AKB48 選抜総選挙: A retrospective and reflexive view- Part I.

2013年07月08日

The AKB48 選抜総選挙 took place. Certainly one of the most expected days of the year for wota world wide. This year, it was really surprising, full of emotions and surprises. Those came both for fans and members alike. In this ocassion I will comment and review all the elections from the current to the first. Also I will comment on some of the speeches of this fifth general election.

32nd Single 選抜総選挙 (2013)

選抜：

1.- 指原梨乃     Sashihara Rino                                   11.- 板野友美   Itano Tomomi

2.- 大島優子     Oshima Yuko                                   12.- 島崎遥香       Shimazaki Haruka

3.- 渡辺麻友　Watanabe Mayu　　　　　　　　　　 13.- 横山由衣   Yokoyama Yui

4.- 柏木由紀　 Kashiwagi Yuki　　　　　　　　　　 14.- 山本彩        Yamamoto Sayaka

5.- 篠田麻里子  Shinoda Mariko                                  15.- 渡辺美優紀  Watanabe Miyuki

6.- 松井珠理奈   Matsui Jurina                                  16.- 須田亜香里    Suda Akari

7.- 松井玲奈       Matsui Rena

8.- 高橋みなみ    Takahashi Minami

9.- 小嶋陽菜      Kojima Haruna

10.- 宮澤左江     Miyazawa Sae

The first thing that called my attention after the position of my 神押し, was the name of the centre position: Sasshi. Defeating Yuko is quite the feat. ゆきりん got forth, besting the predictions, that ranked her at 5th place. Marikosama's graduation announcement was also a shocker. WMatsui's positioning was also an interesting one, they tooked down にゃんにゃん and たかみな. Before the third elections we spoke of a 神7 then of a 神8. Now I think both terms are obsolete, but to some this marks a new kami-7. Mariko and Tomochin are graduating, meaning two spots are open to join that select group of the top 7 or 8. Sasshi took Acchan's spot. This might really be the start of a new era for AKB48.

 

The speeches, I will comment three: Sasshi's, Mariko's, Yukirin's.

指原梨乃     Sashihara Rino      

It was rather a series of comments, shock reactions and surprise gestures. That's basically her speech.

篠田麻里子  Shinoda Mariko

First of all, Marikosama is my 3rd Oshimen. She clearly addressed her graduation and her feelings towards AKB48. The devotion of her kouhai and the work of the new generations, made her believe it is the correct time to step away. and let the juniors do their best. Personally, I shara Nyan nyan's feelings, of wanting her to stay, but watching her and respecting her desire and will. If she has no regrets, then there is nothing more than to support her onwards. The odelst member of all the groups, and certainly one of the most entertaining and beautiful. It is sad to see her go from AKB48, but we all knew this was going to happen sooner or later. All we, fans, can do is to support Mariko on her new endeavours, and keep following and providing our constant cheers as she moves forward with her dreams and wishes. But even though we want to say that whole-heartedly, it is still bitter and impossible to say "YOU WILL BE MISSED, AKB48 WILL MISS YOU".

柏木由紀 Kashiwagi Yuki

My favourite member of the entire groups and proyect. She is really a tricky person. The momentum left by Marikosama was picked by her and softened for the remaining speeches. Her words, about kouhai-senpai relationship, her desire to become a "legendary idol" and her tone, visibly still affected by Marikosama's announcement, seemed as if she was also going to declare her graduation. With this speech the door was left opened for the real announcement to be done sooner rather than later. I have only seen Yukirin visibly affected, i.e. controlling her tears, once during Acchan's graduation and now. At the team shuffle in Tokyo Dome, she was dissapointed and shocked because of Mayuyu's transfer to Team A. But no sign of tears, and neither where those present during the final performance of Team B, the one she captained. Acchan and Marikosama are two of the people Yukirin grew to like with much ease. It woul not surprise me if she followed their foot-steps and graduated in the next few months or next year.

 

Next Time, is 2012 selection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

日本と中国の関係 「Japan-China Relationship」

Enemy, Friends and Neighbours

Recently, the on/off, love/hate, relationship between Japan and China has returned to hostility. Both our nations have historical and cultural ties. Not to China the country, but to its ancient states and of course by extension its culture. Territorial disputes and historical claims have been a constant in the JPN-CHN relationship for the last half of the 20th century and early 21rst. I admit that the expansionist Japan was not the best, and certainly many regrettable things occurred during its colonial expansion. But it cannot be denied that both countries share a bond be it for the best or for the worst.

China imports many products from Japan, and we have a great influx of tourism from them. But ideological differences between governments have changed that. Ever since WWII, Japan has been the incarnation of the devil in Asia. Korea and China always returning to the dark days of WWII. To some extent their concern in valid, and certainly Japan colours its history differently on its books. But it is also unfair to not recognize that times have passed and issue has been some-what settled. China and Japan are geographically, culturally close but at the same time they could not be further apart from each other.Chauvinism seems to be a constant in North-eastern Asia. The exaltation of nationalism and a believe of absolute superiority of x country. Sure, we all clap and stand with pride when we see the flag of our country and pridefully claim from where we hail from. I am no exception.

Truth be told I realize, Chauvinism, Nationalism and Religion cause more disruption and chaos into our world than any other cultural difference. In the past months we saw government sanction protest against Japan in China. This happened because Tokyo Prefecture bought from its private owner the Senkaku islands. Yes, notice I did not used the Chinese name alongside the Japanese name, because that is not going to change the issue. Under law the islands are now part of Tokyo Prefecture thus I refer to them by the Japanese name only. 

Also in the last few weeks an official newspaper in China released an article questioning the annexation of the Ryukyu islands, to which I will now make the case!

 

Japan and the Ryukyu Islands

So what are the Ryukyu Islands, and why China has to cast a doubt on the annexation to Japan?

Firstly this are a group of islands located south of Kyushu, between Japan and Taiwan. The islands are divided into two prefectures: Kagoshima and Okinawa. The latter is the largest of the islands and the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom. In 1609, Lord Shimazu, daimyo of Satsuma invaded the islands and established suzerainty over the Ryukyu. In 1879 the prefecture of Okinawa was created by the Meiji government and the Ryukyu Kingdom ceased to exist. The northern half of the islands was to given to Kagoshima Prefectures---the ancient Satsuma capital- whilst the southern part was part of the new Okinawa Prefecture.

From 1609 to 1874 the Ryukyu kingdom tributes to both Japan and China but after 1874, the tribute to China was officially terminated. After the end of the first Sino-Japanese War with the treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895, China officially renounced to any claim of the Ryukyu.

 

Then why bring it back again now? Well the Senkaku issues, of course! The Chinese are trying to portrait--again--Japan as the essence of evil in the region and cast a shroud of mistrust by the international community.

 

Though certainly the 20th century represents Japan's darkest hour, being the 40's decade its peak, I sincerely believe this country has moved towards enlightenment. But as long as Chauvinism and national antagonism sponsor by states exists in the region, this issues will never cease, and Japan has to confront the rotten fruits of its past. But has any empire or expansive force never committed an act considered to be an atrocity or evil? Non that I know. History is usually written and taught by the victors and it is their views that are reflected. Though some facts are just that, facts. We cannot ignore them but neither relieve them. It is China now, the one starting and expansionist campaign. They charge at Japan using the past as weapons, while relentlessly harassing its neighbours and suppression without hesitation any form of opposition to their plans. I consider it a hypocritical state, claim the side of victim and at the same time being the victimizers.

China in Shimonoseki and in 1972--I do not recall the latter date, so it might be wrong--forfeit with the signing of treaties any type of claims. The WWII claims were settled at  the latter day. But when an expansion campaign begins, the shadow of atrocity, torture, oppression, mistreatment, etc.. will always appear, maybe China will learn that the hard way...

 

 

柏木由紀のとろろヴィデオ

http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/view/akb48%E2%80%B2s-yuki-kashiwagi-sparks-debate-over-vulgar-video

The above is an article in Japan Today, the author Rachel Tackett. The date of the article today, just a few hours ago. So first, Japan Today is an online journal for foreigners living in Japan or abroad. Read it at your discretion.

My opinion about it...I disagree with much what it is mentioned, and the somewhat biased opinion of the author. Sometimes I forget that Japan has turned into a Western Puritan nation. And art is treated with such a negative view, the video is available at the referenced article. I saw the video before this "article" came to be. Actually I didn't even thought in the terms expressed by the author. Sure it could be said it was a little high in tone for some. But never nearly to be considered vulgar or pornographic material. Vulgar? Well may be, it was made by a commoner, a member of the common people, by someone like you and me. The term vulgar refers something from the people or the commoners, as otherwise known. Erotic? I'd say rather ecchi, naughty but nothing more.

Since I placed the link I wont cite the article, you may read it if you wish. Let me state that I found more distasteful and "vulgar" the choice of words the author used than the video. As I said it could be seen as a rather slightly erotic, just because the camara passed twice or thrice showing the shape of Yukirin's cleavage. Sure it certainly can sprain arousel, I'm not denied my imagination got tempted, but never to the degree the author stated. Is there a debate? I think there is no merit for a debate. We've become a sick moralistic society---even more than in ancient times- where even if not explicitly or intendedly a image is misinterpreted.

Art since ancient times has used eroticism to allure people, and now that attraction has become obscene and perverted. Or do you think about sex or pornography when you see someone eating a viscous texture? I know at least I don't. Really this article drives to think that we have lost a sence or appreciation. There was no exposed parts of Yukirin's body and the dish is common in Japan, Seriously people, there is nothing wrong with the video, just a bunch of idiots with high libido and a author with probably the same issue and have to spark controversy where there isn't!

People now-a-days lack the capability to construct in their brains coherent and clear images, rather driven by libido and desires don't seem to appreciate correctly that which is in front of them. Facts: No nudity, no evident sexual reference, no obscenity present. Yes, the cleavage, I know! It's covered and Yukirin never makes herself any insinuation. Sure I admit the cleavage is an arousing factor, but non-the-less it is not close to be considered erotic material or pornographic material. Only in the dirty oversexed minds of the viewers. I bet those guys can't even look at a gravey because they get aroused...Certainly we've become oversexed, overjudgemental and most of all PURITAN BABSTARDS, whe certainly are at a cleaf. Greeks had naked statues on the streets, and it was OK, it is okay to watch to individuals having sex in film, but a girl eating tororo in a blue dress that has nieve breast is totally unacceptable, vulgar and distatesfful, what's wrong with our morals??

But the only thing certain for me: YUKIRIN OSHI TO THE CORE!!! I know most of us see tha video under a different scope, and Yukrin will prevail victorious, despite those whom criticize her!

 

AKB48 @Nippon Budoukan ２０１３年０４月28日コンサート

Yesterday, in collaboration with Youtube JP's Music Week, AKB48 and sisters groups live streamed the final day of
their concert festival. It was a concert full of emotion and surprises. I have to say it's one the best I've seen
so far from AKB48, and a sure addition to my BEST OF AKB48 CONCERTS COLLECTIONS. This was also 仁藤萌乃 fairwell
presentation. Several announcements were made, some good some I'm still unsure what to make of...

The good ones:
Promotions of 12gen. members, 5 Dome concert series.
The strange ones:
Weird shuffle.

This were the actual announcements:
平田莉奈　---> テームK
佐々木優佳里 -> テームA
大森美優 -----> テームB
横山由依　---> No longer with NMB48 テームN
北原里英 ---> No longer with SKE48 テームKII
石田安奈 ---> No longer with AKB48 テームB
小谷里歩 ---> No longer with AKB48 テームA
高城亜樹　--> テームB
宮澤佐江 ----> テームK
鈴木まりや --> テームA
指原莉乃 ----> HKT48 Theatre Manager
兒玉遥 ------> テームA
These are the ones that called my atention the most! It was like re-doing and undoing partially the 2012 shuffle.

The Dome events will take place in July and early August if I recall well...

On the performances, I must say I was really impressed, ともちん solo version of エンドロール was exquisite! One the few songs I like to do solo. I'm still not buying the まゆゆ centre position...She seemed to have grown but, she still awakens no excitement! Also outstanding was　にゃにゃん performing 誘惑のガーター, I know there were many blood stained tissues, lol.

To take my leave, I'll let you enjoy さよならクロール performance from last night!
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/v5uKr39PwJw" frameborder="0" width="560" height="315"></iframe>

If video not working this the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5uKr39PwJw&feature=youtu.be

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