More “Coming of Age” day 2016 photos from the AKB Family.

Miyu Takeuchi on “Coming of Age” day. Maturity looks good on the young singer/pianist!

I was able to snag a few more COA day kimono photos from Tumblr users I follow. Here are a few.

Most of the ladies have Twitter and Instagram accounts, so I will try to find my favorites and organize them over the next few days.

— Denny

Miyu Takeuchi’s Sweet “Shonichi”

This is very sweet solo version of AKB48’s song “Shonichi”  by young AKB48 member Miyu Takeuchi. (It looks and sounds amazing in the 1080 HD available on this YouTube link.)

Usually this song is performed by AKB48 as a big team “dance number”.  When “Shonichi” is performed by the group,  the  girls first get together in a circle for a big, motivational group cheer.  Then there is an audience participation part where the audience calls out to the members:  “Ah-Yossha Ikuzo!  Tiger! Fire! Cyber! Diver! Viber! Ya-Ya!”   For the sake of comparison/contrast, I am including an example of a more “typical” or group performance on the following link.

If you are already familiar with the pop/dance version above, then you can see how special Miyu’s solo performance is.  She is performing this on live, Japanese TV, and exhibits a lot of poise for an 18 year old.

This sweet, slowed down version makes the lyrics even more poignant.  The song is about a happy young “Idol” singer who is finally given her chance to live her greatest dream.   “Shonochi”  translates as “first day” or “opening day” — as in your first day of your new career.  The full lyrics and English translation are available on Studio48.net .  Arigatou!     http://stage48.net/studio48/shonichi.html

Thus, Miyu is in a cute way,  singing about herself.

I’m standing
On the stage I longed for
Amidst the loud cheers, applause, and enthusiasm
With strict lessons, 
I go beyond my own limits
Today, I was accepted as a member
The seeds of chance open …

True, here is a young idol, singing about the trials-and-tribulations of being a young idol, but Miyu interprets it beautifully.  I love how she plays the piano in her idol outfit.   She looks adorable.  These “uniforms” are really made for big song-and-dance numbers as opposed to endearing piano ballads. 

Miyu is unique in some ways.  She does not have the typical “Idol” appearance.  She does not look like some singers that look like they want to be underwear models.  Miyu has a pretty big “schnoz ” on her (Jimmy Durante would be proud).  It probably is why she is such a good singer.  I do not mean that in any disparaging way — it gives her character.   Takeuchi-san is charming, and adds a lot of personality and individuality to her AKB team.  I think she is a lovely and talented young woman.  I look forward to seeing more of her  kind face : )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It took more than eight months for this starlight to reach my world.