Welcoming SDN48 members at Changi Airport (Vol.12)

Have been preparing and working on my Yukarin fan board (photo above) while rushing my revisions for my upcoming examinations. Not very easy, seriously. Especially when it's going to be the last ever wave of examinations before I graduate from Polytechnic, while I am having mixed emotions about the coming concert (later today) as this would be SDN48's Last Stage in Singapore before their mass graduation (disbandment) at the end of next month. I actually wanted to also design one more T-shirt for Yukarin but didn't have the time and the spare cash, unfortunately.

The two collage on the board is made up of 200 photos of Yukarin from magazines, photo books, her blog, etc that were taken from my archive. Almost all of the parts on my board are attached by temporary methods so that they can be easily detached and kept, and the board can be rolled up, so as to be more portable - due to it being very big and would be hard to carry.
(Each of the collage is about A4, so you can gauge the size of the board from there)

Managed to complete the board while at a friend's house, a fellow fan of SDN48, and construct the letter that is to be given to Yukarin in English first before heading to the airport by cab yesterday. Wrote out the letter in proper paper in English and Japanese while waiting at the airport, with help on Japanese from a good old friend, who is also a fellow fan.

The letter is then sealed in an envelope which is attached to a small foam board, on which a rose and a lion plushie are attached.

This small board is attached to my big board (at the top of this post) using three small hooks so that I can easily detach and give it to Yukarin.

When the SDN48 member came out of the check-point and were heading to the luggage belts, initially it was really hard to identify who is who as they were wearing masks and there were three who looks like Yukarin. Luckily one of them looked directly at my very-obvious-board and pointed while appearing to be very happy. Was very sure that's my Yukarin ♥
Oh, and I forgot to mention, I was wearing the custom made Yukarin T-shirt I gave her the previous time she came.

When I gave her the small board, she was so happy while thanking me. Had a lot to say to her but well, as usual, I was stuck. Only managed to say 'コンサート頑張って!' ('All the best to the concert!') in the end with her replying '頑張ります!' ('I will do my best!'). Other than that I was just following her all the way to the van. Why am I always so nervous?? TAT

Well, somewhat mission accomplished. Shall have a good rest now and prepare for my first examination tomorrow... no no, later today! Followed by concert afterwards.

SDN48 Final Stage Cafe Event

As usual, a cafe event would be accompanying the upcoming SDN48 concert and it was just announced earlier today. I already expected that Kondo Sayaka and Chen Qu would be at the cafe event as Sayaka can converse in English very fluently and Chen Qu can converse to the Chinese-speaking fans very smoothly. Serina was a rather pleasant surprise and I wish I had the extra budget to buy the cafe event tickets. Shall see how then.

Tickets would be on sale this Saturday (4th February) noon for SGD35 and there would be two sessions, 11am and 2pm. The ticket grants a meal and a drink.

UPDATE (10th February):
Announcement from AKB48 Singapore

Due to unforeseen circumstances in her schedule, Serina has to return to Japan after the AKB48 Theater Live SDN48 Final Stage concert and is unable to appear at the AKB48 Official Cafe Singapore on 18.02.12 (SAT). Sayaka Kondo and Chen Qu will still be appearing at the AKB48 Official Cafe Singapore event. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Should you have any issues with regards to this change in member line-up, please e-mail us directly at contact@akb48.com.sg.

AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.12: 'SDN48 3RD STAGE'

Announced at the Vol.11 - AKB48 6th Stage, the next concert would be by SDN48. Ever since the announcement of SDN48's disbandment, I have been wishing for one more SDN48 concert in Singapore, one last one. Was totally bursting with joy at the AKB48 concert when it was announced.

What's more, just a couple of days ago, it was revealed that my oshimen (favourite), Yukarin, would be coming through the SDN48 members' blogs! It was then announced earlier today the member list. I am so going to use this chance to cheer all I can for her and confess my love to her as much as possible before I won't be able to see them again. T_T
I am sure this concert would be the most touching, the most memorable and the most tear-jerking concert ever in my life.

Sales of the tickets would start tomorrow (1st February) noon on the official site, and 11am 4th February (Saturday) at the official shop in *SCAPE.

Sending off AKB48 members at Changi Airport (Vol. 11)

Ever since the announcement of Yonechan and Nacchan leaving AKB48, I have been thinking whether Yonechan is still in Singapore, and have been watching the concert backstage, or had she flown back to Japan first.

Camped overnight at Changi Airport to send the AKB48 members off in the morning. This time I decided not to hang any photos on my neck as to prevent the blunder I made during the handshake session yesterday to happen again.

Did not really notice Yonechan the whole time and thought she left early until we watched the video clips fellow fans and I took. Although she is not one of my top favourites but I feel that I would be missing her and I hope she would be back soon.

And before I forget, I have to say that when the members enter the airport, Amina walks in 'like a boss'!! So cool yo. XD

AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.11: 'AKB48 6TH STAGE'

Came out of the NTU admission talks early as I already got what I want to know and managed to be just in time for the 2pm time slot of the concert.

The concert kick-started off really good with 'Everyday Kachuusha', 'Aitakatta' and 'Iiwake Maybe' before the introductions. As usual, I totally enjoyed my time at the concert mainly due to the awesome song list. The unit songs, which I don't really remember which, after the introductions were different from the past few AKB48 stages in Singapore and are very good. After the MC that followed were the songs that I anticipated the most, 'River', 'Beginner', 'Ponytail to Shushu' and 'Hikoukigumo'.
The encore further hyped up the atmosphere (as always XD) with 'Flying Get', 'Kaze wa Fuiteiru' and 'Heavy Rotation'.
Throughout the concert I have been rooting for Nacchi (Sato Natsuki) the most as for among the member list for this concert, I love Nacchi the most.

During the handshake session after the concert I made a little blunder, which was really unexpected. I hung two photos on my neck with a large card holder, Nacchi on one side and French Kiss on the other, to show Nacchi and Mocchi respectively. Little did I expect that when I reached Umechan (Umeda Ayaka), she appeared speechless to me and start to look a bit disappointed while looking at the photo that I hung on my neck. Then came the moment of awkwardness where we looked into each other's eye without exchange of words before I was pushed by the staff to move on.
Did she remember me?? Oh no... I think I really disappointed her (´Д｀)

While outside after the 2pm concert, I recalled some of the questions that she asked during the handshake event before Vol. 2, AKB48's second stage in Singapore, where we were given so much time during the handshake session that we can run out of things to chat with the members. One of the questions was something like if I would be supporting her during the concert and in the future. I told her of course I would, which I meant that as part of AKB48 but I was fearing that she took it as supporting her as in oshi. Furthermore, I think I made quite an impression on her during the event.
And with the photo hung on my neck not being her, I think she thought that I oshihen (change of favourite member)!

Tried to remedy the situation by borrowing a Umechan photo from a friend of mine. I did not go for the 6pm time slot so I camped out side the warehouse entrance, where the AKB48 members would be for the hand shake session after the concert. Nacchi and Mocchi is positioned more inside while Umechan is at the end of the line. When the AKB48 members came out and positioned for the hand shake session, I called out to Umechan and showed her the photo I hung on my neck.
She was totally delighted, pointed at the photo, gave and thumbs up and a 'Yossha!' gesture. Oh my... she look so cute!! >//< Only if I am able to film that moment down!

Went to the back of *SCAPE see the AKB48 members again as they took their van back to their hotel before heading back home and prepare for camping overnight at the airport.

Welcoming AKB48 members at Changi Airport (Vol.11)

Went down to the airport today after school to welcome the AKB48 members arriving for the concert tomorrow. The member list this time doesn't have my top favourite members in it thus did not make any board or prepare any gift. Took videos of their arrival with my phone though.

Would be at a NTU admissions talk so I not sure if I can make it in time for the concert tomorrow. Hmm... =[

AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.11: 'AKB48 6TH STAGE'

The member list for the AKB48 6th stage in Singapore, and also the first stage in Singapore for 2012, was just revealed and tickets sales will begin sale on www.akb.48.com.sg on 14th of January at 12pm. Physical sales and collections of tickets will begin on 17th of January at 11am.
The stage would be on the 28th of January.
And as usual, there's two time slots, 2pm and 6pm.

Team A
Haruka Katayama 片山 陽加
Asuka Kuromochi 倉持 明日香
Chisato Nakata 中田 ちさと
Sayaka Nakaya 仲谷 明香
Natsumi Matsubara 松原 夏海

Team K
Mayumi Uchida 内田 眞由美
Ayaka Umeda 梅田 彩佳
Miku Tanabe 田名部 生来
Moeno Nito 仁藤 萌乃
Misato Nonaka 野中 美郷
Rumi Yonezawa 米沢 瑠美

Team B
Amina Sato 佐藤 亜美菜
Natsuki Sato 佐藤 夏希
Shihori Suzuki 鈴木 紫帆里
Mariya Suzuki 鈴木 まりや
Yuka Masuda 増田 有華

Hmm... I think I shall give it a pass for this time. Ordered too many stuff (all '48' related) and don't have the spare cash at the moment. Furthermore, I doubt I would be able to make it to the concert after going to the NTU talks on their courses. Maybe at the most, I would drop by later in the day to view the concert through the TV screen outside the concert grounds (*SCAPE 2F Warehouse).

AKB48 Request Hour Setlist Best 100 2012 & AKB48 Unit Festival 2012 to be aired in Singapore

AKB48 REQUEST HOUR SETLIST BEST 100 2012 (TOP 100 Countdown 2012), will take place January 19 to 22. This is the fifth year of the annual New Year's concert event, and an opportunity for idols and fans to reflect on their achievements for the past year. AKB48 fans voted for their favorite songs from October 25 to November 30, 2011. The top 100 songs will be performed by the members of AKB48, SKE48, SDN48 and NMB48 in an epic 4-day concert event.

On January 23, for the first time ever, the AKB48 unit groups will perform a 1-day event concert - AKB48 Unit Festival. Featuring popular AKB48 units: Not yet, DiVA, French kiss, no 3b and many more!

from GV Singapore

Golden Village Singapore

Hmm... I do not have Golden Village Movie Club Membership and let say I want to go for all five days.. $45 x 5 = $225! Woah, that's some serious damage to the wallet right before the Lunar New Year! I just hope that there would be online streaming again, just like the AKB48's Kouhaku Utagassen.

UPDATE (19th January):
Live screening of Day 1 & 2 are cancelled at Golden Village Vivocity

Golden Village Singapore

It was also announced on the AKB48 official blog that the last day (Top25~1 22/1 Sunday) would be streamed live on Youtube and Google+
http://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-11139007866.html

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 ･ )

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 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.

NMB48 1st Overseas 'LIVE' to be held in Singapore!

Announced in the NMB48 Official News page, NMB48's Team N would be performing their 2nd stage'青春ガールズ' (Seishun Girls) in Singapore on the 4th of December. This would be the first time for NMB48 to perform a 'LIVE' concert outside of Japan. The announcement was first made at their 1-year anniversary 'LIVE' at NHK Osaka Hall. More details are yet to be announced and on Singapore side, SOZO have yet to make any announcement on the concert.

The captain of Team N, Yamamoto Sayaka strongly asserted, “We should start studying how to greet there in Singapore. We will try our best carrying Japan on our back.”

Very well said Sayaka! ^^ Will be anticipating to the awesome performance by NMB48 Team N this December!

Posted on AKB48 Singapore Official Site:

04.12.2011 (SUN)
AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.10
NMB48, STAGE 1
2PM & 6PM

2011年12月4日(日)
AKB48 シンガポール劇場 ‘ライブ’ Vol.10
NMB48 第一弾！

UPDATE (29th October):
Details are found on AKB48 Singapore's Official Site

Sending off SDN48 members at Changi Airport

Woke up early today to catch the first train (caught the second train instead) from my place to Changi Airport. Still wasn't able to come up with a gift to give Yukarin as a souvenir yet so decided to take a look in the 7-Eleven at Changi Airport Terminal 2 Departure Hall. Didn't find anything that is really good to give her as a souvenir so I went ahead with this Merlion.

SDN48 members entering the Departure Hall

Didn't realize I went so close the member next to Yukarin until I saw this photo that my friend took for me. Wanted to pass Yukarin the Merlion. =X
(Yukarin is wearing a cap)

Hope Yukarin likes the gifts I gave her and I hope to see her again. Missing her already. T_T

Post on the SDN48 2nd stage in Singapore here.

AKB48 Singapore Theater 'Live' Vol.8: 'SDN48 2ND STAGE!'

After reaching home from the airport, I took a short power nap before preparing to set off to work. Yes, work. =_= Wasn't able to get whole day off but I still managed to bargain a half day off though.

Rushed down to *SCAPE at around 5pm and while on the way, a bird shit drop on my head. Omg.. what a day is today. T_T Lucky the bird is eating healthy and managed to washed it away easily in the toilet.

My ticket did not get me the first row (Information on the queuing system here) so I joined my other friends at the back, behind the last row of seats. Wanted to be in first row to be closer to Yukarin (Sato Yukari) and get her attention (and her garter - inside people would know what I mean ^w^) but sadly don't have the luck and 'connections'. The back wasn't that bad though. It was so fun as there's no space constraint! Only thing that still hurt my heart is that I wasn't able to catch Yukarin's garter during the song, '誘惑のガーター' ('Yuuwaku no Garter')... TAT Only the first couple of rows (first row in fact) stand the chance to catch it when she throws it!

Whining aside, the concert was as expected, really awesome and of course sexy! (SDN48 is a mature-themed sister group of AKB48 whose concerts were supposed to be age restricted. With age restriction lifted, the dances would of course be milder but still are sexy)
The concert reached it's peak when they performed the cover songs of their three singles,'Min Min Min', 'Ai Chuseyo', and 'GaGaGa'. Was totally going crazy then o(^o^)o

The handshake session while exiting the concert area was like the previous SDN48 concert in Singapore, totally AWESOME! The SDN48 gives really good handshakes! The day reached it's peak when I reached Yukarin. She remembered me and said some stuff that I did not get initially while I keep trying to say if I can be her #1 fan. I not sure if she got it but I heard something '4' from her. Only soon later did I realize she was referring to the letter I wrote to her, which was given to her along with the customized tee at the airport!

She was actually referring to me only able to come after 4 due to work, to confirm that it was me and was talking about it to me which I don't really remember as I was already on cloud nine!
Due to the delay I caused while I had a conversation with Yukarin, the people behind me was being pushed to speed up the queue - and causing my friend to be not able to shake a couple of SDN48 members' hands. Oops! Sorry!! This is what normally happens when one meets his/her most favourite member of a group. >_<
Only if my Japanese is much better. T_T I could have a proper conversation with her instead of one containing so many question marks!

Rushed out to the back of *SCAPE after the handshake to camp at a good spot at the side of the van which the SDN48 members would be leaving in...

... but in no luck as other SDN48 members sat on the seats in front of my spot and thus Yukarin sat nearer to the back. I did attract Yukarin's attention while she finding for a seat though and what she did TOTALLY MELTED MY HEART!! She waved to me and gave me a moe-moe-kyun heart sign!! <3
Ohhh myy godddd... It was totally unforgettable >w<
(Did not have photos of her as I was too preoccupied waving and keeping my eyes on Yukarin)

Now the trouble. Feel like giving another gift to her relating to Singapore as a souvenir when sending her off at the airport tomorrow but at this time it's impossible to find one already... Shall see what to do tomorrow then.

Welcoming SDN48 members at Changi Airport

How been anticipating for this for quite some time already. One of my oshi (favourite member from the '48' groups) is coming to Singapore! It would be SDN48's second stage later today and my SDN48 oshi, Sato Yukari, is in the member list. Went down to Changi Airport to welcome the SDN48 members yesterday and most importantly, to give Yukarin the custom made tee that I designed.

I did successfully give the tee to Yukarin but the process of giving to her was rather... Ah well, quite sad.. but well, she got it in the end and know that it was from me, so it's still okay.

While they were still behind the glass doors, collecting their luggage, most of the fans that I know were not able to recognize who is who initially as almost every of the SDN48 members were wearing masks, which is actually not uncommon for Japanese. I managed to identify who is Yukarin after awhile and really hoped that I am right as I don't want to give the tee to the wrong person and create an awkward situation. =X (which actually did happen but in another way)

While they started to walk out, a fan girl was totally screaming out to Yukarin that when by the time she reached near the area of the barricade I am at, she did not notice me calling out to her and trying to give her the tee. Unexpectedly, the SDN48 member behind her thought that the tee was for her and took it while thanking me. I was stunned for a moment and I thought I have identified wrongly but when she looked at the tee, she said 'Yukarin?' then I realized I did identify correctly. I am so sorry to that member and I wasn't able to identify who is she so that I can apologize during the handshake event after the concert later today. Things did not really went out of plan though, she called out to Yukarin and passed her the tee while pointing out that it was from me. I tried to wave to Yukarin while showing the tee I am wearing (the exact same tee I made for her - the tee shown above). She spotted me and waved back while thanking me and say 'I love Singapore!'. Was damn happy and I shouted back 'I love Yukarin!!' <3 >w<

Yukarin holding on to the tee

Details of the concert here.

SDN48 Special Cafe Event & Shop Visit

Following the SDN48's 2nd Stage this coming Saturday, it was announced on AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook page that there would be a special cafe event on Sunday (9th October) with three SDN48 members,陳屈 (Chen Qu), 近藤さや香 (Kondo Sayaka) and 伊東愛 (Ito Mana), in two sessions, 12:30pm and 5pm.

Tickets would be on sale this Saturday (8th October) 12pm at the AKB48 Official Cafe Singapore and could be either purchased at SGD35 or redeemed with a completed AKB48 point card (limited amount available). Drinks would be served during the event and food vouchers would be given to redeem a meal after the event, which would be valid for two weeks (till 23rd October).

Tickets for overseas fans are also available via balloting:

Overseas fans can apply for tickets by sending in an e-mail with the subject: ‘SDN48 cafe Event Application’ to contact@akb48.com.sg with the following details:

Name:
E-mail:
Contact number:
Passport number:
Preferred Session:

Applications will close on 07.10.11 (FRI) 11:59 and successful applicants will be notified by 07.10.11 (FRI) 23:59. Collection of these balloting tickets will start on Saturday 12pm. Please produce your-email and passport as proof of identity when collecting the tickets. Uncollected tickets will be sold 20 mins before the start of each event.

(from AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook page)

It was also announced that the three SDN48 members, Chen Qu, Sayaka Kondo and Mana Itou would also be visiting the Official Shop from around 5pm onwards. A minimum spending of SGD20 is required during the session to have the point card stamped by the SDN48 members.

I think I can't make it to get the tickets this Saturday... T_T My boss want me to work at least from 12pm to 4:30pm... She actually wanted me to work till 9pm but with some bargaining I managed to be able to work just half a day with a lie (a white lie I would say =X) so that I would still be able to go for the second time slot of the concert. Damn the boss. I did go according to the contract by telling in advance that I can't work on the 8th! Am already damn pissed that I am unable to go for both time slots (2pm & 6pm) and if she changes her mind and say I must work whole day, I am going quit with no hesitation! (Since I actually should not be working for now as I am still studying in Polytechnic and that I got the job in the first place is to get extra income to spend on my fandom, not to obstruct my fandom!) Sorry if this sounds childish >[

Takahashi Minami's Special Visit to AKB48 Official Cafe & Shop Singapore

What I have been fearing (not scary kind of fear but fear of what would happen to fans in Singapore and overseas) totally came through. It was announced on the AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook page yesterday midnight that 高橋 みなみ (Takahashi Minami), leader of Team A and AKB48 in overall, would be visiting the AKB48 Singapore Official Cafe and Shop next week Monday (3rd of October)!

More details are yet to be announced.

I bet there would be a real epic scene of Takamina fanboying/fangirling going on all the way during her arrival at the airport, her visit to the Official Cafe & Shop, and her departure from Singapore at the airport. Sad that I would not be able to catch all the action as I would be working on the 3rd. =[

UPDATE (29th September):

From AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook Page,

CAFE EVENT
There will be three events at the cafe. The door open timings are as follows:

Session 1 - 15:15
Session 2 - 16:30
Session 3 - 17:45

Ticket sales will start on Saturday 01.10.11 12pm at the AKB48 Official Cafe Singapore. Fans can either purchase their tickets at SGD35 each or redeem a limited number of tickets using a completed AKB48 point card with 20 stamps. Limited quantities of tickets are available for redemption.

Overseas fans can apply for tickets by sending in an e-mail with the subject:
‘Minami Takahashi 高橋みなみ cafe Event Application’
to contact@akb48.com.sg with the following details:

Name:
E-mail:
Contact number:
Passport number:
Preferred Session:

Applications will close on Saturday 11:59 and successful applicants will be notified by Saturday 23:59. Collection of these balloting tickets will start on Sunday 12pm. Please produce your-email and passport as proof of identity when collecting the tickets. Uncollected tickets will be sold 30mins before the start of each event.

The duration of each session will be approximately 45 minutes. Each ticket comes with a Calpis drink and an entree dish. The Calpis soda drink will be served during the event and the entree dish can only be redeemed after the event through the same event ticket. The redemption period for this dish will be only two weeks and end on 17.10.11.

Please note that each customer is only allowed to purchase a maximum of two tickets only, for one chosen session, and may not purchase multiple sessions for each customer. This is to allow as many different fans as possible to attend the event.

SHOP EVENT
After the cafe events, Minami Takahashi 高橋みなみwill be having a hand shake session with fans in the shop at 1830. Starting from 01.10.11 (SAT), the first 50 fans who purchase more than SGD20 worth of goods, excluding Singapore Exclusive AKB48 Photo Sets, will be entitled to one handshake session coupon.

Exclusive Takahashi Minami T-shirts would also be on sale on the 3rd of October and pre-orders would begin on the 1st of October. Only limited quantities of sizes S to XXl would be available.

UPDATE (3rd October):

( From AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook page)

Omg... Just look at the crowd... I wasn't able to be there... TAT

AKB48 The 24th Single - Janken Tournament (第2回じゃんけん大会)

A lot of things happened in this Janken Tournament, with most of them very near to my prediction. In overall, I rather depressed with the results, but before I go into anymore moaning (which I did while coming out of the theater) here is the list of members who made it into the AKB48 24th Single Senbatsu

優勝 - 篠田麻里子 (Shinoda Mariko)

2位 - 藤江れいな (Fujie Reina)

3位 - 峯岸みなみ (Minami Minegishi)

4位 - 小林茉里奈 (Kobayashi Marina)

5位 - 秋元才加 (Akimoto Sayaka)

6位 - 大家志津香 (Oya Shizuka)

7位 - 前田亜美 (Maeda Ami)

8位 - 佐藤すみれ (Sato Sumire)

9位~16位:

肥川彩愛 (Hikawa Ayame - NMB48 Kenkyuusei)・梅田彩佳 (Umeda Ayaka)・河西智美 (Kasai Tomomi)・桑原みずき (Kuwabara Mizuki - SKE48 Team S)・小嶋陽菜 (Kojima Haruna)・山口夕輝 (Yamaguchi Yuuki - NMB48 Kenkyuusei)・山内鈴蘭 (Yamauchi Suzuran)・北原里英 (Kitahara Rie)

The tournament started out with some introductions and a performance of 'Chance no Junban' by last year's Janken tournament senbatsu, where 内田眞由美 (Uchida Mayumi) - champion of the Janken Tournament last year - started off the song, solo, in ballad.

There was the appearance of the special guest, pro wrestling legend Antonio Inoki, and what shocked me for a while was his slap on Matsui Rena's face. Realized it was '闘魂注入' (Toukon Chuunyu) or 'Instilling Fighting Spirit' which is well-known in Japan. Matsui Rena did not make it into the Janken Tournament as she lost the premliminary rounds. Was already very sad for that already. D= I could only hope that Takajo Aki (my oshimen), Iwasa Misaki (my next favourite AKB48 member) and Mtasui Jurina (one of my favourites in SKE48) or either of them gets into Senbatsu in for the 24th Single.

Sadly, Wasamin lost in the first round and left Akicha and Jurina who would be competing for the Top 16 positions with Kojiharu (Kojima Haruna) and Miichan (Minegishi Minami) respectively - which secures a place in the 24th Single Senbatsu. Was super depressed when both Akicha and Jurina lost that I simply slumped back on to the chair and did not really bother to pay much attention to the rest of the tournament. =X I guess my hopes of having my favourites in the Top 16 - Senbatsu - was a bit too high eh.

Looking on the bright side, at least at least two AKB48 members that I like is in Senbatsu, with one being the champion of the Janken Tournament - Shinoda Mariko. The other member is Umeda Ayaka, who managed to get into Top 16. I have a feeling that the 'scissors' earring Mariko-sama wore during the tournament did affected the decisions of most of her opponents on which move to make, sort of like a mind game. If it's really for that purpose, I really have to praise her for that!

There's also another AKB48 member whom I took note of during tournament - Kobayashi Marina from AKB48 Kenkyuusei. I don't know much about her but from all the calculations I did before the tournament with the statistics available in the AKB48 Janken Tournament Official Guidebook, I predicted that she had the most chance in getting the Center position (Champion) or at least near there, and indeed, she got into Top 4! Which is really close to my prediction! =D Firstly, congratulations to Marinchan!! ^^ Through this chance of being in Senbatsu for the AKB48 24th Single, I hope that Marinchan is able to shine, especially in the PV, and get the chance to be promoted to Team 4.

At the ending part of the Janken Tournament, the full PV of AKB48's upcoming single '風は吹いている' ('Kaze wa Fuiteiru') was aired. There were many varying comments from my friends with some liking the song but find the costumes, hair style and dance not really nice. As for me not only I find the song awesome, I actually do find the costume and hair style really fitting, along with the background and dance too. I am totally impressed with the whole PV and really made me want to place an order for it.
(Check out my previous post here for more information on AKB48's 23rd single, '風は吹いている')

When the whole live screening ended and as I was about to leave, I realized that one of my Akicha pins (which is a set of two) broke. I did remember it's still intact during the live screening of the janken tournament, even before Akicha was up against Kojiharu. I wonder if it broke due to my rage when Akicha lost? However, I don't remember hitting so hard that a pin can break just like that.

Luckily it's not the one with Akicha photo on!

That part of the pin is self-replaceable though (at least to me). Just need to find a replacement for the broken part.

Before the AKB48 24th Single 'LIVE' Screening, I got the Majisuka and Yabakune pins (from the AKB48 drama, Majisuka Gakeun) I ordered through a fellow forum user, samx, from Nihongogo.

Looks awesome eh? Looks exactly like the actual one in the drama!

More information on the AKB48 24th Single 'LIVE' Screening in my previous post here.