P wardrobe.

Super Happy Genki Hyperforce Go!

Recommended reading. The blog’s name may seem daunting, but Super Happy Genki Hyperforce Go! is a promising looking new H!P blog. This blog has been around for about a month, and superhappygenki already has quite a few interesting posts.

There is the obligatory introductory post which outlines superhappygenki’s likes and dislikes within Hello! Project’s groups. It looks like she’s not too into the soloists.

She has also written up 2 posts highlighting specific members of Hello! Project. Up first was Berryz Koubou’s Captain, Shimizu Saki and with superhappygenki’s enthusiasm for Captain, I think she and SecondBlossoming would get along quite nicely. She follows that up with some musings on Morning Musume’s leader, Takahashi Ai, which definitely give you something to think about.

However, this is not solely a H!P blog, for superhappygenki also has a post on doramas. She also notes that some anime/manga posts may pop up every now and then. This is definitely a blog I’ll keep my eye on.

Berryz Koubou - Special Generation ~Eccentric Remix~

Tsukiki gets her hands on a radio rip of Berryz Koubou’s Special Generation ~Eccentric Remix~ that will appear on their upcoming 5th album, and shes suprised at how much she likes it. A link to the download is included, but be warned, as Tsukiki herself states, there’s a shit load of talking over the song.

Hello! project 2009 calenders (Wotaku Now!)
2009 Calendar Covers (「☆☆☆」)
2009 H!P Calendars: WHICH ONE WILL CFB BUY!? (Obnoxious Wota)
2009 Calendars (Morningtime)

The time has come to choose your Calendar! The covers for the 2009 Morning Musumue, Berryz Koubou, C-ute, Matsuura Aya and Abe Natsumi calendars are up and ready to get you thinking about which calendar you want to buy for next year.

C-ute’s mish-mash of outfits leaves me intrigued to see what the heck will be within the calendar. Shirow of Wotaku Now! has some amusing commentary on that cover.

Bri at 「☆☆☆」 loves Momusu’s cover, is a little disgruntled at Berryz Koubou’s, and is not impressed with C-ute’s at all. She’s got a thumbs down for Nacchi and a thumbs up for Aya (go Aya!).

CatchFiveBats of Obnoxious Wota is torn between Berryz Koubou and Morning Musume’s calendars… He’s taking suggestions in his comments… I wonder if he needs a suggestion from me, or if my vote is predictable…

Morningtime just looks at Momusu’s and Nacchi’s covers… There is some amusing commentary on Morning’s, while Nacchi’s smile doesn’t seem to be up to snuff this time around.

Leave the kids ALONE!!! D:

We’ve heard that Berikyuu will soon be replaced with a new show which will feature the H!P Kids groups, Manoeri and Morning Musume. junkang is not happy about this, and uses UFA photos from the summer Wonderful Hearts concert to show how Morning Musume is infiltrating all things H!P Kids.. XD I must say, there is some nice eyecandy here…

I’m particularly amused by the Chisato, Koharu and Yurina shot… Those two make Chisa look so tiny. And once again, there is a reuniting of Aa! in a photo. They seem to like Airi, Miya and Reina together in concert photos… Have Miya and Airi gotten taller than Reina? XD

New Morning Musume, Berryz and C-ute tv show (Morningtime)

Yoroshiku Sensei [Yorosen!] New Hello! Project Show (Totally Hello! Project)

Morningtime and Totally H!P have the inside scoop on the new show to replace Berikyuu!  Apparently it will be called Yorosen! and will star the three H!P core groups and Mano Erina.  Everyone seems to be a bit cautious about their enthusiasm since we have no idea what this is going to look like.  But Morningtime sums up my feelings about show’s running time perfectly.

A weeknight timeslot has got to be better than Sunday mornings.  But 7 minutes per show?  And I never saw an episode of Berikyuu! that was more than 5 minutes long.  That is hardly enough time to put together something substantially entertaining.  I wish them luck, they’ll need it!

And if I see the King Baby, Nintendo Wii, or the girls talking into a vase I am changing the channel!

Momoko by various artists
Berryz Art - Summer - part 3

Zush shares some Momo fan art of various styles, and I’m really enjoying some of the manga crafted ones. Whoever did the last picture got the thighs just right. Quite tasty actually.

An earlier entry has two Member-drawn pictures from BK’s Chinami and Maasa of summer, or in Maasa’s case, the end of summer.