Friday, September 16, 2011

A Fresh New Side of Matsui Rena!

Came across this article while browsing through my tokyohive live feeds:

SKE48’s Matsui Rena to star in BeeTV’s new drama
by ustar on September 16, 2011 at 5:00 pm


SKE48 member Matsui Rena will be starring in BeeTV’s (mobile broadcast service) new mobile drama, “Oshare ni Koi Shita Cinderella ~Okarie ga Yumi wo Kanaeru Made~“, starting on October 1st.

The drama will be based on the image of charismatic ‘gyaru’ blogger Okarie (Okamoto Rie), who will be played by Matsui. From her pure and innocent idol image, she will undergo a big image change as she will appear in the drama with brown hair, fake eyelashes, and thick eyeliner.

Okamoto will be in charge of the styling in the drama. Matsui has also prepared 33 ‘gyaru’ outfits, and carries around a decorated cell phone for enthusiastic performance.

Additionally, there will be a special segment in the drama, titled “Okarie no Kore You Check★“, where Okamoto herself will introduce the coordinating points of the outfits. The items that are introduced will be available for purchase the official website. Okamoto’s brand, “Ank Rouge“, will also release limited edition products in collaboration with the drama. The cosmetics and color contacts that are used in the drama will be available for purchase as well.

Check out an interview with Matsui Rena below!

-

Interviewer: What were you aware of when you played the role of charismatic ‘gyaru’, “Okarie”?

Matsui: I read Okarie-san’s blogs and magazines. When I played her character, I felt like I was floating above the clouds.

Interviewer: What is your impression on ‘gyaru’ make-up?

Matsui: I used Okarie-san’s make-up as an example, but it was fun becoming someone different from my usual self using fake eye-lashes and color contacts. Also, my first time with brown hair was fresh.

Interviewer: Will you share an episode with the director during filming?

Matsui: I was told, “rhythm is important,” but at first, I thought he meant the rhythm when I recite the lines. However, as the filming continued, I realized that it was the rhythm of the “speech dialogue”. I feel that I was given a big hint for growth.

Interviewer: Any troubles during filming?

Matsui: I was in a different spot than usual, so it was very embarrassing to do “comical acting”. I had trouble discarding myself.

Interviewer: What do you think of your co-stars?

Matsui: Kokusho Sayuri-san (role of charismatic stylist ‘Kanetaka Asako’) gave me a word of advice saying, “you should think about ways you can relax“. Thanks to those few words, my nervousness disappeared.

Interviewer: How are you similar to the main character, who makes dreams come true step by step while facing difficulties?

Matsui: There are difficulties everywhere, and in order to make dreams come true, I think you have to move forward step by step. Not only me, but I think anyone could relate.

Interviewer: If you were to become the director of your own fashion brand, what would you want to make?

Matsui: I like clothes, but I really love hats, so I would make hats that match all kinds of clothes. I want to make clothes where the hat will be the main point.

Interviewer: Please share the highlight of the drama.

Matsui: I want people to pay attention to the earnestness of the girl who does her best to make her dreams come true. Also, the cute clothes that appear in the drama is a must-see!

Matsui Rena (before)

Matsui Rena (after)

After seeing Rena in Majisuka Gakuen 2 as Gekikara, this drama would give a totally fresh new feel with Rena being so kawaii and moe. Furthermore, this would be the first time Rena would be in brown hair! Wanted to watch this series so much but sadly it would be on BeeTV as a mobile drama. Shall hope that it would be on Youtube too. =[

UPDATE (30th September):
オシャレに恋したシンデレラ 第1話(あらすじ)


オシャレに恋したシンデレラ~おかりえが夢を叶えるまで~ 第2話


UPDATE (5th October):
オシャレに恋したシンデレラ~おかりえが夢を叶えるまで~ 予告編

French Kiss 4th Single - 最初のメール (Saisho no Mail)


It was announced that French Kiss (sub-unit from AKB48) would be releasing their 4th single on the 22nd of November. Details are yet to be announced.
There would be four editions, Type A, B , C and Regular edition, where all types except regular will include a DVD containing the PV of “Saisho no Mail”. The three editions will also feature an original trading card featuring the members, an event ticket and will possibly also include another special event ticket for a chance to take pictures with one's favourite member. There would be 20,000 trading cards available and 300 special event ticket.

Type A (CD + DVD)
1. [CD] 最初のメール [Saisho no Mail]
2. [CD] キャンドルの芯 [Candle no Shin]
3. [CD] 最初のメール (off vocal)
4. [CD] キャンドルの芯 (off vocal)
5. [DVD] 最初のメール (music video) [Saisho no Mail (Music Video)]
6. [DVD] キャンドルの芯 (music video) [Candle no Shin (Music Video)]
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Type B (CD + DVD)
1. [CD] 最初のメール [Saisho no Mail]
2. [CD] Last train
3. [CD] 最初のメール (off vocal)
4. [CD] Last train (off vocal)
5. [DVD] 最初のメール (music video) [Saisho no Mail (Music Video)]
6. [DVD] フレンチ・キス オフショットコレクション [French Kiss Off-shoot collection]
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Type C (CD + DVD)
1. [CD] 最初のメール [Saisho no Mail]
2. [CD] ドラゴンフルーツの食べ頃 [Dragon Fruits no Tabegoro]
3. [CD] 最初のメール (off vocal)
4. [CD] ドラゴンフルーツの食べ頃 (off vocal)
5. [DVD] 最初のメール (music video) [Saisho no Mail (Music Video)]
6. [DVD] フレンチ・キス 韓国弾丸PV撮影ツアー [Korea Bullet Tour clip]
CDJapan Link
HMV Online Link

Regular (CD only)
1. [CD] 最初のメール [Saisho no Mail]
2. [CD] 真夜中の歯磨き(柏木ソロ曲) [Mayonaka no Hamigaki (Kashiwagi Solo)]
3. [CD] 最初のメール (off vocal)
4. [CD] 真夜中の歯磨き (off vocal)

Saisho no Mail PV


This is the most anticipated single release of the year for me as French Kiss is my most favourite sub-unit from AKB48! I foresee that a lot of my pay would end up on this singl. XD

UPDATE (8th October):
Details updated, Radio rip added

UPDATE (12th October):
One of the types of the single would feature a footage of French Kiss in 'Korea Bullet Tour'

[With regards to the single’s promotions, the girls will be doing a campaign on Recochoku called “A ‘First letter’ from French Kiss”. One member will choose their favorite “love mail” and send one back. French Kiss expressed that it’s an exciting project for them, and Takajo sweetly pointed out that the scenario is like what one would find in a manga. She requested that their fans send a letter that will make her heart skip a beat. Kuramochi, on the other hand, wants one that is more straightforward.]
Sound super interesting but I would not be able to take part in it I guess T_T

UPDATE (24th October):
Short preview of the PV posted on avex official youtube channel

UPDATE (25th October):
Rest of the track lists (the Type B and C B-sides) were announced

UPDATE (23rd November):
French Kiss holds a release event for their latest single


On November 22nd, AKB48 sub-unit French Kiss held a release event for their latest single, “Saisho no Mail“.

French Kiss performed their new song in front of 50 fans who were invited to the event through a lottery. Regarding the song, member Takajo Aki commented, “It’s a song about destined love that starts with one mail. It has lovely lyrics like something that would appear in a girls’ comic. It’s a very cute song appropriate for French Kiss.” Kuramochi Asuka added, “The three of us can dance together, but Yukirin’s (Kashiwagi) angle of her turns is especially cute!”

Although AKB48 has a ban on relationships, each member commented on love. “I’m not good at household chores in general, so I want someone who can do household chores. I don’t have any desire for marriage, but I would think about it if he’d do everything for me,” explained Kashiwagi Yuki. Meanwhile, Kuramochi revealed, “I want to feel that excitement the first time I meet him.“ Takajo also shared, “My dream is to date for about 10 years, then get married. I want an inseparable marriage.”

After the event, the girls gave each fan a high five on their way out of the venue.

tokyohive|Oricon

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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


SDN48's 2nd Stage in Singapore was announced to be held on 8th of October during the Vol.7 - SKE8 2nd Stage a few days ago and member list was just released on the AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook Page.

穐田和恵 Kazue Akita
伊東愛 Mana Ito
大山愛未 Aimi Oyama
加藤雅美 Mami Kato
近藤さや香 Sayaka Kondo
佐藤由加里 Yukari Sato
芹那 Serina
チェン・チュー Chen Qu
津田麻莉奈 Marina Tsuda
西国原礼子 Reiko Nishikunihara
野呂佳代 Kayo Noro
福田朱子 Akane Fukuda

Tickets would be on sale this weekend and more details are yet to be announced.

The moment I saw the member list, I was like 'OMG!!! This concert die die MUST GO!'. My SDN48 oshimen (favourite), Yukarin (Sato Yukari) is in the member list!! I am so going to get off-day from work to meet my oshimen in person! Now.. what shall I give her as a gift... >w<
I need to find a way to get money first... T_T

UPDATE (17th September): Added poster from AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook page at top of post.
Tickets are on sale now online and from tomorrow at the AKB48 Official Shop.

UPDATE (7th October):

The SDN48 Stage 2 T-shirts are in stock and comes in two colors, black and white, at $35 each.
I'm getting both! XD If my pay is enough though =X

Sunday, September 11, 2011

AKB48's first overseas sister group, JKT48


As announced on tokyohive,
AKB48 held a theatrical-style handshake event for “Flying Get” on September 11th, where they announced that they would soon create their first overseas sister group, “JKT48“!

Produced by AKB48 mastermind Akimoto Yasushi, JKT48 will follow the concept of “an idol you can go to meet“. Auditions will be held in Indonesia, with the aim to have JKT48 make their debut at the end of the year.

Those applicants who pass the final exam in mid-October will proceed to lessons and become the first generation of JKT48. According to officials, JKT48 will be “an unique idol group with Indonesian culture,” who will still reflect AKB48’s concept.

Stay tuned to tokyohive for the latest reports on JKT48!
tokyohive

This would be the first 'Project48' group to be formed outside of Japan, and the announcement of the auditions and rumors of it before the official announcement brought various opinions from AKB48 fans.

To me, I am actually rather curious what overseas group would be like but frankly speaking, I don't really approve of the idea of forming sister groups outside of Japan. It just don't have the original feel as AKB48, or rather the whole project in general, started out as J-pop. I feel that the project should just focus on J-pop and the plan of making a sister group in different prefectures of Japan.

I already feel that the idea of making different groups in all the prefectures of Japan rather ambitious and worry that the quality of work would be diluted with so many groups. With so many sister groups forming, I wonder if Aki-P would soon run out of creative juice to produce all the theater performance pieces and singles' songs on a regular basis. =[ Hope that would not happen and if come to a point where a co-producer is needed, I hope the co-producer is up to standard.

I won't be putting my expectations anywhere even near average for JKT48, and also other overseas sister groups to come, but I would still keep myself updated on news regarding them though.

Friday, September 9, 2011

AKB48 Janken Tournament will be screened 'LIVE' in Singapore!


It was announce on the AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook page that the 'LIVE' screening of the AKB47 2nd Janken Tournament would be at Cathay Cineplex Cineleisure Orchard from 5pm on the 20th of September (Tuesday)! Tickets would be on sale from tomorrow online (More details on Cathay Cineplexes site here)

For the line-up and details of the tournament, check out my previous post here.

I am so going for this live screening! >w< Hope I can get enough cash in time =X
Wish Akicha (my oshi, a.k.a. favourite member) all the best in getting the center position (1st)! XO

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Sahihara Rino Board - 'さしこ' LED Panel


Completed the final part of my Sasshi board, which I wasn't able to complete before heading down to *Scape earlier today for her special visit. Thinking of putting this part up and show my finalized board to Sasshi while sending her off at the airport. The problem now is, when would she be leaving Singapore? Heard she would be staying for maybe a couple of days for some shoot or filming.


The finalized Sasshi board

UPDATE (8th September):
Saw Sasshi's latest update on her blog this morning saying that she reached Japan... which means she took off from Changi Airport around near midnight yesterday?? Omg.. nooo... why no one know/inform me about it?? TAT

Sashihara Rino's Special Visit

Managed to print the pictures, paste them on the board and use the gold marker bought earlier in the morning. Wasn't able to complete the 'さしこ' (Sashiko) LED panel in time though.


Rushed down to *Scape straight after to queue early for the Official Shop Special Visit by Sasshi.
(More information on Sashihara Rino's Special Visit to *Scape in my previous post here)


One would need to spend a minimum of SGD20 in the official shop before the handshake session with at least one Sashihara Rino merchandize

Bought a set of Sasshi pins with a couple of AKB48 pens, and managed to be 3rd in queue for the handshake session/official shop special visit. And just for today, I took down my Akicha pins on my bag and pinned up these Sasshi pins. (Very sorry Akicha >_< Just for today only)

 Was already super excited upon seeing her coming down the escalator. The crowd outside the official shop were also getting high.

During handshake session, I dare say mine took the longest as all the other fans who went in the shop for the hand shake with Sasshi only had around at maximum 3 seconds each - handshake with exchange of a couple of phrases. What happened when I went in was totally unforgettable. I held the Sasshi board I made (which is about 75x50cm) in front of me while walking and immediately, Sasshi was surprised and gave comments like 'Amazing/Wow!', 'Thank you very much!', 'I will work harder in the future!' (in Japanese of course). Thus my handshake session was lengthen all the way to about 10 seconds! >w< She still even continue saying 'すげい!' ('Impressive!') while I exited the shop.


Soon after the handshake session, we were told that Sasshi would be giving us a high-touch (high-five) when she comes out of the shop.


Usually, as she walks down the line, for each person would be like one high-touch and maybe at most a couple of phrases. When she reached me, she gave me a high-touch first, commented on my board again saying 'Amazing! Good Job!' with a thumbs up and followed by a second high-touch. OMG... I am so going to rank her higher up in my favourites list! >w<

さっしー大好き!! (I love you Sasshi!!) >w<
Hope that you could come Singapore again!

Monday, September 5, 2011

Sahihara Rino Board

Made a lot of screenshots from all the TV shows Sasshi appeared in and spray painted the board before heading down to school to print. Discovered my home printer no ink. =[

Things did not really go according to plan as I did not check before hand what time my school library close during holidays, thus went back home without the most critical part of the board.

 By the time I came back the paint shop that I want to get a gold marker from has closed, so I can only work on the wiring of the LED for now.

Guess my board would not be ready to go airport to welcome Sasshi to Singapore. =[ Shall rush down to school to print the pictures to be pasted on the board tomorrow morning before heading down to *Scape then.

(More information on Sasshi's visit to Singapore in my previous post here)

UPDATE (7th September):

The finalized board

Sending off SKE48 Team KII members at Changi Airport

Took a very early train down to Changi Airport (around 6am+) and not long the van which the SKE48 members took arrived. Can say unluckily before they entered the glass doors, one of my magazine dropped out from my file and as I tried to slot it back in, Shiorin had already walked past and reached the check-in counter.

I thus rushed over to the final glass door which leads to the gates to wait for them to come over.
This time, when Team KII started to enter the glass door, I walked towards Shiorin and called out to her while showing her my 'board'. She waved back at me as usual with the very happy face. >w< which also made me very happy~XD


From about around 0:22, Shiorin can be seen waving to me! >w<
(Video taken by a friend of mine)

I bet I am going to miss Shiorin a lot after so much interaction between me and her! >w<

Yosh! Shall rest for awhile before I start working on my Sashihara Rino board for her visit tomorrow! (More information of Sasshi's special visit in my previous post here)

Sunday, September 4, 2011

AKB48 Singapore Theatre 'LIVE' Vol.7 - SKE48 2nd Stage


Managed to go for both of the time slots of the SKE48 concert today and I really want to thank many people for this as I really wanted to see Shiorin and shake her hand but didn't have the money to buy the ticket myself. I did not go for the cafe event yesterday, where Shiorin was in for the first session, and felt very sad for that already. =[

Took my this self-made SKE48 LED panel from the SKE48 board I made for the SKE48 1st stage in Singapore and attached it on my bag for today. Attracted much attention I would say. XD


Like the SKE48's first stage in Singapore, the whole concert in general is packed with so much energy! What's different this time round is that they are performing actual KII2 stage performance (or rather Team KII 2nd Stage) that they perform in Japan, with a few AKB48 songs added in. To add on, my friends and I were at the very back of the warehouse where there is plenty of floor space, where we had so much freedom jumping and 'running' around, doing all the wotagei!

During most of the emcees, I waved my that last-minute-made 'board' with additional advance happy birthday greeting to her written on it (more information on it in my previous post) and the pages featuring Shiorin in the magazines I got from my friends. During one of the emcees, Shiorin spotted me waving the 'board' and looked directly at me and waved! Ah.. another impact on my heart! I am sure it did jumped awhile when she waved at me >w<

At the handshake session after the 2pm concert ended, I further confirmed that it was me that she waved at during the concert as she remembered me and thanked me for the 'board' I made so sincerely while shaking my hands. Yet another impact to my heart! >w<
Other Team KII members spotted my SKE48 LED panel that is attached on my bag during handshake and pointed while commenting at it ('Sugoi!', 'Ooo! Lighting!'). Some of Team KII members who came for the SKE48 1st stage even remembered me due to the LED panel!
I went for the 6pm concert too and similarly during handshake session after it, Shiorin thanked me again so sincerely and more of the Team KII members recognized me by my 'lighting'. =D

As usual, we went to the back of *Scape, awaiting for the girls to come out an board the van back to their hotel.

It seems that a lot of props and equipments are used that a truck is needed specially for them

When the truck was gone and the van moved over, I happened to be positioned at around the middle of the van. Hoped that Shiorin would take a  seat by the window at my side around the middle of the van so that I can see her (and she can see me) more clearly again >_< and my 'board' too.

Sadly, she went all the way back and sat at the back seat. I waved my 'board' frantically and what happened next totally melted my heart. She stood up just to wave at me! >w< My friend took a video of the members boarding the van and uploaded it on youtube.

At around from 0:40, Shiorin noticed my board and stood up to wave at me! =D

I was totally on cloud nine while waving back to her XD Am so going to send her off at the airport tomorrow morning!

(More information on the concert and member list in my previous post here)

Before the encore in the concert, it was announce that the next 'LIVE' performance, Vol. 8, would be SDN48's second stage!! OMG!! This I must go! Damn.. this makes it 6 consecutive concerts in a row =X Went for Vol. 1 but missed Vol. 2 as I wasn't able to go for that concert.