Abe Natsumi “Screen” PV  (Love マシーン)
Screen PV!!  (Tricia’s H!P and TNX Blog)
Natsumi Abe - Screen Video  (Morningtime)
Nacchi’s Final SCREENing  (Stardust)

A few bloggers have posted Nacchi’s latest PV since it has been uploaded to Dohhhup.  Most of the enthusiasm is over how she looks, although the song gets a bit of praise as well.  The exception here is Mars, who didn’t dislike the song, but it didn’t leave as good of an impression on him as it did for the others.  Tricia and MarkusAntoine are both hopeful that Nacchi will continue to sing after her Elder Club graduation.  And Morningtime is ready to propose marriage, again…

M, you are so fickle!  Didn’t I just cover a post about you melting over Michishige Sayumi?

NEW STARs Jet Off

The winners of Taiwan’s New Star Audition have gone to Japan to begin their “rigorous” training as future pop idols.  Mars has a report and comments from all of the new girls, including their collective desire to visit Tokyo Disneyland and a comedic episode with the loveable Lightbulb. Apparently she feared being deemed a terrorist for trying to bring cold medication onto the plane…Oh Lightbulb!!!  I’m telling you she’s a star in the making!

This is definitely something to get excited about within H!P.  I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them.  According to Mars, the debut CD is planned for January/February.  It’s around the same time as the Elder Club graduation concert.  I wonder if they will be a part of it?  You know, out with the old…

Kago’s Cigarette Magic!

Mars first question, “Hilariously charming or tastelessly tacky?” refers to the cover, which has Kago flying across the Tokyo skyline on a cigarette ala Samantha Stevens.  I dunno, but I’m kind of with Mars on this one.  It seems a little tacky.  But the embedded video preview, which features Kago chasing underage smokers around the city in a nurses outfit is utter hilarity.  Especially when people realize it is Kago confronting them.

Mars isn’t sure if this is the best way to tackle Kago’s smoky past.  It seems a little too “tongue-in-cheek”.  But one thing is for sure, that preview made both of us want to see more!

Halloween no Musume!

Mars of Stardust demonstrates his photoshop skills by bringing us some stunning pictures of the girls of Morning Musume decked out in their Halloween gear. While all the girls look amazing in their Halloween regalia, I must say that Sayumi looks especially smoking.

Here’s to a happy Halloween, from all of us at International Wota! I think we all know what pengie, broomhead, and maiZe are going to be dressed as!

The End of an Era: Elder Club Graduates  (Stardust)
Bye Bye HELL! Project  (Hello Island)
Here’s Something To Ruin Your DAY!!!!  (Tricia’s H!P and TNX Blog)
ELDER CLUB…GONE?  (fields of maize and berryz)
Change is good  (On Haku to Myaku)

It’s interesting how so many people are taking a pragmatic view of this situation.  Not everyone mind you, but quite a few…

Mars feels this is horrible news as many of the Elders rank among his favorites.  He just can’t picture Hello! Project without Morning Musume’s OG members.

hide-chan thinks this works out great for everyone involved.  The Elders are free of the bonds and rules of H!P  Or as hide-chan calls it, the Hell!  And when he says it is Something New, Fresh, and Amazing, he is talking about what could lie in the future for the graduating members.

Poor Tricia, she is devastated this happened on her birthday of all days.  She was looking forward to a return of Tsuji-chan, and a possible future 5th gen. group.  The emotional Tricia is also sad she will never get to see Melon Kinenbi.  Tricia, never say never.

Of the Elders, Maize is mainly a fan of Ayaya, and she hopes this will open up an opportunity for Aya to advance her career.  She also points out how amazingly “heavy” this graduation concert will be.  Usually we all giggle at the on-stage goings on of the graduations, especially since we know the girls are usually returning to H!P.  But not in this case.  I’m sure it will be a sad night in Yokohama.

Jim feels this will be a good move for everyone except for H!P themselves.  He also notes Kago Ai as an example of there being life after Hello! Project.

There are many different ways to look at this.  But we are merely the audience, and it will unfold as it unfolds.  I highly doubt this is the last surprise we will get in regards to this.  Still more to come…

Aibon: Rockin’ Out!
Ai Kicks Off Drama Debut

First up, Mars has news of a new commercial for Kago Ai. It looks like she’s promoting an auction site for motor vehicles. Mars has a link to an Oricon article and shares photos from the the article. Kago’s looking quite cute in the photos. (I hope the title doesn’t confuse anyone. I know that Kago is no longer part of H!P, but you can’t deny her place as part of the best generation of Morning Musume).

Next up, we get a glance at what 5th gen member and current Morning Musume leader, Takahashi Ai, is up to. It seems filming for Aichan’s upcoming drama has started and Mars has some photos from behind the scenes.

H!P Turns to Visual Kei!  (Hello!Musume)
Say hello to Hangry & Angry  (Wotaku Now!)
Kill Me Kiss Me Thrills Me  (The J-Pex)
Kill Me, Kiss Me: HANGRY & ANGRY…grr  (Stardust)

This is unbelievably cool, and quite a different direction for UFA to be taking.  According to Nakane of Hello! Musume, Hangry & Angry are a new unit working in conjunction with a Harajuku fashion store of the same name.  Their first “mini-album” will be released mid-November.  And in what I believe is an unprecedented move by H!P, they have set up an official MySpace site featuring the first single!

Shirow finds this unit interesting, but wonders if this is going to be a long term group.  And as much as he likes Yossie and Rika, he doesn’t feel the “gothic-lolita” style really fits them.  Pex sees this as the closest UFA will ever get to Henkka’s Killer Bitch Unit!  And Mars really likes the new single!  Everyone has posted photos (which I think look awesome), the song, and a link to the offical MySpace site.

Personally, I really applaud them for making this type of move.  It a much more contemporary sound, and it shows that UFA is willing to take chances with their image in order to stay successful.  The songs kicks ass, and the girls look great!  Maybe it strays away from the “virgin-pure image” H!P likes to portray.  But what’s wrong with that?  I don’t have a problem with it.  I wonder what our own Pengie thinks of this group?

Who are the NEW STARs?

Over at Stardust, Mars brings us videos of the winners of the Hello! Project NEW STAR auditions! For people (including me) who hadn’t been watching the New Star auditions, this is a great place to get to know the new additions to H!P. Personally, Lightbulb is the girl I’ll be watching out for; she’s very cute and has a lot of talent, vocally. Mars is impressed that she chose to sing a Japanese song by a H!P soloist, and I’m also impressed by her choice. Moving on, one line from Mars’ post that caught my attention was this:

I’m going to try to get past the fact a 12 year old is dancing and mouthing about her lovely lady lumps and just judge her on her dancing which is very good.

I, uh. Oh god, the possibilities for SecondBlossoming jokes are endless…I won’t say anything, I won’t say anything.

Lotta Love Lotta Love and Minna no Tamago Previews (「☆☆☆」)
Shugo Chara!! Doki Previews (Stardust)

The first episode of season 2 of Shugo Chara aired today in Japan, and with it, previews for Buono!’s upcoming 5th single and Shugo Chara Egg!’s first single.

Bri of 「☆☆☆」 is liking this latest single of Buono!’s best of all previous releases, and Mars of Stardust definitely feels it’s one of the best. Both Bri and Mars say the Shugo Chara Egg! single is very cute… There’s nothing to compare it to yet, though, so I guess there’s not too much to say about it at the moment.

Manoeri’s Lucky Aura?

Cautious is the keyword here.  Mano Erina’s 2nd single, Lucky Aura is scheduled for release this weekend.  And Mars questions whether or not Manoeri has the “goods” to be a successful soloist within Hello! Project.

Now let me say that I wholly agree with Mars thoughts on Manoeri.  Manopiano was dreadful for so many reasons.  And it’s not that either of us dislike her.  But her personality calls for fun, cute and upbeat material.  At least in the beginning.  She needs something to grab our attention, and melancholy ballads just won’t work, especially when the vocal performance is so unpolished.  As Mars points out, all of the best soloists in H!P have had a dynamite stage presence and vocal ability in addition to being cute.

Speaking of cute, did I mention Mars also has a scan of the CD cover?  Maybe instead of singles, Erina should be doing lots and lots of photobooks.

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.

Detective Ai?  Takahashi to Star in Drama!  (Stardust)
Takahashi Ai to star in new dorama  (Sazaki’s H!P weblog)

A couple of our regularly featured bloggers bring news of the manga based dorama, Q.E.D. - Shoumei Shuuryou starring Morning Musume leader Takahashi Ai.  Mars has a link to the official site announcement, and gives us a brief synopsis of the shows plot.  Sazaki has translated the article from Oricon Style, which notes that this is the first time an active member of Morning Musume has ever starred in a TV drama.  Great job Takitty!

The show will be broadcast Thursday nights beginning January 9th.

Taiwan audition winners  (hajimete no ROCK CONCERT)
H!P Taiwan Audition Winners!!!  (H!P Fangirling like Nobody’s Business)
NEW STAR Winners Chosen  (Stardust)

Lightbulb Wins!  Lightbulb Wins!  Lightbulb Rules!!!  That would be my post title.  And it seems Pengie agrees with me as she makes her pitch for Lightbulb to be the newest member of Morning Musume.  Wouldn’t that be great?  JunJun, LinLin, Lightbulb?

MaiMai wonders if the winners will be participating in any of the concerts in Japan. She also gives her thoughts on the winners.  Her favorite is Wu Si Auan, the 20-year old hottie that everyone (including myself) seems to have the “warmies” for.

Mars (and others apparently) are disappointed about the exclusion of Risafan, but like MaiMai he is also excited about the selection of Wu Si Auan.  Apparently the girls are going to record a single in Taiwan as a unit after training in Japan this Winter.  Beyond that, who knows what the future holds.

This is an exciting moment in the world of H!P.  I certainly hope Tsunku and the gang take advantage and make this something memorable.  It seems as if the girls chosen have a lot going for them.  I hope they are a success!

Shugo Chara Eggs Revealed [Update]  (Stardust)
Minna no Tamago  (Tricia’s H!P and TNX Blog)
Shugo Chara Egg unit debut live.  Sanspo article translation.  (Sazaki’s H!P weblog)
New unit - Shugo Chara Egg!!!  (Wotaku Now!)
New Shugo Chara Unit Announced!  (Merry Go Round)

Gee, I wonder if anyone is enthusiastic about this new H!P Egg unit?  Let’s see…

(CK reads articles)

Whadda ya know!  It looks like just about everyone is blown away by the cuteness of this group as we have plenty of great screencaps on all of the reports.  Mars explains to the uninitiated how the character(s) are based on the suits in a deck of cards, he has also included a link to the official site.  Tricia reports the new single, Minna no Tamago will be released December 10th, and the new season of the anime will be called Shugo Chara Dokki.   Sazaki has translated the articles from Sanspo, which contain a few quotes from Maeda Yuuka.  Shirow loves the outfits, which he describes as “super hyper über genki”.

I saved Amy for last because she had the most detailed opinions on the event.  Amy sees this as an opportunity for Buono! to branch away from the anime and start doing other things.  She explains that the four girls in the unit aren’t representing different characters, but the one main character in various transformations (I think).  She also speculates that Maeda Yuuka is probably the lead girl since she is wearing the “heart outfit”.  Whatever that means.

So, are they a “one hit wonder”, or a new H!P force?  I’ll admit they are very cute, but I’d like to hear the song first.  And I have a feeling we are going to see more “Egg” units in the very near future.

New Star 9/13: Recap
New Star 9/14: Another Recap

Mars watched last weekends episodes of New Star, and has screencaps and commentary on all the action.  I guess the girls go on stage in groups and do some random performance, then the judges rate them in the form of “flashing flowers”.  Jeez, that sounds like MouTube to me!  Mars gives his thoughts on the various performances, and is quite surprised by some of the reactions.  Most notably the fact that some of the judges gave ”flowers” to the youngest girls before they even did anything?  Those are some true PedoWota!  BTW, is that redundant?

Mars has the elimination results and reactions on the second post (apparently one girl needed to be helped off the stage by her father) which leads us to the finals this week.  I have one thing to say…

GO LIGHTBULB!!!

TABOO! (Stardust)
KODA KUMI IS A LESBIAN SLUT (Raid My Minibar)

So Koda Kumi puts GAM to shame with her latest PV.

You can view it at Stardust, as Mars posts it along with a few thoughts. This PV isn’t exactly conservative, to say the least.

I don’t know what it is about this PV, but it seems like Koda Kumi explodes - ok probably not the best choice of words - out of whatever funk she was in. She famously got into trouble for talking about a “taboo” subject earlier this year. But in this PV, it screams that Koda is going to be her own woman and not be afraid of the taboo - and continue to use her sex to sell before she hits 35.

So you get the point that Koda Kumi didn’t hold anything back in this PV. Well, Raid doesn’t hold back while discussing it. He hilariously captions scenes from the PV. Oh some of these are just wrong. I can’t even say that some of the things he says are inappropriate; considering the nature of the PV, some of it is possible if not probable. Ok, maybe not the 2 girls 1 cup thing. The H.A.B.U. one also stands out. This is a downright filthy post - I love it.

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.

morning musume “pepper keibu” pv  (Love マシーン)
HAIR (and Pepper Keibu)!  (Super Happy Genki Hyperforce Go!)
Legs, Legs, Legs! [PK PV HQ]  (Stardust)
Pepper Keibu : Download the Blue Sexy PV!  (hello!musume)
Needs moar heels  (hajimete no ROCK CONCERT)

More PV reactions, GO!

Markusantione has embedded the PV AND a preview of the B-side.  He likes the dance better than the one in Resonant Blue, but wishes the eight girls not named Tanaka Reina would get more face time.

Kiko focuses on the girl’s latest hairstyles.  She likes Sayumi and Eri’s hair the best, but wishes Reina would get a boyfriend and dump him, just so she’ll cut her hair (as a sign of independence?)  Yeah, I am always weary when my girlfriend cuts her hair short!

This is the lastest of multiple posts by Mars about this song.  He really likes the choreography, but is mostly taken by the “shortness” of the outfits.

Nakane finds the PV to be awesome, and has provided a link to download the HQ version.

Pengie feels MoMusu did a good job of walking the fine line between merely imitiating the original and bastardizing the original beyond recognition.  She includes a conversation on #wotachat with Second Blossomming about the group’s choice of footwear.  And the amount of leg shown has Pengie listing which members she would invite into her bed, and in which order.  Ultimately she feels Momusu would be at their best if they didn’t sing at all, and just simply performed naked.

The funny thing is I have the same thoughts when watching this PV, but it sounds funnier when Pengie says it!  I guess it looks as if Pepper Keibu is a winner, ne?

Happy Birthday Lovely  (Morningtime)
Happy Birthday Ai  (Stardust)

Today Takahashi Ai, the leader of Morning Musume celebrates her 22nd birthday.  Morningtime and Mars send Takitty their best wishes.  In fact, Morningtime has uploaded a bunch of “Lovely” eyecandy for us to enjoy!  Many amazing PB shots!

New Star Elimination Update

It’s coming down to the final weekend of the New Star Auditions, and there seems to be a bit of confusion over at Mars’ site.  He posted the latest eliminations after watching the program, but now it seems as if there are different people being shown as eliminated on the official site.

Whatever the situation, the final episode to decide the winners airs this weekend.  Mars notes that the program has generated a bit of excitement in Taiwan, and ponders what possibilities the future holds for the winning girls.  He also generously answered my query on why one girl is nicknamed “Lightbulb”, who has seemed to make it to the finals as well.  Go Lightbulb!!!

PEPPER~ Keibu! (Stardust)
Doctored Pepper (The J-Pex)
wtf Pink Lady (LOVE Tantei)
Pepper Keibu… huh? (H!P Fangirling like Nobody’s Business)
Pepper Keibu and Cover You - Morning Musume (「☆☆☆」)
Pepper Keibu : Full single and Download (hello!musume)
Pepper Keibu and C-ute costume follow-up (Midori’s J-pop Overanalyzations)

Recommended reading. A lot of blogs have something to say about Morning Musume’s 37th single announcement.

Mars at Stardust looks at the single’s covers and finds that Risa and Eri are the standouts on these awesome looking covers. Mars goes on to describe the upcoming single as well as announces the upcoming cover album. It looks like Mars is on the fence on whether or not to be excited about this release, but it seems this will not affect the selling power of the single.

Pex is not the slightest be discouraged over the fact that Morning Musume’s next single will be a cover. It looks like Pex is a fan of the original song, and feels that the Morning girls will be able to do it justice. What’s interesting here is that Pex gives us his ideas on how the PV should be.

On the opposite spectrum, chibon of LOVE Tantei is completely disappointed by the lack of originality in this upcoming release. Having thoroughly enjoyed Morning Musume’s latest endeavour, chibon wonders what is going on with UFA and why they can’t seem to release back-to-back releases of original and high-quality content.

DJ_MaiMai tries to look at the positive side by giving examples of previous H!P songs which have been covers. She also embeds a number of videos to further highlight her examples.

Bri of 「☆☆☆」 is disappointed at the announcement of this new single because she had a song in mind for Morning Musume’s 37th single. She’s also hoping that covering Pink Lady may shine some good publicity (eqaulling more sales) on Morning Musume.

Nakane of hello!musume has embedded audio files of Morning Musume’s 37th single - an instrumental and one with Morning’s vocals. Nakane has also added some colour-coded lyrics to the post, so you can sing some karaoke to the instrumental version, if you like!

Much like Bri, Midori is looking that the release of a cover as a possible sales booster for Morning Musume. Midori is looking forward to seeing the PV, and closes off the post following up on a costuming issue with Airi’s dress from C-ute’s latest PV. Though, in relation to the costume… Are we supposed to be looking at Makoto’s outfit? If so, I don’t quite see the resemblance.

New Star *finally* coming to a close…

Aw man, so now I find out I could’ve been watching these auditions all along!  Mars has an update with photos of the finalists and links to the most recent episodes.  And if you click on the episodes you will see links to the whole show!  Mars has picked his favorites to make it into H!P.  I also like the 20 year-old.  She looks like the cutest of the bunch.  And I’d love to know why one of the finalists is nicknamed “lightbulb”.

According to Mars, the winners will be picked next week.  And I’m guessing that will be plenty of time for the winners to debut this Winter.

Ongaku Gatas Come Togther Outfits and PV  (Tricia’s H!P and TNX Blog)

ongaku gatas “come together” pv  (Love マシーン)

Ongaku Gatas - Come Together  (The J-Pex)

Come Together PV  (Stardust)

Ongaku Gatas Come Together pv  (Morningtime)

Ongaku Gatas- Come Together PV  (Midori’s J-pop Overanalyzations)

Ongaku Gatas - Come Together (unfortunately)  (Wotaku Now!)

Sorry for the delay on this one.  Here is what people are saying about “Come Together” by Ongaku Gatas…

Tricia quite simply says the PV and outfits are “super cute” and has screencapped the promotional photos

Markusantoine is happy that Konno, Rika, Yossie and Sotoda Mai are fronting a PV, noting it feels like the past H!P.  He also digs the outfits.

J-Pex really likes the rock feel to the song, and notes that this is the most “western” style PV Hello! Project has ever done.  JP also likes the behind the scenes footage.

Mars also likes the “documentary” style of the PV, but is concerned about the “pushing to the back” of the Eggs in the group.  Overall he is still not sold on the song.

Morningtime has a screencap bonanza!  And also hopes the song does well.

Midori bulletpoints the good and bad of the PV, although most of the good points seem to be critical of the PV too!  She is not crazy about the dance or the costumes, and is offended by the “fake” promotional newspaper they are reading.  But she feels Yossie carries the song with her vocals.

And then there’s Shirow.  Shirow gives us some well-detailed reasons why he doesn’t like the song or PV, which can be summarized by his title line…

“The PV Sucks”

So there ya have it.  Not a glaring endorsement.  Maybe I’m crazy, but I think it’s the best song Gatas has done.  But then again, I also like Koharu’s “Konnichi Pa”.  So consider the source.

HATSUBAI CHU!

Mars has embedded the TV spots for Edo no Temari Uta II from C-ute’s new “Event V”.  This is just like the Event V for Resonant Blue, where each girl gets a solo spot and promotes the song.  I really like these limited edition DVD’s, but they are not very easy to get.  Anyhow, these TV spots are very cute!  Hatsubai chu!

Gamer Ai + C-utie Drawings

Mars has the translation to an article with Morning Musume’s leader where she explains her love for video games. I remember there was an article a little while ago like this, where she talked about the kinds of games she likes to play. But I don’t remember if she said exactly which Final Fantasy games she liked best. I’d have to say that FFVIII was my favourite of the series due to the storyline, but FFX is up there for me too.

Up next, Mars has the girls of C-ute drawing their leader as well as a translation to their thoughts about their leader. I don’t know why, but I always get a kick reading about Maimi being an airhead. It’s just so cute!

Reviews: 8/13 New Releases
Oricon Roundup 8/21: ALL STAR Chart

Mars looks at some releases for this week; reviewing SMAP, FLOW, Tanimura Nana, GARNET CROW, alan and Spontania (featuring JUJU). The Single of the Week ends up being Sora no Uta by alan.

After that, Mars once again looks at the Oricon charts, which saw I AM YOUR SINGER by Southern All Stars topping all singles and BEST FICTION by Amuro Namie as the #1 album again. Mars also notes the progress THE Possible has made with Ijiwaru Crazy Love.

Hirano Aya to Work With Morning Musume Producer Tsunku (hashihime 橋姫)
Ogawa Mana to Release Debut Solo (Stardust)

First of all, hashihime 橋姫 is run by hashihime appears to be primarily an anime blog. However, many entries seem to be dedicated to Hirano Aya, and that is more than enough for me to put it on IW.

And what is the news from hashihime and Stardust? Tsunku, Hirano Aya and Ogawa Mana will be involved, in some fashion, with the OP/ED releases for the anime Hyakko. The reports conflict each other though. hashihime says that Hirano Aya will be singing the ED and Ogawa Mana will be singing the OP. Stardust’s entry has it the other way around, with Ogawa Mana doing the ED and Hirano Aya doing the OP. Either way, it looks like Tsunku will be producing both songs (and writing Ogawa Mana’s).

On Anime News Network’s page for Hyakko, it lists Ogawa Mana for the opening theme and Hirano Aya for the ending theme.

Semantics aside, this is good news for Tsunku, Ogawa Mana and TNX in general. While Buono and Kusumi Koharu - and to a lesser extent, Athena & Robikerottsu - have been releasing music attached to anime, Tsunku has not been directly involved in these releases; or if he has, it has been uncredited.

Ok, I am not fact-checking every single H!P/TNX-related release ever to see if they have been used as anime OP/ED themes. So just leave the generalization that Tsunku has not had much involvement with the anime OP/ED releases as is.

Either way, It would mean for a bigger profile for TNX if this is a direction it takes.

Then again, there was Sentimental Generation by Tokito Ami, which was written by Tsunku and used for School Rumble Nigakki, and Ami did not become a fixture in anime openings/endings after that release.

Kanna & Maasa are Sizzleful, Summer Girls!

Mars has scans of Berryz Koubou’s Sudou Maasa and C-ute’s Arihara Kanna, both of whom have been featured in the B.L.T.U-17 magazine. Both girls are looking quite lovely. Mars expected it in regards to Kanna, but was pleasantly surprised with how Maasa’s photos turned out.

Cinderella Preview Pictures

C-ute & Cinderella Videos

Mars has updates from the new Morning Musume musical.  In the first post we get screencaps from the dress rehearsal.  All of the costumes look extremely cute.  The second post has a short video from a news program promoting the play.

These previews are getting me really excited about seeing this production.  After seeing Ribbon no Kishi, my hopes are really high!

Canaria Club Live Document DVD

Recommended Reading and Ogling.  Mars has gotten a hold of the latest NICE GIRL Project concert DVD, which chronicles Canaria Club’s April shows at Sunphonix Hall in Yokohama.  Mars does a well-detailed track by track review, and has plenty of great screencaps to check out while you are perusing.

Overall Mars is really impressed with this presentation, which mixes backstage and concert footage.  And that enthusiasm for the material shines through in this write up.  Watching this DVD made Mars a bigger fan of Canaria Club.  And I must admit reading this review makes me want to see it too.  And it’s a great chance to get to know some of the girls in the unit.  Check it out!

Reviews: 07/30 New Releases

Mars has reviews for J-music releases put out this week. She did this last week so hopefully it’ll be an ongoing feature. The materials reviewed are Mr.Children’s GIFT, Aladdin’s Hi wa, Mata Noboru, Remioromen’s Motto Tooku e / Orchestra, ALI PROJECT’s Waga Routashi Aku no Hana and, dubbed by Mars as the “Single of the Week,” Kalafina’s sprinter / ARIA.

Buono! - Gachinko do Ikou! (radio preview) (Wotaku Now!)
Buono! 4th Single : Gachinko de Ikou! (Full Rip) (hello!musume)
Gachinko de Ikou! Radio Rip (Stardust)

A radio rip of Buono!’s 4th single “Gachinko do Ikou!” is up for your listening pleasure. I personally haven’t listened to it yet, but that’s because I don’t want to taint the lovely Miya’s voice with 64 kbps quality sound… That just won’t do. However, for those who are impatient and can’t wait for better quality, the blogs that have posted these songs seem to be enjoying it. I know I liked what I heard from the Shugo Chara ending theme.

And yay! Larger versions of the covers! I just have to say that Miya’s hair and outfit are awesome!

Vocal Training with Junjun & Linlin

Mars has some thoughts after watching a video of Junjun and Linlin doing a bit of vocal training. The video is embedded in the post. There is a lot of screeching early on. Watch it for yourself then disagree or agree with Mars’s description and opinions.

SI*NA & Happy! Style Rookies’ Sites

Mars has some news about the websites of SI☆NA and HAPPY! STYLE Rookies. If you are like me and often forget what the difference is between SI☆NA and HAPPY! STYLE, HAPPY! STYLE is the one with Noto Arisa. This entry also has a delightfully evil jab and photoshop of Suma Ai.

Gachinko de Ikou! Covers (「☆☆☆」)
New Single Covers for Gachinko de Ikou - Buono! (°Absol-ute °C-ute)
Gachinko de Ikou! Covers (Stardust)
Gachinko de Ikou! Covers (Strawberrie)
Gachinko de Ikou! Infozzzz (What Kio Says: Hello Project Much?)

The covers to Buono’s Gachinko de Ikou! are being passed around. The Limited Edition shows the girls playing strip poker and the Regular Edition has them playing strip Jenga.

Bri of 「☆☆☆」 thinks the Limited Edition is just “gross.” Her reasoning makes sense as the background is pretty ugly. However, they are playing strip poker, so all is forgiven. Also, is Bri’s blog now named “「☆☆☆」” officially? I could have sworn it was I WISH;; not too long ago…

Mars from Stardust has the images in a smaller resolution. The covers look significantly better when they aren’t blown up.

Strawberrie is another blogger who likes the Regular Edition better. But… but… strip poker!

Kiokiou of What Kio Says has the covers as well.

Amy of °Absol-ute °C-ute has the covers as well as an obnoxious conversation with a certain blogger. The two of them have way too much enthusiasm for Jenga… I like seeing someone post a chat log with CFB on the other end though. A little “turnabout is fair play” on his style of blogging.

Stardust - a jpop & H!P blog

As its name suggests, Stardust is a jpop and Hello! Project-focused blog. So far, the attention seems to be centered on one item and not the other–I’ll let you guess which–but there’s plenty of time to change that, if Mars desires.