My lovely daughter* Sakura Miyawaki has had her “Coming of Age Day” on January 8, 2018. (Japan is 12 hours ahead of my time zone.) This means that the mega-talented and incredibly adorable twenty-year old is accepting the responsibilities of being an adult.
The Shinto ceremony was held at Kanda shrine in Tokyo.
According to the AKB Daily website (article linked here), a total of forty members of the AKB48 family participated in this year’s event. This is the largest number of participants in the group’s history.
This large number of participants is not surprising, as there has been a significant amount of expansion of the AKB Family in recent years.
Sakura with the other HKT48 members who have turned twenty this year. Oh I can remember when this group was only knee high to a June bug.
I will try to post more COA day photos/links from the AKB groups as they become available. Also, you can see more of the lovely Miss Miyawaki on her Twitter page linked here.
Look at those sleeves — at first I thought Sakura’s kimono was a tie-dye.
My friends over at 48 Talk also mention the event in their podcast yesterday. I highly recommend their video blog for AKB fans!
*Starlight: You probably figured out that Sakura-tan is NOT REALLY my daughter …
Well I am feeling no pain. Last month I had to replace a body part which was no longer functioning as it should. Oh? … well, just a knee. So yes, I am part robot now. I am happy to report that my surgery was successful and my rehab is way-ahead of schedule. I will finally be able to start that Major League baseball career! I will be able to — not just chase after Sakura Miyawaki — I will be able to catch her as well.
I might need a few more weeks rehab before I can catch Harrupi however!
I owe it all to a certain lady. Am I rambling? It may be because of the medication. I was prescribed Oxicontin for my pain. I told my doctor “Pain pills — no way – I can work through pain.” I never liked taking pain pills. In general I am anti-drug use, and I always thought these things were over-prescribed. Plus, I thought I would be able to work through the pain. Turns out I needed them.
… and Oh, it has been wonderful. One tablet relieves my pain. Two tablets are a party. Lady Oxi as I will call her, provides the relief I need as I am doing my rehab exercises, but there is one other unexpected benefit she provides. She makes me happy. I mean, er… the pills adjust my mood.
She makes me happy — and I was not expecting that. How are you doing today? Have I told you how great you look these day? I think that you are a really cool person. I feel great just being around a friend like you.
I want to share a great song with you today. The song is “There She Goes” by The La’s. The song is about a girl I guess, but it could just as well be about how I feel about Lady Oxi. When she touches me, there is a noticeable difference in sensation … there she is now …welcome back … it has been hours and I have been missing her terribly … no one does it for me like her …
Please enjoy the music video below for this addicting little song. Lyrics are linked here.
There was also a good cover version by the band Sixpence None The Richer. They also do a great version of the song (linked here), but the music video is terrible, and kills my mood.
Would you like to learn how to play it on guitar? Please enjoy this guitar tutorial video Bob (and everyone).
I must feel good, because I don’t mind this exercising. It has been great talking with you. You are a super, super person! You know I love you. Give me a hug before you go.
The AKB48 election is ongoing, and the votes are being counted. I would not even attempt to PREDICT the results … however I want to make my top picks of who I think SHOULD be ranked.
Several of my favorites have recently graduated, or have announced graduation. My oshi – Iwasa Misaki – left AKB for a solo career. Former-Favorite Members such as Miyuki Watanabe or Haruka Nakagawa have not officially graduated yet (as of this writing), but they are not in the running, so I will not consider them for my top-ten. Members I love like like Aika Ota have also announced that they will not run this year, in order to support her teammates. Also, I have been a little out-of-the-loop in my fandom. The AKB legal department has blocked my usual sources of music videos and information. There are some members I still like, but I’m not sure about their status. Please excuse my ignorance, if I missed something obvious.
Coming up with ten digits should be as easy as counting toes. Here goes …
Ichi.Yuki Kashiwagi. Yukirin has always done everything right. Perhaps this will be her year to reach #1. She certainly deserves it. I think that after her next big solo concert tour this year, she will announce her graduation. I would like to see her go out on top.
Ni. Mayu Watanabe. I was very happy when she was elected #1 a couple of years ago. I have always liked her solo songs, and she was so great in the WH7, and well … IS so great at everything.
San. Sayaka Yamamoto. She’s beautiful – she’s sexy. The dark-haired beauty is so much more than a pretty face. She is a good singer, and it is enjoyable seeing her develop as a musician. Sayanee is an adept guitarist in everything from punk to folk. Could she play any Todd Rundgren?
Yon. Sakura Miyawaki. I might rank the young goddess higher – but for the problem of where to put her. She will, of course, take the #1 position someday. Sakuratan is adorable in all dimensions of the multi-verse. Although SHE is flawless, I am disappointed that the AKB/HKT48 have not let her perform more solo songs. The recent B-side duet with Haruppi was a good step in the right direction.
Go. Haruka Kodama. OK, you have got me. The young lady is strikingly beautiful and she makes me wish I had majored in podiatry. I try to keep my lust for her in check … but her modeling work is very, very good. I feel guilty about ranking a member so highly based more on looks rather than singing. I can’t really judge Haruppi on singing-talents alone, because when I see her sing, it is usually part of a group effort. She was amazing in “Sayonara Surfer” last year however. More please.
The next few might be the “Are you still here” category. ? Ha Ha. No …
These are still my old favorites, but are interchangeable to some extent. I love all of them, but I don’t think that these would crack my top-five.
Roku. Yui Yokoyama. I always jump to attention when commanded to by Yuihan. If there were more bosses like her I would not mind so much being “called on the carpet”.
Nana. Haruna Kojima. Or is it “Nyan Nyan Kamen”? I’m still not sure about this marketing scheme. Why does the world’s most beautiful woman need a secret identity? Kojiharu – I would still recognize you, even if you were in your underwear!!!
Hachi. Minami Minegishi. I think that Miichan said that this is her last election. She has been one of my favorites, ever since I discovered and started following AKB48 way back in in 2011. She looked like a baby then. She still looks like a baby, but this baby can still deliver the goods.
Kyuu.Haruka Shimizaki. Paruru will rise to meet any challenge. If the haters get to you, I’m here for you sweetie.
Ju. Rino Sashihara. I do not rank her as high as many fans will, but I still love this Irishwoman. I may disagree with her, but she still has the legs to win any debate. I concede to you Sasshi.
Well, those are my 100 reasons. Certainly, all ten of these are deserving of being the #1 in AKB48. Argue with me in the comments.
Starlilight: Hmmmm … It looks like I will need more digits in order to get Jurina Matsui and Mako Kojima on my list …
Japan is 12 hours ahead of me, so I want to be the first in my time zone to wish my daughter Sakura Miyawaki, a HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY!
SOMEONE sure had a big growth spurt this year! What happened to that bony, monkey-eared little elf? It seems like only yesterday I was fixing her bicycle and bandaging her skinned knees.
“Sakura, you may be 18 now, but if you are going to live in my house — you are going to have to follow my rules …”
(Denny’s reverie ends)… Aye — I would be a great father for this other-worldly talented young Idol — not that she needs my help, or could be improved upon.
Sakura makes shopping for greens so much more enjoyable!
What she adds to HKT48 is one thing, but she is also a good role model, and is a person of good moral character*. I have noticed (even with the delays via starlight), that she has matured in height and stability this past year. Sakura-tan is easily one of my favorite idols. She is a great team player in HKT48, but I would also love to see more solo singing from her.
Enough Fan-boying you say? Please enjoy this Sakura-Slide-Sequence. Click on the first one to start the show in full-size.
Happy Birthday Sakura!
Starlight: Sakura Miyawaki, born March 19th, 1998, turns 18 years old today.
(Denny sits down, takes off cap, sighs:) Whew …
Guess who is hiding in the cake!
See more Sakura on my Pinterest board for her linked here.
*as opposed to American celebrities her age, who will remain nameless.
I was very happy to see the cover art for the new AKB48 single “Kimi wa Melody” (君はメロディー). This will be the group’s 43rd single, and it will commemorate their 10th Anniversary. The single, will have eleven total versions (5 limited editions + 5 regular edition) + 1 Theater edition.
You know me, I get whatever is cheapest on eBay about six months later. Ha Ha. Just kidding. These covers look great!
This 10th Anniversary single also features the return of graduated members Atsuko Maeda, Yuko Oshima, Tomomi Itano, and Mariko Shinoda.
The single is deeply philosophical regarding the graduated members’ return. As seen above — Yuko kissing Acchan represents the leaving of the old guard, with Sakura-tan’s stardom on the rise in the background. The sisterly love is overwhelming. I will leave it to future AKB Historians to debate further hidden meanings.
See more kimono screen shots on the AKB48 Daily blog. Thank you Paul — you are an AKB Scholar!!!
Indeed, you have incredible skills, Miss Ludens, but could you please bring me my cough drops when you finish that?
Cherubi (in Japanese: チェリンボ “Cherinbo”) is a GRASS-type Pokémon. Cherubi is known a “the Cherry” Pokémon. The following is a direct quote from Bulbapedia:
“Cherubi is a small cherry-like Pokémon with a round, deep-pink body with two stubby feet. It has beady eyes and a purple-red stripe running down part of its face. Cherubi has a short stem with two big, green leaves and a second, much smaller head growing out of it. This second head is vestigial in terms of function, but it contains nutrients that contribute to Cherubi’s growth as its initial source of food. As the second head is apparently edible, several Pokémon have been seen trying to pluck it off. When the second head begins to bloom it means Cherubi is close to evolving. It has been known to sun bathe on warm days. When it is about to evolve, the second head starts to wilt. Cherubi mainly photosynthesizes, and it is attracted to honey.”
Cherubi evolves into Cherrim starting at level 25. Cherrim (in Japanese: チェリム “Cherrim”) remains a GRASS-type. Cherrim It is known “the Blossom” Pokémon – it changes its appearance in sunny weather.
The following is again quoted from Bulbapedia:
“Cherrim is a small Pokémon with two different forms, both of which are dependent on the weather. During normal weather conditions, Cherrim is in its Overcast Form. Two purple petals enclose its deep pink body. A short purple stem and a green leafy sepal sprout from the top of the petals. Its eyes appear to be near its short legs in this form.
When there is strong sunlight, Cherrim is in its Sunshine Form.
Everyday is a “Sunny Day” with you, my dear cherry girl!
Pink petals similar to cherry blossoms surround its head and cover its chest. Several of the petals radiate outward from a yellow sphere on the back of its head. There is a small, triangular patch of green on its neck. Additionally, two berry-like orbs, resembling cherry-shaped hair ornaments, adorn its head. It has stubby limbs, with the arms being pink and the legs being yellow.
Cherrim waits quietly as a bud for a ray of sunlight. When it is hit with strong sunlight, it blooms and absorbs the rays with its entire body. It quickly changes from quiet to excitable and active. It will attempt to make up for everything it had to endure as a bud while the sunlight lasts. Once the light is gone, Cherrim folds back into a bud.”
Obviously a nickname for female Cherrubi/Cherrim would be “Sakura” – Japanese for Cherry Blossoms. AUHHH … (Denny sighs) … Oh, my lovely daughter Sakura Miyawaki …she has grown up so fast these past few months …. Ok, I digressed.
Yes, you look amazing in your “Sunshine Form” Sakura-tan!
Oh, right — good nicknames you search for: I think that “Maraschino” is a great name for males, as in Maraschino cherries.
“Cherry-on-Top” could be used. How about “Wild Cherry” or “Wild Bill” as possible names? How about “Buster” as in … well, you know.
“Cherry Coke” may be good, but watch out for that company’s lawyers.
“Virginity” or “My Virginity” may be a playful nickname. (You know why.)
I have named them “Ludens” or “Miss Ludens” after the famous “Wild Cherry” flavor cough drops.
(I could really use one writing this just now.) Since Cherrim is two cherries, males could be named “Smith Broths.” – after the other major brand of cough drops.
“WhiteHouse” is also one of my suggestions, based on the ice cream. The WhiteHouse ice cream flavor is white vanilla ice cream with red cherries. The reason it is called “WhiteHouse” is because of the Cherry Blossom trees which characterize Washington DC. The white ice cream is the same shade of white as governmental buildings such as the Lincoln Memorial or the White House.
When the going gets tough … go out for ice cream!
My favorite name for Cherrubi is “Sherry” or “Sherry Baby” as in the old Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons song “Sherry Baby.”
It may be a stretch, but I have also named male Cherrum “FrankieValli” hoping someone would see the connection.
My daughter Sakura looks lovely in that white Russian seal-fur hat doesn’t she?
Ahem … The HAT, gentlemen.
Seel (in Japanese: パウワウ “Pawou”) is a Water-type Pokémon. It is known as “the Sea Lion” Pokémon. Seel evolves into another “Sea Lion” — Dewgong (in Japanese: ジュゴン “Jugon”) at level 34, where it becomes a dual type Water-Ice Pokémon.
Seel and Dewgong join the group of other pinniped Pokemon. Spheal (another seal), Sealeo (another sea lion) and Walrein (a walrus). All of these are water-ice types so nicknames could probably overlap and be interchangeable. Perhaps Dewgong is supposed to be the spirit of — not a sea lion – but a manatee. You often see a Dewgong perched on rocks. The sirens or mermaids of nautical lore were thought to be actually manatee. It is said that confused and lonely sailors thought they looked pretty good.
(calling) … come along … to my Dewgong …
I like to teach water & ice-types both of the moves Scald and Ice Beam You can freeze an enemy solid, then help them out by burning them with hot water. Seel and Dewgong both closely resemble their real-life animal counterpart. Most trainers don’t get too excited about them. Seel is basically a seal. The Pokémon do have a single horn on their head however. I have to wonder if the designers were doing a take on Narwhals, which have a single horn. Perhaps there may be a cool looking “mega-evolved” Dewgong someday, but I think that Samurout already has the “battle-seal” image done already.
My favorite name for Dewgong is “WhiteRussian” which just makes it in at 12 letters.
Mmmm …White Russians. I used to love that Kahlua drink (recipe linked here). When my friends and I were out drinking, I used to call it “the old moloko” just like I was a character from the novel/movie A Clockwork Orange, drinking at The Korova Milk Bar. What?
True fact: Korova is Russian for Cow, but maybe save that name for Milktank.
Of course I was lame. Look, we didn’t have the Internet in the late 1970s. If you wanted to look something up you had to use an encyclopedia … and I know I digress.
Keeping with the Russian or Siberia theme, I have also used the name “Zhivago” after the novel/film Doctor Zhivago.
The other name I like is “Bering” after the sea which lies between Russia and North America. Of course Russian seal hunters have always used that waterway. “Murmansk” is another ice-free Russian port. I have used “In-The-Navy” (with the music note symbol).
I like “Slip” or “Slips” for a Seel, because seals are slippery, and I always liked The Bowery Boys character Slip Mahoney.
I also like the name “Ding Dongs” for Dewgong after the wonderful Hostess treat. You know what? I used to eat Hostess Ding Dongs after a night of binge drinking White Russians! They would “sweeten you right up — and get you ready for the old ultraviolet” … or there about.
Others: Seel names I have seen other players use include: Clubby, Snowball and Sugar. These are all cute names.
Darn it, I lost the scene where Ash trains Dewgong.
What is the name for your slippery seal? Please Comment!
I think that Sakura Miyawaki is the “bestest” daughter than anyone could ever wish for.
This charismatic young Idol has grown to be a multi-talented young lady. Sometimes when she is on stage and does a typical Sakura-pose with a goofy face, I have to wonder if she is really TRYING to be that cute, or is that just the way she is.
Sakura-tan is cute AND wholesome. I do get a little protective of her sometimes. I know she is popular with all the boys in high school. These magazine covers and photo shoots she does – well, it can make a Dad worry.
Sakura has a good head on her shoulders, though. She apparently can handle the sudden rise to fame. I taught the little lady how to use a firearm … just in case.
I hope you enjoyed this Sakura-Slide-Show. What is your favorite Sakura moment?
Reality Check: Actually, Sakura’s parents were against her becoming an idol at first. They must have been so worried for her. It was Sakura’s GRANDMOTHER Emiko who encouraged her.
Please see this linkfor some great English-subbed Sakura history. The images video of her acting in school plays as a little girl are precious and priceless!
… continuing from last week’s post. Is it even possible to get enough of Sakura Miyawaki?
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Excuse me — would you like a free sample of Sakura-tan today?
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Samples? Now I need an entire Hawks Town meal. Please enjoy Sakura-tan and her HKT friends here in colorful yukata!
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Starlight: If you read last weeks post, where in the universe will the images I shared be seen? … how far have they traveled?
Well, light travels at 299,792,458 meters per second (or about 670,616,629 mph American). Since last week’s post, Sakura in Orange Yukata, the images from my blog traveled about 112.66 billion miles. Or to express it another way 1,212 AU (the average distance from the Earth to the Sun is defined as one AU – or astronomical units).
Thus, my images of Sakura are now reaching the Oort Cloud which surrounds the outer part of our solar system. (By way of comparison, Pluto is only 40 AU from the Sun.) I hope my readers in this theoretical boundary of our solar system are enjoying the post!
I know what you are thinking: Finally, someone looks good in an orange outfit!
Sakura Miyawaki(宮脇 咲良 Miyawaki Sakura) is a rising star in the AKB48 Family. The lovable young idol is a member of HKT48, and is a fan favorite. She ranked SEVENTH in the last AKB Senbatsu Election, surpassing many of AKB’s longtime stars. This former child actress is a natural showman (girl). Of course she is super cute in all of her idol outfits, but I especially love this photo card set of her wearing my favorite color!
Fans often comment on her “big ears” — although unfortunately, only one can be seen in this series. She lists her “special skills” as drawing, and being able to sleep anywhere. That is good because I see this teen idol working a lot more for the group. She will be in-demand for more and bigger roles. See Stage48 website linked here for more Sakura-tan trivia!
Sakura may also be the hope for all humanity, but that is getting a little off topic …
Sakura-tan, Could you please “orange” another great kimono shoot?
Starlight: We can now see the light from Star GJ 3379 on the month Sakura was born in Kagoshima Prefecture. GJ 3379 is a red dwarf star in the Orion constellation. GJ 3379 is the closest star to Earth of all those stars located within Orion. It is a “flare star” which is appropriate for this young idol!
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 
I HEAR YOU!