You did it.You live with it.You learn from it.

モーニング娘。ナインスマイル/春の嵐

2010-02-25T16:14:00.002+08:00

And so I received Morning Musume Nine Smile DVD and Mano Erina's 6th single "Haru no Arashi" just yesterday.

...
..
.

The single was lovely.No regrets in purchasing it.Despite all the criticism on Mano-chan's vocal strength ... she delivered this song perfectly.No complaints.

The DVD ... is hard to digest.Especially the last 40 mins(grad part - end of DVD).

The sorrow of 3 months.All flowing back into my mind and heart.

自国は10年前日本文化填りの時もう一つもってきると思う。良い事ですか?良くないですか?

2010-02-19T22:56:00.005+08:00

I decided to drop by Liang Court after dinner with a couple of my friends today.Just to stroll around since the night is still young(8pm only).It's rather shocking to me to see Clarke Quay quite packed.And here's the place where "only tourists will ever go" and it's possible to count the amount of locals in the morning/afternoon of a typical weekday with one hand.

Liang Court itself ...well it's making progress.For being a little isolated there's quite a fair bit of shoppers.That's nice to hear.With all the heavy pushing of Central Mall and Liang Court being so close by...can we see the emergence of the Japan craze in Singapore again?Who knows.

I always wonder...why do people need to always have a "ally/enemy" mindset?Recently the shocking sales of AKB's new single had H!P fans freaking out.This brings down a whole bunch of conversation/criticism from both AKB and H!P fans.So I do wonder.Both sides do have their fair share of fans for their idols.So

WHY NOT ACCEPT BOTH!

There's no need to hate AKB just because one's a fan of H!P.And of course there's no need to "jump ship" in between these two labels.Let's just accept that both sides have their share of success and talent.Negative thoughts generate negative energy.And negative energy is the root of all evil.

まのちゃん怖い事やっていた!!!

2010-02-17T22:36:00.001+08:00

Watching

Mano

cooking

in

her

DVD

is

lulz!!!

Esp when she proceed to do some food art on a chopped sausage.It's ... taboo ... for ... the ... eyes...

男の子

/facepalm

2010-02-10T23:23:00.002+08:00

And so Morning Musume debuts their 42nd single and the rest out of the "Miracle Era" with a daily ranking of 16,452 sales.It really isn't hard bad considering that they aren't ...

1.Johnny Jr. Entertainment Boy Bands
2.AKB48
3.J-pop Queens and Princesses(Ayumi,Namie,Koda,Yui etc)
4.Perfume???

I guess only those few atm can ever be guaranteed some neat sales even if the single/album quality isn't as good.And even they can have "off-days."

Anyway back to MM.One should see the amount of promotion they are having for this single.Compared to 41st single Kimagure Princess...compared to 40th single Nanchatte Renai...this is like a show hand from producer Tsunku.I aren't gonna list all.But just roughly of what they have as promotions.

1.Utaban appearance.This is quite a famous music variety show.
2.Music Japan and Music Fighter song performance.
3.Oricon special interview.This is really really detailed stuff there.
4.Tons of random video promotions on multiple websites.

So is this a way to celebrate the departure of their problematic 7th gen member Kusumi Koharu?Is this to prepare for any drop in sales because of her depature?Or is this just some secret plan from Tsunku himself?

We'll know in a bit.

2010-02-09T22:45:00.002+08:00

Alas.Now even Sayumi from Morning Musume have her own blog.That's a definite first in H!P to allow a current member of MM to hold a public blog.Maybe it's because of the increased awareness of her presence among Japanese TV these days.Maybe it's just a fluke and one-off exception specially made for Sayu only.Maybe it's a preparation of something not rather pleasant to hear as a fan of H!P(The almighty "G" word).But then again it's all speculation.

道重さゆみ(モーニング娘。) 公式ブログ最新記事 - GREE

And she sure posts a lot in a day.And those aren't just "couple of lines" updates.

Speaking of which.MM's new singe to be officially released tmrw.Here's hoping that they can get some good sales and put an end to all those silly rumors of MM disbanding just because they removed a popular member in Koha when their sales aren't up to standard to start with.

2010-02-08T21:51:00.002+08:00

As I spend these few minutes to type an entry despite having an all-important programming assignment due at 9am tomorrow...some things just flow though my head.All of which I have the answer and yet nothing to indicate that I did learned from the mistake.

Qn:Concentration on an assignment only when the deadline cannot be dragged any longer.
Ans:Lack of interest and consistency on the related topic.

Qn:Forcing one to work under physical and mental fatigue just to finish the work in time.
Ans:The "do-or-die" survival mentality of human kicks in and any attempt to slow down will be considered as a refusal to fight on any further.

Qn:Consuming coffee late at night to "burn the midnight oil" when it has little to no effects for long-time coffee drinkers.
Ans:It's a mental victory and "morale boost" for the already fatigued mind.

The human body.A body where the power of the mind matters more than strength.

くぅちゃんからのプレゼント

2010-02-01T16:21:00.004+08:00

And I received my copy of Kuu-chan's new album 「BEST〜third universe〜& 8th AL "UNIVERSE」today!!

Words can't describe how pleased I am.It's been way too long since I last bought a release from Kuu-chan(I skipped 「Alive/Physical Thing」 and 「Can We Go Back」) so me finally receiving a brand new release from Kuu is just ... ♥

It's 3 Disc (2CD + 1DVD) and comes with a free A3 poster(yea I know.A step down from the typical A2 posters).And my mum said that Kuu-chan isn't as pretty as Ayu.I was like lul wut.I think that's bleeding obvious.But at the same time that' why I love Kuu so much.Without as much born talent as the other artistes,she managed to start her own trend in ero-kakkoi and reached the top tier end of J-pop artistes.All without displaying superior vocals or dance steps.She oozes confidence,and loads of it.Not afraid to be sexy or do stuff to sell herself in the best way.That is indeed the most lovely part of Kumiko Koda.

韓国ポップを関して事ちょっと言って。。。

2010-02-01T15:58:00.003+08:00

So I downloaded Girl Generation/SNSD's new album entitled "Oh!".

For starters it isn't that bad.In fact...it's really brilliant!That coming from someone who can't understand a single sentence of Korean.So I admit that me not trying out SNSD ... Wonder Girls ... Kara and even Big Bang(their Korean release of course.Their bunch of Japanese singles are neat so far.) is to my disadvantage.

So back to SNSD.At the moment I'm loving a majority of the tracklist in this album,notably "Oh!","Show! Show! Show!","Gee" and "Genie".It doesn't take much to get a liking for the last two songs though lul.

1.Lovely beat and rhythm accompanying the songs.
2.Voices are clear and lines are evenly distributed amongst the 9 members(for some songs).
3.They sure seem to be having lots of fun.That's cool.

But then the 'doomhammer' slams down!

I DON'T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING THEY ARE SAYING!!!

Although music knows no language boundaries...knowing the meanings of the lyrics is quite impt for me,if not the most important.To me a song is a short poem or story that the singer wishes to tell us.Knowing the meaning of the song can supersize the effect of the song to the listener,esp when they are going though different mood periods(songs about love for the lovesick etc.)

As much as I want to 'adopt' SNSD as part of my fanboy-idol life...the language boundary certainly puts a big dent on that idea.Such a pity -.-

後藤さん、この厳しい期間は強く生き続きます!

2010-01-28T14:24:00.003+08:00

I just have to post about a recent event that happened.It was the passing of Goto Maki's mother.

後藤真希、母・時子さん告別式で涙

I'll like to send out all my positive energy to her family during this difficult time.As for the rest of us,we all need to take a minute and ponder the gift of life that we all have each day - and never once take it for granted.

Gocchin,pls stay strong during this tough period!For all you fans.For everyone who believed in you.And most importantly,for yourself.

新潟からの唯一内閣総理大臣田中角栄氏。。。

2010-01-23T21:58:00.004+08:00

Just got a book entitled "KAKUEI TANAKA - A political biography of modern Japan".I'll be honest...I dunno much about modern Japan history.Closest was the life and death of Showa Emperor Hirohito.So this is indeed a fresh breeze of air of Japan history study in my part.

新潟...Niigata...

新潟...Niigata...

モーニング娘の元メンバー久住小春の地元...
The birthplace of ex-Morning Musume member Kusumi Koharu...

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LET'S LEARN EVERYTHING THERE IS ABOUT KOHARU'S BIRTHPLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Ok that's unnecessary lol

えぇ!!!まう一つ?ウソツキ!!!

2010-01-22T01:37:00.002+08:00

Seems like Mano now has another blog!!!OMG.What is UFA trying to do with all these pushing of her?It's just too un-natural even for a fan like me.Hanbun Esper...Mano Spy...and now a new blog.Last year she had Pocky 4 Sisters,Koisuru Seiza and the opening of her Oricon blog.This year it's the same(2 dramas,one blog).What's up with that!!!

Hopefully this isn't a sign from UFA and H!P that this year is a do-or-die year for Mano.If Mano leaves H!P due to sales not meeting up to standard of UFA...I really have no reason to remain in this idol world of H!P.Not that I'll move to AKB48.As good and popular as they are at the moment,I'm just not interested in big groups.Which explains why I never ever touch EXILE even though it's just blasphemy for not listening to one of the most popular boy bands in J-pop now.

In any case this is her new blog.It's the same website as s/mileage's Wada Ayaka's blog.

真野恵里菜　公式ブログ最新記事 - GREE

Time to update all my links to other J-artistes's official blogs.

買い物チャンスを諦めた。悔やみと思うか?

2010-01-20T23:05:00.003+08:00

And so...I gave up the chance to buy some goods from the Hello!Project online store without having to pay for the delivery cost since Michael as a present to commemorate 1 year of the Singapore thread on H!O,had kindly volunteered to absorb that cost while getting our orders at the same time.The amount of stuff that the other members wanted...gosh I think that's even more than what Boon Eng was asked to buy back from his recent trip to Osaka.But for some reason or another,I didn't buy any items this time.

Could it be because there's not much miscellaneous stuff of Koha-chan left other than photocards of her?Could it be that Mano seems to be selling like hotcakes on that website such that almost everything of her is sold out?Or could it be that I simply don't have enough money???

I think it's all three together really. (*´ο`*)=3

With a shit load of items coming out in these 2 months...

Kuu-chan's BEST UNIVERSE album coming out 2 weeks from now(comes with a B3 poster.No bleeding way I'll miss this one).

Morning Musume's NINE SMILE TOUR DVD coming out exactly one month from now(Koha-chan's last performance as a member of Morning Musume.The start and possibly the end of my Momosu fandom.Can't miss this also.)

Manoeri's 天国のドア PB coming out today(I wanted to buy this together with her solo DVD that comes out just 4 days from this pb but then again ... I don't have enough cash.)

So there's there.Three stuff I have to get by the end of February.And I'm really short in cash now.

Here's hoping I don't regret not buying anything from the Hello!Project website while I can.

ｬダヽ(ｏ`皿′ｏ)ﾉ

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

さあ、もっと再び日曜日ねぇ!

2010-01-14T19:20:00.004+08:00

Kuu-chan's schedule for her 2010 Concert Tour to commemorate her 10th year in the J-entertainment scene since she debuted back in 2000.

And.......Namie's schedule.It's "astronomically epic" when you see how long her tour is.April till November.Holy s@#%.That's more than half the year gone.

「Namie Amuro PAST FUTURE Tour 2010

And...I just pre-ordered both Kuu-chan's BEST album(since it comes with a poster) and MM's "Nine Smiles" concert tour DVD.Since it's the last time everyone gets to see Koha as part of Morning Musume...I really can't skip this release.Not as a fan of Morning Musume.Not as a fan of Kusumi Koharu.

Speaking of Momosu,the cover for their new single is...what word should I use.The dawn of a new era?It's still Ai in the center with Reina on one side and ... Sayu on the another!But that's just one single jacket cover.I doubt Reina'll position as one of the cover girls'll ever be changed for as long as she's in MM.But Sayu?Cool choice.Cash in her recent fame thanks to all her appearance on TV these days.But fame != popularity.For MM's sake I hope I'm wrong with that equation.

今回のハロー!オンラインシンガポールファン集会・・・

2010-01-10T22:52:00.004+08:00

It's another meeting among H!O Singapore fan members today!!!And to think I thought forums were just places to trade random discussions and ideas and that's it...oh well.

Anyway today's outing was to go for karaoke(LOL?) and to distribute the loots that the members on H!O pre-ordered from Boon Eng b4 his trip to Japan.I got my share of spoils 2 days earlier during Friday's MoCap lesson but what the heck.Might as well just go there and soak up the ambiance.Finally traded one copy of Koha's KP photo with Dummmpling for one of her graduation photoshoot.Memories flooded back into my head the moment I saw those pics with my naked eyes for the 1st time.

"Just when I thought Hello!Project had deserted their audition/graduation style and made Momosu a typical stable group,they shoved that thinking back to me and took my fav member away."

This was indeed a nice way to spend an otherwise fruitless Sunday at home.

次の集会はどのくらい待っているか?

ついに・・・マノエリフレンズを貰ってくれきした!!!

2010-01-08T22:12:00.004+08:00

I finally received Manoeri's FRIENDS(CD+DVD) version and 2 photocards of her and Koha today from Boon Eng.Woooooo....this is so lovely.The photocards are simply lovely.Now to find someway to "safeguard" them from any harm by the elements.Sounds a little excessive over a couple of photos...but I assure you it aren't that case when you consider the "importance" of these stuff in your psychological and mental health.

Watching 「まのえりHistory」 in the DVD of FRIENDS right now...it's broken into multiple chapters so I'll just briefly type out each part as I continue watching.

Mano History Part 1
It's basically about Manoeri's time in Ongaku Gatas.What she did and the day she graduated from the group(March 2008).Lol watching her tear up during and after her graduation concert performance is kinda sad in a way.Since there's no plans of her debuting next year (2009)as a soloist at the time of her graduation.

Mano History Part 2
Her 1st jacket photoshoot for her debut indie single マノピアノ(Mano Piano).And she appearing in C-ute 2008 Concert 忘れたくない夏(Unforgettable Summer).It's kinda shocking to actually realize that she released her 1st indie single only 3 months after graduating from Ongaku Gatas.Neat.Lots and lots of footage of her handshake events in various states LOL.And oh yea and her list of dramas she acted in,her major debut in 乙女の祈り...her weekly radio show...her debut concert...and I thought she had lots of publicity stuff to do in 2010...they seems pale in comparison to 2009.

Mano History Part 3
It starts of with the commemoration event of her 3rd single 「世界は　サマー・パーティ」 and handshake event(she sure enjoy them LOL) together with S/mileage who's the dancers for that song of Manoeri.Then they showed her 1st tour(with s/mileage of course).

Mano History Part 4
The commemoration event of her 4th single 「この胸のときめきを」.Then footage of her filming for TV Tokyo's 「キティズパラダイスpeace」 which she is still a regular of.Afterwards it's a practice session for 「恋すハローキティ」.A photoshoot session at 屋久島(Yakushima) and a short filming clip of her new drama with H!P 「半分エスパー」(Hanbun Esper) that'll debut next Friday on 15th Jan 2010 ends the DVD.

I definitely learned much much more about my new "champion" in H!P after watching this DVD.And that just made me adore her even more now. Ｏ(≧∇≦)Ｏ

上戸彩ちゃんをもう一度填ってる!!!どうするの?!?

2010-01-05T23:37:00.002+08:00

Unknowingly...I'm back to listening,or rather spamming Ueto Aya's songs.The exact same way I did back in Dec 2006.Nothing but her.Why and when did it happen???I dunno lul.But it's kinda refreshing..."rekindle an old love(?)" lol.Hopefully this is here to stay.It's been too long since I last enjoyed Aya-chan's music.

Tried FST-7 on chest today.Despite using lesser weight than my warm-up set I'm still not able to execute them perfectly.Fell apart at the start of the 5th bench press set.Hmmm...something's not right.If it's not the weight and the timing's spot-on then what's the thing separating me from success with FST-7???Things to ponder...

2週間しないの事。。。

2010-01-04T18:05:00.001+08:00

After two weeks of complete rest from lifting weights,I must say...I sure as hell is looking forward to today's session.My body is eager and my mind set.

In addition I added a new training style into my routine.Well "tested" should be a more appropriate word to use since I had yet to fully understand it.It's known as Fascial Stretch Training Seven(FST-7).Those of you who read Flex or MD should had heard of it already.It basically involves doing seven final sets of an exercise with a 45 sec break interval for a bodypart which you want to maximize growth on.From what I know this helps to stretch the fascia further,allowing more space for blood capillaries to expand.So anyway here's what happened for my virgin try on FST-7.

1st set - Completed 10 reps of barbell curls pretty easily.Started 2nd set at 40 secs break interval.

2nd set - Completed 10 reps of barbell curls,with cheat curls for the last two reps.Getting a little tough.Started 3rd set at 60 secs break interval.Gosh that's 1/3 too long from the allocated rest time.

3rd set - Completed 8 reps of barbell curls,with at least 4 cheat curls done.This should be it.Way too much weight used.Started 4th set at 50 secs break interval.

4th set - Completed 6 reps of barbell curls,with only the 1st 2 reps done extremely strictly.Kept the barbell after this.You know the rest of the story.

1st try on the magical FST-7 that supposedly helped reigning Mr.Olympia Jay Cutler quite a bit in his quest to retain the title.Concluded with a fail.Oh well.At least I now know that I can't use the same weight that I used for buddy curls or 3 part curls for FST-7.Hopefully next week'll be more successful when I attempt this again ...

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And lul wut.Dawa of s/mileage is a member of some むし thingy on OhaStar.Mushi.Gosh that's a bug LOL!!!

2009年あと1日だとう!

2009-12-30T23:32:00.003+08:00

So 2009's coming to an end.A pity that despite all the fun things done within the last 364 days it all had to be dampened by the news of Koha's graduation.Just when I thought I have a new idol to look up to for year 2010 ... guess that's not going to happen for the meantime at least.

I haven't really touched my MSN messenger for at least a year and a half.Not until Bhemfire@H!O asked me for my MSN account.Here I have a new found friend from a forum and the only thing I can do is "refuse" another means of communication just because that software is something I seemingly turned my back at 18 months ago?That's just avoiding reality to say the least.So here I am...using both Skype and MSN.Contacts for both sides are really small but hey.That's how I like my circle of friends.Tight and close.

What I wish for 2010 ... nothing much actually.I don't have an immediate plan or goal at the moment.Maybe I'm just not motivated enough or God hasn't sent me the right events that'll dictate the path of life I'll take in the future.

In any case ... live well fellas.And live life without regrets.

Stay hungry!

モーキャプちょっと疲れすぎる。。。

2009-12-30T01:26:00.003+08:00

Went back to NYP today for MoCap capturing session ... and I thought it's some happy-go-lucky thing.Apparently not.Just doing 10 takes of 20~30 secs choreographed fighting scenes with another actor is tiring like a mother.Seeing that there's little to no breaks in between as all the post-processing can be done as long as you have a com and the correct editing program.For some reason I pity the next dude/gal wearing the suit I wore just now...I felt like I'm in a boiler room at the end of the capturing session LOL!!!The lecturer should force every group to watch the shirt daily ... who knows what diseases sweat can transmit.Well none up to date but you can't be too sure about this ... science don't and can't know everything.And even without the risk of diseases transmitting ... there's body odor to consider?

Neowing.co.jp updated their info about Koha's graduation concert 'NINE SMILES" DVD.久住小春卒業セレモニー(Kusumi Koharu Graduation Ceremony) and her grad song ふるさと(Furusato) which is ironically the song she sang to get her included into Morning Musume 4 years ago.And the video's 150 mins long.The description "久住小春らしい「笑顔>涙」の卒業セレモニーの様子も完全収録! 2時間半に及ぶ熱気あふれるコンサート" which literally translates into " A Kusumi Koharu-like (Smile>Tear) Graduation Ceremony Recorded Completely.A 2 and a half hr concert with a hot? atmosphere."So I assume that those graduation portions ARE going to be included after all.Good good .... now there's no reason not to buy this!But gosh.5K yen == $SGD76.

複雑の一日。。。

2009-12-29T00:29:00.002+08:00

Today was ... one long and complicated day.And I was at home the whole time.Let's see the sequence of events ...

1.Woke up at 8 when I slept at 3am.Way too short and too unnatural for my normal body clock.

2.Played Fable 2 from 9 to 12.A 3 hr "gaming marathon" isn't unusual to me but that's when I 1st felt a sudden drop of energy.Nvm lie down for a while.

3.Ate lunch and went straight to bed.Next thing I knew I couldn't get up anymore.Short of breath.Body feeling kinda warm.Thermometer reading at 37.4C.There we go.A fever from nowhere.

4.I slept and woke up at least 6 times.Ate half of 2 slices of bread and ... puked them out.And amazingly after that ... I feel great!!!Nothing to suggest that I had fever in the 1st place.

So now back on my com ... H!O forums is flooded with thread replies and Twitter alerts.Momosu's 10th album 10 MY ME to be released just a month after their 42th single and around the commencement of their 2010 Spring Concert(which is named Pikappikka! ... what a name).The DVD for their last concert and Koha's final concert "NINE SMILES" to be released in February ... wanted to buy on impulse but then ... I saw the tracklist.Nothing surprising really.People all were wishing that H!P uses the final day of that concert,which includes all the juicy details of Koha-chan's graduation ... but apparently not.I might still buy that but I'll let nature guide my decision.

Should I post the daily 16 vocab words from the JLPT1 Help book I bought yesterday???I dunno lul.Who even wants to know those stuff anyway ...

日本語能力試験1級の勉強始めよう!!!

2009-12-28T00:42:00.003+08:00

Bought a book titled 「完全マスター漢字日本語能力試験1級レベル」 from Takashimaya's Kino earlier on ... it literally means (Master The Kanji of JLPT1 completely).So what am I doing with a JLPT preparatory book already.It's only 3 weeks since I took the JLPT2 examination anyway.

To be honest ... all the "forced" studying for the JLPT2 examination no thanks to Koha's graduation news and stuff isn't as productive as I thought it should be.There's really only so much you can do with motivation and emotional stress.Now with the exam and Koha-chan's graduation over ... I feel kind of empty.The exam turned out harder than I expected.So rather than wait till February and get a mail that state that I failed the JLPT2 exam(which I'm certain WILL happen...no chance in hell that vocab and grammar can cover up my major lacking in listening),why not start studying for JLPT1 so by the time Feb comes I would be so psyched up and focused on JLPT1 that I won't really be affected so much by the result of my 2009 JLPT2 examination.

But gosh...this is hard like a mother.903 vocabs in total.I've never cared too much about vocab,instead choosing to learn any new kanji used in comprehensions and J-idol blogs(I'm such a sucker for this lul).

The H!O Singapore forum was flooded ... well almost flooded anyway.Apparently Boon Eng(good old classmate in the same course as me in NYP...but gosh took us 2 1/2 years to even start talking to each other) almost didn't receive his concert ticket to Buono! concert from another H!O member.But in the end he got it and well ... went to watch it.I'm happy that he finally managed to see his beloved Airi in person.That leads me to wonder.What'll happen if I get to see Kuu-chan in person?Will my picture-perfect visualization of her be flawed when I realize that she is in the end,just a human like me?I wish that day don't come although I'll gladly go though great lengths to see her live.Seems foolish to not want to see the idol so dear to you ... but maybe that'll save me some money lul.

The more human gets,the more human demands.This is also known as undying greed.

Oh well ... back to vocab studying ... 27 out of 903 ... I'll probably forget this 1st 27 after I read the (27*5==135)th vocab ... (*´ο`*)=3

休み中ですけど。。。

2009-12-22T22:30:00.004+08:00

So I went back to school today despite the 2 week term break being effective as of now.Had to finish up all those Motion Capture thingy ASAP.Unless I have some fanciful 10++ cameras to capture 50++ frames of me every sec ... I sure can't finish this assignment sitting at home.

Break time!!!Went to Liang Court and got "pulled" into a nail polish promotional act.A body lotion ... buffing block(for nails) ... cuticle oil and a nail file for $SGD89.90 @.@!Holy mama.That's a lot of dosh involved.But man the buffing block sure looks cool as dirt!Fingernails that reflect light sources???I dunno if that's anything impressive to the ladies but it surely is something neat to a guy.The salesgirl offered me 2 boxes for 100 bucks ... a discount to 79.90 for one and 19.90 for the 2nd purchase.To be honest ... I don't need it.Ok maybe the cuticle oil and buffing block are some cool s*#$ to me but there's no real need for it now anyway.Then it occurred to me ... "Hmmm ... why don't I give these to the two ladies in my house?(Dear O' Mum and my "sister-in-law", well ... soon-to-be anyway ... )They can be treated as Christmas presents.And I can finally "repay" the favor from my brother's "wife" Ellis.(She and my brother bought "SAW the video game" for me as a birthday present.)So here I am ... a guy with two boxes of nail lotion sets.How epic ... (*´ο`*)=3

2週間の学校休みの始まり。。。

2009-12-20T23:04:00.002+08:00

2009年はもう10日残っています。つまり小春がモー娘とハロー!プロジェクトから卒業した年は瞬く間に終わっています。実は、僕がまだ小春の卒業で納得できなかった。色々な気持ちがあるんですけど。。。何か卒業のことは土壇場で取り消したい。

久住小春の卒業に関してもうなんとも言えない。

なんとも言えたくない。

Posting on forums again aren't that bad ...

2009-12-12T01:05:00.003+08:00

Ok seems like posting on forums again really isn't that bad.For some weird reason ... starting to post again on the "Singapore thread" of the H!O forums feels rather ... nice!!!Nostalgic as well since it reminds me of how I virtually spent the entire 4~5 months of holiday break after the O'Levels on the Jdorama forum,posting and sharing comments with other users.Of course that didn't end nicely ... but heck.Oh well.

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Apparently Kuu-chan is releasing her new album on 3rd April ... just 10+ days out from her new single?!?Talk about a workaholic or "release whore" ... although her younger sister Misono released even more stuff for this year.Anyway back to the album.It's a new and BEST album ... so basically it's something like the recent Lady Gaga's new album "Fame Monster" where she include the entire tracklist of her 2008 "The Fame" album in the new album.Except this time it's a BEST rather than taking straight from one album alone.The album is titled ... 『BEST～ third universe～＆8th AL“UNIVERSE”』.

----------------------------------------------------

There's a recent minor talking point on H!O forums yesterday.Apparently Ai,Gaki,Junjun and Linlin's interview with youku.com in Taiwan as a promotion act for Morning Musume ... didn't receive decent comments.Nicely put those comments are unprofessional.To be blunt those comments are unintellectual.So what actually happened???People who viewed the video posted online ... supposedly China natives ... slammed Momosu,calling them AV idols(?) and that Junjun and Linlin are a disgrace to China for being part of a Japanese song group.Yea you might say "they're just comments.People post bulls*** as well on youtube or other forums."But given China's hostility towards Japan for past historical events(Sino-Japanese war,WW2 etc) ... the comments on youku.com seemed to supersize in weighage.People just got annoyed that the Chinese are stereotyping all Japanese as AV idols bah bah bah.

I dunno man.China-Japan's relationship to say the least is damaged.Of course not beyond repair.But it's also not "healing" itself fast enough.60 years had gone by since 1945 and a majority of China natives still aren't willing to welcome Japan citizens into their country with open hands and an open heart.

Things that makes you wonder?Hmmmm ... so is China really that petty or is the impact of Japan on them back when Japan was still known as the Empire of Japan just too great and overwhelming for them to forgive n forget within this era?

Who knows man?

---------------------------------------------------

Speaking of which I should go try 21s for squats.It's a killer finisher for dumbbell presses although I had to lighten the weight A LOT.But top marks for stimulating the muscle.

Squats ...

One wrong move and I'll have 65kg of deadweight pressing down on my back with my legs having given way.

Screw it.I'll try it on Monday.

8人のモーニング娘を受けて。。。

2009-12-07T22:41:00.006+08:00

The last and final pic of the longest untouched lineup(2007-2009) ever since Morning Musume started 13 years ago.

---------------------------------------------

Although I always talked about how humans have to do though the "denial->confusion->renewal->adaptation" cycle of life ... when there's the call to go though this cycle yourself it's extremely frustrating regardless of how much you prepare yourself.

2 months ago I went though that cycle once,when Koharu's graduation was announced.I blamed possible scandals and producer Tsunku and stuff,denying the fact that Koha is going to graduate soon.As time goes by I was confused and speechless,questioning myself and reading though various forums,seeking for an answer for the decision.More time passed when I finally accepted the fact that Koha is leaving Momosu and there's nothing that can be done.This renewed my image of Momosu,a 8 people group now with a former member less.

Now that Koha's graduation is done and finished ... all there's left is to quickly adapt to this new Morning Musume so that we don't get frozen in time,questioning why changes are present in us creatures of habits which simply makes re-adaptation so difficult and overwhelming.

That's why we have memories don't we?Flashbacks.Dreams of good times in the past.Now with technology we have videos for accurate visual and audio "flashbacks" of events that are so dear to each of us.

I never expected a fanboy like me to accept the reality of his favourite idol leaving a group/company.Although Koharu still have a weekly regular appearance on OhaStar every Tuesday ... past graduates from Momosu haven't yet made such a breakthrough in the entertainment world that supersizes their solo career compared to their time in Morning Musume.

Regardless ... let's have more faith shouldn't we!!!What separate us from historical feats are simply mental barriers,and once they are broken down even once,the so-called "historical feat" won't be that impossible to achieve anymore.Just because none of the previous Morning Musume graduates haven't brought their solo career to the next level(not even "The Ace" Goto Maki although she's signed to Rhythm Zone) doesn't mean it's impossible.

KO~~~~ こ

HA~~~~は

RU~~~~る

ファンのみなさんのために一所懸命頑張ってください!!!
(Pls persist on for your fans!!!)

Prediction for JLPT2 result ...

2009-12-06T22:31:00.003+08:00

This year's JLPT2 is just ... I dunno.For me at least it's a test of whatever do I have what it takes to leapfrog the seemingly large gap between JLPT3 to JLPT2.After all this "gap" is pretty much why the JLPT will have 5 levels next year.A new level to fill in the gap and make it seem more "plausible".

So how did I fare?Honestly I can say that it'll take more than a miracle for me to pass this test.Foul play ... error in marking ...anything it takes to create a result that's not supposed to happen.Listening was always my Achilles' Heel in Japanese language study and this year's Listening Comprehension seem to just super-size that bitter fact and make it obvious to me that I have to be hook or by crook listen to more Japanese media.

For all the preparation I did to pass this test ... it seems that I erred in putting all the eggs into one basket in Grammer...

-------------------------------------------------

After the test I went to Dhoby Ghaut MRT(which is pretty near SMU) with Junxian.Since it's that near we simply walked there.The 10~15 mins walk there somehow exorcised the demons within me since I stopped hanging out with Junxian and James and the group in NP.Maybe it's because after a year an a half we actually spoke to each other about stuff not directly related to Japanese study(which is the only reason why we are meeting each other now anyway).I dunno.But I can safely say that this short time definitely helped me in a way or two to battle the constant conflicting inner-self.

-------------------------------------------------

On a lighter note ... Kusumi Koharu had offically graduated from Morning Musume and Hello Project.These so-called "graduations" are lightly and widely used in J-entertainment,especially when it's something to do with artistes signing a short term contract deal,then after honoring it till the end they simply "graduated".But this term is brought to a next level for Hello Project at least.Simply for the fact that the idols in Hello Project are groomed and brought up within the company,and when the time for graduation arrives for the right or wrong reason ... it's the departure of a "home-grown talent".

Kusumi Koharu Officially Graduates From Morning Musume and Hello! Project

At least now I can say that I went though a graduation as a H!P fan.And my fav member as well.Some form of 初めての経験(1st experience).

Edit:I thought that I'll just quickly post something about this year's JLPT2 and about Koha's grad from Momosu quickly.After seeing from H!O and other sources how her graduating song is ふるさと(Furusato),the exact same slow,emotional song that she sang during her 2005 audition into Morning Musume.And top it with the fact that the chorus part of 「涙止まらなくても」 which literally means "My tears won't stop" ... and despite Koha and the other members crying although they were firm about this graduating concert being a cheerful one for the sake of Koharu ... it almost seems sorrowful and bitter.

Life as a fan had been fun since I started as a fan of actress/singer/seiyuu Ueto Aya around 3 years ago.As days and weeks and months go by I've drifted though more and more artistes and idols,but none matches the excitement of Morning Musume don't they?Koda Kumi to me is an inspiration,an artiste that gives me a meaning to live on and work hard everyday in exchange for more and more of her releases to come.Morning Musume though feels much much more intimate to me.It could be that the members are closer in age to me.Or it could be the graduation/audition rotating door of Hello!Project that makes them so unique.In anycase I feel more complete(and satisfied) to go though the bitter period of impending graduation for one's fav member from Momosu.

Now that Morning Musume is down to 8-nin,here's wishing them great success ahead.May the final remnants of "Miracle Dust" from the recently-graduated ミラクル(Mirakuru) kick-start their journey back on track.

最後の三時間。。。

2009-12-05T21:31:00.002+08:00

もう2時間勉強がある。。。
Only two more hrs to study ...

それから寝て行く。
Then it's off to bed.

ちょっと速いですねぇ。小春ちゃんの卒業発表から約2月経過した。
Fast isn'it.Koharu-chan's graduation announcement has been 2 months.

明日僕の日本語能力試験を受けた。。。6時間から久住小春さんは彼女モーニング娘としてラストステージを終わりになります。
I'll take the JLPT tomorrow ... 6 hrs later Koharu will end her last concert as a Morning Musume member.

でも諦めにはいかない。
But I can't give up.

小春ちゃんの未来のために。。。ファンの僕を諦めなければからなかった。
For Koharu-chan's future ... As a fan I must not give up.

はい。最後まで戦う!!!
Yea.Fight till the end!!!

来る!!!今年の最悪日。。。

2009-12-05T00:55:00.002+08:00

As the title said ... this year's "worst day" is just around the corner.Actually less than 32 hrs for the 1st "catastrophic event"(JLPT2 examination) to happen.Then about 9 hrs later ... 2nd event in Kusumi Koharu's graduation from H!P and Momosu to sum up what's probably one of the "coolest" day in my life so far.

Saw more and more pics of 8 nin Morning Musume via Hello!Online.Although I probably came into terms of the member that sparked my "who-knows-where-it-came-from" interest in Hello Project graduating so soon(2 months into my fan-ism) like 3 days? after her graduation announcement back in 19th September, it's still not that easy anyway.Maybe it's just the policy of Momosu's constant changing line-up that contradicts with my earlier J-pop groups I follow.Either way it'll still not be that easy to adapt to the "new" line-up although there's nothing new injected into it.

Apparently there's members on the "Singapore fans thread" on Hello!Online that's from NYP.To be exact ... he's in my diploma(Digital Entertainment Technology).Different course though.Cool beans.But nevermind.If God wills it for me to meet this fellow H!P fan I'll most certainly will.Just like everything happens for a reason ... fate and destiny are unavoidable.The outcome though is up to you to decide.

Ok back to studying.For Kusumi Koharu's post H!P career.For myself.For my love for the country named 日本 ... I must pass this test.

何から何まで能力試験が合格さなければならない。
(By hook or by crook, I must pass the ability test.)

Maybe I'll bring Ayu's NEXT LEVEL mini-figurine along!!!A gaze from the Empress of J-pop,even though it's just a toy ... should be intimidating enough to make me do my absolute best.

Dilemma ...

2009-12-02T19:18:00.002+08:00

Less than 80 hrs out from the JLPT examination.And I have a test on RakNet programming tmrw.
Wonder if I should forsake that 15% for the module and use the extra 2,3 hrs to study Japanese instead. Or maybe just stop Japanese for the whole of today,study for RakNet programming ... then resume 日本語の勉強 after the test.

----------------------------------------------------

Just read an article about instability training(Swiss balls, bosu balls etc). Apparently it's good only for training the trunk muscles that stabilize the spine. Flat surface training is still better for training power,jumping capacity and stuff. And this isn't for bodybuilders or fitness models. This is tested on athletes, supposedly the pinnacle of the word "fit" to most of us(since bodybuilders are typically looked upon as outcasts and nothing proud to be). So there we go. Proper reasoning behind why people doing casual training tend to favor the use of Swiss balls.

----------------------------------------------------

Momosu's next and 42th single,「女が目立って、なぜイケナイ」(Onna Ga Medatte, Naze Ikenai) is announced to be released on 10th Feb.And they'll have a FC Hawaii Tour in March.And of course their H!P concert starts on 1st of January.So they have exactly 3 1/2 weeks to go though "The Kubler Ross grief cycle" and adapt to their new 8 member lineup.Easier said ... they have to forget that 7th gen member Kusumi Koharu even exist after 6th December.Of course maybe it don't have to be till that extent but it's probably the swiftest and easiest.

----------------------------------------------------

Agh back to studying.I decide to learn RakNet for today after all ...

九日間 ... 九人...

2009-11-27T00:13:00.002+08:00

9 days left before the great "D-day" that consist of not one but two supa things.One is the exam date for the JLPT examination in Singapore.Two is the graduation date of Kusumi Koharu from Morning Musume.Ok at least the latter isn't that bad anymore.Koha seems happy.She seems to be looking forward to post-graduation life already.She seems to still want to maintain in contact with the members in Momosu.That's cool.Might not be colleagues anymore but that doesn't necessary means breaking of all interaction with them.Neat.

第６０回ＮＨＫ紅白歌合戦

2009-11-23T22:00:00.003+08:00

This year's Kohaku Uta Gassen's participants are as follows ... the typical red team for the female side and the white team(I colored it blue since my blog theme don't support white text) for the male side.Brackets indicate the number of times the respective artiste had been invited for this classic event.

紅組

aiko(8)
秋元順子 Akimoto Junko(2)
綾香 Ayaka(4)
アンジェラ・アキ Angela Aki(4)
いきものがかり　Ikimonogakari(2)
石川さゆり　Ishikawa Sayuri(32)
AKB 48(2)
大塚愛 Otsuka Ai(6)
GIRL NEXT DOOR(2)
川中美幸 Kawanaka Miyuki(22)
木村カエラ Kimura Kaera(初)
倖田來未 Koda Kumi(5)
五代夏子　Godai Natsuko(16)
小林幸子 Kobayashi Sachiko(31)
坂本冬美　Sakamoto Fuyumi(21)
天童よしみ Tendo Yoshimi(14)
DREAMS COME TRUE(13)
中島美嘉　Nakashima Mika(8)
中村美津子　Nakamura Mitsuko(14)
浜崎あゆみ　Hamasaki Ayumi(11)
Perfume(2)
平原綾香　Hirahara Ayaka(6)
水樹奈々 Mizuki Nana(初)
水森かおり Mizumori Kaori(7)
和田アキ子 Wada Akiko(33)

白組

嵐 Arashi(初)
アリス　Alice(3)
五木ひろし Itsuki Hiroshi(39)
EXILE(5)
NYC boys(初)
北島三郎 Kitajima Saburo(46)
北山たけし Kitayama Takeshi(5)
コブクロ Kubukuro(5)
ジェロ Jero(2)
SMAP(17)
東方神起 Tohoshinki(2)
TOKIO(16)
德永英明 Tokunaga Hideaki(4)
氷川きよし Hikawa Kiyoshi(10)
FUNKY MONKEY BABYS(初)
福山雅治 Fukuyama Masaharu(2)
布施明 Fuse Akira(25)
flumpool(初)
細川たかし Hosokawa Takashi(33)
ポルノグラフィティ Porno Graffitti(8)
美川憲一 Mikawa Kenichi(26)
森　進一 Mori Shinichi(42)
遊助 Yusuke(初)
ゆず　Yuzu(3)
レミオロメン Remioromen(初)

Morning Musume missing again?2 years in a row since they missed out on Kohaku.Hmmmmmm

Random Post

2009-11-20T23:05:00.001+08:00

Promoting one's graduation out of Morning Musume. The face/smile can lie but the eyes can't.

---------------------------------

2009-11-17T23:49:00.002+08:00

18 days out of the JLPT2 examination.And the amount of school assignment deadlines approaching isn't making this last 3 weeks of "do-or-die" an easy one.So I've set markers/checkers.Hopefully this'll work out ...

By 20th November(15 days out)

Memorize all the common grammar seen and used in previous JLPT papers. The sensei kindly gave us a book containing just that,so no one to blame but oneself if the grammar in JLPT2 seems like rocket science when compared to JLPT3.

By 27th November(8 days out)

Get EVERY single grammar question right, whatever it's on the textbox or mock JLPT papers. Grammar holds 200 marks, double of vocab, so I have to clear this sucker by hook or by crook.

By 30th November(5 days out)

Read though every comprehension again and this time, actually know why the answer is the right one and the proper one out of the other three.Not because it sounds correct.Not because it seems correct.But because it's THE CORRECT ONE.

Till 6th December(Test Day)

Reading ... vocab ... absorbing as much as possible ...

How I wish there's some help or self-study for listening but ... no point crying over spilled milk.There's little to no help available for listening unless you get an audio CD.So eyes to the priority instead,which is grammar and vocab.

Hope this works ....

くぅちゃん～☆Happy Birthday

2009-11-13T22:56:00.002+08:00

It's Kuu-chan's 27th birthday!!!Ok I'm exactly 24 hrs late but late better than nvr right?

The 1st time I knew about Kuu-chan was back in 2006 when the Newpaper covered about this 25 year old J-pop star and her recent single 恋のつぼみ(Koi No Tsubomi). Apparently MDA pasted an M18 censorship rating on it.An M18 rating for a song and its PV?!?It must be something special.Still I was too young back then to buy that CD anyway.But Youtube don't really bother about such censorship thingy don't they?So from there I got my 1st glimpse of Kuu-chan.It was empowering.It was 'dirty' compared to Ayu's PVs which is pretty much what's shown in Singapore back then.But at the same time Koi No Tsubomi's PV was unique.There's something about it that is just attractive.Whether was it the PV or the song or Kuu-chan herself being in it that gave me such a good 1st impression,until now I dunno but heck I'm sure glad the Newpaper even covered on her back then.

Fast forward 3 years and Kuu-chan had became my emotional support.Almost like how Morning Musume,AKB48 is to their thousands of wotas.Everyday is good to live though while knowing that on the other side of the world,your fav idol is working hard making an eagerly awaited new single/album.All for the sake of his/her fans.It's kinda heartwarming to know that.Doesn't matter if the bitter truth is that they are just doing it as it's their job.It's the thought and action that counts.

Throughout these years it's been painfully obvious that listening to a song of Kuu-chan just isn't enough.Esp if those songs have a PV.Which a big number of them does.Just this year alone she made like 7 new PVs over 3 singles and 1 album.That shows how much a workaholic she is.And let's be honest.'Ero-kakkoi.'It isn't 'ero-kawaii'.No need to be sexy and then cute in a blink of an eye.Just wham!bam!Sex appeal oozing every sec and from every shot.And Kuu-chan does it perfectly.So in a way or another,listening to Kuu-chan' songs,esp her ero-themed songs without watching the PV is akin to listening to MJ's Smooth Criminal or Billie Jean without seeing the lean or moonwalk.Seems like a big portion of that song is missing doesn't it?

To end off ...

くぅちゃんにとって幸せな1年になりますよう
(Wishing For another happy year for Kuu-chan!)

Oh yea Morning Musume's Tanaka Reina turns 20 like 3 days ago as well.

On a side note Modern Warfare 2 is for the lulz.Neat game.Lovely story.But the guns are just epic loot.M240SAW with aimpoint and heartbeat sensor coupled with a game physics that virtually removes any spread from it?That's plain hax.But I like it!

2009-11-08T00:24:00.002+08:00

My copy of Kimagure Princess [Limited Edition / Type C] finally came today after 10 days since the single was released.Well not like I'm in a rush to get it.And Yesasia don't charge you delivery fees as well.And adding to the fact that Yesasia sales now do get included into Oricon statistics ... it's pretty slick for ordering.CDJapan/Yesasia for quick delivery and Yesasia for cheaper,"no-rush" delivery.

Basically there's 4 extra cover sheets inside the lyrics cover,each having different designs(One group shot and the individual shots of the 9 members).No DVD CD for this jacket -- get Jacket B or D if you want the DVD of their PV and making of PV.

Such a bumpy ride with Morning Musume for the last 3 months ... having their 2nd worst single by sale ranking ... what a way to send Koharu off.Doesn't matter if this single was recorded way b4 she announced her graduation. Everything happens for a reason. There's talks of a 42th single, their next single already.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm ..............

Seems like venturing into the world of idol groups isn't something to be taken lightly.Especially a group whose members are close to your age.Admiration can't possibly be the only link between you and the group. Not when this person is as old as your classmate.

On a sidenote Aston Villa is 5-1 up against Bolton!!!Neat. Now if only Man City can concede a goal now and draw with Burnley so I don't have to wake up and see some "The Mark of a champion:Manchester City fought from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against Burnley FC."

2009-11-05T22:19:00.003+08:00

Once the clock reaches 12 it'll be 6th November.30 days off my "D-day" of this year,6th December,which contains both the JLPT2 examination and Kusumi Koharu's graduation from Morning Musume.If good things comes in two ... then on the same line ... bad things comes in two as well!!!Hmmmm yea that reminds me ... 1 week till Kuu-chan's 27th birthday! And 5 days to another Morning Musume member's birthday,Tanaka Reina(田中れいな) who turns 20 this year.I should honestly start cleaning out my memory of celebrities' birthdays.Makes me sound like a potential stalker and (eh-hmmm pervert) to go memorize others birthdays as if you were the one celebrating your birthday on that day instead.

30 days out and there's still quite a big chunk to learn.The vocab list is just .... holy.Could my best section in the last two JLPT tests be my undoing this time?

2009-11-02T00:05:00.002+08:00

Just watched Michael Jackson's "This Is It" movie.It almost felt like watching a DVD version of his 1992 Dangerous Tour, just that it features a 50 year old MJ this time and lots of dancers(more than 4 as compared to that tour). It's great to see MJ again, and seeing how seriously he took the rehearsal, and despite being 50, still haven't lost much of his breathtaking dancing capability. Most of his dancers are quite young, ranging between 16 - 25 I think, and it's clear how highly they look upon the King of Pop. The movie however, mainly showed clips of a full rehearsal of many of his songs.From what I can recall ... they are ...

Wanna Be Startin Something
Smooth Criminal
Jam
Human Nature
Black and White
Thriller
Beat It
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
Billie Jean
Man In The Mirror
Earth Song

There's quite a few missing since I can't remember some of them. Overall this movie is neat, a nice final gift for MJ fans. At least we knew that despite MJ's untimely death, he was indeed looking forward to performing for his fans again after so many years.

Thank You Michael Jackson!!!God bless.

2009-10-28T12:27:00.002+08:00

Oh gosh the 1 hr live Morning Musume session is online now at Ameba Studio. But this is one weird show. Basically the "host" Koharu asks 4 of her fellow Momosu members various questions regarding about her likes,dislikes,preferences. A "True or False" section. Something like seeing how much about Koharu do the other members know. I have no idea how or why Ameba arranged such a programme. And are those questions made by Koha herself or by the studio schedule planners?

On a side note ...

SAW the video game is lulz!!!The combat system isn't that good since there's really not much different ways to fight an enemy although there's lots of different weapons.But the suspense,time limit and puzzles come along nicely.Fixing a pipe when you're under poison gas effect is just ... wooo epic cool.

And contrary to what others say ... Konami did stay true to the various infamous traps in Saw.The "Iron Mask","Reverse Bear Trap","Barb Wire Room" just to name a few. A few alterations here and there for the escaping part of each trap but it really isn't a big issue.

2009-10-26T21:02:00.003+08:00

My Japanese teacher just gave us the assignment to do over a week and tantan!!!It's a mock copy of the 2007 JLPT 2 paper.Now that's the 1st time I've seen the reading/grammer part of that paper.And the content is ... wooo.

9 comprehensions with 21 questions scattered over them.
33 grammer questions.

And it's not even the end of that section.I guess the teacher didn't want to dump an overwhelming workload on us despite us being only 6 weeks out of the actual exam.

----------------------------------

A response by Koharu when Ai-chan said that she wished Koha to be her usual self and work hard after graduation ...

“小春はこのままですけねぇ～。逆に小春が抜けた後のモーニング娘。が早く観てみたいです！！”

Which roughly translates to ...

But Koharu's always this way!On the contrary Koharu wants to quickly see a Koharu-less Morning Musume.

Koharu just being nice and supportive for the group that made her a celebrity?Or Koharu is just that eager to leave Morning Musume till the extent that she had more or less eliminated herself from the group already?

Doesn't matter anyway.Koharu is Koharu.No one except herself knows what's she thinking after all.

2009-10-24T01:28:00.002+08:00

10月28日　13時00分～14時00分
「久住小春（モーニング娘。）卒業記念スペシャル番組Part１」
出演者：高橋愛、新垣里沙、亀井絵里、久住小春、ジュンジュン

10月28日　15時00分～16時00分
「久住小春（モーニング娘。）卒業記念スペシャル番組Part２」
出演者：道重さゆみ、田中れいな、久住小春、光井愛佳、リンリン

Kusumi Koharu's graduation commemoration Special Broadcast on Ameba Studio.Split into 2 parts.

1.Ameba Studio is a live webcam broadcast thingy so everything seen there is at most 1,2 secs delay from the original scene.So it's basically watching live.

2.I have no school on Wednesday!!!Talk about fate and luck.

Tanjoubi No Ganbou

2009-10-23T00:28:00.003+08:00

It's my 19th birthday today.
今日は僕の十九歳の誕生日です。

I feel one year older.
一歳より年取っていると感じます。

What's this year's birthday wish?
今年の誕生日の願望は何ですか?

If I can pass my JLPT2 in December ...
十二に日本語試能力験2級に合格できるなら、

If Kusumi Koharu can stay in entertainment after graduating from Morning Musume ...
久住小春さんは、モーニング娘から卒業した後に、エンタメで滞在できるなら、

I don't need anything else.
他の事は必要ではない。

2009-10-21T19:23:00.002+08:00

For some reason or another a quick 3o mins of exercising actually cured me from a slight headache that I've been experiencing for the last 5 hrs.I dunno if the headache's down to the fact that I didn't workout for the last 2 days(which to my body is something out of the ordinary since I exercise 6 days a week) so this resumption of exercising,sweating is all that's needed to stop it.Or exercising itself actually can help with headaches.That reminds me of those old sayings from our parents "We must exercise so that our brain can have access to fresh oxygen.".No idea how accurate that is but heck.Does seem to work.

Yet another reason why I'm so glad bodybuilding came into my life.Despite my social life dropping to an all-time low.

2009-10-19T10:36:00.002+08:00

Just saw a post about Sayu's comment over Koharu's graduation during her weekly radio show last week on a fansite.I'll translate the rest in a bit but I just have to post what she said in her 1st few lines.

ORIGINAL POST

“さゆみたちが小春ちゃんの発表を聞いたのは、ファンのみなさんに伝える2,3日前とかで、さゆみたちもギリギリまで知らなくて、「あ、じゃあ3日後にはみんなに教えるんですか？」「そうだよ」みたいな感じで。ほんとにさゆみもビックリして。まさか小春ちゃん！？みたいな。2年以上今の9人でいるから、そろそろ誰かしら卒業とか加入とかあるんじゃないかなっていう予想はなんとなく雰囲気的にも感じてたんですけど。

話があるからって9人みんな会社に呼び出されて、「ケータイ切って」とかマネージャさんに言われて、これはなんか大事な話だと思って。
さゆみが予想したのは普通に考えて、リーダーの愛ちゃんかなとか、9期メンバーを入れますとか、そういう感じかと思ったら、まさかの小春ちゃんだったんで・・・。本当に今までで一番衝撃的な発表だったかもしれないですね。

TRANSLATED POST

Sayumi and others only heard about Koharu's last minute announcement 2,3 days before the fans,so they thought "So we must tell the fans in 3 days time then?"Sayumi was also surprised. For this 9 people who's together for 2 years,gradually the expectations about who's going to graduate,who's going to join sufficed,which for some reason can be felt within the atmosphere.

All 9 members was summoned back to the company on the day the announcement was said."Turn off your cellphone" said the manager.It was clear that something big was about to happen.Sayumi had just lightly considered.Was it something to do with Ai-chan the leader?Was it the inclusion of the 9th gen member?She never expected it to be Koharu ... until now that was the biggest shock to her.

---------------------------------------------------

Ok assuming that my translation is more or less correct with just a few errors here and there ... there's a couple of things that pop out.

1.The members only knew about Koharu's graduation announcement 3 days before the start of their Autumn concert,which means they knew it on 16th September.So this graduation decision is indeed a hasty one since it doesn't make sense to hide stuff like this from your own colleagues regardless of whether it's an appropriate time or not.

2.When it comes to graduation "candidates" Takahashi Ai is indeed one of the leading personnel.Neutral fans think Ai-chan is the next to depart.Highly local fans have a gut feeling that Ai-chan could be the next to go.And now even a member within Momosu itself thinks that if there's someone ready to graduate and start their own solo career,it'll be Ai-chan.

So 3 days to shake off any disappointment and disbelief before they start their live tour.And the nature of Koha's graduation,in which her's was announced at the start of the same tour of which she'll graduate out from,which compared to other members whose graduation is announced at the end of the tour before the one they'll graduate from,does indeed raise speculations over the reasons behind her graduation again.

1.If she is indeed involved in a scandal then she'll be withdrawed/forfeited from the group instantly,rather than being granted a graduation ceremony.But since she is continuing on the children morning show Oha Star! ... I honestly doubt it's anything to do with pregnancy or "BGR".Role models.For aspiring kids growing up. A lady who's pregnant with a child even before she went though 成人式(Coming-of-age) really isn't a fine example for aspiring elementary school students right?

2.To decide on the graduation just 3 days out of the tour,and emphasizing that he was the one who decided to graduate Koharu,producer Tsunku is being coerced at gun-point(?) by UFA to remove Koharu and "accept the blame" because her post-Kirarin sales isn't doing as well as they want it to be?Just a speculation.

I could probably spend the time typing all those random speculations to translate the rest of what Sayu said but ....... oh well.

2009-10-17T14:13:00.002+08:00

Seems like "good old" influenza decided to stick around for a while whereas H1N1 chose to retire for now.

In Hello Project's Berryz Koubou,5 members(Tsugunaga Momoko, Natsuyaki Miyabi, Sudou Maasa, Sugaya Risako, and Shimizu Saki) caught the flu,effectively ending this week's concert of theirs.5 out of 7 members with flu.And seeing how H!P have subgroups like Bruno and Guardian 4 ... spreading the influenza over to C-ute and Morning Musume does seems highly possibleeeeeeeeee ....................... let's hope not.

2009-10-15T03:27:00.002+08:00

Ok ... just finished watching Koha's solo DVD "Jump!!".And with like 20 mins out of the 65 mins DVD being the making of her 4th and final photobook "Sugar Doll" , which I happened to have a stand-alone copy since it comes with the pb itself ...

Anyway back to the DVD.She spent majority of the time on the beach,doing .... errr what can you do on a beach if you don't surf or do some kind of water sports?So besides doing the "usual" stuff you "expect" on a beach,she cooked yakisoba,helped to scrub a motorboat,rode on a bicycle down the road with an overlooking view of the sea and "danced" around in a swimming pool.For some reason this reminds me of the Japanese drama Beach Boys back in 1997, with all the cycling,yakisoba cooking,volleyball,surfing etc.

One addition in this DVD is that fellow Morning Musume member,Kamei Eri(亀井絵里) gives commentary together with Koha throughout the entire DVD.But of course you have to switch this thing on in the DVD main menu since I reckon not everyone enjoys listening to commentary,music,sound effects and character voicing all at once.And I somehow didn't switch it on since vlc loaded the entire clip b4 showing me the DVD main menu ................

Who cares.Gives me a valid reason to watch again.

Also this week of Sayumi's weekly 30 mins broadcast,Konya Mo Usachan Peace(今夜もうさちゃんピース) mentions something about Sayu being surprised about Koharu's graduation.Seeing that every other member(besides Niigaki and Eri) has one way or another gave(or not) a glimpse of their reaction towards Koha's graduation, it should be neat in a way to see how the one-time mentor of Koha'll react to the departure of her junior.You know the old saying "The young dies while the old lingers" and no I didn't say that Sayu is old compared to Koha.It's more like seeing someone whom you taught and expect to hold on your organization/foundation depart earlier than you.A feeling of "betrayal" and "shock".Ok maybe I'm exaggerating a tad too much.

I'll just quote the words of the members regarding Koha's graduation and make an attempt to deduce their feelings over the issue.Keyword is ATTEMPT so no guarantees on anything.

5th gen member/leader Takahashi Ai(高橋愛)

Hello everyone
This is Takahashi Ai

The fall concert tour has started
There was a sudden announcement, I'm sure it was surprising
Kusumi Koharu's graduation
When I heard about it, I couldn't believe it...I was really surprised
I read Tsunku-san's comment,
"I see. Its a graduation," was my feeling
I have never expected myself to send a junior off so it was a very strange feeling

But! I will not be hesitant
I want to send her off properly with a smile
I'll get pumped up and try my best until the last concert of this tour!!!
And, please watch over Koharu warmly

Conclusion: As the leader and one of the 2 longest members in Momosu together with Gaki, Ai will brace herself and try not to let her emotions get the better of her. It's always better to send a long-serving worker off by letting him/her know that the company is in great hands.

5th gen member/Sub-leader Niigaki Risa(新垣理紗)

N/A

6th gen member Tanaka Reina(田中れいな)

Reina is pretty confident Koharu will do well alone after she graduates from Morning Musume since she is one energetic girl and is popular among young children. She hopes that Koharu will continue to try her very best.

Conclusion:Popular among young children?That to help with a modelling career?Anyway Reina definitely did hang out with Koha outside of work b4 sooooooooo I do think she sincerely thinks that way.

6th gen member Kamei Eri(亀井絵里)

N/A

6th gen member Michishige Sayumi(道重さゆみ)

Yet to review ...

8th gen member Mitsui Aika(光井愛佳)

Also, on the first day there was the shocking announcement
about Kusumi-san's graduation,
Crazy wasn't it... (~_~;)
But Kusumi-san had a very Kusumi-ish reply to all of this...
at the concert hall she let out a very positive "I'm gonna keep trying my hardest!!"
which gave us all a little relief ☆
I want to really treasure the time I have left to spend with Kusumi-san... as well as during this concert tour (>▽<*)

Conclusion:When Aika 1st joined Momosu she had already stated that Koharu is someone she look up to and hopes to emulate/surpass one day.And Koha herself had mentioned b4 that she treat Aika like a normal friend rather than a "colleague".Seeing that Aika wishes to treasure every single remaining moment that she have with Koharu is heartwarming but ... don't close colleagues hang out in private even if they went their separate ways?Things to ponder about ...

8th gen member JunJun(ジュンジュン)

Kusumi-san ~ will be graduating
Although I decided to not cry...
Although I wanted us to be together longer...although I wanted to "quarrel" with Kusumi-san more...
Although we sang "Kousui" so many times together...although we did so many things...
But ~ No matter how far these 9 of us are separated from one another, no matter where we are, our hearts will always be together, that is what I believe it. Yes ~ I believe in that.

Until these 9 members' very last, we will try our best so everyone please continue to support us

Conclusion:Junjun for one don't seem to be that much affected by Koha's decision.Not that I'm saying that she don't even care if Koha is in Momosu or not.Seems to me that Junjun is more annoyed with the decision than upset.Annoyed that despite Momosu doing what ppl nvr thought is possible by keeping the same lineup for over 2 years,it still cannot rid itself of the audition/graduation cycle.That means the spinning of the "adaptation cycle" again.And that's what annoying Junjun.Having to re-adapt after such a long time of stability.

8th gen member LinLin(リンリン)

This will be the last concert tour for this line-up. Kusumi-san is always full of energy and is very cute. I like her a lot. Even if she graduates, we will always be friends. Of course the shrimp friends* too. I'll be watching over her forever. Everyone too, please watch over her.

Watching everyone's lovely smiles, I'm very happy. The concert tour is going to continue so everyone lets have fun together.

Conclusion:Linlin being Linlin,always have a way with her words.She cheekily call herself "Haha Musume" since she's always sprouting a smile on her face.That being said,her words seems gratifying to say the least.Esp the "Even if she graduates, we will always be friends."That tells me all I want to know.That the current Morning Musume has a close bond unseen and unparallel to the earlier generations.

Sugar Doll/Jump!!

2009-10-14T16:04:00.002+08:00

My copy of Kusumi Koharu's photobook "Sugar Doll" and solo DVD "Jump!!" just arrived.As these 2 products are the last solo products by her as a Morning Musume and Hello Project member, it's more of a collection,a reminiscence of her 5(rounded up) years in there.Regardless of whatever she'll come back to H!P as a soloist or not,she won't be an existing member of Momosu anymore,so the experience with her now and with her in the near future will definitely be ... different.

Didn't watch Jump!! yet.Will post a draft later if I can even translate spoken Japanese as well as written Japanese.

2009-10-10T15:51:00.004+08:00

The PV for 鈴木亜美(Suzuki Ami)'s 17th single for Avex Trax and her 29th throughout her career, KISS KISS KISS has been released.The single will be released this month on the 28th.

For this song Ami decided to use her natural voice for the vocals,which is a welcome break considering that her last few singles(Reincarnation,ONE,Potential Breakup Song,FREE FREE) all has a vocoder or something like that to apply the electronic effect in her voice.

This song is mainly pop,with a house beat rhythm for the chorus.But considering that the lyrics are kinda catchy since the chorus goes something like

*Kiss Kiss Kiss Kiss
Do You Know How To
Kiss Kiss Kiss Kiss
Some's A Lie
This This This This
Let Me Show You How To
Kiss Kiss Kiss Kiss

(*repeat)

The house beat blends very well with the catchy lyrics.Repetitive beat for repetitive lyrics?Anyway it works out fine so who cares?

PV is pretty neat,with elements from FREE FREE and ONE together.There's "self-touching"(touching the face and arms so don't think too much),flashing lights for the background and lots of close-ups on Ami's face,in particular her eyes,which to me is the most outstanding part of her pretty face.And have I mentioned how nice her dress is?The black dress with the glittering (belt?)

Seeing how nice/neat this single seems to be working out I might just pre-order the DVD jacket edition of this single.But let's wait a bit.See if there's any "freebies" to come with that.

And now to something off-topic .....

Apparently John Morrison is close to *ahem. I guess he must enjoy S&M that much to feel that high even when another male is "plummeting" him in the ring.

2009-10-02T00:02:00.002+08:00

It's confirmed.Sawajiri Erika's name was removed from Stardust Promotion's Official Homepage on 30th September 2009.

エリカ様消された…事務所ＨＰから

And that ends ... Erika's existence in the entertainment industry.For now at least since she isn't signed to any other company.

I do hope Koha don't end up this way.I've seen artistes I like just disappear but most of them are just drama/movie actresses.For a teen idol like Koharu to disappear from the spotlight just because she's no longer in Morning Musume seems ... weird.Like saying that all her fans are not supporters of Kusumi Koharu, but Morning Musume.

Still .............

2009-10-01T01:04:00.002+08:00

Kuu-chan's not longer a fortnightly appearance on J-wave Internet radio.Last week (23/08/2009) was her last appearance on J-wave radio.Amazingly ... on their blog they mentioned that she "graduated" from her appointed show appearances.A new trend with Japan entertainment to use "graduation" when an artiste's at the end of their contract with a company/show, or it's just a nice coincidence?

2009-09-29T21:36:00.002+08:00

All of a sudden I just started watching 一リトルの涙 , one of the more famous dramas released in late 2005 which was the "breakout" drama for former idol/actress 沢尻エリカ(Sawajiri Erika). What that I searched through my CD collection since I do recall her having 2 song singles under her name(not to be confused with her releases under her drama character name Kaoru Amane).And so I found it and ... gosh makes me go down memory lane.Back in 2007 when my hype over J-pop and Japan in particular was at an all-time high.How things changed just within 2 years!!!

I no longer spend hrs and hrs everyday lurking around Internet forums to find out about the latest news on 上戸彩(Ueto Aya).
I haven't checked anything about 下川みくに(Shimokawa Mikuni) although I do check her blog on ameblo.
I'm behind Avex Trax now just like how I'm backing Aston Villa FC. A company where I love it as a whole, not just one or two of their employees.
From "making fun" of モーニング娘(Morning Musume) about their debut song Morning Coffee ... to your typical fan that camps at forums.

And speaking of Erika ... she's in a whole lot of trouble now with her agency Stardust Promotions. They're planning to terminate her contract and give her role in an upcoming movie to another one of their artistes.Can't be good for Erika but seeing how she chose to disappear from the public eye during her "scandal",came back a year later to say that she's getting married(to the disappointment of all her diehard fans) and then promptly disappeared again to take up a course to study.I think that says everything u need to know about how much(or rather how little) she really cares about staying in the entertainment sector.

Still her songs from her 2 and only singles are pretty nice.Wonder why I didn't rip them back when I'm taking all the CDs for a "one-time-only" filling up of my newly reformatted laptop.

Oh well.

2009-09-27T12:25:00.002+08:00

202 Olympia results out.The rankings ...

1st --> Kevin English
2nd --> David Henry
3rd --> Eduardo Correa
4th --> Mark Dugdale
5th --> Joe Flex Lewis

Iris Kyle won the Ms Olympia again.No shocker.

Mr Olympia ranking next.

10th --> Moe Elmoussawi (New Zealand)
9th --> Hide Yamagishi (Japan)
8th --> Tony Freemon (USA)
7th --> Ronny Rockel (Germany)
6th --> Victor Martinez (Dominican Republic)
5th --> Phil Heath (USA)
4th --> Kai Greene (USA)
3rd --> Dexter Jackson (USA)
2nd --> Branch Warren (USA)
1st --> Jay Cutler (USA)

Branch shocked a lot of people with his ranking.But he deserved it.Always looked aside just because his natural skin color is pale and he don't have the lines and cuttings that people'll call "aesthetic".But he works as hard as any other bodybuilder so he definitely earn it.

But Jay ... gosh it's like a fairy tale ending.Everyone wrote him off for his 1st 2 Sandow titles as it's said that he won Ronnie in 2006 and Victor in 2007 just because those two were off their best.But this Olympia ... he's just back to his best.This just brings a smile in my face even though I didn't won anything.It's just *touching* to see someone work so hard that he made all his doubters into fans.

2009-09-25T00:34:00.002+08:00

Just when I thought of posting on Hello Online forums ... I saw some epic argument on the comment tab of Koharu's graduation news.Some epic examples ...

「Is that better? I have no intention on just standing by and watch Koharu take slack. If you insult Koharu, you insult me.」

This guy is weeeeeeeeeeeeeeird.He sounds like a stalker who'll gladly stalk Koha if he gets a chance.Wota/Fanboy sure but this hardcore to take criticism on your idol personally?Lol wut?

「@Oleg, if your the type of "fans" Koharu has, then in that case i'm very much glad she's leaving! :p」

Classic example of how over-enthusiastic fans create a bad image for their idols to the other members on the forums.

Watched Koha's preview of her DVD on Dooooh Up! Using a slow,comforting song like Ame No Furanai currently does no favour to help the thousands of "heartbroken Koha fanatics" forget about her impending graduation ceremony.Then it suddenly turns to her upbeat song "Guru Guru Jump".And 6th gen member Kamei Eri will be commentating with her for that 55 ~ 65 mins long DVD video.And it ends off with Koharu closing her eyes and lying down while Ame No Furanai starts to play again.

This preview has quite a number of hidden meanings behind it,for me at least.The intro of the preview clip with a supposedly "sad" song like Ame no Furanai is to announce to the viewer that Koharu'll be graduating,hence the damping mood.Then Guru Guru Jump was played to tell the viewer that despite this graduation notice,Koha'll still be cheerful and genki as usual so "pls don't feel so down".Then comes the ending,which is back to mood dampener again.Yet now it seems like the message trying to be brought across is to tell the viewer that although Koharu'll be leaving Hello Project!, do continue to look out and support her in the future. Yea I know it all seems logical at best,but that's what I saw in the video. A short 2:20 clip to convey these messages in an earlier,lighter manner.

Man the Olympia's just 2 days away!!!I'm so psyched over it.I can't see the pre-judgings but at least I can see the announcement live.Good enough.

＼（＾＾）／

2009-09-23T13:33:00.002+08:00

Spent a while pondering over all the various reasons on H!O forums behind Koha's graduation.And this is probably the closest(and much more verified) reason behind it.

Morning Musume,for not changing their line-up for the past 2 years,has became stagnant.At least image wise.Whereas last time people can expect to see new faces every 1 or 2 years from their audition,at the moment people ARE expecting to see this line-up day in day out.Almost like Momosu now is your typical 9 girl group where the only thing to consider is their future release,their schedule,their appearances on TV.Anything but the changing of members,which more or less is unheard of in your normal 3 ~ 5 people grouping of J-pop/J-rock bands.

Having said that,producer Tsunku wanted to break free from this "false" image that people have of Momosu,since departures and arrivals of members are what made them unique in the 1st place.Take them like a group where the winner of their audition joins in the current grouping where they can leech and learn from the experience and fame of the existing members.We all know that the winners of "American's Idol" or even WWE's "Tough Enough" are not all established names in the industry even though they had won their respective auditions a few years already.I think the reason is that not much fans are willing to follow,or in this case "gamble" on supporting a up-and-coming star who seems to fare well against 20,30 others, but against veterans and talents that counts in thousands out in the entertainment industry?So Momosu is special as it is seen as a stepping stone into fame.Even if you don't actually manage to accumulate a large fanbase for yourself when you leave,you can at least be known as a former member of a "talent-gathering" group.Such is Morning Musume.Although all of us fans enjoy the current line-up,this isn't how Momosu was made to be.And it can never be.

So why Koharu out of the other 8 members?One thing to consider is publicity.With her seemingly successful seiyuu role as Kirari for Kirarin Revolution,she was mostly pushed to the front of any promotional art for Momosu together with leader Ai and 6th gen member Reina.It's no secret that Ai is pretty much what Momosu's song releases are for the past 2 years.She's always have quite a fair bit of solo lines in the songs even if she isn't the main lead for the song.So she cannot be removed from the group at the moment till people gets used to Morning Musume's songs being lead by someone else vocally.

Then there's Reina.OtsukaReina.Besides having the "yankii" image that makes her stand out amongst the other members,she is quite good with singing.Add in her weekly radio show and stuff and you'll find that there's still quite a fair bit to acquire from her for Momosu.

So it comes down to Koharu.Her vocals are always,always criticized as being piss-poor.But the simple fact that some of her earlier single releases sales are actually in the top 10 of Oricon weekly, shows that her "below-par" voice are perfect for animes.And everyone complains that she always,always uses her seiyuu voice to sing Momosu songs,which I admit,is off and not right.But judging from her carefree personality,I doubt she even knew that she's singing with that voice!!Yet it can't be denied that her voice is not fitting with the current songs Momosu is shooting out.(let's not mention about their last single Nanchatte Renai.Her singing well for once isn't enough evidence)

So Koha's up the rack to be removed from these 3 main faces of Momosu at the moment.Individual fanbase wise ... Koharu could actually have one of the biggest,if not the biggest,in Hello Project itself.And we knew how wotas and die-hard fans are.As long as they know that they are supporting their fav idol by purchasing her group's items,they'll do it regardless of how much coverage their idol gets.

So by removing Koharu from the current lineup,Tsunku can actually measure how much "damage" there is to their sales and fanbase if one of their main faces is gone.Ultimately everyone must leave Morning Musume at some time so to producer Tsunku,he can check for "post-main-star" damages,keep the current vocal quality intact,and of course add in new members without worrying that the group'll grow too big.(like you know,the bigger the group,the more profit u get,and the more chance of disharmony between the group)

It all sits well with me.Except that there's no clear indication of Koha's immediate future.It's pretty obvious that her modelling excuse is to be honest,just an excuse and a proper public reason for the fans.I've seen one too many gravure models becoming singers and actresses but not the other way round.Not saying that Koha's definitely going into a gravure model road but the general logic is there.You might not sing very well,you might not dance very well,but if you appeal to the general public,that's all it matters.She showed it during her time in Kirarin Revolution so it makes you ponder ... hmmmmmm ... re-inventing yourself and re-establishing your fanbase?A litttttttttttttle too risky if you ask me.

Bah life's a bitch when you take it too seriously.As long as she don't go do a "Sawajiri Erika" and goes MIA for a year,comes back to tell that she's getting married and then go back to studying(a.k.a hiatus from entertainment without any immediate plans to come back),I'm fine with it.

God speed ~

2009-09-22T15:46:00.002+08:00

Oh yes oh yes oh yes oh yes oh yes!!!Koha'll still be a weekly guest for　オハスタ(Ohastar) even after she graduate out of Momosu.Gosh that's just a timely breather I need.At least we know that she won't disappear without a trace after 6th December.

Just heard Momosu members Gaki and Eririn's half an hr radio broadcast yesterday.I dunno ... something about their presentation yesterday made me felt better over all these Koha's graduation madness over the last 3 days.They mentioned about Koharu's imaginative Momosu family tree back in 19th August during her solo broadcast in Ameba Studio.Gaki also mentioned about wanting to try out Koharu's voice if she lost hers.All the sudden mentioning of Koharu in their topic doesn't seem ... "natural" to me.Almost as if they're trying their best to promote Koharu to the best of their abilities b4 her imminent departure.Still that's just meaningless speculation since I doubt radio broadcasting is a read-per-script thingy.

On a side note the Mr Olympia is this week from 24th to 27th.This year's Olympia is gonna be interesting as the reigning Mr.O Dexter Jackson is around 230lbs.And as we know the Olympia has and still is in flavor of mass monsters Dexter'll have some tough time defending his title if everyone shows up ripped,tight and hard.This is definitely something not to be missed!You should be able to watch the live broadcast on Sunday 0900 GMT+8(Singapore time) on bodybuilding.com.

Have fun and enjoy what you have to its fullest!!!

2009-09-21T19:27:00.002+08:00

Quoted from Hello Project's producer Tsunku's blog ...

「はい、というわけで、久住小春の卒業に関して
発表させていただきました。

ファンの皆さんを驚かせてしまいましたが、
こういうのは結果突然でしか発表出来ないので、
ご容赦ください。

久住も、戸惑いながらもキチンと受け入れ、
彼女のコメントにもあるように、とても前向きに
次の新たなる自分へ期待しているようですし、
１２月６日までのモーニング娘。
ツアー「モーニング娘。コンサートツアー2009秋～ナインスマイル～」が
終了するまでモーニング娘。としてがんばって行くと
気合が入っています。

なので、どうぞこのツアーを見逃すことなく、
全国の皆さんは楽しんでいただきたいと思います！

どうぞよろしく！」　

Which roughly translates to ...

「As you know, the announcement regarding Kusumi Koharu's graduation was made.

Although all of you fans are shocked with this news, it is hard to announce such an unexpected event under a better light,so please forgive.

Although she was dumbfounded,Kusumi accepted it quickly.As per her statement,she is looking forward to her new future.She'll continue working hard as a Morning Musume member till [Morning Musume's Concert Tour ~ 2009 Fall ~ Nine Smiles] ends at 6th December.

Having said that, don't miss this tour, and hope everyone have a great time. 」

Well I guess Koha's graduation decision wasn't brought up by herself after all.Else she won't be surprised and shocked that she's the next one graduating out of Momosu.

Having read quite a number of forums and seeing various reasons,some weird and some "lol wut", it limits down to 3 reasons I guess ...

1.She isn't enjoying and loving her job in Morning Musume anymore.So the company decided to release her.

2.Company has no further use of her now that her role in Kirarin Revolution is over.

3.There's an internal conflict between Koha and the other members and hence the company decides to remove her to prevent any further tension from rising.

Honestly I doubt it's any of them.Seeing that she's still a popular member and the link between all the Kirarin Revolution fans to Morning Musume shows that she still brings something to the publicity image of Momosu.And internal conflict ... spending quite a fair bit of "behind-the-scenes" time alone just isn't sufficient reason that she's not socalizing well with the other members.And I honestly doubt there's a fall-out between the members anyway. I don't see any recent events or anything that can honestly buff up the ego of Koha to such an extent that she can get into an argument with her teammates regarding publicity.

Bit by bit ... bit by bit ... the real reasons behind Koha's sudden graduation are emerging. Even if it's something demeaning done by her I'll like to know. If it's the company who's the one that decides to push her out I'll like to know as well.

Smile!

2009-09-20T23:13:00.003+08:00

Smile ...

I poured out my sorrow and bitterness to my close friend about Koharu's imminent graduation and the dreaded "countdown" before she retires as a Morning Musume member permanently.I was almost into tears when speaking at times; all the frustration and confusion accumulated from yesterday was at once confessed out with no restriction.I just wanted to close my teary eyes at times to let the teardrops flow,hoping that the warm fluid can liven up my mood.Although my friend listened to me patiently and gave lots of paths which I can take to go through this grueling period ... nothing really interested me,or rather none of them was applicable at the moment seeing how hard I took this issue.Then my friend said something out of the blue ...

"She won't want her fans to just die out on her and the group just because she's leaving ... smile."

Smile .
Smile ..
Smile ...

Then it hits me.

This concert which will be the final concert for Koharu is named "Nine Smile".

And Koharu's personality is a genki,carefree person who's almost always maintain her smile whatever the conditions are.

Yes ... I should smile ...

This tour is named "Nine Smile".Not "Nine Frown".Fitting enough as a farewell concert for the member of Momosu who's always smiling.

So let's smile!!!And enjoy every precious day till her graduation.For when that happens,this current formation of 9 people'll never be the same.

SMILE!

-----------------------
On a side note, previous Momosu members Iida Kaori and Ogawa Makoto mentioned about Koha's graduation notice on their blogs.

Apparently both of them gave Koha their blessings, with Kaorin noting how long and slender Koha's limbs and fingers are and having the perfect body to pursue modelling.

Makoto's one was short though, just saying how cool it is that Koha has finally found her goal and is chasing it.

Seeing that 2 graduated members both said "おめでとう" (Congratulations) rather than feeling sad and shocked like the many many H!P fans out there ... maybe graduation isn't as bad as it seems to be.Well of course that's provided if Koha still stays active in the entertainment industry,whether it'll be music or modelling.If she decides to just ... disappear and try to live life as a typical Japanese woman then there's really nothing that can be said or done.

2009-09-20T12:26:00.001+08:00

Morning Musume Concert Tour 2009 Fall ~ Nine Smile ~

~~9/19~~（土）, 9/20(日）--> 松戸森のホール21 大ホール（千葉）

9/22（火・祝）--> 大阪厚生年金会館大ホール（大阪）

9/23（水・祝）--> 神戸国際会館こくさいホルホール（兵庫）

9/26（土）, 9/27 (日）--> 愛知県勤労会館講堂（愛知）

10/3 (土）--> 宇都宮市文化会館大ホール（栃木）

10/4(日）--> よこすか芸術劇場（神奈川）

10/11（日）--> 四日市市文化会館第1ホール（三重）

10/12（月・祝）--> 長良川国際会議場メインホール（岐阜）

10/17（土）--> 静岡市民文化会館大ホール（静岡）

11/1（日）--> 仙台市民会館大ホール（宮城）

11/3(火・祝) --> 長野県松本文化会館大ホール（長野）

11/7（土）, 11/8(日）--> 中野サンプラザ（東京）

11/14（土）--> 広島厚生年金会館（広島）

11/15(日）--> ウェルシティ小倉 (九州厚生年金会館) （福岡）

11/28（土）--> 鳴門市文化会館（徳島）

11/29 (日）--> 神戸国際会館こくさいホール（兵庫）

12/5(土）, 12/6(日）--> 東京厚生年金会館（東京）

18 more concerts including today's performance spanned over 2 months and a half.And then the most stable lineup in Momosu's history with 2 long years to build team chemistry will be gone.Remembered only in memory and video clips and songs.

Some might argue that this is just another typical Morning Musume's graduation of a member that has been in the group a bit too long.Yet 2 years without any change had definitely solidified Momosu's current image.9 girls supporting one another and covering up any weaknesses they have at a particular area.Some people even thought that Momosu'll end completely 1st rather than have one member graduating out of the current 9.But as fate has its way, that's not the case.

As the disappointment and blind frustration of Koharu reaches its peak and burns out gradually, I wondered about another problem.How will the 8 ppl -Momosu after 6th December react to any new addition into the team if there's any in the wake of Koharu's graduation from H!P as a whole?2 years without any change is a LOOOOOOONG time when you compare it to the early years of Momosu back in 1999 ~ 2004.So will the girls adapt quickly to their 1st change in public image after 2 years or they'll take their time to get back to realism that no matter how long it takes till a graduation occurs,it'll occur at some point.

How will the existing members respond to for example a new member from their supposedly 9th audition?Seeing that the "newest" 3 members of 8th gen had at least 2 years of mingling and bonding with the other members, there might not have the issue of "kouhai-sticking-to-kouhai" or "junior members sticking with junior members".

This feels like a soccer club suddenly releasing the contract of one of their players after 4,5 years of the current team playing soccer together without any change.Rebuilding team chemistry and more importantly,getting the newer players to adapt to the team's playing style isn't something that can be done quickly or pushed.

Still only time'll tell.There's 74 more days before Koharu finally leaves H!P totally and Momosu experiences a change in their presentation etc.Maybe ... just maybe if Momosu can exclude Koharu and every topic Koharu-relatedfrom all their MC talk during their song breaks, they'll be used to a 8 person Morning Musume by the time Koharu graduates out.Still that seems to be like forcing the issue ... and I'm not exactly pleased with that idea.The final speech and concert'll feel lifeless and emotionless since Morning Musume excluding Koharu will be all but prepared for life without her,and there really isn't anything to be sad about since they had already left that behind them.

Oh nvm Ima thinking too much.

May God guide our paths to the best we can do.

God speed

2009-09-20T01:12:00.002+08:00

20th September ... so that makes 74 more days ...

Almost like counting down to an apocalypse that'll destroy the whole of mankind.Or countdown till an ICBM hits your country.

In one way that's true ... yet it's not that way as well ...

J-Pop, to be healthy enough everyday to do weight-lifting, family n friends are pretty much all the things that's supporting me mentally and emotionally right now.

Awaiting an imminent event that'll no doubt cripple,if not crumble, one pillar of my "emotional support" has about the same impact as those catastrophic events listed above.

As much as I believe in God ... I resent God for this untimely event.A countdown so sudden and so short.

But I trust God to give us the strength to guide us though difficult times.And I trust God to guide us though our life-road according to what we are genetically built for. a.k.a tapping into our undiscovered talent.

Koharu's still young.Not even 18 anyway.Sounds selfish of me, but I hope she don't live the entertainment industry for good.

Hey a man can hope!

2009-09-19T21:10:00.004+08:00

As expected ... I didn't even concentrate during my Japanese lesson earlier on.There's like a war going in me.You know those kind of feelings.You feel like doing something about an issue but you have no power nor authority to affect it.So anger and sorrow just muster and accumulate in your heart and you just feel like breaking random stuff.

The last date for Momosu's current concert ends at 6th December,which is on the day of my JLPT2 examination.Just a coincidence?Probably.But Ima make it a special date...

I WILL AND MUST PASS THE JLPT2 EXAMINATION NOT FOR MYSELF , BUT FOR HOPE THAT KOHARU WILL HAVE A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD.

---------------------------------

Hello!Online forums are filled with condolences and slightly angry messages regarding about Koharu's imminent graduation.No fan post gloating over this "good news of his most hated Momosu member graduating" as of yet, which is good.

Just ordered Morning Musume's next single "Kimagure Princess" , Koharu's 4th PB "Sugar Doll" and her DVD "Jump".It adds up to somewhere around 150 dollars but tbh ... this is probably the 1st and only time I'll pre-order Hello Project's products.

People don't know the true value of something till they lose it forever.

Still it's about 75 more days before Koharu officially "graduates" from Morning Musume and Hello Project.

Rather than sulking about the imminent ... let's enjoy every performance she gives us from now on till she leaves.

After all that's Kusumi Koharu's farewell gift to all of us fans/wotas.

2009-09-19T16:41:00.002+08:00

It was decided that at the end of Morning Musume's current Fall concert "Nine Smiles" , that 7th gen member Kusumi Koharu(久住小春) will graduate not only from Momosu, but from Up!Front Works as well.So that means by the time Koharu graduates ... she won't be signed to any company.

Koharu was the idol who brought me close to Momosu like around July,when promotions for their previous single "Nanchatte Renai(なんちゃって恋愛) was going on.So after 2 months ... it was decided that she'll graduate out totally.This is almost the same case as when I started to listen to Michael Jackson's music back in April 2009 and then ... he suddenly passed away 2 months later.Numbers are the same as well.2 months in and ... "disaster" strikes.

I only knew this from Hello!Online forums like 15 mins ago.And I got to leave for Japanese lessons in a bit.Talk about a nice way to sit though a lesson,half-hearted and dejected ............

The concert'll end in about 2 and a half months from now so ... she'll graduate before the end of 2009.Into where I dunno.No one knows except her and her family.She might not appear in the entertainment industy anymore or she might have already signed a contract with a modelling/music company.No one knows for now.

A "curse" on me to have things that are "valuable" to me vanished just when I'm starting to get hyped over them?

Still everything happens for a reason.I just hope that God had timed this event for a better future for Koharu.

..............

Feels like someone just killed your friend in front of you and you can do nothing to stop it.

Emotional support just ... gone ... like that.

..............

On one side I'm just annoyed,mad,sorrowful,speechless that Koharu is graduating.

On another hand I'm anxious to see the reactions from the other Momosu members on the last day of their Fall tour.Since the current nine had been together without any additions or subtractions for 2 years and counting ... the bond's gonna be one of a kind in the history of Morning Musume.

Life's a bitch if you take everything too seriously.

God ....

Pls look over Koharu and bless her with a bright future whatever she choose.

God speed.

2009-09-16T14:19:00.001+08:00

Not bad.I just found out that this year's highly-anticipated movie of Halloween, Saw IV, will be out in cinemas on 23 October.On my bday itself.And since things don't happen by chances ... could this sequel be the series of the Saw franchise that'll struck me with the most lasting impression?

Who knows ... let's ... wait!

2009-09-13T23:36:00.003+08:00

Happy 24th and 23th birthday to Ueto Aya(上戸彩) and Morning Musume's leader Takahashi Ai(高橋愛) respectively!!!52 mins late but better late than nvr.

1st thing to learn when reading an Internet forum ... take nothing seriously!!!Esp so if you're reading about something that you personally have an interest in(celebrites, idols , cars etc). Speaking of discussion on an artiste on Internet forums ... it just re-enforces my view about how idols always get flamed and hated thanks to fans/wotas.

Let's have an example.Artiste A and Artiste B from a same music group went together to a variety show to promote their products.Then the following week Artiste A goes with Artiste C who is also from the same music group to a radio show to continue their promotion.Fanboys get mad on the forums and says that Artiste A should be doing promotions together with Artiste B rather than Artiste C.This leads to people thinking that Artiste B isn't happy with Artiste C because he/she is doing promotions with Artiste A rather than themselves.So that ... makes Artiste B look like he/she is jealous.

Not bad for fanboys making other artiste look bad.Just like human have to balance the Yin and Yang in them ... maybe these fanboys need to unleash backlash on a random target just because they are too enthusiastic over their idol?

Anyway on a lighter note ...

Chinese teen kills self when blind date turns ugly -- report

Epic loot.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-10T01:26:00.002+08:00

Considering that Puzzle Bobble resets the score after each continue ... this is what I just got.30 stages b4 "gib".

Once I could hit ... 56.But just once only.I think I was on drugs then or something since I nvr got anywhere close to that amount then.No 40++.

30 stages ... mmmm .... took me like 25 mins ... if I can bring this Puzzle Bobble consistency into the arcades then ... hey cheap and good way to burn off time!

2009-09-07T22:47:00.002+08:00

Just watched Final Destination in 3D.I must say ... it's not bad.Not epic.Nothing too interesting.But it's nonetheless "Final Destination" material.Different and various ways to die.Some are straightforward.Some are pretty cool(the process of different events chaining up to the eventual cause of death) and some are just for the lulz.

Here's the type of deaths for the characters(both in premonition vision and actual time)

1.Guy got dragged on the road chained to his lorry.Lorry exploded.
2.Stone came flying under a nearby lawnmower and entered the head of a lady though the eye socket.
3.Guy received a flying fire extinguisher that rips one nice hole in his midsection.
4.Guy gets sucked into pool draining pipe and explodes in a ... nice red fountain.
5.Guy gets banged down by a car(in both scenarios)
6.Explosion behind cinema screen causes a wood plank splinter to pierce though the heart of a lady.
7.Lady got "processed" under the motor of an escalator.
8.Group got "fragged" by an out-of-control truck.

There you have it.A list of deaths.Some are pretty slick.Some are a little too fast and unexpected.But above all ... none of them are torture p0rn.No screaming and dying at the same time.Almost all instant.Got to wait till next month for Saw VI for that.

Good day.

2009-09-07T02:25:00.002+08:00

I have ... exactly ... somewhere around 90 days before the JLPT2 exam on 6th December ... and now that the holidays are on the way ... I have A LOT of things to do.Frankly speaking I am currently ages away from being able to pass that test.So time to push interest out of the window and let pressure mount up on me.IF I even give a damn about passing the test ...

A-nation is over!!!Almost one week after it's over anyway.

And it's the start of September.Nothing much to buy this week except for 少年/少女 magazine Kindai(which is ceasing production in Nov.That means no cheap interview,pics on Ueto Aya,Erika Toda,Aragaki Yui,H!P personal(Morning Musume,C-ute,Berryz Koudou,Mano Erina) and others.GAHHHH.And media from the Internet is just ... a different feeling from actual magazines or photobooks or CD/DVDs.

Maybe I'll order Koharu's photobook that's due the end of this month ... there's a random DVD with it featuring her doing random things?!?Nothing that epic but it's free and the overall price is still reasonable.

Speaking of photobooks I saw Ayumi's 10 Year tribute dairy photobook in Kino just now.And I thought that sold out so bloody fast in the 1st few days of its release.Now it's in Singapore ... and no buyers?Considering that Ayumi don't have an official blog although she had an official fan club ... this should be a decent collection to Ayumi fans in Singapore.Either they have it already or they don't know that there's some copies of it in Singapore locally.Who knows?

A neat post that I found on October's edition of Muscular Development.

"A study from Keele University in Britain found that swearing increased pain tolerance by 50 percent.Test subjects put their hand in a tub of freezing cold water for as long as possible ... The scientists speculated that swearing activates the emergency fight-or-flight system that promotes survival. Next time people dress you down for swearing, tell them that you are turning on your natural pain-blocking system, and that they should shut the f*%k up."

Epic Loot.

The Final Destination

2009-08-27T17:43:00.003+08:00

Final Destination 3D(The 4th sequel of the Final Destination series) is out in Singapore at cinemas today.I'm no fan of Final Destination as the accidental freak death scenes seems a little corny (compared to classic gore flicks like Texas Chainsaw Massacre,Sleepaway Camp etc) but heck.

A gore film.In 3D.That means brains being splattered in "hyper realistic" manners.Have to be a win.

Sounds like something neat to fulfill the torture pOrn temptation within oneself.Let's hope there's no or at most minimal, slow screaming death scenes.I mean ... errrrrrrrrr .......... so do you focus on how the human body gets mutilated in the wrong way or do you concentrate on that person screaming their lungs out as if they are unleashing 100 years of hatred within their body.

Nvm.Hope for the best.With Saw VII coming out around Halloween(October) ... Final Destination 3D should be a good appetizer for the main course.

o(^^o)(o^^)o わくわく

2009-08-12T16:29:00.003+08:00

For all the sudden rush of Momosu content I just realised that their PVs are a little ... well not just them.For most PVs by H!P.

There's a lack of storyline.When you compare them to other established J-pop artiste.

Amuro Namie - She can dance.And she's almighty with it.Rather than dancing to the PV she makes it look as if the PV IS orientated around her dance steps.

Hamasaki Ayumi - She knows how to dance to the clothes she dons on and the PV.Kinda makes you feel like her songs are one with their respective PVs.

Koda Kumi -Erotic song lyrics for an erotic PV.Lyrics about missing someone for a love song PV.Spot on.

I honestly can't find much of these elements in H!P PVs.There's a lot of close-up shots on the idols,solo shots of the individual idols singing their lines in the song.There's just ... a storyline missing in it.Still ... considering the amount of other media they cover(live concerts for each season in a year,DVD magazines,weekly radio broadcasting etc),I doubt they rely on their music and that only.

Sounds weird but then again.There's 9 members in Momosu , 6(soon to be 5) members in C-ute and 7 members in Berryz Koubou.And all the mini collaboration groups consisting of members from each of these 3 main groups(Guardian 4,ZYX etc) ... that's a lot of non-music related work that can be done.Maybe ... just maybe the idols of H!P'll be more recognizable by the public though their looks rather than their music.Sounds a lot like models/actors doesn't it?

Then again that's just my take.Could be correct to a certain degree.Could be totally wrong.

Anyway take care and live life without regrets!!!Life's virtually over when you have no control of it ...

2009-08-07T23:02:00.002+08:00

OK I'm suddenly blogging so much since I honestly need somewhere to ... unleash my frustration at going all gaga on a J-pop artiste all over again.Problem is this isn't one artiste ... it's 9 artistes!!!

So should I start picking up their retail release products?That might sound like the logical thing to do if you want to show appreciation and support for the artiste.Then again I might just end up like 3 years ago when I spent money unknowingly on Ueto Aya.Not that I'm regretting my actions back then.And besides the reason I stopped on Aya was all due to the start of her 2 year hiatus from J-pop music.And being a sucker for music I just can't follow up with her anymore.But there's no worry with Morning Musume.They lasted for 11 years already.And still going strong.So why the worry???

Let's keep to my self promise of a maximum of 10 retail purchases of any J-pop products in a year.For this year it'll be ...

1)Trick - Koda Kumi (倖田來未)

2)Rule/Sparkle - Hamasaki Ayumi（浜崎あゆみ）

3)NEXT LEVEL USB version - Hamasaki Ayumi（浜崎あゆみ）

4)It's all Love - Koda Kumi x Misono (倖田來未xMisono)

5)Koda Kumi 2009 Trick Live Tour goods

6)Hamasaki Ayumi 2009 NEXT LEVEL Arena Tour goods

7)Dream - Yuna Ito(伊藤由奈)

8)3 SPLASH - Koda Kumi(倖田來未)

So that makes 2 remaining purchases left.So ... if I decide to give in to temptation and purchase Momosu's next single, Nanchatte Renai 「なんちゃって恋愛」 which comes out next Wednesday ... that'll give me one remaining purchase over 4 months.

Goddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd ............................

I'll trust that God'll give me the answer just in time.Even on something that's pretty much meaningless for others.

Everything happens for a reason right?This could be just a "re-test" of how well I can cope against the poison of temptation.

But damnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.The last 3 days rushing Momosu was fun although almost scary as well.

2009-08-06T20:49:00.002+08:00

I have no idea why am I "rush-posting" today but .....

今モーニング娘に填まってる。
(I am addicted to Morning Musume.)

How sure am I?

久住小春（くすみ　こはる）「Kusumi Koharu」

Three hiragana letterings on each part of her name.So that makes 3 laps to run for today's cardio.One extra from my normal half-an-hr routine.

What shocked me was how I can use this idol which I knew for little more than a week and ... self-motivate myself to do that boring/tiring extra lap.

............................................................................

Time to watch DVD magazines.Why read when you can watch idols doing random stuff!!!

2009-08-06T17:15:00.002+08:00

Ok I admit.Maybe my sudden interest in Morning Musume isn't as simple as being introduced to a new artiste.There's more to it.Let's see ...

It's like 3 years ago when I first saw Ueto Aya in Azumi.It's more than adoring and idolizing her but not beyond lust.Can't bear to think of anything sexual about that artiste.

3 years later and I get the same kind of meaning from a female pop group that I really don't keep to date till now???After all I only listened to Morning Musume's 1st gen and 2nd gen back then ...

Which makes me think.Why the various feelings towards various artistes of various ages and various genres???Time to compile some facts about this ...

1)Namie Amuro , Hamasaki Ayumi (<= 10 years older)
--> Queens of Pop.I don't follow them that much but nonetheless there's occasional updates on them.

2)Koda Kumi , Yuna Ito , Suzuki Ami (<= 6 years older)
--> Purchasing any of their retail releases are always considered.Updates on them are quite frequent.Either daily or twice every day.

3)Ueto Aya , Morning Musume「current generation」, Mano Erina ( 4 , 5 years plus minus)
--> Official sites checked daily.Fan forums checked daily.Celebrity blogs(if any) checked daily.Collection of PVs , variety show cuts with them almost a must to have.

4)°C-ute's Mai Hagiwara ( <= 6 years younger)
--> Almost not followed at all ...

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm .............

Maybe because one can substitute the need to find a girlfriend when he goes fan-crazy over an artiste that's around his age?

What does that mean anyway?Does it even make sense?

Or is it thanks to the vast amounts of Japanese celebrity blogs and variety shows having different idols every week that's causing it?

U know .... the more you get the more you demand ... and so the more exposure you get towards your idol the more u demand ...

Gosh that sounds wrong.Heading the wrong way anyway.

................................................

Why am I thinking about all these?

Might as well enjoy life the way it is.

自由人 <--> Free-spirited person

Do things at one's pace at one's timing!!!

2009-08-04T22:40:00.003+08:00

Idolization always take the same path.Well almost always.Comes like ...

1.Get star-stuck by that idol after seeing him/her though a media resource.

2.Spend the entire of the next 2 days reading and watching everything that has him/her in it.Songs goes straight into your mp3 player(any kind) if that idol does sing.

3.Reality back into you and you'll ask yourself "What have I been doing for the last 2 weeks?And why did I spend like hundreds on an idol I knew for only like 3 weeks?"

What's cooler than knowing the road u'll take for the next few weeks and getting it totally correct?

NVM at least it'll be an enjoyable 2 weeks.Just not healthy for the wallet.

モーニング娘の久住小春。。。
(Kusumi Koharu of Morning Musume ...)

僕より２歳若いアイドル。
(An Idol that is 2 years younger than me.)

でも彼女はプロのように振る舞います。
(But she carries herself like a professional.)

さゆちゃん（道重さゆみ）は、自由人と言であると言います。
(Sayu-chan[Michishige Sayumi] said she's a free-spirited person.)

自由人ね　。。。
(Free-spirited person ... )

それは賛辞ですか？
(Is that a compliment or not?)

とにかく、今だけ、モーニング娘を聞かれ始めるはちょっと残念と思う　。。。
(Anyway, I feel that it's a pity for only starting to listen to Morning Musume now.)

少なくとも僕は始めました。
(At least I started.)

2009-07-01T23:23:00.002+08:00

Weird mini-sized figurine of Ayumi modelled after her "NEXT LEVEL" poster image.Shockingly ... similar ...

The official shirt of Ayu's << NEXT LEVEL >>tour's shirt.So many stars @>@

2009-06-27T13:48:00.002+08:00

2nd day after the sudden and shocking departure of the Legendary King of Pop,Michael Jackson.I'm not a hardcore fan of MJ but still ... when someone as influential to the music world like Michael pass away ... you can't help but find that a big part of your music soul,a big part of music has disappeared.

I checked some Japanese celebrities' blogs,namely 島谷ひとみ(Shimatani Hitomi) of Avex and 伊藤由奈(Yuna Ito) of Sony Entertainment.Even though they aren't in the English pop market,they still gave their condolences.Hitomi said that it was the close of an era whileas Yuna Ito felt that if Michael didn't exist it'll be impossible to imagine the music scene of today.

Even our dear US President Obama offered sympathy while highlighting the complications in Michael's personal life.Ever since Michael became world-famous he can't live the private life that he so wanted.Everything of him was so highly publicised.Michael made billions of ppl happy with his performance but was he able to live his ideal life?

People remember The Cat King Elvis Presley for his music and the impact he had in the industry.Why can't ppl remember Michael the same way?Not about his alleged child molestion case.BUT because of his music,his dance.He put his soul,his heart in every performance he did.That's what made Michael so influential.The positive energy emitting from him.

Michael always loved children.Spending millions as donations to children's charity.Writing the song "Heal The World" which he delicated to every children in the world.

A music sensation unparrelled by anyone today.A performer whom every aspiring music star hopes to emulate.A legend to last in the hearts of ppl for years to come.The man had left us,but he had left behind his masterpiece.Works of art each filled with the passion of the King of Pop.

I hope that Michael can finally seek the happiness and privacy that had so eluded him in the last two decades.

May you rest in peace Michael Jackson.

2009-06-26T12:19:00.002+08:00

I'm ... shocked.Totally.

Singer Michael Jackson dies in Los Angeles aged 50

When Michael Jackson 1st put on those shiny gloves and wow-ed the audience in millions I wasn't even born.Far from it.Yet the star factor in the King of Pop was undeniable.I had only started listening to MJ within this year and now ... at the eve of his supposedly final live concert ... this happens.

That tells me again.How vulnerable life can be.No matter who you are.

It's a bitter shame that the MJ passed away when he's only half-way though his life.But his legacy and music will live on without a doubt.For this is the one,the only King of Pop.

R.I.P Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)

2009-06-24T20:30:00.002+08:00

I just went to check Kuu-chan's website and saw her PV on the song 「走れ！」 for her upcoming single <3>. That makes 3 PVs for the three new songs of a new single! If a double A single means 2 songs with a PV and instrumental version for each of them ... what'll this epic "3" means?

Doesn't matter.Getting moar with the same amount of money spent for a regular single.And by Kuu-chan furthermore.That makes my day.And fuels up something to look forward to.

Yummy.

2009-06-17T00:40:00.002+08:00

Kuu-chan just made a young fangirl cry with a birthday cry at the request of her fan!!!That poor young lady was probably shocked to tears literally as she could barely string her words together.Talk about being star-struck!

That reminds me ... every fortnight's call to one of the lucky fans of Kuu-chan's always a young fangirl.Around the end of elementary school(11 ~ 12 years old) to Senior high ( 17 ~ 18). It's probably clear-cut that schooling female teens make a bigggggggggg part of Kuu-chan's fanbase.That's cool.

-------------------

More artiste confirmed for a-nation 09 which'll commence in promptly 1 and a half months time.They are ...

-- SEAMO --

-- 島谷ひとみ(Shimatani Hitomi) --

-- hitomi --

-- BoA --

-- My Little Lover --

-- Mihimaru GT --

-- LINDBERG --

Lineup seems more or less the same as last year's a-nation.With the addition of Shimatani Hitomi and BoA(not her 1st a-nation anyway).And I still don't see Amuro Namie's name inside.Out of probably 5 a-nations she only attended one.And that's last year.I know she still has her - best fiction - LIVE TOUR to do so I'm not expecting much anyway.Still I wonder how this year's a-nation can be better than the last if the 'Queen of J-Pop' isn't attending.

----------------------

On a side note ... singer Sowelu had joined Avex Trax's Rhythm Zone label.Talk about all the good singers gathering under one company.At this rate Rhythm Zone looks to process sufficient "star-power" to match up to Avex Trax's main label.Not that it matters much anyway.

2009-06-12T22:58:00.002+08:00

Yes it's the holidays!!!2 faggot weeks.Faggot homework to come with the holidays.But at least I need take the OP 1 hr ride to school.GOOOOOOOOOOOOOD.

Found a decent website about J-pop artist releases.Seems fair and unbiased.Which is just great if you're hoping to interact with ppl who listen to J-rock,J-Pop,Enka,J-Urban etc,

Kurayami Monogatari

A-nation's website updated their TV section with a new video clip.It sounds the songs that'll be sung by the various artistes on stage.It's normally a minimum of 2 songs per artiste so what they show right now is just the 1st half.Here goes ...

TRF -> Uncontrollable

Every Little Thing -> あたらしい日々(Atarashi Hibi)

浜崎あゆみ(Hamasaki Ayumi) -> Rule

Do As Infinity -> 生まれゆくものたちへ(Umare Yukumono Tachi E)

倖田來未(Koda Kumi) -> Show Girl

大塚愛(Otsuka Ai) -> バイバイ(Baibai)

鈴木亜美(Suzuki Ami) -> Reincarnation

東方神起(Tohoshinki) -> Share The World

AAA -> MUSIC!!!

GIRL NEXT DOOR -> Infinity

2009-06-01T18:08:00.002+08:00

News link in Japanese ~~~

倖田來未、可愛くキラッ♪セクシーにキラッ

Apparently Kuu-chan just spent a total of ... 800,000,00 yen for her various 9 different clothes and staff during her recent live tour in Tokyo Yoyogi Gymnasium.That's about ... $SGD12,100.Seems a lot to spend just for one night's performance.Well some of those clothing have illumination in it but ... that's still sound wayyyyy costy.

On a side note it seems that Kuu-chan's upcoming single "3 Splash" is pretty much complete despite its release date scheduled on 8th July this year.The double A single's (maybe it isn't double A at all.3 songs in the single with a PV for each.That's just OP) songs are already out for sample,the cover art is out.Seems like a finished product.

7月8日「3 SPLASH」発売!

2009-05-20T00:59:00.002+08:00

Koda Kumi ... releasing new single in July!Which date not noted ... but the title of the single should be "LICK ME/ECSTACY" if I get her radio broadcast which just ended correctly.

Speaking of which ... Hamasaki Ayumi ... Otsuka Ai ... and Koda Kumi will have their respective live concerts within this week cancelled.Due to that influenze spreading. NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!But hey.Safety above all else.If any of these three talented ladies comes down with the virus ..............................

Ok some things are better not to think.

2009-05-14T20:53:00.002+08:00

I

JUST

LOVE

THE

GYMNASIUM!!!

Just spent like 30 mins doing 8 sets of Declined Bench Press and another 30 mins for Inclined Bench Press.It's wayyyy overkill since my form becomes crappy after the 4th set.But I just can't stop!!!One week ago I'm stuck in the hospital with little or no exercise available and fast forward a week ... I'm back working out!Makes me feel like a human all over again.

.....
...
.

TokyoGraph - Quite a neat website to get Japan entertainment news update.In English.

~ Live Life Without Regrets ~

2009-05-14T17:29:00.002+08:00

Wooo there's a Morning Musume contest open to the public.Full details on their official Myspace homepage.

モーニング娘。 on MySpace Music

To be brief it's about submitting your own video which you think will fit into the coupling song"3,2,1 BREAKIN' OUT" of their upcoming single "しょうがない夢追い人”.I'm ... shocked!!!It's a brilliant method to draw in participation from fans and probably a way to search for unpolished raw "diamonds" out there.Someone's probably gonna get employed into Hello Project! at the end of this contest.Maybe even moar.

Who knows.

Hospital is "cool" ... literally

2009-05-09T13:31:00.003+08:00

AGHHHHHHHH finally back from some hellish SGH experience!!!!!!!!!!!There's some many things I want to do right now.Check Jpopsuki for new torrents ... check the J-idols' blogs ... check oricon and all my alt Japan entertainment news sources ... check my "bundles of joy"'s offical websites for any updates to their schedules and news ... play Fallout 3's new expansion(how ironic that I got sent to the hospital on the day I wanted to dl it -.-) but since I can't decide on anyone of them ... I'll start from the bottom up.Blogging!!!

Day 1

Woke up at 6am breathing so damn heavy!So I told my mum who just woke up and she said the polyclinic only opens at 8am.That's 2 hours to go.But shit got worse at 7.30am.Couldn't took it anymore.So pew pew express delivery to A&E department.Now here comes the cool part.I didn't receive any direct treatment.All I get is an antibiotic injected into my body via dips.And that's like 10am.

And just when everything seems fine ... I get noticed that I have more white blood cells than red blood cells in my blood ... so I'll have to be admitted for 1~2 days.AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!Still there's nothing I can do.These doctors here can probably name every single body part faster than I can count to 50.So no complaining.

First day went by fast.Not surprising though.Got a fever at night that lasts for a couple of hours.Try sleeping with a icebag on top of your forehead.Even headaches seems comical ... and with the constant temperature taking ... it's obvious whose's not playing their part to get cured ASAP.

Told myself I must live though this day so that I can listen to Kuu-chan one moar time.

Day 2

Day 2!I felt fine.Extremely well.Probably too well.Dips was removed from me.Doc told me I'll have to wait for the blood test before I can be discharged.So that's probably tmrw.Not what I wanted to hear.Not when I don't feel like sleeping anymore and I have nothing to do.No books.No cellphone.No homework.No nothing.Just as I said that the nurse sent me a "package" containing my cellphone,mp3 player and some clothes.Not bad.At least there's something to do now.If the mp3 player don't run out of battery 1st.Dad visited later with a Musculardevelopment magazine and my "How To Talk To Your Cat" book.Finally something to do without having to worry too much about the longevity of that action!

Day 2 ended fast.Sleeping was horrible.Not when you're surrounded with various patients of different ages with different illnesses.And not when you don't feel sick anymore and don't need as much rest.

Told myself I must live though this day so that I can listen to Ayu-chan for one more time.

Day 3

Day 3!!!Discharge day!Then I got informed that my blood test was negative and they have to test a fresh sample.Which a.k.a means another inevitable day in the hospital.Sounds fun doesn't it.I guess I know the feeling of losing your general in battle casualties back in the medievil era.Morale dropping to rock bottom.Pretty much the same case.With just lesser and softer consequences.

Me dad bought the cellphone charger since he can't call my phone and thought that my phone was dead.I was like "WOW do you expect me to have a long stay in the hospital???Cellphone charger?!?What next?Laptop?"Still it's appreciated.

Sleeping time was OP.I heard my cellphone's hourly signal for 4 %&^*ing times!!!And I'm not even asleep.God damn.

Told myself I must though this day so that I can ... I dunno.

Day 4

Somehow I slept.And woke up.And waited.And the doctor then did his daily check and stuff.And he said I can be discharged.I have no idea if happiness is a proper word to describe.I have been in the hospital at such an unexpected time that I'm totally dis-orientated.

That ends my crazy hospital story.I wish I don't have to type anymore of this staff. @/@

Still everything happens for a reason.This untimely break was probably "scheduled" by God to teach me a life lesson.What life lesson that is ... it's up to me to find out.Either reflect on what and how did I ended up in hospital and how to avoid it in the future ... or just treat everything as a misfortune and try to resume normal duties ASAP.

I'll take the best of both worlds.

~ Live Life Without Regrets ~

2009-05-05T17:43:00.002+08:00

AGHHHHHHHHHH posting b4 I'll start gayass boring cardio in 15 mins times. @.0

Fallout 3's "Broken Steel" content to be released today ... but it's not up for download yet!NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!1600 Microsoft Points just waiting to be spent.

Influenza alert raised to caution(orange).Everyone stay safe!

Kuu-chan pls stay safe!
Ayumi pls stay safe!
Amuro-san pls stay safe!
Aya-chan pls stay safe!
Mr.Governator pls stay safe!

Ok time for cardio.

- Even if you don't do it for yourself,do it for Kuu-chan -

Feel free to change Kuu-chan in the quote to whatever you can't bear to lose.And use it to psych yourself.Mind over matter.

~ Live Life Without Regrets ~

2009-05-01T23:19:00.002+08:00

I have no idea what's with the speed memorializing of the Listening Comprehension's text.It always makes me so nervous.Hope tmrw's lesson won't be a repeat of last week's lesson ... it'll be a killa!

I have no idea if you guys came across this but for the sake of everyone ...

KeyHoleTV

It's supposedly a 3rd party P2P programme that allows you to watch live telecast of what's broadcasting in Japan right now.Ok b4 getting too excited about it ... here's the catch.Or rather ... here's the list of catch(s).

1.Channel Servers might collapse anytime.

2.Video quality is mediocre at best.

3.Famous channels like "Asahi TV" , "Fuji TV" etc are pretty much ... "unwatchable"? when famous programmes are being aired at that time.(new J-doramas,music variety shows ... )

Still this is the best thing to the actual one in native Japan.And it's free.So avoid the "hot" programmes and maybe you'll get to watch a nice 30 mins show without too much technical issues. ( ^_^)／

5th May!So many things happening at once.

1.こどもの日(Children's Day)

2.Release of Fallout 3's new(probably last) patch "Broken Steel".

3.Kuu-chan on J-wave radio!

Speaking of Kuu-chan ... so much for her "ero-kakkoi" style ... most of her fanbase are actually 女の人.Just like Namie Amuro-san 10 years ago,when virtually every gal in adolescence are following her with those blonde hair and tanned skin in an attempt to keep up with "Amurra"!Fast forward ten years and a majority of female Japanese teenagers are having long fingernails with various patterns on them and AGAIN.The blonde hair!They just don't do the skimpy clothes.Not everyone has the figure and the dare to "sell" their sex appeal like Koda-san.Afterall ... "ero-kakkoi" is not even 5 years old.
ヘ(^_^ヘ)(ノ^_^)ノ

"Even if the body gives way,the mind shouldn't."

-Live Life Without Regrets-

2009-04-29T21:01:00.002+08:00

In case you guys out there don't know about this ... today marks 昭和の日(Showa No Hi) and the start of the 黄金週間(Golden Week) in 日本.OK to be brief ... in the next 7 days there'll be 4 public holidays!And what do we in Singapore get during this "holiday week" of Japan?Labour Day on 1st May!!! ［(－－)］ZZzzz...

Meidi-Ya just sent me a mail on ... Ramen Fair!It'll be held at Liang Court's Meidi-Ya(duh) from 1st May to 13th May.I'm no sucka for ramen but hey.This is something I won't miss ...

2009-04-29T01:24:00.002+08:00

Man I was reading an extremely old forum thread about Kuu-chan on Jpopsuki Tracker.

Koda Kumi, where does she stand?

Lots of flaming going on.Most of them negative though.Still I must say that's long time ago.Even before she started her 1st Live Tour "Black Cherry Live Tour 2006".Most comments were posted by gals(self-proclaimed at least) and they just said that if they do run around in their underwear singing crappy songs with a crappy voice they can be as famous as Koda Kumi if not more famous.There's even comparison to Kuu-chan to idols like Utada,Ayumi and Namie Amuro.

But fast forward to now and there's still tons of ppl out there who just can't stand her.Now as a die-hard fan of Kuu-chan I'm not in any position for a neutral POV but man.I definitely must and want to express something.

"IF KUU-CHAN IS JUST FAMOUS FOR HER SKIMPY CLOTHES THEN WHY THE #^$% IS SHE 10,20 TIMES MORE POPULAR THAN JAPAN'S BIGGEST AV IDOLS?"

If ... just IF ... people are willing to read more,watch more about one particular person b4 coming into conclusions based on one unfortunate event that diminishes that artiste's image,or based on their 1st impression ...

Guess it's back to this very special quote.

"Having their own individual views on subjects are what makes men unique."

AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

くぅちゃんがんばって！！！

Weekly update!

2009-04-24T23:36:00.003+08:00

After not releasing a music CD for almost 2 whole years ... Ueto Aya-chan decided to release an album on 8th July!

English Link
日本語　リング

Just one month after the release of her upcoming single "Smile for" that will be released on 3th June.Anyone spending some considerable time listening to J-Pop knows that it's customary of one studio album per year(not counting all those collaboration works or all-time best songs thingy).And it's "healthy" to have 3~4 single releases in between them so that you can minimize or even totally eliminate any songs that's present in your previous album.Aya-chan ... well she definitely did follow this flow but here's the unique part.

Her last single release was "涙の虹(Namida No Niji)",which was released on May 2007.
Before that was "Way To Heaven",released on March 2007.
Her last album was released back in late 2006.

So with the release of her upcoming single,she'll have 3 singles releases in between her two album releases.But 2 years in between them???Not that I'm complaining.

4,500 yen($69) for an album CD + DVD + Photobook.

Hey that's par with back when I bought this version of her single "Way To Heaven".I think it's even more expensive back then ...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

リア・ディゾンが第1子の女児出産

Leah Dizon gave birth to a baby girl today!!!!!!!!!!

おめでとう！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We all know about Arnold Schwarzenegger the champion bodybuilder,the Terminator and now the "Governator".Now I'll share what Arnold shared with everyone in his Encyclopedia.How he changed his calves from toothpicks to small melons.

Staggered Sets:Arnold will train calves even when the current day's schedule doesn't includes legs.For example he'll go to the gym,do a few sets of calves,then go do Bench Presses,then a few more sets of calves,then Incline Dumbbell Presses,back to calves for a few sets and so on.So even for chest day Arnold hits the one area he wanted to improve drastically.
Stripping Method:Arnold credits his awesome calves transformation heavily on Donkey Raises.Basically you get a couple of people to sit on your back while you try to push them up with your calves.As your calves fatigue one of them "strip" off your back,and you go back to Donkey Raises again,this time with one less person.So basically you "strip,strip,strip" till everyone's off your back.Extremely tedious technique of training.But also an efficient one.
After hearing from fellow bodybuilders that his calves are lacking behind,Arnold cut his shorts just above the knee.This way he can't hide his calves.It gives him extra motivation to train his calves,hammering it to grow as quickly as possible.

With the right mindset,visualization and motivation you can achieve what you think you can't.

~ Stay Healthy and Live Life Without Regrets ~

2009-04-23T21:47:00.002+08:00

A review on an upcoming game for the PSP entitled "Dante's Inferno".Really interesting 約束(promise).

EA has promised PSP owners that they "can expect to get the same level of fast, responsive gameplay through all nine detailed and unique circles of hell we are aiming to achieve on the consoles." Though no firm release date has been given, the title has been in the works for three months and is set for release alongside its console counterparts in the first quarter of 2010.

Sureeeeeeeeeeeeee.We all know how GOOD the PSP is in terms of quality games and graphics.But replicating the same combat intensity and speed to a PSP and yet not overlooking the importance of graphics?

Let's see how the PSP'll respond when pushed to the limit.Maybe it'll be cool ...

2009-04-21T23:02:00.002+08:00

About Kuu-chan not broadcastin on J-wave music"OH! MY RADIO" anymore ... Ima slap myself and take back my word.

It's not no more ...

Rather it's ... 二週間!

Once every fortnight.

It's playing right at this moment!

Guess I can safely put the boring weekly cardio workout on Tuesday.

Good source of "Motivation" @.@

2009-04-21T20:17:00.002+08:00

The MIRROR!!!What's a mirror in the 1st place?Just a simple object to show whatever is placed in front of them?

The mirror can be useful when u're doing resistance training.What are the benefits I say?

1.The mirror doesn't lie.Meaning you get to see every part of your body and pin-point which part needs extra training to make them fit into the desired "X-frame".

2.Since the mirror doesn't lie,that means if u're doing a rep wrongly it'll show.If u bend forward too much when squatting it'll tell u that.If u're pushing up the dumb-bells instead of following the curve movement when doing dumbbell flys it'll show.

The mirror can be one of your great "friends".Just make sure it doesn't become your ONLY friend.

- Stay healthy -

2009-04-13T23:32:00.003+08:00

AGHHHHHHHHHH this year's a-nation won't include a visit to neighbouring ASEAN countries!!This is the current(and official) announcement from Avex Trax.

a-nation '09 powered by ウイダーinせりー

Guess that means re-writing my Ayumi and Kuu-chan's schedules!

2009-04-11T11:41:00.006+08:00

I wasn't interested one bit to be up this "early".Not a bit.But maybe a delivery from Yesasia can change that!!!

Yup my very own Ayumi's Next Level(USB Memory) had arrived!!!HOLY #%$^!!!

This is what the entire casing looks like.A promotional art of Ayu-chan and of course the main treat of this album,the shiny USB drive.

A look at the back. These are what are contained within the thumbdrive.

14 [320kbps] mp3 format audio

6 MPEG-4/m4v format video

Digital Booklet(it's really just a scan of the lyrics and credits booklet u get in any CD.)

The main course!!!I'll let this wonderfully designed USB drive speak for itself.The aesthetics ... the looks ... and yes I know this isn't bodybuilding.But I can't help using the same descriptive words.It's just picture perfect.

Need I say anything for this?

As u can see from this screenshot the USB is separated to two parts.One part named which contains all the media for the album and one part named which is pretty much free space for your usage.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Speaking of Ayumi she's in 埼玉(Saitama) right at this moment for the start of her 『ayumi hamasaki ARENA TOUR 2009 ～NEXT LEVEL～』.

Kuu-chan is at 広島(Hiroshima) at this moment also for her start of Koda Kumi Live Tour 2009 ～TRICK～.

I can't see either one but I'll keep in date with their current location and next scheduled place.

That's the least a fan can do right???

2009-04-09T22:20:00.003+08:00

Didn't realise that Ayu-chan is also going on her Arena Tour that's 6 months long and starts this Saturday(11th April).So here's the schedule.Since she's not attending all of the venues for this year's [a-nation] ( supposedly at least), I'll mix those few a-nation where she's scheduled to appear together with her 『ayumi hamasaki ARENA TOUR 2009 ～NEXT LEVEL～』 schedule calendar.

Red for her tour and blue for a-nation.

2009年4月11日(土) --> さいたまスーパーアリーナ (Saitama Super Arena)

2009年4月12日(日) --> さいたまスーパーアリーナ (Saitama Super Arena)

2009年4月15日(水) --> 日本ガイシホール(旧名古屋レインボーホール)

2009年4月16日(木) --> 日本ガイシホール(旧名古屋レインボーホール)

2009年4月21日(火) --> 大阪城ホール (Osaka Hub)

2009年4月22日(水) --> 大阪城ホール (Osaka Hub)

2009年4月25日(土) --> 静岡エコパアリーナ (Shizuoka Ecopa Arena)

2009年4月26日(日) --> 静岡エコパアリーナ [追加公演] (Shizuoka Ecopa Arena)(additional performance)

2009年4月29日(水・祝) --> サンドーム福井 (Sundome Fukui)

2009年5月2日(土) --> マリンメッセ福岡 (Marinemesse Fukuoka)

2009年5月3日(日) --> マリンメッセ福岡 (Marinemesse Fukuoka)

2009年5月9日(土) --> 横浜アリーナ　(Yokohama Arena)

2009年5月10日(日) --> 横浜アリーナ　(Yokohama Arena)

2009年5月13日(水) --> ホットハウススーパーアリーナ(旧グランディ・２１) (Hot House Super Arena)

2009年5月16日(土) --> 広島グリーンアリーナ (Hiroshima Gurin Arena)

2009年5月17日(日) --> 広島グリーンアリーナ [追加公演] (Hiroshima Gurin Arena)(additional performance)

2009年5月20日(水) --> 大阪城ホール (Osaka Hub)

2009年5月21日(木) --> 大阪城ホール (Osaka Hub)

2009年5月27日(水) --> 日本ガイシホール(旧名古屋レインボーホール)

2009年5月28日(木) --> 日本ガイシホール(旧名古屋レインボーホール)

2009年6月6日(土) --> 真駒内セキスイハイムアイスアリーナ(旧真駒内アイスアリーナ) (Mamomanai Ice Arena)

2009年6月7日(日) --> 真駒内セキスイハイムアイスアリーナ(旧真駒内アイスアリーナ) [追加公演] (Mamomanai Ice Arena)(additional performance)

2009年6月13日(土) --> 神戸ワールド記念ホール (Kobe World Hall)

2009年6月14日(日) --> 神戸ワールド記念ホール (Kobe World Hall)

2009年6月18日(木) --> 国立代々木競技場第一体育館

2009年6月20日(土) --> 国立代々木競技場第一体育館

2009年6月21日(日) --> 国立代々木競技場第一体育館

2009年7月1日(水) --> 大阪城ホール [追加公演] (Osaka Hub)(additional performance)

2009年7月2日(木) --> 大阪城ホール [追加公演] (Osaka Hub)(additional performance)

2009年7月8日(水) --> 日本ガイシホール(旧名古屋レインボーホール) [追加公演]

2009年7月9日(木) --> 日本ガイシホール(旧名古屋レインボーホール) [追加公演]

2009年7月11日(土) --> 台北中山足球場 (Taipei ZhongShan Soccer Stadium)

2009年7月18日(土) --> 香港スタジアム (Hong Kong Stadium)

2009年8月22日(土) --> 大阪長居陸上競技場

2009年8月29日(土) --> 味の素スタジアム (Ajinomono Stadium)

2009年8月30日(日) --> 味の素スタジアム (Ajinomono Stadium)

2009年10月3日(土) --> マリンメッセ福岡 (Marinemesse Fukuoka) [追加公演]

2009年10月4日(日) --> マリンメッセ福岡 (Marinemesse Fukuoka) [追加公演]

2009年10月21日(水) --> 国立代々木競技場第一体育館 [追加公演]

2009年10月22日(木) --> 国立代々木競技場第一体育館 [追加公演]

Talk about having your schedule filled for the year. @.@

あゆ！！！あゆ！！！

2009-04-07T20:43:00.002+08:00

Today's the last day that Kuu-chan'll broadcast on Brandnew J Online radio!!!Disappointed as I am, I wasn't surprised at all.Her 2 month-long ~ TRICK ~ Live Tour '09 will commence this coming Saturday,marking the start of her tight schedule(as least from the looks of it).And if things ain't bad enough,she's gonna attend Avex Trax's in just 2 weeks after the end of her live tour.Talk about getting busy.

Hopefully this break from radio broadcasting will lighten her workload,even if just slightly.

くぅちゃん　頑張って！！！あなたのために僕も頑張りましょう！

（￣ー￣）ニヤリ

2009-04-05T00:58:00.005+08:00

Bought Koda Kumi x Misono 's "It's All Love!" single today!4 days since the date of release but considering that I'm in Singapore ... it's good enough!Although I must say, I'm not expecting an addictive song since I pretty much listened to that song via their pre-release PV since like 10th March.But nothing beats paying your very own money as a genuine form of support doesn't it? =)

Speaking of Kuu-chan,she's embarking on her live concert for her most recent album "Trick" which was released earlier in January this year.It'll start pretty soon (in fact it'll start at 11th April at 広島グリーンアリーナ --- Hiroshima Gurin Arena ) and end somewhere around 14th June at 福岡 --- Fukuoka.Considering reported schedules of Avex Trax's annual ,it'll start on 27th June in Shanghai.And yes Kuu-chan'll be performing.Actually she's planning to perform on every single one of them for this year.Just like a-nation 08.So let's do some Maths shall we?

-------------- Koda Kumi Live Tour 2009 ～TRICK～ ----------------------------

2009年4月11日(土) --> 広島グリーンアリーナ ( Hiroshima Gurin Arena)

2009年4月12日(日) --> 広島グリーンアリーナ ( Hiroshima Gurin Arena)

2009年4月18日(土) --> ホットハウススーパーアリーナ

2009年4月25日(土) --> さいたまスーパーアリーナ (Saitama Super Arena)

2009年4月26日(日) --> さいたまスーパーアリーナ (Saitama Super Arena)(additional performance)

2009年5月2日(土) --> 長野ビッグハット (Nagano Big Hat)

2009年5月3日(日) --> 長野ビッグハット (Nagano Big Hat)(additional performance)

2009年5月8日(金) --> 日本ガイシホール

2009年5月9日(土) --> 日本ガイシホール

2009年5月16日(土) --> 真駒内セキスイハイムアイスアリーナ ( Mamomanai Ice Arena)

2009年5月17日(日) --> 真駒内セキスイハイムアイスアリーナ ( Mamomanai Ice Arena)(additional performance)

2009年5月23日(土) --> 神戸ワールド記念ホール (Kobe World Hall)

2009年5月24日(日) --> 神戸ワールド記念ホール (Kobe World Hall)(additional performance)

2009年5月30日(土

) --> 国立代々木競技場第一体育館

2009年5月31日(日) --> 国立代々木競技場第一体育館

2009年6月6日(

土

) --> 大阪城ホール (Osaka Hub)

2009年6月7日(

日) --> 大阪城ホール (Osaka Hub)

2009年6月8日(月) --> 大阪城ホール (Osaka Hub)(additional performance)

2009年6月13日(土) --> マリンメッセ福岡 (Marinemesse Fukuoka)

2009年6月14日(金) --> マリンメッセ福岡 (Marinemesse Fukuoka)(additional performance)

-------------------------------- a-nation' 09 ----------------------------

アジア各国 (Neighboring Asia)

2009年6月27日(土) --> 上海国際スタジアム (Shanghai Stadium)

2009年7月11日(土) --> 台北中山足球場 ( Taipei ZhongShan Soccer Stadium)

2009年7月18日(土) --> 香港スタジアム (Hong Kong Stadium)

2009年8月1日(土) --> 韓国オリンピックスタジアム (Korea Olympic Stadium)

日本 (Japan)

2009年5月8日(土) --> 九州石油ドーム (Kyushuu Oil Dome)

2009年5月15日(土) --> 宮城スタジアム (Miyagi Stadium)

2009年5月22日(土) --> 大阪長居陸上競技場

2009年5月23日(日) --> 大阪長居陸上競技場

2009年5月29日(土) --> 味の素スタジアム (Ajinomono Stadium)

2009年5月30日(日) --> 味の素スタジアム(Ajinomono Stadium)

I guess no one now can say that Kuu-chan don't deserve her place at the pinnacle of the J-pop market with the J-pop Queen(Namie Amuro) and the J-pop Empress(Hamasaki Ayumi).

くぅちゃん頑張って！！！

2009-04-01T14:56:00.002+08:00

Kuu-chan was joined by her sister 神田美苑(Kouda Misono) yesterday on her weekly J-wave online radio!!!2 hrs of radio broadcast nvr felt so fast b4.Well this could be just a temporary one since it also happens that both Kuu-chan and Misono were at Shinjuku Station,Tokyo earlier in the day to promote their 初 collaboration single "It's All Love" that was released on the day.And hence Misono joining her sister on the weekly broadcast could just be another source of advertising.I hope not though.Two is always better than one eh?!?

Ronnie Coleman could be back in competitive bodybuilding!!!Well according to reports on the April version of Flex magazine at least.

Stay strong and live life without regrets!

Ciao

2009-03-26T00:46:00.003+08:00

Watching あみーゴ(a.k.a Suzuki Ami ~ 鈴木亜美) touching herself in her older PVs is pretty much making my day for the past 3 days.

....
...
..
.

Watching idols doing some erotic/sexy act is countless times better than full-frontal nudity pOrn.

Clearly a case of "less is moar!".

Ima give the upcoming Collaboration Hits of Kuu-chan a miss.One's a collaboration of most of her songs sung with other artistes(BoA,Fergie etc) and the other is a remix version of a couple of her songs.

Nothing too interesting.

Ueto Aya finally releasing a single after 2 years since her last music release!It'll be released on June 2009.Still a long way but it's good.Something to look forward to.

Nice.

2009-03-19T15:56:00.002+08:00

Its Mikuni's birthday today!!!

２９際の誕生日はおめでとう！！！

♪Happy(｡´＿●`)ﾉ┌iiii┐ヾ(´○＿`*)Birthday♪

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On a side note,Ayumi's PV of her next album "NEXT LEVEL" is out.The PV really doesn't much in it.It uses shows Ayumi in a car driving though mountains,plains etc.Still the fact that it's Ayumi and it's her new song!!!That's more than sufficient =)

Kuu-chan sounded so tired during her weekly J-wave online radio broadcast earlier on Tuesday night.Just a hard day at work?Or fatigue finally getting the better of her?I hope it's just the former.

((T.T； )(； T.T))おろおろ･･･

”明日もガンバロウね。” (Let's work hard tmrw as well!)"
- Leah Dizon's ending quote for her blog.

2009-03-17T00:09:00.002+08:00

Living life so slowly now that I pretty much have no objectives or nothing to look forward to.

It's either playing Fallout 3 or playing Fifa 2009 or reading on dogs/cats for my abundance of leisure time.

A mandatory 5.30pm ~ 6.30pm gym workout on the selected body part.Then it's a rest till 8pm b4 dinner.

How still and pre-determined can life be?

That reminds me.A Cheena-speaking Japanese teacher for the JLPT 2 course.Not that it's impossible to cope with that,just that it's "annoying"?To listen to a explanation in Chinese after like 2 years under a English-speaking teacher.

NVM!!!

Just ordered "Koda Kumi Live Tour 2008 ~Kingdom ~ Koda Kumi T-Shirt(Men's).It'll probably come by next week hopefully.

Remember to listen to Koda Kumi on J-wave Online Radio every Tuesday from 11pm ~ 1am Singapore time!

2009-03-08T15:16:00.002+08:00

Siamese Cats ...

Burmese Cats ...

The Turkey swimming cat, the Van ...

Tabbies ...

Will my interest in felines and canines die out together with J-pop music as I grow out of adolescence?

Only Time will tell ...

But I know ...

Everything happens for a reason.Nothing happens by chance.

Anyway Japanese lessons starting this week!!!

Take life easy.Like 8-time Mr.Olympia Ronnie Coleman once said -

"God has a plan for each and every one of us.All u have to do is keep your faith and accept your calling."

Ciao!