SKE48 8th Single - '片想いFinally' ('Kataomoi Finally')

SKE48 would be releasing their 8th single, '片想いFinally' ('Kataomoi Finally'), on 25th of January 2012. Details are yet to be announced.

Type A (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 片想いFinally [Kataomoi Finally]
2. [CD] はにかみロリーポップ (白組) [Hanikami Lollipop (Shirogumi)]
3. [CD] 今日までのこと、これからのこと [Kyou Made no Koto, Kore Kara no Koto]
4. [CD] 片想いFinally (off vocal)
5. [CD] はにかみロリーポップ (off vocal)
6. [CD] 今日までのこと、これからのこと (off vocal)
7. [DVD] 片想いFinally (music video) [Kataomoi Finally (music video)]
8. [DVD] はにかみロリーポップ (白組) (music video) [Hanikami Lollipop (Shirogumi) (music video)]
9. [DVD] 特典映像「SKE48紅白対抗マル秘芸認定大会・PART1」special movie [Special clip SKE48 Kouhaku Taikou Maruhi Gei Kakutei Taikai, PART 1]
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Type B (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 片想いFinally [Kataomoi Finally]
2. [CD] 声がかすれるくらい (紅組) [Koe ga Kasureru Kurai (Akagumi)]
3. [CD] 今日までのこと、これからのこと [Kyou Made no Koto, Kore Kara no Koto]
4. [CD] 片想いFinally (off vocal)
5. [CD] 声がかすれるくらい (off vocal)
6. [CD] 今日までのこと、これからのこと (off vocal)
7. [DVD] 片想いFinally (music video) [Kataomoi Finally (music video)]
8. [DVD] 声がかすれるくらい (紅組) (music video) [Koe ga Kasureru Kurai (Akagumi) (music video)]
9. [DVD] 特典映像「SKE48紅白対抗マル秘芸認定大会・PART2」special movie [Special clip SKE48 Kouhaku Taikou Maruhi Gei Kakutei Taikai, PART 2]
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Type C (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 片想いFinally [Kataomoi Finally]
2. [CD] 寡黙な月 (セレクション8) [Kamoku na Tsuki (Selection 8)]
3. [CD] 今日までのこと、これからのこと [Kyou Made no Koto, Kore Kara no Koto]
4. [CD] 片想いFinally (off vocal)
5. [CD] 寡黙な月 (off vocal)
6. [CD] 今日までのこと、これからのこと (off vocal)
7. [DVD] 片想いFinally (music video) [Kataomoi Finally (music video)]
8. [DVD] 特典映像I「SKE48紅白対抗マル秘芸大会」special movie [Special Clip I SKE48 Kouhaku Taikou Maruhi Gei Kakutei Taikai]
9. [DVD] 特典映像II「Team KIIオリジナル公演への軌跡」documentary movie [Special Clip II (The Path to KII’s Original Stage Performance)]
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Theater Version (CD only)
1. [CD] 片想いFinally [Kataomoi Finally]
2. [CD] はにかみロリーポップ (白組) [Hanikami Lollipop (Shirogumi)]
3. [CD] 声がかすれるくらい (紅組) [Koe ga Kasureru Kurai (Akagumi)]
4. [CD] SKE48 8th single medley
5. [CD] 片想いFinally (off vocal)
6. [CD] はにかみロリーポップ (off vocal)
7. [CD] 声がかすれるくらい (off vocal)


Kataomoi Finally
Senbatsu: Oya Masana, Kizaki Yuria, Kuwabara Mizuki, Suda Akari, Hiramatsu Kanako, Matsui Jurina, Matsui Rena, Yagami Kumi, Ogiso Shiori, Takayanagi Akane, Matsumoto Rina, Hata Sawako, Furukawa Airi, Mukaida Manatsu, Kaneko Shiori, Kimoto Kanon


Hanikami Lollipop
White Team: Ono Haruka, Nakanishi Yuuka, Hirata Rikako, Matsui Jurina, Abiru Riho, Ishida Anna, Goto Risako, Wakabayashi Tomoka, Isohara Kyoka, Shibata Aya, Yamada Erika, Saito Makiko


Koe ga Kasureru Kurai
Red Team: Katou Rumi, Kinoshita Yukiko, Takada Shiori, Deguchi Aki, Matsui Rena, Sato Seira, Yakata Miki, Ueno Kasumi, Umemoto Madoka, Hara Minami, Mano Haruka, Yamashita Yukari

Kamoku na Tsuki
Selection 8: Kizaki Yuria, Matsui Jurina, Matsui Rena, Yagaami Kumi, Ogiso Shiori, Takayanagi Akane, Mukaida Manatsu, Kimoto Kanon


Comments by SKE48 members in interview by reporters after the 'Okie Dokie' handshake event on 18th December at the Nagoya Port Messe in Aichi,

“Homosexual love is one of the themes… I filmed [the music video] feeling like I’d become a boy,” said member Matsui Jurina. “There’s some skinship in there that’s absolutely unordinary for me (laughs), so please pay attention to it.”

Matsui Rena also commented, “This time, ‘Kataomoi Finally’ is a song that feels a little different to what we’ve been doing up until now, so we’re really looking forward to the fan response. It was really scary filming the dance scene in a high place (on the roof of a building), but I’m really pleased with how amazingly it turned out.”

One reporter asked the girls, “Are all of you in one-sided loves?”, prompting Matsui Rena to reply, “I’m in love with Churi (Takayanagi Akane)!” Upon hearing this, Takayangi replied, “I’m happy [to hear that], but I guess it is a one-sided love (laughs). But when ‘Kataomoi Finally’ comes out next year, maybe it’ll be a mutual love, or maybe it really will be the end of the ‘kataomoi’ (unrequited love) finally,” earning a laugh from the members.

(from tokyohive/natalie)

This single is totally a fresh new feel for SKE48 and not only the song, the PV of both the cover song and b-sides are very nice! Loved 'Kataomoi Finally' the most followed by Akagumi's b-side, 'Koe ga Kasureru Kurai'. This so tempting to get.. especially when the covers are so awesome!! I think I am going to get all three types if possible!

UPDATE (19th December):
Covers, track lists and PVs released

UPDATE (26th January):
The PV of 'Kataomoi Finally was ranked first in 'Recochoku Video Clip Daily Ranking Chart'! Congratulations SKE48!

Recochoku’s Video Ranking for January 26th
1st place：Kataomoi Finally　(SKE48)
2nd place：Pedicure day (No sleeves)
3rd place：Rambling girls (AFTERSCHOOL)
4th place：Heavy Rotation (AKB48)
5th place：Rising Sun (EXILE)

From Barks

UPDATE (31st January):
'Kataomoi Finally' sold 496,000 copies in its first week, topping the Oricon Weekly Single Ranking for the week of February 6th. Congratulations!!

From Oricon

AKB48 to release anime series 'AKB0048'

AKB48 would be releasing an anime series, called 'AKB0048', and would start airing next spring. There would be 9 Kenkyuusei roles to be taken up and more than 200 members from AKB48, SKE48, NMB48 and HKT48 would be participating in the auditions.

30 members would be selected and announced on the 2nd of December 2011, and
9 members would be chosen out of the 30 through the final auditions to be held on 13th of December and would be open for public audience.

[AKB0048 Official Website]

UPDATE (13th December):
9 members chosen - Satou Amina (Team B), Iwata Karen (AKB48 Kenkyuusei), Yagami Kumi (Team S), Nakaya Sayaka (Team A), Hata Sawako (Team KII), Satou Sumire (Team B), Ishida Haruka (Team B), Mita Mao (NMB48 2nd Gen), Watanabe Mayu (Team B).

UPDATE (15th December):

Storyline

In the beginning of the 21st Century, a world war breaks out over interplanetary travel technology. After significant damage to the ecosystem, mankind forces themselves out of Earth, which begins the Star Calendar 00.

Shortly after, entertainment and music become heavily regulated because of it’s power to corrupt people’s hearts. One by one, idols disappear, and eventually go extinct. However, there was one idol group by the name of AKB0048 who had reincarnated during that time. They rise up as “illegal idols” by inheriting the light and spirit of the legendary AKB48.

Because they have an overwhelming influence, the girls are attacked and are labeled as “terrorists”. They bear arms and fight back in order to protect their stage, their fans, and the citizens.

In the Star Calendar 0048, a new story revolving around the 77th generation research students is about to begin.”

UPDATE (2nd February):

CAST LIST

Aida Orine – Nakaya Sayaka (AKB48 Team A)
Ichijo Yuka – Sato Amina (AKB48 Team B)
Kanzaki Suzuko – Hata Sawako (SKE48 Team KII)
Kishida Mimori – Sato Sumire (AKB48 Team B)
Shinonome Kanata – Ishida Haruka (AKB48 Team B)
Shinonome Sonata – Yagami Kumi (SKE48 Team S)
Sono Chieri – Watanabe Mayu (AKB48 Team B)
Motomiya Nagisa – Iwata Karen (AKB48 Research Student)
Yokomizo Makoto – Mita Mao (NMB48 Team M)

UPDATE (26th February 2012):
Three voice actresses will be voicing for AKB0048
Kanda Akemi will play ‘Yuko’, the 9th generation idol who will succeed the name of Oshima Yuko.
Tamura Yukari will play ‘Mayuyu’, the third model idol based on Watanabe Mayu.
Horie Yui will play ‘Yukirin’, the 6th generation idol who will succeed the name of Kashiwagi Yuki.

tokyohive/natalie

UPDATE (4th March 2012):
Noto Mamiko will play ‘Kojiharu’, the 8th generation idol who will succeed the name of Kojima Haruna.
Ueda Kana will play ‘Tomochin’, the 11th generation idol who will succeed the name of Itano Tomomi.
Shiraishi Ryoko will play ‘Takamina’, the 5th generation idol who will succeed the name of Takahashi Minami.

Voice of Acchan, Sayaka and Sae are yet to be determined.

AKB0048 will be start broadcasting gradually on 29th of April on 12 stations

April 29th
tvk (Kanagawa): Sundays at 11:00 pm
Gunma TV: Sundays at 11:30 pm
Tele Tama (Saitama): Sundays at 11:30 pm
Sun TV (Hyogo): Sundays at 11:30 pm

May 1st
TBC Tohoku: Tuesdays at 1:10 am

May 3rd
HTB Hokkaido TV: Thursdays at 2:15 am

May 4th
Mie TV: Fridays at 5:00 pm

May 5th
Chiba TV: Saturdays at 11:30 pm
KBS Kyoto: Saturdays at 11:30 pm

May 9th
Fukushima TV: Wednesdays at 3:30 pm

July
TVQ (Fukuoka)

tokyohive/Oricon

AKB48 Official Shop in Shanghai Opened!

Following the opening of Official Shops in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan, one more AKB48 overseas Official Shop opens in Shanghai!

Announced on tokyohive:

On November 22nd, AKB48 members Kitahara Rie, Miyazawa Sae, and Yokoyama Yui held a handshake event to commemorate the opening of their official shop in Shanghai.

As their first handshake event in Shanghai, the members appeared in their cute AKB48 outfits and greeted the 1,000 fans in Chinese.

“AKB48 Official Shop Shanghai” is AKB48’s forth overseas shop following the Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan branches. This shop was made in the image of AKB48 Theater in Akihabara, and features a variety of items including t-shirts, posters, towels, and other official goods.

Additionally, to celebrate the opening of the shop, the official goods are now available for purchase on their online store throughout China.
tokyohive

Source: tokyohive|Model Press

Sending off AKB48 members at Changi Airport (Vol. 9)

Unlike at yesterday's concert, today I brought my Maria fan board along to the airport to send Maria and the other AKB48 members off. Another fellow fan was also supporting Maria at the airport.

Changed the words from 'Congratulations...' to 'Happy Birthday...'

However, to our disappointment, not exactly disappointed actually, Maria obviously is shunning us when she enter the Departure Hall, all the way to behind the glass doors! D=
After some recalling I realized she must be shunning us as she don't us to see her face! The members do not put on make up when they are leaving Singapore as due to the standard flight timings, they usually don't have time to do so.
The previous time Maria came, she did not wear mask and her face can be seen when leaving. Her eye bags were really bad then. Maybe due to this, she shy away from us fans this time?
Well, at first was kind of puzzled but over time find it kind of moe~ =w=

Anyways, time for school soon! Can't wait for NMB48 concert next month. My oshimen (favourite), Sayanee (Yamamoto Sayaka) would be coming!!

AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.9: 'AKB48 5TH STAGE'

The member list for this concert wasn't that appealing to me and I have more important priorities, like French Kiss 4th single release and there would be a NMB48 concert here in Singapore for the first time, thus did not get tickets to go for the concert this time round.

I went down *SCAPE at around past 2pm and to my surprise, many fellow fans were gathered outside the warehouse (concert grounds) and watching the concert via the screen just beside the door. Was intending to do this in the first place but I did not expect that there would be that much fans outside. Some of them are going for the 6pm time slot but mostly are actually wanting to check out the song list or simply watch the concert from outside.

Slowly did I realize that some of them did want to get a ticket to get in but tickets were sold out. Was surprised at first as the concert tickets were never sold out, except for Vol.1 - the first stage in Singapore. Later did I know that a large portion of the tickets were reserved for Canon guests - no wonder the 'Presented by Canon Singapore Pte Ltd' everywhere. I remembered seeing the same phrase on Vol. 10, NMB48 1st stage in Singapore, and thus immediately went over to buy tickets for the NMB48 concert - before it gets sold out.

While watching the concert via the screen outside the warehouse, my jaw totally dropped at the song list. There was 'RIVER', the very song that I have been wishing for since the first stage back in May! It was then followed by 'Beginner', and '風は吹いている' ('Kaze wa Fuiteiru'). I totally regretted not buying the tickets to watch the concert even though the member list don't really have my top favourite AKB48 members.
Fortunately during the 6pm time slot, a friend helped me in getting into the concert. Even though I missed the overture and the first few songs, experiencing the three epic songs in a row, 'RIVER' & 'Beginner' & 'Kaze wa Fuiteiru', in the concert itself was already enough. Really want to thank my friend a lot!
Have been rooting for and supporting Maria throughout the concert. I like her tsundere character.
Somehow I think she remembers me during the handshake session after the concert, most probably because I made a board with a heart made out of LEDs for her at the AKB48's 4th stage.
And not only that, it was the first time ever since AKB48's 3rd stage in Singapore that Maria smiled so warmly to me, both during the handshake and at the van outside *SCAPE after the whole thing! Omg.. a warm smile from a tsundere TwT -Achievement Unlocked!-

Shall go to the airport tomorrow to send Maria and the other AKB48 members off before heading to school!

More information on the concert here.

AKB48 tops the United World Charts!

Week 45 of 2011

“Top achievement charts” for “Tracks with the most points in a week (since 1999)”

The United World Chart ranks the most popular tracks according to “global paid downloads, single-sales and airplay”.

Congratulations to AKB48 again!!
[AKB48's Single 'Kaze wa Fuiteiru' Ranks 1st in Oricon Weekly Chart]

Source: toykohive|United World Chart

AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.9: 'AKB48 5TH STAGE'

The member list for the upcoming concert was just released on the AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook earlier today.

Details of the concert from the Facebook page:

Latest Update!
20.11.2011 (SUN)
PRESENTED BY CANON Singapore Pte Ltd
AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.9
AKB48, STAGE 5- 2PM & 6PM
Performing Member list announcement and online ticket sales are now up! Full details here: http://www.akb48.com.sg/

Hmm... not really interested this time as the member list don't have any of my favourite members this time and I also need to save up for French Kiss's new single. French Kiss is my favourite sub-unit from AKB48 and am going to support them as much as I can by buying their singles! I may still go down to view the concert through the television screen outside to check out their song list on that day though.

SDN48 4th Single - '口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みの もんた' ('Kudoki Nagara Azabu Juban duet with Mino Monta')

It was recently announced that SDN48 would be releasing their 4th Single on the 28th of December. It would be coming in a Type A and B editions, where each would include three tracks and a DVD. The third song would be different, thus there would be in total four new tracks.
Could this be the last single before the mass graduation of all the members (disbandment)? More details are yet to be announced.

Details released:

AKB48’s sister group SDN48 has revealed that the title of their new single will be “Kudoki Nagara Azabu Juban duet with Mino Monta“!

For this new single, the girls will be singing a duet with tv presenter Mino Monta. The song is described to be a duet song perfect for karaoke during the New Year’s holiday. The 8 members who will be participating in this song are Akita Kazue, Urano Kazumi, Ohori Megumi, Kohara Haruna, Sato Yukari, Serina, Noro Kayo, and KONAN.

It’s been about 5 years since Mino Monta participated in a CD recording. The recording for “Kudoki Nagara Azabu Juban duet with Mino Monta” was held in early-November.

The single will come in both Type A and Type B editions. Both versions will come with a DVD containing music videos, making-of clips, and special clips.

“Kudoki Nagara Azabu Juban” is slated for release on December 28th.

tokyohive

Type A (CD+DVD)

1. [CD] 口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みの もんた [Kudoki Nagara Azabu Juban duet with Mino Monta]
2. [CD] やりたがり屋さん/アンダーガールズチームG [Yaritagariya San / Under Girls Team G]
3. [CD] カムジャタン慕情/アンダーガールズA [Gamjatang Bojou / Under Girls A]
4. [CD] 口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みの もんた (off vocal)
5. [CD] やりたがり屋さん (off vocal)
6. [CD] カムジャタン慕情 (off vocal)
7. [DVD] 口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みの もんた MUSIC VIDEO
8. [DVD] やりたがり屋さん MUSIC VIDEO
9. [DVD] カムジャタン慕情 MUSIC VIDEO
10. [DVD] レコーディング&MVメイキング映像(Type A version) (特典映像) [Recording and MV making-of (Type-A version)]
11. [DVD] SDN48コント KYキャバ嬢・佐藤さん・同伴出勤 (特典映像) [SDN48 Conte (KY Cabaret Club Employee / Sato-san / Bar Hostess)]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type B (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みの もんた [Kudoki Nagara Azabu Juban duet with Mino Monta]
2. [CD] やりたがり屋さん/アンダーガールズチームG [Yaritagariya San / Under Girls Team G]
3. [CD] カシャーサで自白する/アンダーガールズB [Kashaasa de Jihaku suru / Under Girls Team B]
4. [CD] 口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みの もんた (off vocal)
5. [CD] やりたがり屋さん (off vocal)
6. [CD] カシャーサで自白する (off vocal)
7. [DVD] 口説きながら麻布十番 duet with みの もんた MUSIC VIDEO
8. [DVD] やりたがり屋さん MUSIC VIDEO
9. [DVD] カシャーサで自白する MUSIC VIDEO
10. [DVD] レコーディング&MVメイキング映像(Type B version) (特典映像) [Recording and MV making-of (Type-B version)]
11. [DVD] SDN48コント 野呂家の謎 (特典映像) [Recording and MV making-of (Type-B version)]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Frankly speaking, I don't really like the covers of both types of the new single. I just hope that the tracks would turn out good.
Anyways, I feel that this single is kind of awesome as to get a top shot like Mino Monta shouldn't be that easy. in case for those who don't know him, he is a Japanese television presenter who is recognized by the Guinness World Records as being the TV host with the most hours of live TV appearances in a week (22 hours, 15 seconds), as of April 2008.
In short, he is often seen on Japan TV.

UPDATE (21st November):
Images and details updated, added album covers and track lists.

JKT48 1st Generation Members Selected

It was previously announced that auditions would be held in Jakarta for JKT48, AKB48's first overseas sister group.

The final audition was held earlier today at a hotel in Jakarta, and 28 girls were selected to form the first generation members. The auditions started out with 1200 applicants, which reduced to 50 after the selections and interview. The final stage involved singing, dancing and another interview.

JKT48 would be making their debut within a year and another overseas sister group, TPE48 (Taipei, Taiwan) is scheduled to be debuted next summer. Following up would be sister groups in Singapore and Thailand.

Source: tokyohive|Sanspo

UPDATE (4th November):
JKT48 1st Generation Members Profiles revealed

Allisa
Real Name: Allisa Astri
Born: June 23, 1990
Blood: O
Height: 160cm

Mova
Real Name: Allisa Gallimova
Born: August 28, 1993
Blood: O
Height: 162cm

Ayana
Real Name: Ayana Shahab
Born: June 3, 1997
Blood: O
Height: 156cm

Beby
Real Name: Beby Chaesara Anadila
Born: March 18, 1998
Blood: B
Height: 160cm

Cindy
Real Name: Cindy Gulla
Born: May 29, 1997
Blood: O
Height: 157cm

Cleo
Real Name: Cleopatra
Born: December 20, 1993
Blood: O
Height: 170cm

Delima
Real Name: Delima Rizky
Born: October 25, 1997
Blood: B
Height: 159cm

Devi
Real Name: Devi Kinal Putri
Born: January 2, 1996
Blood: A
Height: 162cm

Diasta
Real Name: Diasta Priswarini
Born: September 9, 1991
Blood: O
Height: 165cm

Fahira
Born: July 27, 1998
Blood: B
Height: 165cm

Frieska
Real Name: Frieska Anastasia Laksani
Born: March 4, 1996
Blood: O
Height: 160cm

Gaby
Real Name: Gabriela Margareth Warouw
Born: April 11, 1998
Blood: O
Height: 163cm

Gaya
Real Name: Siti Gayatri
Born: March 1993
Blood: O
Height: 163cm

Ghaida
Real Name: Ghaida Farisya
Born: May 29, 1995
Blood: B
Height: 163cm

Intan
Real Name: Intania Pratama Ilham
Born: July 19, 1991
Blood: -
Height: 166cm

Jessica
Real Name: Jessica Vania Widjaja
Born: January 22, 1996
Blood: O
Height: 156cm

Jessica
Real Name: Jessica Veranda Hardja
Born: August 19, 1993
Blood: O
Height: 168cm

Melody
Real Name: Melody Nurramdhani Laksani
Born: March 24, 1992
Blood: O
Height: 168cm

Nabila
Real Name: Nabilah Ratna Ayu Azalia
Born: November 11, 1999
Blood: B
Height: 152cm

Neneng
Real Name: Neneng Rosediana
Born: January 24, 1999
Blood: O
Height: 162cm

Rena
Real Name: Rena Nozawa
Born: may 6, 1998
Blood: B
Height: 167cm

Dhike
Real Name: Rezky Wiranti Dhike
Born: November 22, 1995
Blood: B
Height: 157cm

Rica
Real Name: Rica Leyona
Born: August 19, 1991
Blood: O
Height: 158cm

Sendy
Real Name: Sendy Ariani
Born: August 12, 1993
Blood: A
Height: 157cm

Shania
Real Name: Shania Juniantha
Born: June 27, 1998
Blood: B
Height: 165cm

Sonia
Real Name: Sonia Natalia
Born: December 17, 1997
Blood: O
Height: 153cm

Sonya
Real Name: Sonya Pandarwaman
Born: may 18, 1996
Blood: A
Height: 156cm

Stella
Real Name: Stella Cornelia
Born: November 3, 1994
Blood: O
Height: 160cm

Source: tokyohive|JKT48 Official Web

AKB48's Single 'Kaze wa Fuiteiru' Ranks 1st in Oricon Weekly Chart

It was revealed on Oricon that AKB48 claimed the first spot in weekly sales again with 1.3 million copies!
Furthermore it's their tenth consecutive time topping the weekly chart, breaking the record of Pink Lady of nine consecutive of first place in weekly sales almost 33 years ago.

AKB48 now takes over the top three position for best first week sales with “Flying Get” at first place with 1,354,000 copies and “Everyday, Kachuusha” at second with 1,334,000 copies. This makes AKB48 the first artist to ever to achieve three million-selling-single in a row.

What's more is, all the singles AKB48 sold since their debut adds up 10,034,000 copies, making them the fourth girl group after Pink Lady, SPEED, and Morning Musume to break through the 10 million mark in the history of Oricon.

Congratulations AKB48!! I will always support you all! ^^

Source: tokyohive|Oricon