Wota Wonderings: If you were to stand in a pool of me...

... would you get your feet even wet? aka Am I a shallow wota? Since this is my first time consistently writing in my blog, I thought I would take a stab at one of the Wota Wonderings that johpan posted:

This month in Wota Wonderings, I ask:

Hoping we’re not all shallow wotas, imagine your favourite idol (or musical personality) switched bodies with someone you don’t find “visually pleasing”, would it affect your love for that idol in any way/shape/form?

I really think the best way is to analyze this would be a case study of my top 10 post on AKB48 that I just wrote. Most people are analyzing this based on H!P, but since I'm more into AKB48 right now, we'll talk about them :P.

The times I mentioned looks for my top 10: (I felt that the ones regarding looks deserved eye candy)

I want these abs so badly...

-I mentioned Sayaka's awesome abs. (#2)

Awww isn't she adorable?

-I thought that Miichan was adorably cute like an elf (#6)

It may not be her gold bikini, but still sexy. It truly is her Amai Kokan-sex-tsu that entrances us.

-I mention that Meetan is sexy, but I think this may count more toward her personality (#7)

Okay so her hair isn't so big here... but I really liked this picture of her

-In Nacchi's entry, her huge hair from the past came up, but I still think she's gorgeous with her short hair. (#9)

In MegaTokyo, they say to fear the cute ones. Well, then be very afraid of Rabutan.

-In my honorable mentions category, I mention that I think that Rabutan was the cutest thing ever

Simply amazing...

-I thought that Noro Kayo was gorgeous...

Another one of those to fear...

- and Miyazaki Miho was cute.

The times I mention voices/performance skills for my top 10:
... I started typing this out, but it turns out, I mention them in ALL of them. (1-10 plus honorable mentions)

The times I mention personality:
... I started typing this out, but it turns out I mention it in all of them as well except for Yukirin. I got caught up on her 8th gen audition that I think I forgot to mention it.

So, I guess according to this case study, looks don't really matter as much to me as personality or voices. I think that a voice is super important to me (since after all, they're supposed to be singers...), but personality is key too. My all time H!P favorites, who are Mari, Yossi, and Yuko, all have amazing stand out personalities. Some people hate Sayumi from Morning Musume because she can't sing, but I love her because she has this really funny personality. She's narcissistic, she has the weirdest answers sometimes to questions during talk periods, but she seems really quick. I really should love Ai much more than I do, but because she lacks the personality compared to the other girls on Morning Musume, she kind of falls in my rankings. Though, performance skills (ie in concerts/stages), sometimes win me over as personality points, like it does with Risa. Captain of Berryz Koubou used to not be the most attractive to me, with her awkward photos and smile, but I couldn't help but love her when I watch her dance. She also has an incredibly funny personality that I got to see in Berikyuu.

But that's not to say that looks don't matter to me. Nakki of C-ute (and I apologize to her fans that are reading this... this is just my opinion) is a person who particular isn't the prettiest to me, and I really can't stand her. She always looks like she's worried, and her face sometimes makes me think of a horse. But then again, I also think her voice is kind of grating and fail, so I can't get into her. So, I guess that wouldn't count. On the other hand, I think Linlin has an amazing voice, but (and again sorry for Linlin fans out there!) I can't get into her because her smile freaks me the hell out. She kind of looks like to me, one of those smiling dolls in horror movies that are out to kill you.

So to answer the question, I would say yes and no. If an idol is just a pretty face with no talent, I can't stand her, and if an idol has a lot of talent, but I don't think she's pretty or if she freaks me out, I can't look at her. But all in all, I really am a fan of personalities first, voices and performance skills first. So, I guess that makes me not shallow? I have no idea.

And to the nonshallow parts of AKB48, my next top 5 series will be on what I deemed to be the best vocal performances! Stay tuned for it!

My Karaoke/Fandubbing/Covers of AKB Stuff 1: Twin Stars

I've posted these on Stage48, but I am one of those fandubbers that's on youtube. I really am not that active of a dubber compared to most, but I think I'm one of the most active AKB48 dubbers. To be honest, there really isn't much out there as far as AKB48 dubbing goes, though Seifuku ga Jama wo Suru is really popular to dub o.o (beats me why). I thought my own stuff deserved a place on my own blog so, enjoy! I've decided to do separate posts for each of my groups because I'm too lazy to do a really long one.

This is what really got me started. Karyhoshi, a girl from Mexico who I met in another dubbing group, and I are doing a lot of the duets that AKB48 has.

Shinkirou:


This was our first one. Kary is Rina and I'm Kojiharu. I had to get help on the harmonies. My mixing is really rough here, but I thought this came out really nice. I'm really proud of this. It's so pretty T-T

Kinjirareta Futari:


Typo in the title, but another good one. Kary is such a good singer and makes a really good Yuko :). Though I did an okay job of sounding like Tomomi-chan, but don't laugh at my monologue D: lol. Nah j/k you totally can because I totally do. I'm not good at those talking parts.

Bird:


Words can't describe how much I love this song. We actually had another release, but since it's not AKB48, I didn't really want to put it up here (for now). This one is a trio with another AKB48 dubber named kyttyee. She was a nice addition to us. I'm really impressed how this turned out. So much so, that we asked Kyttyee to sing with us again, which you'll see later.


Higurashi no Koi:


this one it sounds like we're live! I'm Takamina here, Kary is Yuka. Not my best vocal performance, but I still love this song and this cover. This actually was pretty hard to do. Though, I guess what was I expecting with the two best vocalists on AKB48. Hopefully I didn't kill it. -.-;

Junai no Crescendo:


Another trio with Kyttyee. Yay, the parts were broken of as Kyttyee as Miichan, Kary as Kojiharu, and me as Takamina. I was really pleased with how this turned out, even if my instrumental I made sucks. the best part has to be Kary's bridge and then kyttyee's "sasoi mashou ka".


Okay enough vanity from me. I'll have a regular post soon, but I'll post all my AKB covers here for those who are interested to watch.

TOP 5 Series: Running songs

A thing to know about me. I'm not sure if you would say that I'm a diet and exercise enthusiast, but I have lost 50 pounds recently. I did this the old fashion way of watching my diet and exercising. And part of that exercising is running, which I have come to love. but back when I didn't love it as much as I do now, what used to carry me to the end was the music. So if anyone likes listening to music when they exercise or would like some music to help inspire them, here's my top 5 running songs:

5. Skirt Hirari


Okay this one maybe a running song because I know all the lyrics, but I love the feeling of the song. In the first chorus the lyrics say something along the lines of "There are times when a girl's skirt flutters as she throws everything away and runs for love." For some reason, I have this image of running freely through a field, and it makes my sprints so much more fun. Also, I love this song so much.

4. Love Chase


This song has a killer instrumental section, but for some reason I can almost pictured being chased (in a fun way). I actually haven't really seen this dance at all, but I can imagine it has a lot of running/changing directions. Either way, you can't sit still when you listen to this song.

3. Tadaima Renaichuu


This one might seem odd, but that chorus is a lot of fun. For some reason, it's almost like my feet move on their own.

2. Korogaru ishi ni nare


If you don't feel pumped when you listen to this song, then there is something seriously wrong with you. j/k But this thing really lights the fire in my soul to make me push harder and go faster.

1. A3's Medley


BEST. RUNNING. SONG. EVER. why you might ask? Well, let's start that it is filled with all of AKB48 classics, which I love. Next they remixed them together, and remixes for concerts are pretty much pure win. But their remix is rock inspired with this awesome beat that's perfect for running time. Also, it's 9:15, so normally I try to get myself as far away from my house as possible during this time and then after the 9 minutes are over, then I try to find my way back (usually winding). This song is just awesome to get you going and keep you going.


Honorable mentions:
AKBSanjou: The instrumental is fun, but for some reason it feels like the chorus's lose steam a little.
Hana to Chire: I like this one for running, but for some reason, this one works better for me when I'm lifting weights
Seishun Girls: Actually this could have been in the top 5 if I had another slot. This song is just tons of fun.
RUN RUN RUN: lol the title says it all. Except that it's a little slow and boring.


Okay, a lot of the new stage stuff (like K 4 and B3 and H2 and a lot of A5) didn't make it on my running list. I imagine that Mammoth could be an awesome running song too, but I would have to try it out. Okay enough from me! Go out and try these!

A Change in Direction Because I EPIC FAIL!

So, all those brilliant plans of getting a blog started? Yeah, so far have been a total failure. Have I really forgotten my dream of contributing to the fandom, have many people read my thoughts and feelings? No. I think the problem was that I wanted to make this an H!P blog when at the time I was starting to get into AKB48 and feeling luke warm about H!P. Don't get me wrong, I still love H!P, but with the graduation of the the Elder Club, the H!P that I knew from when I first started listening to it back in 2003 has changed and I feel a little left behind.

So! Here's to me turning over a new leaf, and the start of my blog for AKB48! I'm still learning who everyone is in AKB48, but I'll tell you a little about my tastes so far by telling you my top 10 members:

1. Takahashi Minami

Words just can't describe how much I love her. In a world where idols put up personas and play roles, maybe I'm being very duped here, but I feel that Takamina is genuine. The voice that you hear MCing concerts and the person who leads the chants back stage, almost like the leader of AKB48. She's one of the best singers on the group, and every concert/stage that I've seen of her, she puts her all into it. When I think of AKB48, I think of her. I'm not a Team A fan at all, but she's one of the reasons why I even bother watching Team A stuff.

2. Akimoto Sayaka

In H!P, one of my favorite members is Yoshizawa Hitomi, aka Yossi. To me, Sayaka reminds me of Yossi, but is even more manly but in a good way (I also think she maybe a better singer than her). She's strong, she's tough, and plays one hell of a guy if you watch Kimi wa Pegasus and Return Match. She can rock like in Blue Rose and her new solo in K5. To me, Sayaka is the epitome of cool (the way Yossi is for me in H!P). She's one of the reasons why I love Team K so much. Also, if I woke up with her abs, I'd be so happy T-T

3. Masuda Yuka












Wow, what a voice. Every single time I see a unit with her in it, I'm blown away. She's an incredibly shafted member who never gets any parts in singles (if she's in them at all), but is a front person in the stages. She's one of the reasons why I am dying to go to Japan so I can watch a stage performance (Yuka, you better be there when I see the performance!). Also, her Kansai dialect is incredibly cute, and seems to fit her well.

4. Kasai Tomomi












I was actually really suprised by how high Tomomi-chan ended up on my rankings. But as it turns out, I LOVE every single unit she has been in, and really partly because of the way she performs in them. In concerts and stages, the way she moves and acts is so great. I'm not sure how to describe it, but she really is fun to watch. Also, I think her voice is adorable... reminds me of Ishikawa Rika of H!P. She uses it well, and for some reason doesn't come off fake to me at all.



5. Kashiwagi Yuki












I've actually been a fan of Kashiwagi Yuki since before she was in AKB48 during the 8th gen Morning Musume auditions. I was really hoping for her, Aika, and Sumire (who is a research student now) to form the new 8th generation. I only got Aika, who is getting incredibly shafted (but this isn't about MM). It's a good thing though for Yukirin, because she ended up better off as a star of Team B (even if it is shafted a lot compared to the other two teams). Her voice and her stage presence have won me over, but for the life of me, I can't seem to think how her dancing is. Probably because I too entranced by her voice. If she, Takamina, and Yuka did a unit/group together, I think I would die from the awesomeness.

6. Minegishi Minami












Miichan is so funny. From what I've seen of her on AKBingo! She's kind of cheeky and amazing. I think that she's really cute (she kind of looks like an elf to me), and I think she's an amazing performer in stages. I really adore her. (this is an edit since html is eating my posts)
7. Ohori Megumi













What I love about Meetan is that she's kind of like the Madonna of the idol world. She's sexy, she's pervy, and she's not afraid to express it. And this would not really work in the world of innocence that is the idol business. But somehow she not only makes it work, she makes it successful. Her solo release I thought was really good, and her duo of Oshibe to Meshibe to Yoru no Chouchou with Tomomi-chan was absolutely amazing. She plays her role well, and I have a lot of respect for her. I hope she really keeps it up.
8. Miyazawa Sae












Oh Sae. Why weren't you higher on my list? I'm sure if I took the American Wota test again, my results will be incredibly different. How could you not love Sae? She's loud and just so full of energy. But it's not even just that. She was intense in Blue Rose. Cool in Kimi ga Pegasus. Sad (but not in a cheezy way) in Keibetsu. She really can mold her self into any thing that they throw at her. What a performer. I love her so much.

9. Sato Natsuki












To be honest, Nacchi did not even make blip on my radar of AKB for the longest time. And then a month ago, K5 came out. Then I saw her in Dakishimetara, and I was blown away. I was like, how could have I not noticed such an amazing voice and performer? It turns out she was always there, but as really good back up support. I've noticed in that first shuffle concerts, the Team K versions of A songs were always so powerful with really strong harmony. I really think that she is partly responsible for that. She's an amazing back up (and an amazing lead too). I really think that she's the one that does that awesome harmony in Itoshisa no Defense that I love so much. Also, I love her huge hair (though I think she cut it recently, but she's still gorgeous) and I've been watching a couple of the DVDs and she's absolutely hilarious (from the limited Japanese that I know). Nacchi, you have won me over, and as I'm watching more and more AKB (to learn all those other people I don't know), I'll be looking really out for you.
10. Oshima Yuko












Again I can't believe she ended up so low. I really like her great acting skills, but I also love her silliness when she's not put in a role. I love that her voice is kind of on the husky side... it's really unique, but now that she had that surgery, I wonder if that's going to change it :( I really hope it doesn't... but if it's affecting her health, then that's probably more important. What an amazing performer

Honorable Mentions:
I have to make this list because there are a bunch of people that I really enjoy that were almost at my top ten list
Noro Kayo- I think she's interesting and funny. Great supporter like Nacchi. I would really like to see more of her because she intrigues me. Oh and I think she's absolutely gorgeous.
Itano Tomomi- I think her voice is interesting. I really love Tsundere! and she for some reason really fits that mold.
Miyazaki Miho- She's really cute. And I like her voice and her dancing, but I can't think of her personality at the moment.
All of Team B (except Mayu because I can't stand her voice-- sorry for Mayu fans!)- I'm not sure about them individually, but I love them as a collective group in B3. Ones that really stand out to me is the lead to Junjou Shigi (no idea who she is), Rabutan (the cutest face EVER... <3 her little dimple on her cheek) Matsuyuki (so sad that she graduated before I could really get to know her :( ), Cindy, and Nacchan (that's Natsumi from Team A's nickname, right?).


I didn't include the full list because there were like 20 of them that were tied at like 24th or something because I really didn't know who they were, but that's because I'm still relatively new. I'm sure this list will change as I watch more AKB48 and get to know who they all are.