THANK YOU!!!

For convincing me to go. Believe it or not, it did take a little bit of encouragement, I was initially hesitant. School started last week and so I’m missing the first couple of days. On top of that I had just come back from Japan not too long ago, and my money supply was more than a bit limited, heh. It didn’t take too much prodding however; I mean, how could I pass up the opportunity?

ありがとう！！！

For setting this all up for me. Filling out and sending in the applications, waiting on the mail to deliver the various documents you needed from me, answering my questions. I could go on an on, but I’ll just say that I am very grateful for everything that has been done for me to get me here.

Then there’s the friendly and helpful staff, to everyone involved. Thanks all.

Now, if by the title of this post it’s not obvious as to what it is that I’m talking about: I got to go to the Berryz Kobo Fanclub Tour in HAWAII! Or I guess, technically I’m still here, but the main events have since concluded. I had intended to keep this really short but, no matter, I just wanted to share some of my experience.

８月２７日（金）ファンの集い

Beri Hello Name; Roll Call

First, before I get to the event itself, we were to choose a Beri Hello Name for ourselvs. The Beri Hello Name is basically a nickname for use during the event. I was thinking I’d choose “solo” but that just wouldn’t do, yeah. I decided on “Kentucky.” This is an interesting one, because Kentucky is short for Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in Japan. An intentional setup for Kenchiki jokes. It also setup an interesting scenario where when people would ask where I was from, my answer of course would be, Kentucky. Clever little thing I did there methinks, most seemed amused by it anyway.

So that’s where the event starts. We’re outside divided into 23 teams of 10, under four separate pavilions, situated around an open area. Berryz come out, say hello and do their introductions. They each have their own Names too. Captain’s Name for example, is “Saki.” At first I was like, what? LOL. She wasn’t the only one to do this tho. In the end it makes sense, and they did explain their choice. Captain is Captain, so Saki fits. Let’s see, Yuu-chan, Momo-chi, Na-chan, Chinami, Risako, Maasa. Yeah, I know I have a few of those wrong (also, excuse me switching between the different names throughout the writeup).

With Berryz names out of the way, it was time to take role. Each one fo the girls would grab a random group of 30 names and head over to the tables. They’d read off the names one at a time, and each person would respond “Hai.” At the end of reading off 10 names for the people at the particular table, they were presented a gift of some photos and some red thing that folded out that nobody could figure out what it was (tho, it’s use makes sense later into things).

Risako came to my table. I believe she recognized me from the last two Berryz concert tours. Where in the one she smiled and waved back at me, and in another I had done something creative with one of my glowsticks that got a chuckle out of her. In any case, this would be I guess, my first time “meeting” someone from Berryz Koubou.

Game Time

With the roll complete, it was time to play some games. Each fanclub member would have a chance to grab an envelope, and interact with one of the girls in the form of a game of jankenpon or to answer a trivia question. Win or answer the question correct and you’d get a point for your team. When I went up I was directed to Risako where she asked me a trivia question. Uh oh, heh. She started reading the piece of paper I had handed her and all I could make out of it was something about August twenty something and otanjoubi. My answer was Miyabi, but that was wrong, LOL. Anyway, I wasn’t the only person in my team to get a wrong answer so it’s not like I let us down or anything, hehe. The next game was a water balloon toss. Pretty simple really. Berryz would toss you a water balloon, catch it and you get a point for your team. At the end of the bought of games, a winning team was announced and they got some candy leis. They were called to the stage and Berryz presented it to them.

Team Canvas

Berryz had decorated a largish canvas, not as big as the one last year, but a similar type thing to give an idea; they brought it out to show everyone. And now, each of the 23 teams also had a canvas of their own to decorate. During the decoration process each Berryz member would come around and give the team one of a myriad of stickers they had designed. Giving me a chance to meet the rest of Berryz. Of note is when Momoko came to our table and she was asked by someone in my team to put her sticker on the back of the canvas. She was not happy, tho in a playful type of way.

Also of note, was Chinami of course! I happened to be teamed up with one of the guys who helped organize Chinami’s birthday concert last May. So while we didn’t really know each other, we did know each other, heh, and he knows of me and my interest in Berryz in general without me having had to say much of anything. Anyway, the guys in my team all know Chinami is my girl, so they kinda set me up when she came around to our table. Making sure that I was next to her so that we could talk and what not. Now, even tho It might seem I’m being a bit verbose in describing things, I’m leaving a bit out, just so that’s clear. In any case, I got to talk to her, and tell her where it was okay to put the sticker. She said “Okay” and made a little okay sign, to which I replied in kind. Good ol’ wotas setting me up like that. Another thing that just jumped out is when someone asked her to say something in English. Her choice of words was only one. “Cucumber.”

With Berryz finished distributing their stickers, they would then exit in the direction they came in, leaving us some time to finish decorating our canvas. As they’re walking out, waving to everyone, Chinami is taking her time strolling along. She then stops to say something to the camera and so is the last to leave. I maneuver myself so that I’m in open view of the exit. “Chi-na-mi,” I shout out, which grabs her attention. “Bye, bye,” I say. She waves, smiles and returns the byes. “Nice shout,” &c is told to me by the wota in the pavilion, an encouraging bunch they are.

As the teams were finishing up their canvases, a group of wota came over to my teams table to say hi. A couple I had seen before, but otherwise they were all new faces to me. Anyway, we chatted a bit. Thy asked about my interest in the group, about my tattoo (which they brought up, knowing of it from others) and such and such. Just to restate, what a cool bunch of people these guys and gals are, yeah.

Canvas is finished, so it’s time for a group shot. We take or canvas up a hill where Berryz are now prepped and waiting. My team reorders themselves so that we’ll all be standing in front of or favorite members. Picture shot and it’s on to the next planned happening.

Evening Meal

Berryz serve us dinner!

First in the service line was Risako, who handed out the plates and a fork. Second was Nacchan with a hot dog bun. Saki, with the hot dog. When I got to Saki, she pointed out my name, Kentucky; at which point Miyabi leaned over to read my name tag as well. Next up was Momo-chii with a handful of curly fries, “Kentucky-kun” she said in a really cute voice. Yuu-chan dropped some salad on and off my plate, hehe, before I moved on and Maasa topped off the salad with some dressing. At the end, Chinami handed me a drink.

When I got to Chinami she repeated “Kentucky” as the others had before her. She said it a few times actually. I replied “Hai, Kentucky” and pointed to my name tag, “Kentucky ni sunde imasu.” Now, an interesting thing happened when the other wota, both in line behind me and those back in their seats saw me talking with Chinami. They started to clap and cheer, haha. Amusing.

We were given a little bit of free time, before moving on to the next spot.

Bonfire

In reference to that red thing I mentioned earlier. It was like a little seat cushion thing. The people in the front rows would be sitting on the ground so we eventually put two and two together.

Question and answer time. We all got the chance to fill out a form with a question on it, where the girls would pick one out and answer them. They only did 7 tho, so you were lucky if your question was picked. When your question was read, they’d shuffle over to that side of the group and read it to you up close. Was cool. One thing I thought I’d mention was that as Momo-chi did that cutesy thing she does (Momo, just being Momo, heh) Chinami does that thing she does, where she’s kinda like not really annoyed, but rolls her eyes at it. I find the Momo/Chi interaction lately with regards to that interesting to watch (and as I’ve mentioned elsewhere, it’s not just Chi who kinda picks on Momo either; it’s all in good fun anyway).

After the question and answer, we were treated with a few songs before moving on to the next bit of this event. Curiously, Chinami went missing from the group. Kumai then went on to lead the wota in prayer… or some sort of ceremonial, something… hmm. Obviously I’m not completely sure what she was saying (and I say prayer, cause that’s just what the atmosphere felt like), but the other wota seemed a little bit surprised before she started, but then all calmed and became still as she began speaking. As she finishes up, Chinami is back. Chinami the fire god! She’s in a sparkly pink costume, with a little wand with pink streamers hanging off of it. They do a little bit of talking and then Chinami replaces the pink wand with a long dowel, with a lit lantern at the end. She proceeds to the bonfire (assisted by a bunch of staff) and lights the fire.

With the fire lit, it’s time for some more songs (I should mention, we also sang Happy Birthday to Miyabi, who was surprised by as we started off). This time as they’re singing, they’d circle around the fire a few times, facing the crowd. Periodically some of the water park staff had been adding more fuel to the fire, as it wasn’t all that impressive. It would peak up for a short while but then die down a while later. That is until, WOOOSH!!! The thing takes off like mad, sending the girls running and screaming. The music keeps on anyway, and eventually the girls start another round of circling the fire, coached on by the staff. Chinami was having none of that tho, the fire god was too afraid of the fire to approach it again. The other girls were all pretty hesitant as well. It was nice and exciting experience anyway.

As thing were winding down, Berryz were walking off the “stage” and to the side where some lights and a table were setup. High-Five time! On our way back to the bus, we lined up to give each of the Berryz a high-five. They really hurried people through the line this time. I was determined to go a little bit slower tho, heh. I allowed a little gap in front of me and made my way through. When I got to Chinami her and I exchanged three high-fives, haha. She had something written on her hand, tho I couldn’t make it out.

８月２８日（土）８ショット

おはようございます〜

“Ohayou Gozaimasu~” We were greeted as we entered the conference room, by Berryz who were on stage. “Ohayou Kentucky-san,” Chinami had a personalized greeting for me as I walked by. I feel special. They were also handing out maps, places we should visit, places they recommend or something to that effect. For my 8 shot I did nothing special, the Shaka sign. Chinami was in the center of the photo tho too, right behind me. The shot turned out well I think. I was the last in my group to go up so I did have a little bit of extra time to turn and say bye and thank you. After this we were sent off before we were to regather for the concert later that afternoon.

８月２８日（土）ライブ＆握手合

Live Concert

No play by play of the concert, but there were a couple of things I wanted to point out. One was the rain. Even with sunny skies we’d periodically get bouts of light rain coming down. Berryz were prepared however, as they went around to the back of the stage and grabbed some water guns! They were shooting each other as well as the audience. Good fun. Saw a couple of rainbows, one that came out right at the end of Seishun Oodori, which seemed wholly appropriate.

Mixed in with the Berryz songs were a couple of the covers from their Summer mini album. Chinami, Yurina and Miyabi with Chu Natsu Party. Risako solo (Risako’s outfit …), Yeah! Meccha Holiday. While Captain, Maasa and Momoko wrapped up the mini groups with Halation Summer. An enjoyable concert despite the heat that started things off and the rain that ended it.

Handshake

Epic (^_^)

Not gonna say much more than that, to keep it as kinda a special thing between me and each one of the girls, you know? Tho I will mention, as I have seen some discussion on 2ch about it, that Chinami’s loud and animated interaction with me at the time really put the icing on the cake to the whole event. While things end here, it has created so much lasting memory.

Berryz Koubou 2010

Berryz Koubou 2010 Ranking 2009 Ranking

My desire to follow the other H!P groups has dropped off, but Berryz have continued to draw me in deeper and deeper to the idol world. Or I guess to clarify, Berryz have always been number one for me and beyond that, in the sense of being a fan of Japanese idols, no one other group has really held that much importance to me. What can I say, I’m a Berryz wota through and through and I don’t think anything will change that any time soon.

Over the past year I’ve gotten to see Berryz live a few times and that strengthens my admiration and appreciation even further. It truly is an awesome experience seeing them dance and sing up close. Past that, watching their trip to Hawaii, their making-ofs, special events and what not might not provide the same type of experience as seeing them live, but they’re all just different paths that fortify my bond with the group even more. I know they won’t be around forever, but I might as well enjoy the group as much as I can while it lasts.

Favorite Songs

Rival
Tomodachi wa Tomodachi Nanda

Other Favorites (Singles)

21Ji Made no Cinderella
Dakishimete Dakishimete
Dchinghis Khan
Gag 100 Kaibun Aishite Kudasai
MADAYADE
Otakebi Boy WAO!
Seishun Bus Guide
Watashi no Mirai no Danna-sama
Ryuusei Boy
Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance

Honorable Mentions

Warera! Berryz Kamen
Special Generation (Eccentric Remix)
CLAP!
Kono Yume Tomare!

The Girls

Tokunaga Chinami

1. Chinami

For brevity’s sake, cause y’all know I could go on and on, I’m going to try and limit my thoughts a bit on this one. There is no one else in this world that I love more than this girl. There’s much more to say and clarify about that statement, but at the same time, I think it’s pretty clear, isn’t it? …

Congratulations to her on her first photobook last September. I was a little bit apprehensive about the idea of her getting one for a variety of reasons, but once I had it in my hands how could I not feel happy for her. A book of a thousand smiles, no matter where she is, or what she’s wearing, her smile always shines through.

Her solo in the Medachitai concert was absolutely amazing~! Alright I’ll admit that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but look at the source, you get what I’m sayin’. The guys I was sitting with during the concert had asked who my favorite member was before things had started; when it was time for Chinami’s solo they made sure I was ready for it. Their, encouragement I guess, made me feel a lil dopey and coy or whatever, but in the end, anyone there could tell that I was having a great time.

Keep smiling Chii~

Sudo Maasa

2. Maasa

All hail King Maasa! King? Why she’s King of Berryz Koubou of course, with all the poise, power and prestige that goes along with that. While she is more like fourth in line to the Berryz throne, you can’t ignore her commanding presence. Even with the “massive” moniker left far behind, she still holds an air of power and demanding of respect, she’s still that idol who will kick your butt if you cross her.

She may not be as genki as Chinami, or a good as a dancer as Captain, but darn if she ain’t close on both accounts. During their fall concert this girl gave it her all, she really did stand out.

Another Berryz get’s their first photobook! During one of the promo videos where she was talking with Momo about it, she looked so happy. I’m sure it made her feel great, she looks like she put a lot of effort into it. And not that she needed ay more awesome points, but she was diggin’ on some Taco Bell in some of the shots. Enough said.

Shimizu Saki

3. Captain

Saki has upped the cute factor over the past year methinks. She’s mixed in some cool and maturity as well. Not that she wasn’t one of the mature Berryz before, but I’ve really seen her as Captain more and more, rather than say, just the oldest Berryz. In general, she continues to dance circles around the other girls. On stage she pulls it off with a smile and apparent effortlessness, she really is a delight to watch.

Tsugunaga Momoko

4. Momoko

Oh Momo, that thing you do, those things you do, keep at it. Just watch her in Buono! and Berryz and you’ll be doused in cutesy, over exaggerated, sugar coated bubblegum, idol stuffs. It can be a bit much as I’ve seen Chinami and other’s point out a few times (either by stating it outright or by how they act around her). It’s all fun and games tho, and funny to see Chii, Maasa and Miya occasionally picking on her. I say she’s somewhat of a “perfect idol” and I still think the label fits. It’s kind of an act, but deep down you get a sense of who she really is despite all of that.

Sugaya Risako

5. Risako (+2)

Well, well, Risako, how in the world did you ever manage to climb up two spots on my list? That little squint and pout thing you do, it’s still irks me a bit. Your voice ain’t the best and you have a tendency to yell rather than sing. You dance a bit lazily sometimes. You seem to try and act mature somewhat inappropriately, like it’s some sort of front… Okay I’m done. From being an annoyance, all of those little traits I’ve come to accept as Risako just being herself, you know. It’s generally hard to bug me, or get on my nerves in the first place, so I’ve kinda just lightened up, opened up and seen more of Risako from a slightly different point of view; sparked by seeing her live during the summer and fall concerts.

Risako fits the sound of Zoku v-u-den’s ONLY YOU so well and her performance of the song was just splendid. She approached the song with tenacity and powah. During Medachitaii, she was having so much fun on stage and appeared to be feeding off the atmosphere of the audience. Oh, and she smiled and waved at me at one point… how can you not just melt under those circumstances.

They keep on pushing her hard and I’ll continue to say as I’ve said in the past, I hope she can keep up and continue to endure it.

Natsuyaki Miyabi

6. Miyabi (-1)

I still see her as the one in the group who is a little shy, timid, and wields an amazing voice; the one who’s a bit motherly and takes care of the Berryz when they’re feeling a little down. Over the year, I’ve also seen a lot more of the idoly side of Miya, both in Buono! and Berryz. She can switch from fun, to mature, to dimwitted, to playfully angry; truly talented and versatile.

Kumai Yurina

7. Kumai (-1)

Now it really is hard having someone at the bottom of the list, but alas, it has to happen. She’s lost the “boring” label I bestowed upon her last go round and has presented herself as someone fun and entertaining. Her voice might not match perfectly with some of the new groups she’s in, but she does stand out if nothing else.

The lemon vampire thing is in the back of my mind when thinking about Kumai, so is her wonky pose on the cover of one of their recent DVDs, oh and her crying when having to chomp on that tomato. More recently tho I’m reminded of her running on the treadmill thing during the Otakebi making of. Her style of running, which has been showcased before, is completely wonky, it’s adorable. Then she misplaces her gloves, a minor thing, but cute nonetheless. So cheesy and a little absent minded, just want to go over and give her a big ol’ bear hug.

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. And… I guess I can’t go without saying something about her legs (-_-)’. Hmm, I just said all I’m going to say about that I think, lol. 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.

All you need is love!

I challenge you to find the best example of idol love. Showcase this “love” as your post for Wota Wonderings #2.

That first little bit of nagaliciousness was brought to you in part by Berryz Koubou’s Gag 100kaibun Aishite Kudasai. The song that introduced me to Berryz, and remains one of my favorites to this day.

My original plan to sing a few love songs has failed. And well, this is by no means the best example of idol love, but it is my love, and it’s all I could come up with with all of life’s other goings on. If I had the time, perhaps I could learn a few dances. Oh what fun that could have been. In the end, I’ve decided to string together a few hiaku to show my “love” and support for Berryz Koubou.

Tokunaga Chinami

beautiful smile
with presence full of laughter
brightens up my day

Sudou Maasa

powerful figure
hidden behind a red mask
strong and supportive

Shimizu Saki

leading the workshop
awash with pop and vigor
captain, job well done

Tsugunaga Momoko

playfully, a true
idol personality
to be commended

Natsuyaki Miyabi

an alluring voice
both solo and in chorus
an asset to all

Kumai Yurina

a central pillar
to prop the main and minor
towering splendor

Sugaya Risako

pushed to the limit
a flower ready to bloom
all hope for the best