Read any good books this summer? Special birthday wishes to Miss Yuki Kashiwagi of AKB/NGT48.

Of course I keep up with my summer reading! I am so happy that my favorite AKB48 member has made this useful reference manual to help me at my office. Even though I am very dedicated to work, and cannot blog very often these days, I am not too busy to wish my oshi a HAPPY 26TH BIRTHDAY! Please enjoy one of my favorite Yukirin moments from her solo tour last year.

(Denny sighs, swoons) … she’s my favorite niece … but I am pretty sure that she will announce her graduation from AKB this year. Alas, it is probably time for the dear young lady to move on. Yukirin may be near the end of her AKB48 career, but I am sure she will continue as a solo singer, actress and media personality.

I want to pay tribute to Yukirin History here. This is an old AKB sketch where Yuki played an old kendo master –as a man!  Note the Kashiwagi beard and mustache. There is a funny moment at about time 3:00 where her “assistant” is supposed to strike her on the head. Their timing was actually off, because Yuki really does get hit hard on the head. Ha. Watch her reaction.

Oh, Yuki, you are a real trouper!

Starlight: Yuki Kashiwagi – born July 15, 1991

See more of Miss Yuki Kashiwagi on my Pinterest board linked here.

KIMONOS ON MONDAY: Please don’t abandon me, Rena Matsui!

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AKB48, SKE48, Nogizaka46 member Rena Matsui has announced that she will graduate from the AKB Family this August!

The 23-year old idol has always been one of my favorites. She debuted in SKE48 in 2008, and quickly became one of the most popular members. Together with Jurina Matsui (no relation) she was the core of that sister group.

Matsui-san is special to me. I have had a special page “Bikini vs Kimono” since the start of my blog. Does Rena look most amazing in her bikini or her kimono? There was also a poll there. Results? WordPress Readers voted Bikini over kimono 54% to 46% !

Rena will pursue an acting career, which is not a big surprise. She has a beautiful, sculpted face. In fact I can’t understand why there are not more statues of Matsui-san!!! She recently had a role as a voice actress in Ultimate Otaku Teacher (as Suzane Kagami). She has also appeared in several  cute commercials.

Please enjoy this YouTube link of “Mujin Eki” (aka “The abandoned train station”. There I was at the train station turned into a ghost town. Alone with only my memories of twirling umbrellas.). This Yasushi Akimoto  song (lyrics here) was actually Iwasa Misaki’s hit single. Other members have also performed it on stage, including Mariko Shinoda. Rena does a great job with the song. It even looks like Rena is wearing Wasamin’s kimono here. (Maybe Misaki-san was out that night?)

I also snagged a few images from the performance here:

I wish Rena well in her new career!

Starlight: Rena Matsui born July 27, 1991. Happy Birthday too!

See more Rena Matsui on my Pinterest board linked here.

Is a bear Catholic? OF COURSE I like Sashihara-san.

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Do I really have to say that? Congratulations to Rino Sashihara on winning the AKB48 election. I will admit, I have not supported her very much in the past, but I certainly do not dislike her either. I like the lady.

Who couldn’t love your face … er … voice, Sashi?

AHEM … Scandals aside … AHEM … COUGH … (Denny’s coughs getting progressively louder and more annoying), she has been an invaluable member of AKB48 since the beginning. I was also a big fan of the Not Yet sub-unit of which she was one-quarter. Three more quarters and I would have had a dollar.

I think that she is a doll. Hey, she is the #1 in AKB48 … so of course I like Sashi.

“…ARE YOU KIDDING … IS A BEAR CATHOLIC?”

She is also the leader/manager of HKT48, and I LOVE the HawksTown 48. They have become my favorite sister group (sorry Sayanee  and Milky). Sashihara-san has taken the rising HKT star Sakura under her wing. Sashi-Sakuratan-Harrupi are the “big three” in HKT48.

Nice mentoring Sashi!

Of course I like her. The HKT group would be different without her.

Also, but it may be a non-musical comment, Sashi has amazinglyfantastic legs. She is great dancing in HKT48. Yes?  “Oh the gams on this dame” Thank you, Mr. Bogart.

Plus, she is a Irishwoman. I am an Irishman myself (partly) .  Of course I support a fellow Irish and want to see them all do well. She IS an O-hara, right? One of the wee-people, right?

I LOVED her in the Kois Suru Fortune Cookie music video (see my opinion linked here.) I can’t wait to hear the new single where she will center! Some fans have mixed feelings about her becoming the number one again (see link). I think if you can sell a Pepsi to everyone in China, then you can make a billion dollars. You know what? New Zealand has 75 million sheep.

Denny singing: “… and I am over that … I forgot our little spat …”

Starlight: How many days until the next election?

See more of Rino-chan on my Pinterest board linked here.

SASHI WINS!

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My Funny Caption: “The homeless people living in this Tokyo parking garage have their own AKB election every year. Oddly, they have correctly predicted the #1 for the real election six out of the last seven years!”  

Ha Ha. I know what you are thinking … Denny you should write for The Onion.

Rino Sashihara (指原 莉乃 Sashihara Rino) has won this year’s AKB48 7th Sousenkyo Election 2015. Sashi re-claims the throne she had won in 2013.

Here is a list of those who ranked, the group/sister group team, and how many votes each received. Note that this year there were many non-AKB members dominating the list. Best wishes to all — they are all winners to me.

I (HEART) all of you.

SENBATSU

1. Sashihara Rino [Team H] 194,042
   02. Kahiwagi Yuki [Team B/NGT48] 167,183
   03. Watanabe Mayu [Team B] 165,789
   04. Takahashi Minami [Team A] 137,252
   05. Matsui Jurina [Team S/Team K] 105,289
   06. Yamamoto Sayaka [Team N/Team K] 97,866
   07. Miyawaki Sakura [Team KIV/Team A] 81,422
   08. Miyazawa Sae [Team S/Team SII] 75,495
   09. Shimazaki Haruka [Team A] 73,803
   10. Yokoyama Yui [Team A] 63,414
   11. Kitahara Rie [NGT48] 61,566
   12. Watanabe Miyuki [Team BII/Team B] 55,715
   13. Matsumura Kaori [Team KII] 53,667
   14. Takayanagi Akane [Team KII] 52,609
   15. Shibata Aya [Team E] 49,199
   16. Muto Tomu [Team K] 44,637

UNDERGIRLS

17. Kodama Haruka [Team H/Team K] 43,985
    18. Suda Akari [Team E] 43,665
    19. Minegishi Minami [Team K] 35,506
    20. Oya Masana [Team S] 30,021
    21. Tomonaga Mio [Team KIV/Team 4] 28,197
    22. Kizaki Yuria [Team B] 26,994
    23. Tani Marika [Team E] 26,051
    24. Furuhata Nao [Team KII] 25,650
    25. Takahashi Juri [Team 4] 25,421
    26. Kojima Mako [Team 4] 25,117
    27. Oba Mina [Team KII] 24,708
    28. Kato Rena [Team B] 24,569
    29. Okada Nana [Team 4] 23,237
    30. Takajo Aki [Team K] 22,502
    31. Fuchigami Mai [Team KIV] 22,487
    32. Tashima Meru [Team H] 22,191

NEXT GIRLS

33. Anai Chihiro [Team H] 22,146
    34. Shiroma Miru [Team M/Team A] 21,577
    35. Fujie Reina [Team M] 21,388
    36. Jonishi Kei [Team N] 21,135
    37. Sakaguchi Riko [Team H] 20,936
    38. Futamura Haruka [Team S] 20,590
    39. Uchiyama Natsuki [Team B] 20,437
    40. Yagura Fuuko [Team M] 20,354
    41. Ota Aika [Team KIV] 19,921
    42. Okada Kanna [Team KIV] 19,739
    43. Moriyasu Madoka [Team KIV] 19,401
    44. Mukaichi Mion [Team K] 18,392
    45. Miyamae Ami [Team S] 18,245
    46. Kojina Yui [Team H] 18,085
    47. Tano Yuka [Team K] 18,048
    48. Kimoto Kanon [Team E] 18,021

FUTURE GIRLS

49. Sato Sumire [Team E] 17,579
    50. Sasaki Yukari [Team A] 17,466
    51. Matsuoka Natsumi [Team H] 17,387
    52. Goto Risako [Team S] 17,330
    53. Isohara Kyoka [Team E] 17,278
    54. Kotani Riho [Team N] 17,132
    55. Souda Sarina [Team KII] 17,071
    56. Umeda Ayaka [Team BII] 17,019
    57. Mogi Shinobu [Team K] 16,867
    58. Shibuya Nagisa [Team BII/Team 4] 16,386
    59. Kato Yuka [Team N] 15,729
    60. Yabushita Shu [Team BII] 15,666
    61. Azuma Rion [Team S] 15,539
    62. Kato Rumi [Team E] 15,474
    63. Yamauchi Suzuran [Team S] 15, 157
    64. Yoshida Akari [Team N] 14,933

UPCOMING GIRLS

65. Saito Makiko [Team E] 14,916
    66. Kitagawa Ryoha [Team S/Team 4] 14,674
    67. Omori Miyu [Team 4] 14,669
    68. Umemoto Madoka [Team E] 14,605
    69. Nagao Mariya [Team K] 14,585
    70. Kamata Natsuki [Team E] 14,545
    71. Ishida Haruka [Team K] 14,319
    72. Ueki Nao [Team KIV] 13,961
    73. Kumazaki Haruka [Team E] 13,777
    74. Tanigawa Airi [Team M] 13,744
    75. Owada Nana [Team A] 13,685
    76. Takeuchi Mai [Team S] 13,569
    77. Ishida Anna [Team KII] 13,289
    78. Shinozaki Ayana [Team K] 13,170
    79. Ichikawa Miori [Team BII] 13,165
    80. Motomura Aoi [Team KIV] 13,116

For more discussion about the election, please see the great  “All Things Jpop” blog by WordPress friend Yuna linked here.

I will try to have a full tribute to Sasihara-san later next week. Now go get some sleep.

Stalight: Not sure what time zone I am in now : (

Vote early … vote often … VOTE MISAKI !

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Part I for non-fans: There is an important election going on now! The AKB48 41st Single Senbatsu Sousenkyo (41stシングル 選抜総選挙) will be held on June 6, 2015 at the Fukuoka Dome. The votes will be tallied beforehand, but the winner will be announced at the event. Fans have to buy the new single in order to get a voting ticket then vote online. Fans can buy as many CD’s /voting tickets that they want. Some fans buy dozens of copies in order to vote for their favorite idol. The reigning #1 member of AKB48 is Mayu Watanabe — but who knows what might happen in this election!

Part II for AKB fans: Brothers! …  (and sisters)  – I am going to ask for your support for Iwasa Misaki in the AKB electoral voting this year. I know that many of you buy more than one ticket, so I am not asking you to vote against your favorite idol. This will be Minami Takahashi’s last election before she graduates. I know that Takahashi-san is among the favorites to finally win this year. I would certainly be happy if Takamina wins. She is a great woman and deserves the honor. Also, Mayu Watanabe could very well repeat as #1. I also love Mayuyu and would be happy if she wins again. It may be Yuki Kashiwagi’s turn to be #1 this year. She is expected to rank highly, and if it were not for Wasamin I would probably vote for Yukirin. Will Sashi surprise us all and return to the #1 spot? Several of the “up and coming girls” also deserve to move up in rank. Paruru, Sakura-tan, Sayanee, Mako all may move up significantly.

But … Iwasa Misaki is my oshi. Make that my kami oshi. Not only is she a beauty, but she has the vocal talents deserving of a higher ranking than how she came in last year (49th). Please, let us not argue right now my brothers …

Wasamin was one of the original members. Here she is as a talented 13-year old! Even back then she was  “kicking-ass-and-taking-names”! (There is probably no direct translation for that American expression, sorry). She has always been a strong singer.

Misaki-san was my favorite in the great AKB48 subunit the Watarirouka Hashiritai 7. Wasamin had the most powerful voice. Why didn’t they use her more often? Why is she not used more often in AKB?

Remember young Wasamin in the first AKB dating game? Have a look in HD. WARNING: Your heart may explode. Alternatively, your heart may jump out of your chest, THEN explode.  Full  disclose: I never saw the end because when they went to the “kiss” scene and Iwasa leaned in, I fainted and fell off my perch.*

I loved it when AKB let her sing some songs in the Enka-style. Here is an early 2011 performance (and wearing a beautiful dark kimono). Notice the enka-style inflection in the 16-year old idol’s singing.

Wasamin is more than just a pretty face. Check out she has developed her amazing enka-style in this more recent performance! … and did you see that lovely kimono in 1080 HD?

Oh, you want “Idol singing”? … well Miss Iwasa is good at that. Look at the 20-year old Idol’s great outfit here in 1080 HD.

Oh man, oh man, oh man.

(Edit 05/06/2015: Denny’s brain freeze here — see comments.)

She can do the job. I know that she will not place anywhere near the top, but she needs to place better than last year!

So PLEASE save one vote for Iwasa! She is very important to Mii …

Warning: Wasa-Mii might kick your a@@ in Smash Brothers!

Starlight: Come back to Earth and vote for Iwasa Misaki!!!

Kimonos on Monday: Yui Yokoyama – Part III – Special Collection

This week we take a look at some of the other Yuihan kimono outfits. These are a few odds-and-ends which did not fit to the theme of the last two posts. This gallery will span several years, while my mind wanders …

This is young Yui soon after she joined AKB48. What a beautiful, fresh face. She would grow to be one of my favorites.

Ha ha. I really went back in time here. Yes, that is Yui! Here she is enjoying the bright sunshine in her little kimono outfit. I don’t know what kind of cookie that is.  Can someone tell me what she is eating?

This one is a little more recent (about three years ago).  This is probably my favorite kimono outfit of hers. I have a full-length shot of this kimono in my “No Politics” page (see my main pages).

Oh, goodness gracious! Do you remember how ravishing Yui looked in that “Kodoku na Hoshizora” music video? Here she is getting ready to perform in the video. Of course, a good foot rub between takes may help the young idol relax.

“Not Yet? If you say so Yuihan. I think you need that foot rub right NOW!”

Nice Zen-like perspective. Was it Yui who did the raking? I wish the photographer was less worried about showing the Zen gravel, and more interested in those tootsies. Perhaps I could be of service? LOVING THAT PURPLE!

That HAS to feel good Yui! … and might I suggest also a …. well .. you know …

I do not know the where and why of this shot. I know it is for a movie, and that is it. Of course Yuihan is “movie star beautiful” … maybe too beautiful for Hollywood.

On the web  site www.viki.com there is a program about Yui Yokoyama in Kimono.  During this recent special TV program, Yuihan takes the viewer on a tour of Kyoto … her birthplace city! Of course, there is A LOT of walking … which might make her feet tired … and so … you know …

“Follow your guide, AKB48’s Yui Yokoyama, as she takes you on a tour of the dazzling city. The unique colors of Japan have been expressed in its history, ever since ancient times. This history encompasses Kyoto’s culture and the colors of traditions that have been passed down. The vivid colors of cooking, the rich colors of architectural structures, the vibrant colors of shrine archways… Yui Yokoyama encounters various aspects of culture, artisans, and cuisine, all steeped in the beautiful colors of Kyoto. © KANSAI TELECASTING CORPORATION”

Dang it! I clicked on it …  The program is not available in my region!

(Denny kicks trash can, stubs toe, calls out in pain…)

OW .. now I’m the one who needs a foot rub … OUCH …

OK, right after this you can wear the next kimono Yui : )

Kimonos on Monday: Yui Yokoyama in Kimono – Part II

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More Yui Yokoyama in kimono! 

I am a “BIG FAN” of yours Yuihan!!!

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Yui Yokoyama is always lovely in kimono or yukata.  

Up for more Yuihan next week? Part III next time … 

PS: They did not have a Yui-in-kimono video on YouTube, but here she is dressed as a military man and courting Yuko Oshima in an old AKBINGO “Danso” sketch.

Kimonos on Monday: Yui Yokoyama … (gulp) … Yuihan Kimono Fantasy: Part I

Yui Yokoyama barefoot in kimono! Have I died and gone to Nirvanna?

Yui Yokoyama ( Yokoyama Yui 横山由依) is one of my favorites in AKB48 and NMB48.  Yuihan also dazzled fans in the AKB subunit Not Yet. Not Yet was my second favorite subunit (after the WH7), but they disbanded after Yuko Oshima graduated.  Here is a link to a Not Yet music video. Yuihan is so pretty. It is notable in that she is about the only dancer who could distract me away from Yuko’s butt, … but I digress …

Get used to calling her “Boss”!

On December 8, 2014 (which is also Miss Yokoyama’s birthday, born in Kyoto 12-8-92), it was revealed that she would succeed Minami Takahashi as General Director of AKB48! She will be second only to Akimoto-san — after Takamina graduates later this year. I think that Yokoyama-san will be up to the challenge of keeping the AKB girls in line. She is smart and tough.  Although, I would say that if Ms. Yokoyama were my boss, I would not mind it if I were ever “called on the carpet” … if you know what I mean.

Please enjoy this Yui Yokoyama fantasy … Part II next time!

 

She may not be “Heavy Metal” but this lady is definitely HEAVY!

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Birthday wishes to Minami Takahashi (高橋 みなみ Takahashi Minami), born April 8, 1991!

I just had to have this post timed so that I could wish Ms.Takahashi-san a Happy Birthday tomorrow (Japan is 12 hours ahead of me).  April 8th will be her last birthday celebrated as a member of AKB48.

She may not be “heavy metal” but this little lady is certainly “heavy” !!!

Some AKB101 for non-fans: Takamina is an original member, and is known as the “General Director” (総監督 sōkantoku) of AKB48 and its sister groups. She is second only to the boss — Mr. Yasushi Akimoto.  Akimoto-san describes her as the “eldest daughter of the 48 sisters”.

She may be short of stature, but I have a tall amount of respect for this young woman.

She is also a member of the AKB48 sub-group no3b (aka “No Sleeves”) subunit along with along with AKB48 members Haruna Kojima and Minami Minegishi. Takahashi-san has announced her graduation from AKB48, and this likely means the end of No Sleeves.

How to make a “Minami” sandwich : )

It has also been announced that Miss Takahashi will also perform a solo concert on her birthday (link here). I am both happy and sad that Ms. Takahashi-san will be graduating AKB48 this year.  I am glad that she is taking the next step of her career. I do hope that she might continue to have some role in the AKB48 organization somehow, or return for special events. I wish her luck, but the group will not be the same without her. I know that Yui Yokoyama will do a great job in replacement as General Manager, but it is hard to think of AKB48 without Takamina.

Oh, the memories …

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I’m going to miss that bow!

Remember this great prank on Takamina? The only way it could have been any funnier would have been if that dude’s underwear were red polka-dots instead of just plain gray.

She sure is a good sport. Here are some other pranks where little Mina gets chairs pulled out from under her. I really don’t think this is all that funny, but fans like “reality” shows I guess. I’m glad she never got hurt. Still, it shows that she is a good sport and a person of good character.  I worry about her back now … if Takamina is ever admitted to The Betty Ford Center, it will be as a result of these pranks.

I won her photo card by bidding on eBay!

Here is AKB48 performing “Heavy Rotation” —  with a special “oshi cam” that stays on Minami Takahashi!

I (heart) you! Please enjoy your special day Miss Minami Takahashi-san!

See more Minami Takahashi on my Pinterest board!

My Favorite Members of AKB48 and the 48 Family (this morning).

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I love these girls.  Er .. I mean, young women … and …ah … um … ladies… (Thinking, starting again) I love these popular-singing-Idols!!!

The late Astronomer-BioChemist Carl Sagan once quipped: “When you are in love, you want to tell the whole world”. He meant that he loved science so much that he loved teaching it, and he always wanted to talk about it with anyone who would listen.

My own personal cosmos is filled with a different kind of star however, but I still want to to lecture.  Today I will share this list of my top “Sweet Sixteen” Favorite Members of AKB48 and the 48 Family … my favorites, at least as of this morning. Enjoy the photos and my funny captions.

#1. Iwasa Misaki

 

Wasamin is a Southern Belle? “I do declare, Mr. Sinnoh, you are so  forward!” (blushes)

#2. Yuki Kashiwagi

Little known AKB factoid: In an emergency, Yukirin may be used as a flotation device!

#3. Mayu Watanabe

Whenever I have to face Mayu Watanabe on the mound, I try to “look at a couple” before I take my first swing.

#4. Miyuki Watanabe

You might be “The New Girl” Milky-chan, however I am not going to call you “Zooey.”

#5. Sayaka Yamamoto

Yes, thank you for the verbal reminder Sayanee … but there is NO WAY I am going to forget to buy melons when I go to the store today!

#6. Haruna Kojima

Readers: I could not find a photo of KojiHaru that was NOT sexy. Think I’m kidding? Try doing a Google-Image search for “Haruna Kojima”. Go ahead … I’ll wait … See?

#7. Minami Minegeshi

I’m not as THRUNK as you DINK …  Miichan!!!

#8. Rena Matsui

“Hey Rena … dah dah dah dah …the movement you need is on your shoulder … Na Na Na Na …”

#9. Jurina Matsui

Hey! Watch where you are swinging the wiener there, Matsui-san!!!

#10. Minami Takahashi

Oh, that little Taka-mina! She just trick-skated her way into my heart.

#11. Haruka Nakagawa

Well, life IS a marathon Haruka.

#12. Yui Yokoyama

Why yes, Miss Yokoyama, I do indeed have a Ph.D. in “Foot-rub-ology” … why do you ask?

#13. Haruka Shimazaki

Hey Paruru: Michael Nesmith called, he wants his cap back!

#14. Aika Ota

You know Love-tan, the Library has rules about being too adorable in the reference area!

#15. Mako Kojima

Young Miss Mako Kojima probably has the most infectious smile in show business … and .. wait what was that?

#16. Sakura Miyawaki

Um, Sakura-tan, when you said that you like “Heavy Metal Music” I did not know that you meant the tuba!

OK, some of my captions are pretty lame. If you have better ones, please list the Idol # and suggested caption. Don Draper follows my blog.