The new NMB48 single has a pretty good punk guitar sound! Take it from someone who actually lived during the original late 1970s early 1980s punk movement. The girls do justice to the genre.
Of course, I love any Sayaka Yamamoto performance. Sayanee is not a noob. She has been playing guitar in live performances for several tours now. She’s not just another pretty butt – this lady is multi-talented. I am so happy to see her in punk. So nostalgic. “Pretty-in-Punk” as we said in the 1980s. Of course she would have kicked my ass even back then.
NMB New Wave! You also get to see the other band members play instruments too. Miyuki Watanabe also plays guitar!
I can just imagine me instructing Milky-chan on how to play the guitar. I would sit behind her … I would be putting my arms over her arms from behind — not quite a hug – but almost. Still, I can smell her hair. She giggles. Then I take her hand, place it on the neck staff, manipulate her hand over the frets. She asks sweetly if she is doing it right. Of course, Milky-chan I say … of course …
Oh … right .. ahem… the music video. The full version is not on Youtube yet, but here is the full version on Jpopsuki (link here).
Sorry for the long Jpopsuki load times. I would not be caught dead on Facebook, but here are some Facebook links for the song – both video and live performances.
I think that anyone would fall for her, Jim. Fanboy that I am — I will share some postings from YouTube that feature the Milky one — Miyuki Watanabe. 2014 was a big year for Watanabe-san, what with winning the Janken and getting her shot at solo work. The sound is a little flat here on this particular live TV performance, but I do not care. YouTube keeps removing all her recent performances, but I keep finding new ones! (They must be good because YouTube keeps removing them!) I’m loving this retro-style 80s-themed song Mr. Akimoto arranged for her. Enjoy this Milky heaven!
I’m so happy she has had a chance to shine solo recently. She is one of my favorite members. I have always thought that she takes a good photo … However — pity the poor life of the professional photographer! What if you had this job of taking magazine photos of Miyuki Watanabe? Dull, boring, tedious!!! What would be more excruciating than watching Milky make all those poses … taking photos — over and over again. Feel free to waste eight minutes of your coffee break on her photo shoot. My favorite is the “frame” which begins at time 5:24.
On the subject of photos, this is a very cute photography video with SUBTITLES IN ENGLISH! Here some of the other 48 family members are in a competition to take the best “Gravure” photo. See the contest amongst between Team Nemousu (Yukirin) VS Team AKB48 Group Alliance (Oya, Kizaki, Kimoto, Shibata and Furuhata of SKE48). I think that you will find it to be a cute and funny little photo shoot to watch … and, er …
and … oh … (Denny feels weak suddenly, has to sit down on park bench)
Oh … Miyuki… (Denny takes off cap, exhales, stares at horizon)
Miyuki Watanabe … or some type of illusion?
Oh … (Denny takes off glasses, slumps slightly into bench, considers landscape.)
(Exhales again) …Watanabe … (Denny sits back up and continues.)
As one can see, the other members do a good job at their amateur-gravure. There were 468 great shots from many different angles. (I was pulling for Yukirin to win.) I love this clip, because it not only shows how physically beautiful Miss Watanabe is, but this clip also captures the high quality of her character. Her positive and friendly attitude is very attractive. She is a lovely young woman — inside as well as out.
With so many great photos, it was hard for Milky to choose! Do you agree with the winning choice?
Please enjoy another Watanabe slide show (captions by Denny).
Don’t worry Milky, I will not leave you “Home Alone”
Photo just before my chicken exploded.
After my chicken exploded.
Thank you for reminding me about my auto insurance updates Miyuki!
Two can keep a secret if one of them is Milky!
Wasted 3 hours this morning deciding which view I liked.
I thought I caught all the shiny ones?
Yes, they do provide two beds for some reason …
So talented she is — Yoda
Beachy sand? Where?
One last treat for Milky fans: This is a Panasonic commercial which includes a few old photos of Watanabe-san as a little girl! So adorable!
Starlight: varying lengths from the outer arm of the Milky Way.
PS: Inside joke aimed directly at you Bob!
UPDATE: 01/07/2015: I added the following to this post yesterday. Some bloggers had already commented, so I want to be forthcoming that I have added content here:
Perhaps I could explain my “She is beautiful both inside and out” observation. If you view that clip of the other girls taking the photos, it strikes me how NICE they are to each other. Milky is humble, and respectful. The Japanese girls respect and encourage each other.
What if a similar thing were on an American TV show? The people involved would probably not be so nice. I flip through channels sometimes and see these vulgar American “reality” TV shows (Mtv, E!, etc). You can fill-in the names. These shows always have the chicks giving us — and each other — a lot of “attitude” and they would “dis” each other. There would be no sweetness. On these American shows, the ladies might look hot on the surface, but I estimate that their emotional juices would be very sour. Very nasty. Perhaps good looking on the outside, but very ugly on the inside.*
Not so with Milky and the others. Much more feminine, and full of goodness.
I have this problem where sometimes I have to put something else down (ex. American pop culture) in order to build up something that I like (ex. Japan pop culture). I don’t want to do that. Sorry about that, but I see no comparison (although I know that this is just one example).
*Just another reason why I have given up on American pop culture.
Men … we have no defense for this phrase when it is uttered by a nice lady. We would be especially helpless if it is asked by the two AKB48/NMB48 Idols Miss Sayaka Yamamoto (“Sayanee”), and Miss Miyuki Watanabe (“Milky”). Ladies: Be honest. You ladies know exactly what you are doing when you say things like that to us. You KNOW there is no way that a guy can refuse. Here are two versions of the song “Warukii” (Waru Milky) aka “Bad Milky”. Although the song was originally intended for Miyuki, Yamamato-san does a devilishly good job here. Turn on the HD!
See what I mean? HD …Grrrrowl. Watanabe-san will be the next little devil.
Perhaps the video quality is not strictly comparable, and the performances are slightly different as well. I think that Sayaka is a “naughty” little devil, whereas Milky is a “sweet” devil. I might make an analogy that they are like Devils Food Cake (recipe linked here) vs. Angel Food Cake (recipe linked here), but they are both dressed as devils, and both are beautiful angels — just different.
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The song is about a young lady who is out shopping, and has a lot of packages to carry. Of course she needs a “big strong guy, with big sexy biceps” to help her. (That big strong guy is YOU by the way!)
“Let me touch your muscles Just how hard are they? For a girl, they’re very interesting I want to see how strong you are I wonder what they’re like I’m trembling with excitement Biceps are so sexy, aren’t they? Hold everything for me! “
These two are so good, it is hard for a fan to choose. Sayanee and Milky are so good together… I can’t choose! So here is a slide show of the dynamic duo. Enjoy!
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Starlight: It took a year for the light from the “Bad Milky Way” to reach my world.
I finally received my new NMB48 “Nanba Jichiku” (theater version) CD from Japan a couple of weeks ago.
Even the Japanese stamps make me happy!
I have been happily playing in on my morning commute every day. It is a lot of happiness, and I am not just referring to the cover photo. I know — there is a lot of skin, but that is not the reason I have been enjoying it so much…
What’s the deal with the mouse, you ask?
Are any of you familiar with the famous experiment conducted by scientists studying addiction? These scientists would put a mouse in a box, and see if it could perform a task, such as picking the correct shape when prompted, or solving a puzzle, or running on a little wheel. If he performed the trick correctly, he would get a little reward. At first they tried rewarding the mice with food, and other things mice like.
Then the scientists got the idea that they could reward the mouse by just putting an electrode in a mouse’s brain that is set to stimulate his pleasure center if he presses the lever in his box. If he performs the right task, he gets to press the little level and get a dose of euphoria.
Turns out the mouse liked having his pleasure center stimulated by the electrode better than anything. The electrode charge was better than getting a drink of fresh water. It was better than sleeping in a soft pile of woodchips. The artificial stimulus was better than any food. The electrode stimulation of the brain was even preferred over getting some mouse nookie with his mouse girlfriend. Indeed, NOTHING was better than getting his brain’s pleasure center directly stimulated by the electrode.
Does the mouse live in an artificial word? Maybe. The mouse is happy.
Who are we to judge this mouse who has found his own happiness?
Well, I have been very happy listening to my new NMB48 CD. I love it. I can share one song with you here. You can watch the “Ibiza Girl” video linked here on Jpopsuki. It is a high quality video, and takes a little longer to load than YouTube videos. Breathe …
… but OH MY BUDDHA!!! … Guam has never looked better!
Please do not watch this while driving. I know, I know — there is a lot of skin, but that is not the point …
Actually, most of the album does not all sound like the dance pop hit single. There is also a lot of sugary 1960s and 1970s flavored pop, some 1980s power pop, and some that are hard to describe. Like a “Rare Candy” it is a treat full of energy, sweetness and happiness.
I just bought the “Theater Version” on eBay. It is CD only, so no extra DVDs for me.
Wow you get a LYRICS booklet!!!
That is OK, because I do not have a region-free DVD player. This is the list of tracks:
Ibiza Girl 02. Bokura no Eureka 03. Kamonegikkusu 04. Takane no Ringo 05.”Seito Techou no Shashin wa Ki ni Haitte Inai” no Housoku 06. Souzou no Shijin (Kenykuusei) 07. Todokanasou de Todoku Mono 08. Sunglasses to Uchiakebanashi (Kenkyuusei) 09. Kasa wa Iranai 10. Toki wa Katarihajimeru 11. Isshukan, Zenbu ga Getsuyoubi nara II no ni 12. Sayanee 13. Kamonegikkusu <Remo-Con REMIX> 14. Kimi to Deatte Boku wa Kawatta
I like all of them, but I have been pressing the lever a lot for tracks 4, 6, 8, 9, 10 … well, ALL of them!
They are not all dance numbers, though. I dare say that the structure of some of them are a even little Beatles-esque. I can just imagine Ringo, bobbing his head back and forth as he keeps the beat.
… or maybe that is just the electrode talking!
Is my happiness only an ILLUSION?
I also invite you to watch the “Ibiza Girl” music video, linked on Jpopsuki here.(Sorry for the long Jpopsuki load times. Breathe … Breathe … Breathe… ) The music video features a story about a guy that makes a good impression on all the NMB48 girls. It is pretty funny because the guy is played by Vanilla Ice, that white rapper from the 1980s. … or maybe it is Rick Astley (the “I’m never going to give you up” British singer kid). It is one of those two … I’m not sure.
Well, “word to your mother” … I am “never going to give up” liking this music video.
I know, there is still a lot of skin. If you ask me, that guy should use some sunblock. The dude gets so lucky with the NMB48 girls, that he even gets bored of Sayaka Yamamoto … DAM.
I also need to apologize to Mr. Yasushi Akimoto. Mr. Akimoto-san, at first I questioned the wisdom of your reassignments from AKB48. At first I thought: Yukirin to the NMB48? What? Why? … Now I realize what a stroke of genius it was to put Yuki Kashiwagi in with Sayaka Yamamoto and Miyuki Watanabe. I bow respectfully to you sir.
Until next time, dear friends …
May you find your own path to happiness … press your lever now …
I’m sending out a big Happy Birthday to Miss Miyuki Watanabe. Milky is an incredible, irresistible, and indispensable member of AKB48 and NMB48! I wanted to be the first in my time zone to extend Birthday Wishes!
Watanabe-san’s nickname is “Milky”. She was born September 19th, 1993 in Nara, Japan. She’s a Virgo.
Please enjoy this small slideshow of Watanabe-san. Click on any image to view full size with Denny Captions.
Why they call her “Milky”
Why did Watanabe cross the road?
Milky had a little lamb …
Miyuki Trading Card. I’m NOT trading anything!
Not really Truman Capote.
Miyuki was my houseguest and she ate all my mango chips, and used my shower curtain as a kimono.
Part of “Coming of Age Day” 2014
What a great day! January 13, 2014
Miyuki in Kimono Costume
I feel like I’m “seeing spots” Milky!
Miyuki … now you are just SCARING me …
Now you are making me feel like Im UNDER-DRESSED Watanabe-san!
Yes, you did a GREAT job, finding us a “room with a view” Watanabe-san. … and Oh Dear God.
No, I do not think you should change your name to “MilkWeed”!
Peaceful Zen Moment.
Huh? Mikuyi did you say “blub , blub, blub-blub, blub-blub”?
That watermelon never stood a chance
You find all kinds of weird sea-creatures during the inter-tidal.
Oh, its a dog’s life!
TG for the “Zoom” button.
Yes, you may join the university “Geography Club” Miss Watanabe. Oh, I see you have your own globe!
Please enjoy this song “Warukii”. Milky will appreciate it … you big strong guy you.
Fast Fun Fact: Although Milky has played the role of a cat in music videos, this little lady is actually allergic to cats !
Neko !
Starlight: Wait, I’m still looking through the telescope.
Miss Miyuki Watanabe (aka “Milky”) has won the 2014 AKB48 family Janken Tournament. The Janken Taikai — a Rock-Paper-Scissors tournament, was held on September 17 at Nippon Budoukan. Milky defeated Haruna Kojima in the final round. Now Wantanabe-san will be given her first AKB48 solo!
This is one of my favorite music videos by NMB48, an AKB48 sister-group. Please watch full screen on the link to Jpopsuki above if you want fansubs in English. Otherwise this YouTube link may be viewed in HD.
The lovely and talented Miyuki Watanabe is featured here. She is bitten by a stray cat, then turns into a cat herself. As you will see, more cat bites lead to even more transformations, which will lead to more cat bites, etc. Very enjoyable singing and dancing ensues! The costumes are great, and each member is cuter than the next. I love this music video so much, when I die I want my ashes scattered in it. Just bury me amongst those wonderful shaved mounds … Huh? …
What? … No, No, No, I meant the FIELD …
YOU!!!!
It is a very light-hearted performance video. However, I think that the lyrics of the song have sinister overtones if examined in detail. Although the song is titled “Mousou Girlfriend” or “Illusion Girlfriend” I looked on Google Translate, and it had “Delusion” not “Illusion” as the word. This may change the meaning of the song. Studio48 translates it as “Girlfriend of Delusions”. Thank you Studio48 for translated lyrics!
This song is another example of a “boy’s perspective” song. Although a girl is singing the song, the lyrics are read as a letter written by a boy to his favorite singing Idol. The word “delusion” is very applicable to the context of the song. (I am going to provide the full English translation of the lyrics from Yasushi Akimoto.) The song is a boy’s love letter of his fantasy – or delusion. The song lyrics walk the fine line (or grey area?) between obsessed fandom and delusional madness. This boy should be careful. Falling in love with an Idol is not healthy. If you have seen the Satoshi Kon anime “Perfect Blue” you have seen how obsession leads to insanity.
You’re a girlfriend (girlfriend)
my girlfriend (girlfriend)
The boy has fallen in love with the singer
I love you forever and ever
At last, the love call from the bottom of my heart
he thinks his intense feelings have somehow reached her
had an effect on you
He begins to image that his Idol is real, and he can communicate his feelings through TV
In the moment when I met you for the first time
you were smiling within the TV
When you watch someone on TV many times, one starts to think that one knows the person on TV. Here he is not able to seperate TV from reality.
And so I fell in love with you
as though thunderstruck
There is no turning back now?
Ah, you’re a person
more beautiful than roses
He tries to express his love … maybe he sends roses to the studio?
Ah, this world is wide
and the future holds all my hopes
His greatest dream is to have a relationship with the idol, and will work toward that goal
I’m a boyfriend (boyfriend) your boyfriend (boyfriend)
Keeps telling himself that, the alternative he cannot consider
I wanna boast about it a little
Has he started telling his friends he is dating an Idol?
It’s not a lie, and it’s not a dream
Now in denial …
We’re the perfect couple
Projects his delusion on the idol.
I’m a boyfriend (boyfriend) your boyfriend (boyfriend)
I’ll shout it out with a great voice
Is he saying this outside the studio, or to people in the street?
Even if we’re busy and don’t meet,
He understands that she has shows to perform, and cannot always be with him …
I’ll be waiting for your call today too
Actually expects an answer?
When I touch them (when I touch them)
they’ll vanish (they’ll vanish)
He is getting frustrated that photos, and TV are not giving the love he feels back … maybe it is time for him to meet the girl in person.
you’re an idol,
the flower of delusion
Does some part of him know that it is just a fantasy?
Hey, only I spoke to you!
At this point he is jealous of other fans, other boys she may be talking to …
Please! Please! Please!
Pleading at this point, what will happen if he does not get what he wants?
You’re a girlfriend my girlfriend
After all, we made a promise
… or one of them did. The other is not real.
A scandal would be awful,
AKB48 members have a strict “no dating” policy. He knows that it could get out that they have a relationship if he is not careful. Or is he going to make trouble for the singer?
but our love can’t stop, can it?
Vows that nothing or anyone will get in his way.
You’re a girlfriend (girlfriend) my girlfriend (girlfriend)
I love you forever and ever
At last, the love call from the bottom of my heart
had an effect on you
————————————————————
It is an interesting song. Perhaps Mr. Akimoto wrote it as a warning to fans, NOT to become delusional when they fantasize about their Idols.
It only took one year for this starlight to reach my world.
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 March 14, 2015