HNPH
Real Life, Net Life… Aibon Life and Idol Life

…and more so than just the typical self-examination. (Especially that’s been going on lately.) Jinryuichi talks about life’s demands on his time keeping him away from stuff he still cares about and in some cases finding he cares about certain things less. On top on this, server problems have closed the HNPH site, so he’s doing most of his talking from the old Blogspot.

He mentions Kago’s blog ultimately being an inspiration after thinking he didn’t care much about her anymore since she was no longer an idol. She’s an interesting case and I love her blog because she had said in interviews that she was forced into being her idol personna somewhat, but when you read her blog, she seems like the same old Aibon you always (thought) you knew. This is interesting to me that she was previously unhappy forcing herself to act like herself basically. This maybe is an example for everyone to think about. (But not too much!)

Maki Goto to perform at a-nation ‘08

Gocchin to perform at the a-nation festival in late August. Also appearing: her nails. And a bunch of people. Famous people! That sell a lot of records! Really it’s no joke. So…be there?

Biyudensetsu (hajimete no ROCK CONCERT)
Biyuden : Disbands (Hello!Musume)
Goodbye v-u-den (HNPH)
The End of v-u-den (I WISH;;)
V-u-den Disband (Let’s Laugh! Hello Project)
A sandwiched farewell to Biyuuden (OH NOES! Magi-Kat’s rambling again!) (Magi-Kat presents “Morning Meteora”)
Why I’m Missing Biyuuden (Midori’s J-pop Overanalyzations)
Biyuuden- Nannimo iwazu ni I LOVE YOU pv (Morningtime)
Bye Bye V-U-DEN♥ (Nekocafe’s World!)
Never Forget (Shanimuni Paradise)

v-u-den disbanded over the weekend. There were lots of reactions and I apologize that they are so late on reaching IW. Some bloggers took it as an opportunity to revisit what they loved about the group; while others expressed frustration over the breakup. Most people showed concern about what the future holds for Miyoshi Erika and Okada Yui. Meanwhile, nearly everyone - some begrudgingly - are of the belief that Rika’s career will not be affected too dramatically by v-u-den breaking up.

Gocchin joins Avex; Slasha not surprised (Slasha’s Tatami Mat)
Gomaki signed to Avex (Shanimuni Paradise)
Avex’s newest diva, Maki Goto (Update: Video) (HNPH)
Things Are Looking Up (Hello!Blog)
Well, I Guess I’m Back! (And so is Gocchin) (H!P Wonderland)
..::Goto+Avex=Vouge::.. (Eternal ~♥~)
[lol avex] Welcome back, Gomaki! (Pink Wota)

Slasha looks at the jump to Avex. It is tough to take her evidence (dancing and voice lessons?) as concrete proof that Maki was going to Avex, but it does appear that was a part of Maki’s plans.

Tsukiki at Shanimuni Paradise is another blogger who sees the next stage of Maki’s career being like Koda Kumi.

Anna from HNPH has pretty much accumulated all the images, videos and news links related to this story. If anyone was looking for the story in full, here is the place to find it.

Paul Thomas has a very thought-provoking response. Most of the reactions have assumed that Maki has made the move from H!P to Avex to work a more mature style. However, Paul points out that other H!P members have had mature songs in the past. Perhaps it was the potential of finding new audiences by leaving the stigma of H!P and joining Avex that motivated Maki? I don’t think that is something we can figure out by guessing, but it is worth considering.

HPObsession returns to H!P Wonderland to coincide with Maki’s return to the entertainment industry. I like the idea that HPO suggestions, that Maki had outgrown H!P by Suppin to Namida, and not Glass no Pumps as one would expect.

amyrulez doesn’t mind the switch from H!P to Avex, but is not thrilled with the appearance. At least around these parts, this is definitely not the most prevalent view. However, it is not too surprising that some would feel this way, as sexy first-cute second images are rare in H!P.

Vee says what we all know about Avex.