Don't Cry Anymore...

I think this is the rough translation of Nanku Monka.

Or maybe it's 'Ain't gonna cry.' Whichever it is, it's almost as if Eri chose this song for a reason. I can't help but wonder if she had made the decision to leave before the 'Rokkies Dinner Show 2010' event. And whether the other members knew. What about Sayumi? Her closest friend in the group. Did she keep it from her too?

I really feel that she was singing this song to herself. And maybe to the fans as well. Especially after knowing what the lyrics mean *sobs* It's so heartbreaking. I just wanna bawl my eyes out. And I already did many times before.

In my opinion, the original Naku Monka by Ikimonogakari can't compare to the turtle's version :P Maybe it's because I prefer ballads, which her version happens to be, accompanied by a sole piano. *Sigh* It was beautiful. So beautifully rendered that I can't put in words how much I love it.

Eririn sang with so much emotion and her voice was incredible throughout the song. I can't bear to think about the days after 12 December 2010.

This OPV by the ever amazing Sukoshi-chan breaks my heart. Admire the pictures, understand the lyrics and listen with your heart. I can tell you with certainty that you will fall in love with the gentleness of the girl named Kamei Eri all over again. Because I did.

56kkies Saikou~~!

YAY!! The Gokkies have an event!!! But BOOO cuz I'm not there to attend it :( Double boo that I won't be able to get my hands on any of these goods. But that's not a reason to not gush over them right?

The outer covering of this album doesn't seem like much, but I'm curious about what's inside. Could it be personal doodles by the girls? Photos? What?? I wanna seeeeeeeeeeeeee *whines* With my crappy Japanese, it seems like there will be special photos taken on the day itself. What else is in it? I have no idea.

I'm doing guesswork here again. I think these are photos of which there are 10 different designs? They probably come with some sweets or chocolates like how it was for the 'Pika Pika' tour.

Not too thrilled with the design of this tote. But from experience, you definitely need a bag to stash away all the goods you've bought. It would make an okay grocery shopping bag :D

Again, the design on the shirt isn't fantastic, but I liked how they arranged their names. From shortest to longest instead of by age. It looks better this way. I do like the group photo though. They look so cute with flowers. And I'm happy that Risa got to be next to Ai ^_^

Now, I REALLY want this. Not only does the AiGaki pics look adorable. I LOVE Gaki's!! *shrieks* That necklace is so cool! It would make a great accessory for a normal day out. I can think of a few outfits I can wear it with.

And I REALLY REALLY REALLY want this strap!!! Although trinkets can't be attached to my AiPhone, if I can buy this, I'll make sure it can be hung. That's how much I want this! I love the vibrant colors on a black length of string and the number 5 in silver. It's pretty!! Why can't UFA sell these merchandise overseas *pouts* XD Haha, I don't really pout so obviously I'm in one of those moods at the moment.

The standard microfiber towel. I don't usually feel the urge to get this unless the picture printed on it is to die for. For example Eri's in the event with Gaki and Lin. This one though, is really quite nice. I like Risa's smile :) And the fact that she's next to Ai again :D

This product was a surprise. I wanted to laugh cuz I was reminded of a similar plate with my mom's face on it in the living room :P I still think these plates are kinda useless? But because it's related to the 5kkies, I'm gonna be biased and say that this is a nice item XD You can compare whose handwriting is large, whose is tiny and whose is pretty or messy. And how could I miss the ultra adorable squishy hug pic!?? Poor Ai looks like she got squashed the most though. Guess it's tough when everyone loves you? ;D I also like the other pic. It gives me a feel good vibe looking at it.

I'm a fan of autographed pics. I love seeing the signatures of the girls.

More Aigaki goodness! Well actually they had all the girls pose with everyone but my eyes automatically zoom in on the bean and monkey duo :P Is it me or are these 2 closer body language wise?

Awwww, pics of them lying down. Kawaii~~~ Ai's gives off a more sexy feel while Risa's is cute. Together, they make euro-kawaii!! XD That lucky pillow that they are lying on!!! I wanna be it!!! XDDD There's the added bonus of a special message written by the girls on the photo.

Here comes the solo shots.

Gaki-san... I like the left pic on the bottom row. Her smile is adorable *heart thumps*

Ai-chan...cute drawing there. The way she draws the "teardrop" eye on her cartoon makes me :D and is that a tongue sticking out I see? Leader just looks gorgeous with stuff on her head huh? This set of pics and her headband in the 'Pika Pika' concert.

Makono = Mako + Konno :P

Now for the 6kkies!!

Hmmmm, what can this glass and stirrer be used for? That's not important cuz what is, is owning this set with the 3 photos. Any idea what sign they are making with their hands? The digit 6 perhaps?

More cute 6th gen photos. What would I give to owe them all. Especially since it's one of Eri's last photo sets :(

This is an extra pic given out if you buy all of the merchandise. If I was participating in this event, I'll so get the entire batch of stuff. Totally worth it just for KameShige. The TanaShige-ness is really strong here.

I don't like Sayu's hair. It's too cutesy for my taste. And Reina! For god's sake, please change ya hairstyle!! And is it just me or does her hair seem thicker recently? Eri is adorable as usual. How is it that she can always have the best expressions? Those that make me fall in love with her even more?

Awww Kame... *catches the heart she is making with her hands* That's kinda cute too Sayu :) Oh Reina, how high up are you thinking of lifting your dress? :P

Hate to Hear You Cry

I kinda braced myself prior to listening to this because I knew Eri would cry. But I didn't expect her to sound like she did! OMG it was heartbreaking!! I could feel my tummy all squishing up inside of me *sobs* This was from the 9 August 2010 episode of Five Stars Monday.

I was glad Gaki was there to console her. I hope she reached over the table to hug the poor turtle. The good folks in Kame's thread at H!O said Risa told her stuff like "If you return, I'll wait for you here." (on GakiKame) Awwww that's so sweet. Made me turn into mush XD

And "Don't cry baka!" This might sound mean in words but it really wasn't. I think the bean was trying to cheer Eri up a little by tsukkomi-ing her.

Sigh, I'm gonna miss the interaction between these two. They remind me of sisters or good friends with a really close relationship :)

Take care of yourself Kameha!!

PS: I hate the fact that many of the fans who support MM will leave with Eririn's graduation :( The remaining girls need the support. I wish they would stay, I'm sure Kame wouldn't wanna see them stop supporting MM either.

12 December 2010

The date where there will be no more Kamei Eri in Morning Musume or Hello! Project. I saw these 2 clips of Eri and the panda's graduation announcement and I just wanna bawl my eyes out! I also heard the concert recording and when I heard Kame speak, I almost broke down completely! Hearing her voice crack and seeing her unable to speak, I could only imagine how sad she must have been. If I was present at the actual concert, I think I might fall over and die from the shock.

JunLin spoke too, so did Ai. *Sigh* It's undeniable they all sounded heartbroken. How could they not? :(

I couldn't bear to look at the girls' faces. Ai looks devastated. And I know she must be so upset that she would lose 3 members at one go. THREE! It's a lot. Not to mention Lin Lin is someone whom she has grown very close to. And although Jun Jun isn't ranked that highly on my list, I'm still sad to see her go. I can't stand to see people cry and they way she did makes my heart ache *tear*

Sayumi's eyes are swollen. I think she must have cried buckets the previous day or from the moment she found out about her bff's impending graduation. Needless to say, Gaki who cries so easily is on the verge of a breakdown too *sigh*

I wish I could make all of these go away. To make it such that the current MM wouldn't change, that there won't be anymore graduations or auditions. Why can't MM remain like this? Don't mess with them, just go create other groups if the company wants new people damnit! Don't make the girls cry, don't make us fans cry *sobs more*

Eri ... I'll really miss her. She was always so cute and beautiful.

You don't have to thank us Eririn. It's us fans who must thank and appreciate you. For you have brought us so much joy and happiness in the days that you were a Musume.

So Sad I Could Die...

I hate today. I hate it because I learnt about a horrible, terrible pieces of news. And that is, my beloved Kame is graduating :( She will be leaving MM and H!P on the last day of the Morning Musume Autumn Tour 2010. Along with her, Jun and Lin will be graduating too. SIGH!!

What am I gonna do now? Eri was always in my top 3, I'll miss her. I'm so sad about there not being anymore KameMame or KameShige. What's gonna happen to '5 Stars Monday'?

I saw a pic from the concert where the news was announced. Looking at them, I feel even more sad. Ai seems to be holding back her tears, Risa is outright weeping, Sayu is pretending to be strong and Reina looks rather stony-faced. I know Reina is just faking her emotionless expression. How can she not be upset when the member who she would want as her gf and the only person she allows to bully her is leaving MM forever?

The girls themselves, Eri fans and I am all heartbroken. *sniff* I was so looking forward to the possible work that she might get after her cameo in that drama about Japanese language, Nihonjin no Shiranai Nihongo. I could see her becoming a great actress! I mean, she was good for a first-timer. Thus she definitely has the potential. Now I will never get to see her act again *tears*

Apparently she asked to leave on her own cuz of her skin problem, atopic dermatitis. I knew she had this all along. It can be seen in pictures or on shows some times but I never thought it would warrant a graduation. It's true that make-up, sweat, fatigue and stress can all lead to a more serious condition but still, I never expected this.

After all, which Japanese girl leaves their house without putting on make up? And Eri used to dance a lot too. So wouldn't it be almost the same anyway? Unless the severity is caused mostly by having too much work to do. But then again, MM now isn't like how it used to be. They have barely any shows to go on, no CMs and print publications are few and far between. Why this? Why now?

What route will she take after she graduates? Further study? I don't think so. Being a model doesn't seem likely. I can only go with marriage or being an actress. I'm hoping for the latter. I don't want her to get pregnant and vanish from the entertainment world so soon. I haven't got enough of the turtle!!

Look at this photo of KameMame. I love sub-leader's hair style though that's not the main point of the pic ^^; It's Kame's teary eyes and how depressed Gaki looks. She is so upset that she needs to grab onto her own hand for support, before she collapses completely.

*Sighs again* I'm gonna crawl into some corner and cry myself to sleep later tonight. It's gonna take me a long time to get used to Eririn not being around any more from the end of this year. It was bad when I learnt about Koharu's grad. But this is SO MUCH WORSE! There goes the dream about a shuffle group with just the 56kkies. No more Sayumin gushing about her best friend and no more cute GakiKame pics :(

I sincerely wish you recover quickly and you will be happy and successful in whatever you choose to do after graduation day.

I will miss you Kamei Eri! I will *Wails*

And yes, another thing. Why the heck did the stupid company have to squeeze 3 graduations into one concert? Kame deserves her own special concert! Actually all 3 girls do but since it's not that feasible for JunLin then at least make it 2 separate concerts. How will there be enough time for the remaining girls to give their speeches? That would mean they have to cut short their messages and the thought of that makes me pissed!

ARGHSSSSSSSSSSSSS!! *bangs the wall/table/anything in sight*

I don't want Eri to leave!!!!

AiGaki's Song ~ Ano Hi ni Modoritai

Can this be true? I'm posting 3 days in a row? OMG...

It's CRAZZZZZZZZZY!!!

Haha, that never fails to crack me up. And Ai-chan is just so darn adorable yelling it XD I'll just save the screen cap of that epic scene for when I blog about that particular DVD mag. Also watch out for Risa and her relentless squishing of the rubber duckies :D

Back to the aim of this post, which is none other than to praise the awesome-listic perf by AiGaki!!! God knows how many times I've listened to the mp3 and now that the concert DVD is out, I'm again watching and re-watching it endless times ^_^

Because I'm so in love with the song and this pairing, I tired to translate the lyrics. My attempt shouldn't be too far off from the original meaning... I hope ^^; I've differentiated the lyrics into their respective lines. The peach colored lines mean they are singing together.

Well then, what are we waiting for? Start-o~~!

I Want to Go Back to That Day

"This love isn't enough."

Why was I so adamant.

Why did the me at that time,

Behave as if I was mad.

You were someone I didn't want to lose,

Yet I did something unpardonable.

I'm such a fool.

The wind blows, it's cold, the wind is blowing.

Isn't it already spring,

Why am I shivering.

I want to go back to that day, I wish I could return.

If I could do it,

I want to act like a spoiled brat to you.

~~~~~

Up till now, I feel it deeply,

Your love.

I was too lax with myself,

I ran away from reality.

In my dream I cried again.

My face is swollen, my eyes are red.

It's too embarrassing.

The vacation that rains, it's raining.

The sky has cleared,

But I'm still holding to the umbrella.

I want to tell myself, the me of the past.

Just go ahead and love, I beg of you.

~~~~~

The vacation that rains, it's raining.

The sky has cleared,

But I'm still holding to the umbrella.

The wind blows, it's cold, the wind is blowing.

Isn't it already spring,

Why am I shivering.

I want to go back to that day, I wish I could return.

If I could do it,

I want to act like a spoiled brat to you.

So? What do you think? It's a beautiful song isn't it? And the effect is magnified when these 2 are the ones singing it. *Sigh* I don't know why but it's hard for me to stop loving them as a pair. I guess the hold of leader and sub-leader are just too strong on me :)

Things You Never Knew...

I rather like watching solo angles as they give me never seen before scenes which are mostly left out of the actual concert DVD. And as one camera shadows one girl, you can pick up the little habits they have, their interaction with the other members, whether they sing along when it's not their lines, if they smile when the camera is not focused on them, wardrobe malfunctions etc. In other words, the side of them you don't often see.

Hence in the latest set of solo angle DVDs from the 9 Smile tour, I couldn't wait to watch K4's. Though that is to be expected :P

I have not sat through the entire vid of all 4 girls yet but I have seen enough of each to have an idea of what the whole thing will be like. If I were to rank their watchability in accordance to my preference, the list would look like this.

1) Ai

2) Eri

3) GakiShige (Yep, they are tied for 3rd spot)

Are you surprised at the result? If you aren't, that'll be strange. Cuz I am XD

I thought that Kame would take 1st position but in the end it turned out that Ai's was the one I'm most fond of. The reasons are as follows:

Takahashi Ai-chan

I liked her hair style this time, her expressions were suitable for the songs, her dancing had the appropriate strength and power. Meaning her moves didn't come across as too forceful or exaggerated. Plus, the way she perspired made her look really sexy? ^^; Originally I only wanted to check if the file had finished downloading that's why I opened it. However, I ended up sitting through more than 80% of the concert at one time and this is the most out of all the K4 vids. Oh, another point to note, Ai doesn't appear to be tired at all? In fact she just gets increasingly hyped up and it makes me wanna jump up and yell along with her when she gets the crowd going :) 'Nanchatte Renai' (or maybe 'Genki') is my choice for best Ai perf though she was awesome in many more. She was just channeling bad girl in here *swoons* Oh! 'Kioku no Meiro' was all kinds of hawt as well. See what I mean by Ai's is the DVD to watch? :)

Kamei Eririn

Moving on to the middle manager. Hmmmm, I noticed she kept doing something with her mouth? Honestly I don't know what she's up to. Is she swallowing her saliva? XD Then she must have a lot of it cuz she does it really frequently. Still, her dance makes up for that little flaw. Eri has always been my favorite to watch when it comes to dancing. And of course she is pretty. Was there any doubt that she wouldn't be? It's easy to lose track of time when watching her. She's just incredibly gorgeous in so many ways. *Ahem* Her face, figure and character. *Cough* She seems to sweat the most out of the 4 to the extent that I'm worried about her fainting from dehydration. Somebody, pass the turtle a water bottle! XD

PS: Gawd, Eri was so stunning in Sukura Mankai that I forgot to breath *drools*

Niigaki Risa

I had a hard time deciding between these 2. They both have their good and bad sides. I didn't want to have them share the same position but I really couldn't decide.

Gaki-san has a great voice imo and I love to hear her sing. BUT, she can be rather over the top when performing. And in this concert, she was wayyyyyyyyyyyy over the top ^^; As a mame fan, I hate to see her rank so low. But I can't deny how I couldn't stomach many portions of her DVD? I mean, I really wanted to laugh when she emotes in a "sexy" manner. I think she was shooting for sexy? But it kinda fails? And her eyeliner + mascara + eye shadow + whatever didn't suit her well. I don't know, it made me feel like she had a role in 'Pirates of the Caribbean' Oh man, I sound like I'm slamming her aren't I? I love my bean! I do. It's just that I wish she would tone things down a little :P I know she can be really cute, hawt, sexy and all that but sadly in this DVD, she couldn't achieve them for the most part. It's okay though Risa, when it comes to the crunch, I'll still pick you over the rest :D And I found how you tossed away your hair band during 'How do you like this Japan?' so very kakoii :) There were quite a number of heart stopping moments in 'SONGS.'

Michishige Sayumin

I think it's known to fans that Sayu doesn't have the best stamina in the group. It's quite clear that she becomes tired fast and her dancing isn't the best. When a video shows all the members, it's less obvious that her dance needs polishing (especially when they zoom in to only show her upper body). But in a solo angle DVD, it kinda shouts out to you that his girl isn't made to dance. Still, I like how she makes the effort to mouth the lines though it's not her turn. And Sayu has the most amazing smile when performing. She makes me feel that she really enjoys being in MM and she's not doing it just for the fame or money. Points were deducted for her hair. Oh dear usagi-chan, haven't you realized by now that sexy and mature works for you more than kawaii? And she needs to learn how to not look as though she's zoning out when someone else is singing. In her defense, Shige-san was absolutely ADORABLE in SYO. Something about that dance suits her well :)

Seishun Collection Solo Versions ~ Risa

When I saw the main PV for Seishun Collection, I didn't find Gaki too striking ^^; But when I managed to get my hands on the individual PVs, I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw. Gaki was incredibly cute!

Her smile, her expressions, even the way she played with the collar of her costume was adorable! Even the way she did "shhhhh" was kawaii :) Perhaps the only thing which made me go "hmmmm" was her super long eyelashes. Wonder if the stylist suggested she try it or did she come for the PV shooting with those on already. She was the only one with them.

As I continued watching, something else caught my attention. Her teeth...they kinda look different. Did she do something? As in braces? Verneers? Invisalign? What?

God, that shade of lip gloss she has on causes my line of sight to keep going back to her mouth. Gah!!! I wanna... *trails off* :P

*Sees Risa waving into the screen* *waves back* I see you Gaki-san! *big grin* And I like you. *whispers* XD