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.

SDN48 Last Single '負け惜しみコングラチュレーション' ('Makeohismi Congratulation')

Posted earlier today that SDN48 would be releasing their last single on the 7th of March. The details of the single are as follows,

Type A (CD + DVD)
1. [CD] 負け惜しみコングラチュレーション [Makeoshimi Congratulation]
2. [CD] クリクリ/ アンダーガールズA [Kuri Kuri/Undergirls A]
3. [CD] 上からナツコ/ アンダーガールズB [Ue kara Natsuko/Undergirls B]
4. [CD] 負け惜しみコングラチュレーション (off vocal)
5. [CD] クリクリ (off vocal)
6. [CD] 上からナツコ (off vocal)
7. [DVD] 負け惜しみコングラチュレーション (MUSIC VIDEO) [Makeoshimi Congratulation music video]
8. [DVD] クリクリ (MUSIC VIDEO)/ アンダーガールズA [Kuri Kuri/Undergirls A music video]
9. [DVD] 上からナツコ (MUSIC VIDEO)/ アンダーガールズB [Ue kara Natsuko/Undergirls B music video]
10. [DVD] レコーディング&MVメイキング映像 (Type A version) [Recording/PV making (Type A version)]
11. [DVD] SDN48公演 3分間映像傑作選 (Type A version) [3-minutes of SDN's stage show (Type A version)]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type B (CD + DVD)
1. [CD] 負け惜しみコングラチュレーション [Makeoshimi Congratulation]
2. [CD] クリクリ/ アンダーガールズA [Kuri Kuri/Undergirls A]
3. [CD] 終わらないアンコール [Owaarnai Encore]
4. [CD] 負け惜しみコングラチュレーション (off vocal)
5. [CD] クリクリ (off vocal)
6. [CD] 終わらないアンコール (off vocal)
7. [DVD] 負け惜しみコングラチュレーション (MUSIC VIDEO) [Makeoshimi Congratulation music video]
8. [DVD] クリクリ (MUSIC VIDEO)/ アンダーガールズA [Kuri Kuri/Undergirls A music video]
9. [DVD] 終わらないアンコール (MUSIC VIDEO) [Owaarnai Encore music video]
10. [DVD] レコーディング&MVメイキング映像 (Type B version) [Recording/PV making (Type B version)]
11. [DVD] SDN48公演 3分間映像傑作選 (Type B version) [3-minutes of SDN's stage show (Type B version)]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Member list:

Makeoshimi Congratulations
Akita Kazue, Umeda Haruka, Urano Kazumi, Ohori Megumi, Kato Mami, Kochi Masami, Kohara Haruka, Sato Yukari, Serina, Noro Kayo, Kimoto Yuki, Fujikoso Yumi

Kurikuri
Kondo Sayaka, Chen Qu, Hatakeyama Chiaki, Aikawa Yuki, Akiko, Ito Mana, KONAN, Takahashi Yui, Tsuda Marina, Fukuda Akane, Kojo Seara, Tojima Hana

Ue kara Natsuko
Imakichi Megumi, Okochi Misa, Kaida Juri, Tezuka Machiko, Nachu, Nishikunihara Reiko, Mitsui Hiromi, Oyama Aimi, Natsuko, Hosoda Miyu, Matsushima Rumi, Komatani Hitomi, Shinahama Saemi, Shiyon, miray

Owaranai Encore
Whole SDN48

SDN48 releasing their last Single & Album in March

SDN48 announced that they would be releasing their 5th (and last) Single, titled '負け惜しみコングラチュレーション' ('Makeohismi Congratulation') on 7th of March and their first album on the 14th of March.
It was also revealed that 'Makeoshimi Congratulation' would be generic idol like, thus not having the usual sexy and seductiveness, and the members would be wearing school uniforms, which is considered proper for their graduation.

No other details are revealed as of yet. Below are the comments by the SDN48 members regarding the upcoming single.

芹那
この曲の「僕」が「君」を思うように、私達も、応援してきてくれたファンの人たちの心にずっと残りたい。卒業しても必ず夢を叶えて、何年先になってもみんなに見届けてもらいたい。そう思ってもらえるように、最後の最後まで夢は絶対に諦めない。

大堀恵
SDN48にとって本当にラストソング！ 有終の美を飾るべく全力で歌わせて頂きます。セクシーグループがまさかのアイドル王道ソングを!! 元AKB48なので、二年半前を思い出しながら楽しみたいです。目指せ、有終の美!! SDN48全員で突き進みます。

野呂佳代
私は、この曲大好きです！ アイドルっぽい曲に、歌詞は私たちに合っているしAKB48のときを思い出しながら笑顔で踊ってでも等身大の気持ちで歌える!! やっぱり私は、アイドルが好きだったんだって思ったしこういうの皆も合っているな♪って思いました！ 負け惜しみコングラチュレーション、よろしくお願いいたします！

佐藤由加理
みなさんこんにちは、SDN48の佐藤由加理です。3月31日に全員で卒業を迎える私たちのラストシングル曲は今までの雰囲気とガラッと変わり王道のアイドルソングになってます。衣装には、自分達1人1人のメッセージが英訳されたプリントが施されていたり振り付けも曲のイメージに合って可愛い感じに仕上がったと思います。PVは、ドラマ仕立てになっているので、演技にも注目して観て頂きたいです。私達は、このラストシングルに心を込めて歌います。今までSDN48を知らなかった方たちにも是非聴いて頂きたいです!! よろしくお願いします♪

小原春香
今回の曲は、SDN48の今までのイメージとガラっと変わり、アイドルアイドルしている曲調なんです♪衣装も制服で可愛い!! なので、いつものセクシーお姉さんが今回は可愛いらしいSDN48!!! そこのギャップを見てもらいたいです。踊っていてもすっごく楽しい曲です。

浦野一美
最後にして、初のまさかの爽やかな王道アイドルソング!! 48グループ在籍6年間の想いを込めて100％アイドルで歌わせて頂きました（笑） 衣装は、今までのSDN48には無かった、まさかの制服です。久々の制服は なんだか恥ずかしいような気もしますがこの衣装には メンバー全員のメッセージが描いてあったり生地はウエディング仕様だったりとにかく、こだわって作って下さいました。新しいスタートに相応しい気持ちも明るくなる一曲だと思います。

加藤雅美
3月31日に、全員卒業が発表された中これが最後のシングルなのでとても燃えてます！ 男女ともに共感できる曲だと思いますしこの曲を聴いて大切な人を大切にしてほしいです。39人で最後まで全力でかけぬけます！

河内麻沙美
表題曲で可愛らしい楽曲は初めてなので今までの大人かっこいい私たちとは違う可愛らしいSDN48に注目していただきたいです。衣装には、私たちの思いが英語で書かれています。歌詞を読むと10年後の一人一人がすごく楽しみになります。

梅田悠
間奏の手をブンブン回すところは是非一緒に踊ってください！ メンバーのラストシングルに対する思いが英語でプリントされている衣装にも注目です！ 皆の思いを背負って歌います!!!!

穐田和恵
メッセージ性の強い歌詞と、ノリが良くキャッチーなメロディーが、ずっと耳に残りますし一度聞いて、大好きになりました!! 素晴らしい楽曲なので聞いて下さった皆さんの心に、“SDN48”を刻みたいです！

藤社優美
SDN48の最後のシングルに、ふさわしい曲だと思います。明るくて楽しくて、でもちょっと切ない曲です。メンバーやスタッフ、ファンのみなさんへの感謝の気持ちを込めて楽しんで歌わさせていただきたいと思います。

木本夕貴
この曲は、悲しくても明るく乗り越えるという気持ちが、卒業を控える自分に重なるんです。秋元先生が書いてくださった「幸せになれ！」という歌詞のように、私達もみんなも幸せになれるように、感謝の気持ちを込めて全力スマイルでお届けしたいです！

From: tokyohive/natalie

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.

Yonezawa Rumi and Hirajima Natsumi leaving AKB48

The news came really sudden, considering that Yonechan (Yonezawa Rumi) did arrive yesterday at Changi Airport.

It was announced on AKB48's Official Blog very early today (03:40am) about their decision to leave AKB48 and later in the morning on AKB48 Singapore's Official Facebook page that Yonechan would not be performing in the concert today.

Nacchan (Hirajima Natsumi):

私、平嶋夏海はこの度、ＡＫＢ４８・渡り廊下走り隊を
辞退させていただくこに決めました。
急な発表になってしまいすみません。

皆さんにご迷惑をおかけしてしまい、本当に申し訳ありません。
いつも応援してくださる皆さん、メンバー、スタッフさん
ＡＫＢ４８関係者の皆さん、本当にごめんなさい。

ＡＫＢ４８・渡り廊下走り隊を離れますが、これからは平嶋夏海として
いつかまた皆さんにお会いして応援していただけるよう頑張ります。
本当に申し訳ありませんでした。
平嶋夏海

I, Hirajima Natsumi, have decided to withdraw from AKB48 and Watarirouka Hashiritai. I’m sorry for this sudden announcement.

I am terribly sorry for making all this trouble for everybody.
All of you who have always cheered for me, the members, and the staff members, everybody who is involved in AKB48, I am truly sorry.

Though I’m leaving AKB48 and Watarirouka Hashiritai, I will try my best as Hirajima Natsumi to be able to see you all, and to be able to receive your support someday again, from here on.
I am very sorry.

Hirajima Natsumi

Yonechan:

私、米沢瑠美は
今日をもってAKB48の活動を辞退させていただくことに決めました。

急なお知らせになってしまい、申し訳ありません。

今は、今まで私を支えてくださった皆さんへの感謝と
申し訳ない気持ちでいっぱいです。

5年間本当にありがとうございました。
皆さんに支えられてばかりの5年間でした。

今後は個人として芸能活動を続けていきます。

メンバーに
ファンの皆さんに
AKB48に
迷惑をかけてしまったこと
本当に申し訳ありませんでした。
本当にごめんなさい。

I, Yonazawa Rumi, have decided to withdraw from AKB48’s activities as of today.

I’m sorry for this sudden announcement.

Now, I’m have feelings of both gratitude and apologies for all of you who have been supporting me up until now.

Thank you very much for these past 5 years.
I’ve always received great support from all of you this whole time.

From now on, I will continue my activities as an individual.

I apologize for making all the trouble for the members, the fans, and AKB48.
I am terribly sorry.

Yonezawa Rumi

No official reason were given for this sudden unpleasant news but it was said that their personal photos were leaked on their personal twitter, including some with guys in the photo. I wish them all the best, that it would clear up soon and that they would be back in AKB48.

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... =[

NMB48's Team M

Earlier today, NMB48 revealed the members of their new team, Team M. 島田玲奈 (Shimada Rena) was chosen to be the captain and the 16 members of Team M are,

Ota Riona, Kawakami Rena, Kinoshita Momoka, Kodakari Yuuka, Shimada Rena, Jo Eriko, Takano Yui, Tanigawa Airi, Hikawa Ayame, Fujita Runa, Mita Mao, Murakami Ayaka, Murase Sae, Yagura Fuuko, Yamagishi Natsumi, and Yogi Keira.

Started following and loving NMB48 since the release of their debut single and loved them even more when I experienced their stage performance when they came to Singapore. My top favourites of NMB48's Team N and NMB48 in general are Yamamoto Sayaka (oshi) and Ogasawara Mayu.
I have high hopes on Team M and hope that they can perform in Singapore in the near future.
My top favourite of Team M is Jo Eriko as she was already one of my favourites when she was still in Kenkyuusei (Team Research Students).

From: NMB48 Official Site/tokyohive/Cinematoday

Watanabe Mayu solo debut - 'シンクロときめき' ('Synchro Tokimeki')

Last year, it was announced that Watanabe Mayu will be making a solo debut on the 29th of February. The covers were revealed yesterday for the four versions (Type A, B , C and Regular), featuring 'Idol Mayuyu', 'Stylish Mayuyu', 'Usa Shijimi' and 'Natural Mayuyu' respectively. Each single (first press) will include an original trading card and an event entry ticket. More details are yet to be revealed.

Type A (CD + DVD)
1. [CD] シンクロときめき [Synchro Tokimeki]
2. [CD] 三つ編みの君へ [Mitsuami no Kimi he]
3. [CD] ラベンダーのジュータン [Lavender no Jutan]
4. [CD] シンクロときめき off vocal
5. [CD] 三つ編みの君へ off vocal
6. [CD] ラベンダーのジュータン off vocal
7. [DVD] シンクロときめき (Music Video) [Synchro Tokimeki music video]
8. [DVD] シンクロときめき (Music Video メイキング) [Synchro Tokimeki music video making]
9. [DVD] 渡辺麻友花嫁修業 料理研究家・結城貢先生に弟子入り! [Watanabe Mayu "Training for married life"]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type B (CD + DVD)
1. [Disc 1] シンクロときめき [Synchro Tokimeki]
2. [Disc 1] 三つ編みの君へ [Mitsuami no Kimi he]
3. [Disc 1] マユユロイド [Mayuyu Roido]
4. [Disc 1] シンクロときめき off vocal
5. [Disc 1] 三つ編みの君へ off vocal
6. [Disc 1] マユユロイド off vocal
7. [Disc 2] シンクロときめき (Music Video) [Synchro Tokimeki music video]
8. [Disc 2] シンクロときめき (Music Video メイキング) [Synchro Tokimeki music video making]
9. [Disc 2] 渡辺麻友史〜History of Mayu Watanabe〜
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type C (CD + DVD)
1. [Disc 1] シンクロときめき [Synchro Tokimeki]
2. [Disc 1] 三つ編みの君へ [Mitsuami no Kimi he]
3. [Disc 1] サバの缶詰 [Saba no Kanzume]
4. [Disc 1] シンクロときめき off vocal
5. [Disc 1] 三つ編みの君へ off vocal
6. [Disc 1] サバの缶詰 off vocal
7. [Disc 2] シンクロときめき (Music Video) [Synchro Tokimeki music video]
8. [Disc 2] シンクロときめき (Music Video メイキング) [Synchro Tokimeki music video making]
9. [Disc 2] 宇佐しじみ38歳。私の日常お見せしまゆゆ [Usa Shijimi Sanjuuhassai. Watashi no Nichijou Omiseshi Mayuyu]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Regular (CD only)
1. シンクロときめき [Synchro Tokimeki]
2. 三つ編みの君へ [Mitsuami no Kimi he]
3. 新宿優等生 [Shinjuku Yuutousei]
4. シンクロときめき off vocal
5. 三つ編みの君へ off vocal
6. 新宿優等生 off vocal
CDJapan
HMV Online

From: tokyohive/Oricon

UPDATE (7th February):
Tracklists revealed

UPDATE (26th February):
Watanabe Mayu will be holding an internet live on 29th of February. It will broadcast live from Tokyo, and will be available on Ameba Studio and or USTREAM AmebaStudio Channel. It will be a 15mins live, starting at 6:45 pm JST, followed by a talk session, with local fans, from 8:30 pm JST. Mayuyu would be performing her solo debut song 'Synchro Tokimeki' and a coupling song, voted through a poll on the 27th on AKB48’s official website.

There will be release event starting 20th of March, and the total of 6 events in 2 locations will vary, including singing event and handshake event.

From: tokyohive/Sanspo

UPDATE (1st March):
'Synchro Tokimeki' topped the Oricon Daily Charts with 50,145 copies of the single sold! Although kind of lower than expected, but still Congratulations to Mayuyu! ^o^

Congratulations from Sasshi on Sasshi's Ameba blog (2nd March)