AKB48 Makes Team Changes, SKE48, NMB48 Transfers To AKB48

Day two of the AKB48 Saitama Super Arena concert series brought a number of news stories.

The first being roster changes.
Matsui Jurina has transferred from SKE48 to AKB48 Team K

Watanabe Miyuki has transferred from NMB48 to AKB48 Team B

These transfers are listed a temporary and both girls will remain members of their respective groups.

AKB48 Team 4 has now become complete with the promotions of the following girls
Kato Rena
Kawaei Rina
Iwate Karen
Tano Yuuka
Takahashi Juri

NMB48 Creates Team M

NMB48 has activated Team M .Team M is made up of 16 members and will see Shimada Rena serve as team captain. Shimada promised in the press conference to lead the members in her own way while cherishing each of the members. She made a request that the team be allowed to have acting skits as part of their concerts.

Team M is made up of the following members.
Ota Riona , Kawakami Rena ,Kinoshita Momoka ,Kodakari Yuuka ,Shimada Rena,
Jo Eriko,Takano Yui,Tanigawa Airi,Hikawa Ayame,Fujita Runa ,Mita Mao,
Murakami Ayaka,Murase Sae,Yagura Fuuko,Yamagishi Natsumi,Yogi Keira,

Member Photos
http://nmb48.com/member/

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NMB48 Junjou U-19 Coupling PV Mini Previews.

NMB48 sub unit Shirogumi has released a short teaser for their single PV. “Doryoku no Shizuku”.
The video has a multi set of themes and rock tempo style that I just love .

You can find this track on the Type A and Theater versions of NMB48 single “Junjou U-19”.


NMB48 sub unit Akagumi has released a short teaser for their single PV “Migi he Magare”
The preview features the group running from masked individuals, close ups and dance shots set to a rock tempo .This track will be on the Type B version.


Junjou U-19 goes on sale February 8


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NMB48's Shirogumi Reveals New PV

NMB48's sub-unit, Shirogumi, have released a PV for their single "Doryoku no Shizuku"! The whole message for the PV was "If you seem lonely, keep holding on". Which, in this case, is very useful. This single will be released February 8th, 2012 and will be included to the "Type A and Theater' versions of 'Junjou U-19' which is NMB48's upcoming/newest single.

NMB48 Junjou U-19 PV

When I first showed you the preview I said that this maybe their best video to date and I was right .There are two versions a song version and a full ten minute movie/pv version.

The basic theme is the girls find themselves going from school to a circus themed fantasy world.

There is a lot to take in with both versions but it is greatly done. I don`t want to put my foot in my mouth and say that no idol group will top this video as the 48`s are on their A game and the newest rivals to AKB48, Nogizaka46 are going to have a PV that I saw a preview for, for the AKB48 cover song.
Going into today this is going to be a hard video to beat this year from a creative standpoint. The video and song, just makes you want to order the CD right away. Very strong start to 2012 by NMB48

The video has a short shelf life on YouTube so here are alternative sites. You should make the time to watch both versions.

The short version minus the movie lead in.
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMzQ0NTU5NTc2.html

Full ten minute film version
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMzQ0NTk2NzI0.html

NMB48 Junjou U-19 Short Preview

NMB48 has released a short preview of the dance shot version of their next single PV and this at least for me has the makings of their best single and video.
Definitely looking forward to the full release.

Shimada Rena Chosen as NMB48's 2nd Generation Captain

On January 3rd, Shimada Rena (18), announced that she will be NMB48's new captain. This announcement was made during the "New Year special stage" which was held at NMB48 theater. She accepted this role gradually and said some words to the audience:
“Since I want to repay my obligations to NMB48, I will try my best“. Shimada Rena-san had just returned to the stage on January 2nd, recovering from leaked photos. On January 26th, it is announced that they will create "Team M".

All the 48 Groups Partners With Google

All the 48 Groups Partners With Google

AKB48 and their sister units are launching a new global partnership with Google and their Google+ program. By using Google+ the members of AKB48 and their sister units will be able to interact with overseas fans in a way that no other idol group has attempted before.

This new project will see the  members of the 48 family of groups joining Google+ for a new outreach to their foreign fans .All members aged 18 and over will be using Google+ while the members under 18 will be using a program called “AKB48 Heyakko” . By joining this partnership with Google the groups will now reach out to fans in the following languages English, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian,  Korean and more.

This project will also see AKB48 live streaming concerts and hangout chats.

The members seem to be pretty active so far with a number of events and postings already taken place .
As far as how much activity fans will have with the groups ,Google released the following information.
AKB48 will be using Hangouts on Air to broadcast their concerts. They'll be regularly scheduled Hangouts to interact with their fans. Each of the members will have their own profile, and  will have a +Page.

Examples of how the girls are using the service here is Yukirin`s account
https://plus.google.com/109547251260290757268/posts

Under 18 aged members
https://plus.google.com/u/0/106758056094193397775/posts

Member accounts
http://www.google.com/intl/ja/+/project48/

LOL almost forgot the press conference

NMB48 Sets Oricon Records

NMB48 Sets Oricon Records

Have you heard this story before if there is a 48 in the name a record is set to be broken. NMB48 has set three records with their current single .With weekly sales of 265,000 this is their second single in a row to debut at number one, making them the first group in Oricon history to have their first two singles debut at number one.

The second achievement
NMB48 is just the third female artist group or soloist to have their first two singles debut at number one. The other two artists are Yakushimaru Hiroko and Sawajiri Erika.

Third achievement
NMB48 became the first female group to have their first two singles sale over 200,000 in its release week.

Overall from majors to indies the genre is in a healthy state and groups are doing well for the levels they are at in their careers .More and more media outlets are paying attention to both the majors and indies with a wide range of groups having  national  or regional weekly television programs .

 The number of groups debuting on the independent level is doubling each month; the genre is in much better shape than it was around 2004-05 when it was showing signs of stalling out.
 2011 has brought a lot of surprises to the genre and fans and 2012 is going to bring many more exciting groups, sales records, television shows.

NMB48 Release Coupling PV`s

NMB48 Release Coupling PV`s

NMB48 have released the coupling track PV`s for their “Oh My God” single.

First up is “Shirogumi – “Kesshou”

This video is cool and takes the girls into a magical wonderland with a mysterious rabbit .The way the videos CGI is done reminds me of a snow globe .The ending is a nice twist that will leave NMB48 fans saying how cute .




The second video is Akagumi – “Hoshokusha tachi yo”

This video is a more intense, more serious subject matter of overcoming a controlling club owner. This video really is more in line with SDN48 then what you would expect from NMB48. Even saying that this video is nicely done and the song is good.

NMB48 New PV

NMB48 New PV

NMB48 are back supporting their latest release “Oh My God! “. The PV features the group performing in school uniforms, cheerleading outfits and as a soccer team.

You are not going to get anything flashy from this video, just a good song and a traditional 48 style PV.

The use of the outfits and story line is to display a theme of youth, which is what the song is about.

NMB48: Down Two More

NMB48: Down Two More

Well it`s not often that you see member after member from a group go on “voluntary” suspension. NMB48 members Matsuda Shiori and Yoshida Akari have added their name to a growing list of 48`s stopping activities.

Matsuda -Said the reason she asked to be suspended was that, in her words “I began to think, ‘Until now I’ve been busy with work every day, but are my own behaviors living up to all my fans’ expectations?’ and ‘Is this really okay with me?’ These insecure feelings made me feel uneasy about continuing my NMB48 activities; I felt that I needed time to look over myself once more.”

She asked for fans to watch over her, until she makes her return.


Yoshida -Seems to be going through something that has been a part of my life at times, and anyone who performs music or anything in front of crowds for a living.

Yoshida-I have been having some doubts and anxieties within myself, and I felt as if I would not be able to face my NMB48 activities… Since I have never regretted becoming part of NMB48 and I – of course – love NMB48, I will be taking a break. I’d like to take a look at myself once more and come back with my original intentions.”

If it is the medical version of anxiety issues, I wish her the best in a speedy recovery, if it`s the classic, is this the right thing for me .Then I am glad that Aki-P talked to her and Matsuda as well and they didn`t make a rush choice to end idol life.

However, in saying that, at the very early stages of AKB48 and other big member units, there was a certain stage of the weak spirited members walking away, leaving the most dedicated to carry on.

I am not going to say that is what is happening only lets hope they find what is missing in their hearts and come back to the stage soon.


Footnote - There is another possible reason for the suspensions and more maybe coming from a really stupid move, between the girls and wotas in an unscheduled fan event.
I didn`t include this, as it has not 100% been proven the hotel event happened and simply reporting the official version as released at this time.

AKB48, NMB48 Roster Changes

AKB48, NMB48 Roster Changes

Change is in the air and it`s not good. AKB48 and NMB48 have seen some changes made to their rosters.

Oba Mina

Mina has developed a good rap sheet of violating the seven golden rules of an idol contract. Mina has collected underage drinking, possible compensated dating references in her blog [Enjo Kosai] [much more serious then what AKBN 0 is doing], which may involve another member.

She however did not get the thank you for playing at being an idol release; Mina has “voluntarily” gone on suspension and has resigned as leader of Team 4. Based on released statements she requested to management to be suspended, so that she could reflect on her actions.

The fact that she was not fired leads me to believe that the compensated dating allegations were not true.

Mori Anna

Anna originally got in trouble for keeping in touch with her pre-idol boyfriend on her blog. However, she is officially leaving AKB48 due to a lower back problem.


Aki-P has offered publicly to welcome her back should she recover from her back problems

NMB48
Shimada Rena

Rena has been caught in the aftereffects of pre-idol dating as purikura photos surfaced of her kissing a former boyfriend. The agency at first planned to do nothing, as pre-idol penalties do not apply to the seven golden rule contract. However, a small group of jilted wotas would not let the situation end and continued to create issues for Rena.

Rena also turned to the “voluntarily” suspension path until likely the end of the year [most likely a move by management to let this blow over, as she has not broken current contract rules].


Change is hard in this industry and I never like to see an idols career end early for any reason and wish Anna well in the future, who knows there maybe an Indie unit with a spot open in her hometown, that Anna can start over in or maybe one day she will make a rested return to AKB48. Back issues are hard to deal with as our own PIH reporter Ryo is battling with. I hope that she makes a full recovery and can return as an idol.


Given the situation fans of AKB48 and NMB48, this is the best outcome possible. As these members were not high profile members yet, little to no media fallout will happen and only dedicated idol fans would even know who these idols are .So management can put a bandage on them, let the wounds heal and bring them back like it never happened.

For Mina and Rena the term voluntary is open for interpretation; however Aki-P sees them as having value and I believe they will return in a few months as much stronger idols.

No Bloomers For NMB48

No Bloomers For NMB48

Back when NMB48 was preparing to release their debut single, they issued a bold challenge. This challenge was if their single did not rank #1 for the week on Oricon, they would wear gym bloomers at their concerts.

“Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shoujo” finished the week at 218,000 and at #1 so “No Bloomers For NMB48 “

The members in a press event shared their opinions on the results

Team N’s captain, Yamamoto Sayaka
“Since it is something we promised to the public, I am astonished that we were actually able to top the charts.”

“This accomplishment is all because of our fans and our seniors who have made the 48 group name so big.  Even though we are powerless right now, we want to, as NMB48, to continue to grow so that we can keep up with our seniors.”

Yamada Nana
“I am really happy that we got first place and we don’t have to wear any bloomers. It’s like killing two birds with one stone.”

Watanabe Miyuki
I want to continue to do our best so that people will recognize our ranking so please back us up.”


You would think in some weird sick kind of way wotas would want to see their idols in bloomers, but you see here is were that thinking is wrong. When it comes to matters of idol pride and difficult challenges, wotas feel that it is their duty to go to the ends of the earth to support their idol in her mission. The relationship between wotas and idols is such that one  will always need the other to reach certain goals.

This accomplishment was no easy task, while NMB48 outsold sold everyone by a comfortable margin, they did so by defeating   the powerhouse unit Tohoshinki [TVXQ] single “Superstar”. I tip my cap to NMB48 for reaching their goal.

NMB48 Boku ga Maketa Natsu ,Mattemashita, Shingakki PVs

Fresh off their 131,000 + number one single day ranking NMB48have released two more videos for their debut singles coupling tracks.

The first PV is for “Boku ga Maketa Natsu”!

It`s a cute and simple PV , not sure if the wet T-shirt moment a couple have is a good idea for girls this age , but it`s safe somewhat or the removing of one’s top [she has a swimsuit on] .It seems NMB48 are not wasting anytime when it comes to fan service.




NMB48 白組　僕が負けた夏 by tennis720


PV #2 is for Mattemashita, Shingakki“!


NMB48 赤組　待ってました、新学期 by tennis720

NMB48 Sells 400,000 In A Week

NMB48 Sells 400,000 In A Week

If this is a sign of things to come, then NMB48 just may well be the next “Super Idol” group. Keep in mind as you read on I opened by saying If ,there is a big leap of faith to declare a unit a “Super Idol” and I am not there yet.

NMB48 has teamed with Kobeya for a snack bread collaboration. This NMB48 snack bread sold 400,000 bread packages in a single week.

The packaging has different NMB48 member’s photos on the cover. Each member  represents a different type  bread: Caramel Melon bread has  Yamamoto Sayaka, Milk Whip and Custard bread has Watanabe Miyuki, and Strawberry and Milk Whip bread has Yamada Nana to name a few .

NMB48 has yet to release their debut single and already have a major variety show in Tokyo set to air and major product and group promotional campaigns are well underway.

Is the ground being prepared for NMB48 to be the next “Super Idol” group?

NMB48 Debut PV “Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shoujo“!

NMB48 Debut PV “Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shoujo“!

NMB48 finally gets their time to shine and wow what a debut, the music and action scenes are upbeat, modern and tell a good story. The vocals are well done and near the end of the PV NMB48 steals some costumes from SDN48`s costume chest .This is worth checking out if your a fan of the 48 franchise.

“Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shoujo“! Will be released on July 20


EDIT-  download file .
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=DRDHJLJ5
Note- This is mirrored [meaning ,left is right ,right is left so to speak ] 
All non mirrored versions are gone for now.

NMB48 Heads To Tokyo For Weekly TV Show

NMB48 Heads To Tokyo For Weekly TV Show

AKB48`s little sisters NMB48 have landed their first major variety show, without releasing a single. Starting July 12 NMB48 will have a weekly TV show on NTV.

NMB48 is heading to Tokyo for a show called “Naniwanadeshiko!”. “Naniwanadeshiko!” will work on the concept of “NMB48 Meets TOKYO!”

The show will feature the unit visiting Tokyo with the mission line “They won’t stop until they conquer Tokyo.”  The comedy unit Peace will host the show.

“Naniwanadeshiko!” will air every Tuesday at 25:59 to 26:29 JST.

http://www.ntv.co.jp/naniwa/index.html