Maeshima Ami to release her first solo photobook!

前島亜美 (Maeshima Ami) comes from an idol group called SUPER☆GiRLS, and it was recently announced that she would be releasing a solo photobook in 27th January, titled 'あみた' ('Amita'). This is not only the first time Amita (Maeshima's nickname) would be releasing a aolo photobook and is also the first time a member of SUPER☆GiRLS would be releasing a photobook! Am so excited about this!

The photobook will consist photos that were shot in Miyakojima, secret private shots of Maeshima Ami as a SUPER☆GiRLS member, and as a model of “Pichi Lemon”. There would also be a interview section. Amita herself would making an appearance at Fukuya bookstore (Shinjuku Subnade) during the day of the release.

I started to like SUPER☆GiRLS and following them when I came across their second single song, 'ＭＡＸ！乙女心' ('MAX! Otome Gokoro'). I did have the impression of hearing their debut single 'がんばって 青春' ('Ganbatte Seishun') then but I don't really know why I gave the group a pass that time. Maybe due to my fandom in AKB48 being amplified to enormous proportions when AKB48 released their 18th single 'Beginner' and 19th single 'Chance no Junban'.

I only started to make Amita my favourite among the 12-member idol group when they released their third single '女子力←パラダイス' ('Joshiryoku←Paradise'). I did take note of her in the PV of 'MAX! Otome Gokoro' quite often initially, but it was this single's PV that make me come to the conclusion, 'This is it! Amita is my favourite in SUPER☆GiRLS!'. She is just so irresistibly cute, especially her voice! ♥

Congratulations to Amita for her first solo photobook! おめでとう!!

No Sleeves 8th Single - 'ペディキュアday' ('Pedicure Day')

Seems that I forgot to blog on the announcements of no3b (ノースリーブス - No Sleeves) 8th Single release. The single was released today and the track lists and album arts are as shown below.

Type A (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] ペディキュアday [Pedicure Day]
2. [CD] ジェシカはドアをノックしない [Jessica wa Door o Knock Shinai]
3. [CD] 微睡み [小嶋陽菜ソロ] [Madoromi/Kojima Haruna]
4. [CD] ペディキュアday -Instrumental-
5. [CD] ジェシカはドアをノックしない -Instrumental-
6. [CD] 微睡み -Instrumental- MADOROMI
7. [DVD] 「ペディキュアday」 ミュージック・ビデオ [Pedicure Day music video]
8. [DVD] 「ペディキュアday」 ミュージック・ビデオメイキング [Pedicure Day music video making]
9. [DVD] 特典映像1 Type-A ver. [Bonus Video 1 Type A]
10. [DVD] 特典映像2 Type-A ver. [Bonus Video 2 Type A]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type B (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] ペディキュアday [Pedicure Day]
2. [CD] ジェシカはドアをノックしない [Jessica wa Door o Knock Shinai]
3. [CD] Still [高橋みなみソロ] [Still/Takahashi Minami]
4. [CD] ペディキュアday -Instrumental-
5. [CD] ジェシカはドアをノックしない -Instrumental-
6. [CD] Still -Instrumental-
7. [DVD] 「ペディキュアday」　ミュージック・ビデオ [Pedicure Day music video]
8. [DVD] 「ペディキュアday」　ミュージック・ビデオメイキング [Pedicure Day music video making]
9. [DVD] 特典映像1 Type-B Ver. [Bonus Video 1 Type B]
10. [DVD] 特典映像2 Type-B Ver. [Bonus Video 2 Type B]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type C (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] ペディキュアday {Pedicure Day]
2. [CD] ジェシカはドアをノックしない [Jessica wa Door o Knock Shinai]
3. [CD] 半分こ [峯岸みなみソロ] [Hanbunko/Minegishi Minami]
4. [CD] ペディキュアday -Instrumental-
5. [CD] ジェシカはドアをノックしない -Instrumental-
6. [CD] 微睡み -Instrumental-
7. [DVD] 「ペディキュアday」 ミュージック・ビデオ [Pedicure Day music video]
8. [DVD] 「ペディキュアday」 ミュージック・ビデオメイキング [Pedicure Day music video making]
9. [DVD] 特典映像1 Type-C ver. [Bonus Video 1 Type C]
10. [DVD] 特典映像2 Type-C ver. [Bonus Video 2 Type C]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Regular (CD only)
1. ペディキュアday [Pedicure Day]
2. ジェシカはドアをノックしない [Jessica wa Door o Knock Shinai]
3. ペディキュアday （French Pop Mix） [Pedicure Day (French Pop Mix)]
4. ペディキュアday -Instrumental-
5. ジェシカはドアをノックしない -Instrumental-
6. ペディキュアday （French Pop Mix） -Instrumental-
CDJapan
HMV Online

Pedicure is a real nice song I must say. The PV is also kind of interesting. Wasn't able to view the PV through Sony Music Network Youtube as it was 'not made available to my country'.

Video is flipped and the pitch is increased by this uploader

NHK’s 62nd ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen‘ Performance Order

Blogged earlier regarding the NHK's 62nd 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' line up, the performance order and titles were revealed!

[First Half]
1. Hamasaki Ayumi – progress
2. NYC – “100% Yuuki NYC”
3. Angela Aki – “One Family”
4. flumpool – “Akashi”
5. AKB48 – “Kohaku 2011 AKB48 Special MIX ~Ganbarou Nihon!~”
Red/White Duet: Ashida Mana & Suzuki Fuku – “Maru Maru Mori Mori!”
6. FUNKY MONKEY BABYS – “Soredemo Shinjiteru”
7. Nishino Kana – “Tatoe Donna ni…”
8. AAA – “CALL”
9. Kawanaka Miyuki – “Nirinso”
10. Hirai Ken – “Itoshiki Hibi yo”
11. Fuji Ayako – “Ayako no Okuni Jiman dayo ~Ganbarona Tohoku!! Kohaku Special~”
12. Hosokawa Takashi – “Nebuta”
13. Mizuki Nana – “POP MASTER”
14. Porno Graffitti – “One More Time”
15. Inawashirokos – “I love you & I need you Fukushima”
16. Godai Natsuko – “Kinmokusei”
17. L’Arc~en~Ciel – “CHASE”
18. Mizumori Kaori – “Shounai Heiya Kazeno Naka”
19. Mori Shinichi – “Minato Machi Blues”
20. Shiina Ringo – “Carnation – Akagumi nara Dare Demo”
Red/White Duet: Natsukawa Rimi & Akikawa Masafumi – “Asu to Iu Hi ga”

[Second Half]
21. KARA – “KARA 2011 Special Medley”
22. Tokunaga Hideaki – “Jidai”
23. Perfume – “Laser Beam”
24. TOKIO – “Miageta Ryusei”
25. Shoujo Jidai – “GENIE”
26. Gou Hiromi – “Go Smile Japan”
27. aiko – “Koi no Superball”
28. Yuzu – “Hey Wa”
29. Koda Kumi – “Ai wo Tomenaide”
30. Tohoshinki – “Why? (Keep Your Head Down)”
31. Hirahara Ayaka – “Ohisama ~Taisetsu na Anata e”
32. Sen Masao – “Kita Guni no Haru”
33. Kobayashi Sachiko – “Onna no Sakaba”
34. Nishida Toshiyuki – “Ano Machi ni Umarete”
35. ayaka – “Minna Sora no Shita”
36. Nagabuchi Tsuyoshi – “Hitotsu”
37. Wada Akiko – “Ano Kane wo Narasu no wa Anata”
38. Arashi – “2011 Kohaku Special Medley”
39. Ikimonogakari – “Aruite Ikou”
40. Itsuki Hiroshi – “Furusato”
41. Matsuda Seiko & Kanda Sayaka – “Ue wo Muite Arukou”
42. Hikawa Kiyoshi – “Jounetsu no Mariachi”
43. Sakamoto Fuyumi – “Yozakura Oshichi”
44. Fukuyama Masaharu – “Kazoku ni Narou yo”
45. Matsutouya Yumi – “(Minna no) Haru yo, Koi”
46. EXILE – “Rising Sun”
47. Tendou Yoshimi – “Ai Sansan”
48. Kitajima Saburou – “Kaero Kana”
49. Ishikawa Sayuri – “Tsugaru Kaikyo Fuyugeshiki”
50. SMAP – “SMAP AID Kohaku SP”

Looks really awesome! Can't wait to watch it =D

Sashihara Rino to star in a drama for the first time!

It was announced that Sashihara Rino, from AKB48 and sub-unit 'Not Yet', will be starring in a new NTV drama titled 'ミューズの鏡' ("Muse no Kagami') which will be aired confined in the Kanto region.

It would be the first time Sasshi would be starring in a drama and will be playing as a girl who seems to have nothing to recommend her, but after being discovered by an formerly great actor 'Okita Ryu', she starts growing, and awaking as an actress. (tokyohive/natalie)

The drama would start airing on January 14th (every Saturday at 1:55 am ~ 2:10 am).

Hope I am able to watch this drama. Really anticipating to watch Sasshi's acting!

Iwasa Misaki solo debut - '無人駅' ('Mujin Eki')

As posted earlier this month, Iwasa Misaki (Wasamin) would be debuting as a solo enka singer on the 1st of February 2012.

The title was revealed to be '無人駅' ('Mujin Eki') and that there would be a cover of 'ヘビーローテーション' ('Heavy Rotation') in Enka version. The DVD would contain the PV for 'Mujin Eki', the making of the PV, a short movie featuring the history of Wasamin, and a celebratory message from other AKB48 members.

Track lists are yet to be announced.

Limited Edition
1. [CD] 無人駅 [MUJIN EKI]
2. [CD] ヘビーローテーション〈演歌バージョン〉 [HEAVY ROTATION]
3. [CD] 翼をください [TSUBASA WO KUDASAI]
4. [CD] 瀬戸の花嫁 [SETO NO HANAYOME]
5. [CD] 無人駅（カラオケ） [MUJIN EKI (off vocal)]
6. [CD] ヘビーローテーション〈演歌バージョン〉（カラオケ） [HEAVY ROTATION (off vocal)]
7. [CD] 翼をください（カラオケ） [TSUBASA WO KUDASAI (off vocal)]
8. [CD] 瀬戸の花嫁（カラオケ） [SETO NO HANAYOME (off vocal)]
9. [DVD] 「無人駅」MUSIC VIDEO [MUJIN EKI music video]
10. [DVD] 岩佐美咲HISTORY MOVIE [IWASA MISAKI HISTORY MOVIE]
11. [DVD] 無人駅MAKING VIDEO [MUJIN EKI music video making]
12. [DVD] 岩佐美咲CDデビューお祝いコメント from AKB48 [IWASA MISAKI CD DEBUT OIWAI COMMENT FROM AKB48]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Regular Edition
1. 無人駅 [MUJIN EKI]
2. 帰郷〈岩佐美咲バージョン〉 [KIKYOU]
3. 瀬戸の花嫁 [SETO NO HANAYOME]
4. 無人駅（カラオケ）
5. 帰郷〈岩佐美咲バージョン〉（カラオケ）
6. 瀬戸の花嫁（カラオケ）
CDJapan
HMV Online

Photos from natalie

UPDATE (17th January 2012):
Track lists and covers released

Watanabe Mayu to make a solo debut in February

It was announced that Mayuyu (Watanabe Mayu) would be making her solo debut on 29th of February 2012 with the single, 'シンクロときめき' ('Synchro Tokimeki'). She would be the fourth AKB48 member to debut as a solo singer after Itano Tomomi, Maeda Atsuko, and Iwasa Misaki.

Her solo debut song would be used as the theme song for a new drama on TV Tokyo (title yet to be released), which Mayuyu would be starring in for the first time. The drama would start airing on the 13th of Jannuary 2012.

From: tokyohive|Sanspo






UPDATE (5th January):

Preview of the drama, 'Saba-dol'

Nogizaka46 to release their debut single

Nogizaka46 was formed back in August, as the official rival group of AKB48, by Akimoto Yasushi - the very creator of AKB48. The group would soon be releasing their very own debut single on the 22nd of February 2012.

More details are yet to be announced.

The Senbatsu members for the debut single was announced on the Nogizaka46 TV show, 'Nogizakatte, Doko?'

Senbatsu Members
Ikuta Erika
Ikoma Rina
Ichiki Rena
Inoue Sayuri
Kawamura Mahiro
Saito Asuka
Saito Yuri
Sakurai Reika
Shiraishi Mai
Takayama Kazumi
Nakada Kana
Nishino Nanase
Noujo Ami
Hashimoto Nanami
Hoshino Minami
Matsumura Sayuri

'七福神' (Top7 front girls; equivalent to AKB48's Kami7)
Ikuta Erika
Ikoma Rina
Shiraishi Mai
Takayama Kazumi
Hashimoto Nanami
Hoshino Minami
Matsumura Sayuri

[Nogizaka46 Official Website]

Type A (CD + DVD)
1. [Disc 1] ぐるぐるカーテン [Guru Guru Curtain]
2. [Disc 1] 左胸の勇気 [Hidari Mune no Yuuki]
3. [Disc 1] 乃木坂の詩 [Nogizaka no Shi]
4. [Disc 1] ぐるぐるカーテン (off vocal ver.)
5. [Disc 1] 左胸の勇気 (off vocal ver.)
6. [Disc 1] 乃木坂の詩 (off vocal ver.)
7. [Disc 2] ぐるぐるカーテン (music video) [Guru Guru Curtain music video]
8. [Disc 2] 乃木坂の詩 (music video) [Nogizaka no Shi music video]
9. [Disc 2] 生駒里奈×堤幸彦 [Ikoma Rina×Tsutsumi Yukihiko]
10. [Disc 2] 伊藤寧々×カツヲ [Ito Nene×Katsuwo]
11. [Disc 2] 井上小百合×朝日恵里 [Inoue Sayuri×Asahi Eri]
12. [Disc 2] 岩瀬佑美子×熊坂出 [Iwase Yumiko×Kumasaka Izuru]
13. [Disc 2] 高山一実×市井昌秀 [Takayama Kazumi×Ichii Masahide]
14. [Disc 2] 中元日芽香×山本ワタル [Nakamoto Himeka×Yamamoto Wataru]
15. [Disc 2] 永島聖羅×張間純一 [Nagashima Seira×Harima Junichi]
16. [Disc 2] 畠中清羅×石井貴英 [Hatanaka Seira×Ishii Takahide]
17. [Disc 2] 宮澤成良×木村ひさし [Miyazawa Seira×Kimura Hisashi]
18. [Disc 2] 大和里菜×佐藤徹也 [Yamato Rina×Sato Tetsuya]
19. [Disc 2] 和田まあや×藤原知之 [Wada Maaya×Fujiwara Tomoyuki]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type B (CD + DVD)
1. [Disc 1] ぐるぐるカーテン [Guru Guru Curtain]
2. [Disc 1] 左胸の勇気 [Hidari Mune no Yuuki]
3. [Disc 1] 会いたかったかもしれない [Aitakatta Kamo Shirenai]
4. [Disc 1] ぐるぐるカーテン (off vocal ver.)
5. [Disc 1] 左胸の勇気 (off vocal ver.)
6. [Disc 1] 会いたかったかもしれない (off vocal ver.)
7. [Disc 2] ぐるぐるカーテン (music video) [Guru Guru Curtain music video]
8. [Disc 2] 会いたかったかもしれない (music video) [Aitakatta Kamo Shirenai music video]
9. [Disc 2] 会いたかったかもしれない (original cut ver.) (music video)
10. [Disc 2] 衛藤美彩×近藤啓二 [Eto Misa×Kondo Keiji]
11. [Disc 2] 柏幸奈×長部洋平 [Kashiwa Yukina×Osabe Youhei]
12. [Disc 2] 川後陽菜×山田篤宏 [Kawago Hina×Yamada Atsuhiro]
13. [Disc 2] 川村真洋×岡川太郎 [Kawamura Mahiro×Okagawa Taro]
14. [Disc 2] 齋藤飛鳥×フラッシュハリー [Saito Asuka×Flash Harry]
15. [Disc 2] 斎藤ちはる×榮良太 [Saito Chiharu×Sakae Ryota]
16. [Disc 2] 西野七瀬×大来優、鳥巣智行 [Nishino Nanase×Orai Yu, Torisu Tomoyuki]
17. [Disc 2] 橋本奈々未×三木聡 [Hashimoto Nanami×Miki Satoshi]
18. [Disc 2] 深川麻衣×中村太洸 [Fukagawa Mai×Nakamura Taiko]
19. [Disc 2] 松村沙友理×萩原健太郎 [Matsumura Sayuri×Hagihara Kentaro]
20. [Disc 2] 若月佑美×金森孝宏 [Wakatsuki Yumi×Kanamori Takahiro]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type C (CD + DVD)
1. [Disc 1] ぐるぐるカーテン [Guru Guru Curtain]
2. [Disc 1] 左胸の勇気 [Hidari Mune no Yuuki]
3. [Disc 1] 失いたくないから [Ushinaitaku Nai Kara]
4. [Disc 1] ぐるぐるカーテン (off vocal ver.)
5. [Disc 1] 左胸の勇気 (off vocal ver.)
6. [Disc 1] 失いたくないから (off vocal ver.)
7. [Disc 2] ぐるぐるカーテン (music video) [Guru Guru Curtain music video]
8. [Disc 2] 失いたくないから (music video) [Ushinaitaku Nai Kara music video]
9. [Disc 2] 安藤美雲×亀山公亮、畔柳一典 [Ando Mikumo×Kameyama Kouryo, Kuroyanagi Kazunori]
10. [Disc 2] 生田絵梨花×平川雄一朗 [Ikuta Erika×Hirakawa Yuichiro]
11. [Disc 2] 市來玲奈×白石達也 [Ichiki Rena×Shiraishi Tatsuya]
12. [Disc 2] 伊藤万理華×柳沢翔 [Ito Marika×Yanagisawa Sho]
13. [Disc 2] 斉藤優里×内田伸哉 [Saito Yuuri×Uchida Shinya]
14. [Disc 2] 桜井玲香×森田一平 [Sakurai Reika×Morita Ippei]
15. [Disc 2] 白石麻衣×奈良裕也 [Sakurai Reika×Morita Ippei]
16. [Disc 2] 中田花奈×高松明子 [Nakada Kana×Takamatsu Akiko]
17. [Disc 2] 能條愛未×佐藤大輔 [Noujou Aimi×Sato Daisuke]
18. [Disc 2] 樋口日奈×高橋洋人 [Higuchi Hina×Takahashi Hiroto]
19. [Disc 2] 星野みなみ×青山裕企 [Hoshino Minami×Aoyama Yuki]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Regular (CD only)
1. ぐるぐるカーテン [Guru Guru Curtain]
2. 左胸の勇気 [Hidari Mune no Yuuki]
3. 白い雲にのって [Shiroi Kumo ni Notte]
4. ぐるぐるカーテン (off vocal ver.)
5. 左胸の勇気 (off vocal ver.)
6. 白い雲にのって (off vocal ver.)
CDJapan
HMV Online

UPDATE (11th January):
Senbatsu members released.

UPDATE (2nd February):
Track lists and covers released

AKB48 monopolized Oricon's top 5 ranking of Yearly Singles for 2011

Blogged previously, AKB48's 24th single, '上からマリコ' ('Ue kara Mariko'), sold a total of 1,199,000 copies and topped many charts. It was recently announced on Oricon even more records that AKB48 made and broke!

From Oricon/tokyohive,

Oricon revealed that idol group AKB48 monopolized the TOP 5 of yearly single ranking for 2011. AKB48’s total sales for CDs, DVDs and Blu-Rays during 2011 reached 8,911,000 copies, and for the first time since they debuted 6 years ago, AKB48 received the “Total sales by artist” honor which is given to the artist who has the most total annual sales during the year which for them was 16,280,000,000 yen. Moreover, they topped 7 out of 16 categories in “The 44th Yearly Ranking 2011” proving that 2011 was the year for AKB48.
AKB48 released 5 singles this year, and all 5 sold over a million copies. Though three groups; Pink Lady in 1978, Hikaru GENJI in 1988, and Arashi in 2009, have monopolized TOP3 of Oricon’s yearly single ranking in the past, this is the first time for any artist to monopolize the TOP5. Selling over a million copies for 5 singles in one year is also a new record broken by AKB48 for the first time in 16 years when B’z and Mr. Children made the record with 4 singles in 1995.
Team A Captain, Takahashi Minami, who was present to receive a trophy for the “Total sales by artist”, commented surprisingly at the records they made, “Thank you for letting us have this wonderful prize. This makes me feel that we are accepted by people for a little bit, and also makes me really happy“.
Oshima Yuko also said, “It was a big surprise. When AKB48 started 6 years ago, it was like ‘the future is a closed book’ for us, and I never expected that AKB48 would be able to become the group to make these records. I’m honored“. Shinoda Mariko also stated that she wants to aim for more next year.
Below are the 7 categories in “The 44th Yearly Ranking 2011″ topped by AKB48:

• “Total sales, by artist” – 16,280,000,000 yen (*new record for a female group)

• “Number of copies sold for singles, by work” – “Flying Get” 1,587,000 copies (*new record for a female group)

• “Sum of sales for singles, by work” – “Everyday, Kachuusha” 2,150,000,000 yen

• “Sum of sales for singles, by artist” – 9,590,000,000 yen

• “Number of copies sold for music blu-ray discs (BDs), by work” – “AKB ga Ippai” 148,000 copies

• “Sum of sales for music BDs, by work” – “AKB ga Ippai” 1,010,000,000 yen

• “Sum of sales for music BDs, by artist” – 1,010,000,000 yen

<2011 Oricon Yearly ranking TOP 50 : Singles>
01 – “Flying Get” – AKB48 : (1,587,229)
02 – “Everyday, Kachuusha” – AKB48 : (1,586,840)
03 – “Kaze wa Fuiteiru” – AKB48 : (1,418,888)
04 – “Ue Kara Mariko” – AKB48 : (1,198,864)
05 – “Sakura no Ki ni Narou” – AKB48 : (1,079,460)
06 – “Lotus” – Arashi : (625,935)
07 – “Meikyu Love Song” – Arashi : (614,131)
08 – “Maru-Maru-Mori -Mori” – Kaoru to Tomoki, Tama ni Mook. : (498,920)
09 – “Pareo wa Emerald” – SKE48 : (466,037)
10 – “Everybody Go” – Kis-My-Ft2 : (441,680)
11 – “Okie Dokie” – SKE48 : (434,307)
12 – “Let’s try again” – Team Amuse!! : (312,666)
13 – “Oh My God!” – NMB48 : (309,846)
14 – “Rising Sun/Itsuka Kitto…” – EXILE/EXILE ATSUSHI : (305,001)
15 – “OVER” – Hey! Say! JUMP : (297,781)
16 – “Why?(Keep Your Head Down)” – Tohoshinki : (285,051)
17 – “Banzai Venus” – SKE48 : (274,973)
18 – “Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shoujo” – NMB48 : (263,187)
19 – “T.W.L/Yellow Pansy Street” – Kanjani8 : (257,932)
20 – “Kazoku ni Narou Yo/fighting pose” – Fukuyama Masaharu : (255,572)
21 – “Magic Power” – Hey! Say! JUMP : (254,171)
22 – “Shuumatsu Not yet” – Not yet : (246,129)
23 – “Eternal” – Akanishi Jin : (241,630)
24 – “Zero” – BUMP OF CHICKEN : (238,656)
25 – “GO GO Summer!” – KARA : (230,082)
26 – “Jet Coaster Lover” – KARA : (225,175)
27 – “Dear J” – Itano Tomomi : (216,781)
28 – “Don’t Wanna Lie” – B’z : (216,239)
29 – “Let me cry” – Jang Geun Suk : (215,714)
30 – “Sexy Zone” – Sexy Zone : (211,908)
31 – “ULTIMATE WHEELS” – KAT-TUN : (210,749)
32 – “BIRTH” – KAT-TUN : (209,871)
33 – “Flower” – Maeda Atsuko : (209,781)
34 – “Naminori Kakigoori” – Not yet : (205,645)
35 – “Pera Pera Perao” – Not yet : (196,660)
36 – “My Home” – Kanjani8 : (190,942)
37 – “Greatest The Hits 2011~2011″ – Maximum the Hormone : (189,659)
38 – “‘Arigatou’~Sekai no Doko ni Itemo~” – Hey! Say! JUMP : (188,555)
39 – “Tsubasa Ni Koi” – Kanjani8 : (186,571)
40 – “365 Nichi Kazoku” – Kanjani8 : (185,395)
41 – “Superstar” – Tohoshinki : (184,317)
42 – “Ano Ko to Nogiku to Watashibune” – Hikawa Kiyoshi : (183,300)
43 – “RUN FOR YOU” – KAT-TUN : (179,296)
44 – “Sayonara Kizu Darake no Hibi yo” – B’z : (177,180)
45 – “WHITE” – KAT-TUN : (174,332)
46 – “MR.TAXI/Run Devil Run” – Shoujo Jidai : (172,205)
47 – “Time” – KinKi Kids : (171,068)
48 – “Yume Tamago” – NYC : (151,056)
49 – “Saisho no Mail” – French Kiss : (145,163)
50 – “Anata e/Ooo Baby” – EXILE/EXILE ATSUSHI : (142,927)

(Oricon/tokyohive)

Congratulations to AKB48 again!! 2011 is indeed the year for AKB48!

AKB48 breaks record again with '上からマリコ' ('Ue kara Mariko')

AKB48's 24th Single, '上からマリコ' ('Ue kara Mariko'), sold a total of 1,199,000 copies in the first week, thus became the highest selling single for the week of 19th December and the 5th highest selling single in its first week till date. Furthermore, AKB48 became the first artists ever to sell four consecutive “First Week Million” singles. What's more, all five of their singles this year have sold one million copies.

From Oricon/tokyohive,

• AKB48 has surpassed Pink Lady, Amuro Namie, Hamasaki Ayumi, and Utada Hikaru to become the top female artists with the most million selling singles.
• The group is currently tied with Morning Musume for having the most number one singles for a female group; which is 11.
• AKB48 is currently tied with GLAY with 5 consecutive million selling singles. GLAY has held the record since February 22, 1999, with their single “Winter, again”; that’s 12 years and 10 months.

[Highest First Week Sales]

1. AKB48 “Flying Get” (August 24, 2011) – 1,354,000 copies

2. AKB48 “Everyday, Kachuusha” (May 25, 2011) – 1,334,000 copies

3. AKB48 “Kaze wa Fuiteiru” (October 26, 2011) – 1,300,000 copies

4. Mr. Children “Na mo Naki Uta” (February 5, 1996) – 1,208,000 copies

5. AKB48 “Ue Kara MARIKO” (December 7, 2011) – 1,199,000 copies


[Female Artists With A Million Singles Sold]

1. 6 singles – AKB48 “Ue Kara MARKO (December 19, 2011)

2. 5 singles – Pink Lady “Monster” (September 4, 1978)

2. 5 singles – Amuro Namie “CAN YOU CELEBRATE?” (March 10, 1997)

2. 5 singles – Utada Hikaru “Can You Keep A Secret?” (March 5, 2001)

2. 5 singles – Hamasaki Ayumi “H (independent, July 1st, HANABI)” (November 25, 2002)

Congratulations AKB48!! ☆*:.｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆

Documentary of AKB48 Show must go on

It was announced that AKB48 would be releasing a sequel to their previous documentary movie, 'Documentary of AKB48 to be continued', title as 'Documentary of AKB48 Show must go on 少女たちは傷つきながら、夢を見る'.

'Documentary of AKB48 to be continued' focused on the group from late 2009 (during the mass reshuffle of the members, where many members were forced to switch teams) to the end of 2010, when soaring sales records and increased exposure made them a national phenomenon. Backstage footage, out-and-about roadtrips, and interviews with several of the group's members paint a picture of what goes on behind all the song and dance routines. (AnimeNewsNetwork, 2011)
It was a really tear-jerking and touching movie to watch, and I really enjoyed watching it.

'Documentary of AKB48 Show must go on 少女たちは傷つきながら、夢を見る' would be focusing on their hardships and successes through 2011. And again behind-the-scenes/backstage footages, illnesses, concerts, AKB48 Senbatsu Elections. The Great Tohoku Earthquake relief effort by AKB48 would be also featured in the movie. It would be aired in theaters in Japan on the 27th of January next year.

Am totally looking forward to it!

UPDATE (27th December):

262 foot wide wide poster for AKB48’s new documentary placed in Shinjuku

(from Oricon)

UPDATE (5th January):
It was just announced that NHK will be broadcasting their own documentary on the AKB48 on 23rd January titled, “DOCUMENTARY of AKB48+1“, at 24:15 JST. It is different from the documentary movie, 'Documentary of AKB48 Show must go on 少女たちは傷つきながら、夢を見る'.

UPDATE (18th January):
It was revealed that their regular performances in Singapore would be featured in the documentary movie.
Their new song 'First Rabbit' would be used as the ending theme.

AKB48 6th Anniversary Celebration at AKB48 Theater

公演オープニングで「上からマリコ」をパフォーマンスするAKB48じゃんけん選抜メンバー。 (C)AKS  

AKB48 celebrated their 6th Anniversary on the 8th of December, the date that they debuted 6 years ago, at their very own theater in Akihabara, Tokyo. Once again Happy 6th Anniversary AKB48! お誕生日おめでとう~! (Happy Birthday!)
At the celebration, all members of AKB48 [Team A, B, K and Kenkyuusei (trainees)] performed on the stage, including the newly formed 13th Generation Kenkyuusei.

Here are the comments from three of the members on their blog (translated - from tokyohive):

[1st generation member, Team A] Maeda Atsuko wrote about her hopes for their 7th year, “We’ve really increased our number of members, so we’ve become a big family now (*^^*)” “I’ll do my best to work carefully so we can stand here and advance (into our 7th year). Please look after AKB48 in our 7th year as well ♪♪”

Oshima Yuko, 2nd generation member (later known as Team K) who debuted in April 2006, declared, “I was able to see our 10th anniversary that’s felt so far away. I never imagined I would feel this… Again, I want to brace myself and work hard to build up AKB!!!!!! We still have more to go~”.

3rd generation member (later known as Team B) Kashiwagi Yuki commented, “Starting with the fans, I will never forget my gratitude to all of you for supporting AKB!! I hope we can swiftly run into our 7th year.”

[My post on AKB48 6th Anniversary - My 3rd Anniversary]

More photos below,

JKT48 released a CM for 'Pocari Sweat' with 'Heavy Rotation'

Formed recently, JKT48 released a CM for 'Pocari Sweat' where they performed 'Heavy Rotation'.

The looks of the girls totally turned up to be so much better than my expectations! The thing that I feel they need to work on is the singing. Don't really feel that it's up to standard. I also felt that the tone is kind of near the lower side.. well, that can be worked on though.

There are also rumors of the release of their first PV is rather soon. Would be anticipating how would it be like.

AKB48 6th Anniversary - My 3rd Anniversary

Debuted in 8th December 2005, AKB48 started out with 20 first generation memebers, which are later known as Team A. After 6 years of journey, AKB48 have grown to become a very popular idol group in Japan and also spreading around the world at a really fast pace. Currently it consists of more than 48 members with 16 members in each of Team A, K and B, and 11 members in Team 4. Not to forget, 33 Kenkyuusei members (Research Students/Trainees), excluding Eguchi Aimi - the virtual idol made in collaboration with Glico's 'アイスの実' CM.

I shall not talk too much into the history, which I already posted on a page of this blog, and go straight to my reflection on my three years of AKB48 fandom. Thus, can be considered 3rd Anniversary for me.

NMB48 3rd Single - '純情U-19' ('Junjou U-19')

'純情U-19' performed in HEY!x3 Christmas Special on 19th December

NMB48 would be releasing their 3rd single on the 8th of February 2012, titled '純情U-19' ('Junjou U-19'). Senbatsu members and Shirogumi & Akagumi members are released while more details are yet to be released.

Type A (CD + DVD)
1. [CD] 純情U-19 [Junjou U-19]
2. [CD] 場当たりGO!/ アンダーガールズ [Baatari Go!/Undergirls]
3. [CD] 努力の雫/ 白組 [Doryoku no Shizuku/ Shirogumi]
4. [CD] 純情U-19 off vocal ver.
5. [CD] 場当たりGO! Off vocal ver.
6. [CD] 努力の雫 Off vocal ver.
7. [DVD] 純情U-19（ミュージックビデオ） [Junjou U-19 music video]
8. [DVD] 努力の雫/白組（ミュージックビデオ） [Doryoku no Shizuku/ Shirogumi music video]
9. [DVD] 純情U-19（ミュージックビデオ　ダンシングバージョン）[Junjou U-19 music video Dance Ver.]
10. [DVD] 第1回NMB48紅白対抗料理対決（予選）[NMB48’s First White vs Red Cook-Off (Preliminaries)]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type B (CD + DVD)
1. [CD] 純情U-19 [Junjou U-19]
2. [CD] 場当たりGO!/ アンダーガールズ [Baatari Go!/Undergirls]
3. [CD] 右へ曲がれ/ 紅組 [Migi e Magare/Akagumi]
4. [CD] 純情U-19 off vocal ver.
5. [CD] 場当たりGO! off vocal ver.
6. [CD] 右へ曲がれ off vocal ver.
7. [DVD] 純情U-19（ミュージックビデオ） [Junjou U-19 music video]
8. [DVD] 右へ曲がれ/紅組（ミュージックビデオ） [Migi e Magare/Akagumi music video]
9. [DVD] 純情U-19 （ミュージックビデオ　ダンシングバージョン） [Junjou U-19 music video Dance ver.]
10. [DVD] 第1回NMB48紅白対抗料理対決（決勝） [NMB48’s First White vs Red Cook-Off (Finals)]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type C (CD + DVD)
1. [CD] 純情U-19 [Junjou U-19]
2. [CD] 場当たりGO!/ アンダーガールズ [Baatari Go!/Undergirls]
3. [CD] 恋愛のスピード/ NMBセブン [Renai no Speed/NMB Seven]
4. [CD] 純情U-19 off vocal ver.
5. [CD] 場当たりGO! Off vocal ver.
6. [CD] 恋愛のスピード off vocal ver.
7. [DVD] 純情U-19（ミュージックビデオ） [Junjou U-19 music video]
8. [DVD] 純情U-19 （ミュージックビデオ　ダンシングバージョン） [Junjou U-19 music video Dance ver.]
9. [DVD] NMB48 feat.吉本新喜劇 Vol.2 [NMB feat. Yoshimoto New Comedy Troupe Ver.2]
10. [DVD] 純情U-19メイキング [Junjou U-19 making]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Theater Version (CD only)
1. [CD] 純情U-19 [Junjou U-19]
2. [CD] 努力の雫/ 白組 [Doryoku no Shizuku/ Shirogumi]
3. [CD] 右へ曲がれ/ 紅組 [Migi e Magare/Akagumi]
4. [CD] ジャングルジム/山本彩 [Jungle Gym/Yamamoto Sayaka]
5. [CD] 純情U-19 off vocal ver.
6. [CD] 努力の雫/ 白組 off vocal ver.
7. [CD] 右へ曲がれ/ 紅組 off vocal ver.
8. [CD] ジャングルジム/山本彩 off vocal ver.

Senbatsu Members:
Team N - Ogasawara Mayu, Kadowaki Kanako, Kishino Rika, Kinoshita Haruna, Kotani Riho, Kondo Rina, Jonishi Kei, Shiroma Miru, Fukumoto Aina, Yamada Nana, Yamamoto Sayaka, and Watanabe Miyuki
1st Generation Research Student - Kinoshita Momoka
2nd Generation Research Student - Jo Eriko, Yagura Fuko, and Yogi Keira

Shirogumi
Yamamoto Sayaka, Yamada Nana, Ogasawara Mayu, Jo Eriko, Kadowaki Kanako, Kinoshita Haruna, Yogi Keira, Kishino Rika, Kodakari Yuka, Shinohara Kanna, Yamagishi Natsumi, and Okita Ayaka.

Akagumi:
Watanabe Miyuki, Fukumoto Aina, Jonishi Kei, Shiroma Miru, Kondo Rina, Kotani Riho, Kinoshita Momoka, Yagura Fuko, Hikawa Ayame, Yamaguchi Yuki, Murakami Ayaka, and Tanigawa Airi.

UPDATE (3rd January):
Part of tracklists and covers revealed

UPDATE (15th January):
Yamamoto Sayaka to make her first 'solo' debut' with a solo song 'Jungle Gym' in the Theater version of the single.

UPDATE (14th February):
'Junjou U-19' sold 329,000 copies in its first week and also topped the Oricon Single Ranking for the week of February 20th.
This would be their third single topping the Oricon chart in the first week.
This made them the first female artists to top the Oricon's chart with three consecutive singles, since debut.
They are also the first to sell more than 200,000 copies in the first week for three consecutive singles, since debut.
Congratulations NMB48!!

From tokyohive/Oricon

New skin for a new phone!

Got my new phone, Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, not long ago and I decided to make a skin for it.

Able to tell where this image is from? =3

AKB48 to hold their own 'Kohaku Uta Gassen'

It was announced on AKB48's official blog yesterday that they would be holding their very own '紅白歌合戦' ('Kohaku Uta Gassen') - a singing competition between Red and White Teams.

AKB48 would be participating and supporting NHK’s 62nd 'Kohaku Uta Gassen', which would take place on the last day of 2011, but before that, they would be having their own 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' where members are separated into Red and White Teams. It would be held on the 20th of December at Tokyo Dome City Hall.

UPDATE (15th December):
Viewers nationwide and overseas (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, and Singapore) would be able to vote to decided which would be the winning team.

Red Team
Captain: Takahashi Minami
Iwasa Misaki, Otsuka Shizuka, Kuramochi Asuka, Kojima Haruna, Shinoda Mariko, Takajo Aki, Nakagawa Haruka, Nakata Chisato, Nakaya Sayaka, Maeda Atsuko, Maeda Ami, Matsubara Natsumi, Akimoto Sayaka, Uchida Mayumi, Umeda Ayaka, Tanabe Miku, Nakatsuka Tomomi, Nito Moeno, Fujie Reina, Miyazawa Sae, Yonezawa Rumi, Ishida Haruka, Kasai Tomomi, Kitahara Rie, Kobayashi Kana, Komori Mika, Sato Sumire, Sato Natsuki, Suzuki Mariya, Chikano Rina, Hirajima Natsumi, Masuda Yuka, Abe Maria, Izuta Rina, Iriyama Anna, Kato Rena, Nagao Mariya, Fujita Nana, Kojima Natsuki, Natori Wakana, Morikawa Ayaka, Omori Miyu, Sasaki Yukari, 16 members of NMB48

White Team
Captain: Oshima Yuko
Oota Aika, Katayama Haruka, Sashihara Rino, Itano Tomomi, Kikuchi Ayaka, Nonaka Misato, Matsui Sakiko, Minegishi Minami, Yokoyama Yui, Kashiwagi Yuki, Sato Amina, Suzuki Shihori, Miyazaki Miho, Watanabe Mayu, Ichikawa Miori, Kobayashi Marina, Shimazaki Haruka, Shimada Haruka, Takeuchi Miyu, Nakamata Shiori, Nakamura Mariko, Yamauchi Suzuran, Kawaei Rina, Iwata Karen, Saeed Yokota Erena, Suzuki Rika, Takahashi Juri, Tano Yuka, Hirata Rina, Muto Tomu, 13th Generation Research Students, 16 members of SKE48, 16 members of HKT48

What's more, Golden Village Vivocity would be having a simulcasting of the AKB48's 'Kohaku Uta Gassen'!
Details from AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook Page

Date: 20 December 2011
Time: 5pm
Venue: GV Vivocity Hall 2 and 11
Ticket prices: $40 (GV Movie Club Members), $45 (Public)
Tickets can be purchased from Golden Village Box Offices and the Golden Village website at www.gv.com.sg.

[Golden Village - Akb48 Kohaku Utagattsen 'Live' Show]

UPDATE (20th December):
AKB48's 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' would be aired live on their Youtube channel unlisted and Google+.

UPDATE (20th December):
White Team, led by Oshima Yuko won!

UPDATE (21st December):
Photos from Sanspo

Iwasa Misaki from AKB48 to debut as an Enka singer

Ever since Wasamin's (Iwasa Misaki) transfer to Nagara Productions from OgiPro in April, which houses many veteran Enka singers, I already felt that Wasamin's dream of becoming an Enka singer would very soon be fulfilled. In AKB48, she often performed Enka songs at AKB48’s events.

Announced yesterday, Wasamin would be making her solo debut as an Enka singer under Tokuma Japan Communications. This makes her the third in AKB48 to make a solo debut, after Itano Tomomi and Maeda Atsuko, and the first to debut as an Enka singer.

Wasamin is scheduled to debut on 1st of February 2012.

Wasamin commentedm, "I was surprised but very happy, as it’s been my dream to make a solo debut as a singer since I was little. It’s all thanks to the people who are always supporting me. I will continue trying my best as Iwasa Misaki with the mindset of standing on a new start line."

Source: Mantan Web|tokyohive

Sending off Riichan at Changi Airport

One might ask, 'Riichan? How about the other NMB48 members?'. Well, partly due to my careless mind and partly I wasn't able to camp over night at the airport as I have a test today.

I did took the first train this time but I was given bad news from fellow fans that the NMB48 members have left. They said that when they came over to Changi Airport Terminal 2 at around after 12am, there was a Japanese fan there who told them about half of the NMB48 members, including Sayanee, have already entered the check-point. And that the very moment that I arrived at Terminal 2, slightly before 7am, the remaining NMB48 members, probably including Maachun, are already entering the check-point at Terminal 3. They were simply waiting for a miracle to happen, what ever miracle it can be, thus waiting at Terminal 2 till now. I decided to wait too since it would be still too early if i go to school now and I also feel like trying my luck.

Amazingly, a miracle did happen! Riichan appeared! I was really surprised as I didn't expect any NMB48 members left behind as there's already two batches of flights (1am+ flight and 7am+ flight, which I missed). She was so called totally the miracle to us who missed the first two batches and we greeted Riichan warmly while sending her off. She looked really tired and did not really interact with us much. Understandable though, since they are only able to sleep a little after the tiring concert.

It was slowly did I realize Sayanee and the other NMB48 members are attending school today, thus need to return to Japan as soon as possible after the concert. Should have realized this earlier. It won't change anything actually though since I can't camp over-night. It must be really hard on the NMB48 members. Hope they are okay! (> <) 頑張って!!

My post on the NMB48 concert yesterday here.

AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.10: 'NMB48 1ST STAGE' (Team N)

Was super excited and was anticipating for NMB48 Team N's first stage in Singapore A LOT. Sadly, the very next day is the start of my Mid-semester Tests, thus even though I came up with a excuse to come out of house today, I couldn't come up with a 'valid' excuse to stay over night yesterday at the airport to welcome the NMB48 members when they arrive.

Bought the the ticket for the second time slot from the store when sales start and got ticket for the first time slot from a friend few minutes before the concert start. Was really sad as I initially wanted to buy the concert t-shirt but when I arrived, it was already all sold out. Should have went down to get it yesterday!

The concert was totally awesome and my attention was mostly placed on Sayanee (Yamamoto Sayaka), followed by Maachun (Ogasawara Mayu). They are my top two favourites in NMB48 and Sayanee is my oshimen (top favourite).
The setlist of the concert is as listed below,

-overture-
Seishun Girls (青春ガールズ)
Beach Sandal (ビーチサンダル)
Kimi ga Hoshi ni Naru made (君が星になるまで)
-MC1: Introductions-
Blue rose (Fukumoto Aina, Yamamoto Sayaka, Ogasawara Mayu, Kishino Rika)
Kinjirareta Futari (禁じられた2人) (Yamada Nana, Yoshida Akari)
Ame no Dobutsuen (雨の動物園) (Watanabe Miyuki, Kondo Rina, Mori Ayaka, Shiroma Miru, Jonishi Kei, Kadowaki Kanako, Kinoshita Haruna)
-MC2-
Fushidara na Natsu (ふしだらな夏) (Ogasawara Mayu, Jonishi Kei, Kinoshita Haruna, Fukumoto Aina, Yamada Nana, Yamamoto Sayaka, Watanabe Miyuki, Yoshida Akari)
Don't disturb!
Virgin love
Hizukehenkousen (日付変更線)
-MC3-
Boku no Uchiage Hanabi (僕の打ち上げ花火)
-Encore-
Yakusoku yo (約束よ)
Korogaru Ishi ni Nare (転がる石になれ)
Cinderella wa Damasarenai (シンデレラは騙されない) (Was in the original N2 set list but not in today's set list)
*Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shōjo (絶滅黒髪少女)
*Oh My God! (オーマイガー!)
*AKB48 Medley (Beginner, Chance no Junban, Ponytail to Shushu, Heavy Rotation)
*Everyday, Kachuusha (Everyday、カチューシャ)

I got really crazy, jumping and waving my light sticks (and also my D-I-Y supposedly-ultra-bright yellow LED light sticks) for almost the whole of the concert for both time slots. There are just so many songs that I enjoy in the set list!

One of my top favourtie, 'Seishun Girls', totally made an awesome kick-start. 'Blue Rose', right after the introductions, was the song I have been anticipating the most as not only does it sound really good, the performance in general totally ROCKS!! To add on, it was performed my two most favourite NMB48 member, Sayanee and Maachun, with two more NMB48 members that I also love a lot, Ainyan (Fukumoto Aina) and Rikanyan (Kishino Rika).

The very next song 'Kinjirareta Futari' was also one of my favourite as it's very melodic and frankly speaking it was also because Yukirin (Kashiwagi Yuki) was one of the singer of the song in AKB48 Team B's first stage in Japan.
'Virgin Love' and 'Boku no Uchiage Hanabi' were also my favourites in the set list.

With so much epicness before the encore, a lot of energy was already drained but it was really just appetizers. The encore was the real deal! Almost everyone lost ourselves and I was forcing out what ever energy that I still have. By the way, this was not all as about two and a half hours time later (6pm), I had a round two! My hands and in fact almost my whole body are still aching even till now. I totally did not give a thought about my tomorrow's test to be honest. Oops!

The handshake session was really unforgettable too, for both sessions (2pm & 6pm concerts). At the first session, I confessed my love to Sayanee.. I mean told her that she is my most favourite member in NMB48 and want to be her top fan. She got very delighted and thanked me very sincerely while holding to my hand even more tighter. (´∀｀)♡
When I reached Maachun, before saying 'ありがとうございます' (Thank you), I added in 'あああ! まーちゅん!!' with so much passion that made her though that she is my oshimen (most favourite) and like Sayanee, became super delighted and held on to my hand tightly. Uh ohh... Never mind! She's my second favourite so it's okay (^ ^") It became more obvious that she thought I oshi her during the 6pm concert's handshake session, where just right after I let go of the hands of the member before Maachun, even before I turn to face her, she grabbed my hands and shook so sincerely, thanking me even before I opened my mouth! Σ(゜゜)
In general, the whole handshake session was really good and most of the members were referring to and commenting about the t-shirt I was wearing. (I wore a 'for Japan' tee by 'The Design Society' where proceeds would be donated to the Touhoku earthquake struck areas)

As usual, straight after the handshake session of the 6pm concert, I rushed straight to the back of *SCAPE to get a good spot at the van area.
Sayanee sat at the seat just in front of the seat that I am facing while Maachun sat at the seat just behind and here came the awkward moment..

Initially, I was showing Sayanee a heart made with my hands (can say the same as the moe-moe-kyun one but reaching out to her). She waved to me happily and took photos. Soon after, Maachun spotted me (while I already put my hands down luckily), pointed and waved so happily to me. Well, I gave her a heart made with my hands too and what she did in return totally melted my heart and gave me the final blow, she gave me back a heart made with her hands! Oh dear... o(>_<)o ♡
Shortly after, Sayaka started video recording us fans, while the van moved a bit. I gave Sayanee a heart again and she pointed her camera straight at me right away! I think she even took a photo too before the van started to move off.
Super awkward to have two favourites in a group. While I was giving a heart to one, I was worrying the other would see. This really shows two-timing is not good huh.. hahax!

Ah well, shall rest and wake up early tomorrow to send the NMB48 members off at the airport, with an excuse to my parents that I need to settle some stuff in school before having my test. ('x' )

By the way, I also collected quite a lot of stuff I ordered through my friend,

Three French Kiss 4th Single 'Saisho no Mail' (Types A, B & C) , two Wasamin (Iwasa Misaki) photos, one Rena photo, and the Everyday Kachuusha single (Theater ver) was from another friend.

I opened my 'Saisho no Mail' singles to see what photo cards I get and shockingly, I got Akicha (Takajo Aki) - my kamioshi (most top favourite of all among all the '48' groups) - for all three!! I was like, 'OMG... What are the chances of getting all three my top favourite?!?! This must be fate!' I wanted at least one Yukirin (Kashiwagi Yuki) though as I already have one Akicha and one Mocchi (Kuramochi Asuka). Just happened that a fellow Akicha fan did not get any Akicha and have a Yukirin to trade with one of my Akicha photo card.

Collected many light stick from fellow fans for 'raw materials' for my personal project (･ω ･ )

NHK’s 62nd ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen‘ line-up

'紅白歌合戦' ('Kohaku Uta Gassen') is a year end (31st December) music event in Japan, the largest scale, where female artists compete with male artists in front of a panel of judges.

The artist line-up of NHK's 62nd 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' was released yesterday through live stream on Kohaku’s official website.

紅組 (Red Team - females)
aiko
Ashida Mana
Ayaka
Angela Aki
Ikimonogakari
Ishikawa Sayuri
AKB48
KARA
Kawanaka Miyuki
Kanda Sayaka
Koda Kumi
Godai Natsuko
Kobayashi Sachiko
Sakamoto Fuyumi
Shiina Ringo
Shoujo Jidai
Tendou Yoshimi
Natsukawa Rimi
Nishino Kana
Perfume
Hamasaki Ayumi
Matsuda Seiko
Matsutouya Yumi
Mizuki Nana
Mizumori Kaori
Wada Akiko

白組 (White Team - Male)
Akikawa Masafumi
Arashi
Itski Hiroshi
Inawashirokos
EXILE
NYC
Kitajima Saburou
Gou Hiromi
Suzuki Fuku
SMAP
Sen Masao
Tohoshinki
TOKIO
Tokunaga Hideaki
AAA
Nagabuchi Tsuyoshi
Ishida Toshiyuki
Hikawa Kiyoshi
Hirai Ken
FUNKY MONKEY BABYS
Fukuyama Masaharu
flumpool
Hosokawa Takashi
Porno Graffitti
Mori Shinichi
Yuzu
L’arc~en~Ciel

This time, AKB48 not only would be participating in the event but also be official supporters of the show, where they are featured on the official website doing the count down of number of days to the show.
I love this show a lot. So many favourite singers in a single event performing. Can't wait to watch it!