“Forget blogging.” That is what I tell myself. I am in so much trouble at work for being such a deadwood employee, that I feel guilty even posting a few photos. I had been wanting to write a review of Iwasa Misaki’s first solo concert DVD last year, but never could. Then she released another solo concert earlier this year. Both are great concerts. There is this inner scream inside me that just wants to tell someone about them …
If I cannot write about them, perhaps some of my readers would be interested in coming over to my house, and we can watch them together. Then I can tell you all about them. I will have some cupcakes we can share, while I give my commentary … We can make an afternoon out of it!
Failing that, I can at least share some of the photo cards and insert pamphlet art which came with the DVDs. Of course, Misaki-san wears beautiful kimonos through most of it.
Next time, I would like to write about my Iwasa Misaki CDs. Each CD came with a unique photo card included … and … oh.
(Denny sighs).
Starlight: If only I could write “Akihabara Starlight” for a living …
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.
It seems light years since I made a post to my “Kimonos on Monday” series. It has also been a long time since I posted anything about the lovely and talented Miss Iwasa Misaki. It’s been a long time since I rock-and-rolled. Ahem. Excuse me …
Unlike me, the ex-AKB48 Idol turned Enka-singer has kept busy performing concerts, releasing new singles, albums and concert Blu-Rays. Yes I own both concert disks!
Wasamin posts a lot of her glamorous kimono photos on her Instagram page (linked here) and her Twitter site (linked here). I thought that this photo was particularly interesting. Is it a kimono or a costume? Ms. Misaki contributed to a show at the Shin-Kabukiza Theater in Osaka last month. Even though Misaki-san usually wears a stunning kimono for her Enka-music concerts, I would have to classify this kimono as a “costume” for the show.
Wasamin is wearing a WIG in case you could not tell. I wonder if she would ever style her real hair in that traditional way for a special concert.
Wasamin next to a promotion for her latest record release.
“Say Hello to my little friend!”
(Denny’s Readers groan …)
I love both the traditional and popular culture of Japan. Despite that, I could never really get too interested in Kabuki. I’ve seen some Kabuki Theater on YT videos, but I have to admit, I can’t watch for very long. The art and costumes are great of course … but I can’t really understand it. I would certainly enjoy a show if it featured Wasamin though!
The official website for the Osaka’s Shin-Kabukiza Theater is linked here: https://www.osakastation.com/osaka-shin-kabukiza-theater/
Although I do not have video of Wasamin at the SK Theater, here are some recent TV performances: How long will YT leave then up?
Well, I can’t say I ever obsessed over her. She was good, and I loved her in that “Durian” song.
She really should have announced her GRADUATION first, then some time later the engagement. At least then, fans like me could still live a life of denial.
I wish her all the best, but I feel a little betrayed. In … total … agreement … with … Yuko’s … hat!
One positive note, at least she upstaged the Irishwoman winning the election for the xxth time in a row.
I sure hope that she announced this because there is a “little idol” on the way. That would be great … otherwise …
So devastated we all are that Mayu Watanabe announced she is leaving show bisness and will be opening her own Udon noodles shop.
(Ha. That last line I just made up, or I saw it on CNN, I forget).
1 day before Sousenkyo: Bunshun teases on a major scoop involving NMB48 member.
Sousenkyo: While thanking her fans for putting her in 20th position, NMB48 Sutou Ririka said “I started to like someone for the first time. I, NMB48 Sutou Ririka,will marry. It sounds nonsensical, but i am serious. I have always received your support and realised many dreams. In the midst of it, i have found a person i really love. I have never lied as an idol, and like everyone as myself. My feelings to marry is real. Thank you.”
Whilst everyone thought she was joking, the MC pressed her for confirmations and asked about her partner. That was when things started to get serious. “You guys thought me about love. I really want to live seriously.”
Late night: Bunshun releases article detailing Sutou Ririka’s sleepover at a man’s house on the night of 8th May 2017…
That’s right … explode … explode with a fury of great scrapbooking and home craft-making ideas.
These are some sample pages I made for for my scrapbook. (Click on an image to start the scrapbook.) I have also been working on Nao-inspired greeting cards, decorative throw pillows, and new laundry room shelves. I can’t help myself … I just EXPLODE with unique project ideas when I think of young Miss Furuhata.
I hope that the intriguing face of Miss Furuhata will inspire your own explosion of creative hobby ideas!
Nao says: “Now get out there and get crafting!”
Please see more of Nao on my Pinterest board for her linked here. Also, watch the YT video clip below and it will leave you exploding with unique home craft ideas!
I bought all the ingredients for our dinner at a “blue light” special.
You may find it hard to believe that I have never before bought an idol photo book before!
I recently ordered Iwasa Misaki’s first photo book from CD-Japan. It is now shipped and in the air. I hope I get it soon (at least before my wife checks the mail). Don’t worry, I don’t think it will be a “gravure” photo book. Wasamin was never big on cheesecake photos when she was with AKB48. It was known that “showing skin” was really not her thing. I do expect there to be some photos of her great kimono outfits however. There may be one swimsuit photo, but I don’t know, I will wait and see. I also bought her latest records, but I will blog about those at another time.
Denny’s goes into another Wasa-reverie:
Wasamin was so happy that an unknown American fan pre-ordered her book, that she invited me over to her apartment for Valentine’s Day soup! [Denny bites tongue, does not make soup joke.]
She sang me this great Enka song “Blue Light Yokohama” which was one of the songs from her great 2013 album “Request Covers”. I was thinking that she could have sung this acapella, but somehow there was musical accompaniment.
(You better watch this quick. Heck, it might already be deleted by the time you read this.)
God, I hope that Japanese cabbage does not make me gassy, because I am sitting on the floor. Ahem … Yes, I would love some sake, Miss Misaki …
What a lovely young lady. She has graduated AKB and is no longer constrained by the “no dating” rules. Likely, there is some young fellow she has her eye on. [Denny takes heart medication.]I think she was on the phone with him just before our soup. Still, I was happy just to keep her company.
Oh … she turned 20 this past year. Will Harrupi just keep getting more and more beautiful every year?
It was “Coming of Age Day” in Japan on Monday, January 9th. Several members of the AKB48 family were in attendance at Kanda Myojin shrine. I would like to share photos of all of them, but have been too busy to make blog posts. I thought I would at least share a few photos of one of my favorite HKT48 members — Haruka Kodama. “Harrupi” looks happy, and she STUNS as per usual in her blue and floral pattern furisode. The hairpins were homemade by the delicious young idol herself.
Holy Happy Homemade Hawkstown Harrupi Hairpins!!!
I am still in the process of collecting images from Google, Tumblr, and various websites which have covered the event. Several other of my favorites also were at the event. I will need to find photos of the glorious face of Nao Furuhata, the intimidating Jurina Matsui (who colored her famous jet-black hair for the event!), and that peppy little Ririka Sotou … just to name a few.
“… same to you buddy!”
Of course I could not be there to give a shout to my favorite young idols. The day was cold wet and nasty …
… kind of like what it is like at my employer’s … but I digress. I will try to find and post some more photos and photographer’s photo links of the big day — as long as I don’t get hit with a frying pan.
You know how “arty farty” professional photographers can get …
Ha Ha. Maybe I should call this post “Happy New REAR.” Ha Ha Ha. Who better than to give you wishful New Year’s Day greetings than the rear end of AKB48 idol Mayu Watanabe? As much as I love Watanabe-san, her butt is so other-worldly cute, that sometimes it seems as if her butt has a personality all of its own.
I have translated the butt’s comments from the original Japanese, but as you will see … Mayuyu’s derriere speaks an international language, easily understood by anyone.
Begin butt transmission:
Mayu’s Butt: “A fresh new year is once again upon us.”
Mayu’s Butt continues: “It is the time to be thankful for the blessings of the past year and to take stock of all our achievements.”
The magic tukhus continues: “We relish old memories … but a promising and a fulfilling new year is waiting just for you! Open your arms and behold it with grace and mirth. Grab it … Just grab it!”
More blessings from the bum: “New Year 2017 is a brand new year to start afresh, to start strong, and yet get another chance to do everything we wanted to do this past year …”
The pretty patootie pontificates: “The amazing thing with chances is how we get them every year. So, set positive goals and try to be realistic.”
Her cute butt continues: “Hang the wish list up where you can see them every day of the New Year – and continue to be excited for what you can achieve this 2017.”
Mayuyu’s rear end rages again: “In the meantime, enjoy the fireworks, look forward to those loud and boisterous family dinners, or maybe just have a quiet intimate meal with your loved one.”
Mayu’s tail, continues the tale: “Let someone you know– or maybe everyone you know – that you remembered them today, and that you value their friendship!”
The idol’s sweet cheeks conclude: “I hope that the lamps of joy lighten up your year, fill your days with sparkles of joy, and brighten up your life forever and ever.”
Thank you Butt-of-Mayuyu. You’ve said it all.
Zero in on her “I need you” moment from a “Heavy Rotation” performance (in available super HD) linked here.
Heh heh … Hoo boy … now where did every body go?.
Starlight: HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017 EVERYONE !
See more Mayuyu on my Pinterest board for her LINKED HERE.
[Readers: Please play the YouTube music while you read my post. I chose it for the special emotions I am feeling today]
Today, I wanted to discuss my blog, blogging stats, other bloggers and such. I am getting close to 200,000 views on my blog. I guess that is good. I noticed that I get a big jump in views when a new Pokemon game comes out. Perhaps I should have monetized my site. Since I started blogging in 2014, I have always used the “free” WordPress site. I have over 400 “followers” but I think that most of them are “commercial” blogs. There are only a handful of WP bloggers who actually read and comment on my blog. (I’m winking at you Mabel and the Otaku Judge.) I subscribed to several music, anime and Pokemon blogs. I have seen them come — and I have seen the bloggers go — on this site. Some of my followers who I used to read and interact with … only stayed around for a few months, then they would disappear into the blogging ether.
Where am I going with this? (Denny sighs sadly, exhales) …I have to be honest –
I miss MorningBerryz48.
Some of my fellow bloggers know her. Her homepage is linked here.
“MB” as I will call her, was the greatest Japanese pop culture/Idol music/ AKB blogger I have known. She shares a lot of great articles and media on her blog. Also, she’s intelligent, witty, and maybe “a little naughty” at times. She was more than just a pile of random electrons to me. I miss her replies to all my goofy comments, and my weak attempts at comedy. If I ever made her smile, then that is a light upon the world. (That’s not hyperbole is it?)
Jesus, … er .. I mean Buddha … What a great lady she is. Look at her website. She likes music, but she also likes sports. The lady even likes stock-car racing. I know that I do not follow racing, but that fact that SHE likes it just adds more depth and dimension to her cultural multiverse. She lives in Hawaii, so that means that the place really is paradise.
She liked, and posted about Watarirouka Hashiritai. Do you people realize how long I have wanted to talk to another soul on this planet about the Watarirouka Hashiritai 7? Glorious God in heaven … I am not ALONE … in this cold, cruel world. Another person who “gets” my appreciation for Idol songs. Up until now, my friend’s reactions to my AKB48 fandom has usually been the old“Get Away From Me Man”. I’m talking to you Bob, and Nate.
She introduced me to so many Japanese musical artists, who I would otherwise never know even existed. She is a great Idol historian. A true Idol scholar. She taught be about Coco, ribbon, ZARD, Qlair and many others.
When I discovered this genre of idol music from the late 80s, early 90s it was like memories were activated from my parallel life. I never knew about this stuff at the time. It was something which I always missed, but which I never knew even existed. Something was missing in my musical life in the early 1990s, but I never knew exactly what it was. MB has eased my pain. The hole in my heart was filled. Somewhere in the space-time continuum, it is 1992 and I am listening to ribbon.
Thus, she made a difference in my life — and I’m not making one of my smartass jokes here. Music is very important for me. Her blog’s influence is a big part of my current listening.
I loved reading her articles with morning coffee on the weekends, or wasting company time in the office, or checking in one a day to see if I missed anything. I learned a lot from her blog. When I first started blogging I thought I might become some type of expert on Idols/AKB. (Denny exhales.) I can’t even come close. Nothing has made me prouder however, than when she would comment on one of my posts.
(Denny sighs again — heavily):
MB has stopped writing her blog … at least for now. She said it was because of technical problems, but there may other reasons, and I respect that. For whatever reason(s) she has stopped posting. I have been going through the usual five stages of grief.
Denial: “This can’t be happening” I thought. No more Idol video links? … this is NOT happening … Nope, definitely NOT happening. I had hysterical blindness when she posted that she was quitting. I was bumping into lamps, tripping over the couch.
Anger: Damn that computer which crashed and caused her to lose so much work. It is a conspiracy I tell you! It is all SONY’s fault. (Denny shakes fist, imitating Homer Simpson): Your empire would lay in smoking ruins you bastards … if I didn’t need a new PS4 so much. You corporate screw-ups will pay for taking her away from me … you will ALL PAY!!!
Bargaining: “Maybe she can just post once in a while”. Maybe she can stop after she finishes that big “Coco” post she was working on when her computer failed. Maybe she can just make a post when there is a new AKB48 record. Maybe just a top-ten list post at the end of the year. Maybe …
Depression: “Why go on?” Why get out of bed in the morning if I can never enjoy learning about the Idol genres I love. There won’t be a post about the new HKT48 single, so nothing matters. In fact, I will stop blogging now. What’s the point if her light is not in this electronic world anymore?
Acceptance: “It was good while it lasted” There are still a lot of old articles, and articles from her previous blog site. I just feel lucky to have known her. She is a great lady and has other interests. Perhaps it is time for a break. Time to concentrate on other life goals. Perhaps there may be some guy in her life who is on the receiving end of her efforts now. (The lucky bastard.)
I would be honored if I could call her “friend”. I know that some of my Internet friends, Derek, Matthew and others also miss her. You guys, if you get a chance, re-blog my article. Tweet, or Face-tube or whatever-the-devil you kids call it — to get my message in a Poke bean bottle out there.
If any of my current readers love MB’s blog even half as much as I did, please sign a tribute comment below.
Starlight: MB, if you are out there, I’m not really crazy.
Far be it for me to tell WordPress readers how to view an article. However, to get my photo gallery here, please play this song on YouTube. It will open in another window, so you can view the photos while you listen. “Anna” covered by Los Beetles de MexicanoLINKED HERE.
Anna Iriyama has been a member of AKB48 since 2010. She is one of the more popular members, despite getting few lead singing roles. Unfortunately Anna was one of the victims of the infamous 2014 attack at the AKB48 handshake event, and will probably always be linked to the issue. Her injured hand appears to have healed well.
No, I promise to never leave you “home Alone” Anna!
She is a beauty of course.
Anna Iriyama had this nice photo shoot where she appeared barefoot in yukata.
In case you were wondering what was under Anna’s kimono.
Starlight: Anna Iriyama 入山 杏奈 (Iriyama Anna), was born December 3, 1995 in Chiba, Japan.
Likes: Pop Culture, Humor, Japanese Culture, Iwasa Misaki, Hanako Oku, AKB48 History, Kurosawa films, Kimonos, Anime, Lolita fashion, Buddhist philosophy, and finding the perfect nicknames for my Pokemon.
A fansite; for old and new fans of AKB48 and all their domestic and international sister groups: (SKE48, NMB48, HKT48, NGT48, STU48, JKT48, BNK48, MNL48, AKB48 Team SH, SGO48, AKB48 Team TP, and CGM48)
Denny Sinnoh 
Written
on November 14, 2016