H!P predictions for 2009!

[Pucchi-Mo]

[quote name='Pi Kago' post='57994' date='Jan 28 2009, 05:02 PM'][quote name='MoMusumefan21' post='57992' date='Jan 28 2009, 04:05 PM']What the heck nobody said this yet? Well guess I will make the time honored traditional Morning Musume prediction.



Morning Musume will announce disbandment sometime in 2009. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... stling.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':whistling:' />



Will most likely be proven wrong, but someone had to say it for the sake of tradition! <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... umbsup.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote]



And I'll make the time honored traditional BBS suggestion.



Can't you just go over to JPM or something and never be heard from again?

[/quote]

Pi, shouldn't it be "go get hit by a bus"?

Besides, with H!P ending in 2010, there's no point of ending MM until then. duh

[hayley]

[quote name='Falcon' post='58159' date='Jan 30 2009, 03:12 AM']My predictions:

- No auditions...*

- No MM graduations...*

- 2 MM singles this year

- 1 MM original album (ya ya this is cheating)



* I have an interesting theory and I'm wondering if it's true (I doubt it).[/quote]



Care to elaborate on this theory?



Also, the return of shuffle units... WANT.



I predict a special unit with at least one member each from MM, Berryz and C-ute.

[Falcon]

Well I was thinking that maybe UFA will try to keep what they have an try to strengthen MM's presence overseas by easing off the rotating line up so that internationals get used to their faces etc. Of course this is barring scandals and other unusual circumstance. By no auditions I mean no japanese auditons (for more or less the same reason). I'm wondering if this is maybe why their haven't been auditions for 1.5 years or so already and no prospect of any new ones.



Of course this is just my stupid theory and it has no actual basis in reality (yet!).

[eri]

[quote name='PWRDATALINK' post='58147' date='Jan 29 2009, 08:28 AM']If disliking Korean music is racism for you, I will not argue. In my opinion racism would be disliking Korean people and/or culture in general. Koreans - if they want it or not - represent Kpop, which I dislike, therefore I do not want to see any Koreans in H!P esp. MM.[/quote]



This statement makes no sense for another reason. Kpop, Jpop, American Pop, Chinese Pop....what is the essential difference between these things? Pop music is global and all very similar sounding. You really think Maki Goto's music is significantly different that Boa, Jessica Simpson, or whatever? And considering that most of the Jpop fans in the US cannot understand Japanese whatsoever, the language issue (which is a deciding factor for some) no longer is relevant. So hating Kpop while loving Jpop strikes me as very suspicious to begin with.



Calling it "racism" might seem too extreme, but at the very least there is a specific, race-based fetishism that operates among Jpop and anime fans. As long as something is "Japanese" (even if you can't understand it, even if you wouldn't know otherwise) then it is good. Why? Because the fan has invested a lot of fantasy into the concept of whatever "Japan" is and what "Japanese" represents. On the flip side, there are negative, ethnic-based stereotypes operating whenever a fan proclaims they love "Jpop" but hate "American music" and so on.



Instead of sulking, just own up to your own prejudices or think about why others find your comment illogical.



--



I had hoped that this board could return to the intelligence level of yore, when we could talk about Japanese music without relying on the freaky race fetishism rampant in other forums. Maybe not.

[Lovely]

I predict that something magical will happen with the release of their 40th single.

[BeForJess]

I predict...



- Eri graduates... Why Eri? Because I think it's unexpected and that is what I expect of Tsunku.



- Milky Way releases more singles and Yuu gets a little more attention



- Maybe not shuffle groups like there used to be, but I think there will be at least a few random groups that put out one or two songs and then disappear (Why couldn't Aa! stick around?)



- Maki will release more material from Avex (she still counts for me!)

[AEUGNewtype]

This statement makes no sense for another reason. Kpop, Jpop, American Pop, Chinese Pop....what is the essential difference between these things? Pop music is global and all very similar sounding. You really think Maki Goto's music is significantly different that Boa, Jessica Simpson, or whatever? And considering that most of the Jpop fans in the US cannot understand Japanese whatsoever, the language issue (which is a deciding factor for some) no longer is relevant. So hating Kpop while loving Jpop strikes me as very suspicious to begin with.



Calling it "racism" might seem too extreme, but at the very least there is a specific, race-based fetishism that operates among Jpop and anime fans. As long as something is "Japanese" (even if you can't understand it, even if you wouldn't know otherwise) then it is good. Why? Because the fan has invested a lot of fantasy into the concept of whatever "Japan" is and what "Japanese" represents. On the flip side, there are negative, ethnic-based stereotypes operating whenever a fan proclaims they love "Jpop" but hate "American music" and so on.



Instead of sulking, just own up to your own prejudices or think about why others find your comment illogical.

This is basically what I wanted to expand upon, but was too lazy. Well said.

I had hoped that this board could return to the intelligence level of yore, when we could talk about Japanese music without relying on the freaky race fetishism rampant in other forums. Maybe not.

I don't know if its ever possible to get away from that unless we go back to the way we used to be, where we ban anyone who showed signs of this kind of behavior really early on, but most of our current admins don't seem very keen on that.

[kuze]

- MM member breaks an arm.

- Reina graduates (odd I know but I have a feeling she'll be the first to go)

- Berryz Koubou/C-ute world domination



Lets see something with H!P kids, shuffel units, anything.. comon.

[eri]

I don't know if its ever possible to get away from that unless we go back to the way we used to be, where we ban anyone who showed signs of this kind of behavior really early on, but most of our current admins don't seem very keen on that.

Yeah I suppose.



But you can still call a spade a spade without a finger on the ban button. And, whether it be pedophilia or race-fetishism, I think addressing uncomfortable issues at the heart of fandom opens things up for interesting discussion.



ANYWAY



I think Takahashi is going to leave really soon. Maybe along with Risa, though Risa doesn't seem like she has any safety net when they boot her out.

[neshcom]

[quote name='eri' post='58221' date='Jan 29 2009, 09:46 PM']I think Takahashi is going to leave really soon. Maybe along with Risa, though Risa doesn't seem like she has any safety net when they boot her out.[/quote]

I am okay with this

[AEUGNewtype]

[quote name='eri' post='58221' date='Jan 29 2009, 09:46 PM']And, whether it be pedophilia or race-fetishism, I think addressing uncomfortable issues at the heart of fandom opens things up for interesting discussion.[/quote]

Very true, but this only works as long as the one side is willing to deal with it correctly and honestly, which we seem to have a lack of.

[Kago]

[quote name='neshcom' post='58223' date='Jan 29 2009, 09:50 PM'][quote name='eri' post='58221' date='Jan 29 2009, 09:46 PM']I think Takahashi is going to leave really soon. Maybe along with Risa, though Risa doesn't seem like she has any safety net when they boot her out.[/quote]

I am okay with this

[/quote]



I am similarly alright with this. Go the Ogawa route and get a blog or something.

[ozu]

Risa's not going anywhere. No member is more fully integrated with that group than Risa. Hell, she is Morning Musume.



I think Risa will go down with the ship.



If Ai & Risa were to go, though, that would make Eri and Sayu Leader/Subleader. Or better yet: Co-Leaders! That would be pretty hilarious.

[hayley]

[quote name='Falcon' post='58193' date='Jan 30 2009, 08:56 AM']Well I was thinking that maybe UFA will try to keep what they have an try to strengthen MM's presence overseas by easing off the rotating line up so that internationals get used to their faces etc. Of course this is barring scandals and other unusual circumstance. By no auditions I mean no japanese auditons (for more or less the same reason). I'm wondering if this is maybe why their haven't been auditions for 1.5 years or so already and no prospect of any new ones.



Of course this is just my stupid theory and it has no actual basis in reality (yet!).[/quote]



That's really quite an interesting thought. I guess the other benefit to keeping the lineup consistent is that it allows better development of cameraderie between the members, which feeds back into the recognizability issue, as well as going some way to remedy the lack of personality that some of the girls are criticized for. Also, anything that leads to bigger budgets for PVs, more visibility etc can only be good. I hope it's true!

[alita87]

[quote name='Hana' post='58163' date='Jan 30 2009, 03:35 AM'][quote name='alita87' post='58110' date='Jan 29 2009, 03:40 AM'][quote name='moralar' post='58091' date='Jan 29 2009, 04:49 PM']I'm surprised nobody predicted that Yorosen! will be cancelled (or simply not renewed). That would be my guess.[/quote]On one of my friends mixi's he did a breakdown with the post title "yorosen to close in 6 months too!!!" As Haromoni@ and Berikyuu both only had 6 month runs.[/quote]

Your friend might want to re-do his math on that one. Haromoni@ started in April 2007, and ended at the end of September last year.

[/quote]



It might not have been Haromoni@, It might've been Hello Pro Hour. I couldn't remember which one so I just put the one that came to my head first.

[ashivers]

[quote name='ozu' post='58247' date='Jan 30 2009, 02:23 PM']If Ai & Risa were to go, though, that would make Eri and Sayu Leader/Subleader. Or better yet: Co-Leaders! That would be pretty hilarious.[/quote]



You forget that little favorite of Tsunku's/whoever is actually in charge... Reina. As much as I DON'T want it, who can deny that all her attention-seeking has been rewarded and she was pushed to the front with Ai for all of last year, not only in MM but in High-King as well? Out of the 3 girls of.. whatever gen they were, 6? Reina definitely seems like a favorite with UFA for next leader or at least co-leader, if it came to new leadership. And I'm thinking even if Risa was there as well, they might just skip the "age and experience" rule and just go ahead and choose her <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... hatthe.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />

[peachgirldb]

[quote name='The☆AEUGNewtype' post='58218' date='Jan 29 2009, 09:23 PM']I don't know if its ever possible to get away from that unless we go back to the way we used to be, where we ban anyone who showed signs of this kind of behavior really early on, but most of our current admins don't seem very keen on that.[/quote]

Yeah, all three of us, huh? The board's been up how long exactly?



[quote name='ashivers' post='58273' date='Jan 30 2009, 07:24 AM']You forget that little favorite of Tsunku's/whoever is actually in charge... Reina. As much as I DON'T want it, who can deny that all her attention-seeking has been rewarded and she was pushed to the front with Ai for all of last year, not only in MM but in High-King as well?[/quote]

Yeah, you totally hit the nail on the head. That attention seeking behavior, that's the only reason she's done well. Those other girls, man, the reason they've been kept down all this time is just themselves! The only person keeping Sayu from getting real lines is Sayu! Impressive analysis, there.

[Madara]

If Ai-chan and Risa go, there's no more group. Koharu would be the only one left who's at all interesting, but she's only interesting either when she's outside the group or, when with them, behaving as if she's outside the group. They should launch Koharu on a solo career ASAP. And leave Ai-chan and Risa where they are.



Unless they have new auditions and pick the six or seven craziest, most manic, least-idol-potential try-outs and start a whole new group. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... /silly.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':silly:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... /crazy.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':crazy:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... hatthe.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':hahaha:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... prised.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':omg:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... >/sick.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':sick:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... omgwtf.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':omgwtf:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... kodama.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':kodama:' />



And then try and have Atsuko lead them in a douyou number. I'd stick around for that.

[eri]

[quote name='Madara' post='58327' date='Jan 30 2009, 10:19 AM']If Ai-chan and Risa go, there's no more group. Koharu would be the only one left who's at all interesting, but she's only interesting either when she's outside the group or, when with them, behaving as if she's outside the group. They should launch Koharu on a solo career ASAP. And leave Ai-chan and Risa where they are.



Unless they have new auditions and pick the six or seven craziest, most manic, least-idol-potential try-outs and start a whole new group. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... /silly.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':silly:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... /crazy.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':crazy:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... hatthe.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':hahaha:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... prised.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':omg:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... >/sick.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':sick:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... omgwtf.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':omgwtf:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... kodama.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':kodama:' />



And then try and have Atsuko lead them in a douyou number. I'd stick around for that.[/quote]



Nah...

Snarky comments about the entertainment-value of the current mm aside, I think Reina, Sayu, and Mitsui are loads more entertaining than Ai and Risa. Ai is only interesting for her fans, devoted to her weirdness. Risa is only noticeable because she never shuts up.



Re: Koharu - but they never release the popular girls when they should. They always delay it and stunt their possible solo careers (see Natsume Abe, Maki Goto). Also, she is doing well as Kirarin but that show will end soon and no one can say if she can transition to an anime-career.

[ashivers]

[quote name='ashivers' post='58273' date='Jan 30 2009, 07:24 AM']Yeah, you totally hit the nail on the head. That attention seeking behavior, that's the only reason she's done well. Those other girls, man, the reason they've been kept down all this time is just themselves! The only person keeping Sayu from getting real lines is Sayu! Impressive analysis, there.[/quote]



<img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... /blink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':kodama:' /> sarcasm much?



Anyway yeah, ok, implying that it is in their control to get more solos etc was a stupid thing to say, not really good at making a point at all, right? <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... stling.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':hahaha:' />



Still doesn't change the fact that Reina (and Ai, if you wanna be specific) were put to the front and the others were mostly ignored. Like, Resonant Blue? Most of MM were LITERALLY in the shadows for that. Pepper Keibu, REINA was the only one with a solo!

I know, its just something we have to get used to; H!P is never fair to a select few in a group even if they DO have talent, experience and that equal to or more than the more shown artists, because they're idols and its complicated etc etc whatever... But the current MM is NOT just Ai and Reina! Sure, fire all the others. Then I won't have something to complain about. MM will become Ai and Reina, and that'll be fair. But until that day comes, surely the favoritism or whatever it is thats pushing other talent aside should be stopped?



There, thats my prediction. H!P does something stupid and graduates at LEAST half of MM, cos they're sick of pretending they care for the other half.



(On a side note, its not much of a thing against Reina. Truthfully, I really like Reina's voice, and her as a person too, when she doesn't act like a camera whore. )

[surasshu]

[quote name='ashivers' post='58339' date='Jan 30 2009, 07:57 PM'](I really like Reina as a person, when she doesn't act like a camera whore. )[/quote]

So you dislike her as a person, then.



I predict that MM disbands. Some girls will be left behind entirely while others continue in solo careers or variety careers. Berryz and C-ute will officially take over as the bandwagon groups of Hello Project.



Hey, A MAN CAN DREAM

[zlilzlilzlil]

I think many people here are wrong...

You should also look at concerts and not only singles, you can see that the group is devided into two and one in the middle, the "good" group: Ai, Risa, Eri & Kamei, and the "avarage" group: Koharu, Aika, Junjun & Linlin, Sayumi stay in the middle and join both groups...



People really taking it over at "the only reason sayumi isn't getting solos is herself" it's true, but it's like 20% of the reason, you need to remember that there are four members in the group that are known as alot better vocalist, sayumi also was known as a weak singer from the beginning, and if you compare her to past singles (osaka koi no uta, the manpower, iroppoi jirettai and more) you'll see she is getting more solos, and she is getting better...



About eri, I really don't understand why she isn't at lead roles, I listen to her at concert or b-sides (she got lead in all of the b-side from onna ni sachi are b-side until now) and I'm amazed with how good she is, better then reina for sure, and we shuold hear more from her in singles, she also take most of rika role in songs (center in the peace with more solos, as for one day and more)...



And my predictions:



- MM will release something very diffrent for the 40th single that will be out this year - everyone will get solos!

- Maybe a new MM sub-group (not real)...

- singles from Berryz & cute, another concert together...

- New generation of MM (Please!!!!)

- Maybe something speical with the OG of morning musume together with the correct line-up for the graduation of the elder club...

- Erina Mano dying (just kidding) but really, I beg her to be kicked out in a worse way the kago, I really don't like her and tsunku always give her to much of unneeded attention...

- A real unit with the rest of the egg soloist of ongaku gatas and yuu, maybe with some from the three big groups (Cute, BK & MM).



- Koharu using her normal voice I saw her first concert and she was so cute, and sang so normal and lovely, even if when her solo end she kept her mic next to her mouth (she sang live!!!!)



That's it, the last one will be amazing if it will happen!

[Pflaume]

[quote name='ashivers' post='58339' date='Jan 30 2009, 02:57 PM'][quote name='ashivers' post='58273' date='Jan 30 2009, 07:24 AM']Yeah, you totally hit the nail on the head. That attention seeking behavior, that's the only reason she's done well. Those other girls, man, the reason they've been kept down all this time is just themselves! The only person keeping Sayu from getting real lines is Sayu! Impressive analysis, there.[/quote]

retort

[/quote]



Why are you fighting yourself? Practice self-love, man. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... #>/sad.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':kodama:' />



PS: My kidding is good-natured. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... /laugh.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':hahaha:' /> Welcome to the boards.

[Madara]

[quote name='zlilzlilzlil' post='58341' date='Jan 31 2009, 05:14 AM']-



- Koharu using her normal voice I saw her first concert and she was so cute, and sang so normal and lovely, even if when her solo end she kept her mic next to her mouth (she sang live!!!!)



That's it, the last one will be amazing if it will happen![/quote]



That would be the most awesome thing ever. She sounds really nice on a number of tracks on her first CD album. But since then...? <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... omgwtf.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':hahaha:' />

[Madara]

[quote name='eri' post='58334' date='Jan 31 2009, 04:42 AM'][quote name='Madara' post='58327' date='Jan 30 2009, 10:19 AM']If Ai-chan and Risa go, there's no more group. Koharu would be the only one left who's at all interesting, but she's only interesting either when she's outside the group or, when with them, behaving as if she's outside the group. They should launch Koharu on a solo career ASAP. And leave Ai-chan and Risa where they are.



Unless they have new auditions and pick the six or seven craziest, most manic, least-idol-potential try-outs and start a whole new group. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... /silly.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':silly:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... /crazy.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':crazy:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... hatthe.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':hahaha:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... prised.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':omg:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... >/sick.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':sick:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... omgwtf.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':omgwtf:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... kodama.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':kodama:' />



And then try and have Atsuko lead them in a douyou number. I'd stick around for that.[/quote]



Nah...

Snarky comments about the entertainment-value of the current mm aside, I think Reina, Sayu, and Mitsui are loads more entertaining than Ai and Risa.

[/quote]



You're right in that I tend to dismiss Reina, Sayu, Eri and Aika way too easily. I've seen enough of them to know they all have real potential, esp. Reina and Sayu. I just tend to forget the last thing I saw them in where they were allowed to...y'know, do stuff? Although, frankly I can't think of anything since "Egao Yes Nude," which was two years ago(!), where anybody in the group got to really do anything. I can't help it. I want more. Once upon a time, when there were 12 girls, when there were 13, when there were fifteen girls in the group, everybody got solo lines and a piece of the song. (Think "The Peace," "Mr. Moonlight," "Souda We're Alive," "As for One Day," "Ai Araba, It's All Right," etc.) Now there's only nine girls. Is it such a big deal to parcel out the work a little?

[AEUGNewtype]

[quote name=':Peach' post='58280' date='Jan 30 2009, 08:23 AM'][quote name='The☆AEUGNewtype' post='58218' date='Jan 29 2009, 09:23 PM']I don't know if its ever possible to get away from that unless we go back to the way we used to be, where we ban anyone who showed signs of this kind of behavior really early on, but most of our current admins don't seem very keen on that.[/quote]

Yeah, all three of us, huh? The board's been up how long exactly?

[/quote]

I guess I was referring to sadude, and it seems to me for no particularly concrete reason that he speaks for the other admins/mods in many cases.

[sadude]

[quote name='The☆AEUGNewtype' post='58401' date='Jan 30 2009, 07:58 PM'][quote name=':Peach' post='58280' date='Jan 30 2009, 08:23 AM'][quote name='The☆AEUGNewtype' post='58218' date='Jan 29 2009, 09:23 PM']I don't know if its ever possible to get away from that unless we go back to the way we used to be, where we ban anyone who showed signs of this kind of behavior really early on, but most of our current admins don't seem very keen on that.[/quote]

Yeah, all three of us, huh? The board's been up how long exactly?[/quote]

I guess I was referring to sadude, and it seems to me for no particularly concrete reason that he speaks for the other admins/mods in many cases.[/quote]

Wait what zuh? <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... /blink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':wub:' /> Are you sure that's not just because you talk to me on IM aside from the board? <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... /laugh.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' />



Also, as for your original quote, early banning isn't going to work unless you want to lose like half the members. It'd work better to call them out on it instead as was done already in this thread.

[kuhaiyaazi]

[quote name='ashivers' post='58339' date='Jan 30 2009, 12:57 PM']Still doesn't change the fact that Reina (and Ai, if you wanna be specific) were put to the front and the others were mostly ignored. Like, Resonant Blue? Most of MM were LITERALLY in the shadows for that. Pepper Keibu, REINA was the only one with a solo![/quote]

I'm not trying to start anything, but I read this and wanted to say something about Pepper Keibu. The main reason that Reina was the only one with a solo is because they needed equal line distribution and someone had to do the solo. Think about it: at the beginning of PK, they all come down in groups of two. There are NINE members. That leaves one person out. She doesn't sing AT ALL in two choruses. If you watch the PV, for those segments where the girls are doing that revolving thing (coming up from the back to the front, sing, then going to the back of the line again) that they do at the beginning and then after the group chorus, Reina's in the back just chilling. So basically she gets to sing about as much as Ai or Risa does, maybe even less since she misses out on two choruses. If it wasn't Reina with the solo, it would be someone else, but the distribution wouldn't change.



If you think about it Reina kind of gets the short end of the stick. For the other girls, if you sing slightly out of tune, the other girl sort of covers you until you get back in tune since whenever they sing it's always with someone else or with the group. If you're singing alone, it's twice as obvious when you mess up, especially if you're the only one in the entire song that sings alone. They probably chose Reina because she's probably the most reliable in lives, and also because she's been the "alone" one once already. For example, in the MM 2008 Concert Tour Singles Daizenshuu in Spring, they sing Iroppoi Jirettai. Since there are nine members, and the chorus requires that you split into groups of two, someone's left alone. You don't see it on the DVD, since they specifically don't show it, but Reina's in the middle, doing the chorus dance by herself, just sort of walking backwards in a circle with an invisible partner. It's an understatement to say that it looks REALLY weird, hence why you don't see it AT ALL on the DVD. I remember watching it on a fancam for the Shanghai concert, and even though she was dancing by herself in a dance intended for two people, she was still super confident in all of her steps even though it looked super strange. It didn't seem awkward at all, just weird, but I bet if Koharu or some of the other girls were to do the dance by themselves, they'd look a little lost. Perhaps this went into their decision to pick her to be the solo on PK?



So they didn't make Reina have a solo line just because it's REINA, they did it because someone has to sing by themselves in order for their to be almost equal line distribution. I agree with you about everything else about Reina (even the camera whore part, which I love about her anyway - what's so wrong about self promoting? <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... >/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':wub:' /> ) but she doesn't deserve the flak for getting a solo part in PK especially since line distribution isn't the fault of any of the girls.



(Sorry for derailing the thread, kinda)

[moralar]

But you can still call a spade a spade without a finger on the ban button. And, whether it be pedophilia or race-fetishism, I think addressing uncomfortable issues at the heart of fandom opens things up for interesting discussion.

Your choice of expression is ironic, given the topic under discussion. Was it intentional?



Anyway, I think there is actually a good reason to oppose adding "a Korean" to MM, and that is if it is merely done as part of a deliberate program to expand the exhibits at the diversity zoo that H!P is half-heartedly (or quarter-heartedly) groping toward. They've already hit mainland China and Taiwan. Next on their Pokemon list they can catch a Korean before moving on to Indochina? Some might call it pan-Asian outreach, but I would call it a particularly clumsy form of pandering. Advocating "adding a Korean" in the abstract frames nationality as the primary consideration, betraying an underlying attitude of diversity fetishism. I happen to find this almost as repugnant as more usual forms of racial fetishism. I don't think idol groups have any particular need to resemble Benetton ads, nor are they necessarily made better by doing so. But if the best prospect available happens to be Korean -- if a BoA clone comes forth and wants to join H!P for some strange reason -- then sure, bring her on board.

I think Takahashi is going to leave really soon. Maybe along with Risa, though Risa doesn't seem like she has any safety net when they boot her out.

Sometimes I wonder if UFA should be more conscientious about steering out members who clearly have no future in entertainment before their prospects of leading a normal life are totally wrecked. Most of these girls have spent almost half their lives being glorified karaoke singers and haven't had the chance to build up any skills or knowledge that would be useful in the real world. Sure, many of them have nominally gone to high school, but I think we all know how much actual educational value they derive from the particular schools that they choose to attend.

[moralar]

[quote name='ketamine' post='58449' date='Jan 31 2009, 02:51 PM']The main reason that Reina was the only one with a solo is because they needed equal line distribution and someone had to do the solo.[/quote]

This is a fallacious argument for the following reasons:



1) There didn't have to be a solo. Nine is evenly divisible by three, for example. (Yes, I know, Pink Lady tribute blah blah.)

2) Even if you chose to have pairs + solos as they currently do, the solo lines could be distributed among different members instead of being monopolized by one of them. This would involve shuffling up the other pairs, but there is no particular problem with that.

3) Since when have they ever needed equal line distribution?