Hotaru’s blog

They Have Really Big Earrings...! - Buono! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Review

nobody@vox.com(Hotaru) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:45:59 -0700

This sounds much more like an "anime song" than Renai Rider or Honto no Jibun does to me. At the same, Buono! has a unique sound that makes Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! sound like it is not part of an anime at all, and just a great sounding single. Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! is a combination of cute and "punk" sounds. Normally I would be very skeptical about the description I provided (coming from other people..?), but when its a single by Buono! I know that the product wont be disappointing. (If it was bad, I would be very very sad.) I will admit, this song is a bit more generic than Buono!'s previous singles. Even so, it is still incredibly fun, with pretty food vocals and even a harmonica (how often do we get to here a harmonica properly placed in music these days?)

Buono! - Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!

The PV is my favorite of Buono!'s. Its in a school, like in Honto no Jibun, but the girls school uniform outfits don't look horrible and unflattering. I also love that the girls are drawing all over the chalkboard, as if they are just messing around instead of cleaning up. I love the cleaning scene with Momo just hopping up and down to dust the top windows XD. A lot of the PV seems rather surreal, as I can't really imagine a school in Japan to be so colorful and fun looking! When its "lunch time" the girls all have vibrantly colored trays. I love them! I wish I some for myself XD. The outfits for the Hallway-Instrument-Scene aren't as wonderful as the school uniform ones...but I love them because Miyabi is wearing her hair down! She looks so pretty with her hair down! As said before, this PV is definitely my favorites of Buono!'s. It so fun! It makes me want to go that school and clean XD

Member Review!

Suzuki Airi: To be honest, when I usually watch the PV, I don't focus on Airi at all, and miss her when she appears on screen sometimes...I feel bad about it, since Airi is cute and a good singer! I just now noticed that the girls are only wearing one earing when they wear their school uniform outfit. Thats interesting...Airi's is a green and pink treble cleft! Its really big, but I like it. Airi was given a guitar to play with, which appears to fit her very well! She appears to be having fun with it XD. I like Airi's outfit in the Hallway-Instrument-Scene. I like her accessories a lot more, though, haha. They are also only wearing one earing in this outfit too! It appears to be dangling silver heart. I wonder why they are only wearing one earing...Ah well. Airi's vocals sound great in this PV, and she is cute and energetic in the PV (She unfortunately doesn't stand out to me as much as Momo or Miya do...)

Natsuyaki Miyabi: She should wear her hair down more!! I already said this, but she looks so pretty with her hair down! I like Miyabi's Hallway-Instrument-Scene Outfit the best...its great! Miyabi's earing in her school uniform outfit was hard to find a clear shot of! I have determined that it is a white and black boom box (after about seven minutes of searching the internet for a clear screen shot/picture). Her earing in her Hallway-Scene outift is all dangly with red and black stars. I used to have earrings like that XD. I honestly think that Miyabi shined in this PV! She looked comfortable and brought out an energy that perfected the PV :D

Tsugunaga Momoko: She is like the icing on the PV...she is the most entertaining part of the PV! She hops up and down adorably to clean the windows (I can't say I haven't done that myself...), she plays drumsticks like a harmonica, and reads a cute bunny book while the other girls are reading novels..! Maybe its that I'm biased, but I really think Momoko was the best part of the PV. I like Momoko's big pink candy earring in her school uniform outfit, but find her huge star earring to be a little...too big. Actually, I find her Hallway-Scene outfit to be unflattering. It washes her out, even though she's adorable anyway. I darker shade of blue would have been a better choice..!

I'll say it again, I really love this single. I can't help but give it an A!

-Hotaru <3

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Oh Goodness, Now They're Monkeys! - Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance Review

nobody@vox.com(Hotaru) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:23:35 -0700

I'm going to try this a bit differently than usual!

Cover_YukeYukeMonkeyDanceRegular

When I heard the radio preview to this song I thought "Joy. Another Berryz song full of nothing but Risako solo lines". Then I saw the PV, and realized that everyone got solo lines in this song! It was a nice surprise! For once, a low-quality preview made me happy. I am happy with the ammount of lines Chinami and Maasa got :D Although it may have cost Saki and Yurina screen time, I feel it was okay just this once XD. It is obvious in this PV that Chinami and Maasa are the extremely goofy ones in Berryz (although Momoko and Saki their moments in this pv). Chinami and Maasa seem to the most comfortable with just having fun and not really thinking about what the fans will think or whatever it is that prevents Risako and Miyabi from being silly!

Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance(行け行けモンキーダンス)[PV:Dohhh UP!]Berryz Kobo

I love the banana making its cameo as a moon. I like the outfits the girls wear, minus the icky vest things.The real spirit in this PV comes out when the girls are in the monkey costumes! Everything gets much more loose and silly. Maasa is the only girl to have her hair completely hidden by the costume it seems... (a completely useless discovery). I have also noticed that most of the girls have a random "*move around like a monkey*" moment in the dance. At one point, Saki tickles Chinami...I found this very amusing XD. If this song was sung by anyone other than Berryz Koubou, I don't think it would be pulled off so fluidly! I don't think I would like it if it were anyone else!

A Short Member Review!
When I say short, I mean that some of the members will have shorter reviews than normal because they weren't very notable or in the PV much.

Shimizu Saki: I feel bad that she got so little attention. In a lot of the dance shots, she is completely cut out it! Saki's probably one of the better dancers too -_-. In the few shots she is seen in she is being silly in her monkey costume. She looks pretty adorable making a puffy face and pulling her ears. Unfortunately, this is just about all we get of Saki, except for her couple solo lines. I am happy for those! They just didn't do much justice to her.

Tsugunaga Momoko: She is simply adorable in this PV! At the first "Everbody" part we see a confused Momoko doing some "Oh! I'm supposed to do this"-move-realization (or something!). Then we see Momoko fall over after one of her solo lines in her monkey costume. Momoko in a monkey costume really fits her XD. I was sort of sad when you couldn't even see Momoko at some of the monkey parts because everyone was taller than her! But I told myself that it was okay because other, much less noticed girls were being featured! Oh! Also, I love what she is wearing on the cover to the single. Its my favorite outfit!

Tokunaga Chinami: Oh my goodness, Chinami being represented this much makes me more so happy :D! Chinami has the best personality (in my opinion) in Berryz Koubou...her role in the PV, allowing her to be in the PV more than usual, was a good move on whoever decides these things (Tsunku/UFA)! She really gets into it, becoming a "Yankii Monkey" and her overall enthusiasum makes the PV fun to watch every time!

Sudou Maasa: Her role in this PV and song has brought out Maasa (its about time!), and is a lot more interesting to me now :D. Her voice really fits this song. I'm not sure what it is about her voice, but it sounds natural, like she didn't have to try very hard to get into the mood of singing the song. At all the close-up monkey parts, Maasa is always doing something silly! I especially love her when the music intermission ends and theres just a guitar-noise playing and Maasa's doing this silly dance XD. This PV has definitely made me love Maasa...

Natsuyaki Miyabi: She really isn't in this PV much, is she? Miyabi provides a solid solo lines, but thats pretty much all she does for me in this PV. She does have a cute moment with Chinami pretending to be a "Kawaii Monkey". Thats...all I can really find of Miyabi doing something silly, though. I don't what prevented her from "getting her ape on", but at least it made Maasa and Chinami all the more appealing..!

Kumai Yurina: I wonder if she is going to break six feet XD. Haha, back to the monkeys...She really isn't in this PV much either! I think if Yurina was better represented she would have been about as amusing Chinami and Maasa. In a lot of the monkey scenes, she is seen joining in with the other girls shenanegans (wow, I don't get to use that word a lot), but doesn't do anything by herself to set her apart from the other girls. Which is unfortunate, since I really think she has a lot of potential. I really like Yurina's voice, so hopefully we will see much more of her next time!

Sugaya Risako: ....I wonder if she realizes that she is a bad dancer...? You would think it would be a slap to the face when she was told "And you will be standing here during the chorus, bopping up and down." I would like "...what?! Really?" Risako doesn't seem miffed, though. She is too busy making annoying pursed lip-faces >___<. In fact, she doesn't really look like she cares at all in this PV...which is a disapointment, because this is a really fun song accompanied by an equally fun PV! Why are you bringing it down? How lame. Cheer up, girl.

And Now...For my sisters opinion on "Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance"!
I feel that it is only fitting that she reviews this PV also since she is a big fan of monkeys and the Ape Escape series. Her three comments on this PV are:
"The monkeys in Ape Escape do one of the same dance moves they do in the PV" (I believe she referencing to the dance move during the upbeat part of the music-intermission)
"The red circles on their cheeks make their cheeks look fat."
"Is all they can say 'Monkey Dance'??"

And there you have it, my sisters profound commentary.

So, although I haven't heard the C/W of this PV, I feel its safe to put up my review for this single. I grade this an A for a great performance, a pretty fitting PV, and a fun song!

-Hotaru <3

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I am a slowpoke when taking surveys, my apologies.

nobody@vox.com(Hotaru) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:24:00 -0700

I have wanted to respond to Misa's J-music Survey for quite a while now, I'm just being slow about it. My problem: It takes me a while to remember what my first J-music really was! I think I finally got it, now.

1. What was the first Japanese song you ever listened to?
This is going to be a bit scattered, since I can't quite remember exactly myself. When I was very little, I used to be obsessed with My Neighbor Totoro (Tonari no Totoro). Somewhere along the lines a relative gave me the Japanese Soundtrack to it, so "Sanpo" was probably my very first Japanese song. "Sanpo" is sung my Azumi Inoue, but my only knowledge of her is that she sang the theme to Totoro! When I got older, I watched a bit more anime, and somehow got into L'arc~en~ciel. That didn't last long...Eventually I stumbled upon Ayumi Hamasaki. I loved her. I still like her, but my love dimmed...My first song from her was probably "You" or "WE WISH", I can't remember exactly.

2. Did it inspire you to like that group/singer, or did it turn you away?
Well, yes. I still enjoy Ayumi Hamasaki. One of my teachers at school went to Japan a while back and asked me if I wanted anything. Nothing special was coming out except for Ayumi's "GUILTY", so I had her get that for me. She actually turned out to love Ayumi Hamasaki XD. Back on topic, it definitely inspired me to search for more Jpop. Eventually, I was introduced to Morning Musume when I talked to a girl from Japan who had been dragged to a camp I was at with her cousin XD We couldn't really communicate, but her cousin would sometimes translate for me. Eventually I got the idea that she really liked Morning Musume and W-inds. I looked up both when I got back from camp. I fell in love with Momusu (obviously), but not so much W-inds. And that is the magical tale of how Hotaru discovered Momusu.

3. What is the one song that you have been listening to for the longest time?
Well, sometimes I get sick of certain songs and take them off my iPod, etc., but I'm pretty sure "Shabondama" and "The MANPOWER!!!" have stood the test of time, along with a few songs by Flow "DAYS" and "COLORS" (Although COLORS has not been out for all too long.) ...Also probably "Ride on Shooting Star" by The Pillows. Wow, this is a lot. I'm really now sure which song I have listened to the longest. But now I'm thinking it might just be "Sanpo"...haha.

4. What group/singer have you liked the longest?
I guess Ayumi Hamasaki might be the longest. I have liked FLOW for quite some time, also...but I don't really follow either. So, I would probably have to just say "Morning Musume", since I follow their music releases and whatnot.

5. What is the song with the most plays on your itunes/media player?
Hm...It says "Shabondama" By Morning Musume.

6. Is that song your favorite?
Its definitely high up there, in the top three. It was one of my first Morning Musume songs, so it has a 'place in my heart'.

7. If not, what is?
Well...a couple of my other favorites are "The MANPOWER!!!" , "HYBRID RAINBOW" by The Pillows , and "Twinkle Star" by HALCALI.

8. Is there any one group that you can listen to all/most of the songs by? If so, who?
I can probably listen to just about any Aa! song XD. Haha, although I love Aa!, I don't think that counts...um...I don't think I can listen to every song on most albums, but...I can listen to most HALCALI songs, so I think HALCALI is the winner here.

9. What is your favorite agency?
Well, looking back on it now, I guess I'm going to have to say Sony Music Entertainment Japan (SMEJ). Its weird, but as I was looking around, I really like a lot of the artists that they have (YUI, HALCALI, UVERworld)...and although I love Hello! Project, I don't love the way UFA does things :D

10. What is your favorite group/singer?
My favorite singer is probably actually Vanessa Carlton right now...but my favorite group right now is Morning Musume (haha.)

I hope this has inspired Misa? Although...perhaps it didn't. I apologize if it didn't!

-Hotaru <3

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Goto Maki is back! Plus a congrats to Mano

nobody@vox.com(Hotaru) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:38:45 -0700

I left the Idol-World for a day and everything happens -_-...This happens quite frequently to me.

Well...the first big news (and the more interesting..): Goto Maki is back!

Article200806192201023665

What crazy nails! I am glad she is back in the singing world. I am almost sure she will be at least pretty successful under an Avex Label (Rhythm Zone). She will definitely be given appropriate music for her style. I'm not sure how her Krumping Lessons will fit into this, but I am certainly interested in finding out! Her style at the end of her career with Hello! Project was more mature and possibly more american-sounding than most other groups in Hello! Project. A lot of people said that she should move on to Avex, since Hello! Project really wasn't offering what she needs now. Well, she did it! I'm happy for her. I am anticipating her first release under Avex!

The other news is that Mano Erina is actually getting her own single!

CD_Cover_Manopiano

This is rather interesting, as it includes Mano Erina playing the piano. I wonder if her career in the music industry will be her playing the piano along with singing, like Vanessa Carlton. I somehow doubt this will happen, but it would be cool, wouldn't it? I am looking forward to this release as well as Goto's...although Goto's is not announced yet, I am more excited for her XD

-Hotaru <3

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Lonely on a Friday Night? - Resonant Blue Review

nobody@vox.com(Hotaru) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:12:40 -0700

I got this a while ago...and I am just now reviewing it. I feel kind of bad for not reviewing this sooner...but at least I'm doing it now! I now realize my problem. I procrastinate like crazy! I will try to stop such a bad habit. With no other comments to say, on to the review!

Resonant

Song: I have really liked this song ever since I first heard it, which is the main reason why I bought it. Its very...danceable. A lot of Morning Musume songs make me feel like I should learn the dance because I wouldn't know how to dance to them without it...but not this song! Which is...very different, but a good different. Anyway, more about the song itself. I really enjoy how the song is "Kuuru" at the verses, but sad at the chorus. I also really liked the beginning...it reminds me of Roman ~My Dear Boy~ for some reason XD. So basically, the song is everything is great in my opinion, right? I do really like the song, but I really feel like something is missing. That something is probably Mitsui, Junjun, and Linlin. I seriously thought Koharu's solo lines were Mitsui's at first. I was incredibly disappointed when I found out they weren't. As much as a ReinAi duet was a given with this line up, I still want the rest of the girls to have their own solo lines, also. The lack of them nearly ruined it, but...fortunately for the purchase of the single, I still liked it a lot. I really hope to find singles in the future featuring more than just Reina and Ai, but I guess if this really is "The start of a new Musume", having Reina and Ai start it is good.
Oh, and I asked my boyfriend what he thought of the song and he just says "It sounds like a "look, we're speckxy" type of Musume song. There are only three types of songs by the Musume: ZOMG Kawaii Genkiiiii!, I'm an angweee guwrl, or "RAPPPPEEEE MEEEE"".....I tried explaining to him that the song was more about being lonely but being surrounded by people, but he didn't get it. He's not really into Hello! Project, so...oh well.

Morning Musume - Resonant Blue Another Vers. PV

PV: I was really disappointed when the dance shot was put up on Dohhh Up!. It was like my hopes were shattered in the two minutes it took to buffer the whole video...It features no one but Reina, Ai, (nooo) Koharu, and a split second of Sayumi (which frightened me, really). Although I do like the hand thingy the girls do in the intermission, I'm not very impressed... I was so happy when "Another Ver." was uploaded onto Dohhh Up!. I love that they show the girls in a "rehearsal". Its very different from other dance shots (and not cheap looking!). The Rehersal Dance Scenes and the Showing-The-Girls-Alone-Or-In-Their-Free-Time-Scenes make the PV worth it. I really think that the PV would have left a better impression if it was just the Rehearsal and Free Time scenes, but noo, we must milk the icky dance shot for all its worth! I wish UFA would make better decisions. I think we all wish that.

The C/W: Sono Bamen de Bibiccha Ikenai jan!
First of all, I am very excited to see Junjun and Linlin getting solo lines...even though its only on the C/W. I am happy that Reina and Aichan did not play a very prominent role in this song, since they basically stole all of the light in Resonant Blue. Although the C/W is always much less known, I can imagine this being a song to appear in a few concerts. The best part about this is probably Eri getting more lines. I really love Eri! She has a very nice voice; I really don't understand why she is not represented better in the A-sides (main song?). Although this is really your average C/W from Morning Musume with the happy positive lyrics, I really like this song.

Member Review Time!

Takahashi Ai: I feel as though she is going towards the "friend" leadership position. Thats fine really, but not being in control at all will leave you sad in the end! (Someone else *cough* Reina *cough* will try to take your position). She will most likely never read this words, but...they must be said. Hopefully she will get the picture and step up. But, knowing Aichan, she may just let Reina take the reins (ohoho, I made a pun.). Back to the PV. For Aichan's special scene in "Another Ver." , she gets to excercise. Woo. Although her scene is a bit bland, maybe it shows her determination? She certainly looks extremely serious about her excercising. I know these scenes are supposed to show the girls outside of work/potentially loneliness, but really now...I'm sure they could have come up with something better for Aichan to do -_-. But, its okay, because it fits very well for the beginning of the PV.

Niigaki Risa: I was disappointed she didn't get much recognition with this single, but I'm happy she got more than nothing (8th Gen D:). I love her and Kamei at the "Dakedo" part (who didn't?)...She got some "Oo's" and "Whoa's" also, but those aren't as notable. In "Another Ver.", Risa is seen alone in a taxi (I'm assuming its a taxi...). Its very dark, so it is hard to actually see Risa. That is disapointing... D: She appears to be texting someone at one point, so maybe she tried to hang out with them but was denied in the end. Maybe it was Aichan! Her and her need to excercise, jeez. Risa does look a bit lonely...aside from just looking bored. Her representation in this single is about the same ammount as Mikan, not much, but she wasn't thrown to the side either. I really hope there is another single where Risa will have a larger part, like in Egao YES Nude....

Kamei Eri: Her representation was about as much as Risa's, but a bit less. She didn't get any "Whoa's" or "Oo's". It is sad she didn't get any solo lines, but at the same time, it doesn't feel as though her voice would fit anywhere except for the "Dakedo" part in this single. Which is unfortunate D: In "Another Ver.", Eri is with Sayumi at an amusement park eating crepes (I've always wanted to eat one of those...). Perhaps the two are lonely because they can't really go to the amusement park without being spotted by paparazzi and being chased by fans...but this is all speculation. I don't really know how the two are sad and lonely, being at an amusement park and all...hm. I wish there was more of everyone thats not ReinAi/Koharu *sob*.

Michishige Sayumi: Unfortunately, this is basically the same as Eri's, but...Sayumi did get a line "Help Me!". She came out of no where! She startled me at first! Sayumi is very pretty, and that is shown throughout the PV where ever she was randomly shoved in. She is in the same Carnival-Crepe scene as Eri...I already covered that, but I will say that I like Sayumi's outift a lot more than Eri's. I also love her Kitty Ear Sweatshirt that she wears in the Rehersal Dances Shot. As a closing note on Sayumi, I really hope she gets a couple lines in the next single, since she really has improved as a singer ._.

Tanaka Reina: Although Reina is my favorite, she is loosing favorite points quickly! I honeslty don't like her a whole lot in the Dance PV. If I just listen to the song, its fine...but not the Dance PV. Well, "Another Ver." isn't so bad, but watching her in the dance version is painful. She is either representing/exemplifying the songs lyrics in her actions too well, or just being really fake. I don't like fakers, be real Reina! She really is a big part of "Another Ver.", isn't she? She is shown first in the beginning walking through a graffiti'd alley (or something) and then on the city streets. She represents the songs direct meaning the best, I would think. Even though she is surrounded by a city of people, she can't find anyone, and is therefore lonely. I think of the girl in Resonant Blue as being a city girl, so its fits my impression well :D

Kusumi Koharu: Okay, seriously, whoever made the choice of giving Koharu the extra lines that ReinAi didn't sing, that...was a bad idea. In their performance on Music Fighter...its pretty obvious she wasn't singing. *sigh* With that aside, lets talk about the good stuff. I personally find her "Another Ver." scene to be the best. Although Koharu is surrounded by people giving her lots of attention, taking pictures and asking her questions, she still has sad eyes. She is lonely (at least the Koharu in the PV) even though she is surrounded by people. I actually wrote a short story-ish thing about feelings like that a few years ago. Perhaps I can relate the most to Koharu in this PV, since the "Being surrounded by people yet being incredibly lonely"-feeling plagued me for a year or two. I really do like that I can relate to the girls in this PV, instead of it being a "Look at the idols in their crazy costumes doing strange dances yay!" PV..

Mitsui Aika: I was so disappointed when I found out that it was really Koharu singing the miscellaneous solo lines. I really thought (at least one of them...) was Aika D: Well...at least she has the spotlight at the very beginning of the dance shot PV (and rehearsal?). Her point and walk backwards thing was very well done, but unfortunately we don't really get to see her much for the rest of the PV. Her "Another Ver." scene is depressing. Poor Aika is alone waiting for a train on a dark night. At one point she looks annoyed, as if thinking "Where is that train!? I'm so bored!", haha. There really wasn't enough 8th Gen. in this PV :( I want more!

Junjun: I considered doing both her and Linlin in the same paragraph, but I opted not to. Did you notice that in "Another Ver.", the scenes are mostly of Kamei or Junjun doing something? I really liked that XD. Her special scene is with Linlin (surprise, surprise) at some resturaunt. I would think Junjun to be the most lonely at the moment. Although she has Linlin and can speak rather good Japanese (she is learning quickly!), she must feel homesick a lot, and might not be able to eat some of the same cuisine (this is what I'm getting out of the restaurant-ness), and is therefore sad and lonely (this goes for Linlin too). Maybe I am wrong...but this is how it seems! I really love Junjun! I love her little clap when the food arrives :D.

Linlin: Although most of my comments on Linlin are in Junjun's paragraph thing, I will make a few comments! First of all, I really like the outfit she is wearing in the restaurant scene. Its something I would wear, thats why! I also think that the outfit she wore during the rehearsal scene fits her well. It looks good on her. Oh! I also like her curly hair in the dance scene. That also looks good :D Haha, I hope my reviews on Linlin aren't always like this! I wish I had more to say.

So, Resonant Blue is a pretty good single. I really like the song and the "Another Ver." PV, along with Sono Bamen de Bibiccha Ikenai Jan! This single is definitely a A-! 95% (I hate the dance version, and it was the first one to be released...)

:D
-Hotaru <3

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Two Album Reviews In One Post! (I'm not dead...)

nobody@vox.com(Hotaru) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:23:19 -0700

I'm sorry for my absence. School is finally over! I hope to make many more posts. It is also my birthday. Happy Birthday to me (XD). I haven't actually received anything yet. I plan on combining my "Look what I got for my birthday!" post with the things I bought at Anime Central this year.
Anyway...
This is a quick-review of two albums that I have wanted to review for a very long time now. I apologize that it is rather quick and messy.

Cafe_Buono!_limited

Buono! - Cafe Buono!
I've seen a few "This isn't special at all." reviews...While there are some really disappointing and down right icky songs, I find this album pretty good. The first song, Cafe Buono! sets the album up with a fun "Hello, we are Buono!" song. I don't like that Renai Rider and Honto no Jibun are right next to each other, but its all right...the following song, Bakestu no Mizu, doesn't follow up to the two previous's awesomeness, even though I find it to be very fun in its own special way. This album...to me, seems like they're all songs about growing up. It definitely applies to the age group they're aiming for (Which is like preteen to early teen, I would assume...). A lot of the songs seem to be connected to the anime, which makes sense (For example: Garakuta no Yume, Rubbish Dreams. One who followed the anime or reads the manga will understand). So really, I would give this album a B+. :D

Most Fun Song: Nakimushi Shounen. Also the best song Aside from Renai Rider. It really caught me the first time I heard it. Bakestu no Mizu also comes close, but...it wasn't enough?
Most Amusing Song: Internet Cupid. They're...trying to be Perfume...? They add the Mario-Melody, which amuses me to no end. This doesn't really seem like Buono!-song, but its fun-cognate-packed-song.
Prettiest Song: Hoshi no Histsuji Tachi. I thought I wouldn't like this song at first, but when I heard it, I was blown away. Its so pretty...really! Momo, Airi, and Miya's voice blend very well (although they aren't really singing at the same time here), alowing a painless transition. Its very well done.
Most Boring Song: Kimi ga Ireba. This sounds just like an ending to an anime...an ending that no one cares about, so they just move on to the next episode or next anime without hearing the song. Bleh.
Worst Song: Garakuta no Yume. To be honest...its too generic for me...the melody and background...its more than boring. This might have been okay more towards the beginning of the album, but it was put far enough in that it looks as though it was just shoved in.

3rd~Love_Escalation~

The second album I will be reviewing is C-ute's 3rd ~Love Escalation~! This is a lot less interesting or impressive as Buono!'s Cafe Buono!...but I still like some of the songs. I'm really liking the representation of Chisato. Yay Chisato :D I also love Umeda Erika's solo song. The only song thats just like "eh." is Image Color. It doesn't stand out, but its not boring enough to get a title such as the songs below. Overall, this album is probably C+. A 79% C+.

Best Song: Probably Homerare Nobiko no Theme Song. Its the only group song that isn't a single that stood out to me. The other, Otome Cocoro, is alright...but I like Homerare Nobiko no Theme Song more.
Most Fun Song: Dodongadon Ondo. I think its great that Umeda Erika got a solo song! I like her voice even though a lot of people say its weird.
Most Boring Song: Hare no Platinum Doori. Really now. Can you listen to this song without getting distracted? Its so boring you just want to move on to something else. This is also the worst song on the album in my opinion. Theres nothing...catchy about it.
Strangest Song: Sweets-->-->-->Live. The whole song is weird. Chisato and Kanna sound like they're whispering. And when Kanna sings, she sort of reminds me of Ishikawa Rika. Its not that bad, but its really not that great either >_<.

So...thats all for now. I promise be more...interesting...in the future!

-Hotaru <3

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Why do I blog? - A response to TLS

nobody@vox.com(Hotaru) — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:51:33 -0700

Wow. Thats a really good question. As you probably know, the amount of posts I have up in a month is rather low. It is significantly less than what I would like, but during school it is sometimes rather hard to keep up with both the Japanese- World and School. Thankfully, with summer coming, I will have much more time to blog.

So...I'll just start.

Goals:

Why do you blog?
I blog because I want to let my opinions be heard/read, even if only two people read this. It makes me feel happy that I am at least semi-part of a blogging community about something I really like. I am also trying to improve my writing skills, and although this may not be the best place to do it, I can try to bring what I learn in school to my blog.

What long-term goals do you hope to accomplish, if any at all?
I...don't have any long term goals anymore. I would really like to finish my HALCALI thing (that sort of went down the drain with school >_<) and there are a few non-review related posts I would like to make. I live in the moment when it comes to blogging XD. I would really just like people to consider my opinions...of course, I need to make timely posts in order for them to be considered!

If you do have goals, what will accomplishing them do for yourself?
Well, I would like to make more posts in a timely matter, yet still have them full of content. So to accomplish this, I need to concentrate more throughly when writing a review or a different kind of post.

What do you want to gain out of blogging? A creative outlet? Praise from others? Personal satisfaction? Money?
What do I gain.....? Well, my blog is certainly a creative outlet. I prefer writing stories/articles to any other form of literature (No poetry, please!!). Praise from others makes me happy and it convinces me to continue blogging. I have a sense of personal satisfaction when I am done with an entry and am sure it is full of content, not just nonsense.

Do you feel that your blog should meet a requirement for amount of entries? Do you feel any particular entry should be a certain length?
Not really...as long I am writing about something relevant and it sounds good...It should be okay. Even if its short, it should be okay.

For any particular entry, what motivates you to start and finish blog posts?
Haha, usually its "Ah!! This single came out at least a month ago! I gotta get this out!" I also feel accomplished afterwards, so theres that, too.

Do you actively consider long term goals for each individual post?
I have a list of all the blog posts I should make, but I'm not sure if that counts...

Subject Material:

What do you blog about?
I blog about mostly Hello! Project releases. I would like to review more, but frankly, I just don't have a too much time to do so. I would also like to blog about other more complex things, not just reviews, like where-momusu-is-going or whatever.

Would you be keep a blog even if it wasn’t about the subjects you tend to cover?
I probably would, simply because I love to write and this helps me fill my quota for the week/month/day.

Do you write about the material to promote it to others?
I would think so, since most of my posts are talking about a Hello! Project single or CD and telling you how bad or good it is.

Readership:

How much do you care about readership?
To a certain extent, I am very self-conscious about what I write and what other people will think of it. I want to be good enough to have my opinions and comments considered. Sometimes I write just to write.

Does it satisfy you to know people are reading, even if they don’t comment?
Yes, which is why I have a Google Analytics-thingy. XD. Its alright if you don't comment, at least you...hopefully...read it. I like comments though, so a comment every now and then is pleasing.

What effect does receiving a comment have on you?
Haha, I'm really just all "Yay!" and go and read the comment quickly, then I try to have an intelligent reply XD. It also makes me feel like people actually like my blog.

Do you write with a particular audience in mind or an unspecified general audience? Why?
Obviously my audience is more focused on the Hello! Project fans, but I think it may also be a Jpop-fan blog also. I am going to try in the future to have more Jpop reviews other than Momusu and the like. It is focused on H!P because I like H!P, and the fans are good people!

If you write for a particular audience, is it International Wota? If yes, why?
I suppose my main audience would be those at International Wota and also those who view it, since they boost my post so more people view my site XD....

Community:

If International Wota didn’t exist, would you blog?
Yes, most likely. I would probably use my blog more as an online diary for everyone to see, though. I would occasionally add in Hello! Project and other Jpop things, but it would probably be more focused on my life.

When IW covers an entry of yours, are you encouraged to blog more or less?
Of course I am, if it was good enough to be covered by Intl Wota, my blog must be okay. I am then motivated to improve it!

When IW does not cover an entry, are you encouraged to blog more or less?
If Intl Wota doesn't cover my entry, I'm not discouraged by it, I just know I have to do better at writing. International Wota is very motivational for me!

How often do you read other blogs?
A lot, but I don't often leave comments. I mostly read Paul's Blog, MorningBerryz, Yoshimi's Blog, American Wota.....

If another blog covers a topic that you wanted or wished to cover, do you still blog about that topic? Why or Why not?
Yes, since my blog is mostly a review blog, other people will review the same thing as me. It does not discourage me too much if everyone has already made a post about that particular single or album already.

How serious is your attitude towards blogging? Do you consider it just as something to do for fun?
I do it for fun, but in a serious way (haha). I really love to write...I mean really love it. English is my favorite class, I have 99%, etc. When I write, I try to sound intelligent without sounding like my opinions are the best. It is hard sometimes and I probably come off strangely. (I'm sorry!)

How often do you blog? How often would you like to blog?
I blog at least two or three times a month. I would like to blog much much more than that!

What priorities do you or have you put aside in order to blog? Why?
School, of course. I was taking an AP course, and AP exams were the last two weeks...so a few weeks ago, I was pretty much doing nothing but review over American History, but doesn't have a lot do with Japanese Culture (I cringe when people say Okinawa "Okanawa").

Do you see yourself blogging in 6 months? Why or why not?
Yes I do...but if I am not, I will only be on hiatus because of school. I love blogging.....don't take it away~! *sob*

Personal:

Would you say you blog for yourself?
It is probably mostly for myself. I want people to see my opinions and I just like to do it. Maybe people benefit from my posts...? I doubt it, though.

What is your feeling after posting an entry? Is it relative to the time and effort you put in an entry?
I usually put a four days effort into each of my posts. When I post an entry, I am very happy and relieved I was finally able to put it up!

What needs does blogging fulfill?
Blogging fulfills my need to share my opinion and just write about what I want to. I don't get a chance very often, so blogging helps me feel better about myself :D.

Do you consider yourself a writer?
No, I feel like I have lot to learn...I do not feel as though I am terrible, but...not good. I am improving!!

Do you consider yourself good at writing? Good at blogging?
I consider myself good at writing when I work on it for a long time. I'm not sure if I'm good at blogging. I think I'm too bland, but I usually don't have the time to be super-exciting :P

How much of your personal life do you share on your blog? If none, why do you leave this out?
I only occasionally add my life to my blog, and thats only if it pertains to the main subject of my blog: Jpop and Japan. I will also add random "Lo siento! Tengo mucho tarea!" (I'm sorry! I have lots of homework), as means to apologize for my tardiness.

I hope this helps someone...and if not, at least I got to write about how I feel XD.

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Nooo! A Keytar! - Dschinghis Khan Review

nobody@vox.com(Hotaru) — Sat, 03 May 2008 21:06:09 -0700

Before I start my review, I must tell a story. It is a story of my run-in with Hello! Project in a place where Hello! Project generally would not be found at (not the actual members...like their music.)...this place being MSU (Michigan State University). I was there for the "World Language Day". It was fun, but I'm positive I learned more about Korea than Japan...I already knew everything in the Japanese classes >___< The best part about my Japanese classes was that the lady decided to play some more "Hip and Popular" music...so..what does she play? No, not Morning Musume...she plays Chokotto Love by Pucchimoni...I was really disappointed that I didn't learn anything that day, so her playing Pucchimoni made me really happy XD.

Jinguskhan

Anyway, onto the review!

Song: This is an incredily fun song! It appropriate for spring, in my opinion. I think its a bit high for a lot of the members...but they still end up making it sound fun/good. This has defintely been said before by others...but this sounds very simliar to Koi no Dance Site. I like Koi no Dance Site (I own the single, woooo), so clearly I would like this song, right? Well, I do...haha >_< The bass really stands out to me. Its more of a "moving" bass...a much more interesting thing to play for the bass-player. Yay real instruments! ...As you can probably tell, I generally have a lot more to say about the PV and the girls than the song. I like the song, its fun, moving on!!

Berryz Koubou - Jingisukan (Dschinghis Khan)

The PV: my love for this PV runs deep XD. Once you get past the Risako (who doesn't totally dominate this PV! she's a big part, but she doesn't totally piss me off). the 'lesser' berryz actually get decent screen time!!!) I like the way/screen/editing they used/made for this PV. It makes it look 'vintage'. My favorite part (mostly everyones favorite part..) is the 'riding on a cart through the halls of a school' scene. The girls all look like they're having fun filming it...so does the audience in the gym-stage-scene! You can tell that they're just kids. It seems as though the setting is that of when Morning Musume visited Kusumi Koharu's school...or maybe its just me? Well....this PV is very well put together. I really like it!

The Dance- Man, I love this dance. Its very easy and very fun...Its mostly just "oo-haa" movements and silly other arm movements. Seriously, if you are going to learn a H!P dance, this is the one to learn. Its very easy and very fun.

Darling I LOVE YOU (Berryz Ver.) - When I first heard this song I got really confused when I picked out Hagiwara Mai's voice out... "What!? Since when has she been in Berryz?" Then I looked up the lyrics at projecthello.com and realized that all of the Hello! Project Kids sing this! This is most likely one of those songs that will be inserted randomly at concerts as a "Look Hello! Project Kidz are singing together yay!" thing. So, while its a fun song, it'll probably never be very notable for me.

Member Review!

Shimizu Saki: One thing is for sure, this PV brings out the Lesser-Known-Berryz a great deal. Saki is really stunning and plays a great role! She is unfortunately demoted to the keytar, though...But she makes up for it with her awesome arm movements (You know what I'm talking about!). Saki is quite possibly the most underrated member of Berryz...Maasa seems to have more fans than her, even! Saki probably would been great to get a solo line in this song since she has a lower voice...but she of course didn't get this opportunity D: I'm really hoping UFA/Tsunku decide to actually give her GOOD ammounts of attention in the future..she has so much potential!

Tsugunaga Momoko: As I watch this PV...Momoko isn't really in this PV much...is she? Other than the dance-shots, we don't get to see her a whole lot. Well, maybe she has the even ammount of screen time as everyone else...it just doesn't seem like it because she doesn't have very many interesting shots...oh well. Momoko really shines on her solo line, showing that she can sing without her 'baby' voice to her. Thats a good thing! Another thing to note is that she sports an acoustic guitar with a heart shaped...sound cavity (is that what its called? I am unfamiliar with guitars). She also has some pretty awesome sun glasses. she definitely got into the "80's" feel to the PV/Song :D

Tokunaga Chinami: She seems to be having the most fun in this PV. She's the one truly enjoying herself, not having to be any serious character. I love her pseudo 'gangsta' moves...unfortunately, that is completely something I would do when 'dancing'. <_<. Her other highlight was her hand-jig thing...before Saki's cool arm wavy thing..These things don't have names! Give me a break! Welllll, anyway, Chinami's props are maracas..and in my opinion, they totally fit her. Maracas are generally considered percussion instruments...in my band, the members who play the maracas if needed are generally the people who are just "here for the rid eand to have some fun". I don't mean this in a negative way at all, Chinami handles her role with perfection! I love it! She definitely has charisma!

Sudou Maasa: Woo! She got the bass! The cool member always gets plays, or in this instance gets, the bass. Her "I am rocking the bass" parts are very amusing. She seems to know that the bass is awesome...Perhaps this is a sign that we will see more Maasa! Maasa is truly wonderful, and UFA/Tsunku must know the meaning of the bass guitar...the member with the bass guitar is generally (I know not all bands are this way AKA The Pillows) awesome and is considered the most attractive of the group. This may or may not declare the future for Maasa....Will she get more lines!? Probably not, but we can wish.

Natsuyaki Miyabi- It is hard for me to have anything to say. She was one of the few girls to get a solo line, woo? Rightfully so, she sings quite nicely, in my opinion. Miyabi is not seen much throughout the PV...she's there at the beginning, and then a bit towards the end. And...then....where does she go? It is unfortunate that she seems to have slipped into the cracks for this PV, but its probably better, so members like Maasa, Chinami and Saki can shine. *nods*. Her props raise some questions about Miyabi. They are a tamborine and little-kid-yellow-heart-sunglasses. Generally the tamborine is a useless instrument to a band (Partridge Family...). I certainly do not think that Miyabi is a useless asset to Berryz Koubou...but maybe she was for this PV. She doesn't do anything super-supesharu...so perhaps this prop, if only for this PV seem correct. Her sunglasses portry her as childish. Maybe Miya is? I wouldn't know...I don't follow Berryz Koubou very well. Maybe I will learn in the future.

Kumai Yurina- She seems to have fallen into the cracks of Berryz Koubou more than any other member in this single...In my opinion, I think her voice would have been great for this single, but of course they gave the fourth solo to Risako again >_<. Yurina is definitely visible, since she is much taller than the other Berryz and sticks out, but she simply doesn't have as much 'unique' funess as the other Berryz seem to have. Her props are little silver pompoms. This probably fits her fairly well...being the "Happy Cheerleader Yay!" style seems to fit her well...although I do not know a whole lot about her, honestly. Well, hopefully Yurina will play a more prominent role next time!

Sugaya Risako- Goodness, I wish she had not set up this obnoxious persona for herself (or I wish no one had, if she didn't do it). She is constantly begging for attention, and her prop totally fits this. A pink megaphone? Perfect for Risako. More "Mee!" time for her. Although she is certainly not dominant in this PV,although she is a bigger part of it. All of her close-ups and 'running through hallway' scene make me want to smack her. Unlike the rest of the girls, she looks like shes just doing it because someone told her to, not because she likes it. If she doesn't like it, she should leave...I want to not dislike her, I feel as though she was forced into this position...but at the same time, its really hard not to dislike her.... D:

And so...with a fun song, a great PV (and dance!) and a nice C/W, I'll have to give this and A-...lost a few points for making Saki bad with a keytar....

As a closing note, both Mutou Mika and Ayaka Kimura graduated from Hello! Project this week. I am happy for both of them. Mutou never seemed to be the idol-type...it seemed as though she was only in it for the Futsal...and she probably was. She will be happier without a time-consuming schedule. Ayaka...it was about time! I felt so bad for her, just sitting in the back while all of her friends got attention. She's definitely loyal to Hello! Project (or maybe she just didn't know where to go) but it was about time she got up and moved on XD. I hope she's happy with her decision!

Until next time!
-Hotaru
(I can't wait till summer break, then I can have more timely posts)

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I leave for a week and everything happens!

nobody@vox.com(Hotaru) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:42:36 -0700

I'm back from my trip to Hawaii! I made two trips to the internet this past week, saw that several new things were introduced, uploaded, etc, and just turned of the computer....it was so much to take in. I was on vacation! Sometimes I even need a break from Hello! Project Craziness. But, I am back to Michigan and have caught up with all of the Hello! Project News.

Before I start the actual quick-review-comments, I would like to thank Morningberryz for his big help on ideas of where

DSCF0078

to go in Hawaii! With his advice I went to the Ala Moana mall, which had a store called Shirokiya. It had Morning Musume Albums (all but Rainbow 7) :D I bought Morning Musume's 4th album...I downloaded it a while back and decided to legalize it! I ended up staying in Turtle Bay, which is 20 minutes from North Shore, a smallish shopping center that Aichan and Reina apparently went to when shooting their Alo Hello! DVD's/Photobooks. It was a fun, amusing little town. I went there about 5 times, since everything else was an hour away :P. Thank you Morningberryz so much for your help! I had a great time!

A few things I shall comment on..
Kago's Interview: Its good to see Kago back! Its good that she's apologizing and explaining what happened and their effects. To clear things up! It was really depressing to hear the she was so depressed she cut her self and had thoughts of suicide. I'm glad that she seems better. Hopefully we'll have some sort of a comeback!

Reina getting a role in an anime: A hello kitty-style anime? *sigh* Hello! Project needs to get involved in anime more than just kiddie anime. That way they can get a few more older fans, not just the 1-10 year olds.

Hello! Style (that is what its called, right?): Hm, new group. A way to use the Kansai Girls? And with Arisa <3! Hopefully they'll come out with a single or two.

Namida no Iro PV = C-ute Godzilla.
'Nuff said on that for now.

I have an extra copy of the Morning Musume 10th Anniversary All Singles Complete Album. It was given to me by my parents for Christmas, but my boyfriend had given me my copy a day earlier XD. My extra copy has never been opened, and I'm interested in selling it..My guess is a lot of people already have it, so I would like to have a contest/drawing and give it away, but my parents aren't too fond of the idea. So for now (I might have a contest anyway) I don't have a price. If you are interested in receiving it, leave a comment or email me at ketsuekitsubasa@gmail.com! Thanks :D

-Hotaru <3

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Lalalalalalala...I forgot the lyrics! - LALALA Shiawase no Uta Review

nobody@vox.com(Hotaru) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 08:38:58 -0700

Hello! I finally got this up! This was meant for last week, but unfortunately major homework assignments came up (which includes writing a 131 Poem and reading 45 pages of history)! I'm glad their over now (mostly), so I have a few hours to actually finish this!

Before I start though: Happy Birthday to International Wota :D

Most people have been comparing this song to Berryz Koubou's "Munasawagi Scarlet" because...well, the PV certainly is similar to it. I also have found similiarities in a Morning Musume song. I'm sure you can guess which one.

601px-Lalala_Shiawase_no_Uta_limited

The Song-
How come its always the songs that you don't really like that always get stuck in your head? Probably because they're always so catchy!! Shiawase no Uta is diffently not my favorite single C-ute has come out with (this is including indie singles...) but its much more composed than Sakura Chirari or Meguru Koi no Kisetsu. The group sounds much more confident and the group sounds more developed. Which is great, but doesn't make me like the song itself much more. A good thing would be...instead of having Maimai and Saki having the "minor solo lines", it could Okai, Erika, or Kanna. seriously...those two girls may be super cute, but their voices grate on my ears (and I'm positive they grate on others). Not even in a Koharu, way. I can handle Koharu, her voice can be fine a lot of the time, but Saki...I can feel my ears shudder when she sings...But really, other than my Saki/Maimai problem the song isn't bad. The whole minute of La's gets annoying, but reminds me of Aruiteru...which grew on me considerably. Its definitely fun. I think it would have been a better song to release in the summer, but hey, C-ute's also releasing another single towards the end of April. Its like Tsunku/UFA were saying "JK!!!! We're going to have C-ute release a real single soon, lawlz." *sigh*

ºC-ute - LALALA Shiawase no Uta (PV)

The PV- It definitely owns Munasawagi Scarlet budget-wise...The make-up is much more fitting of a younger girl to be putting on/playing with. Theres lots of shiny things, too! Like necklaces and probaly some bracelets. Its a lot more like "dress up" then "Lets do each others make up, yays!" (the later being Munasawagi Scarlet). The whole set looks much less cheap, even the hideous costumes/outfits are less hideous than Berryz. The background, which is an off-whiteish-gray, makes the outfits fit, at least I think so. The dance which is...most of the PV, is very cheerleader-esque and very simple to dance to...which makes me happy. So, while that song isn't great, the PV is at least pretty good.

The C/W: Saikoukyuu no Enjoy GIRLS
I love the Tenor Sax XD It just fits the song perfectly. I honestly think this should have been the A-side. Have the original song on the A-side, a cover of a song should always = Coupling With song. But thats just my opinion...It also has a much more even ammount of solo lines...which always desirable. This song is very fun, like LALALA, but its not as catchy. I still like it better, though!

Member Review!

Umeda Erika- Like most/all of the girls gipped out of solo lines, she looks very bored throughout the PV. When dancing, putting on makeup, or trying on a necklace, she looks bored. "I wish this song was more interesting." is what her face reads. Really, I love Erika, and for her sake, I wish she played more of a role in the PV! "Gawd, please make it end!"-Erika

Yajima Maimi- I've been enjoying her much more since Tokkaikou Junjou. She seems to be having a pretty good time throughout the PV. Well, she can...she actually gets camera time! She also gets to wear the pink dress, which is less hideous, in my opinion. She has every right to look happy...She's arguably the most popular member of C-ute right now (part of this is based on Paul's Hello! Project Poll), therefore she gets a lot of screen time. I'm not saying this is bad. Maimi seems like she puts her heart into everything she does. That says a lot for me...idols actually caring about what they do...(yeah, she's gone up in my list)

Arihara Kanna- Similar to Erika, Kanna looks bored. Unlike Erika, Kanna looks like shes actuallly trying to look like she's having fun. Throughout the PV her 'happy' look goes downhill, eventually forming into "Wow, I'm really bored." This can be seen when the song starts its "LALALA's!" toward the end. She looks as though she is about to laugh and say "This is completely worthless, I'm only going to get like 3 close ups." Her next close up, she looks completely bored. Its kind of amusing, but depressing at the same time..

Nakajima Saki - Ah! This girls voice is terrible >_<. Its good that other members are getting lines, they all deserve them, but come on...Erika has a kind of squeaky voice, but sounds more developed...They could have used her instead (and maybe Erika wouldn't be so bored out of her mind)! This PV shows that Saki may be a good person to talk to maybe, but please don't ask her to sing! The part that really bothers me (more like creeps me out!) is that in a close up of her in the "Lalala" part of the song, her veins in her neck bulge...maybe its just me. That has always creeped me out. *shudders* This isn't to say I truly dislike Saki, I don't. I don't know much about her...but....from what I know, I don't like her much.....

Suzuki Airi- It looks like C-ute is becoming more and more Maimi centered. I like Maimi, but I like a lot of the other members more...Airi being one of them. I prefer her voice over Maimi's (Maimi used to sound really strange to me). Both girls are deserving of solo lines (but this still doesn't make me wish other girls had solo lines)...I suppose I'm just naturally drawn to Airi more. I feel as though she got less screen time than Maimi, but thats not really bad either, since she dominated Tokkaiko Junjou...I'm really neutral towards Airi, if you can't tell! She's c-ute and has a good voice...I like her better in Buono! (maybe the trio just go better together), though. I feel as though I can't make a proper review of her because of my neutrality! Maybe I'll have more of an opinion with her next single ._.

Okai Chisato- Frst things first: Has anyone noticed that it looks like Hagiwara Mai has surpassed Chisato in height? This is very strange for me...but it makes Chisato an adorable shorty? Haha. Unlike Kanna or Umeda, she looks like she's having fun most of the time. Maybe, like Chinami from Berryz, she can have fun no matter what. Thats a really good quality, really...I wish I had it. Or maybe she's just a good actor. Eh, whatever the reason is, I still love her :D. It sort of surprises me that she just...doesn't get any lines...ever. I can understand why she would be unpopular, she's adorable in a different way from most of the girls in C-ute, making her sort of an aquired taste. Her voice is amazing, but I've seen people say "I don't like her because her voice is too mature for C-ute." This sort of baffles me, but hey, its their opinion. Even if she never gets a solo line in an A-side of a single (from C-ute), she will still get lines on the the C/W..which I guess is good....

Hagiwara Mai- "Stop looking like a dead fish!" is what I want to tell her. She looks...emotionless for most of the PV. Or she has shy-ish reactions. She's still young and has time to develop, but really now...what kind of a persona is 'dead fish'? *sigh* She has the potential to be a pretty good singer and a decent dancer, but it really just seems like she's along for the ride XD. Her voice teeters between bad and good quality, which she could improve on if she tried...I guess she just seems like she has a lot of potential, but she just doesn't really care. It sort of bothers me. Perhaps this will change throughout time!

Overall, this single was only...okay. Even a lot of the girls seemed bored with it. I did like the C/W, though...so, this single will be graded as a C.
Just a straight C, like 75%.

As a closing note, I will be gone starting on Wednesday to...next friday? I think? I'm going to Hawaii for spring break! I will hopefully have less of a homework load afterward...

Bye for now :D
-Hotaru <3

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