As I did last year, I’ve got the details of the group rankings spread out through a couple of posts. This one was pretty simple to put together, with Elder Club gone and all and my opinion of each of the groups and girls pretty solidified.

Go over and check the poll when you’ve got a chance.

First up are links to my detailed thoughts on the individual girls themselves, followed by my overall rankings for 2010:

Hello Project 2010 Group Ranking

Hello Project 2010 Ranking

While I didn’t make it out to AX to see them last year, I was able to see them perform in Japan at the summer concert back in July. As I’ve heard a few other people say, and I agree, seeing them up close really does change your perception of the girls a bit. I’ve still not taken too much time to get to know the group really, but I guess I know them well enough that things have shuffled around a little. With Koharu’s departure my interest as a whole has dropped some. That said, current Musume has mostly just been about the music to me anyway, so that’s not indicative of much of a change.

Morning Musume. 2010

Morning Musume. 2010 Ranking 2009 Ranking

Their releases over the past year have been pretty consistent for me. None of their recent singles have made it into my all time favorites for the group, but I though I’d point out that I’ve enjoyed a little something from all of them. Good in the end, but nothing really stands out. As I said I’d get around to doing last year, I’ve gone through and picked up a bunch of their music, old and new, so I generally have a wide selection of songs that I’ve listened to.

Favorite Songs

GuruGuru JUMP
3, 2, 1 BREAKIN’OUT!

Other Favorites (Singles)

Souda! We’re ALIVE

Honorable Mentions

Chokkan 2 ~Nogashita Sakana wa Ookiizo!~ (Mattaku Sono Toori Remix)
Tsuyoki de Yukouze!

The Girls

JunJun

1. JunJun

Holding on to the number one spot, nothing’s really changed here. I will say though, that she further solidified her position with the performance of ONLY YOU with v-u-den during the Champloo concert. Really, the DVD doesn’t do justice to how “wow” that performance was. Sure, she didn’t get to sing her solo part, but she got to rock, and she shined while doing so.

Niigaki Risa

2. Risa (-1)

Hmm, she dropped one, cause Koharu moved up… but since Koharu is no longer here, she sticks at 2. Short hair Gaki is cute for the most part (sometimes it looks a little off); I’ll always be comparing her to the tomboyish girl with pigtails that first caught my attention, so it’s an interesting change no mater what style she goes with.

Other than the hair change, there were a couple of other things over the last year that were memorable for me. First one, the konnichipa “incident.” As Koharu convinces the other members to belt out konnichipa while saying hi to the audience, Gaki kinda just rolls her eyes at the idea and moves on like it’s nothing. She finally gives in, but her reluctance to do so, her whole attitude about it was just great.

The second thing that caught me was her appearance in their latest PV, Onna ga Medatte Naze Ikenai. Not only did she look good dancing and walking the catwalk, but also in the make up chair, she is just all kinds of cute.

Hmm, I say she’s dropped down a spot, but really, she’s gunning for position number one. Even tho, like I said I don’t follow Morning Musume all that much, Risa is one to watch methinks.

Takahashi Ai

3. Ai

Yeah, umm… from my perspective, she’s still kinda boring. Her solo at the summer concert was sung well, but put me to sleep (not really, heh). She still has that great voice and great dance moves so it’s all good. I guess she gets some extra credit from her performances with High-King as well. I really enjoyed their cover of DIAMONDS and she really charged up the stage with Cinderella\Complex.

I watched a couple episodes of Q.E.D, the drama she starred in last year. I thought she did a pretty good job. I guess it showcases some personality, even tho it’s technically a little fake. She could probably move into some sort of drama/acting roles after her time in Morning Musume is over, and with her singing ability, she could still pursue that as well.

Tanaka Reina

4. Reina

Well, she still thinks she’s hot… which is okay I guess. Her Champloo solo, in contrast to Ai’s was a bit more memorable. The song was more upbeat maybe; it kept my interest in any case. Also keeping my interest, her weird eyes. Not in a stop, stare, point and laugh kind of way, but they’re just hypnotizing and add an interesting aspect to her overall character.

Her little anime character Kaito Reinya is kinda cute, how it matches her looks (and personality?). The show itself tho is missing something to keep me watching it past a couple episodes.

LinLin

5. LinLin (+3)

Bless her heart… this is probably the biggest jump of all my updated rankings. I’ve still not seen much of the number two panda, but I’ve seen enough for me to open up my opinion of her a bit. With GuruGuru JUMP and her performances with minimoni, her fun and genki side was revealed to me. Her solo on the Champloo album perhaps wasn’t my favorite, but it brought her vocal ability to my attention, and I like the overall sound.

Michishige Sayumi

6. Sayu (-1)

It seems she lost some of that squishiness. No biggie, but that was at least a little part of what made her stand out to me. Despite the questionable quality of her singing voice, I enjoyed her duet with Risa and her solo on Platinum 9 Disc. As the third in the new v-u-den, she rocks as well; mixing in some cute and rounding out the new group’s image.

On the whole, it seems like she isn’t being given the chance to be cute and idoly much anymore, tho that might just be my lack of exposure to the group in general, I’m just not seeing it.

Kamei Eri

7. Eri

Beautiful girl yeah, beautiful, just beautiful… but she still hasn’t managed to leave any sort of impression on me, outside of singing capability. Might be she’s not being given the chance to stand out, or like I hinted with Sayu, perhaps I’m just not paying attention. She’s supposedly a bit airheaded or somethin’, but I don’t see that either. I got nothin’.

Mitsui Aika

8. Aika (-2)

Her forehead is a bit intimidating… why do they always feel the need to pull her hair back. Anyway, she’s still cute or whatever, most of the time… maybe; on stage tho she’s like, not even there. Hmm, she’s also in Guardians 4 and the new Tanpopo… nope, still doesn’t stand out at all.

H!P Poll 2009

My ten are packed with the Kids of course, with Berryz and °C-ute filling the top spots. I’ve got my thoughts on them detailed in my rankings posts if you’re interested.

Ne~e? Matsuura Aya has always been a favorite of mine. She was one of, if not the first H!P act that I had heard or seen. I’ve always enjoyed some of her earlier works, and while I believe that some of her more recent stuff isn’t as good, I love it all the same. Also, can’t forget GAM. The combo of Aya and Fujimoto Miki really worked.

Abe Natsumi, was introduced to me when she did the duet with Maimi early last year. Through a bit of searching I found Koi no Telephone Goal and a few others that I’ve enjoyed. Seeing her in some of the older Morning Musume songs and shows, she’s not only cute, but fun. With SALT5, DEF.DIVA and Nochiura Natsumi she’s also done some enjoyable work. She’s also one of the few in H!P who are around my age, haha.

Yoshizawa Hitomi was a hit during her English lessons. Really played up the tom boy role with the Musumes and has always been cool with Gatas and Hangry & Angry. Her personality has always stood out to me, and that earns her a spot in my tops.

Mmm Berryz. Please excuse any ramblings, incoherentness or the like, but man, I love me some Berryz if you couldn’t tell. My reintroduction to Hello! Project was at the hands of Berryz Koubou. Gag 100kaibun Aishite Kudasai specifically had me hooked with the cute upbeat sound. Then the dance shot version of the song, something I had never really seen before. As I was watching, I was overloaded with cute.

Berryz Koubou

My continued exploration into this group of 7 unearthed a wide variety of songs, all with equal parts cute and addictiveness. There’s something about the extremely adorable that just sits right with me. Eventually this lead me into my exploration of all of Hello! Project, of which I am a fairly big fan today.

A recent conversation came up while I was out one night in which the subject of Japanese music was stirred. It was then when I came to realize, well after being explicitly told, that Japanese music has literally changed my life. Around the time I started into Japanese music, I also started looking more and more into Japanese culture in general. It was something that I wanted to experience first hand but some of those experiences required, or rather, would be more easily attainable if I went through the education route. I somewhat chronicle that on my other blog. So I’m in school now, aiming for a Bachelors Degree in International Studies. More recently, I’ve left my job of five years, so that I can more easily focus on this.

Anyway, music was the catalyst. I’ve not really been into the music scene at all before I discovered Japanese music. Japanese music, culture, society, &c is one of the few things I’m really passionate about. Berryz is a big part of that.

Favorite Songs

Darling I LOVE YOU (Berryz Koubou ver.)
Kono Yubi Tomare!
CLAP!

Other Favorites (Singles)

21ji Made no Cinderella
Dakishimete Dakishimete
Dschinghis Khan
Gag 100kaibun Aishite Kudasai
MADAYADE
Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance

Honorable Mentions

Warera! Berryz Kamen
Special Generation (Eccentric Remix)

The Girls

Chinami

1. Chinami

Are there words to describe it? I’m not too sure, but I’ll give it my best shot. When she smiles I smile, a big grin flashes across my face. In general, when other people are happy, it makes me happy. Chii tho, has something special. There’s an extra bit of excitement that overcomes me whenever she is on screen.

When Chii speaks it strikes me with an overwhelming sense of cuteness. Her voice, the pitch, is high but not enough to be annoying. When she sings, the cuteness also radiates through, enticing what little bit of emotion that I do have, where as I’m otherwise in a fairly emotionless state. She’s not the best singer, but when she’s letting it out, it almost melts me.

On stage, Chii always seems to be genki and full of energy. Her moves are sharp and fun, always a great deal of fun to watch. Not the best dancer, but you can tell she puts the effort into making the group look good. She doesn’t get many lines in the songs, I guess she has to put that effort somewhere.

All of that, and I know it’s just a facade. The whole idol thing is really. But the prepped package is part of being a Wota, and that’s why I enjoy it so much.

She’s got the cute tomboy look with the short hair, and looks just as dazzling with it long. Chii is at the maximum of cute, what more needs to be said?

I realize I’m fanboing to a certain degree. But the adorableness that is Chii, it has inundated and captured me. Let me stop as this truly and surely could be, a most embarrassing idolization for the entire world to see.

Maasa

2. Maasa

Number two in the trio of Berryz underdogs. Massive Maasa ain’t so massive anymore, but she’s still the same Maasa down inside. Maasa has jumped up one spot in my rankings, and that’s partially due to her performance as Berryz Kamen Leader. Red for the win. She displays a lot pf personality so she’s cool to watch. She’s got a nice deepish singing voice as well. When she talks, she’s got an adorable lisp going on, tho it’s not as noticeable as perhaps it was early in the Berryz days. Also when talking, her mouth… it fascinates me. I’m not sure how to describe it exactly, but it’s very cute. It’s just one of things that makes her stand out.

Captain

3. Captain

Saki time, break it down. Do, do do, do doo. That was me doing a little jig if you couldn’t tell. Captain is so much fun with her energetic dance moves. It’s that and her position in High-King that really got me to notice her. Her forced looking smiles early on were a bit of a put off, but she has seemed to become more comfortable and natural now. She’s still a bit reserved but she makes up for that on the dance floor.

Momoko

4. Momoko

Momo is like, the perfect idol. A perfectness that creates a sense that you probably either love her or hate her for it. Her squeaky voice can be fun and entertaining, but she can also reel it in and produce something simply delightful. Her trademark pinkies up, and skipping around playfully, it’s amusing, just as an idol should be. As she furiously blinks her eyes when she’s mad or irritated, you really get to feel her emotion, without feeling threatened. It’s the little traits like these that make Momo so appealing.

Miyabi

5. Miyabi

Personally, I think she has the best voice among all of the Kids. I might even say that I enjoy her voice the most out of all of Hello! Project. Whenever she’s singing, her voice usually stands out, and I think it’s great. In addition to being a great singer, she can also dance. Miya is fairly well rounded and talented idol, but in a sea of Berryz, it takes a bit more than that to stand out for me.

Kumai

6. Kumai

Since my last Berryz ranking, Yurina has dropped quite considerably from where she was at first. From two, she is now in the sixth spot for the same reasons why Captain was here before, she’s gotten a bit boring. She’s tall… and that’s about it. Well, she does have one of the better voices in the group, but that doesn’t make up for it, to pass all of the other interesting personalities she’s competing with. It might have been her paring with Chinami that first got me to notice her, they’ve been put together quite a few times and I’ve found her often enjoyable when doing so. She’s just lost her spark. I will say tho, she does look good in the Dakishimete PV.

Risako

9. Risako

There aren’t any Wonderful Hearts that I activly dislike, but Risako is someone I don’t not like. Wait, did that make any sense… I’m sorry Rii, I know you mean well. (T_T). Of the Berryz, she is the one with the “I know you think I’m something and I know I’m something” thing. I’m just having a hard time figuring out what that something is. She is cute and she does have an alright voice sometimes, but there’s something to her that bugs me. Maybe it’s her little pouty faces and failed attempts at seriousness and cool that comes across in PVs and concerts. There also seems to be a lack of effort in about everything I see her do. Buhhhh, I know they’re pushing her hard and she’s under a lot of stress and pressure, and she is the youngest of the Berryz, but in the end she still manages to annoy me for whatever reason. I just feel bad for not not disliking her. Maybe it’s my love for Berryz as a whole that makes it so hard. And I mean, just look at that picture, what is that face… what is that something she’s trying to convey.

Buono!

Group together the best voices of the Kids along with some interesting personalities and you get the awesomeness that is Buono! And don’t forget the rockish aura. Buono!’s unique rock style on both the instrumental and somewhat in their clothing style is just great. It really adds an interesting dimension to the group while also giving them a grand stage presense.

Tied to the Shugo Chara anime, I’m wondering what their future holds. They’ve recently been pushed back a bit by Shugo Chara Egg!. Even so, that hasn’t affected their music, so I hope to see them stick around.

Favorite Songs

Rottara Rottara

Other Favorites (Singles)

co・no・mi・chi
Renai♥Rider

Honorable Mentions

Kiss!Kiss!Kiss!
Minna Daisuki
I NEED YOU
Gachinko de Ikou!
Goal
Lady Panther

The Girls

Momoko

1. Momoko

I’ve said before, there’s always one of them in a group. This time, it’s Momo who takes the ““I know you think I’m cute and I know I’m cute” role. In this case however, she’s won me over, yeah, she’s kinda cute. In Renai♥Rider she’s riding the little tricycle, while the others are on their nifty motorcycles. Also in Renai♥Rider, she’s go that little solo with the ukulele, awesomely cute. Then in Kiss!Kiss!Kiss! again with the kiddy stuff, she gets stuck reading a baby book, while the others are reading, uh, real books. I was apprehensive about being trapped by this little cuteness trick they were pulling, but in the end, I’ve fallen for it. The little Leader of Buono! has earned her position. Her drumming thing in the band also seems to fit. I get the picture of a spoiled brat who likes to smash and bang on stuff until she gets her way, totally fits.

Airi

2. Airi

Cute Airi is cute. Initially she felt a little out of place when interacting with the two Berryz members, was kind of weird at times. It didn’t take long for everything to click however, and now she just seems like one of the team. In Buono! as in °C-ute, Airi is really able to flex her idol muscle, by not only being a great singer, but being generally good or otherwise entertaining at whatever she’s doing.

Miyabi

3. Miyabi

So, Buono! is made up of two little girls and this woman. Woman, indeed. Even when acting childish and playful, she’s still got this air of womanness. Or, she’s motherly or something, haha. Because of that, she is fairly distinct in her mannerisms. It’s always fun to see how she’ll react in certain situations. Anyway, glad to have her here, Buono! wouldn’t be the same with any other combination of Kids.

Three of four in the Wonderful Hearts line up, °C-ute’s got an interesting discography that is quite enjoyable. I had just gotten into Hello! Project around the time that Tokaikko Junjou was released. The song was supposedly a cool, revolutionary-ish style for the group, one which didn’t really catch me. Followed up with LALALA and their third album, I’d say they were a bit of a disappointment, especially after high expectations from when they won the Best New Artist award.

°C-ute

All that said, I actually like most of their stuff, I just feel it’s nothing to get too enthused over. It’s a case tho, of enjoying their earlier releases more so than their more recent. Sakura Chirari was one of the first singles I picked up from then, followed a bit later by Ooki na Ai de Motenashite and Massara Blue Jeans. Sakura Chirari is a fairly simple song, and the video isn’t too complex either, but as I’m a simple guy, it’s one of my favorites. To this point, I’ve grabbed all of their discography from iTunes and will continue to follow them somewhat closely. What can I say, I love the Kids.

It wasn’t until after the Berryz Kamen vs Cutie Ranger concert that I really started looking into the members themselves, rather than just the music. The little Ranger skits and other promo materials were great. With Berikyuu and Yorosen, they got even more exposure and I’ve been able to pick out a few favorites based on personalities and such. I’ve not bought a lot of °C-ute merchandise outside of a couple of photosets and a poster. I don’t see that changing much, but for the joint concerts and other group events, I’ll keep an eye out.

Favorite Songs

Darling I LOVE YOU (°C-ute ver.)
One’s LIFE

Other Favorites (Singles)

FOREVER LOVE
Sakura Chirari

Honorable Mentions

Jump
Bokura no Kagayaki

The Girls

Airi

1. Airi

Okay, firstly, I’ll admit that I was passingly influenced by a certain someone to bump her up to the number one spot. But reflecting on it, she deserves to be there. One big reason, is because of her voice. Arguably, she has the best voice in °C-ute, she just sounds great no matter what she’s singing. I was a little bit underwhelmed by her solo song, Yes! all my family, on their latest album. Just a little. Whatever, Airi is Airi so it’s alright. She has the potential to go solo, but I don’t know, I’d rather she not be spread out too much if that makes sense.

Oh, but that’s not all. She’s got that golf thingy of hers. And she’s got great drawing skills. And she’s got, other stuff… It doesn’t hurt that she’s super cute too, mussed up teeth and all. Airi overall seems like she’d be a fun person to hang around with, you know?

Maimi

2. Maimi

Leader and a scatterbrain, all the while pulling off a big sister kind of role. She seems really mature when she needs to be, but also knows how to be laid back and play dumb when appropriate. She’s got a deepish voice, which stands out of all the members of °C-ute, which I quite like. She’s also got a unique appearance, an adult and womanly charm of sorts. I first took notice of her at the time she released that duet with Abe Natsume, 16sai no Koi Nante, back in early 2008. Loved the song, and gained a greater appreciation for both Maimi and Abe. It was a great pairing. Next up, she appeared in High-King. This really allowed her to showcase her dancing skill, she’s got some great moves.

Erika

3. Erika

She does seem loud and obnoxious a lot of the time. Perhaps that’s why I like her tho? I’m not completely sure. I do enjoy her Tension Ageko persona and other acts she puts on, but too much can be a tad annoying. Erika is the oldest of all the Kids, but for whatever reason, it doesn’t seem that way. She kind of reminds me of a mouse or some other rodent, haha, but she’s cute, lol. That nose, those lil bucked teeth. She’s really changed since her ZYX days anyway.

Kanna

4. Kanna

Leader of the Cutie Rangers, decked out in red. Kanna was an Egg, the only one in the Kids groups who’s not actually one of the Kids. That doesn’t take anything away from her tho. [insert lesbian joke here]. Her, um, overaffectionism is kinda cute at times. There’s nothing remarkable about her, but she is fun to watch. I hope her hiatus from the group doesn’t last too long.

Chisa

5. Chisa

Chisato was higher on my list at one point, but she ruined it by being a bad sport after loosing the Berryz vs °C-ute bowling game. Haha, I have to say, it feels kind of funny for demoting her for something like that. That aside, she’s an interesting character. Another one with a pretty good voice, and cute as well. She’s got that tomboyish appeal, but she can also pull off a variety of other looks as well.

Maimai

6. Maimai

What a cutie, and the youngest of all the Kids. I like her voice also. In One’s LIFE, I really enjoyed her solo lines. With that out of the way, she has that “I know you think I’m cute and I know I’m cute” vibe. There’s always one of them it seems.

Saki

7. Saki

In the case of °C-ute, being last isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just means I like the other members more, by whatever tiny margin. Saki is one of the better movers and shakers in the group, as evidenced by her dance off with Captain of Berryz . That was a great one.

I’m not the biggest of Morning Musume fans, but I think I know enough to give this a try. Of the Wonderful Hearts, Morning Musume is my least favorite. I enjoy the music, but have not felt motivated enough to go much beyond that. Initial hesitations came from the size of the group. Too many to form any sort of attachment perhaps, and then the feeling of a choir, no individualized sound. Scanning through their discography tho, I’ve been able to find enough that is enjoyable and still mostly like their more recent releases.

Morning Musume

As for my first look into the world of Hello! Project, I believe the first Morning Musume song I heard was back around 2003, when I saw the video for Koi no Dance Site. It was a bit quirky, and catchy even, but not enough to get me to check into it any further.

Before I really started listening to Japanese music, another point of introduction to Morning Musume was through Ayaka’s suprise English lessons. Ah, the struggling and muttering of broken English, too cute. Yoshizawa Hitomi stood out for me at the time, as did Konno Asami and Yasuda Kei.

A few of my first purchases from Morning Musume included Souda! We’re Alive and Go Girl ~Koi no Victory~, still a couple of my favorites today. I only own about 50 of their songs, but I’ve heard a lot more. One of these days I’ll circle back and pick up some of their older stuff.

Now, on to the rankings and such.

Favorite Songs

Chokkan 2 ~Nogashita Sakana wa Ookiizo!~ (Mattaku Sono Toori Remix)
Souda! We’re Alive
Tsuyoki de Yukouze!

Other Favorites (Singles)

Go Girl ~Koi no Victory~
Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari
Koi no Dance Site
Koko ni Iruzee!
Naichau Kamo
Osaka Koi no Uta
Pepper Keibu
Resonant Blue

The Girls

Junjun

1. Junjun

The Banana Princess is indeed my favorite. Quirky and adorable. One of the two Chinese MM members, during her introduction her Japanese is really cute. She’s gotten much better since then and she’s just fun to watch.

Risa

2. Risa

She caught my eye in Souda! We’re Alive. Firstly with her little pigtails and perhaps there was something a little bit tomboyish about her. Well, maybe that can be attributed to her voice. It really stood out amongst the crowd and still does today. It’s strong and solid, and deeper than the others. Now she’s all growed up and pretty, not so little anymore. One of the older members in MM (tenure), I hope she sticks around.

Koha

3. Koha

First of all, let’s get one thing straight: Crack is wack, but it does make for some entertaining idols. Koha is kinda crazy, which is what makes her so much fun. Sure she can’t sing that well, or – at all, whatever, her songs  are catchy, unique and energetic and I seem to enjoy a good lot of them. It’s this one of a kind personality of hers that gives her high marks in my book.

Ai

4. Ai

I don’t know, she’s a bit boring really, haha. But she has a great voice and she can dance. What I remember from her is being teased by the other girls for her accent. Not sure where she’s from but I always thought that was cute. Also, she has a big mouth, huh,  or something that otherwise makes her characteristically unique.

Reina

5. Reina

Again, good voice and a decent dancer. What sets her apart tho, well aside from her stick figure (?), is her personality. It’s kind of like, “I know you think I’m hot and I know I’m hot.” That’s the vibe I get anyway. Nothing wrong with that, just a bit off putting in general. She’s fun to watch sometimes.

Sayumi

6. Sayumi

She’s uhhh, squishy? There’s not much to say about her other than she’s cute. She’s probably not got the worst voice of the group, but it’s down there. She and the other girls acknowledge that I think, so it somewhat makes things alright, as you know she’s trying.

Aika

7. Aika

Another one who has the cute thing going for her, but not much else from what I can tell. She was also part of the awesomeness that is Athena & Robikerottsu, so props for that.

Eri

8. Eri

This one is sort of a mystery to me. I know she has a decent voice but she doesn’t stand out at all. It’s kind of weird, cause she’s been around for a while.

Linlin

9. Linlin

Well, someones got to be last. She’s not too attractive comparatively speaking. Yeah, that little caveat doesn’t make it sound any less harsh. Anyway, I’ve just not seen enough of her to get any sort of impression, favorable or otherwise. From what I can tell, she does have a nice voice tho.