Idol Chatter

Kaito Reinya Episode 07 Subtitled Release

2010-02-25T11:30:00.000-08:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

Episode 07. Quite funny.

click here to grab the release from the H!O tracker.
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Kaito Reinya Episode 06 Subtitled Release

2010-02-17T20:24:00.001-08:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

Episode 06 of Kaito Reinya arrives, and it's quite good.

Sorry for the slight delay with this week's release. C'est la vie...

click here to grab the release from the H!O tracker.
Or click here to grab from megaupload.

Hello! Project on Mezamashi TV Subtitled Release

2010-02-15T22:22:00.000-08:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

The idol hobby is an act of observation. We look in on these girls lives. We witness their successes and failures, their ups and their downs, their careers and their lives. But what are the observers like? Who is watching the watchers…?

It is a rare occurrence to observe the wota—to observe the fans who observe our idols. And thanks to Mezamashi TV (Think Good Morning America), and announcer Karube Shin-ichi, you will get that chance. If you’ve never been to a H!P show, yourself, this is a quick little look into this micro-world that surrounds the world we all know so well.

ICU always picks videos that we believe are interesting, unique, important, or useful—Despite this video’s short size, a few of our members deemed to be so.

click here to grab the release from the H!O tracker.
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Q & A with Aichan on the radio

2010-02-14T14:04:00.000-08:00

By: Zabel

I'm gonna give ya a full translation of Aichan's appearance on the radio show Nack5 Fanky Friday from two days ago. I say full translation although I've shortened/paraphrased parts. The conversation was recorded over the phone and consisted of the host asking yes/no questions where Aichan was to answer yes or no in English. (often accompanied with a cute giggle)

Kobayashi: Is it hard being Morning Musume's leader.
Takahashi: Yes.
K: What kind of things do you have to do?
T: Organize the others, tell them important things. There's not that much to do, but I'm poor at speaking. I trip up when I speak so I have trouble getting across.

K: Since everyone's blood type (personality) is different, is it hard to organize them?
T: No.
K: Are their blood types (personalities) different?
T: They are, but it's not so hard.

K: Your new single is your 42nd. Can you name the titles of all 42?
T: Yes.
K: Do you sing songs from before you joined?
T: We do.
K: Which out of the previous 41 singles is your favorite.
T: I like Do it Now.
K: How about the early era?
T: I like Memory Seishun no Hikari.
K: Each member has her favorites, huh?
T: Yeah, some girls like the bright songs. I like the kind of dark emotional ones.

K: Does producer Tsunku give instruction in fine particulars?
T: Yes.
K: So he does?
T: Like on rhythm, or about speaking in concerts.
K: What does he say to you?
T: In the beginning he instructed me on rhythm a lot. I tended to go too fast. More recently it was about being a leader, and he taught me tsukkomi.
K: Would you say you are more boke than tsukkomi?
T: Neither I guess. Maybe boke.

K: So you like Takaraduka?
T: Yes.
K: Would you want to play the male or female role?
T: If my height wasn't a factor, the male role. Otherwise it would have to be the female role.

K: Are you bad at shopping by yourself?
T: No.
K: Are you the type who buys lots of stuff?
T: Yes.
K: Does shopping relieve stress for you?
T: It does.
K: What is something big you have bought recently?
T: Detergent. I like to buy a lot of it at once.

K: When you were a kid did you participate in Nodo Jiman?
T: Yes.
K: What were you good at singing?
T: Well I was in chorus so I did a lot of singing, and before that I went to karaoke a lot. I sang Nakamori Akina.
K: So you were good at singing.
T: I dunno about that, but I like singing.

K: Would you like to live leisurely in Fukui?
T: Yes.
K: When you are busy you don't get much sleep. Is that so?
T: I get sleep. But the trains in Tokyo come so fast. It's convenient, but in my home town a train comes only once every hour. Sometimes it's nice to live in a place like that where the pace is slow.
K: After you marry or retire, would you want to live in Fukui?
T: Yeah somewhere where it's laid back.

K: Do you often sing Morning Musume songs at karaoke?
T: Yes.
K: Are you best at singing the songs you like best?
T: Yeah, I sing the songs I like, and when I go out with my friends they ask me to sing (MM songs).
K: So your friends are going, "It's the real thing!"
T: Yeah. (laugh)

K: Should an idol need to update a blog every day?
T: No.
K: Do you blog?
T: I don't have one.
K: Do the others?
T: Morning Musume doesn't blog.
K: Because of company policy?
T: Probably. But I'd like to. For a time I did some blogging for a play, and I'd never had that experience before. It was fun.

K: Was it your mom who applied for your audition to Morning Musume?
T: No.
K: Did other members' moms apply for them?
T: I haven't really heard so. I think they applied themselves.

K: Do you pay attention to the charts when you release a single?
T: Yes.

K: Do you like umeshu better than beer?
T: Yes.

K: Because you're the leader, do you quarrel with the staff, etc on behalf of the others?
T: Yes.
K: Have you done so recently?
T: Well, recently, since there's a lot of members and we're girls, it was something along the lines of, "Be careful how you speak to them." If there's something bothering us, I'll tell them this is how we feel.
K: You must feel like you're the leader at such times.
T: Yeah, like if I don't say it, nothing will change.

K: As the leader do you know a lot of members' secrets?
T: No.
K: You don't know?
T: I don't know. I don't really ask them. Well, when giving advice a little, but I don't really know their secrets.
K: Are your own secrets known?
T: No.

K: Do you sing enka?
T: No. I haven't sung enka, but I'd like to try.
K: Do your parents sing enka?
T: My dad likes to sing Shima Uta. But that's not enka.
(cool dad! Shima Uta is a good tune)

K: Marriage is something you don't need to think about for now?
T: Yes.
K: The company probably tells you how you need to be mindful of the fans and things like that, huh?
T: Yeah, being a Morning Musume.
K: When would it be okay to get married?
T: After I graduate, probably any age would be okay.
K: But do you want to be in love? Are you now?
T: No.
K: Is there someone you'd like to be with?
T: Well I'd like to be, and the songs I sing have to do with love, but I'm not thinking of that now.

K: Do you check on other female idol groups?
T: Yes.
K: There's quite a lot of them even in your own company. Are you friends with them, and do you check on them?
T: Well I'm the eldest in Hello! Project and the leader of the whole body, so well, you know, they're my juniors so I notice them.
K: The eldest, huh?
T: 23.
K: When I was a 1st year student in college, a female 4th year student thought of herself as an old lady and I thought that was silly. But do you feel that way?
T: Well yes, I'm the eldest even in Morning Musume, so I get that treatment. It was that way from age 20. So I don't really feel I'm young.
K: In that case, when you graduate you'll become very young again.
T: Is that so? (laugh)

K: Do you go to graduated Morning Musume members for advice?
T: Yes.
K: Is there one of them you're particularly close to?
T: I see Yoshizawa now and then and she gives me advice.

K: Is producer Tsunku a genius?
T: Yes.
K: What impresses you about him?
T: He has all these groups, not just Morning Musume, and makes so many songs. The melody is different each time. It thought it was amazing how he got the idea for Kimagure Princess by looking at his daughter's butt.
K: He has kept making so many songs.
T: He's really great. And not just singles, but songs for albums too. More songs than you can count.
K: Do you feel like you want to become like him?
T: I can't be like him. I can't beat him.

K: Are you ignorant about politics and economics?
T: Yes.
K: But are you interested in it?
T: I'm interested, but I joined Morning Musume in junior high school not knowing those things. It would have been nice to have studied them more.
K: But for instance, do you care about like how the highway will become free of charge if they win the election, or like receiving financial aid for giving birth, and things like that?
T: Well I was impressed when the highway toll went to 1000 yen. (laugh)

K: If you have a daughter in the future, would you want her to enter a Morning Musume audition?
T: Yes.
K: You wouldn't want her to stay away?
T: Well, it's tough and stressful, but I know the good things about being Morning Musume. I'd kind of like to see that.

K: Have you ever received an expensive present from a fan?
T: Yes.

K: Is Morning Musume a dream job?
T: Yes.

K: But do you have quarrels with the other members?
T: Yes.

K: Are you the weakest at quarreling?
T: No, I guess.

K: The day after tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Will you give lots of chocolates?
T: Yes.

That's the interview. Did you learn anything new about our Lovely Commander? ^^

Possibly today I should be putting a sub of the recent On-ryu guest appearance (Ai, Risa, Linlin) on the Hello! Online tracker, so keep an eye out for that.

Dai 10 Dan - Cutie Land 2 Subtitled Release

2010-02-08T00:50:00.000-08:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

An ICU-Subs & Hello!Fansubs Inter-group Collaboration Project.

I love poetry, and a glass of scotch, and, of course, I love Hello! Project fansubs. I’m sure you’re exactly like me (Except for the poetry and the scotch), so I bet when you see a new H!F release you’re excited, right? Sure you are. And, I bet you’re excited when you see a new ICU release, right? You betcha. So, what happens when you see that H!F and ICU did a project together…?

You very well might be freaking out now. Don’t worry, no one will blame you. This is kind of a big deal.

It’s always very interesting and insightful to see how another group works and compare it to how you choose to do projects. You might think that two groups (who do things differently) working together would lead to conflicts over project decisions, but this certainly was not the case. This project was about as smooth a bit of sailing as one could ask for. Both groups had a lot of fun working on this together, and that easily makes a project like this worth all the hard work and makes the fruits of that work twice as rewarding.
===================================================

And now a few words about the release itself…

What we have here is a very special release. A fan club event release. A celebration of everyone’s favorite holday, Christmas, with everyone’s favorite hyphenated idol grou, C-ute. Now, you might be asking, “He-Hulk, why do a Christmas release now? Christmas is over.”
Well, my friend, I think the best way to explain it is to quote the immortal words of everyone’s favorite Van Halen lead vocalist, Gary Cherone:

“Christmas always goes too fast
It's up to us make it last
And all I want for Christmas is C-ute”

Ok, I might be slightly paraphrasing the classic Extreme Christmas song, “Christmas Time Again,” but the point is still made. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas, of course. And what is your favorite thing ever? Cute idols, of course. So, if you could enjoy both of those things all year long, wouldn’t you be a fool not to do so? Yes. Yes you would be. And, not that we need another reason, but all C-ute fans of course remember that Maimi, Mai and Saki all were born in Febuary, so, if you think about it, February, in a manner of speaking, is actually Christmas for C-ute fans.

The “Cutie Land” is Cute’s yearly FC event. It’s always a little bit of everything, and this year is no different. Part 1 is a 40 minute stage play. This performance is actually a sequel to C-ute’s very first stage play. 2007’s” Keru no wa C-ute.” Therefore, all the characters from that play are carried over to this play, and the storyline picks up where the previous play left off. It’s a FanClub exclusive treat for all of C-ute’s biggest fans. And, if you haven’t actually seen the first play, don’t worry; ICU and H!F have watched it and have your back. We’ve gone through this release and put in a few Editor’s Notes where needed to explain some of the background details of the first play, and, of course, made sure to notify you before hand if a note is going to be a really big spoiler to the events in the first play, just in case you ever want to watch it yourself. truthfully though, take note that the first play is three years old and has never been translated into English, so most of you probably won’t ever watch it, and therefore virtually no one should be worried about spoilers, anyway.

Next up in this release is the infamous counting of the fan vote for which C-ute skit would carry over into the future. The vote was between “Cutie Girls” “MC Chisa MC Kappa, and DJ MaiMai,” and a few other classic C-ute skits. I won’t spoil the results for you, but real fans actually did vote in this, and it means a lot to the girls to know which of their bits the fans like best, so it’s fun to watch, no doubt.

Finally, the video is rounded out with a C-ute mini live where all the girls dress up in the most awesome Santa Claus suits around. It’s a treat just to watch them perform for their biggest fans, and they give their all since events like these means a lot to them.

When you add everything together you have a jam packed 90 minutes of idol bliss. You can’t beat C-ute (don’t try!), and you definitely can’t beat C-ute doing a show for their Fan Club, since they are the queens of such events. And, when you combine it with Christmas, Santa suits, and C-ute’s biggest fans, you have a release that is definitely worthy of two fansub groups coming together to bring it all to you.

click here to grab the release.

Kaito Reinya Episode 05 Subtitled Release

2010-02-07T09:21:00.001-08:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

Episode 05 of the seminal series.

Sorry about the slight delay in releasing it. The video was ready last night (thanks to all the awesome ICU members who work on it so quickly and efficiently each week), but I got crushed by the east coast snow storm and lost power all day so I couldn’t upload it until today.

This might be my favorite episode yet, so enjoy!

click here to grab the release from the H!O tracker.
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Kaito Reinya Episode 04 Subtitled Release

2010-01-31T03:02:00.001-08:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

The secrets of Reinya's box are revealed (less awesome than it sounds), as we march ever closer to the realization of the Reinya's ultimate goal to break up marriages and become the ultimate thief.

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Kaito Reinya Episode 03 Subtitled Release

2010-01-24T02:06:00.000-08:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

Episode 03 of everyone's favorite anime.

Learn the true origin of Reinya's lethal cat-burglar skills, the name of her favorite soap opera, and more in this weeks outrageous episode!

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May the new year be a Lovely one

2010-01-21T08:31:00.000-08:00

By: Zabel

Another great year to be an Aichan fan is under way! What's in store for Lovely? I have no idea, but I'm counting on her getting the lead role in some new play or TV series, as well as presiding over the addition of new musume some time before the year is up. *After* the stock is replenished through another audition, I won't be shocked if she gets the graduation notice. Before another audition, I will be. Koharu's graduation announcement last year was mildly surprising, but Lovely's would have been far more so. I knew she was pretty much safe up through the end of 2009, and possibly through 2010 as well. She's that critical to the group :)

Aichan recently got a supporting role in Mano Eri's new series, Hanbun Esper, looking sharp in OL duds.

Meanwhile Ichigo ichie continues, which is awesome. I wonder if Aichan herself expected to still be doing it this long? She must be feeling more confident about speaking by her lonesome because she hasn't had a guest on in awhile. She often mentions how she likes playing Final Fantasy XIII, a game us North Americans don't get until March. (But that's okay 'cause I am thoroughly addicted to Demon's Souls at present)

On a TV program promoting FFXIII which she appeared on a month or so ago (ファイナルファンタジーＸＩＩＩの世界に迫る), when the topic of previous installments in the series came up, Aichan said that she had played FFX three times including once in English! I guess she must like Final Fantasy. (or just Tidus)

Unrelated to any of that, Aichan was on a let's-learn-about-global-warming type of show a short while back (学べるニューズ). Don't ask me why she was there, but hey, she is lovely when learning about global warming too, can anyone deny? Actually she hardly spoke at all and the little footage there was of her didn't justify the watch unless you happen to be interested in the topic and are crazy fluent in Japanese, but there was this one cute yet embarrassing moment at the beginning...

Host: Why is it that increases in carbon dioxide make the earth warmer?
Aichan: Humans put it out.
Host: Humans put it out, yes. But why does that make the earth warmer?
Aichan: When we put it out, the temperature increases.
Everyone: That's what the question is.
Aichan: Sorry!

On another unrelated note, I gotta say it didn't take long for Gakisan's short cut to grow on me. 30 seconds maybe.

Kaito Reinya Episode 02 Subtitled Release

2010-01-18T02:32:00.000-08:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

Episode two of the seminal series.

I really hope the police catch Reinya. Then they could wrap up the series and save us from having to translate the rest of these...

Seriously though, this episode is easily twice as funny as the last one. So, if you liked episode one, you'll love episode two.

I know I really enjoyed it. Plus, I mean, it's Reina, right? Reina!!

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Kaito Reinya Episode 01 Subtitled Release

2010-01-10T11:13:00.000-08:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

Look! Up in the sky! It’s a cat! It’s a hot air balloon (powered by a girl furiously pumping bicycle pedals)! It’s Kaito Reinya!

Kaito Reinya is the story of a girl who, by day, works as a convenience store clerk in a shop next to the town police station, and, by night, works as a cat burgler victimizing the same hapless police she serves food to during the day.

Oh, and it’s also a gigantic Tanaka Reina and Hello! Project reference (right down to H!P songs being in the sound track) and a 4 minute advertisement for ramen. But you already knew all that, didn’t you?

The show stars Tanaka Reina (obviously) and Noto Arisa.

It’s already getting panned by anime snobs, but, I mean, as idol fans we don't care for those people, anyway, right? So who cares what they think.
Truth be told, this is adorable, irreverent, and rather funny, especially for anyone who likes Reina, since she plays herself here, or rather what Tanaka Reina would be like if she were the ultimate ramen thief. This gets a confident thumbs-up from me. It’s cute to see one of our girls immortalized in cartoon form, and all H!P fans should give this a watch. If this is popular, who knows, maybe someday we’ll get a Sudou Maasa cartoon that’s an ad for Gold’s Gym and she keeps stealing weight benches!

ICU-Subs will be doing all 12 episodes. We hope to have each week’s episode done within a day, or so, of it airing on Japanese TV.

Enjoy!

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Tsugunaga Momoko - Momo OK Dual Subtitles/Dual Audio Release

2010-01-05T23:26:00.000-08:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

An ICU-Subs & Hyakupa Inter-group Collaboration Project.

A new year brings about new possibilities. After all, new possibilities and opportunities are what the tradition of New Year’s Resolutions are all about. But if I had been told that the year 2010 held the possibility of a double-sized collaborative project between two H!P sub groups, I’m not sure I would have believed it. And yet, here we are.

This release was a rather interesting experience. Working with people who do the same type of sofk as you, but does it differently than you is always an experience worth having. It gives you an idea of what you do well, and what you could possibly do better. And, it teaches you that compromises oftentimes are just as satisfying as going your own way.

For this project we broke the tasks up along audio track lines. The fine fellows at Hyakupa handled the translation of the main audio track and we at ICU-Subs handled the commentary track translation.
I’m sure that 99% of you could care less about this next observation (you’re all probably screaming “Momo!!!” at the top of your lungs, right now), but this division of labor led to some rather interesting insights in to just how another sub group complete a project and what choices they make when working on their craft. Watching one audio track’s translation and then the other immediately afterwards shows me that all the H!P sub groups are different and you’ll get a slightly different experience from each of them. Not necessarily better or worse; just different. Each group’s work is distinct. It’s rather fascinating, to be honest.

And now a few words about the release itself…

If you’re going to double the groups, you need to double the fun, right? Well, Momoko is so lively, spunky, over the top, and borderline crazy, that she’s like two idols in one. And, if you’re going to double the groups, you need to double the content, right? Well, you’re not just getting an hour of Momo being Momo; you’re getting a second hour of Momo talking a mile a minute about what Momo being Momo is all about.
It’s a super-sized serving of idol craziness from H!P’s craziest idol.

No doubt about it, Momoko is a great idol (with a utterly unique skill set), whose talents work best when employed as a second fiddle. Momoko is an idol who makes other great idols even greater and pulls lesser idols along with her into relevance. She is the vital cog in Berryz Koubou because her massive personality encourages the other Berryz personalities to shine. By being over the top, ridiculous, silly and envelope pushing, she forces the other girls to raise their games and play along. Berryz just wouldn't work right without Momo.

In Momoko's second solo DVD, Momo Ok, we get Momo at her most manic, and her most self-centered.
We learn, without a doubt, that she is a jealous little idol. Momo is convinced she should be mentioned in the same breath as the all-time idol greats. Now, this is obviously partially a gag on her part, but any serious Momo fan can recount the impressive number of times Momoko has challenged other idols, compared herself directly to other idols, and talked smack about other idols. And she spends a large part of the video doing just that. No spoilers, but one idol is squarely in Momo's cross hairs for the duration of the main audio track. It's a totally awesome ride, baby.

And then there's the commentary track. Usually, for a solo DVD commentary, your star idol will always, always be accompanied by a wing-idol. This serves two very vital purposes: First, encouraging the main idol to talk by having someone to bounce conversation off of so as to prevent dead silence for portions of the commentary, and secondly, it's to give the main idol someone to talk about her DVD with so she just isn't rambling about herself, by herself, the entire time like a psycho.
Shockingly, H!P, for whatever reason, decided to just not bother with a wing-idol for Momoko this time, and the result of that decision is an utterly stupefying, mind-bending, rambling trip through the mind of Momoko that will leave you a twisted shell of your former self by the end of it. I'm not kidding. Make sure you drink a lot of fluids because you will swear you must be high on peyote.

Combined these two hours with Momoko are perhaps the most astoundingly bizarre that you will ever spend watching idols and the experience definitely earns my highest recommendation. It’s like idol crack, Jack.

And finally, in order to accommodate everyone on the freaking planet, we’ve decided to release this in four different formats. 404p XviD, 404p H264, 720p XviD and 720p H264. This is probably the only time you will see something like this, but we both do our own releases differently and we wanted every H!P fan to be happy. So, pick your poison.

Remember, because of the dual-audio/dual-subtitle track nature of this release, it is in a MKV shell. In order to manipulate this video and view it in it’s optimum state, I recommend having either the K-Lite codec pack, or the CCCP codec pack installed on your system and using Media Player Classic which comes built in to each codec pack.
http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_Lite_Codec_Pack.htm
http://cccp-project.net/
These releases also work perfectly well with the VLC media player, although I do not personally recommend watching this using VLC unless you have no other alternative.

These files have been tested on a variety of machines with a variety of different codec installations. They work without issue. So, if you are having any problems viewing this release, it’s probably you and your system that are the problem, not Momo. XD

click here to grab the release.

London Hearts 12-01-09

2009-12-06T03:56:00.000-08:00

By: Zabel

I feel a bit bad that I haven't blogged anything about Aichan in awhile. Will the Love Goddess forgive me while I blog about Sayu again instead? The evil bunny appeared on London Hearts with Yasuda Kei for another round of Women Ranking Each Other this week. I'll summarize the parts where either or both of them spoke. As always, please forgive any faults in the translation.

The host, Atsushi, after first introducing Nishikawa, who has been away from the show for half a year, introduces Sayumi observing that her hat is cute. Sayu replies, "Yes, ridiculously cute." Then Yasuda is introduced and Atsushi is curious how well they know each other.

Atsushi: Was there any overlap? (in the time you spent in Momusu)
Yasuda: She joined just when I was graduating.
Michishige: Yes.
Atsushi: So there wasn't.
Michishige: I pretty much just know her face.
(laughter)
Yasuda: I'm your senior!
Ryou: Dr. Nishikawa looks a bit surprised.
Nishikawa: So this is how she is?
(laughter)
Atsushi: Recently we've had this kind of girl join us.
Nishikawa: This should be fun!
(laughter)
Atsushi: Should be fun. What'll happen? Prepare yourself.

The theme is 知れば知るほどいい女 or "Women who are better the more you get to know them." Suzanne is selected by lottery to give her rankings, and her #1 pick is Dark Lord Sugita of all people! Atsushi will be making fun of her for that.

On Misono's turn, the hosts recall how when they were eating out together (from the episode two weeks ago when they stalked Hamada Brittney) Misono announced, "I'm going to take a poop." You didn't need to tell us that, they say. (Thereafter Atsushi refers to her as 'Miss Poop') Misono laughs saying her true friends and fans accept her knowing everything about her. This is where Sayu chimes in coldly, "I don't think I wanna know any more about her." Misono replies that it's about time Sayu accept reality and the results of the surveys. Misono put Sayu at #10.

Atsushi: So putting her at #10 means you definitely won't lose to her?
Misono: If I lose to her I don't wanna come on this show again.
(laughter)
Atsushi: Michishige, you won't lose to Misono?
Michishige: Lately my cuteness has been escalating.
(laughter)
Atsushi: Your cuteness is escalating?
Michishige: Inside of me I think it should be maintaining the status quo, but it's not stopping.
(laughter)
Atsushi: Not stopping. Your cuteness is not stopping.
Aoki: Wow.

Suzanne ranks Yasuda at #7. Yasuda is relieved because last time she was on the show, Suzanne was chosen to give rankings that time too, and she and everyone wrote things like, "Yasuda is more or less...[negative reasons]." Atsushi says, this time Suzanne has a decent reason, right? Suzanne says yes, Yasuda is a very good person, but I don't know much more about her image beyond that. (laughter) Same situation as last time.

Yasuda tries to defend herself but boy oh boy does she choose the wrong words to say!

Yasuda: My juniors really adore me, and my peers really like me.
Atsushi: Your juniors adore you?
Yamada: They do!
Atsushi: Michishige, where did you rank Yasuda?
Michishige: #10.
(laughter)
Yasuda: Ehh?!
Atsushi: The more you know her...but don't you know her the best out of everyone here?
Yasuda: She knows me the best!
Michishige: I may know her the best, but I've never thought of her as a good woman.
(laughter)
Yasuda: Ehh?! Hey!
Ryou: That girl.
Yasuda: I know how to support a man, and I'm really good at keeping peace among the members.
Michishige: Is that a good woman...or a useful woman?
(laughter)
Yasuda: Hey. (slapping Michishige on the shoulder)
Atsushi: Useful?
Yasuda: How mean.

Suzanne's #10 rank is Michishige. She says that from seeing Sayu in the past she thought of her as a considerate person, but since her TV image is so extreme most viewers are probably thinking, "Is she okay??" Even Suzanne's mother phoned Suzanne to ask what's wrong with Michishige lol. Atsushi says, so even your parents are worried about her. Sayu says, there's no need to worry at all.

Also, continues Suzanne, because Sayu keeps calling herself cute it has the reverse effect on her image. Dr. Nishikawa chimes in.

Nishikawa: It's a gag, right? Calling herself cute.
(laughter)
Michishige: It's not a gag. It's not a gag.
Atsushi: Do you think it's a gag?
Nishikawa: It's to make us laugh. She tells rather funny jokes.
(laughter)
Michishige: No, that's wrong!
Nishikawa: They're funny, they're funny.

Suzanne's rankings:

1. Sugita Kaoru
2. Kokushou Sayuri
3. Aoki Sayaka
4. Suzanne
5. Misono
6. Torii Miyuki
7. Yasuda Kei
8. Haruna Ai.
9. Nishikawa Ayako
10. Michishige Sayumi

The actual rankings are announced. Yasuda is excited to rank as high as #5, but Sayumi is surprised.　When Atsushi remarks on her surprise Sayu explains using the expression もう大概にしてほしいですね, which translates to something like "I want them to stay within reason" or "Let's not get carried away now." While everyone laughs Yasuda can be heard saying, "I want you to stay within reason." Atsushi says he never used such an expression when he was 20.

Yasuda has both a positive reason and a negative reason read on her behalf:

- Positive reason: In spite of having been a national idol, she is well-liked among the masses.
- Negative reason: Although she was a Morning Musume, the things in her room and the things that she buys reek of poverty.

Misono beats Sayumi after all. Sayumi's response: "This has become tiresome." (laughter)

It comes down to a contest between Michishige and Sugita for worst position. Sugita says that perhaps Michishige and herself are similar types. Perhaps she, Sugita, herself is extremely cute. (laughter) Atsushi says that you can't attach the nickname 魔王 (Dark Lord; Demon Lord) to a person who is extremely cute.

While Michishige faces the possiblity of a double-whammy, Suzanne faces the possiblity of a penalty of 30,000 yen for her ranking being so far off! Suzanne had predicted Sugita at #1 but Sugita is in danger of getting #10... And does! Sugita offers to pay half of the penalty slapped on Suzanne.

Reasons for Michishige at #9:
- She hasn't yet got anything to show for as a woman.
- The more you get to know her you'd realize she is a woman who can love nobody but herself.
- Somewhere in her heart she thinks of her Hello! Projects seniors as fools.

To that second reason Sayumi says that she would return love to a guy who loved her, but that she has so far never experienced giving love, an admission which draws muffled laughs from the other women.

To the third reason Yasuda nods and adds that it's not just in her heart; she goes right out and says it! Sayumi says, "I'm not thinking fools of them. I just speak the truth."

Then Nishikawa tells how she was recently reading a weekly publication that had a survey of women most hated by women in 2009. Sayumi was listed there which made her curious. Now meeting Sayu for the first time she understands why. Of course she was reading it in the first place because she, Nishikawa herself, was on the list.

Actual rankings:

1. Kokushou Sayuri
2. Suzanne
3. Torii Miyuki
4. Aoki Sayaka
5. Yasuda Kei
6. Misono
7. Haruna Ai
8. Nishikawa Ayako
9. Michishige Sayumi
10. Sugita Kaoru

Well that's the show, or the Sayumi and Yasuda parts anyhow. Hope ya enjoyed the read! I kinda wanted to sub it so you could enjoy the nonstop funniness in its entirety, but for various reasons this episode wasn't a good candidate for subbing; there were numerous references in it to past shows and missing contexts that are difficult to deal with in a fansub aimed at non-regular viewers. (Also, my typesetting/encoding partner in crime has been busy lately)

As we have seen, Sayumi's notoriety continues to escalate right along with her cuteness. On Quiz All For One we saw her make dodgy comments about Nakazawa Yuko, and on this show she was downright mean to Yasuda Kei, her senior by 9 years. She is, however, just the right sort for a show like London Hearts. Nearly every utterance out of her mouth has the host and everyone laughing.

H!P Qu!ck H!ts

2009-11-17T17:47:00.000-08:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

I am hopeful I'll be able to turn this into a weekly post if not starting with this post, then with the next. I'm swamped with subtitling stuff, at the moment, and I only have so much time to dedicate to H!P.

• Guardians 4’s New Single, Party Time, released today
Guardians 4 probably has the best lineup of any H!P group right now, but they also happen to be getting the worst songs to sing. Party Time rectifies that slightly by being a modestly catchy affair and makes me hopeful for the first time that this group will outlast the anime it supports.

• Sugaya Risako’s 4th photobook (Risou) announced. Will be released November 27th
Let’s face it, H!P is not the Butterfly Lounge. Skinny as possible is the order of the day where most of the girls are concerned—which is why our yearly Risako photobook is the only reoccurring book to really look forward to. She of the supple curves and sanguine countenance; Risako makes a photobook interesting.

• Nakajima Saki’s first photobook (Nacky) announced. Release date December 12th
It’s easy to tell how much confidence H!P has in a photobook—The earlier the book is announced, the more promotion it will get and the more copies H!P thinks it has a chance to sell. Maasa’s first PB was announced 2 weeks before release; Chinami’s was announced 2 weeks after it’s release, but Nakajimi Saki is getting an entire month of anticipation. There is no doubt H!P knows she’s a bombshell waiting to go off.

• Yajima Maimi cuts her long hair short
In other news, Niigaki Risa washes her face. Oh! Hot rumor! Hagiwara gets nails done, and I don’t want to speculate but there’s talk Abe Natsumi has indigestion…
Seriously. This isn’t news…

• The Tanaka Reina Manga “Kaito Reinya” is now being turned into an anime series. Reina will provide the voice for, uhh, herself
Based on my research (which consisted of looking at one article), the character appears to be some kind of idol/cat hybrid who is a burglar. Oh, apparently Noto Arisa will voice a “stupid” police woman. Personally, I love when children’s TV glorifies theft and belittles law enforcement, so this is probably going to be awesome…

• Proving that, as I speculated, Berryz Koubou is not busy enough, they will perform for the first time in Bangkok Thailand in March of next year
H!P idol shows are, generally speaking, always the same. Therefore, this concert is only of interest if you live in Bangkok or somehow live in a country where traveling to Thailand is cheaper than Traveling to Japan. Otherwise, this is of very little note. Playing a sold out concert on the moon, however...
Tsuki Girls just has a better ring to it than Ryuusei Boy.

No more regular summaries

2009-11-03T18:08:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I've run out of steam doing Ichigo ichie for now so I won't be posting weekly summaries. Sorry. HOWEVER I am not quitting blogging completely as I may have Aichan or MM-related stuff to write about from time to time.

P.S. If you want something to blame, blame Little Big Planet as most of my time goes to it :P

P.S.S. An unnamed member of Berryz will be a guest on her show next week.

H!P Qu!ck H!ts

2009-11-02T12:16:00.001-08:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

With the goal of posting more often in mind, I’ve decided to steal an idea from my sports writer buddies and begin doing a semi-regular post of my initial gut reactions to pieces of recent H!P news. Please keep in mind that I will always write down the very first thing I think of when I am made aware of these topics, so blunt and slightly crass will likely be the order of the day…

• Umeda Erika retired from H!P October 25th.
No graduation. No surprise. Did anyone think H!P would do an actual graduation concert in a 1500 seat dance hall in Osaka with zero promotion? Girls who played by the rules always got graduations before, now there will always be speculation, rumor and innuendo as to why Erika didn’t get one.
To paraphrase Thomas Jefferson, "All tyrannical management needs to gain a foothold is for wota of good conscience to remain silent." Why don’t we ever stand up to them when they pull b*llshit like this? Why don’t we ever demand to know?

• Morning Musume’s 41st single, Kimagure Princess, rolls out this week and next.
The backing track returns to the cliche "ethnic" feel of golden era Momuso hits, but it’s a been there done that song that isn’t here and doesn’t do that. It would have been immensely improved by the girls whispering “TOP SHHHHECRET” every 10 seconds, or so. If you don’t get that reference then you’re a terrible fan. *wink*

• Inaba Atsuko announced her departure from Up-Front October 30th.
A girl whose work behind the scenes was always more important to H!P’s success than what she did in front of the camera, she will be missed by approximately 10 people. Those 10 people are individuals of sound mine and discerning tastes, however.
If she had chosen to leave 5 of 6 years ago she would have at least gotten acknowledged with a bouquet of flowers and a final solo song at a H!P Winter concert.

• Sale of a new Fujimoto Miki Photobook (Jibunkon) centering on her wedding has been announced. It will be released in November.
Why? Because coveting another man’s wife is awesome! It’s sin-a-licious. Now that I know this is coming, I’ve already begun saving up for her eventual pregnancy photobook. Why? Because the only thing sexier than photos of Miki’s wedding will be photos of her Caesarean section…

• Upcoming dual-side single (Like my future husband / Meteor Boy) release for Berryz Koubou marks second time this year they have released two singles over a two week period.
Is Berryz Koubou just not busy enough, or something? And could there possibly be a worse song topic for teenage idols than their future husbands? We fans tend to think no one is good enough for our idols, but the truth is most of our idols will end up with Manzai comedians, people who dress up as superheroes on childen's TV, or Ishimoto Yasuyuki.

• It was recently announced that Sudou Maasa has obtained the starring role in the movie adaptation of the Japanese light novel “Light Novel no Tanoshii Kakikata.”
Probably quite good for her career. Very few H!P girls have ever had the starring role in a television series or movie, and it’s usually only the agencies top girls that get these opportunities. But I’m not going to be able to bring myself to watch this. Every piece of fiction H!P girls are in is always so freaking terrible. Do you remember “Last Present”? If there was ever a movie that made H!P fans feel "not so fresh" that was it.
There are at least a few ICU members who will demand we subtitle this Maasa movie, though…
Sigh… Extra Mild Vinegar or Extra Cleansing Farm-Fresh Flowers? I have a feeling we’ll all need farm-fresh flowers after this one.

More qu!ck h!ts next week.

Idol Replacement Therapy: A Series in Three Parts.

2009-10-31T23:33:00.001-07:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

Apologies to any who have been anticipating the third part to this series. While I had the frame of all three articles written before posting the first, circumstances led to an inability to flesh it out until now. The time I can dedicate to my H!P hobby is mostly used up by managing our sub group. That is simply the reality of things. Now, on to part three...

Part 3: Judgments in Decision Making

The theories have been discussed. The facts have been considered. Now, what direction will management take? How will they handle these graduations? And, more importantly, how should they be handled?

Should C-ute add a new member?
No, they shouldn’t.

Will they add a new member?
No, they won’t. There’s too much risk and too little reward.

I will always personally believe that Kanna was added to C-ute in order to balance the unit out with Berryz Koubou before C-ute’s first single debuted—Eight girls apiece to ensure symmetry between the groups. Sadly, the decision to add Kanna to C-ute was made before management knew Maiha wanted to leave Berryz. And since Kanna had already been training for months to be prepared to join C-ute, management really had no choice but to continue with the plan, despite the fact that it would mean C-ute would have one more member than Berryz.
This assumption, when considered with the fact that UFA has never added another girl to the H!P Kids, or later to either Berryz or C-ute, indicates managements reservation in shaking these groups up.
And sadly, when it comes to Erika, there is the simple the fact that she has never really been central to the group’s success. She will be greatly missed, but nothing really changes with her departure. One could argue that the removal of someone like Airi would force H!P to either replace her with an idol capable of diminishing the loss of such a important member or simply sack the group altogether. The loss of a back row girl like Erika allows them to simply continue on as if nothing has happened. H!P has a very good idea of how popular each girl is. Erika’s leaving is a sad event for most, but not a deal breaker for 95% of C-ute’s wota.

These points make a strong case for H!P’s reservation to mess with the “idol gang” chemistry of these groups, but there is an additional factor at work beyond H!P simply adhering to this rule. It is a belief that while Morning Musume may be eternal, all of H!P’s other groups are transient and fleeting. Such has always been the case with H!P’s other acts. Country Musume, Coconuts Musume, T&C Bomber, etc. All of these served H!P to varying degrees of success, but beyond a few changes to the lineups during the first year, or so, none of these groups were artificially boosted by new talent regardless of what talent left the groups. Once they had outlived their usefulness they were all left to rot. In business terms, Momuso would be referred to as H!P’s “core product.” They are central to the survival of their entire company and make the money that sustains the business. The H!P Kids groups cannot be considered core products, at best they are very profitable side-projects. The distinction not only lies in sales, but in the fact that Morning Musume holds a position in Japanese popular culture that H!P’s other groups simply do not and will not possess. Momuso fuels H!P’s other acts. This was truer in years past than today, but it is still fundamental.
Now, C-ute and Berryz are both popular enough that they probably won’t ever just go the way of H!P’s neglected groups, but I can imagine with little difficulty an eventual end similar to that of Mini Moni. Over time, enough girls will leave each group that management will simply dissolve them rather then let them continue on so short handed. As for the fate of any H!P Kids that remain after this dissolution, that topic is one best reserved for other discussions…

Will Morning Musume add a new member?
Yes, they certainly will.

Should they add a new member?
There is no other choice.

All the reasons why C-ute won’t replace Erika apply to Morning Musume’s situation, only in reverse. As mentioned, they are the flagship group. They must always exist for H!P to have any chance of remaining a successful idol house. They are the rock on which Tsunku has built his idol church.
They also have never had group stability, so the entirety of the fans have never really thought of a particular lineup as the only lineup that is truly Morning Musume. Because the expectation of lineup changes has always existed, it’s much easier to perpetrate this act upon the fanbase.

Additionally, it is my belief that Tsunku is constantly chasing Goto Maki (I may do a future article entirely on this point). Goto Maki’s arrival in the group marked the beginning of Momuso’s golden age of massive sales and mass-market fame. H!P has been trying to recapture that magic with a fresh new face that would push millions of CD’s ever since. Kusumi Koharu was supposed to be that girl—Tsunku said as much. It turned out she wasn’t, and Tsunku has jumped ship. But he will apparently try again.
As I said last time, this strategy seemingly flies in the face of new management’s decision to break this “too many cooks” cycle and try to make Momuso a group defined by strong, recognizable personalities. Since the pandas arrived, there have been no line-up changes of any kind. This is by far the longest period of group stability we have ever seen. Based on this fact, and the statements of their current manager, I believed we might see several more years with the same lineup. If anyone would have graduated, it would have been Ai, but only when she decided she was ready to leave.
Deciding to graduate Koharu (a 17 year old, still in the early stage of her idol prime) flies in the face of all of that. However, it is very much in keeping with the willy-nilly, gut decisions Tsunku has made for years concerning the group. Tsunku was always the man behind the decision to graduate old members and bring in new girls. Is a power struggle happening behind the scenes between a management that now wants group stability and a producer whose whim has for so long prevented it? Do they each have different goals for the group? I won’t pretend to know. But I do know that Koharu’s graduation does show us that, despite any talk to the contrary, very little will actually change in how Momuso is run. It certainly puts the fear of God back into the wota. At any moment your favorite Momuso member could just blink out of existence. Gather ye idols while ye may…

If graduations are making a comeback, then auditions cannot be far behind. If staple girls must be plucked form the group then new girls must take their places. It will happen, and I cannot imagine us going any longer than another calendar year from Koharu’s graduation date before we get a new member, or two, or three.

Berryz Koubou First Fan Club Tour in Hawaii 2009 Subtitled Release

2009-10-27T11:23:00.000-07:00

**** Please read my comments before downloading. This is a very unique release and requires specific instructions on how to watch it in order for it to be enjoyed to it’s fullest. ****

What do we want from our idols? For them to make us smile? Sure. For them to make us forget our troubles? Absolutely. But somewhere between the realistic and the foolish there are things we want much more. Things we don’t readily admit to. We want them to be honest. We want them to be authentic. Selfishly, we want to see joy in their eyes and on their faces, and for once know that it was put their by us. And, most importantly of all, we want to be told by them, that we, the fans, matter—not just to the business, but to the idols themselves.

Berryz Koubou First Fan Club Tour in Hawaii is a very special video. In it, the Berryz are filled with a remarkable amount of love—for each other, for being idols, and for their fans. Whether it’s how they always feel and just aren’t ever quite confident enough to express it, or there was just something in the tropical air that weekend, during this two day trip with their most hardcore fans the Berryz Koubou are nearly blissful.
Every event during the trip was planned by the girls themselves, so everything you’ll see here is a “thank you” of sorts. They play embarrassing games, play games with the fans, make fun of each other, perform a concert of classics, they even rank themselves. And then there are the letters…

You see, for this event each member wrote a letter. It’s a letter addressed to the other members and to the fans, and it represents our idol’s true feelings. If you’ve watched this video raw, you’ve seen that H!P, in their infinite wisdom, told you that girls wrote these letters, showed video of the girls reading them, but decided not to allow fans who weren’t in attendance that day to hear what the girl’s actually said and did not include the recitations of the letters in the video.
But once a secret is known by more than one person, it will never stay hidden. In attendance that day was an ICU-Spy. With pen and paper in hand, he recorded everything each girl wrote in her letter, word for word. ICU-Subs has taken these letters, translated them, and put them into finely crafted, mock-hand written letters from the girls, and made these letters a part of this release.
Yes, that’s right, our English translation includes things the original DVD does not, and is actually a more complete experience than the original DVD release that the Japanese Fanclub got. I believe this to be a first for any fansub of anything, ever. (Don’t hold me to that.)

I won’t spoil anything that’s in the letters—except to say, bring tissues—but to maximize your enjoyment of this release, I ask you not to read the letters until you are instructed to do so by the video. Just watch the video as normal and when the time is right an Editor’s Note will pop up and tell you to go read the letters. Read them, cry, and then return to the video and hit play. Trust me when I say that the letters are more impactful when read in the moment.
Additionally, I want to reiterate that these letters ARE authentic. Everything that is in them was written down by a fan in attendance. Nothing has been added to them and nothing has been altered. Only what the girls said when reading their letters is found in our letters, and they are accurate transcripts of what the girl’s told the fans that day.

I consider this to be our most accomplished, thorough, and complete release, and I am very proud of it. We spent lots of time on the aesthetic of the video and the letters to make them look and feel just right—to be something special. And, we spent lots of time crafting the translation of the video and letters to convey not just the brute language, but the essence of the girl’s personalities and the emotion in their words. Because of all that hard work and the results of it, this release is a very special one and makes it my favorite ICU-Subs release so far. I hope you will find this to be so, as well.

click here to grab the release.

This release is the sister release of our Berryz Alo-Hello. These two releases combine to form a complete set of the girls experiences in Hawaii. You can find the Alo-Hello on the tracker, as well.

C-ute Alo-Hello! Preview Subtitled Release

2009-10-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

A translated teaser for all the C-ute fans anticipating this release. After seeing this, I know I’m excited!

Anyhow, this preview also serves as notice that ICU-Subs are going to subtitle this C-ute Alo-Hello. The H!P Kids are, after all, ICU-Subs’ domaine d'expertise. We will begin working on it when it hits. We learned a lot of valuable lessons doing our release of the Berryz Alo-Hello, so releasing something of the same valeur should only take a few weeks this time.

Look forward to it.

click here to grab the release.

London Hearts 09-10-20 (part 3/3)

2009-10-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

A summary of the most recent London Hearts continued. Apologies if any of my translations are off.

Misono doesn't cheat herself, but she has an unusual attitude about being cheated on. It's not the being cheated on that she dislikes, but when a man tries to hide it. She gives an example of a boyfriend who cheated on her and said nothing about it for 6 months when she knew all along. Fundamentally, she doesn't mind her man having another girlfriend. In her own words, she doesn't mind being "number two".

Misono's way of thinking is hard for the others to swallow, especially Tsuji and Suzanne. There aren't many women who are okay with being number two. "That's why when I write it in lyrics I don't get a response", she laments. "That's why my songs aren't selling." XD Sugita wonders, but isn't that cruel to the woman who is his number one? Misono's response? It's best when all three of us get along.

Here, Aota jumps in with one of a number of bizarre analogies she tries to make throughout the evening. Something about how you can't divide up a pizza while making a pizza delivery. Even the host is scratching his head. "This is your most confusing example yet!" Then Brittney starts talking about how Misono's is the PM system. Misono protests Brittney trying to make any comparisons with her.

But the big shocker comes when Michishige suddenly announces that she totally understand what Misono is saying and that she wants to be cheated on herself! You read that right. Sayumi says that she wants to be cheated on. She says she wants to feel sad being alone and imagining her guy being with another girl. Not quite the same thing Misono was saying though.

Sugimoto suggests that the two of them are cut out to be mistresses. They only see what they want to see and ignore the rest. Sugita adds that they love themselves the most. Atsushi: "So you like to picture yourself worrying that the man might be cheating?" Michishige: "Yes. I would be cute doing that."

Sayu doesn't speak again until her name comes up at #3. There's a lot of funniness in between which I'm gonna skip, but the ranking for Sugimoto is particularly amusing. She gets #4, so only negative reasons:

"She would say something clever like, 'Cheating is the spice by which one comes to know true love', while doing it." Which is in fact close to what she actually said! Except she used the word 'essence'.
"If the man were to start cheating she would reply with a big grin, 'So that's how it is.'"

Next comes Sayumi. Reasons:

"She would do it without malice saying, 'He likes me so it can't be helped.'" (translation might be bad)
"She would be fine with cheating herself but would never allow her boyfriend to cheat." They got it backwards, Sayu says.
"She would think it's natural for many men to be serving her."

That last one makes the host think of Kano Kyoko. And then:

Atsushi: So they think you'd find it natural to have men serving you?
Michishige: But I've been called cute all the time since I was little. Everyone around me has called me cute. It's really everyday stuff.
Atsushi: It's common.
Michishige: Yes, so I thought how nice it would be to some day find one of them who I love.
Sugita: While you go on thinking that, you'll stop being cute, and then after everyone distances themselves from you you'll feel betrayed.
(laughter)
Atsushi: What do you think of that idea? (directed at Michishige)
Michishige: It's twisted.
(laughter)
Sugita: I speak from experience.
(laughter)
Atsushi: From experience.
Sugita: It's not twisted.
Tsuji: But my opinion is that if she keeps being called cute, she'll become un-cute instead.
Atsushi: What do you mean?
Tsuji: Like, you're probably cutest when your love is unrequited. So you set that person as a goal and you become pretty instead, and you keep getting called cute, and then when you've become a princess you're not cute anymore.
Atsushi: Your senior is telling you that it's bad to just keep being told you're cute.
Michishige: But I am told.
(laughter)

Finally, the worst two are Hamada and Aota. Brittney keeps denying that she's a cheater. Aota doesn't even try lol. The host concludes by observing that London Hearts increasingly has people on who he can't understand.

London Hearts 09-10-20 (part 2/3)

2009-10-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

Sayu did say that her judgements are precise, but it occurred to me that her rankings of the other women really have been close to the mark. Perhaps if Sayu is ever called up to the front she could have a decent chance at winning the 1,000,000 yen =D It's just her rankings of herself that are the problem lol.

Okay, I decided to continue writing about Michishige's 3rd and Tsuji's 1st appearance on London Hearts.

Continuing with her rankings, Brittney places Misono at #5. Atsushi asks, but doesn't Misono have the image of being dedicated? Yes, Brittney says, it's the women who say they are dedicated who would be weak to the advances of men. Sugita points out that Brittney claimed earlier to be dedicated herself. "But I'm dedicated for real", answers Brittney. (ガチで一途なんですよ)

Misono defends herself saying that 1. She doesn't tell lies, 2. She has never once dated a man who pursued her; she does the pursuing herself, and 3. When she is dating a man she will live together with him, making cheating impossible. Brittney: "That IS impossible!" Atsushi: "Hey, you would cheat after all! You'd cheat for real." (ガチで浮気するんだよ)　It's a pretty funny exchange in which Brittney appears as if to be taking advice on how to cheat on men (including from Sugita) while insisting that she never would.

Skipping ahead to Brittney's pick for #1 most likely to cheat...Michishige.

Hamada: When she gets told she is very cute, Michishige would happily cheat.
Michishige: But I've gotten used to hearing that I'm cute since I was little; it's everyday stuff. So that--
Atsushi: That's no big deal?
Michishige: That isn't enough to sway my heart.
Sugita: But cute girls like her--I was cute when I was young so I know--after they stop being cute they're in a hurry to cheat.
(laughter)
Michishige: Yuck.
Sugita: She may go around cheating to try to confirm for herself that she is still cute and that she has still 'got it'.
Sugimoto: That happens a lot, huh.
Atsushi: Ah, I see. Getting with men to confirm it.
Michishige: What a twisted way of thinking.
(laughter)
(Mo-musu bomb)
Atsushi: Yeah, you don't want to be like that.
Michishige: I don't want to be like that.
Atsushi: You would just keep getting cuter, right?
Michishige: Right, I've had confidence that I am cute, and recently that confidence has turned to conviction.
(laughter)
Atsushi: Wow, conviction?
Michishige: Yes, conviction.
Atsushi: What do you think, Tsuji?
Tsuji: Well she's always gone around calling herself cute, but after today I might have to apologize to everyone for her.
(laughter)

In the second half of the program the host gives the actual results of a survey taken by 100 men and reads some of the comments men wrote about the women. These were the results:

#10 Aoki Sayaka
#9 Tsuji Nozomi
#8 Misono
#7 Torii Miyuki
#6 Suzanne
#5 Sugita Kaoru
#4 Sugimoto Aya
#3 Michishige Sayumi
#2 Hamada Brittney
#1 Aota Noriko

Aoki gets #10 just as Sayumi predicted. What Sayu said about her being at level 0 in womanliness is still bothering her. "Am I even lower than Brittney?", she asks Sayumi.

Tsuji is ranked #9. Reasons:

"She is fixated on her husband so no one else could distract her."
"She wouldn't do anything to ruin how happy she seems to be."
"Having established a 'Mama Doll' image she couldn't cheat even if she wanted to."

Brittney tries to insist again that Tsuji would cheat in order to make her man jealous, using the word パコル again. Atsushi wants her to stop using that dirty word.

Misono gets #8. She is so elated that she throws her paper in the flowers. XD There's a lot that happens during Misono's turn so I'll cover it next time.

London Hearts 09-10-20 (pt 1?)

2009-10-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

As some of you may know, I'm a fan of Michishige Sayumi, and also a fan of the TV show London Hearts, so when the the one is a guest on the other I don't miss it. The last time Sayu appeared on Women Ranking Each Other I subbed it to English, but since I don't feel like doing so this time a blog post will do.

Tsuji Nozomi (who I've always been a fan of as well) was a guest for the first time this week. Tsuji says that she watched Sayu's previous appearances on the show and was surprised because Sayu isn't normally like that. She's not normally so poison-tongued because she doesn't want to be hated, Sayu explains. Then why be hated here? "Here is where I get back", she replies. (get back at the world for the stresses in her life). Non and Sayu both say that they didn't talk much when they were in Morning Musume together because they didn't get along well.

Do they get along well today? Sort of, although we never do find out where they ranked each other.

The theme is "Women likely to cheat on a man". Homeless comic artist, Hamada Brittney, is selected to give her rankings, and immediately reaches for the 1,000,000 yen. (if her rankings accurately predict how men rank the women, she wins the cash) She says she has confidence in her rankings because この面子ググってきたんです-- she's been researching everyone on Google (literally "I've been Googling these faces").

Brittney is funny because she is so unconvincing. She puts herself at #10 claiming that Gyaru don't cheat, it's the girls who look cute and pure who do, according to Brittney. No one believes her after that talk about PM's (playmates) from last time. The word パコル (screw; sleep with), another Brittney memo from last time, comes up several times today too. Well, asks Atsushi, what does the public think? If they try going out with me they'll know, answers Brittney. No way, replies Atsushi. Who wants to end up in Friday magazine with a picture of himself next to you? XD

Brittney's rankings:

10. Hamada Brittney
9. Sugita Kaoru
8. Sugimoto Aya
7. Aoki Sayaka
6. Tsuji Nozomi
5. Misono
4. Torii Miyuki
3. Aota Noriko
2. Suzanne
1. Michishige Sayumi

Some of the women's views on cheating are surprising to say the least. Sugimoto shocks and confuses everyone when she says that cheating is a play or "essence" that cultivates love between the man she really loves. Her ultimate hope is to be held by another man in front of the man she loves. In order to reach the heights of eroticism. Atsushi makes a joke here about climbing...not Everest but 'Ero-best'.

When Atsushi asks if any of the younger ladies feel this way, Misono raises her hand declaring that she is okay with cheating; how else does the man have a basis of comparison for realizing her good points? More on that from Misono later...

Tsuji understands where Misono is coming from BUT she isn't ok with cheating at all. She doesn't even like her man putting heart marks in phone mail to anyone but herself, and she cried when he performed a kissing scene in a play (her husband is an actor). Sugimoto says that she used to be like Tsuji when she was younger, and maybe Tsuji will become like her when she gets older. (yikes, let's hope not) "Will Tsuji climb Ero-best too?", Atsushi asks.

There's a consensus with negative spin that Aoki isn't capable of cheating. Sugimoto says that Aoki can't understand the world of pleasure until she seeks it. Aota Noriko says that Aoki has never had it (a sexual climax), leaving Atsushi rubbing his eyes at how unfit for TV Aota is. Michishige put Aoki at #10 because she's not at the level in womanliness where she even can cheat. What level in terms of Dragon Quest would that be? Level 0, says Sayumi. (Dragon Quest music plays) Aoki asserts that she is at level 42. (Dragon Quest level-up music)

Sayumi continues to dis Aoki after having given her the best ranking, and Tsuji remarks that Sayu sure has grown. Sayu's judgement is cool, Atsushi says. My judgement is precise, Sayu says :D

Brittney on Tsuji...She thinks that Tsuji is the type who would retaliate by cheating herself if she were to find out that her husband is cheating, or if he's being cold to her. Tsuji says there's no way he would cheat; he turned her down 3 times before they started dating. Also, she has him come home every evening to ask what to make for dinner. Sayu chimes in saying that Tsuji isn't capable of doing two things at the same time very well; if she were to cheat she wouldn't be able to hide it. Has Sayu always felt that way about Tsuji? Yes, answers Sayu, and she feels refreshed to have said it.

Shoot, this is starting to get long. And the most shocking revelation that comes out of Sayu's mouth is later on in the program! What should I do? Break this up into parts, or just get back to Ichigo?

In case I don't continue, I won't leave you in suspense about the outcome. Non will get ranked #9, Sayu #3. Not that these rankings mean a whole lot, as many of the women have clearly had far more experience in such matters than the bunny, yet somehow ranked better. Even Sugita, who admits on the show to having cheated many times, got a better ranking.

Ichigo ichie 10/15

2009-10-18T22:38:00.001-07:00

By: Zabel

There is one thing that has not changed in 6 years -- I love Aichan.

Here's a rundown of her show this week.

Ichigo ichie 10/15

- Aichan read the Circle of Magic series in a week, one volume every two days. Then lent it to Mitsui.

- For this concert tour and its rehearsals, Aichan has been sweating literally. They don't turn the air conditioning on during the fall or else the audience is too cold, so it has been hot for the girls, especially the ones wearing hats.

- Aichan's recommendation is Sendai Shirou Monogatari (仙台四郎物語), starring Korokke, and also Fujimoto Miki, who sings two musical numbers. If she thought that Sanma play she talked about last week was long, this one was four and a half hours including breaks. Mitsui, Linlin, and a manager watched with her. The story is about a historical figure, and the spoken accents were hard enough for Aichan to follow, but for Linlin more or less impossible, to say nothing of the impersonations that the lead is famous for.

- A listener recommends Takaraduka's rendition of the opera Aida, by Kimura Shinji who produced Ribon no Kishi the Musical, and Kai Masato who wrote the music. Aichan has seen it but can't remember it.

- Lovely has been listening to a lot of 30H!3 lately.

- Last time she got together with her, Ishikawa Rika asked, "Was I scary?", to which Aichan replied, "Yes, you were scary."

- Aichan doesn't do karaoke often, but recently she went with her sister and mom. She tried to sing BoA featuring Crystal Kay and VERBAL. The three of them (not the Takahashi's) can sing English very well, which makes Aichan want to improve her own English.

- When she was in L.A. it made her happy whenever she saw 3,2,1 Breakin' Out playing on the Anime Expo TV channel.

- In the "Teach me, Aichan" (教えて愛ちゃん) corner Aichan is asked how she relaxes on her days off. She likes to read magazine with aroma burning, but mostly she likes to go out to see plays. If she can't get a ticket for a play, she goes shopping instead.

- English lesson review: "Would you say that more slowly, please?"

- Asked to name something she can boast about, Aichan answers (half-jokingly since it isn't much of a boast) that she has tons of clothes, so many that she can't stuff any more into her sister's closet.

Tsugunaga Momoko "Momo Only" Subtitle Release

2009-10-14T01:03:00.000-07:00

Tsugnaga Momoko is a very special idol. In a sea of unique personalities and styles Momoko is H!P’s Lion Fish—Even when compared to the menagerie, she remains highly unusual, and thus oddly fascinating.

Momoko combines the usual button cuteness and constant pleasantness of your average idol with something more; Momoko is actually a Momoko wota. She aspires to be the personification of the idol fantasy. To be the only idol any wota could ever need. And if she occasionally descends into self-parody because of it, so much the better. In fact, it’s clearly intentional. Watch as Momoko claims every failure as victory. Watch as she turns embarrassment into personal achievement. Watch as she denies all her vices. And know that it is all part of the show.

No H!P idol works as hard as Momoko to fascinate or entertain. So, even though Momoko is not my favorite idol ever, or even my favorite current idol, there’s no other girl I’d rather watch in a solo DVD. If you give this release a try, I think you’ll agree.

Release includes both the main video and the extra "making of" track from the same DVD that chronicles the shooting of her Momo no Mi photobook.
========================================

This release is a bit of a format experiment for the group. Normally our releases are encoded at 720x400 just to simplify things and ensure that everyone viewing it gets the same experience. However, this release has been encoded at 720x480 with the anamorphic tags left intact. This means it will display at 853x480 when you view it.

So basically, I’d like to know if people would prefer this format for future releases or if they’d rather just keep rocking at 720x400. Feedback on this specific subject would be welcome.

click here to grab the release.

Ichigo roundup: 10-1 & 10-8

2009-10-10T23:51:00.001-07:00

By: Zabel

I've been feeling better :) Still having some trouble staying motivated, though, and also I started fansubbing again, which is a new demand on my attention. Anyway, here's a selective rundown of the last two Ichigo ichie shows.

Ichigo ichie 10/1

- Aichan has been eating bread in the morning. Ideally, she would eat scrambled eggs, sausage, and yogurt.

- The theme of Kimagure Princess is "butt". Tsunku came up with that when he was looking at his own kid's butt.

- Aichan became a fan of Takaraduka star, Mizu Natsuki, when she saw her cool performance in Hououden (鳳凰伝), a dramatic role in which she dies in a climactic fight scene.

- When a listener recommends Evangelion, Aichan says that her sister and even her father is a fan. Her sister is into boys' anime such as Gundam.

- Aichan has been collecting candles lately. Traditionally she has always collected Takaraduka merchandise.

- Hokushou Kairi, a Takaraduka member who came to see her in Ribon no Kishi, became friendly with her and has given her lots of pictures.

- Aichan watches foreign dramas on TV with the intent to study English. If what's on the channel is dubbed rather than subbed she'll change the channel until she finds one with subtitles.

Ichigo ichie 10/8

- Sanma's advice to Aichan as to how not to stumble when speaking, when the topic was raised by a listener on Youngtown, was to act. Aichan stumbles because she is nervous.

- Aichan went with Sayumi and a manager to see Sanma perform in Warushawa no Hana, a long 3 1/2 hour play without a break. She was impressed with how the dialogue seemed real as if unscripted, and the story had her in tears by the end. When she talked with Sanma afterwards, he asked her, apparently joking, to send a long e-mail of her impressions, and Aichan complied.

- A listener recommends The Nightmare Before Christmas, which she has already seen, and which Ogawa Makoto loves. Aichan likes the song sung by the three little prankster kids.

- Aichan always acquires Halloween goods around Halloween. She still has a pumpkin she got last year.

- On the Morning Musume All Single Coupling Collection, Aichan particularly likes Popcorn Rap, Koi ha Rock & Roll, Wasurerannai, Housekibako, KoiING, Nebou Desu Deeto nanoni, Yowamushi, 3-2-1 Breakin' Out, Akiurara, Subete ha Ai no Chikara. Basically all of them.

- When they were learning Popcorn Rap 5th gen was new and everyone was unfamiliar with their voices, so when Iida heard the part Aichan sang she was like, "Who is that?" Aichan was shocked and worried that her voice may be weird at the time, but now she can laugh at the memory.

- A listener wishes her body was as flexible as Aichan's. Aichan says that since her hip joints are stiff, she puts her feet together to do a stretch that resembles a Yoga pose. ("Yoga Teleport!" lol)

- There will be a new corner on Ichigo ichie, "Teach me, Aichan". She'll be answering questions about herself and other members.

- Aichan re-reads her fan letters in the bath. Recently Aichan was moved by a divorced fan who was cheered up by her singing.

Idol Replacement Therapy: A Series in Three Parts.

2009-10-02T02:24:00.000-07:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

Part 2: The Circumstances of Dilemma

Whenever a group loses an idol, that group risks losing some, or all, of the wota that were primarily fans of that girl. If the remaining idols can’t fill the vacuum, then the group will decline. To ameliorate this issue, idol groups often add new members. But, if the replacement isn’t a strong personality with a lot of appeal, she’ll end up being little more than dead weight for the girls already in the group—someone to drag along with them who contributes very little individually. Conversely, a new girl cannot be too forceful or too talented. A new girl thrust to the forefront of a long existing group is often met with hostility by existing fans that have existing favorite members. When a new girl is featured over a group of veteran members, hard feelings are inevitable and the new girl is demonized by many. And, what’s worse, even beyond these general hurdles all idol groups face when their line-ups change, C-ute and Morning Musume face additional, exclusive challenges when it comes to finding new members—Challenges based on each group’s unique founding, history, and standing in the idol world.

The H!P Kids groups should be categorized as idol ”street gangs”. Each born from a common collection of girls raised to be idols since adolescence. These girls have common experiences that have forged them into cohesive idoling units of one mind and one purpose. These girls have strived for years to get where they are today. They’ve succeeded and failed together. They’ve laughed and cried together. They’ve known heartache and joy together. And it’s because of this unified history that many fans of these groups cannot see them as revolving door units. They are fixed member acts that are made up of only the girls who deserve to be a part of them—the girl’s whose blood, sweat and tears forged their success and name recognition in the first place.

H!P has largely held to this “street gang” principle when handling C-ute and Berryz Koubou. In all the years since the H!P Kids were chosen, only one girl was ever added to the mix after the fact. Because of this, for a lot of fans, Arihara Kanna never really fit. I liked her (I like all the idols), but Kanna was never able to amass much of a following, and she never really looked like she was 100% comfortable being the new girl in a collection of idols that had existed for years prior to her involvement. It was no wonder then, that after much subterfuge and idol machinations, Kanna retired from H!P with no fanfare or eulogization. She simply ceased to exist. Kanna represents a lesson learned. Don’t mess with the H!P Kids group’s lineups if you can avoid it.

And yet, with the eminent departure of Umeda Erika, C-ute will soon find itself a five member group, three members short of their largest lineup. So, what will H!P choose to do? Will they be tempted to pull the trigger on a new girl simply because C-ute was formally an 8 member act? The desire to maintain original intentions and the status quo is often a strong one. Or, will they choose to stay the course with the 5 remaining members? A 5 member idol group can be successful as long as the personalities are strong enough, and C-ute’s two most important members remain intact. Both possibilities offer positive and negative outcomes.

Meanwhile, Morning Musume faces a similar situation, albeit one with its own set of particular challenges. In their case, they are losing a girl who is very popular, and, although she isn’t the lead, Kusumi Koharu occupies a place of prominence in the group. Because of this, any new girl that is added to the group won’t be able to, at least in the short term, replace Koharu’s popularity. She will be the new low-rung on the idol totem pole, and will be starting in a similar place to where the pandas began their careers. In a lot of senses, today’s Momuso is a group with few stars, and the last thing a group like that needs is another girl without star power.
But even though Momuso is losing a much more valuable member than C-ute is, they also have several advantages unique to their group that make adding replacement idols much easier, and, frankly, expected. For much of its history, Momuso was a “Growth or Death” idol group. In fact, they didn’t even reach the height of their fame until after they had replaced some of the original members and added new ones beyond those. Because there is an expectation of new members amongst fans, there will be very few rumbling against such a thing.

Additionally, despite the group’s age (and all the warts that come with it), Morning Musume is Morning Musume. The group’s former status as a pop culture phenomenon has caused it to be a name known to all of Japan. So, even though the group no longer sells nearly what it once sold, many prospective idols who would not be interested in trying out to be a member of C-ute or Berryz would want to be in Morning Musume. Morning Musume auditions receive thousands more applicants than H!P Egg auditions, and that fact alone increases the odds of finding a highly qualified replacement. Finding someone who is capable of replacing both Koharu’s important role and reaching her level of popularity is possible if not exactly likely.

A final simply interesting fact is that this graduation flies in the face of management’s recent openly acknowledged attempts to turn Momuso into a “too many cooks” idol group. Momuso’s manager has admitted in interviews that today’s group is largely unknown as individuals and that they recognize this as a problem. Few Japanese know any of the girls, or would even recognize that these girl’s are in Momuso unless you pointed it out. One of the goals of this new era was to reacquaint the girls, as individuals, with the nation. A graduation and then an audition flies in the face of this new approach. It’s a return to the same old, same old revolving door idol group.

Tomorrow, what to do.

Idol Replacement Therapy: A Series in Three Parts.

2009-09-30T23:50:00.000-07:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

The daily idol grind has claimed two new victims. By the end of the year, both C-ute’s Umeda Erika and Morning Musume’s Kusumi Koharu will move on from their idol careers into the nebulous career of “modeling.” But while I personally believe these girls want to be models mostly because being a model isn’t being an idol, the how or why of it isn’t of any particular significance. Graduated idols are spilled milk, and there’s no use crying (or speculating) over spilled milk. The real—and much more fun—question is whether or not H!P will bother to replace these fallen soldiers with fresh faced idol recruits.

I will be tackling this issue in a series of posts over the next few days. Today’s post will concern itself with the mechanics of idol replacement—the blueprints used to build the temples at which we worship. Tomorrow’s post will focus on the particular situations each group faces when considering adding new members, as well as the obstacles associated with those situations. Finally, the last article will discuss the pros and cons of adding members to each group and whether or not they should.

Part 1: A Conflict of Visions.

The first decision an idol house must make is simply whether or not a group needs an infusion of idol talent. C-ute and Momuso both have specific considerations to make, unique to each of them, when considering adding new girls. But before we deal with specifics, there are a few general schools of thought on what I’ll refer to here as the numerology of idol groupings, and many of these theories (all given names, now, by me) have been used for years by idol fans—whether they realize it or not—to argue for and against adding members to their favorite groups. At the very least, each has some interesting points to make:

- First, there is the “Growth or Death” school of thought. This theory postulates that an idol group that isn’t constantly replacing old idols, and occasionally simply adding new idols, is an idol group on the decline. In recent years, new groups such as AKB48 have made this theory the basis for their entire marketing strategy. The more idols you have in your group, the better chance that fans will find an idol in your group worth following.

- Next, there is the “Too Many Cooks” theory. This theory postulates that having too many idols in a group prevents idols from creating strong personal identities and building name recognition as individuals. An idol group is only as strong as it’s most famous idol. This is the primary theory used by “bandol” groups like ZONE, and other fixed number idol acts. By keeping the roster small, you put increased emphasis on each girl. Additionally, this increased emphasis creates increased pressure on the group’s idols to be appealing across a wide array of wota demographics.

- Lastly, there is the “Street Gang” theory of idol group creation which puts forth the position that there is an important bonding experience idols all go through when they are the founding members of a group. Their struggle to earn success unites them in a way that nothing else can, and so the close ties formed during this period give an idol group its personal identity. Thusly, any members added to the group after this period dilute the group’s power and further distance the act from its roots.

These three principles are helpful, but flawed, and are rarely universally applicable. This is partially because each principle argues against the others on some level, but also because the nature of an idol group’s formation is so often unique. Morning Musume, for example, ceased to be an idol “street gang” the moment the second generation showed up. So, whether or not you believe in this theory as an important element of a successful group is rather irrelevant when considering current Momuso. Meanwhile, the two H!P Kids groups are very much still “street gang” groups.
However, the fact remains that, regardless of their imperfections, these 3 theories form the basis for the formation and development of nearly every idol group, and therefore will be used to form the basis for this discussion about the current H!P idol group’s future membership.

Finally, once you get beyond these three theories for idol group formulation, there is one last guideline that applies specifically, not to idol group creation, but to idol group maintenance. This is the “Rock and a Hard Place” rule. This theory primarily concerns itself with the effect a specific idol’s departure has on the group and whether or not new idols can mitigate these effects, ameliorate them, or even improve the group in some way. A new idol must be an eventual gain, if not for the group and its chemistry, than at least because she can recoup, at least partially, the financial loss a departing idol creates.
A new idol is expensive, both to train and to promote, and whether or not she will eventually replace the lost sales of the departing idol cannot be easily predicted. So, the question becomes, will you replace the lost revenues created by a departing idol by spending more money to find, train, and promote a new idol who may, in the end, never be nearly as popular (and profitable) as the departing idol was? It is a difficult question to answer for a business that operates on narrow margins already.

Continued tomorrow.

Gomen

2009-09-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

I just can't find the will to do Ichigo this week. Not just a problem of will, but I've got other things to do lately, and to make things worse my health has been quite poor ><

I did listen to it. Aichan talks about the new MM single Kimagure Princess, recommends another play Ogawa Makoto starred in, gives advice on how to study English, and talks about how she never thought she would still be in Morning Musume at age 23 (but is glad to still be). If anyone wants to write about the show in more detail, they're welcome to.

Ichigo ichie 9/17 - Aichan's birthday

2009-09-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

Here's a quickie summary of this week's show.

Ichigo ichie 9/17

As Aichan starts talking about her 23rd birthday she suddenly lets out a super cute scream なんだ～！ They brought her a cake in the studio. She talks about memorable birthdays, and how she paid back Gakisan for surprising her on her own birthday with a surprise on Gakisan's birthday; they hid in the dressing room for her.

Her recommendation today is Shugo Chara, which starred Maeda Yuuka. Also, Fukuda Kanon and Saho Akari, and Aichan has words of praise for the three of them. Yuuka saw Aichan perform in Ojigi de Shape up!, so Aichan thought she would go see Yuuka perform in this musical. Aichan is an anime fan herself, and when a listener recommends the Sailor Moon musical to her, Aichan explains that she has already seen it. Her dad, apparently a fan himself, went to see it with her.

The Morning Musume fall concert tour "Nine Smiles" starts on the 19th. The keywords for this concert, she says, will be "smile" (笑顔) and "happy" (元気). Speaking of smile and happy, the dinner show she recently performed in with Gakisan made her happy. Being that close to the fans, she can see their faces; some are nervous, some are in tears, other are smiling brightly, and others try to avoid eye contact out of embarrassment. Gakisan showed off some big smiles of her own due to the incident of Aichan running around in red tights, which they talked about last week. It had been awhile since Aichan had seen her laugh that hard. Reading fan letters is another thing that makes Aichan happy.

English lesson: "Thanks for inviting me."

In the Tettekete corner today Aichan gives advice on how to overcome nervousness. One thing their manager has told them is to speak in a loud voice. As for Aichan herself, talking makes her more nervous than singing or dancing. For instance, when she must talk about Morning Musume in front of people.

Lastly, Aichan tells how she is the type who can fall asleep on the plane, the bullet train, or anywhere.

Ichigo ichie 9/10 - Niigaki 3rd guest appearance

2009-09-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

Takahashi Ai's Ichigo Ichie this week is another fun show with Niigaki Risa as a guest.

Ichigo ichie 9/10

Risa makes her entrance speaking in a princely voice words from Cinderella. But both of them have trouble remembering what the name of the prince was; not 'Franz', not 'Crystal', but 'Christopher'. Then Aichan introduces her as Morning Musume sub-leader 'G-A-K-I-san'. Aichan was late to the studio today because of traffic. She caused management a bit of worry because they weren't able to contact her. She had forgotten to bring her cell phone. Risa says she often does.

When Aichan asks Risa what she's into lately, Risa reveals that she has a song stuck in her head which Aichan had playing in the dressing room at the dinner show. It has lyrics that go "Po-po-po-poker face-po-po-poker face". Poker Face by Lady Gaga, Aichan explains. As for Aichan, she's into Korea... They'll leave it at that for now.

On the plane ride to L.A. Aichan watched 17 Again, a story about a man who, wanting to relive his youth, becomes 17 and ends up going to the same high school that his son and daughter go to. Aichan gives a full synopsis of the plot. Forget what I said last week; Aichan has no qualms about spoiling movie plots too it seems. Risa can't help busting out laughing.

Risa: Is it okay to be taking 2 hours? You're telling everything that happens.
Aichan: I have to tell what happens. This...this is the corner where I tell what happens.

So Aichan continues talking on and on about the plot of the movie. It gets to where Risa bangs her microphone in exasperation.

Aichan: ...Then because of that his son gets good at basketball too. So then Mike's wife--Mike is the guy's name...
Risa: I don't care! I haven't seen it.
Aichan: That's why I'm explaining it. So then they dance to the song they used to listen to...
Risa: (laughing) You're the worst!

But Aichan has no intention of stopping until she reaches the very end. The Ainote corner is so much fun when Aichan has a guest whose patience she can obliviously test XD They conclude.

Risa: But now, everyone watch this...what was it?...this 17 Again. It'd be best if people watched it.
Aichan: Yes, please watch it.
Risa: It'd be best if they watched it.
Aichan: Yes. Then they ought to understand what I've said.
Risa: (mumbling) They ought to.

At last Aichan involves Risa by asking her to recommend something, and she picks the Japanese equivalent of Disney & Pixar's Up, which she really liked. Aichan agrees to go see it with her. Risa admits that she is the annoying type who while watching a movie or play sometimes doesn't get what's going on, so she asks the person sitting next to her--Aichan--who answers with "something", not shifting her gaze from the screen.

They talk about the Takahashi Niigaki premium dinner show. A listener who was there thinks it would be great if they released a DVD or CD of the event. Ai and Risa and even Risa's mom were thinking the same thing, and it seems management did film them. Another listener writes that it was neat to see Aichan helping Risa along where Risa was the one who was nervous, not having performed at a dinner show before, and Risa confirms this. When they talked casually about doing it again, Aichan had already decided for herself which songs they will sing next time XD Also, Risa got a big laugh out of seeing Aichan running around in red tights in the dressing room.　

Now the Tettekete advice corner... A listener working at a bread shop seeks advice on creating an original bread or cake. Aichan says how about a combination of maple syrup and strawberries. Risa says how about something with the taste of edamame (枝豆).

The second question is from Aichan herself to Risa. What would be a good autumn theme for Morning Musume? Risa would like to fans to get to know those interesting personality features each member of MM has that we don't get to see just by looking at the covers of their singles.

The English phrase is "Thanks for coming." While teaching this, Aichan twice mistakenly says "Thanks for waiting".

Risa teaches the Korean phrase "ggakka juseyo" (깎아 주세요), meaning "Discount please." She used it much during the 3-day vacation in Korea that the two of them recently took together. They had a fun time there. Did lots of walking. Shopping, no doubt. Next time they go to Korea they'd like it to be more leisurely.

Beritsuu! Radio Show Translation: August 14th, 2009

2009-09-11T22:23:00.000-07:00

By: Xie

090814　

Sudou Maasa - I am Himiko. My charm point is my pig-tails♪
Tokunaga Chinami - I am....XAVIER～ (*Francisco de Xavier)
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - (lol)...
Captain Saki - I think I'll seize a territory now～
All Three - 「Beritsuu!」 (lol)

Tokunaga Chinami - Yes. The 19th 「Beritsuu!」 began with Berryz name ＜Enjoy Life＞-san's request “An impersonation of a historical figure."
Tokunaga Chinami - That was funny
Sudou Maasa - It was funny?
Tokunaga Chinami - It was
Captain Saki - It was
Tokunaga Chinami - Mine was, Xavier
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - What？
Captain Saki - Some, um, information has been brought to my attention, It seems Momo predicted "Chinami only knows (Matthew C.) Perry and Xavier, so she'll probably do one of them"
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh-!? haha
Sudou Maasa - Oh～ Momo did? Oh~
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh, did she say that? Momo
Captain Saki - Apparently （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh～
Sudou Maasa - I guess she was right
Captain Saki - She was right
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - Amazingly
Sudou Maasa - mhm (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - That's right～ But, um,
Sudou Maasa - “That's right" (lol）
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - We said our favorite historical figures （lol） when we introduced ourselves at an event, right
Sudou Maasa - mhm
Captain Saki - We did
Tokunaga Chinami - I said Xavier then, too
Sudou Maasa - Because you only know Perry and Xavier, right? (lol)
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - No, I like Xavier
Sudou Maasa - What do you like about him? Xavier's..
Tokunaga Chinami - His beard
Sudou Maasa - Ah- his beard (lol）
Captain Saki - His beard (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - hahaha
Sudou Maasa - His bea~rd （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah
Sudou Maasa - Right. I see
Tokunaga Chinami - Who did you imitate？
Captain Saki - Tokugawa Ieyasu （lol）
Sudou Maasa - Eh?
Tokunaga Chinami - Thank youーー
Sudou Maasa & Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - haha
---
Tokunaga Chinami - So then, the mood got a little sketchy
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - Sorry (lol）
Sudou Maasa - Ah～（lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - But let's continue energetically!
---
Captain Saki - “Berryz News Headline”～！
Sudou Maasa - We have some Miyabi-like news about the known scatter-brain, Natsuyaki Miyabi-san. It seems Natsuyaki Miyabi-san forgot to zip the zipper on the "Seishun bus guide" costume and went on stage, and zipped it while she was dancing. Shimizu-san, who witnessed this, was quite shocked it seems. Continuing, there's something that's popular amongst Berryz members. At the moment, there's something that's popular amongst Berryz, and that is... mouth ulcers. Shimizu-san and Tokunaga-san are dealing with them at the moment, and Kumai-san seems to be getting the same thing. By the way, I, Sudou Maasa, am fine. That's all from Sudou Maasa in the report center.

Sudou Maasa - First, Miya.. the zipper?
Captain Saki - Yeah. Um...
Sudou Maasa - The area was, not her shorts..
Captain Saki - Not her shorts, (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Right, yeah (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - The one near our hands, right
Captain Saki - Yeah, there's a zipper on the arm of the "Seishun bus guide" costumes, right? It seems she forgot to zip that, and, I'm next to Miya, when we start dancing, And, like, in terms of my steps, there's a part where I can see Miya for a second.. When I glanced at her, like, while she was dancing she faked it really well and zipped it like with full force
Sudou Maasa - Oh～
Captain Saki - I was like, "Woah～!" She was making a face like nothing happened (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - haha
Sudou Maasa - Oh～（lol）
Captain Saki - And sang.. （lol） That, really surprised me
Tokunaga Chinami - Momo, too, when she messes up she acts like she didn't know
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - “acts like she didn't know”（lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Doesn't she? (lol)
Sudou Maasa - She isn't pretending she didn't know, she acts like nothing happened, right?
Captain Saki - Like, she fixes it on her own
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah
Sudou Maasa - Ah～
Tokunaga Chinami - I wanted to see～ Her face
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - Her face!
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Her face? (lol) Not the action, her face?
Captain Saki - (lol) Her face was just normal, though
---
Sudou Maasa - You've got mouth ulcers?
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah!
Sudou Maasa - Oh～
Tokunaga Chinami - Look
Captain Saki - haha!
Sudou Maasa - Tokunaga-san just showed me
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - She opened her mouth
Tokunaga Chinami - It really hurts (lol）
Captain Saki - It does (lol) Mouth ulcers
Tokunaga Chinami - Really
Sudou Maasa - I don't think I've ever gotten them. I've probably had them... but, nothing that stings like everyone says...
Tokunaga Chinami - It really hurts
Captain Saki - It's really..
Sudou Maasa - I really don't know.. I'm an air-head so I don't think I would've known if I did
Captain Saki - Nah~ it really hurts
Sudou Maasa - I really don't know, if I've ever had them
Captain Saki - ...
Tokunaga Chinami - The mood's gotten sketchy again～
All Three - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Mouth ulcers, right... I see～
Tokunaga Chinami - Right, well everyone, if you have any healing methods..
Captain Saki - Right
Sudou Maasa - Okay, everyone, for Saki-chan and Chinami, we'll be waiting for mouth ulcer letters (lol）
Captain Saki - We're waiting (lol）
---
Tokunaga Chinami - 【...Out of Berryz Kobo's songs... When in the car, to make us feel energetic, etc., If there are any you'd like us to listen to at particular times, please let us know.】
---
Tokunaga Chinami - Are there?
Captain Saki - Songs～
Sudou Maasa - In the car...
Tokunaga Chinami - For me, Um.. I'd like them to listen to "Maji Natsu Sugiru" if they're in Okinawa
Sudou Maasa - Okinawa, huh～
Captain Saki - Ah～
Sudou Maasa - For Maa that song has a Shounan image. 'Cause Shounan.. "Shounan" is in the lyrics, right
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah, is it? (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Right? (lol）
Captain Saki - Yeah～（lol）♪"Shounan ni ki～ta～ke～do～"
Sudou Maasa - Right, right, right (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - But Okinawa has bright sunshine
---
Tokunaga Chinami - I - I just thought of this, but, sometimes there's traffic right, on the highway. What about like "MADAYADE" ? （lol）
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - haha
Sudou Maasa - "MADAYADE"（lol）
Captain Saki - ♪"Mada mada madayade" ("there's still time") （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Right, right, right （lol）
Sudou Maasa - That's right
Tokunaga Chinami - When you're stuck..
---
Tokunaga Chinami - This is from ＜Sudou Myouou＞-san. Thank you
Sudou Maasa - Yup, that's right. Alright. Thank you (lol）
Captain Saki - Thank you (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - The staff wrote it in Hiragana for me （lol）
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - 【I watched the newest live DVD, "Sono Subete no Ai ni." (...) Maasa-chan was cool as always.】
Sudou Maasa - Thank you
Tokunaga Chinami - 【Your expressions when you're dancing are so commanding, it knocks me out.】
Sudou Maasa - Thank you♪
Tokunaga Chinami - 【Next time as well, I'll be sure to follow Maasa's example. Thank you, Berryz Kobo for all the love!!】
Sudou Maasa - Yay! (*clap*）
Captain Saki - Thank you!!
Tokunaga Chinami - Yay! （*clap*） Send in your opinions about me, TOOー！
Captain Saki - (lol) Me, TOOー！
---
Sudou Maasa - Thank you ＜Meimyou＞san... "Meimyou-san" ?
Tokunaga Chinami - It's "Myouou"
Sudou Maasa - haha
Captain Saki - haha
Tokunaga Chinami - Why'd you say that? It's read, “Myouou”
Sudou Maasa - "Meiou"...（lol） Sorry, Myouou-san? Thank youー（lol）
---
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah, I mean Maa.. your face, during cool songs, is sharp.. there's a lot of intensity
Captain Saki - mhm
Sudou Maasa - Really？
Tokunaga Chinami - You convey a lot with your eyes
Captain Saki - Yeah, I know what you mean
Sudou Maasa - Oh～
Tokunaga Chinami - Well, it seems they'll 【Follow Maasa】
Sudou Maasa - Please follow me. From now on
Tokunaga Chinami - Yes.
Sudou Maasa - "Yes" (lol）
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - You just moved it along, （lol） "Yes"...You just go with the flow （lol）
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - I wasn't just going with it, （lol) There was a lot of power in it
Sudou Maasa - Ah, right
---
Tokunaga Chinami - 【...If there's anything you're fussy or particular about, please tell us.】
---
Captain Saki - Yes. I was the only one they called by my family name "Shimizu-san" (lol）
Sudou Maasa - Yeah, that was surprising (lol）
Captain Saki - That surprised me (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Is there anything?
Captain Saki - Like.. I take my shoes off and put them on from the left one. My whole body's like that, from my left foot, my left hand...
Sudou Maasa - Heh～ Your left?～
Captain Saki - Yeah. Like, if I don't start from the left I feel like I can't go on well
Sudou Maasa - Yeah...
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh, you're just putting your shoes on but, you can't go on well..（lol）
Captain Saki - (lol) Well, I just feel that way
Tokunaga Chinami - mhm
Sudou Maasa - For Maa, in my bag, the first thing's a mirror, etc.
Captain Saki - Ahー, you have everything in order
Sudou Maasa - All organized, yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - Heh～ Chinami, when I have days off, when I'm at home, I go in the bath before 6
Sudou Maasa - Ah～
Captain Saki - You're particular about it?
Tokunaga Chinami - I'm definitely particular about it
Captain Saki - Heh～
Sudou Maasa - Maa does too
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah, if I don't go in before 6, my whole schedule will be thrown off
Captain Saki - Heh～
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah
Sudou Maasa - There are a lot of fun shows on starting at 7
Captain Saki - There are, there are
Tokunaga Chinami - And from 7 o'clock, um, I'm in front of the TV all night
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - Mhm
Tokunaga Chinami - That's how I always spend my time (lol)
---
Tokunaga Chinami - 【...those】...times,【is there anything to report?】
Sudou Maasa - （lol） Those "details"
Tokunaga Chinami - So that's that
Sudou Maasa - Yes (lol）
Captain Saki - Could you maybe stop changing Kanji you don't know to different words?
Tokunaga Chinami - But the staff (lol）
Sudou Maasa - Sometimes the staff butts in, in the middle of it
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah

Beritsuu! Radio Show Translation: August 7th, 2009

2009-09-11T22:19:00.000-07:00

By: Xie

090807

Captain Saki - Happy Birthday! You're almost 16, right. 16 year-old Kumai-chan, stay healthy and cheerful
Sudou Maasa - Happy birthday, Kumai-chan! 16, you're so young～. Make this year an amazing one～
Tokunaga Chinami - Happy birthday Kumai-chan! Let's continue to age together!
All Three - 「Beritsuu！」
---
Tokunaga Chinami - Yes, uh, the 18th 「Beritsuu!」 began with Berryz name ＜chinamiyukiyurina＞-san's request,【Birthday messages to Kumai-chan who turned 16】～
Captain Saki - “Let's age together” （lol）
Sudou Maasa - That surprised me when you said that （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Right. Um, I sent her mail on her birthday, like "Let's age together," And she wrote "Okay~" （lol） Kumai-chan's been getting prettier and prettier lately
Sudou Maasa - Yeah～
Captain Saki - “Getting prettier” (lol)
Sudou Maasa - "Getting prettier" （lol） Yes, she is
Tokunaga Chinami - Have you seen Kumai-chan's photobook cover?
Sudou Maasa - I did, I did～
Captain Saki - I did (x4)！
Tokunaga Chinami - Right? Isn't it pretty!?
Sudou Maasa - 「FLOWERAGE」？
Tokunaga Chinami - Let me say that!
Sudou Maasa - Ah, Sorry, sorry, sorry (lol)
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Chinami will say that
Captain Saki - You wanted to say that, huh (lol）
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - 「FLOWERAGE」! Rurr...
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - 'Rur' （lol） Not "Rurrently"
Tokunaga Chinami - Currently （lol）
Sudou Maasa - Currently
Tokunaga Chinami - It's currently doing well on sale
Sudou Maasa - I want to see it~
Tokunaga Chinami - Me too!
Captain Saki - I want to see it
---
Tokunaga Chinami - “Berryz News Headline”！
Captain Saki - At the August 2nd concert in Osaka, Kumai Yurina-san's 16th birthday was celebrated a day in advance. Upon seeing the arena lit up all around in gree- green colored glow sticks, Kumai-chan - Kumaigo - was moved. At the end of the night, she was unable to say a message, but I'm letting you know on her behalf she was incredibly happy. In other news, Sudou Maasa returned from her Nagasaki trip. She brought the Berryz members souvenir sponge cake, but on-ly Chinami had 2 pieces. I do not know where Chinami's appetite ends. That's all from Shimizu Saki in the report center～

Tokunaga Chinami - You were in pretty bad shape today (lol)
Sudou Maasa - You did pretty bad (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - You fumbled "Green" （lol）
Captain Saki - (lol) That was pretty bad, but
Sudou Maasa - Yes (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah～
Captain Saki - Yes, right..
Tokunaga Chinami - What was it?
Sudou Maasa - Kumai-chan
Captain Saki - Kumai-chan's green glow sticks
Sudou Maasa - Yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - That was so pretty～！
Sudou Maasa - It wasー
Captain Saki - Super pretty
Sudou Maasa - It felt like we were in a field～
Captain Saki - Yeah, it did (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - I thought I'd be absorbed in it
---
Tokunaga Chinami - But, Kumai-chan as well, backstage, said, “I wanted to say something～！”
Captain Saki - Yeah, she did. But at the end, right.. When we were leaving the stage, She said, "I'm happy! Thank you!” Kumai-chan
Tokunaga Chinami - In a loud voice?
Captain Saki - Ah, No, no, I mean like they (the audience) didn't know (lol）
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - (lol) Right, right, right (lol) She did say it then
Tokunaga Chinami - Oh～
---
（M29号）＜Captain's kind of out of it today
Captain Saki - Really?
Tokunaga Chinami - You're kind of.. floating
（M29号）＜Oh no, Oh no, it's dangerous when Captain's like this
All Three - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Alright, let's do our best (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - We have to do our best!
---
（M29号）＜【At the Pacific Heaven on February of 2007, Chinami-chan and Kumai-chan had their events. During the challenge that happened on that day, everyone who participated were given things that all of the members hand-made】
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah, bingo！
（M29号）＜【What was that?】 Bingo...?
Tokunaga Chinami - Cards!
（correct）
Sudou Maasa - Oh～
---
（M29号）＜【During the game corner at the "Waracchaou yo BOYFRIEND" release event in Yomiuri Land, Momoko-chan felt responsible because of her mistake, and cried. What was Chinami-chan's nice comment that alleviated the heavy mood?】
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah! You're pinkies are still up, huh - even when you cry
（correct）
Sudou Maasa - Oh~ (lol）
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - You really remembered (lol）
---
（M29号）＜【This is a question from the "Alo Hello! Berryz Kobo DVD." What nickname did Maasa-chan write on Momo-chan's pants?】
Sudou Maasa - "futomomo" (thigh)
（correct）
Sudou Maasa - Alright (lol）
（M29号）＜【In a scene from the "Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance" Single V making, Maasa-chan filmed Saki-chan, Chinami-chan, and Miyabi-chan communicating in a cryptic Monkey-language. What was her final angry comment?】
Sudou Maasa - Eh～？ (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - “Hurry up and do it!”
Captain Saki - “Say something!" (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - She was the boss, right （lol）
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - (lol) What was it..?
（*time up*）
（M29号）＜...The answer to that was, "You're ticking me off～"
Sudou Maasa - Ah! That's right! It was "You're ticking me off" (lol）
（*clap*）
All Three - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - I said "You're ticking me off" (lol）
---
（M29号）＜What I think should be further explained for the Berryz beginners is, at the "Waracchaou yo BOYFRIEND" release event
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah, Ah, Ahー
（M29号）＜Chinami-chan said "Momo's pinkies are up even when you're crying," Do you remember?
Tokunaga Chinami - During the game, they lost because of her, so she cried
Captain Saki - You really remembered～
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah. Momo's pinkies are always up, but I thought, “Ah, even when she's crying her pinkies are up," so I said that.
（M29号）＜Even when she's not conscious of it, they're up. Right, right, right. And then, do you remember the poems? What kind of poems you wrote?
Captain Saki - I don't remember...
Sudou Maasa - I don't remember at all...
（M29号）＜For those who are just getting to know Berryz Kobo, um～ since they don't know about it, Let's read the poems you wrote, with love. Okay, first from Captain,
Sudou Maasa - Eh-!? We're reading them now? Ehー？（lol）
（M29号）＜Go ahead and read it
Captain Saki - Eh? What?
---
Captain Saki - Here I go, okay. 【Someday, I want to give you hand-made chocolate With sweet～ sweet words attached】
Sudou Maasa - Oh～！
Captain Saki - The second- I did a second one, 【I'll get my feelings across to that person February 14th...I really love you】...What is this? (lol）
Sudou Maasa - Ah～（lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - You did that with love
Captain Saki - Yes (lol） This is impossible
（M29号）＜We'll save Chinami-chan's for last, Um, Maasa-chan
Sudou Maasa - Save Chinami for last..（lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Yes, right～ What did I write..
Sudou Maasa - What'd you write? Chinami (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - I don't know (lol）
---
Sudou Maasa - 【Girls get nervous about Valentines, I'll send my love to the person I love】
Captain Saki - Oh～
Sudou Maasa - Eh, I wrote that kind of thing, huh
---
Sudou Maasa - 【I'll send you my sweet heart. I'm happy, are you happy?】
Captain Saki - Oh～
Tokunaga Chinami - Ohー！
Sudou Maasa - Etc. etc.
Captain Saki - That's cute
Tokunaga Chinami - That's goodー！
Sudou Maasa - I wrote this kind of thing～
（M29号）＜She won with that. Okay, Chinami-chan as well..
Captain Saki - Cute
Sudou Maasa - Yes, Chinami
---
Tokunaga Chinami - 【I made this for you, the one I love. I'll always love you, eat it like it's delicious】
Sudou Maasa - There's that aggression （lol）
Captain Saki & Tokunaga Chinami - (lol)
Captain Saki - She said it, she said it （lol）
Sudou Maasa - She did, （lol） "Eat it like it's delicious"
Captain Saki - That was kind of aggressive
---

Beritsuu! Radio Show Translation: July 24th & July 31st, 2009

2009-09-11T22:17:00.000-07:00

By: Xie

090724

Captain Saki - Only one ice-cream every 3 days！
Sudou Maasa - Put on sunblock!
Tokunaga Chinami - I won't get sun-burnt!
All Three - 「Beritsuu！」

Tokunaga Chinami - Yes! The 16th 「Beritsuu!」 began with our "Summer resolutions" ～
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - Yeーs
Tokunaga Chinami - Yes. What was yours, Captain..?
Captain Saki - “Only 1 ice-cream every 3 days”
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah～
Sudou Maasa - But that's difficult to do, for 3 days
Captain Saki - Yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - No, Wait, I eat 3 a day (lol）
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - haha
Captain Saki - Really? (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah
Sudou Maasa - Wow～ (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Today, too, I ate some before this recording
Sudou Maasa - You did, yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - What about Maasa?
Sudou Maasa - Maa's was, "Put on sunblock”
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah～
Sudou Maasa - To put it on after work. Every year I haven't worn any
Tokunaga Chinami - mhm
Captain Saki - But you're fair-skinned, Maa
Tokunaga Chinami - mhm
Sudou Maasa - Isn't that a nuisance, though?
Captain Saki - I know what you mean
Sudou Maasa - Like~...
Captain Saki - Like when you take a bath, if you don't scrub thoroughly it won't come off, right （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - It won't!
Sudou Maasa - Yeah. But, they sell the spray now, right
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah, they do
Captain Saki - Ehー？
Tokunaga Chinami - The UV kind..
Sudou Maasa - You just spray it on..
Captain Saki - That's convenient! Heh～
Sudou Maasa - Yeah. So first, I'll do my best this year to wear sunblock after work
Tokunaga Chinami - Chinami's was, "Not get sun-burnt"
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - You're already doing that,
Sudou Maasa - mhm
Tokunaga Chinami - That's right...
Captain Saki - Though.. Pretty much
Tokunaga Chinami - Um～ I'm trying not to get sun burnt from now on
Captain Saki - Ah
Tokunaga Chinami - In the past, um, I used sunblock
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - It didn't work （lol）
Captain Saki - What should you do, huh?
Tokunaga Chinami - What~ should I do?
Captain Saki - There's no coping method, huh
Tokunaga Chinami - If there's anyone, like...
Sudou Maasa - Wear long sleeves!
Tokunaga Chinami - No, no, no!!
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - It's too hot, huh （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - If there's anyone who knows a good way, please let us know
---
Captain Saki - “Berryz News Headline”～！
Tokunaga Chinami - First is News about the Anime, "Inazuma Eleven." The other day, Shimizu Saki and Sudou Maasa challenged themselves as Seiyuu. It was aired. Did you all watch it? Actually, Tokunaga Chinami also challenged herself as a Seiyuu, the details will be revealed after this. Continuing, serious news concerning Tokunaga Chinami. Tokunaga Chinami, finally! was given a Birthday present from Tsugunaga Momoko-san. She got me a bath powder, sponge, and pajama set. Will she give Sudou Maasa, whose birthday was this month, a present? That's all, this has been Tokunaga Chinami from the report center～

Sudou Maasa & Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - You were really trying （lol）
Captain Saki - You were, That's great
Tokunaga Chinami - Don't you think today's the best I've done?
Captain Saki - That was good
Sudou Maasa - Mhm~ Well-done, well-done
Tokunaga Chinami - Go me.
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Hahaha
Captain Saki - ...(lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Yes. So first, was the news about "Inazuma Eleven," Um, a letter about "Inazuma Eleven" was sent in, so
Captain Saki - Oh
Sudou Maasa - Mhm
Tokunaga Chinami - I'll go ahead and read it. From Beritsuu name (lol) Um, ＜mochi＞san. 【...When I watched the usual "Seishun Bus Guide" ending, I saw Saki-chan and Maasa-chan's names. It surprised me, and made me happy. I'm lucky I recorded it. I listen to the radio show every week, but when you're voice acting, did you change your voices to create characters? Maasa-chan likes Anime, so did you have fun doing it? Please tell us about the experience.】
(* Saki's voiced parts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJmXtjRno8A
Saki scene: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe-K8258bI
Maasa voiced parts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa_jwG6TylQ )
---
Tokunaga Chinami - How was it? Like, did you change your voice..
Captain Saki - I did, a bit
Sudou Maasa - Right, right, Captain did
Tokunaga Chinami - Try to do it real quick
Captain Saki - Eh, in what way...? Try and do it? (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Okay, your, um, your line is, "I am Shimizu Saki." (lol）
Captain Saki - I can't (lol）
Sudou Maasa - You can't do that (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Yes, go ahead and try it
Captain Saki - That kind of thing (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - But there are probably people who didn't record it or missed it
Captain Saki - Hold on (lol) I have limits even with being forced, Tokunaga-san (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - It's fine (lol）
Captain Saki - Eh～？（lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - It's fine～（lol）
Captain Saki - It's difficult to do (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Ready~ Start!
Captain Saki - Kind of like.. "I'm Shimizu Saki♪" ..? Like that (lol)
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
（*clap*）
Sudou Maasa - Right, right, Like that
Captain Saki - It really was (lol） Like that
Sudou Maasa - And Maa was just normal, like this
Tokunaga Chinami - And the, um, I tried voice acting
Sudou Maasa - Right? Yeah
Captain Saki - You challenged yourself （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - I challenged myself （lol）
Sudou Maasa - What role? What kind of role?
Tokunaga Chinami - Um, they were called, "Ruma"
Sudou Maasa - A boy or girl?
Tokunaga Chinami - I played a younger brother,
Captain Saki - Heh～
Sudou Maasa - Ah, little brother, mhm
Tokunaga Chinami - And Kumai-chan and Risako did it, too. Risako was an older sister, and Kumai-chan did the voice of the eldest brother
Sudou Maasa - Heh～, Risako was the older sister
Captain Saki - You played a boy? Eh, what was it like? (lol）
Sudou Maasa - How was your voice?
Tokunaga Chinami - Oh man, our voices..! （lol）
Sudou Maasa - Was is like, "（*low*）Oi～” (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - No, no (lol） Kumai-chan was like, "Somethin' like that～” (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Ah～ Is that so (lol）
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - And Risako was just like herself, and I was like, “I'm tired~” (lol）
Captain Saki - Heh～ Cute
Sudou Maasa - Cute. Very girlish
Captain Saki - Yes
Tokunaga Chinami - Like, because he was the youngest..
Sudou Maasa - Ah～
Tokunaga Chinami - Right, right, right. And then, crying imitations
Sudou Maasa - ...Crying imitations!? （lol）
Captain Saki - (lol) Like, " (*crying noise*) ”？
Tokunaga Chinami - Would you call it "imitation"...（lol）
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Well, continuing
Captain Saki - haha
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - There's more. This is very big news.
Sudou Maasa - Like, "Finally~"
Tokunaga Chinami - I thought, Here it is―! Um, Momo gave me a Birthday present
Captain Saki - yes
Sudou Maasa - Ohー！（*clap*）
Tokunaga Chinami - On the week before last, um～
Sudou Maasa - The week before last, mhm
Tokunaga Chinami - Um～, I said she didn't give me one, right. So, um, after we recorded that, the next day..!
Sudou Maasa - Oh～！
Captain Saki - Right after, huh
Tokunaga Chinami - I don't know if she sensed or inferred something （lol）
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - The next day, she said “Happy birthday Chinami" and I was like “Thank you～！” And I said, “Actually, I already mentioned it yesterday on 「Beritsuu!」 Momo～” Eh, Did she give Maasa one? Even though it's long passed
Sudou Maasa - She hasn't given me one, Momo. She said, if there's anything you'd like, I'll buy you it, but..
Tokunaga Chinami - She didn't buy it (lol)
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Yeah, but, when I said anything's fine..
Tokunaga Chinami - What'd she say? When you said that?
Sudou Maasa - She was like.. Ah～ um, “Okay, would just me be fine?” (lol）
Captain Saki - Tokunaga Chinami - haha
Sudou Maasa - I thought, as expected of Tsugunaga-san (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - No thanks- !!
Sudou Maasa - Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - And, after
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh, and what'd you say, Maa?
Sudou Maasa - I was like, "Nah, I'm good“ （lol）
Captain Saki & Tokunaga Chinami - haha
Captain Saki - I can imagine that
Sudou Maasa - Mhm. But, I'm looking forward to it
---
Captain Saki - 【As for me, I'm growing out my hair, so I can't really help being hot. Tokunaga-san's been growing out her hair. Here's my question. Do you have any cool (*because of the summer heat) hair styles? Also, especially, Tokunaga-san has an image of wearing many different hair styles, lately, 】...(lol)【Do you have a favorite hair style? Please tell me all of your favorite hair styles. Also, if you like any other members' hair styles, please tell us.】
Tokunaga Chinami - A cool hair style would be bald, wouldn't it? （lol）
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - Hey～...! （lol）
Sudou Maasa - Even though they said they're growing their hair (lol）
Captain Saki - She said she was growing her hair, though
Tokunaga Chinami - But now there are like wigs..
Sudou Maasa - When she gets home she could like remove it （lol）
Captain Saki - No～（lol）
Sudou Maasa - Take it off～（lol）
Captain Saki - Stop~..（lol） Eh, do you have any favorite hair styles?
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh, well Chinami, I don't know what to do with my hair, well I don't want to cut it..
Sudou Maasa - Oh～
Captain Saki - 'Cause it's hot, right～
Tokunaga Chinami - It's hot.. But, sometimes it's short right. So, like, I'll put my hair back, and shorten the hair around my face. If you grow the back out, you can wear it short or long.. Well, for now that'd probably be it
Captain Saki - When it's hot in the summer
Sudou Maasa - But, I like when Chii.. wears her hair up - Maa does
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah, I've worn it up a lot lately, yeah
Sudou Maasa - Mhm, You've become really grown-up... (lol)
Captain Saki - She's smiling (lol）
Sudou Maasa - She's all smiley (lol）
---
Captain Saki - 【...Everyone probably has important things gathered on the desks in your rooms. And, what kind of things do you have gathered in your room besides on your desk? If you don't mind, please tell us. By the way, in my room, I have a poster signed by Maasa-chan and Momoko-chan from a radio show.】
Sudou Maasa - Heh～
Tokunaga Chinami - Hehー You don't have my autograph～
Captain Saki - Yeah～
Sudou Maasa - Ah～
Tokunaga Chinami - Why, I wonder. I'm curious, huh
Captain Saki - I wonder
Sudou Maasa - yeah
Captain Saki - Yes
Tokunaga Chinami - Also, I always think this, ＜super kenken＞-san's Berryz name... I'd like to see what kind of "ken ken" that's referring to （lol）
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - It's probably the 'ken' of 'kenkenpa' (lol）(*kenkenpa = Hopscotch)
Sudou Maasa - Kenken is, um, the character, Kenken, right? Ah, no? (lol)
Captain Saki - (lol) It's the kenken from hopscotch
Tokunaga Chinami - Um (lol）
Sudou Maasa - Hopscotching...(lol) that picture.. You want to see a picture of hopscotching? (lol) (*staff laughs*)
Captain Saki - haha...
Sudou Maasa - Hopscotching (lol） Okay, ＜super kenken＞-san, please send it in (lol）
Captain Saki - haha...
Sudou Maasa - Because Chinami said she desperately wants to see a hopscotching picture (lol）
Captain Saki - As expected of Chinami.. (lol) As expected of Chinami... (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Chinami (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - But, it's Super Kenken!
Sudou Maasa - As expected...(lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Kenken.. (lol)
Sudou Maasa - I think that, ＜super kenken＞-san
Captain Saki - ..isn't the 'kenkenpa' you're thinking of (lol)
Sudou Maasa - It's probably just normal hopscotch (lol)
Captain Saki - (lol) Isn't that wrong～ ?
Sudou Maasa - Okay, we'll be waiting for your letter (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Well, who-
Captain Saki - Ah～ That's funny. Wouldn't expect any less from Chinami
Tokunaga Chinami - Hah～ Nevermind （lol）
Sudou Maasa - So what were we talking about? (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - What was it..?
Captain Saki - Um, on our desks..
Sudou Maasa - Yes. Ah, our desks...
Captain Saki - What kind of things do we have in our rooms
Sudou Maasa - Maa, um, I've had my portrait drawn quite a lot
Captain Saki - Mhm...
Sudou Maasa - Did you know? I had them done for me
Captain Saki - Hehー
Tokunaga Chinami - When？
Sudou Maasa - Umm, I got it around Spring of this year
Captain Saki - Hehー
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh, wait, that's recent！
Sudou Maasa - Right, right, right. I had it done, and I still have it
Tokunaga Chinami - Oh～
Captain Saki - Heh～
Sudou Maasa - The face really looks like me, but, that.. They ask, "Do you want to be playing a sport?"
Tokunaga Chinami - Ohー
Sudou Maasa - That kind of thing
Captain Saki - Heh～
Sudou Maasa - So they made me like playing tennis.. It's really cute
Captain Saki - Eh, I wanna see
Tokunaga Chinami - I wanna see. Next time, send me a picture (of it)
Sudou Maasa - Yeah, I'll send you it
All Three - (lol)
Captain Saki - Heh～ I, well on top, it's full of magazines
Tokunaga Chinami - Full of magazines!
Captain Saki - Ah, that's right, Chii's seen it. And, below I have
Tokunaga Chinami - Pens
Captain Saki - Pens, but
Sudou Maasa - Heh～
Captain Saki - But I threw them all away （lol）
Sudou Maasa - Eh!? That's a waste!
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Such a waste!
Captain Saki - My mom uses all of the ones where the ink comes out. The other day, I cleaned.. Would you say my room, well, it's a tatami room.. And I took everything out of my desk and organized it. Now I have like, a box of tissues, and (lol) well it's just ordinary now. And then, pig goods..
Sudou Maasa - Box of tissues (lol)
Captain Saki - Kind of, it's not really glamorous. Just like magazines, that kind of thing
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah～ Chinami.. Eh, what Chinami has is.. character.. not figures, but like stuffed animals
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - Heh～
Tokunaga Chinami - They're of characters I really love
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - Mhm
Tokunaga Chinami - So, I really treasure those. And then, nothing but misc. goods
Captain Saki - “Nothing but misc. goods”（lol）
Sudou Maasa - “Nothing but misc. goods”（lol）
Captain Saki - I'd like to see that (lol)
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - (lol) There are lots of random things
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - haha...
Tokunaga Chinami - Like bubbles..
Sudou Maasa - Ah～（lol）
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Lots of misc. goods, right （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - What? Stop laughing at me!
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Um, misc. goods, plushies, and a music player.. that's about it
---
Captain Saki - 【How do you take out watermelon seeds? Do you dig em' out before you eat it?】(lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - “Do you dig em' out?”（lol）
Captain Saki - That made me laugh when I said it （lol）
Sudou Maasa - mhm (lol）
Captain Saki - 【Do you spit em' out when you're eating?】(lol)
---
Captain Saki - How do you do it, guys? Watermelon seeds..
Sudou Maasa - Maa digs them out
Captain Saki - Ah, at first
Tokunaga Chinami - Oh～
Captain Saki - That's the best, right
Sudou Maasa - mhm
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah. I spit them out sometimes.. and see how far they go （lol）
Captain Saki - You did that at home? (lol）
Sudou Maasa - It seems like you do that a lot (lol)
Captain Saki - It does
Tokunaga Chinami - All of us
Captain Saki - Everyone (lol） Your family
---
090731
Captain Saki - Ah! There's a bug on your clothes!
Sudou Maasa - My cola exploded!
Tokunaga Chinami - You got fat, huh～
All Three - 「Beritsuu！」
---
Tokunaga Chinami - Yes, Yes！Uh,
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - haha
Tokunaga Chinami - The 17th 「Beritsuu!」 began with Momo's request, "A chilling message” ～
Captain Saki - Ye-s
Sudou Maasa - Mhm (lol）
Captain Saki - (lol) "Yes, Yes!”
Tokunaga Chinami - It was written in the script, though - "Yes, yes"
Sudou Maasa - That's like a comedian (lol) "Yes, yeーs！”（lol）
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - That's funny (lol）
Captain Saki - Yes. So a "Chilling message" right. A bug..
Sudou Maasa - I know what you mean with bugs
Captain Saki - Bugs.. yeah, Maa doesn't like bugs right
Sudou Maasa - Yeah. Before this there was one in my hair
Captain Saki - Eh, Yikes
Sudou Maasa - And I couldn't get it off! Myself. So someone got it for me
Tokunaga Chinami - What was it?
Sudou Maasa - I dunno. I don't know that either
Tokunaga Chinami - (lol)
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - (lol) They laughed at me (lol) You're not too worried about me (lol)
Captain Saki & Tokunaga Chinami - (lol)
Captain Saki - Yeah～ Bugs are scary, aren't they
Tokunaga Chinami - Scary~
Sudou Maasa - Bugs are scary~
Tokunaga Chinami - What was Maa's?
Sudou Maasa - Cola
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah, was it "exploded"..?
Captain Saki - Your cola exploded
Sudou Maasa - That's because I went to the movies by myself..
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - That's lonely～（lol）
Sudou Maasa - It's not lonely! (lol)
Captain Saki - That's great （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - You should really invite me
Sudou Maasa - Eh, why?
Captain Saki - That's great
Sudou Maasa - Eh, so you guys don't go?
Captain Saki - Eh
Tokunaga Chinami - I don't
Captain Saki - The other day,
Tokunaga Chinami - My mom said “Go by yourself”..
Captain Saki - I went with my mom
Sudou Maasa - Ah-, right. So, I went
Tokunaga Chinami - But I said, "But I'm not Maasa so I can't go” （lol）
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - yeah (lol）
Sudou Maasa - And, I barely made it so I had to kind of run, The bottle was in my bag, So I opened it, and I thought - what else is knew - and it exploded
Captain Saki & Tokunaga Chinami - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Some got on the seat next to me, so I was like “Ah～, Sorry." It was all covered in cola.. Well, thinking, 'what can you do,'
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - I watched while I was walking..
Tokunaga Chinami - That's pretty 'chilling'
Sudou Maasa - Yeah, right, right
Tokunaga Chinami - Like, “Ah, what should I do, the movie's started"
Captain Saki - Yeah～
---
Sudou Maasa - “Berryz News Headline”～！
Captain Saki - First is News regarding the Summer Hello! Project concert. At the concert this time, Tokunaga-san and Sudou-san do something fun. For those of you who've already seen it, you're probably thinking, “Are you talking about that～" From now on, everyone please look forward to it. Continuing, news about Berryz Kobo's cool beauty, Kumai Yurina-san. Kumai-san has always had the nick-name “Kumai-chan," but I, Shimizu Saki, have thought of a new nick-name. I've combined Kumai-san's name with something she does often. Eh.. What do you think it is? Please try and guess~
---
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Thank you very much～！
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - haha
Sudou Maasa - I thought, it's been a while～ (lol） (*since she messed up)
Tokunaga Chinami & Sudou Maasa - Mhm
Captain Saki - I was really trying for a while there. Okay, well, （lol） Tokunaga-san, you're being too cold～. I tried my best, so if you could maybe, um, be more cooperative?
Tokunaga Chinami - (lol) Eh, what was it? The news, The last- only that final bit of news left an impression
Captain Saki - Let's do the News
Sudou Maasa - The News
Tokunaga Chinami - Not that
Captain Saki - Yes, I understand （lol）
Sudou Maasa - Our News
Captain Saki - Tokunaga-san and Sudou-san's, um, during concerts
Tokunaga Chinami - yeah
Sudou Maasa - News. That, right? The opening...
Tokunaga Chinami - Right. We do something, somewhere
Captain Saki - I was surprised the first time I saw it (lol)
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - We do something, so, everyone probably has the right idea
Captain Saki - “Are they talking about that?" right
Tokunaga Chinami & Sudou Maasa - right
Captain Saki - And then, next, I thought of a nick name for Kumai-chan. Um, this as well, came to me during a Hello! Pro concert rehearsal. Kumai-chan gets lost a lot, right (lol）
Sudou Maasa - She does
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah. She doesn't know the numbers
Sudou Maasa - Mhm
Captain Saki - Yes. So, combining "Kumai" and "Maigo"(Lost person) - "Kumaigo"
Tokunaga Chinami - Yes, Thank you very much~ !
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - (lol) Isn't that good? 'Cause Kumai-chan really liked that
Tokunaga Chinami - But I think if it wasn't Kumai-chan they definitely wouldn't like it (lol）
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - (lol) But if you combine Kumai-chan and 'Maigo' you get "Kumaigo." It wouldn't work with anyone else
Tokunaga Chinami - Mhm
Captain Saki - Right?
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah (lol）
Captain Saki - Yeah (lol) Right..
Sudou Maasa - But Kumai-chan does get lost a lot
Captain Saki - She does, right
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah, she does
Sudou Maasa - And she's bad with directions
Captain Saki - Ah～
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah, really?
Sudou Maasa - She's really bad with directions.
---
Sudou Maasa - She'll be like “Where are we～？” (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh!?
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Eh, you haven't heard her [say that] ? (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - I have, I have
Sudou Maasa - She says like "Where is this～？”
Captain Saki - She does
Sudou Maasa - Yeah, I think she's really a strange girl, Kumai-chan
Captain Saki - She's funny isn't she, Kumai-chan
Tokunaga Chinami - Well, that was some trivial news, wasn't it. (*clap*) So then, um, next week as well (lol)
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - haha
Captain Saki - Yes (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - It was hard to transition
---
Tokunaga Chinami - 【...Is Chinami-chan doing well with her home...work?】
Captain Saki - haha
Sudou Maasa - You fumbled (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Hold on (lol) Why did she single me out? I am doing my school work
Captain Saki - Yes (lol）
---
Tokunaga Chinami - 【Though you're probably busy with all of the concerts and events, is there anything you want to do this Summer, or anywhere you'd like to go with your family or the other members?...】That's it.
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - (lol) "That's it.”
Captain Saki - Eh～
Sudou Maasa - Um... we recorded in the middle of July, but I already went on a trip
Captain Saki - Ah～
Tokunaga Chinami - Where're you going!?
Sudou Maasa - We talked about it.. Where..(lol)
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Where'd you go? （lol）
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Well, "Where am I going?" Right, Um..
Tokunaga Chinami - Where'd you go?
Sudou Maasa - I planned to go to Nagasaki
Tokunaga Chinami - Doesn't your Grandma live there..?
Sudou Maasa - Right, right, right
Tokunaga Chinami - Okay, sponge cake..! (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Sure
Captain Saki - Yeah～ (lol)
Sudou Maasa - I'll buy you some more sponge cake （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Thank you～
Captain Saki - Ah～, Thank you
Sudou Maasa - Mhm. And, I went to a festival
Captain Saki - Eh！
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh-!?
Captain Saki - That's nice～
Tokunaga Chinami - What'd you eat?
Sudou Maasa - I wore a yukata,
Captain Saki & Tokunaga Chinami - Eh-!?
Sudou Maasa - I got to go!
Tokunaga Chinami - Who helped you put it on? Your Mom?
Sudou Maasa - Yeah, she helped me put it on
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah, awesome!
Sudou Maasa - I put it on where I bought it
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh, you bought it this year?
Sudou Maasa - Right, right, right. Because I haven't been in around 3 years, so I lined all of the Yukata up and tried them on
Captain Saki & Tokunaga Chinami - Nice～
Captain Saki - That seems fun
Tokunaga Chinami - What'd you eat?
Sudou Maasa - Umm..
Captain Saki - Eat.. (lol）
Sudou Maasa - Eat.. (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - But at festivals..
Sudou Maasa - Food, right
Tokunaga Chinami - All there is is food, right
Captain Saki - Right, right (lol）
Sudou Maasa - Yeah. Maa ate grilled chicken
Tokunaga Chinami - Oh～
Sudou Maasa - It was good, unexpectedly
Captain Saki - Heh~ That's nice
Tokunaga Chinami - I wanna go~ What about Captain?
Captain Saki - That's nice
Tokunaga Chinami - You haven't planned anything?
Captain Saki - Not at all
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah, really? Me neither. I always get talking about where to go..
Sudou Maasa - What about the aquarium?
Tokunaga Chinami - It's too crowdedー
Sudou Maasa - Ah～, Right..
Tokunaga Chinami - You don't see fish, you see people （lol）
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - (lol) True
Tokunaga Chinami - My mom, said Kamukura's good but, I thought, what's... in Kamakura, I wonder? （lol） So I still haven't made any plans, I'd like to go to a festival or to a river
---
Tokunaga Chinami - 【...I like Maasa-chan's voice and the way you talk,】
Sudou Maasa - Ah, thank you
Tokunaga Chinami - 【But it seems you (Maasa-chan) don't like your voice. So, I have a question for the 3 of you. Is there something someone else has complimented you on, but you don't like about yourself?】 Why are you laughing? (lol）
Captain Saki - Just... (*the way Chinami was reading) （lol） So, how about that?
Tokunaga Chinami - You don't like your voice, Maa?
Sudou Maasa - I don't
Captain Saki - Why～？
Tokunaga Chinami - I don't like mine either
Sudou Maasa - Eh, but Chii's voice is cute
Tokunaga Chinami - I don't like it (x3)
Sudou Maasa - It's like an anime [character]
Captain Saki - It is
Sudou Maasa - Well, I mean your voice sounds different to you than it does to others
Captain Saki - That's right, your voice sounds different to you when you speak
Tokunaga Chinami - Why is that?
Captain Saki - That's funny
Sudou Maasa - When I listen to like this radio show, my voice is really droning, so I think, I hate it～
Tokunaga Chinami - Well.. （lol） What if you add lots of spaces..?（lol）
Sudou Maasa - Eh?
Tokunaga Chinami - If you add lots of spaces, it'll really like, jump out （lol）
Captain Saki - haha
Sudou Maasa - (lol) Just add spaces for no reason? Like, "WA・tashi wa・” (lol) (*staff laughs*)
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - If I did that.. They wouldn't know who it was (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - (lol)
Captain Saki - They couldn't tell (lol) They wouldn't know what you were saying （lol）
Sudou Maasa - Yeah, they wouldn't know (lol）
---
Captain Saki - What was it? Compliments?
Tokunaga Chinami - 【Things others have complimented you on but you don't like about yourself】
Captain Saki - This is a difficult question. Ehー？ What I wonder～ Well, I'm told "that's good~" about being short, but～ I haven't really thought that lately. I don't really think being short is a good thing
Sudou Maasa - Since we're tall, have you ever thought you didn't like it?
Tokunaga Chinami - I've gotten taller lately. Well, before, I didn't like it, but I think around my current height
Sudou Maasa - Right
Tokunaga Chinami - is... best♪
Captain Saki - (lol)
---
Sudou Maasa - (lol)... Chinami just said to me,
Captain Saki - yes
Sudou Maasa - (*whisper*) Like, "Say it, Maasa" (lol）
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - No, because Chinami always says this, there are probably people thinking "Chinami again?" right!
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - No there aren't～（lol）
Sudou Maasa - It's fine, it's fine
Tokunaga Chinami - Okay, can I say it?
Captain Saki - Go on～
---

Beritsuu! Radio Show Translation: July 10th, 2009

2009-09-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

By: Xie

090710

Captain Saki - I want to have nice handwriting.
Sudou Maasa - To have better pronunciation.
Tokunaga Chinami - To be able to go to the amusement park soon.
All Three - 「Beritsuu!」

Tokunaga Chinami - Yes!
Captain Saki - So, this time
Tokunaga Chinami - Why? There.. (lol)
Captain Saki - What? （lol）
Sudou Maasa - Just now （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Wasn't Captain supposed to say “Yes" there? Since you're the eldest
Captain Saki - Yes! (lol）
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - So this time, Momo's..
Sudou Maasa - Wishes
Tokunaga Chinami - is what she requested
Sudou Maasa - Right, right, right (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - For us to say, (lol) So, what was Captain's?
Captain Saki - I want to write nicely
Tokunaga Chinami - Ahh~ I wonder if it'll be granted~ （lol）
Captain Saki - "I wonder if it'll be granted?" (lol) We don't have MC's like that, right? (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Yeah~ seriously (lol）
Captain Saki - Isn't it, "I hope it's granted"?
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Yes. (lol) Okay, you can do it
Captain Saki - What?
Sudou Maasa - Do what?
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh, MC
Captain Saki - Seriously.. (lol）
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Do Captain's wish （lol）
Sudou Maasa - Seriously? (lol）
Captain Saki - Can we not？
Sudou Maasa - We can't
Tokunaga Chinami - I give up
Captain Saki - Ahー, but, really. I want to have nice handwriting.
Sudou Maasa - Captain's handwriting's cute, though
Captain Saki - Yeah, well, like Maa..
Sudou Maasa - Your handwriting's modern style
Captain Saki - And Kumai-chan's are
Tokunaga Chinami - Ahー！So pretty!
Captain Saki - Really pretty.
Sudou Maasa - Our- My characters are like characters of old
Tokunaga Chinami - Characters of old （lol）
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - They're pretty
Tokunaga Chinami - They are
Captain Saki - They're pretty
Sudou Maasa - Really?
Tokunaga Chinami - mhm
---
Captain Saki - Yeah, so, like my Mom will tell me “Look, please write with pretty characters like Maasa-chan,” a lot
Sudou Maasa - Oh～
Tokunaga Chinami - Heh～
Captain Saki - My penmanship's kind of like it was when I was little
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah, it seems that way
Captain Saki - Yeah, yeah (lol）
Sudou Maasa - “It seems that way” （lol）
Captain Saki - From documents..
Tokunaga Chinami - But no footprints remain of that at all, huh
Captain Saki - Right, right. There's nothing, so..（lol）
Sudou Maasa - Footprints?! （lol）
Captain Saki - Footprints （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - You call it footprints, right? ..Ah, you don't?
Captain Saki - There are no remnants of it, but.. Yeah. Right, so I thought I'd like to write more nicely
Tokunaga Chinami - Oh~
Captain Saki - Yes
Captain Saki - Okay
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah, what about Maasa?
Sudou Maasa - Maa's was pronunciation
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah~
Captain Saki - Ah～
Tokunaga Chinami - Chinami, too
Sudou Maasa - You know what I mean, right?
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah, I know
Sudou Maasa - Like.. It's not very good.
Captain Saki - Eh, but I think Maa's is completely fine
Tokunaga Chinami - (lol)...
Sudou Maasa - Really?
Captain Saki - What's the matter? What? (lol)
Sudou Maasa - What, what? What is it?
Tokunaga Chinami - Why didn't you say Chinami's name (lol）
Captain Saki - No, well,
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - Chinami's, like, how do you say it
Tokunaga Chinami - You're used to it, right？
Captain Saki - Like,
Sudou Maasa - Chinami's voice is..
Captain Saki - Yea, how to say it..
Sudou Maasa - Yeah, like,
Captain Saki - I can't impersonate it, but
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah-, right.. Ahaha..
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Chinami's voice is loud, so, um, like, it really fills up the entire room like a clean cut
Captain Saki - Ah～, I think I know what you mean
Sudou Maasa - yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - I gotcha, I gotcha
Captain Saki - Yeah. And, Tokunaga-san's was? （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh? To be able to go to the amusement park soon
Sudou Maasa - Ehー？
Captain Saki - You definitely will be, don't worry
Sudou Maasa - Mhm
Tokunaga Chinami - Is that right?
Sudou Maasa - But, this year, right? You went 3 times, didn't you?
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah, I've been 3 times
Sudou Maasa - mhm
Captain Saki - That's a lot
Sudou Maasa - It is, it is
Tokunaga Chinami - That is a lot
Sudou Maasa - That's plenty, that's plenty.
Captain Saki - And wasn't it the same place?
Sudou Maasa - Okay, next time we go you can guide us
Captain Saki - That's right
Tokunaga Chinami - Okay
Sudou Maasa - yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - I know like where things are sold, etc.
Captain Saki - Heh～
Tokunaga Chinami - Like, where churros are sold, which taste best
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Oh～（lol）
Captain Saki - You know how everything tastes, huh
Tokunaga Chinami - I know perfectly
Sudou Maasa - Oh～
Captain Saki - Really?
Tokunaga Chinami - mhm
Captain Saki - Okay, next time
Tokunaga Chinami - yes
Captain Saki - You can be the Guide
Sudou Maasa - Right
Tokunaga Chinami - Okay. The 3 of us,
Sudou Maasa - Right, right, right
Tokunaga Chinami - Right.
Sudou Maasa - yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - Let's go.
Sudou Maasa - Yes. Okay, we'll go next time
Captain Saki - Okay, set a date
Tokunaga Chinami - Okay
Captain Saki - Ah, okay if you please
Tokunaga Chinami - Okay then
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - What about like tomorrow （lol）
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - ...
Sudou Maasa - Mm.. that's early
Captain Saki - Isn't tomorrow kind of early? (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - That's true
Sudou Maasa - Yes.. That's early (lol）
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Yes, well, Yes, yes, yes. Let's do our best! So then, let's begin (lol)
Captain Saki - You're pretty aggressive, huh
---
Sudou Maasa - 【...Maasa-chan, Happy 17th Birthday!】 Thank you! (*clap*)
Tokunaga Chinami & Captain Saki - Congrats～！
Sudou Maasa - I'm 17~
Captain Saki - Woo~
Sudou Maasa - 【...How is it like at home, Maasa-chan? Is there something funny, something you're older brother or younger sister said to you that made you happy, etc. ?...】
Sudou Maasa - Oh, that's a question for me. Well, since I turned 17 they got me a present
Captain Saki - Yes, yes, yes
Tokunaga Chinami - Mhm...
Sudou Maasa - And, well my sister, gave me one, but this year my brother hasn't.. This time he was like "I'll get you something, what would you like?" which made me happy...
---
Captain Saki - Ah～
Tokunaga Chinami - Ehー
Captain Saki - From your older brother
Sudou Maasa - Right
Tokunaga Chinami - A week's already passed, right
Sudou Maasa - A week's passed, yeah, I'm looking forward to it
Tokunaga Chinami - I wonder what he'll give you
Sudou Maasa - But, at the moment... Tsu- (lol) Tsugunaga-san, as well..
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah, wait!
Sudou Maasa - Said she'd bring me it, but...
Tokunaga Chinami - Can I just, okay, can Chinami say something, too?
Sudou Maasa - What's wrong? Yeah
Captain Saki - What? (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Chinami hasn't gotten a birthday present from Momo either..yet, even though it's already July 10th
Sudou Maasa - Ohー
Captain Saki - Ehー? Really?
Sudou Maasa - But, earlier, right, She said, "When can I bring it?"
Tokunaga Chinami - "When can I bring it" - Any time you want!
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - haha
Tokunaga Chinami - But, I got her something, too
Captain Saki - That's right
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah. She's funny, Momo （lol）
Sudou Maasa - She is~
Captain Saki - mhm
Sudou Maasa - I'm looking forward to it, though
Tokunaga Chinami - I am as well
Sudou Maasa - A birthday present from Momo
Tokunaga Chinami - That's rightー
Captain Saki - You're still waiting
Sudou Maasa - yes
Captain Saki - If she gives you it, we could like reveal it here
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah-, Okay, okay
---
Sudou Maasa - 【...On June 30th, 7 years have passed since the birth of Hello! Pro Kids. Congratulations.】
Captain Saki & Tokunaga Chinami - Thank you~
Sudou Maasa - 【Even though everyone was in elementary school when you debuted, Your eldest 'Onee-chan' is already a Junior in High school. Time flies, doesn't it～. What were your first impressions of each other 7 years ago? "She seemed like this at first, but actually she isn't at all," "She was just like my first impression of her," etc. If you have anything to talk about like that, specific episodes, etc. Please tell us all about it.】
---
Captain Saki - When I first.. saw Chinami I thought, "Ah, she seems really strong-willed"
Sudou Maasa - Oh～
Tokunaga Chinami - Ehh!? I'm weak, I'm feeble (lol）
Captain Saki - (lol) Like, I thought, really.. "She seems like the kind of girl who has strong opinions”
Sudou Maasa - Mhm...
Tokunaga Chinami - So, I looked like a strong person
Sudou Maasa - At that time
Captain Saki - At that time
Tokunaga Chinami - Ahh～（lol）
Sudou Maasa - At that time (lol)
Captain Saki - (lol) At that time
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah～
Captain Saki - Yeah, and contrarily Maa, like she was kind of in her own world.. She seemed really cute. But now, she's like, pretty and a strong person
Sudou Maasa - Oh～
Tokunaga Chinami - As for Chinami.. When I saw Captain, when she was little her clothes - 'when she was little' (lol) Well now, too, but.. (lol）
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - When she was little (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Since she was little.. um, I thought 'Her clothes are really cute" Like, over red things.. she'd wear a jean skirt, and she'd wear like leg warmers.. sneakers, and hats, they were super cute
Captain Saki - ...
Sudou Maasa - Heh～
Tokunaga Chinami - What? Say something!
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - No, (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - If you don't talk.. （lol）
Captain Saki - No.. (lol) Like, your first impression was of clothes (lol）
Sudou Maasa - haha.. Yeah
Captain Saki - Like, That's it?! （lol）
Sudou Maasa - For a first impression, yeah (lol)
Captain Saki - Like, my clothes caught your attention at first?
Tokunaga Chinami - Also, ah, I thought "Your eyebrows are cute" (lol）
Captain Saki - haha.. Rightー
Sudou Maasa - Her eyebrows were cute (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - And Maa... Ah, Maa seemed quiet, at first
Captain Saki - Eh～
Tokunaga Chinami - She didn't talk...I thought like, "Ahー What am I gonna do about this"
Sudou Maasa - “What am I gonna do here" (lol）
Captain Saki - “What am I gonna do about this” （lol）
Sudou Maasa - Sorry. (lol) I was that much of a problem child?
Tokunaga Chinami - I thought, “What should I do”
Sudou Maasa - Sorry (lol）
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - I remember when I went to talk to you..
Captain Saki - Heh～
Sudou Maasa - Yeah, you talked to me
Tokunaga Chinami - Me and Momo went to talk to you together. But, you were really cute, you had big doe eyes..
Captain Saki - Yeah, she was cute
Tokunaga Chinami - Her hair, too～ She was wearing something like mesh.. She was like a doll
Captain Saki - Mhm
Tokunaga Chinami - She was cu-...
Sudou Maasa - I was cute then? (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Why do you keep making it like...?
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - I didn't say that, though （lol）
Captain Saki - Well... (lol）
Sudou Maasa - Like.. (lol）
Captain Saki - It sounds like that by the way you're saying it, Chii (lol) Like, "Your clothes then were cute"... (lol）
Sudou Maasa - You're not choosing your words.. （lol）
Captain Saki - “You were cute then".. (lol) 'Cause you're saying, "Then"
Tokunaga Chinami - No, no.. (lol） You're cute, but, it's impressions right, we're talking about impressions, right? （lol）
Sudou Maasa - Yeah, right (lol）
Captain Saki - Impressions
Tokunaga Chinami - Right. That was my impression!
Captain Saki - Yes. I understand
Sudou Maasa - For Maa, I thought, Saki-chan was "Teeny~"
Captain Saki - Ah~ Right
Tokunaga Chinami - How tall were you again? (How many cm)
Captain Saki - One hundred and...
Sudou Maasa - Like 30?
Captain Saki - 30, maybe？
Sudou Maasa - But, we'd have dance lessons with all 15 of us, right
Tokunaga Chinami - We did, we did, we did
Captain Saki - Yeah, we did
Sudou Maasa - Then, you were fast - you were a fast learner. So Maa thought Captain was a really reliable person
Captain Saki - Mhm
Sudou Maasa - Since she was little
Captain Saki - I'm happy
Sudou Maasa - And, Like Chinami just said, when she went with Momo to talk to me it was in the bathroom, right? (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - The bathroom! (lol）
Captain Saki - The bathroom!? (lol)
Sudou Maasa - It was the bathroom, right (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah
Captain Saki - Heh～（lol）
Sudou Maasa - I was like, "Here they come～ those 2. They're pretty annoying-”
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Well, Maa went in the bathroom first, you were washing your hands, right..
Sudou Maasa - I was washing my hands (lol) And then you were like, (*kiddie voice*) “Let's be friends.” (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami & Captain Saki - haha
Sudou Maasa - So, well, my first impression of Chinami doesn't differ from now..
Captain Saki - Ah～
Sudou Maasa - I thought you were energetic, and lively
Captain Saki - Ah～ That's funny, huh. We don't usually talk about things like this
---
Tokunaga Chinami - This time, it's Tokunaga Chinami's recommendation. What Chinami would like to recommend to everyone is this! “Stickers” !!
Captain Saki - Oh～
Sudou Maasa - That's nostalgic
Tokunaga Chinami - Right, like, it was around 5 years ago, right. When we de- de-buted..
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - Calm down (lol) You're a little too worked up （lol）
Sudou Maasa - (lol) That's right, it was 5 years ago
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh, was it 5 years ago?
Sudou Maasa - Ah, around 7 years ago?
Captain Saki - Yeah, around there
Tokunaga Chinami - Then, we were really into stickers, right
Captain Saki - We were. I still have some, though.. (lol）
Sudou Maasa - Eh!?
Tokunaga Chinami - Right? (lol) Um,
Captain Saki - Yeah, I, I probably have some still
Tokunaga Chinami - Captain's house is crazy
Captain Saki - Really. (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - She has a shelf of them, that much （lol）
Sudou Maasa - Ehー？
Captain Saki - Really, I have a whole shelf that's like, stickers （lol）
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - And so, lately..
Captain Saki - That really surprised me, though （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Ehー！？
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - If you go to a stationary store, Like the current stickers have transformed with the times
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - 'The times' （lol）
---
Tokunaga Chinami - I collect stickers now
Captain Saki - You started collecting them again?
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah. So, what I'd like to recommend to everyone, well the most, would be the ones with water in them?
Sudou Maasa - Heh～
Captain Saki - (lol) The ones with water in them.. (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Water, right (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Ones with colored water （lol）
Captain Saki - Ahー I understand (lol）
Sudou Maasa - Could I have one, next time?
Tokunaga Chinami - Okay
Sudou Maasa - Really？
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah, sure. 'Cause, I have lots of stickers.
Captain Saki - yes
Sudou Maasa - mhm
Tokunaga Chinami - By all means, everyone as well, please go and see them
Captain Saki - haha..
Sudou Maasa - Just see them. (lol) Not buy them (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Yes.
Captain Saki - haha..
---
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - You love the script, don't you?
Tokunaga Chinami - ･･････
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - You don't have to say that!
Sudou Maasa - Ah～（lol）
Captain Saki - Yes, I'm sorry
Tokunaga Chinami - I was really just thinking, "Ah～, Good job Chinami”
---

Beritsuu! Radio Show Translation: July 3rd, 2009

2009-09-11T22:14:00.000-07:00

By: Xie

090703

Tokunaga Chinami - Happy Birthday! Let's go out together！
Captain Saki - Happy Birthday! Stay Berryz Kobo's 'Mama", always.
All Three - 「Beritsuu！」！

Tokunaga Chinami - Congrats! （clap）
Captain Saki - Congrats！（clap）
Sudou Maasa - Yay~！Thank youー！
（clap）
Captain Saki - That's awesome～
Tokunaga Chinami - （clap）
Sudou Maasa - I'm..
Captain Saki - 17 years old
Sudou Maasa - 17 now～
Tokunaga Chinami - （clap）
Captain Saki - How does it feel? To be 17 (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - （clap）
Captain Saki - That's enough （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Ah～（lol）Thank you. That was long. (lol） Eh-? Yeah, I don't feel, really different, but, this year, A chef.. that kind of, license? Cook..?
Tokunaga Chinami - Chef license!
Sudou Maasa - Yeah, yeah. I'd like to try and get a chef license
Captain Saki - Awesome~... Really.
Tokunaga Chinami - Okay, I will too. （lol）
Captain Saki - Isn't that impossible? （lol）
Sudou Maasa - “Okay me too"... （lol）
Captain Saki - Isn't that impossible （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Well.. this time we'll go out, right?
Captain Saki - Yes.
Sudou Maasa - What's wrong- all a sudden..? （lol）
Captain Saki - haha
Sudou Maasa - What's up with that, so sudden..（lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh～？
Sudou Maasa - No, Captain went, "Yes"
Captain Saki - Toku-san (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Eh? Who were you talking to? Maa, right?
Tokunaga Chinami - To Maa.
Captain Saki - haha...
Sudou Maasa - Ah, Right (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - It's not your Birthday yet, right
Captain Saki - Yeah, that's right （lol）
Sudou Maasa - Alright, we'll go, right
Captain Saki - Not yet （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah. We always say like, "Let's go out," but we haven't gone, right
Sudou Maasa - That's right
Captain Saki - yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - Our schedules haven't matched up （lol）
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - But we promised to go to the amusement park, right
Sudou Maasa - Right, right, right
Captain Saki - Going with Maa seems fun, though
Sudou Maasa - That kind of... Yeah.
Tokunaga Chinami - Yes
Captain Saki - And I said, "Always stay Berryz Kobo's 'Mama'"
Sudou Maasa - I'll shtay the Mama.
Captain Saki - yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - yeah
Sudou Maasa - "Shtay" （lol), yes
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Stay. （lol）
Captain Saki - Stay. It seems like you will.
Tokunaga Chinami - Yayyy！
Captain Saki - “Yay” (lol)
Sudou Maasa - You're definitely not happy at all, (lol) Are you?
Tokunaga Chinami - Because, the one speaking next is me. In terms of the script.
Sudou Maasa - ah～
Captain Saki - Not yet! （lol） I said I'd introduce the letter earlier, didn't I? (lol）
Sudou Maasa - Mhm (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah- Right, right.
Captain Saki - So then, well, because of Tokunaga-san, (lol) She kind of threw us off track
Tokunaga Chinami - Ahー（lol）
Captain Saki - Umm, to Maasa-san
Sudou Maasa - Yay-！
Captain Saki - Even though it's early
Sudou Maasa - Oh～♪
Captain Saki - Many messages were sent in,（lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Ohー！
Sudou Maasa - yes
Captain Saki - So I'll introduce one of them
Sudou Maasa - Ye~s
Tokunaga Chinami - Yes
Captain Saki - This is from Berryz name ＜kawasaki＞-san. 【Maasa-chan, Happy 17th Birthday～！】
Sudou Maasa - Thank youー！
Tokunaga Chinami - Congrats～！（*clap*...*clap*）
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - （lol) Okay, Don't do that kind of thing half-hearted (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh, wasn't that good timing?
Captain Saki - Yes, yes, I apologize. Eh, 【When you debuted in Hello! Project Kids, you were still in Elementary school, right.】
Sudou Maasa - Yeah~
Captain Saki - 【Your slightly confused kind of smile was so cute, I was an immediate fan. From that time, I thought Maasa-chan was the caring type. From there, you were chosen to be a Berryz Kobo member.】
Sudou Maasa - Yes
Captain Saki - 【As you turn 17, your cuteness hasn't changed since your debut, but how beautiful you become each year strikes my heart.】 So that..
Tokunaga Chinami - Thank you
Sudou Maasa - Oh-, Thank you
Captain Saki - Was the mail.
---
Tokunaga Chinami - “Berryz News Headline”～！
Captain Saki - First is some unbelievable news regarding Tokunaga Chinami-san. One day, while staying in a hotel, even though the members were each assigned rooms, It seems Sugaya-san and Natsuyaki-san came to Tokunaga-san's room, and the 3 of them slept in the same bed. They do that a lot~ Continuing, some funny news concerning Natsuyaki Miyabi-san. In Korea, when we were riding the bus, and the bus was swaying around so violently, Natsuyaki-san was thrown [from her seat]. She really sprang out; Natsuyaki-san who's more 'high tension' than necessary, was surprised. That's all; This has been Shimizu Saki from the report center.
---
Tokunaga Chinami - That's right. They came to my room.
Captain Saki - The 2 of them
Sudou Maasa - Ah, that was Chii's room
Tokunaga Chinami - At first, We were talking about how scary Miya's room was.. well Chinami and Risako always sleep together. Because we're scared
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Ah~, mhm
Tokunaga Chinami - Even if it's a single room we sleep together, because it's scary （lol） But, Miya was saying she was scared, so the 3 of us slept together. And the bed was, um, for one person,
Captain Saki - A single bed, right
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah. And, in the room there was a sofa
Sudou Maasa - That's narrow.. （lol）
Captain Saki - Yeah （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - There was a kind of large sofa, so, at first I was sleeping on the sofa, but I started thinking “Why do I have to sleep on the sofa," so the 3 of us slept in the bed
Sudou Maasa - In one? mhm
Tokunaga Chinami - And, from there more issues arose, Who's against the wall, who's in the middle, （lol） Who's..
Captain Saki - well, that's right
Tokunaga Chinami - What？The hall side? Would you call it the hall side..? We were talking about who'd be on the pathway side
Sudou Maasa - mhm
Tokunaga Chinami - We went back and forth arguing, in the middle of the night, too. It was completely an ordeal
Captain Saki - “Completely an ordeal” (lol）
Sudou Maasa - Completely （lol）
Captain Saki - (She said it) So smoothly.. (lol)
Sudou Maasa - It was completely an ordeal, huh～? (lol) I see, I see～
Captain Saki - Your Japanese （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - (lol)
Captain Saki - Really. Japanese （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - (lol) OK, Japan, Japan (lol）OK. It was an ordeal.
Captain Saki - Yeah. That seems like it'd be an ordeal. With you 3 （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - hahaha
---
Captain Saki - Continuing, Natsuyaki-san sprang [from her seat] on a bus in Korea
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - Wasn't that something? Really～
Tokunaga Chinami - I-
Sudou Maasa - She was in the seat behind Maa,
Captain Saki - Right, right （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Like building up momentum..
Tokunaga Chinami - Mhm
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - I thought, Woah～（lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah, certainly the back was really turbulent
Captain Saki - Right, right, right
Tokunaga Chinami - She, really comically..
Sudou Maasa - Like, Bam, yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - sprang out..
Captain Saki - So much, that she like fell down..
Tokunaga Chinami - Right, it was funny
Captain Saki - Yeah. And, the driver was laughing too (lol）
Sudou Maasa - Heh～
Tokunaga Chinami - And then it kept shaking frequently, so much that it like.. became un-fun
Captain Saki - “Became un-fun”（lol）
Sudou Maasa - Even though?
Tokunaga Chinami - Even though it wasn't fun, Miya was having fun by herself
Captain Saki - She was having a blast, huh
Tokunaga Chinami - It was like, what's so fun? （lol）
Captain Saki - It was bouncing around the same time she jumped up so it threw her even further
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah, yeah
Sudou Maasa - Ah~ (lol） It was like she jumped by herself?
Captain Saki - right right （lol）
Sudou Maasa - mhm (lol）
Captain Saki - It was like a little roller coaster ride
Sudou Maasa - yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - What is it I wonder, about Miya. She's funny. Ahaha...
Sudou Maasa - She is (lol） She seems really.. (lol）
Captain Saki - yeah, "Cool", but
Tokunaga Chinami - yeah
Sudou Maasa - Yeah, Like um, even though she looks like a high-schooler
Captain Saki - yeah (lol）
Sudou Maasa - She does things like that. She's funny
Captain Saki - She is
Tokunaga Chinami - She's more like a middle-schooler. Surprisingly
---
Tokunaga Chinami - Ahー! You could've answered this, right? We didn't get to the 9th one, though. How do you read this? Ah, B.L.T.'s U-17, "Sizzle fi.." Hm?
Captain Saki - Sizzleful girl?
Tokunaga Chinami - From the 2007 Winter B.L.T. mobile questionnaire
Sudou Maasa - Oh～
Tokunaga Chinami - When asked “What manga do you like?”
Sudou Maasa - "Urayasu"
Tokunaga Chinami - What did you answer, Captain? "Urayasu Tekkin Family"
Captain Saki - mhm
Tokunaga Chinami - Okay, what manga do you like now?
Captain Saki - What do I like now? I read "One Piece" the other day.
Sudou Maasa - Ah～、"One Piece" right
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah, you did
Captain Saki - Right, right, right
Tokunaga Chinami - Was that at the 54th volume..?
Captain Saki - 54, maybe?
Sudou Maasa - They went that long? "One Piece"
Captain Saki - mhm
Tokunaga Chinami - Isn't that awesome?
Captain Saki - And it's still going
Sudou Maasa - Awesome~
Captain Saki - But I still read "Urayasu Tekkin Family"
Tokunaga Chinami - Really? Lend it to me, next time
Captain Saki - Ah, Okay （lol）
---

Beritsuu! Radio Show Translation: June 26th, 2009

2009-09-11T22:12:00.000-07:00

By: Xie

090626

Sudou Maasa - Don't run along the pool side!
Captain Saki - No diving!
Tokunaga Chinami - Shower of Hell～！
All Three - 「Beritsuu！」

Captain Saki - Yes, so then, this time, we fulfilled Momo's request of "a phrase as if we were having a pool lesson"
Captain Saki - Well Mine and Maa's were,
Sudou Maasa - Yeah, normal..
Captain Saki - Normal. Right, but Tokunaga-san's was
Tokunaga Chinami - Tokunaga's, "shower of Hell" is, Before you get in the pool,
Sudou Maasa - The water, right
Tokunaga Chinami - You take a shower
Captain Saki - The thing where the water comes out from above?
Tokunaga Chinami - The thing where the water comes out with wicked strong pressure～
Tokunaga Chinami - Right. And, the water's really cold..
Captain Saki - It's cold, it's cold
Tokunaga Chinami - You can't go in the pool unless you use that, so they call it the shower of Hell
Captain Saki - Heh～ That's funnyー
---
Captain Saki - “Berrys News Headline”！
Sudou Maasa - As you all know, On June 21st we had a mini live in Korea. The mics we used for the live had the members' names written on them, but "Doku" was written on Chinami-san's mic. (...) Continuing, an episode that occurred in Korea. In Korea, the condition of my, Sudou Maasa's, throat was bad. When I returned to Japan, When I said "I'm ho-... I messed up. (lol) When I said "I'm home" to my Mom, my voice was raspy, so she told me, "You sound cool." I would of liked all of you to have heard my voice then. That is all, this has been Sudou Maasa from the report center.
Captain Saki - Yes (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - yes
Sudou Maasa - Ah～, I messed up. Ah～
Captain Saki - Yes (lol) So then,
Sudou Maasa - Doku - Doku-san (lol)
Captain Saki - Doku-san
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah- Man, That was so bad～！
Captain Saki - Doku-san (lol)
Sudou Maasa - That cracked me up so much （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Well, um～, the staff gave me a mic, right. And, their expression was kind of odd, so I thought, Ahー I don't have a good feeling about this either～
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - And when I looked, to my surprise it said "Doku" （lol）
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah～
Captain Saki - That was funny, huh
Tokunaga Chinami - Really..
Captain Saki - I'm curious about that
Sudou Maasa - Yeah, I'm curious
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - I'm curious
Captain Saki - You're Toku..
Tokunaga Chinami - And when we performed, it wasn't fixed..
Sudou Maasa - Yeah~
Tokunaga Chinami - So that "Doku" didn't show..（lol) I tried my best..
Sudou Maasa - Ahh~ (lol） (*clap*）
Tokunaga Chinami - 'Cause we were close～
Captain Saki - You made sure the audience couldn't see, right （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah. I thought, this is really bad.. Yeah. Well, so.. I'm praying for nothing like that to happen next time
Captain Saki - That's right (lol）
Sudou Maasa - yes
Tokunaga Chinami - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Okay, next time please make it 'Toku'
Captain Saki - Toku (lol)
---
Sudou Maasa - And then Maa..
Captain Saki - Next, right
Sudou Maasa - Yeah~
Captain Saki - Your throat
Tokunaga Chinami - yeah
Sudou Maasa - My throat was messed up
Tokunaga Chinami - yeah
Sudou Maasa - That was a first for me, um, my voice wouldn't come out
Captain Saki - yeah, yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - yeah
Sudou Maasa - I tried so hard to sing
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah～
Captain Saki - That was something else
Sudou Maasa - Um, was it "Waracchaou"...?
Captain Saki - With Momo
Sudou Maasa - When I was singing with Momo, the chorus was in a high key, but
Captain Saki - That's right
Sudou Maasa - I really couldn't sing in a high voice
Tokunaga Chinami - yeah~
Sudou Maasa - So during the 'unison' Momo kind of helped me out
Captain Saki - Yeah~
Tokunaga Chinami - Oh～
Sudou Maasa - Thank you Tsugunaga-san
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah~
---
Captain Saki - 【Are Shimizu Kurumi-san, Tokunaga Ruuto-san, and Sudou Ururu-san (*their dogs' names) doing well?】（lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Yes!
Sudou Maasa - Ye~s, They're good.
Captain Saki - 【If you have any bragging or funny stories, about your cute dogs, please tell us. I used to have 2, but now I don't so I'm pretty sad.】
Sudou Maasa - Ah～（*sad）
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah～
Captain Saki - 【I appreciate it.】 So that's it.
Tokunaga Chinami - yes
Sudou Maasa - ye-s
Captain Saki - We all have them. Now that you mention it.
Sudou Maasa - We do, yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - We do
Captain Saki - yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - Yes, um, here's a little news anyway, My Ruuto and Kurumi-san are brothers
Captain Saki - Ah, that's right
Sudou Maasa - Ah, that's true
Captain Saki - Yeah, yeah, yeah (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Right, right. But they're different colors
Sudou Maasa - Yeah~
Captain Saki - They're completely different
Tokunaga Chinami - Captain's Kuro-chan- Kurumi-chan..
Sudou Maasa - He's light?
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah, he's white
Captain Saki - He's become white
Sudou Maasa - Yeah, he's white. Chii's is brown
Tokunaga Chinami - Brown
Captain Saki - yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah. Well, at first they were the same color, but..
Captain Saki - Right, right (lol）
Sudou Maasa - Well, I mean.. right.. Like..
Tokunaga Chinami - They transformed
Sudou Maasa - They say pets resemble their owners
Tokunaga Chinami - Ehh!?
Captain Saki - (lol) (*clap*）
Sudou Maasa - The colors, too （lol）
Captain Saki - That's true! Maa (*clap*) (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Their colors are like the owners. (lol)
Captain Saki - And I'm white-colored too～
Tokunaga Chinami - I'm brown
All Three - (lol)
Captain Saki - I suppose that's true （lol）
从oﾟーﾟ从Tokunaga Chinami - yeah
Captain Saki - Yeah. Do you have any like boastful or funny stories?
Sudou Maasa - Chii's.. Ruuto-chan, right...?
Captain Saki - She has some
Tokunaga Chinami - Ruuto-kun!
Sudou Maasa - Ah, Sorry, sorry (lol)
Captain Saki - haha
Sudou Maasa - Ruuto-kun. (lol) Right, The other day, Ruuto..
Tokunaga Chinami - Ruuto's really awesome!
Sudou Maasa - Um,
Captain Saki - Go ahead and tell it
Sudou Maasa - When you showed me on your digital camera
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah, well, my mom throws the ball and Ruuto brings it back. My dog can play soccer
Captain Saki - Heh～
Sudou Maasa - Cute
Captain Saki - That's awesome
Sudou Maasa - It was cute. Um, she showed me
Captain Saki - Ah~, yeah
Sudou Maasa - She filmed it. He's awesome, Ruuto
Tokunaga Chinami - He's really great
Sudou Maasa - yeah
Captain Saki - Heh～
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah, my Ruuto does that
Captain Saki - My Kurumi-san, It's not really a skill or anything.. What I'm trying to teach him now is high-fives (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Oh～, Awesome～（lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh, isn't that hard? How do you do that?
Captain Saki - (lol) No, well..
Sudou Maasa - Like, "Yay!"
Captain Saki - Mhm, yeah (lol）
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - You go "Yay!"..
Sudou Maasa - Mhm (lol）
Captain Saki - Doesn't that seem fun?
Sudou Maasa - Ah～
Captain Saki - And high-five, kinda thing
---
Tokunaga Chinami - I tried doing that with Ruuto but （lol） he ignored it all
Sudou Maasa - Ignored （lol）
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Haha
Sudou Maasa - He ignored you, right
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah, seriously. He took off somewhere
---
Captain Saki - 【...My school clothes aren't cute at all... What kind of style of clothes do Captain, Chinami-chan, Maasa-chan like? Also, I'd like to hear the one in charge of fashion in Berryz, Miyabi-chan's, favorite style of clothing.】 Right, so then, well,
Tokunaga Chinami - yes
Captain Saki - Natsuyaki-san, isn't here now (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Isn't here, she's not here now, right
Sudou Maasa - She's isn't, she isn't
Captain Saki - (lol) She's not here, but...
---
Captain Saki - Yes, and what about Maa?
Tokunaga Chinami - Maa?
Sudou Maasa - I wonder...? I don't really know. About clothes and such (lol) But, what I wonder, Ah～ But that, Polo shirt?
Tokunaga Chinami - mhm
Sudou Maasa - For those, Maa would wear like a neck-tie
Captain Saki - Yeah, yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - mhm
Sudou Maasa - Ribbons are good too, but neck-ties are as well
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah-, What style？
Captain Saki - I like neck-ties
Sudou Maasa - Neck-ties
Tokunaga Chinami - Neck-ties, right
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - Those are cute. Neck-ties
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - yeah
Sudou Maasa - I'm diligent about it, doing it myself
---

Beritsuu! Radio Show Translation: June 19th, 2009

2009-09-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

By: Xie

BERITSUU!
I miss Kiritsu! Rei! Chakuseki! but it couldn't go on forever. The replay value on them is enough to last a life time, though. I'd like to translate more radio shows in the future; KRC episodes that were particularly funny or interesting, and other radio appearances. I've mentioned it a couple times on H!O, but the first radio shows on my list would be the Haro Pro Yanen! episodes when Buono! hosted. I feel the MomoxMiya fangirl in me squealing just thinking about it lol ♥ﾀﾞｰｨヽ(♡´∀｀♡)ﾉｽｷｯ♥ And, this may be a shocker, but I'm so thrilled about Momo's solo show. It's such a great oppurtunity for her, and it shows the company's really supporting her, her charming verbal expertise, unique personality, and popularity. Meanwhile, Chinami, Saki and Maasa crack me up so much on Beritsuu! I can't listen to it when others are around because they might think I escaped from the resident asylum or something. The funniest thing about it is their frequent grammatical errors and adorable word fumbling. I admit I haven't heard Tsuukai Berryz Kingdom, and I don't think I will since, even though Miya's one of my favorites, Risako and Kumai are my least. I know Shigemichi from H!O translated some episodes.
In any case, I'm pretty sure no one's been translating Beritsuu! episodes consistently. I translated some summaries earlier on, but haven't had time to continue. But they're so funny, I decided to translate the interesting and/or funny parts of all the recent episodes. It would take too much time and be unnecessary to translate everything word by word, unlike Momo's show, unfortunately. It's more enjoyable if you listen along, but it's probably difficult to keep up with since it's in pieces, so that may not be possible. Hopefully you can get an idea of the kind of things they talk about and their personalities more, even if it's incomplete.
---

090619

Captain Saki - Sakio-kun, my hands are small, but let's compare our hands
Sudou Maasa - Sudou-kun, can I sit next to you?
Tokunaga Chinami - Oi!, Chinasuke～！Let's trade candy～！
All Three - 「Beritsuu！」
---
Captain Saki - (lol) Yes, so then, well, this time, Momo's request was "something dropping subtle hints to a boy you like." We had some trouble coming up with these.
Tokunaga Chinami - Wasn't Captain's too obvious?! (lol)
Sudou Maasa - What was it?
Captain Saki - No..（lol）
Sudou Maasa - What did Captain say..? It was quite long
Captain Saki - yeah （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Compare hands
Captain Saki - “My hands are small, but let's compare hands”
Sudou Maasa - Ah～ compare hands （lol）
Captain Saki - (lol) What, what?
Tokunaga Chinami - eh, I just thought that was good
Captain Saki - For example, there's like “comparing heights”, so...
Sudou Maasa - Ah～, so hand comparing （lol）
Captain Saki - I altered it to hand comparing （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah～
Captain Saki - yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - And Maa?
Sudou Maasa - Maa's was "Can I sit next to you?"
Captain Saki - Isn't that more of a 'hint' ?
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah. Everyone's were too obvious, we'd be exposed (lol)
Captain Saki - haha
Sudou Maasa - But, "Can I sit next to you" is..
Tokunaga Chinami - That's obvious! If you said that
Captain Saki - Definitely
Sudou Maasa - Isn't that ordinary?
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh～？ That'd give it away. (lol)
Captain Saki - So,
Sudou Maasa - Chinami's trading candy.. I don't think Chinami will ever be found out her entire life （lol）
Captain Saki - haha Certainly～
Sudou Maasa - She'll never be exposed, Chinami （lol）
Captain Saki - That's right （lol) No one knows what she's talking about so she won't be found out, Chinami （lol）
Sudou Maasa - haha
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah.. is that right
---
Tokunaga Chinami - ...【I'll get right down to the question. At the beginning of this year, Saki-chan made a pledge to "Be able to cook,"】
Captain Saki - Yes, yes
Tokunaga Chinami - 【Now, are you able to cook effortlessly? And, out of the Berryz members, who's the best at cooking?】
Captain Saki - Ahー
Tokunaga Chinami - 【I don't think it's Tsugunaga Momoko-chan. (lol)】
Sudou Maasa - Ah～
Captain Saki - Yes, that would be right~
Sudou Maasa - Yeah, I've seen Saki-chan, before, with a cook book
Captain Saki - Ah, right, right, right, right (lol)
Sudou Maasa - studying from it
Captain Saki - I bought 3 of them - Cook books (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Isn't that faking it? （lol）
Captain Saki - Hey- （lol） What?
Tokunaga Chinami - hahaha
Sudou Maasa - Yeah.. （lol）
Captain Saki - Seriously, this person.. (lol) Really~
Sudou Maasa - Faking it.. （lol） That's mean (lol)
Captain Saki - Lately you've have a lot of 'jabs' like that
Tokunaga Chinami - Well I've been trying to get better at comebacks
Captain Saki - Yeah you have～
Tokunaga Chinami - I'm trying
---
Captain Saki - Now you mention it, don't you want to have like a cooking competition with all of us?
Sudou Maasa - eh, I wanna!
Tokunaga Chinami - Mhm...
Sudou Maasa - I'd like to
Tokunaga Chinami - (lol)
Captain Saki - I'd like to be on Maasa's team～
Tokunaga Chinami - ...eh?
Sudou Maasa - Eh, but I can't cook that well
Captain Saki - Eh, Maa's good at it, though
Tokunaga Chinami - yeah
Captain Saki - You're really good at like sweets..
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah, She is
Sudou Maasa - No way~ Ehー？
Tokunaga Chinami - For this year's Valentine's...was it tarts...?
Captain Saki - Tarts. Um, potato tarts
Tokunaga Chinami - Right! And, the tarts, um, from scratch-
Sudou Maasa - Right, from scratch
Tokunaga Chinami - She made them from scratch
Captain Saki - That's awesome
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah, they were great
Sudou Maasa - I tried my best to make them from scratch
Tokunaga Chinami - mhm
Captain Saki - Isn't it Maasa, though? The best at cooking
Tokunaga Chinami - I'd say Maasa, right?
Sudou Maasa - Really?
Captain Saki - mhm
Sudou Maasa - I'll do my best. I'll do my best to improve..
Tokunaga Chinami - But Risako seems unexpectedly like she could cook
Captain Saki - Ah～ I wonder
Sudou Maasa - Ah～
Captain Saki - It seems like she likes that kind of thing. Even though she probably doesn't have the time for it, Risako...
Sudou Maasa - It seems like she'd like that detailed work, Risako
---
Tokunaga Chinami - 【...Berryz, during concerts you move and dance so much, but your hair doesn't really fall apart, right? That's probably because it's held strongly with hair spray, right? Do you wear firmly held together hair styles outside of work? Do you wear your make-up, etc. differently than we see on TV?】
Captain Saki - Oh～
Sudou Maasa - Oh～
Captain Saki - That's-
Sudou Maasa - Isn't that something, how our hair stays...
Captain Saki - That's because of hair spray, right
Tokunaga Chinami - yeah
Sudou Maasa - yeah
Captain Saki - Ours are really tightly held down
Sudou Maasa - Our bangs
Captain Saki - Yeah, our bangs too
Sudou Maasa - But, Maa..
Captain Saki - (lol)...
Sudou Maasa - My bangs get crazy during [performances]
Tokunaga Chinami - Maasa's get crazy during [performances] ! （lol）
Sudou Maasa - yeah, yeah
Captain Saki - I know
Tokunaga Chinami - At a concert once..
Sudou Maasa - mhm
Tokunaga Chinami - It was held together so weird, it was like a bar code （lol）
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - haha
Captain Saki - like a bar code (lol）
Sudou Maasa - Right! It looked like Tamuken-san* （lol） (*A comedian with greasy bangs)
Captain Saki - Really.
Tokunaga Chinami - They were all hard..
Sudou Maasa - I thought like, What should I do （lol）
Captain Saki - And like,
Sudou Maasa - Ha～（lol）
Captain Saki - When I make eye contact, (with you)
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah～
Captain Saki - It's like, “Eh, Maasa's bangs?”
Sudou Maasa - Yeah, everyone's like "Your bangs!" all the time, when they pass me
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - It's crazyー
---
Sudou Maasa - I don't use hair spray at all outside work
Captain Saki - I don't at all normally
Sudou Maasa - I don't wear make-up. Outside work.
Tokunaga Chinami - For real?
Captain Saki - Yeah, Maa doesn't, huh?
Sudou Maasa - Not at all, yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - You don't
Captain Saki - I'm jealous Maa looks pretty naturally
Tokunaga Chinami - yeah
Sudou Maasa - eh, really? No. Lately blemishes..
Captain Saki - Nah, not at all
Tokunaga Chinami - eh, not at all- you're pretty
Captain Saki - Right?
Sudou Maasa - Really?
Captain Saki - You're fine as is, Maa. Yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah. Eh, normally... （*clap*） Well, has anyone put their hair up outside work?
Sudou Maasa - No~
Captain Saki - Normally, well lately I've been growing my hair out
Sudou Maasa - You have～
Captain Saki - Yeah. So, bed-head? When I have severe bed-head in the morning I tamper with my hair, but..
Sudou Maasa - Heh～
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh, really!? That's great
Sudou Maasa - Wow
Captain Saki - Yeah. I did it yesterday
Sudou Maasa - Heh～
Captain Saki - 'Cause I had time （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Mhm~
Captain Saki - But, well, I don't usually do it other than that, It's usually just like straight
Sudou Maasa - Right, right, right
Captain Saki - Right.
Sudou Maasa - So, I don't usually put it up on my own, I can only do as much as like a ponytail
Captain Saki - I'd like to be able to put my hair up
---
Tokunaga Chinami - 【...What kind of event would you like to do?...】
---
Sudou Maasa - Also, I'd like to do like a mini athletic meet
Captain Saki - I'd like to do that~
Tokunaga Chinami - I wanna do that~ What kind of games would you want to do?
Sudou Maasa - I'd like to do a running one..
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh!? ...Doesn't that seem fast?
Captain Saki - (lol) (*clap*)
Tokunaga Chinami - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - But, Maa, (lol) I'm slow, though. Well, isn't Risako the fastest?
Tokunaga Chinami - mhm
Captain Saki - She seems [the fastest]
Sudou Maasa - And Chinami would probably be around the second～
Tokunaga Chinami - No, not Chinami. I'm more like the 5th. I've gotten slower
Sudou Maasa - Eh, Chinami's fast. I think either Chinami or Risako's the fastest
Captain Saki - mhm
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah, Risako's fast～
Captain Saki - Yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - She's crazy fast
Captain Saki - If we did it now, I feel like we'd all have changed. Well, I haven't ran at all..
Tokunaga Chinami - I haven't ran either
Sudou Maasa - I haven't at all, either
Tokunaga Chinami - Only when I'm trying to catch a train （lol）
---
Tokunaga Chinami - What I wonder.. Um, more than an event, um, something like an amusement park tour with all of the fans..
Captain Saki - Ah～
Sudou Maasa - Oh～ That's great
Tokunaga Chinami - I wanna do that~
Captain Saki - That sounds fun, though
Tokunaga Chinami - Yeah, we could like ride roller coasters, there are lots of those like, ferris wheels.. right, what is it, with the rooms..
Captain Saki - Rooms （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - Like.. the rooms?
Sudou Maasa - Rooms..
Captain Saki - Ferris wheel.. is it a ride?
Tokunaga Chinami - Dongola
Sudou Maasa - The something- "Dragon" thing? Ah, no?
Captain Saki & Tokunaga Chinami - ...
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah, it's Gondola (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Ah! Gondola, gondola
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - I said "Dragon" (lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - It's "Gondola," Maasa～ (lol）
Captain Saki - Gondola, right? (lol) Gondola
Sudou Maasa - Yeah, isn't "Dragon" close though? haha..
Tokunaga Chinami - You can't say "Dragon." It's called a "gondola"
Sudou Maasa - So~rry (lol）
---
Tokunaga Chinami - Um, we could have a ride tour.. Why do you look so disapproving? (lol)
Sudou Maasa - But, eventually..
Captain Saki - They'd eventually have to ride by themselves, right
Sudou Maasa - Since there's only 7 of us, eventually, they'll be told only like 4 people can ride so the fans would probably befriend each other and be against us in the end （lol）
Captain Saki - (lol) Yeah
Tokunaga Chinami - Well for that we could do like a drawing...Right. Yeah, we can be like the Bus Guides and give a tour. An amusement park tour..
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - ...
Tokunaga Chinami - Ah, you're not with me. Yeah, that wouldn't work （lol）
Captain Saki & Sudou Maasa - (lol)
---
Tokunaga Chinami - 【Before, there was News about Risako's sneezing being grandiose, I think Chinami-chan's as well, is something else.】
Captain Saki - Where'd they find that out? (lol）
Sudou Maasa - Yeah~
---
Sudou Maasa - Chinami's...
Captain Saki - You sneezed earlier, too, right. Chinami （lol）
Sudou Maasa - Yeah. But Chinami's sneezes are cute, aren't they?
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh-!?
Captain Saki - The staff.. （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - It's not cute
Captain Saki - The staff were like, "Was that a cough or a sneeze?" （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Right, right. Everyone says like, "Who was that?"
Tokunaga Chinami - I've been sneezing a lot lately
Sudou Maasa - Why? (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - Eh, I don't know. And, the other day, um, on the 10th, the "Alo Hello" DVD came out, right?
Captain Saki - It did
Tokunaga Chinami - Right, I watched it, and the prank, the- um, when they told us it was a prank, I sneezed by myself (*At the 38:47 mark, when they say "that's it,” Chinami sneezes )　　　　
Sudou Maasa - Eh～ No way
Captain Saki - (lol)
Tokunaga Chinami - I did!
Sudou Maasa - Did you..?
Tokunaga Chinami - You probably can't notice it, but I sneezed by myself
Sudou Maasa - Ehh～
Tokunaga Chinami - But mine aren't very powerful
Sudou Maasa - Yeah.. It's pretty cute
Captain Saki - Well,
Sudou Maasa - It's like, "Kushan!"
Captain Saki - It's different
Tokunaga Chinami - Na-uh. Really?
Captain Saki - I wouldn't call it robust..
Tokunaga Chinami - Weird?
Captain Saki - Like,
Tokunaga Chinami - (lol)
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - (lol)
Captain Saki - How can I put it...
Sudou Maasa - Changed
Captain Saki - I don't really know, so, let's have them view the DVD, shall we?
Tokunaga Chinami - Yes, okay..
Sudou Maasa - Yeah.
Tokunaga Chinami - We're waiting for everyone's letters after viewing it～
Sudou Maasa - ...eh (lol)
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - Letters about Chinami's sneezing? (lol）
Captain Saki - (lol)
Sudou Maasa - （lol） I have a feeling we'll be getting a lot （lol）
Tokunaga Chinami - What they thought of it, I'm curious myself
Sudou Maasa - Ah～
---

Berryz Kobo Alo Hello! and a whole lot of TMI

2009-09-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

By: Xie

(￣ー￣)ﾉ" This is my first post of, hopefully, many more to come on a regular basis. My name on Hello! Online's christie, but on blogger I go by Xie. I'm an Idol Chatter translator, and I also have my own blog Momocore that I plan on sprucing up when I have the time. It's not particularly relevant or interesting, but I'll tell a bit about myself as a Hello! Project fan, just to give an idea of where I fall on the spectrum. The phrase, "They don't need your life story" vaguely crossed my mind, but since I'm probably going to be a permanent fixture here I figured I'd get all of my background info. out there just so you all know where I'm coming from. Feel free to skip this part entirely.

I've always been interested in Japan, Japanese culture, etc. I started studying Japanese casually about 4 years ago in my spare time. I randomly stumbled across Morning Musume videos and wanted to know more about them. From then on, I watched everything I could find of them and became a fan. My favorite was Nono (Tsuji Nozomi). I still have a place for her, among others, sewn into the framework of my Wota heart; a patch-work of new Idols overlapping those of the past, none ever completely forgotten. I liked many of the girls in their own ways; Morning Musume, Ayaya, W. I loved W, but when they ended, I lost interest in MoMusu.

I had never paid attention to the H!P Kids because I didn't "get it" at first. I thought they were just personality-less children with no talent; just gimmicks, cute dolls. However, when I heard "Special Generation" by chance, it changed my mind and opened up a whole new world for me. These girls were extraordinarily special; adorable and talented. They each had distinctive personalities and characteristics. I looked into them further and became a die hard fan instantaneously. I watched anything and everything I could find of them. At first I wasn't drawn to any member in particular, but I quickly noticed Momoko and became fascinated and intrigued by her. The time I got into them was only around when 'Kokuhaku' was being released, and I saw this video of Momo doing a morning TV spot in her "factory" costume. Her beauty, her mannerisms, her mysterious aura, her overall being captured my heart. I was really into Berryz for a while. I never visited forums or got involved with the community for some reason, but I followed their every move.

But, I knew it was more like a vice, an unhealthy mode of escape. As much as I loved them, my life wasn't improving around me. I thought, there's no way I can live life and follow H!P at the same time - it's either completely or not at all. I was so blinded by this beautiful world, it distracted me from the stark reality around me. I could see my true state, in the unforgiving light that exposes fantasies and dreams as empty words, insubstantial concepts, colorful illusions; shapeless, weightless, and false. Only the raw and undeniable facts remain, smoke and mirrors exposed. So, I proceeded to delete all of the H!P from my laptop and my mind, and focus on living. Well, that didn't help after all. About a year later, I missed it and got back into the loop. I reignited the interest I began a while back and discovered the H!O community. My favorite groups are still Buono! and Berryz; my favorite member being...well, you know the rest.(o￫ܫ￩o) I hope to someday be able to see Momo at a concert or event of some kind.

I had a pretty rough, gloomy youth. I ended up more of a punk kid as a result. I wasn't able to fit in anywhere, especially as a gay girl, and with a troubled past I kept hidden inside, there was always a wall up that prevented me from getting close to anyone or engaging in society. Why tell all of that personal information? Because, that's where my love for Idols comes in. Idols simply make me happy. They fill the gaping holes in my damaged heart and heal my broken soul. I love them and they love me back, without asking for anything in return. I'm a little, let's say, rough around the edges lol - I have difficulty finding girls I even get along with, nevermind that would give me the time of day. I get along with messed up kids just fine lol, but not with most 'normal' people, especially girls. With Idols, I'm able to be close to these angels and goddesses on Earth that I wouldn't otherwise be able to in real life. And I'm not the only one who feels that way - the entire Wota nation concurs. The Idol machine is incomprehensibly genius, flawlessly executed and conceived; stealing our hearts and wallets simultaneously. And we don't mind, because we'd walk 100 miles through the desert just to stand in their shadow. (。_＋)＼

I've been surrounded by a predominantly straight world my whole life. Though it may seem creepy or pathetic to want to see more images of girl love, then that's your opinion, but unless you've walked that dark, lonely path yourself, you don't know what it's like. For that reason, the same reason I love Yuri/Shoujo-ai anime and manga as well, I love the closeness and bond the girls share; their friendship and love for each other. How they hug, hold hands, joke about being couples, talk about things they do together like walking home and sleeping in the same bed. It's just extremely cute, is all. My love for Momo specifically is another story, though, in itself. ﾙ ’ｰ’ﾘ人(^ー^♥) *Oh sweet denial*

Some brief info. about myself: I live in Mass., US. My main passion, other than Momo, is music. I love drumming - I've been playing my whole life. I'm a Gemini, so I'm kind of all over the place lol. My musical taste is just as contradictory - Sludge, crust, doom, grind.. and the cutesy-est, sweetest pop on the planet. Go figure. Anyway, I'm pretty boring underneath the craziness. The only thing I can really say about myself is I'm allergic to the mundane, routine, superficial, and petty. I'm interested in all things beautiful, romantic, fantastical, thought-provoking, taboo, out of the ordinary. Idols and Yuri are my anti-drug. Actually, I love AKB48, too, but that little blasphemous fact won't be brought up in these parts. （≧∀≦）

As for my role in the H!P community, and what you can expect from me - I don't exactly have a niche. I'm not an expert in any area, (unless you count Momo-ology ☆（＞ェ＜；) I've never been to Japan to see them. I'm just a fan with a decent comprehension of Japanese. I can find sites and read what fans are saying. Japanese fans write down everything the girls ever say, including transcripts, what they recall from events, the contents of the MCs of the shows they attended, etc. I'll be translating random things from the past and present, predominantly of Berryz and Buono! since they're my favorite, but also H!P in general. I feel any and every piece of media is important; old articles, radio shows, etc. because they are just as much who they are now as they were 5 years ago, are they not? It's not humanly possible to keep up with the perpetual mass of H!P media. It's like emptying water out of the ocean with a bucket. But that won't stop me from crusading and shouting Idol praise from the mountaintops. ♪＾▽＾

The things I post will be completely random, but even if it's taking a while, or I'm preoccupied with something, I'll always be working on something and putting things out. I have a decent handle on Japanese, but I'm by no means fluent. It's more of a slow, painstaking process for me. But there's so much that foreign fans don't know about the girls, if I can help in any way, I don't mind taking the time to do so. The members of Idol Chatter share that same sentiment. I will be waxing poetic and posting about all that is Momo-specific on my blog, Momocore, and posting translations and whatever else comes to mind here. My only hope is that more H!P fans take what's available and discuss it, blog about it, take it and run with it. Ultimately, all I, and everyone here at Idol Chatter, hope to do is bring you closer to your Idols and keep you on the same page as the Japanese fans.
======================

Alo Hello! Berryz Kobo DVD Comments:
2009 has been good to us. In June, the first Alo Hello! Berryz Kobo DVD came out, and it didn't disappoint. I've watched every second of it on repeat for 2 months subbing it, but I still enjoy it. The commentary that came with it was just as, if not more, entertaining as the main video itself. It took as long as it did because we wanted to time and translate every single bit of audio and on-screen text. I worked away at the main and commentary audio constantly, chipping away at it like a block of ice with a chisel until it was completely accurate. I don't think you can get much closer to the girls than you're able to via the commentary. It's great to be able to hear what they had to say about the experience and each other.

Some personal thoughts and highlights:

I think the ukulele expert could've been funnier; like so ridiculous that they were desperately holding back laughter. That guy was more-so odd than funny; hence the question marks on their faces. But still, we got to see their impenetrable, professional Idol game faces of steel. With the exception of Risako.

I would feel kind of annoyed if I were them, to be filmed eating lunch. They know they have to be in Idol mode for the DVD, but they probably were thinking they really just want to eat without having to play to the camera lol. Maasa being bullied was cute. But that made me think, the only time they had a "main target" (Maa and Chii) was for the lunch scene. It would've been funny if they had specific pranks planned for every member. Although, I'm sure the reason they didn't do that is because that increased the chance of them suspecting it.

On the subject of pranks, I can't help but feel bad for them when they were scared by the guy in the van. I don't like seeing them run for their lives, it's a little painful to watch. But I guess that's the kind of thing you do to Idols - get reactions. We got to see a side of them we've never seen, looking death in the eye. I love how Maasa books it without thinking twice. I read from Japanese fans that apparently she's a bit of a scaredy cat, which is adorable since she has such a 'cool' image. She's afraid of water, as well. Miya said what everyone was thinking in the commentary: "Miya always thought Maasa would be the one who comes to our rescue... but you were the first to run!" (＞▽＜) She didn't forget you, Berryz! She was leading the way, assuming you'd follow suit behind her like a Mama duck with her babies.

They were more like chickens with their heads cut off, which is understandable; they had no idea what was going on. It's tricky to be ambushed and think sensibly at the same time. They did stick together for the most part, and Risako pulled Momo back, so I don't think they just flat-out left their fellow Berryz in the dust. Though, I thought they might've felt bad for Momo when she was crying, but of course they just made fun of her haha... I'll comfort you Momo, don't cry. *creep* ﾙ ;-;ﾘ＼(^ε^♥)

For the shopping, they're split into Team A: Saki, Maasa, and Kumai - the boring group. Team B: the childish group, Momo and Risako ("Fruities"), and Team B: Miya and Chii, the baka group. I was expecting Chii to do better with English since she likes English and is always talking about it and spouting it out at any given opportunity. But what I got instead was, "Please yes." (^▽^) I've noticed this on other occasions as well, but Miya has surprisingly amazing English pronunciation. There's always been something that seems Western, or not completely Japanese about her to me, that I can't put my finger on. It's funny because Miya's not known for her "smarts," but she has naturally great English pronunciation. Like when she says "Discount?" for example. It's extremely cute. But Chinami... is just Chinami.(^-^)

The two scenes where they're eating ice-cream are adorable. I've developed the "Idol Eye" when watching videos. You keep an eye on all of them so you don't miss anything. For example, Miya's sweater, Saki cleaning Chii's teeth: Miya-centric raburabu: ♥

The most entertaining shopping scenes were Miya and Chii's. I love their walk of shame back to meet some pissed-off Berryz across the board. On the contrary, Momo can glare at me like that any day... Hah

These final scenes are my favorite of the DVD. Their commentary basically covers it all. Momo and Chinami's watermelon attempts were adorable. Chinami's so cute, she's like an Anime character. Not to mention she has the most dazzling, inhuman smile on the planet. Her eyes twinkle, she always looks like she's beaming with joy. Her face is happiness defined.

The dodge ball game was classic. Like she pointed out, when they realized they were against the all-mighty Maasa, "It was like I was a monster or something." (^▽^〃) It turned out the real monsters to look out for were Miya and Chii. They were really kicking ass. Specifically Momo's. (ﾟ～ﾟ) Saki kept like grabbing her inner thighs for some reason, which was... distracting? （ﾟДﾟ;) Captain, as a general rule, try not to engage in any suggestive activity when the Wota are watching. We have a weak threshold for sexiness; we're virtually powerless against it. m(x_x)m

The scene where they play on the beach is adorable and touching. Highlight: Chii's violent bullying and child-like enthusiasm. Are you sure you're not a cartoon character, Chii? Please double check for me.

The paint scene. Something about their uniform white clothes somehow gives me the impression they planned this whole "paint on each other" situation beforehand. Hmm~ *strokes non-existent beard* This set up is pure win.
(´▽｀) Many questionable incidents occurred, however.

Questionable incident #1: Risako spilling the worst possible color paint in the worst possible place, and Momo's consequential delight. This is like porn to me, haha, Momo's hands... Hey, *dumps can of paint on myself* I accidentally spilled some, too! You wanna help me out...? >_>

#2: MiyaSaki paint gif The undeniable scandalousness of Miya painting Saki's chest. And the undeniable fact that this will be a recurring image in my fantasies... did I type that out loud? (￢_￢)

#3: One of our so-called 'innocent' little Berryz has stealthfully groped our 15-year old Socko. Show yourself, culprit, we've caught you pink-handed. Japanese fans think Chinami did it while Momo and Maasa were rubbing paint on each other. I think the editor is in cahoots with Satan. (｀ﾍ´#)"

My favorite moment in the entire DVD is this one -> Maasa Momo paint gif with Momo and Maasa. Momo's smile is so childish and happy. For a second she looked like a kid again.

Another thing I somehow missed - I must've been on horse tranquilizers or something at the time. I was probably distracted by the purple Chinami monster, but you can plainly see, like a target visible from space, the peach Momo spoke of in the commentary that Kumai painted on her bum.

Which raises another obvious question that needs answering. Why do they cut out all of the parts we're most interested in? Miya joining in on Chii's "Billy's Boot Camp," Kumai painting a peach on Momo's bum, some hoodlum tagging Socko's chest... I guess those tapes go on the Director's cut. And by that I mean literally a cut that the Director takes home for himself. Bastard~ How dare you... not share with us?

Random Gifs:
Dodgeball gif
Momo Ukulele gif
MomoMiya gif
SakiChiiMiya beach gif
MiyaChii beach gif
Momo fall gif
Saki dodgeball gif
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If you have any comments or opinions on something, by all means send 'em our way. Also, if there are any articles, radio shows, things of that nature that you'd like translated, send me a pm on H!O as a kind of request, and I'll let you know if I'd be able to. Keep checking in on Idol Chatter and Momocore. You're always bound to find something from the Mota on a mission. ☆(^━^)ﾉ

Buono! Days Vol. 1 - Buono! Leader Ketteisen! Subtitled Release

2009-09-10T01:23:00.000-07:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

Buono! days ~ Buono! Leader Ketteisen!
Fan club only release: August 22, 2008

The goal of every ICU release is to put you in the shoes of the Japanese fan – from the time you push play to the time the video ends we want you to understand every little bit of it.
But, we try to go even further than just crashing you through the language barrier. We try to circumvent what I refer to as the “Wota Barrier,” as well. It is the gap that exists between foreign and native fans. It is the knowledge about H!P and their idols that a native Japanese hardcore wota has but an international fan does not. We try to bridge that knowledge gap, in whatever way that’s required, so that no reference to H!P’s past slips by you, and that no obscure inside joke escapes your notice.
Finally, we try to present our subtitles in a way that mirror the intent of the original video as much as possible. What this means is that our on-screen text translations always attempt to replicate the text they are translating. Look, color, feel – if their text moves, so does ours, if it fades, so does ours – whatever tools are at our disposal to make it happen are employed. We want our subs to fit into the video so seamlessly that they feel like they were a part of it all long.

At the end of the day, these are tough goals to achieve. Mistakes will invariably be made, errors will crop up, and sometimes things that we might like to do with a video will simply be impossible. Such is the nature of any task. But, there is beauty and worth to be found in striving to reach lofty heights; in giving it your best effort. We think that the video you are now downloading is an example of this. We hope that you will think so, as well.

Click here to grab it.

Ichigo ichie 9/3 - Good for the throat

2009-09-05T17:43:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

Takahashi Ai's wonderful weekly web talk show.

Ichigo ichie 9/3

As with last week, Aichan opens her show with a little poetry. Then asks us "What's new?" She takes a call from a listener whose face gets red when nervous, and even worse when someone points it out. Aichan says the thing to do is run away XD

Aichan gives her impressions of the Broadway musical Spelling Bee, starring Fujii Takashi and Niiduma Seiko. She saw it together with Aika and Koharu. As the name suggests, the story is about a spelling bee contest, and they even get some audience members involved; Koharu was hoping (out loud) that she would get called up. Aichan describes the characters and the climax. I think Aichan is not bashful about spoiling endings when talking about plays and musicals, which most of her fans are unlikely to have the opportunity to see. (she refused to spoil much about Harry Potter last week)

Fall is said to be a tough season for choosing one's fashion, and Aichan agrees. She wore a salopette (overalls) that she bought two years ago for the first time. She also loves her sheepskin boots, and one-piece shirts. Colors...Aichan wore black a lot when she was new in Morning Musume despite being told she was too young for black. She branched out and enjoyed wearing other colors, but is now wanting to return to black.

The English lesson is a follow-up to last week's "What's up?". "Not much. And you?"

A listener who is unable to eat sesame asks Aichan for advice on how to overcome foods you just can't seem to eat. Aichan likes sesame oil with boiled komatsuna and suggests that the listener try it. She reaches for the liver when she goes out for yakiniku since it is supposed to be good for the throat, although she isn't crazy about the taste. Fujimoto Miki loves it. Miki would devour a plateful of liver when they went out to yakiniku after a concert. As for a food that Aichan has overcome, she discovered she can enjoy the taste of yuzu.

The sub-leader will be a guest next week :)

Ichigo ichie 8/27 - Hello! Champuru

2009-08-30T13:42:00.001-07:00

By: Zabel

A brief summary of this week's show.

Ichigo ichie 8/27

Aichan likes to eat lotus root candy (れんこん飴), which is good for the throat, and rusk, which she recently ate with her curry.

Having just finished reading the Harry Potter series, she went to see Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince. To Aichan, Hermione has become a beautiful lady, Ron has become muscular, and she particularly enjoyed a confrontation between Harry and Draco Malfoy.

A listener asks Aichan how she watches Takaraduka. Now when she watches Takaraduka she studies their acting, but to the listener she recommends just taking in the magnificence of it; the aura the top stars convey, the clothes they wear, how they enter the stage.

She reports on the summer H!P Concert. Aichan says it was good for Morning Musume to have a feeling of rivalry between Berryz and the others. It had been awhile since High King performed Cinderella Complex so it took her time to remember how. They also sung Diamonds, a cover of a song by the classic girl rock group Princess Princess. And Aichan's mom loves the song which Aichan covered as a solo, Yamaguchi Momoe's Cosmos. She worked hard to prepare for it, Tsunku guiding her on details as fine as which angle at which to hold the microphone. The song is sung at a difficult low pitch, so she was relieved when fans complimented her on it at the handshake event afterwards. Unlike the dance songs MM performs, a song like Yamaguchi's calls for more subtle motion; the expression on your face, the movement of your hand. Aichan thinks she could do better if she had more time. Her satisfaction with the concert was 70%.

English phrase... "What's new?" Her English teacher begins lessons by asking her this.

In the Tettekete corner she gives advice on gymnastics, which can be scary if you're just learning how. There was a time when she was trying to learn backwards somersaults. Also, back in elementary school she took a bad fall playing on the horizontal bar (I think) and needed five stiches below her lip.

Aichan recently changed her hair black, and then brown again. It seems she has been told that brown is better on her, but she is aware that there are fans who prefer her hair black.

Ichigo ichie 8/20 - Summer fun

2009-08-23T07:50:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

I can't remember if this has been announced on the show yet, but an Ichigo ichie DVD will go on sale! So that explains why there have been cameras in the studio.

Ichigo ichie 8/20

On August 22nd and 30th, Morning Musume presents Takahashi Ai and Niigaki Risa Premium Summer Dinner Show! Aichan has done dinner shows with Yasuda, Yaguchi, and Nakazawa in the past, but this is the first time with a 5th gen member, so she thinks it will be different.

A listener asks Aichan to repeat the weekly English phrases 3 times and Aichan will comply. Aichan was on Pakkun and Makkun's show a little while back. (Pakkun and Makkun are a comedy duo consisting of an American and a Japanese) Pakkun spent time in Fukui so was able to talk with Aichan about it. Both of them of course speak English as well as Japanese, and Aichan got the feeling that if she spent time around them her English would improve.

For the Ainote corner Aichan recommends Ijintachi tono Natsu, a book made into a play and also into a movie; Aichan saw the play. It's a drama with both romance and horror elements. Aichan talks for a LONG time about it, describing the plot complete with spoilers. Why'd ya haveta ruin it for us, Aichan? :D She receives a listener recommendation for Takaraduka's Gyakuten Saiban (Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney).

If Aichan had a week off in the summer she would like to spend it in Bali (she said the same in a recent Ameba Studio talk appearance). She especially likes a dish there similar to Japanese noodles, and watermelon juice. She has summer memories of doing radio calisthenics, trying to wake up her sister in the morning, putting off doing homework, playing with friends at the pool (but not swimming in it), and getting tanned from the sun.

English lesson: "See you later". As promised, Aichan repeats the phrase three times -- first slowly, then at normal speed, then together with the listeners.

In the Tettekete corner she takes a question about weight training and dieting. Aichan does stretches when she gets out of the bath. Also something called 'cockroach exercises' which she learned from her grandmother. She follows advice she heard that if your feet are tired it's good to elevate them as you sleep. She also learned from Iida Kaori to do the kind of situps in which your legs do the work rather than your upper body. It's tougher than regular situps, she says, but you can continue it every day.

Lastly, a listener ask whether it is better or not to wear make-up. Aichan is very clear on the matter -- no make up is better!

Berryz Koubou Alo-Hello! Dual Subtitles/Dual Audio Release

2009-08-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

By: Incredible He-Hulk

Once in a great while, we are privileged to experience an event so extraordinary, it becomes part of our shared heritage.

1969: Man walks on the moon.

1971: Man walks on the moon... again.

Then, for a long time, nothing happened...

Until tonight.

While Berryz Koubou's first trip to Hawaii is certainly an important moment in their career as idols, that isn't what I'm referring to. What I'm talking about is this subtitled release. The following is an exercise in pure grandiloquence, so if young children are present, please ask them to leave the room.
What you are on the verge of downloading is the boldest task ever attempted in H!P fansubbing. And, what it has wrought is the most complete, accurate, erudite, evocative, felicitous, and assiduous piece of work you will find...

1) Dual-Subtitles, Dual-Audio. That's right. Not one translation but two. The Japanese Berryz Alo-Hello DVD comes with 91 minutes and 44 seconds of adventure, and you get all of that translated. But, it also comes with 91 minutes and 44 seconds of DVD commentary about that adventure done by the girls themselves, and now you get that translated, too. Hear the post-game press conference. Know what the girls think about their saga after the fact. Hear the secrets of production. Laugh and cry as the girls laugh and cry while they watch themselves laugh and cry. In essence, be a great fan.

2) Every little bit of dialogue has been translated. If a girl says something, you'll know what she said; On both audio tracks.
Nothing a girl said was ever deemed arbitrary or unnecessary. Everything was deemed to be both vital and apposite.
In full, the translation is over 6000 lines of text. That makes our Alo-Hello release nearly twice as long as Macbeth...
Never before have you come this close to being on the same footing as a H!P fan who speaks fluent Japanese.

3) Every single bit of on-screen text has been translated; not just translated, but painstakingly crafted so that it blends with the DVD's own style of presentation as much as possible. If Japanese text scrolls across the screen, so does our translation. If it fades in and fades out, so does ours. Color, style, texture, it doesn't matter; We're right there with you, H!P. A place for everything and everything in it's place.

4) If something was confusing at first, we never just decided we were close enough to what a girl said and moved on. A translation was never deemed good enough until it was as right as we could possibly get it. If something didn't make sense, or seemed odd, we worked on it until we figured it out and could make it clear as crystal.
And, best of all, through painstaking research, every single reference a girl makes to some random event in H!P's past, every joke a girl makes referencing Japanese popular culture, and every other thing that could possibly need explanation is indeed explained to you through the magic of Editor's Notes!

Over the next 3+ hours, you aren't just on the same footing as a Japanese Wota, you are on the same level as the hardest of the hardcore Japanese Wota. The kind of fan who knows everything that Momoko and Risako said on their radio show 2 years ago. The kind of fan who has been to every single fanclub event, to every single concert.
While watching this, you will be the uberfan. Connected directly to the fan hivemind; You know all and see all.
　

Enjoy!

click here to grab the release.

Ichigo ichie 8/13 - Mitsui guest appearance

2009-08-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

Mitsui Aika joins Takahashi Ai on this week's web broadcast.

Ichigo ichie 8/13

Aichan was the type who would wait until the last moment to do her summer schoolwork.

Aichan times Aika as she talks freely for one minute. Aika talks about having had a fight with her mom, and her (Aika's) tone of voice as she quarreled.

For the Ainote corner, Lovely recommends the love comedy Gossip Girl, which was recently brought over to Japan. She says that the drama is somewhat different than the books it is based on. But she is studying English with it :) She liked a certain phrase from it so much that she wrote in her diary that day -- "Do you know love me?" (should be "You know you love me") Aika wants her to tell this story at a concert.

Aika has been watching a television drama called Ghost, which is scary but also funny. Aichan says that her mom watches it too, and many other foreign dramas as well (such as Charmed and Prison Break). Aichan says that if Mitsui likes Ghost she might also enjoy Tru Calling, and explains the premise of the show.

They talk about concert tours. Mitsui says that she became stronger in spirit from the spring tour in which she sung a solo. During that tour each song was assigned a 'leader' and Mitsui was in charge of Resonant Blue. Aichan was glad when Mitsui told her she needed to fix a part (fix how Aichan was singing or dancing it).

At the concert in L.A. they were happy to see people not only from America, but from Japan, Australia, Europe, and all over. Aika especially liked meeting people at the autograph session. They remember seeing female fans in tears. Also people cosplaying as them (Morning Musume).

For the upcoming fall tour "Nine smiles" Mitsui would like to perform not just cool songs, but songs such as 3,2,1 Breaking Out with which they can show everyone their nice smiles.

They next answer a Tettekete question about how difficult it is to sleep in a hotel with an unfamiliar pillow. In fact, the last place they stayed at had hard beds, and several musume had trouble sleeping. Aichan had four pillows and she used them all together! As for Mitsui, she likes to sleep with a folded towel instead of a pillow. Aichan says that placing a towel under your neck and facing upwards is a good way to sleep. But normally she (Aichan) sleeps with a thin pillow.

Mitsui would like Aichan to invite her to see more plays. Aichan: "Then please call me Aichan". It seems they've both still been calling each other by last names.

English lesson: "Have a nice day". She learned from Ogawa that this is an often-used phrase.

Lastly, Aichan asks Mitsui to offer to the listeners a massage tip.

Ichigo ichie 8/6 - Linlin guest appearance

2009-08-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

The second public recording of Ichigo ichie is held, and Linlin is a guest. Linlin provides anxiety relief for Aichan, and comic relief for all of us.

Ichigo ichie 8/6

Aichan goes shopping alone when she needs a change of pace. Things are on sale now, she tells us, with a hint of excitement in her voice.

Linlin is introduced and the initial topic is the new Minimoni Lin now leads. Aichan repeats to Lin what she said about Lin appearing big besides the even smaller girls in Minimoni, and for a moment Lin refers to herself as 'dekamoni' ('dekai' meaning 'huge'). Most of the time Lin would like to be taller, but when she is among her fellow Minimoni she wishes she could compress herself.

She asks Aichan what is most important in leading, and Aichan says such is a question she has wondered herself. In the beginning when she took on the role of leader, Nakazawa and others advised her to just lead in her own way. She talks about naturally learning to look after the girls she leads. Lin: "That was a great speech, but you tripped up there in the middle." Lin makes a point of notifying Aichan every time she trips on words during the show. Chinese directness, I guess.

Ai asks Lin to say something about Nanchatte Ren'ai, so Lin tells everyone that if they sing the song at the part where the word 'hamburger' appears in the lyrics, they should eat a hamburger while singing it.

Ainote... Today Aichan recommends Me and My Girl, originally a Broadway musical, starring Amami Miyuki and Asano Kayo, which she saw at the Imperial Theater around the time she was studying for her own role in Ribon no Kishi. On a quasi-related topic, we learn that Linlin gets a funny feeling in her stomach when she is about to cry (watching a sad play), and seems surprised that she is the only one. Lin recommends One Piece the Movie: The Miracle Winter Cherry Blossom.

For the remainder of the show they read messages and questions from the audience. Some interesting bits:

- Lin went home practicing the "imi naku konetari" rap line from Nanchatte Ren'ai out loud, to peoples' amusement.

- As for Aichan, she worked hard on the "honmono ni" line at the very end, to peoples' annoyance.

- Lin learns that 'maemuki' (前向き) means 'positive'. Literally it means to look forward, which allows Lin to make the pun.

- Aichan asserts again that she is a rain woman, and takes responsibility for her first photoshoot, the first gokkies photoshoot, and her first concert all having been rained on.

- The outfit Aichan wore for the Mr. Moonlight performance of the complete singles collection was very heavy.

- Aichan's number one goal, in case there is any fan alive who doesn't yet know, is to master English.

- Linlin's number one goal is to be able to play guitar while singing.

- Aichan feels she is not good with people older than her, but has no problem with people younger than her.

- Lin says cup ramen is the one dish she can cook.

- Aichan loves to put shisohijiki (a dried seaweed seasoning) in her rice.

As the segment concludes, Lin's capacity to express herself in Japanese fails her.

Linlin: This corner is like...really, like...there's a lot of good...like, the advice is...it's like 'shinriisha'.
Aichan: 'shinriisha'?
Linlin: Um, how do you say. Heart...um.
Aichan: You wanted to say...
Linlin: Um, sorry. Um, I can't get it across. Don't worry about it.
(audience laughter)
Aichan: I wanna know after you've said that much!
Linlin: I've reached the limits of my Japanese.
(audience laughter)
Aichan: If you remember, please say it!

Lin has finally been calling Aichan 'Aichan' rather than 'Takahashi-san' or 'Ai nee-san'. At Aichan's request she teaches a Chinese phrase, "wǒ è le", meaning "I'm hungry".

Ichigo ichie 7/30 - Tanaka guest appearance

2009-08-02T12:07:00.001-07:00

By: Zabel

Hmm, I've been putting these under the 'radio' tag despite the fact that Ichigo has never been broadcast on the radio. Oh well.

Tanaka Reina is a guest on this public recording of Ichigo ichie. Midway through, former Momusu leader Iida Kaori makes a surprise appearance.

Ichigo ichie 7/30

おちょきんしねま～！says Aichan in her customary Fukui voice to open the recording. (edit: means "Sit down!") She tells us that she is more nervous doing this show than a concert. But Reina says she feels out of place herself being among so many Aichan fans.

Aichan asks Reina about a time when she was nervous, and Reina responds with a story about performing her debut song Shabondama. Reina sings the opening line of this song, but it so happened that Reina wasn't there when the lights undimmed and the music began! She had put her pants on backwards and was told to go hurry and fix it. When she came back she had to look for her microphone. Yet she sung her part and apparently nobody was able to tell that anything had been wrong. Aichan could tell though--she was assigned to sing the next line! She thought Reina was cool for being able to carry on like that. Reina herself was afraid to go back to the dressing room afterwards for fear of being chewed out. She was grateful when Yoshizawa talked to her and encouraged her.

They speak about Nanchatte Ren'ai and Reina has trouble pronouncing 'rounyakunannyo' (老若男女) meaning "men and women, old and young".

At about this time Aichan receives a big surprise when Iida Kaori shows up suddenly! The three of them chat about H!P and things. Iida wants to help the girls with problems they might have, including offering Ear Art Therapy (don't ask me). Iida says it is sad how the girls often greet her in passing but are too nervous to talk more than that. Aichan confirms that the younger members get nervous in the presence of their seniors, and even Aichan herself gets nervous. Iida says they ought to have a surprise guest such as herself show up at their concerts.

After Iida leaves, Aichan gives her Ainote recommendation -- Red Cliff and Red Cliff II, which she saw on the airplane to Los Angeles. Reina has seen them as well, and the two of them chat at length.

Reina's recommendation is Twilight. She liked it so much that she wants to date a vampire, notwithstanding all the trouble that would be.

Aichan: It was that attractive to you?
Reina: Yeah, sinking those fangs in.
(audience laughter)
Reina: I've got them too, in fact.
(Aichan silent)
Reina: Double teeth.
Aichan: Oh, double teeth.
Reina: Since I've got them on both sides I used to think I was Dracula.
(audience laughter)
Aichan: I don't think so!
Reina: But I got better. But I left Fukuoka and came to Tokyo in the middle of treatment, so now I'm really halfway better.

From there they take questions from the listeners. The first one seeks advice on how to fight off sleepiness, reminding them of Eri. Aichan suggests watching videos nonstop, or eating something spicy. Reina suggests having a friend pinch you.

What is Aichan's small extravagance? She bought five pairs of shoes in Los Angeles: two pairs of boots, two pairs of beach sandals, and one pair of slippers. Reina stuffed her suitcase full of souvenirs. They both bought lots in L.A. because the dollar is weak compared to the yen (at least that's the excuse Aichan gives).

Next two questions are from listeners asking how to keep cool during the summer. Aichan suggests using ice packs, and eating ginger.

To a request to hear a monomane (imitation) that the girls like to do, Reina stands up and does the 'zugudanzunbungun' dance. Then she gets an embarrassed Aichan to do it with her. Reina also does an imitation of Aika's motherly voice, trying to imitate how her tone changes from a high pitch to a low pitch.

Lastly, Aichan asks Reina which member she thinks has been weird lately. Reina picks Koharu, who has demonstrated an amusing pronunciation of "kansai-ben" when the members are pretending to speak it.

Ichigo ichie 7/23 - More on L.A.

2009-07-26T04:43:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

Ahoy, Strawberry Mates. Here's another installment of Takahashi Ai's Ichigo ichie.

Ichigo ichie 7/23

Rehearsing for the Hello! Project concert, what strikes Aichan is how much stuff there is! Bags, jerseys, shoes, and belongings of the entire membership of H!P. She gets to observe relationships between Musume and other H!P members that she hadn't known about. For instance, she learned that Mitsui Aika and Hagiwara Mai are friends.

Aichan is very happy to see Minimoni revived, having lots of memories of having been a Minimoni herself. Linlin, a small girl in any other environment, appears huge when lined up together with the even smaller girls who comprise the new Minimoni.

For the Ainote recommendation Ai talks about Juno, a story about a pregnant 16-year-old. Aichan tries to explain how the lead character was very cute without being very cute.

Aichan has more to tell about her trip to Los Angeles. She wishes she had brought more than one parka because it was colder than she imagined. Her schedule was not super-busy, and there was some time for shopping, although not as much as she would prefer. Any time alone she had was spent in her hotel room and all the rest of the time she was with the other members. It was surprising to hear her own group's songs playing on the Anime Expo TV channel! She also watched the Disney channel some.

Although she loves them both, Aichan feels more familiarity with Los Angeles than with New York. If she had to say which, L.A. is more like Fukui and New York is more like Tokyo.

Next time she would like to be able to speak English with more people. She spoke a little with the coordinators and learned a lot. She would like for herself and for the other members to be able to speak and understand slightly more difficult English than what they can now. Notwithstanding Koharu having said, "I sort of got the hang of English this time." That was only a first step, Aichan says. Then she teaches listeners the phrase "I'm sorry. I'm not sure."

Tettekete corner... Aichan gives advice on how to talk to a person with a very different personality than yourself. Try telling them directly that you want to talk with them more.

Lastly, a listener who studied abroad in England has for Aichan what he says is the perfect English present--the English phrase "Take it easy." Aichan has heard the phrase used in Final Fantasy but hadn't known what it meant.

Next week is a public recording of Ichigo ichie.

Hello! Project DVD Magazine Vol. 16 - 2009 Wonderful Hearts Subtitle Release

2009-07-21T02:14:00.000-07:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

This is a fansub that’s been in the works for nearly as long as Vol. 16 has existed itself. Before there was such a thing as ICU there were ICU members working on this project. In fact, the release was effectively finished in early February before a member quitting and a subsequent hard drive failure caused both existing copies of the script to forever wander the land of Nod… With no script, the project would have to start over from square one. Well, no one wanted to do that, so the project was shelved.

Eventually, the project was restarted. And, for the last several months it has served as something to do when there’s nothing to do; something for a handful of us to work on during a free moment, off and on, as time would allow. Now, six months later, you are just a few clicks away from idol bliss. Truthfully, this release is leaps and bounds better than it would have been had it been released way back then. The script is better, the layout is smarter, and the editor’s notes are even more note-ier. In short, a fine wine simply gets better with age…

H!P’s DVD Magazine Vol. 16 is a question and answer show featuring every single member of Wonderful Hearts. It’s a rare and beautiful thing when the members of Morning Musume, Berryz Koubou, and C-ute all come together to do a DVD. There’s someone for everyone in this release, and they even threw Mano Erina in for good measure.
There are no right or wrong answers to the questions asked, but that doesn’t stop a few of our more “creative” idols from arriving at their answers in the wrong-est of ways. You’ll be amazed by the logic on display, but you’ll also be reassured that at least Japan has a place to put these types of people where they can’t endanger us all. They make these girls idols.

Another thing this DVD does is act as a personality rater for our idols. Left to answer each question and then expound as much as they choose to, we quickly see which girls are uncomfortable doing much talking, which girl’s are perfectly comfortable talking, and which girl’s are perfectly comfortable hearing themselves talk ad nauseam. You’ll also see which girls can’t help but be interesting, which girls know how to make themselves interesting, and which girls simply don’t know how to be interesting. I won’t name any names; you’ll see who is who shortly.

Finally, this DVD contains possibly the longest period of time that Arihara Kanna was ever allowed to be on camera by herself. You’ll hear her say more here than she said in nearly her entire career. So, enjoy. Please enjoy.

Click here to grab it.

Ichigo ichie 7/16 pt 2 - Michishige guest appearance

2009-07-20T05:56:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

Takahashi Ai and Michishige Sayumi continue their discussion about traveling to L.A. to perform at Anime Expo.

Ichigo ichie 7/16 continued

Ai asks Sayumi how she would rate their first performance in America. Sayu gives it a 90, and she explains the reason for deducting 10 points. During rehearsal she was told that her English was weak, so she spent time practicing with Eri to the point where her pronunciation was so good that she wondered if maybe she had been raised overseas. But when the time came to deliver her MC lines at the concert, her English came out weak after all.

Aichan rates it 100 points! She usually rates concerts 70, but everyone gave it their best for their first performance in America. Sayu remarks on how well Aichan spoke English. Aichan says she was memorizing the script every day in the bath. Since the topic she had to speak on (warming) was so important she wanted to be sure she spoke precisely.

The two of them note how the atmosphere is different from when they perform in Japan. For instance, the 'oooh's and 'aaah's they hear from the audience when a song is starting. They thought the city of Los Angeles was pretty and cool in a retro kind of way.

Sayu talks about an incident on the plane ride over when she spilled the entire contents of maple syrup onto her T-shirt, the blanket, and into her bag. She's glad she was sitting next to Mitsui who helped her with the mess while Kamei, one seat over, was like "Whatcha up to?" as she went on eating her in-flight meal.

Another Kamei story. Sayu is accustomed to seeing Eri's messy rooms...or so she thought. When they go to Hawaii she usually shares a room with Eri, and cleans up after her. On this trip they each had their own room. One time when Eri called Sayu over, Sayu received a big shock upon entered Eri's room. The place was in such a state of disorder that it was like someone had lived there for 10 years. Sayu tried opening the bathroom door but shut it immediately. Aichan doesn't have trouble picturing the scene Sayu describes, and tells Sayu to give Eri a spanking. But it's all good if that's what's comfortable for Eri...as long as Sayu isn't sharing a room with her.

Asked where she would like to go to perform a concert if she had the chance, Sayu answers that she'd like to go to France. The fact is, Sayu used to believe she was half-French. Why? Because her mom told her so. In elementary school the conversation came up with older kids, and when Sayu asked her mom again, her mom told her again that she (her mom) was French XD So Sayu believed that she was half-French. It was through a classmate of her older brother that she learned the truth.

In place of the Tettekete corner, they talk about Sayu's past week when she turned 20. Besides rehearsing for the Hello! Project concert, Sayu has been recording for a TV entertainment show where guests say bad things about each other. She was too tired that day to think about her birthday, so it wasn't until the next day when the musume members gave her gifts that she thought about having turned 20. She's gonna try to stop biting her nails by buying a nail clipper when her nails get long, reasoning that it is when you have just bought a new nail clipper that you're most inclined to use it.

The English phrase today "What's a mess!" (should be "What a mess!") makes them think of Eri.

Aichan asks Sayu to give advice to people who are bad at math (multiplication specifically). She says do your drills. Sayu has been enjoying learning simultaneous equations.

In closing, Aichan says that she was more nervous having Sayu as a guest that any of the guests she has had so far because Sayu is such a good talker.

Ichigo ichie 7/16 pt 1 - Michishige guest appearance

2009-07-18T05:19:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

Here's an Ichigo I've been looking forward to ever since Aichan started having guests on the show--AiSayu! They talk about their experience in Los Angeles, celebrate Sayumi's 20th birthday, and tell funny anecdotes about Kamei. It's another long one so I'll be doing two segments.

Ichigo ichie 7/16

Aichan's summer goal is to be careful because she seems to think her skin is becoming dark. Sayumi would like to become an 'unstandardized woman'.

Aichan: Unstandard...season?
Sayu: No. Um, Aichan you're tripping on words right from the start.
Aichan: It's true.
Sayu: Probably 5 minutes can't go by without you tripping up around 5 times.
Aichan: No, it's 'cause I'm nervous.
Sayu: You're kidding!
Aichan: Really.
Sayu: Really?
Aichan: Yes, whenever I have a guest on I get nervous and trip.
Sayu: Is that so? But even when you're not nervous you trip.
Aichan: Oh, is that so. (sheepish laughter)

That's the standardized Aichan, Sayumi says, but what she means by a standardized Sayumi is that she relies on established gags doing concert MC's or on her radio show, such as saying "All right, today I'm cute too!" She would like to become less predictable.

Aichan wishes Sayu a happy birthday and presents her with a gift from Ichigo ichie, something delicious with strawberries in it. They tell how Eri surprised not just Sayu but everyone for Sayumi's birthday. They were finishing a photo shoot when suddenly the lights went out. Eri was more talkative than usual, and kept assuring them that it'll be okay. In the end she brought out a cake. It was a surprise birthday present, but Eri wasn't very good at it, Sayumi says. As for Aichan, she got Sayumi pink chocolate-shaped speakers and earphones. She went shopping with Gaki, and it took her an hour and a half to decide on what to buy for Sayumi.

Sayu: Really? I'm so happy. That means you were thinking about me for an hour and a half.
Aichan: Well, I was also shopping for myself. (laugh)
Sayu: Ohhh, so that's how it was.

About Nanchatte Ren'ai, Sayumi says to pay attention to how you can distinctly hear each member's voice.

For her recommendation today, Aichan pushes the movie Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. In this installment in the series, a certain character dies which made Aichan cry when she read it in the book. Aichan says that the author herself was depressed about killing off this character, which was moving to read about in the afterword. Sayumi likes reading afterwords. When she is in a bookstore and doesn't know what book to get, she decides which books are interesting by reading the afterwords. Aichan says that Sayumi reads a lot and is always lending books to the other members. She especially likes mysteries. Aichan, by the way, is on the 6th book in the Harry Potter series, which Sayumi, who has read some of the series, hadn't even heard of.

Sayumi is not a big filmgoer, but she recommends Titanic and The Green Mile.

Then the promised backstage recording in L.A. after the concert at Anime Expo is played, which includes Eri spilling her food, Risa praising Aichan's use of English, and "Hello! My name is Koharu Kusumi. Nice to meet you. I like umeboshi." After the recording, they talk about L.A. and Sayumi has some amusing stories to tell.

To be continued.

Iiza Ee-Day 7/13

2009-07-16T03:44:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

Last week Aichan went around to random places in Fukui to sample food. This week the theme is 'yumeoibito" (夢追い人) or people chasing dreams, drawn of course from Morning Musume's recent hit single Shouganai Yumeoibito. Aichan gets to meet various people in Fukui who are following their own dreams.

In the vicinity of Fukui station, Aichan visits a new shop on its opening day, part of the "Challenge Shop" project. It is the 'Cherry Forest' and the proprietor is a woman who calls herself 'Cherry', which she can get away with because the character for 'cherry blossom' is actually in her name (桜里). She sells custom-made trinkets. Aichan becomes her first customer.

At Echizen, she makes a surprise visit to Tamamura Akiko, a person who was featured on a television show two months ago, for which Aichan did the narration. Aichan had wanted to meet her in person.　She shows Aichan how to make Echizen paper (越前和紙).

Then at a gym the host tells Aichan that she has something in common with the woman she is about to meet -- they both have 'Ai' for a first name. But the similarities end there. Takei Ai is the world bronze medalist in power lifting. Aichan participates in a curious muscle traning exercise that I'm not gonna attempt to describe. Somewhere along the way she changed into a blue shirt with a skull on it. Afterwards, Takei, who wants to become an action actress, asks advice from Aichan about acting.

The host wraps up with a hint that he was trying to impress Aichan just a little bit as they went around to all those places. Aichan roars in laughter, but says that her mom thinks the host is cool. Here and in other segments of the show, the Fukui dialect flies fast and hard!

Finally she returns to Tokyo to unveil gifts from the people she visited, together with two musume associates.

(in English)
Ai: Hello everyone! I am Ai.
Lin: I am Linlin.
Sayu: I am sorry. (?!)

We can always count on Sayu for a laugh, can we not? Don't forget to check in this weekend when I'll be writing about this week's Ichigo. Sayumi will be a guest so it should be lots of fun!

Ichigo ichie 7/9 - MM's 40th single

2009-07-11T06:26:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

Another day to learn more about the lovely creature called Takahashi Ai.

Ichigo ichie 7/9

Aichan really does like the ocean. It's just that when she was young she almost drowned, so her body reacts against it.

Today she gives her thoughts on Morning Musume's 40th single, Nanchatte Ren'ai. The song includes a rap part in the style of Do it Now! that Junlin get to do. The gist of the lyrics is that love can be painful even when it is fake. She says that there are people who find this song more mature than Shouganai Yumeoibito. The single will be released 8/12.

For the Ainote corner, Aichan talks about Matsutoya Yumi's concert tour 2009 "Transit", which she saw with her manager. It included a disappearing act, a story, travel-like atmosphere, amusing MC segments. Aichan had the chance to talk with her afterwards. It was a learning experience to see such a performance.

Ai talks about her own upcoming H!P concert, about how new units will be announced, and new Eggs introduced. She wants the new members to know the awesomeness of MM, Berryz, and C-ute.

The English lesson is "You can find it in the house". (Useful for when you want to know where otaku can be found)

A listener asks how to improve one's singing. Aichan says listen over and over to a song you like and try to imitate the vocalist. Aichan would try to imitate Tsunku's singing when he taught her.

Another listener is exhausted being in a school club and wants advice on how to get rid of the tiredness. Aichan can relate, having been in a very demanding choir--it was always the last club to go home, and was active even during summer vacation. She would cope by going out to play after the club finished its morning activities each sunday. (she mentions taking print clubs as one of the things she did for fun)　Her strategy these days is to jump in the bathtub. No matter how late she gets home, she must have her bath.

Lastly, Aichan talks about how great Gaki-san is at calming Koharu down XD

Michishige Sayumi is the guest next week!!

Iiza Ee-Day 7/6

2009-07-08T01:25:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

Aichan returns to her birthplace of Fukui to appear on this recent program, and if appearances can be believed (which they usually can when it comes to Lovely), she has a great time!

Driving up in a 'taxi', as the host calls it, she is introduced in front of Fukui TV and its staff. The host asks her if she recognizes a certain man. It was the man who answered her telephone call when she was seeking information on how to apply for the audition which ultimately got her into Morning Musume, the deadline for which she was barely able to meet. The host also returns to her an engraving set thingie she had used in middle school which her sister had used after her and forgotten at school. Her teacher had been waiting all this time to return it to her.

From there they go around to different places in Fukui sampling food and fun. First stop is to the famous restaurant Yoroppaken where sauce katsudon originated. It's a dish she has been missing since living in Tokyo. When she tries to order katsudon in Tokyo they put eggs in it and she's like, this ain't what I wanted.

The next stop is to Satsukigase where crackers are made. She is given the opportunity to go in the factory, make a few herself, and eat the fruits of her labor. Satsukigase is home of the product 'ai' which we've heard Aichan talk about before. Ai eating ai may sound like self-cannibalism, but she quite likes them. Aichan is surprised to learn that on the day after a concert at which she had introduced ai, the product was all sold out at the Fukui market!

Then she visits a couple who runs a fresh juice vendor to have watermelon juice made. The man upon seeing Aichan says, "Is she the real thing?" (You better believe it, lucky fellow!) She is asked to pick a watermelon that she thinks looks tasty, and does so by banging on it to listen to the sound.

Finally, Aichan is made to enter a room where three old school buddies are waiting to surprise her! Aichan is taken completely by surprise, and looks genuinely ecstatic to see them.

Host: You guys probably know Aichan better than anyone does.
Aichan: They do.
Host: What do you usually call her?
Friends: 'Takahashi'.
Host: So you call her Takahashi! What was Aichan like in elementary and middle school?
Friends: She was cute.
Aichan: You're lying!
Friends: We'd do weird things together.
Host: Let's hear about those weird things.
Friends: Is it okay to say?
Host: For an idol it might be saying too much.

There's more next week!

Ichigo ichie 7/2 - Junjun guest appearance

2009-07-05T03:40:00.001-07:00

By: Zabel

Ichigo ichie 7/2

What the hell fukui speak did Aichan just open with? Don't ask me.

Well, Junjun is today's guest. Aichan reads a letter from a listener asking which member she thinks has grown the most. Aichan says she can't answer when the member in question is right in front of her! So it's Junjun and Linlin, of course; their Japanese has really improved. Junjun says she still speaks weird Japanese, and Aichan doesn't argue with that. Junjun gets embarrassed seeing early footage of herself as a musume. She appears to herself like a nikuman bouncing around on stage. But at last she has become a human.

Nanchatte Ren'ai is to be released 8/12. Junjun likes the intricate dance moves, and how the word 'nanchatte' itself shows up in the lyrics.

Aichan, Aika, and Linlin saw Ogawa Makoto perform in Komorebi no naka de 2009 (こもれびの中で２００９), today's recommendation in the 'Ainote' corner. Jun heard from Lin that it's a tearjerker, and Aichan tells that she cried from beginning to end. Jun: "But you always seem to be crying." Ai: "Hey!" Both Ogawa's strong efforts and the content of the story itself were the cause. Although she tried to hide it by letting the tears roll down to her chin before wiping them, Aika found her out.

Lovely has an anecdote to tell about her 5th gen buddy. One night well before the performance, she was staying over at Makoto's house and Makoto showed her video of the dances she would be doing. Makoto was worried about the difficulty of the material, but when Aichan saw the actual performance, Makoto did an impressive job.

Junjun's recommendation is the Korean film A Moment to Remember. An interested Aichan asks to borrow the DVD from her. Junjun, it turns out, is something of a movie junkie who used to go to the theater every sunday.

Next week is the Tanabata festival (Aichan mispronounces the word), which Junjun says is also celebrated in China. That makes today the "Pre-Tanabata Special", Aichan announces. Which amounts to the two of them each stating a small wish and a big wish. Aichan's "small" wish is to grow taller. Jun insists that such a wish is impossible, that she should wish for something that has even a remote possibility of coming true. Way to stomp all over a girl's dreams, Jun! But good-hearted Jun offers up as her small wish the hope that Aichan's impossible wish can come a little bit true.

Jun's big wish is that everyone around her can live healthily. Aichan's big wish is that she can be healthy every day. Their answers are very similar. "After all, we're both in our twenties", explains Jun XD. Then Aichan has them both at the same time state a wish for Morning Musume. Aichan's wish, "世界進出", is for the world to know of Morning Musume. Junjun's wish is simply "everybody". "Everybody what?", asks Aichan. "That everybody can live healthily every day." The exact same thing as before, but by framing it in terms of being a necessary condition for Aichan's wish, Jun is able to tie the two wishes of theirs together, thus facilitating the return of the joke from earlier: "It's similar! After all, we're in our twenties!"

In the Tettekete corner, the first question comes from a person who has trouble saying what he is feeling to people. Specifically, he got nervous and didn't say what he intended to when he met Aichan at a handshake event recently. Aichan can relate. She cried and was unable to speak when she met a Takaraduka star she was a big fan of back in grade school. That you can express yourself through your face and emotions becomes their advice to the listener.

The second listener asks for advice on how to learn dances quckly. Jun, according to herself, is neither fast nor slow but 中途半端 -- 'half-hearted' (or 'half-assed'). I am not sure this is the word she was looking for. They both think Tanaka and Kamei learn dance quickly. Junjun thinks Aichan is fast too, but Aichan denies it, insisting that she was always the slowest among the gokkies. But she would go home and learn the moves on her own and the next day she would have it all down. Jun has heard Gakisan relate the same tale about Aichan. Ai: "Oh, Gakisan talked about me!" (yep, all the time ^^) As they channel this into advice they can present to the listener, Aichan and Jun find themselves saying similar things. Once again: "After all, we're in our twenties!"

The English phrase we are taught today is "I'm looking forward to see you." At Aichan's request Jun teaches us a Chinese phrase. She picks the equivalent of "I love Morning Musume".

The Curious Case of Mano Erina

2009-06-28T21:01:00.000-07:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

Despite her Egg status, Mano Erina was immediatley given a prominent role in Ongaku Gatas. She quickly showed why she was allowed to stand shoulder to shoulder with the veteran idols in the group, and in doing so hinted at bigger and better things to come. And so, it came as a suprise to no one when, a short time later, she debuted as a full-blown solo artist. What was surprising, however, was the way in which H!P chose to market Mano Erina. Three specific facets of her marketing stand out as highly unusual and are quite possibly destructive to the girl’s long-term success: The framing of her character, her availability to the fans, and the deployment of her wares.

Mano Erina can play piano. This in itself is not unusual. Humans possessing a modicum of talent that manifests itself in specific endeavors is nothing new. But, for the most part, when an idol shows talents, these gifts are presented as adjunct personal characteristics not as a part of her career, whether musical or not. They are things reserved for fan club events and are used as bullet points on some Wiki at the ends of the internet. They flesh out a girl’s personality and nothing more. But, in Mano’s case, her piano playing was used, at least early on, as the fundamental thrust of her promotion. An idol that can sit down and accompany herself on an instrument well enough to do so live is highly unusual, and so it was no surprise that all her Indy singles we’re piano heavy mid-tempo pieces. When something unusual is presented to us, often the reason we take notice is simply because it is an oddity. It becomes our focus, and so, piano became her gimmick.
Now, this is highly unusual. Most idols’ artifices are entirely based on their personalities. Tsugunaga Momoko’s idol persona, for instance, is a punch to the gut. She’s manic and emotional; because at her core she is those things, really and truly. In contrast, Mano is presented as a gentle caress of the face; reserved, but positive; warm and gentle. Her wardrobe is an outward reflection of this style and of her music; pastel, flower-patterned skirts, scarves, and conservative school uniforms. It is protective clothing; flattering, but unrevealing. She occasionally will appear in traditional idol garb, at concerts and in photo shoots where H!P doesn’t control what she wears, but when she is shot for promotion of one of her personal commodities (Singles, Albums, etc) she is most often the gentle, smiling girl. So, the question is whether or not her idol personality, as presented, is simply the only choice for a girl who plays mid-tempo piano pop, or whether it is truly who the girl really is? Is it a match made in heaven, the perfect joining of girl, musical style, and talent, or is it the end result of promoting the uniqueness of one specific talent ahead of the uniqueness of the girl and then finding yourself boxed in?

This style of promotion is called further into question when comparing it to the larger milieu of idol music. I don’t have to tell you, idol aficionado that you are, that this style of presentation is highly unusual, especially for a brand new idol. Frenzied and unerringly cute is where the money’s at. Explosive, up-tempo pop is what drives the wota to spend their filthy lucre. They want to lose themselves at concerts. They want to dance, and sing, and chant and flip out. They don’t want to sit there while a girl plays piano. Thus, no matter how great she is, her promotion has already trimmed off a large portion of the fanbase. There is a large segment of H!P fans that will never be moved by Mano. Their money will remain firmly entrenched in pocket.

Idol music is never about contrasts. They are simply too subtle, and the idol business has all the subtly of a hammer to the head. Yet, Mano further surprises by being the most accessible, visible, and hard-working idol in H!P’s stable. The 7-11 of idols, Mano is always open for business. Check your watch, it’s highly probable that she has two handshake events, a mini-live, and a TV show scheduled during the next 15 minutes. If you want to meet a Musume, shake her hand, and say a few words, good luck with that. You’ll have grandkids before you get to go to one of the handful of meet and greets they hold. But, if there’s anyone left on the planet that hasn’t spent an hour, or more, talking to Mano, I don’t know him. At first glance, this seems like a fantastic thing, I mean, who doesn’t want that? But, wota-ism has one axiom that its tenets hold above all: "support your idol absolutely and completely in every endeavor." Thus, constant promotion of this sort is actually a deadly error. It’s Chinese water torture for the fans, exhausting them with a constant barrage of places they have to be and things they have to buy. Mano’s outstretched hand is no longer a rare opportunity to greet your idol, it’s a demand for tribute.
I have talked to more than one Mano wota who has become disheartened by the constant amount of events she has and things she is doing. Gold is beautiful not because it sparkles, but because it sparkles for only a few. Its rarity is half of its appeal. Just as absence makes the heart grow fonder, constant availability bores and fatigues it.

And, just as the heart and mind may become immune to the siren song of a wota’s favorite idol, so too may his wallet be exhausted by the unfair demands of her management company. Since Mano transitioned to major label status she has had two releases since the end of March and her third single is less than a month away. Berryz has averaged 3 singles a year over the last few years, Mano is currently on pace for double that. That in itself would be a joy for any fan; to always have her idol working, but each single arrives with an unethical twist. As we all know, an idol fan is forced to buy every single version of his idol’s single, conditioned in the Pavlovian method as they are. Each Mano Erina release comes in no less than 5 different versions. Each slightly unique, each required to complete the wota’s vast collection. It is shameless beyond measure.

When all of this is considered, it seems clear that H!P has segmented her market, they have made it so many H!P wota will simply never be interested in her. What’s more, her constant availability has already created a degree of lethargy amongst the fans and even an apathy toward her events and appearances. Combine that with a vast over-saturation of her commercial goods –goods wota feel forced to buy—and in some circles this apathy begins to turn into hostility.

It will be truly interesting to see if H!P realizes what it is doing with Mano, and whether or not they have any interest in avoiding its inevitable result. A slight shift in her image is begining to be felt. Hopefully it will measure high enough on the Richter Scale to make a difference.

Ichigo ichie 6/25 - Going to L.A.

2009-06-28T01:10:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

Welcome to a short 17-minute installment of the Loveliest show on earth :)

Ichigo ichie 6/26

MM's new single will be titled Nanchatte ren'ai. I think most of us already knew that.

Aichan listed her 'Best 3' for the first half of the year on last week's episode, and today she tells us that her goal for the second half of the year is...can anyone guess? Yep, she wants to be able to speak English. She admits that she says this all the time but never actually improves because she doesn't have the opportunity to speak it. July 1st she'll be in L.A. so she hopes to make some progress then. Frankly one week isn't enough time to make any noticeable progress in a foreign language if you ask me, but it can't hurt.

Risa and Eri had talked on their radio show about Aichan being stubborn. A listener asks if it's true. It's true, admits Aichan ^^

Another listener asks what shots in her new PB Watashi she likes. This reminds me that I still haven't looked at Watashi. What's up with me? I'm gonna have a look right now. Be back in a moment... Okay, I'm back. It's awesome. I especially like the lounging-around-at-home pics. I usually do. As for Aichan herself, she likes this tiny supermarket pic:

In the Ainote corner Ai recommends P.S. I love you, which she saw with her mom and sister on a whim, and which made her cry buckets. Her mom, who is married of course, was less impressed, saying things like, "Hey, marriage isn't that great." lol

The first advice topic today deals with what to do when your feet get sore wearing shoes. When she's together with her sister, exchanging shoes is one of the strategies Aichan employs. The second topic deals with how to choose the right clothes for the occasion, so that you're not too cold or too warm.

Junjun will be a guest next week. Also, there will be a couple public recordings of Ichigo ichie. 噛まないように頑張ってください、愛ちゃん！

Nostalgia vs. New Ideas vs. No Ideas.

2009-06-25T00:15:00.000-07:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

Today, in a bit of shocking news, pandering teen network The-N revealed that the cast of Degrassi would play the roles of Saved By The Bell’s iconic characters in a remake of the hit series Beverly Hills 90210...
In other less shocking (but slightly realer) news, H!P has recently announced the release of Chanpuru 1~Happy Marriage Song Cover Shuu~, a new album that features their current idol groups pantomiming the roles of slightly older and more iconic H!P groups while they sing cover versions of even older non-H!P J-pop songs.

Now, I’m all for nostalgia. Who doesn’t love Mini Moni, Pucchimoni, Decamoni, Insta-moni, and Vodka Moni On The Rocks? Nobody, that’s who. H!P has a fantastic past that is worth exploring and remembering. But, I have to wonder just who this album is supposed to be for...
Is this album to acquaint newer fans with H!P's past that weren’t around during these older groups’s heyday? If so, why have them sing covers of song’s that these groups never sang in the first place? Or, is the album for current fans who have been fans long enough that they fondly remember H!P’s glory days? If that’s the case, why not just have the girls sing songs from the groups that they are actually reforming?

If this was simply a one-time deal, then I don’t think anyone would mind a cover album. Cover albums can be fun. But what we’ve seen over the last year is H!P releasing cover after cover after cover. It’s as if H!P has their own "Hits from the 70's, 80's and 90's!" radio station now.
Cover You, Pepper Keibu, Dschinghis Khan, Edo no Temari Uta II, Shochū Omimai Mōshiagemasu; the list of covers done in the last calendar year is long and not so distinguished, Ice Man. Couple those tracks with this newest release and H!P artists doing covers has become a habitual trend.

Now, having old ideas that worked before shoved in our faces in place of new ideas is nothing new. That’s Transformers the movie; that’s Rocky VI. But, what H!P is doing with Chanpuru 1~Happy is twice as garish and twice as lazy. They’re taking their old ideas that worked once and then merging them with old ideas somebody else had that worked once. And, what’s worse, through this process they’re telling us they don’t have any new ideas of their own. They’re telling us they don’t want to pay anyone else enough money to come up with new ideas, either. And, most importantly, they’re telling us that they know we’re too dedicated to these girls to even care. They know we're caught in the catch-22 of the idol fan. Do you buy a crappy, boring CD to support the idols you enjoy so much? Or, do you refuse to buy terrible products and in doing so hurt the idols you want so badly to see succeed?

Like Pavlov’s dogs, the bell rings and we are fed. It matters not the food. We will always be hungry again when the bell tolls anew...

Ichigo ichie 6/18 pt 2 - Kusumi guest appearance

2009-06-23T01:27:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

I often get asked where one can go to listen to Ichigo ichie. The show is up for 24 hours every thursday-friday on the official fan club site, but you need to be a member in order to access the page. For the rest of us, a kind person, usually H!O member lovemusic, uploads the show in mp3 format weekly. You can get it by regularly checking the Takahashi thread at H!O, or the H!P's TV appearances, radio shows, magazine thread at Jpopmusic might be easier.

Ichigo ichie 6/18 continued

With the year half over, Aichan lists her "Best 3":

#3. Ojigi de shape up!
#2. The Platinum 9 disk spring tour
#1. Anime Expo

They talk about the upcoming 11.5 hour flight to Los Angeles, about eating, sleeping, talking, and watching movies on planes.

And here's Koharu's "Best 3":

#3. She learned how to make sweets.
#2. She grew in height.
#1. She grew inside.

According to Koharu, she noticed that she had grown in height today lol. Not because she measured herself or anything, but when she looked in the mirror that day her clothes seemed smaller. This could be because her clothes shrunk, thinks Aichan. Koharu blames that on her mom who washes her clothes. XD She calls her mom 'baka' (idiot) over this, but Aichan chides her that if she did her own laundry she would realize how easy it is to get items mixed up.

Aichan gives Koha an even harder time about that claim about growing inside.

Aichan: "You lie! That's your #1 lie."
Koharu: "What? You can see for yourself."
Aichan: "I can't tell at all."
Koharu: "Really? Haven't I become more like an adult?"
Aichan: "Wait until after you've had a few more birthdays to say that."
Koharu: "I'm already 17."
Aichan: (pronouncing '17' in english) "17. You think that's okay?"
Koharu: "Totally! Inside I feel like I'm 20."
Aichan: "You lie!"

But Aichan admits that Koharu acts like an adult when they go out to eat together. Koha insists that she is always an adult but Aichan isn't buying it. Koharu wants to be 18 so she can drive. She wants to drive with passengers.

It's time for the Tettekete advice corner. "Oh, is that what 'tettekete' means?", asks Koharu. A listener with a friend going to study abroad in Australia wants to give a gift to help him remember Japan. Aichan suggests soy sauce (in English). Koharu spaces out here, asking to have the question repeated to her, and more than once muttering New Zealand instead of Australia as she brainstorms. She tries to think of what she would like to have if she were going overseas, and among the ideas she comes up with are hamburgers, dried plums, seaweed, cuttlefish, clothing, her big sister, a blanket, a futon. She could go on forever. Aichan does her best to wrap up the segment.

Ichigo ichie has a new sticker that Aichan will be signing and giving away to each person whose mail she reads on the show, as well as to one person randomly selected. Just when I was about to give up trying to get my message read. And, next week she will announce Morning Musume's new single.

Lastly, Aichan always signs off saying, "This has been Takahashi Ai who wants to ___." and has her guests do likewise. How does Koharu sign off? "This has been Kusumi Koharu who wants to run a marathon!"

Ichigo ichie 6/18 pt 1 - Kusumi guest appearance

2009-06-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

Ichigo went for over 48 minutes this week. That's more than twice the usual length! I suppose since it is broadcast on the web rather than the radio, they can record for as long as they darn well please. Anyway, I'm gonna seize the excuse to break this up into two segments.

Ojigi de shape up! has concluded, and we can expect to hear talk about this topic and others from Aichan and guest Kusumi Koharu.

Ichigo ichie 6/18

Aichan plays a recording of backstage on the last day of Ojigi. There's a Sayumi impersonator in their midst XD We hear a low voice say, "I'm Michishigerogero Sayumi" ('gerogero' means 'disgusting') All in good fun. Aichan goes around asking everyone to name something they discovered through doing Ojigi, and this cast member, who they call 'Acchan', responds that she didn't know Morning Musume were such good people. Kamei discovered that "Morning Musume is the best". XD Especially the leader and her acting, she adds.

Continuing with the recording, Aichan finds Sayumi to ask her the same question, also telling her about the "Michishigerogero" joke that Acchan made. Sayumi says that she never met such a mean person before in her life XD Acchan is in the room with them and some banter commences. The two of them make a good comedic pair. Aichan says that they are actually friends. In this Ojigi blog post, Sayumi wrote about putting a pink ribbon on Acchan.

The recording ends. From there Aichan is about to talk about her experience acting in the play when it becomes apparent that there is another person in the studio lol. So it's time to introduce noisy Koharu-chan. In fact, we learned from the Kamei guest appearance that there are five or so people in the room with Aichan while Ichigo is recorded, which was embarrassing for Aichan until she got used to it. Koharu tells us that there are several cameras in the room. Cameras? Hmm.

Aichan and the crew performed Ojigi de shape up! 15 times. Koharu sat up in the front beside Gaki-san when she watched, and she found the play funny. It made her want to participate herself. She watched while wondering who came up with all them names. She didn't get a chance to see Ojigi 30 do because she had a cold at the time.

This time around Aichan was required to cry as part of the script! Well, we wouldn't expect such a thing to be hard for our lovely crybaby, but it was trickier than one might think to play the role correctly. At first in rehearsals she was crying too early, whereas the character she plays, Karin, is the strong type who wouldn't cry so quickly. The play couldn't proceed unless Aichan cried at the right time, so she was under pressure. It seems that the director Ota said, "It doesn't matter what it's about, but I wanted to have Takahashi Ai cry." Gosh I can't wait to watch the video when it is released!

Aichan asks Koharu to do one of her better imitations. Koharu hasn't been feeling confident about her imitations lately, but she does the Mario jump sound for us. Hehe cute. They address a listener mail asking how to keep a bubble bath going.

Then the "Ainote irete kudasai" segment (合の手入れてください). Aichan recommends the children's fantasy movie The Spiderwick Chronicles, and Koharu recommends Crayon Shin-chan, which she has been bicycling to the rental store to get lately. Aichan's mom likes it too.

To be continued.

Ichigo ichie 6/11 - Aichan's next challenge

2009-06-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

By: Zabel

Yo! Zabel here. Ever since Takahashi Ai began hosting her web talk show Ichigo ichie in April, I've been writing about it at my blog Lovelitude. Beginning today you'll be able to find these summaries here every weekend. Note that they are not intended to be comprehensive, and I try to keep them reasonably short.

Ichigo ichie 6/11

Lovely opens with a little fukui speak for us, "ほやさけ～" which is equivalent to だから ("That's why...").

Today a girl from Brazil sent in a letter saying that she studies Japanese on her Nintendo DS and does Aichan study English on her DS? (this made me a little mad for not having thought of asking the question myself grrrr) Well, Aichan has the software, but hasn't been using it. She praises the listener's Japanese...and then goes on to recommend Final Fantasy to her XD It's sort of the same topic I guess.

Aichan saw Across the Universe, a movie featuring a lot of Beatles music, together with Mako soon after Mako returned from New Zealand. She wanted to see it because Bono was in it, and ended up liking it. (I wonder what movies Aichan doesn't like?) Well there were strawberry fields in the movie, so I suppose she had no choice.

The TV drama Aichan starred in earlier this year, Q.E.D. Shoumei Shuuryou, will come to DVD on June 24th. It seems that the box set includes extra 'making of' content. If Aichan has the chance, she would like to play the role of a mother next time. This because her own mother had her at age 21, and because she watched Ueto Aya playing such a role. She would also like try more action scenes. We wouldn't mind her getting them, would we?

The topics in the 'Tettekette' advice corner were unusually light today. The first listener can't decide whether to go with straight hair or to get a perm. In junior high where it was against the rules, Aichan wanted a wave perm but got a straight perm thinking that she wouldn't get found out, but was found out anyway.

A second listener gets leg cramps while sleeping. Aichan, too, has her toes cramp when in bed. She suggests doing stretches, but will go ask Sayumi, who also gets frequent cramps.

Kusumi Koharu will be a guest next week.

Berryz Koubou Alo-Hello! Preview Subtitle Release

2009-06-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

To those who are eagerly anticipating this (I am!), we thought it would be fun to subtitle H!P’s little preview for you. It does a great job dropping a few teasers, building anticipation, but still not spoiling anything for anyone.
If you aren’t drooling in anticipation after watching this, you might be an inhuman monster incapable of drooling…

Anyhow, this preview also serves as notice that ICU-Subs are going to subtitle this Berryz Alo-Hello. The H!P Kids are, after all, ICU-Subs’ domaine d'expertise. We will begin working on it the day it comes out. We have most of the crew working on it, instead of just one or two people per project, as per usual. So, hopefully we should have this out lickity-split.

Look forward to it.

click here to grab the preview.

Berryz Koubou Fan no Tsudoi 2008 Subtitle Release

2009-06-03T03:05:00.000-07:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

The Berryz Koubou Fan no Tsudoi is the millionaire’s club of Berryz events. Only for loyal fan club members, it’s half-theater, half-farce, half-performance piece, half-fan interactive.

The premise is simple: The event is a stage play in which Berryz Koubou’s super-hero alter-ego’s, The Berryz Kamen (think Power Rangers minus the power), hold a meeting to discuss their TV show’s (Yes, they have a TV show) sagging ratings compared to C-utie Ranger (Yes, that’s also a fake TV show), their generally horrible performance as heroes, and how they can possibly turn it all around. But, in a deliciously avant-garde twist, the Berryz frequently break character, talk to the audience, make snide comments about each other’s acting, and generally screw around a bunch, much to the delight of the fans in attendance. Basically, the 4th wall doesn’t just get broken, it gets obliterated. They even somehow find the time to sneak in a few musical numbers, and then end things with a shocking, hair-raising…not the least bit surprising if you’re a Berryz fan… cliff-hanger of a surprise ending. Truthfully, if you know your Berryz, you’ll realize that it just couldn’t have possibly ended any other way, and since the 2009 Fan no Tsudoi is a direct sequel to this event, you’ll get plenty more madness soon enough…

And now, for the 3 people who care, some methodology...
When, taking on a release like this you often have to go with what works, even if you don't really want to. Case in point: I don't like having each girl's subtitled text color-coded based on her merchandise color. Generally it's an annoyance, and everyone's subtitle being the same color is preferable. But, with the Tsudoi there was simply just way too much off-screen dialogue and too much of the girl's talking over one another to do anything else but color-code the girl's dialogue. So, in order to have a bit of fun with it, we decided to color-code it based, not on their merchandise colors, but on their Berryz Kamen colors. Thus, you'll see Maasa's dialogue as red & yellow, and Risako's as blue & green, etc. Overall, I think it worked rather well, and it adds a bit of flair to the proceedings.

Another consideration was the tongue-twister segment as there simply never appeared to be a great way to subtitle it. The nature of a tongue-twister is that it only really makes sense in the actual language it is being spoken in and so translation into English sort of diminishes how it sounds and it's difficulty. Eventually, we decided to translate it into Romaji while it was on screen, so people could get a look at the actual phonetic nature of the tongue-twister first, then we literally translated it into English when Maasa demoed the tongue-twister for the girls. After that, each girl attempted the twister themselves, and we decided to simply leave it untranslated on subsequent girls' attempts, as you already knew what they were saying and the point of the segment is how badly they stumble over the words, something that constantly repeating the same translation over and over didn't accentuate and simply obscured. Overall, I think we handled this difficult section rather well.

Anyway, click here to grab it.

Idol Chatter

2009-05-31T01:52:00.000-07:00

By: The Incredible He-Hulk

“You will rejoice to hear that no disaster has accompanied the commencement of an enterprise which you have regarded with such evil forebodings.”
- Robert Walton in Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's Frankenstein.

A journal is a record of ones personal thoughts; ones own, sometimes brutish, many times biased, opinions. Quite often, a blog is little more than that, despite the fact that it is for all to see, that it has been given over to the world for consumption. But, much like a gift is wrapped before it’s given to others, should one not burnish ones own opinions before presenting them to the world? Too often, it seems, a blog is created just for the owner and the owner alone, which makes on question the point of publishing it in the first place.

This is the question that occupies me when I view most H!P idol blogs. They are so often a disparate jumble of posts. All over the map ideas that aren’t really about much of anything:

“This just in: Ai’s so pretty.”

“Breaking news: Look at my new t-shirt and glow sticks I bought!”

“…PICSPAM!!!”

As far as Ai goes, truer words have never been uttered, but posts like these are really just so much doggerel.

These musings are the fires in which Idol Chatter was born. Idol Chatter is a blog that attempts to codify idol chat. To provide a standard for discussion that helps make “idolitry” even more fun and compelling by making H!P more interesting to talk about.

Truthfully, that’s a lot of pressure to put on just one man, and if it were up to me alone this site would quickly fall into desuetude. Luckily, one is never alone on this earth, or in his enjoyment of idols, and I’m getting more than a little help from my friends.

Because of all this help, Idol Chatter will become a swiftly flowing stream of idol information. Not only will get you get compelling discussion from a wide range of people, but you’ll get compelling information, too, and not simply information on new H!P releases, or appearance, dates and other things you can get anywhere. You’ll get translations of articles, interviews and radio shows that help you get closer look at your favorite idols. You’ll get an inside look at concerts, appearances and events from the very people who attend them to help you get closer to the actual idol culture. And, you’ll get analysis of H!P releases, what these releases say about H!P’s intentions for their idols and what the releases say about H!P’s past and the future.

So, it is with these assurances that I offer to you this blog. An amalgamation of so many; a walking, talking Frankenstein of idol opinion.