I already got an awesome present from you in the form of a new single announcement (at last) ^^

p.s. Posting here ’cause it’s too dangerous to do so directly on twitter nowadays…

Reminder: This is not Kira Kira Mina *facepalm*

Original.
Part 1.
Part 2.
Part 3.

*March, 16 1st generation members get selected, SKE48′s first “Team S” is formed. She started performing at the theater as a Team S member thereon.

*March 4th, she was selected again into AKB48′s 11th single “10nen Zakura” senbatsu. Since then, she was selected as a senbatsu member for all of AKB48′s singles.

*However, unsurprisingly among the fans there were voices claiming “it’s too early” for Jurina to be having that kind of activities, as well as voices still complaining about “why is she being selected for AKB48′s single senbatsu, while being an SKE48 member too” and so on. In regards to that Akimoto commented, “There seems to be a disagreement between the fans’ and the management’s point of view about Jurina’s case. The management thinks of the team 2 years, or 3 years ahead, and has to bring up its team members to the stage from now. But from the fans’ point of view, I think, while looking at the present, they haven’t looked that far ahead just yet. There is that kind of gap right now.” and said it is in order for her to learn to pull others as a future ace, as well as to build up experience.

*Just as Akimoto Yasushi had featured Maeda Atsuko as AKB48′s face, back when AKB48 still wasn’t selling much, Matsui Jurina was also given the role of SKE48′s face. However as a result of fulfilling that role, Maeda had started to be called AKB48′s ace, and while she performed spectacular activities, she also had to deal with just as harsh moments. The position of ace in a large-numbered group is, at the same time a brilliant thing, and a an extremely harsh role too. Just as Maeda had to deal with the same proportion of encouragement and complaints, of course, Jurina as SKE’s ace had to deal with such complaints the most in her position too.
Moreover, with overall producer Akimoto and the theater manager having expectations such as “outstanding talent found once every 10 years”, it became indispensable for her to be accepted, by the fans, literally as SKE48′s “ace”, and not just as a facade. The merely 14 year old Jurina, is placed in such circumstances. Akimoto said, “If Maeda has to fight with the pressure of being at the top, then Jurina has to fight with the pressure of high expectations.”

*April 1st, she is selected as a member of the collaboration unit “AKB Idoling!!!” and the single “Chuu Shiyouze!” is released.

*July 8th, in the first senbatsu elections, she ranks highest among the SKE48 members at 19th. Only Jurina makes it as a senbatsu member. At first it seems to be a high rank, but she is a person who is both ace in SKE, and has stood as center in an AKB song. According to Yamazato from Nankai Candies [tl note: better known as Yamachan to most], “There’s a girl called the super ace Matsui Jurina. She only just recently became a middle-school student, but she’s always stood as center on stage so far. But in the popularity rankings that immediately dropped… From what I heard, the moment she entered backstage, she collapsed in tears. Out of frustration.” As expected, it seems to have been an unsatisfying rank for her.

*December 31st, she appeared on NHK’s 60th Kouhaku Utagassen, as AKB48.

Original.
Part 1.
Part 2.

Time of audition. July 31st 2008 (11 years old).

*July 30th, she passed the final examination of the 1st SKE48 auditions, and become an SKE member (out of 2670 people, originally 22 people passed). At the time she was the youngest at 11 years old. “When I took the auditions, I was in 6th grade primary school. It was only older girls all around me, but I remember that serving as an incentive instead.”

*Akimoto Yasushi: “In the SKE auditions she was number 49, second to last. And so, when her turn came, her karaoke song didn’t show up. With that the no. 50 girl became no. 49 and Jurina became the last. Because I didn’t know of that fact, I had the idea for SKE planned out already, just as I thought about that, she came out at the very end, and I found she had an amazing star nature to her. Number 49 and number 50 are completely different aren’t they. After all in our job, it’s not just about things like skill or hard work or talent, but rather I feel luck plays a big role too. I thought what happened was really amusing. Also, AKB had just started steadily increasing its sales, and I’m not saying this about anyone in particular, but it felt like they had started to slacken. If I were a shepherd, it felt as if the sheep had gone loose. If a completely different sheep came in here, I thought that might get them to tighten up.”

*On that day, at the AKB theater a Team A performance was taking place but, after the final song, there was a phone call from Akimoto Yasushi who had been in Nagoya judging. And so he reported the following, “In the final auditions there was an amazing girl. She’s definitely going to become a star. She’s a raw ore.” Of course the “ore” referred to Matsui Jurina.

*At the same time, Akimoto was already thinking of adding her to the next single’s senbatsu, and debuting her as a center. He also made it so that she’d be the only one on the jacket. He thought the fans’ “what just happened?” reaction would be amusing.

*August, the start of lessons in preparation for their theater debut 2 months later. She was immediately selected as center. “Rather than feeling pressured, I kept wondering why it was me. I wondered if it was really okay to pick me.”

*August 2nd, she participated in the recording for AKB48′s first program “AKBINGO!” along with Oya Masana (air date was August 25th).

*August 23rd, SKE48 made a guest appearance at AKB48′s live. Performing A1st’s “PARTY ga Hajimaru yo”, it was her first time standing on a stage.

*August, AKB48 members were told about Jurina’s selection as a senbatsu member for the new single, which was to be released in October. The situation around the the time they heard the announcement; Takahashi Minami: “In the place where the members’ names are written there was a “Matsui Jurina” name. When we were discussing “Who is Matsui Jurina?” Acchan (Maeda Atsuko) went, “They said she’s an SKE girl. Looks like she’ll be center.” Everyone went “Eh?!” at that. I too started having mixed feelings then…”
Maeda: “Beforehand, I was told “Do your best with Jurina as a double center.” by Akimoto-sensei. But to be honest, “What am I supposed to work hard in I wonder?” was how it felt. I think I answered with a tentative “yes” though. The girls (AKB members) whose ages were close to Jurina might have been conscious about the whole thing. But in my case, it felt as if I had gained a much younger junior. But the fans were comparing us (after the single’s release) a lot more than I had expected, and that kinda confused me.”

*September, joining the dance lessons a bit later than the rest of the AKB members. “Nice to meet you, I’m Matsui Jurina. I look forward to working with you.” She greeted by saying that and bowing down over 90 degrees. The impression Minegishi Minami had when she first saw Jurina; “I thought she was sharp. To me that seemed like ‘I’ve become center by doing as much as possible.’ Usually, at first one would be frightened right. But when I saw her standing tall, I thought “that’s impressive.” Even though 11 years old is young, at that time, I thought she was probably appropriate as center. It’s not that I felt that “I lost” but, I thought “Even if she stood as center it won’t cause an unfavorable comparison.” from an objective point of view.”

*After the beginning of the lessons; Takahashi: “While the 11 year old Jurina was entrusted with the important role of being center, I saw her working extremely hard… It made me think that both AKB and SKE had to get united to move on forward.” As for the Jurina who had managed to make the AKB members think like that: “At first I was simply happy about it. But right before the lessons, I started growing worried. Thinking “Is it okay for me to show up even though it’s an AKB song?” or “I wonder if we can get along.” or “I wonder if I’ll be able to dance and sing properly.” and so on… I kept crying in front of the SKE48 staff. Especially when SKE48′s theater debut was nearing, I couldn’t really practice properly and I panicked. But I would definitely never cry in front of the SKE members. During our very first lesson there was something we all agreed on, it was “to surpass AKB!”. That’s why even though I was worried, I thought “The fact that I’ll be in AKB’s song, it’ll become for the sake of the goal we all set.” and “It won’t be for me alone, but for the sake of getting SKE48′s existence known.”.”

Theater debut (October 5th 2008).

*October 5th, SKE48 1st Stage “PARTY ga Hajimaru yo” performances start, she makes her theater debut.

*October 22nd, AKB48′s 10th single “Oogoe Diamond” with Jurina as center goes on sale. Being treated as a main character in the PV, as well as having her solo shot on the jacket, she made for a brilliant debut. Entering senbatsu at age 11 years and 228 days, she broke the youngest record that AKB48′s Oku Manami held (at age 11 years and 237 days). According to her, she screamed “Shinoda-sa~n” for that jacket shot (but if you watch the making of footage from the bonus video on the “Pareo wa Emerald” single, she screams “Mariko-sama~”).

*For the AKB fans it became a shocking debut but, opinions varied about the sudden huge push. From the older fans, it was possibly more of a “no” reaction. “Why is there an SKE member in AKB’s new song?”, “What can this kid possibly do.”, such voices were murmured around the theater and on the net. However as a result they got their highest record on Oricon at 3rd place, and sales increased a lot too. Of course aside from Jurina there were the recently promoted 5th generation research students in AKB who had their first senbatsu participation too, and because there is the song’s quality to take into consideration one can’t say it was all because of Jurina but, with this single, as well as the fact that she was placed in senbatsu while being from SKE48, it is certain that she had changed something in AKB48.

*Akimoto’s impressions; “The general response was huge too but, what the fans made the biggest fuss about was, “But Matsui is not from AKB48, she’s from SKE48 right?” and it made me go, ah, they’re different aren’t they, I realized that for the first time after releasing the CD (lol). Well, that’s pretty much it (lol)”

*Interviewer: “The fact that SKE’s Jurina was placed as AKB’s center, I found it to be incredibly amusing as a technique.”
Akimoto: “Matsui, she’s cute right? (lol). I was asked “why is it SKE even though it’s an AKB single!” a lot, after I made her center. I figured that was true enough. I figured I should have put “featuring **” or “Matsui Jurina (SKE)” after all. However, I realized that wasn’t something to be all that hung up on really.”

Part 1.

8 months old

*Born on March 8th 1997, in Aichi Prefecture. Single child. Weight was slightly below average at 2600 grams.

*At first, her name was decided as “Juri”. However, because an acquaintance of her mother’s had a child called “Kiri” (it was confusing since it could be read as “Juri” too), they added the “na” character and it became “Jurina”.

1 year old

*Ever since she was born, she was a very good kid, neither crying at night, or acting shy around strangers. “I wonder if I’ve been mature since the moment I was born (lol)”.

*She was a dancing kid since the time she became aware of her surroundings. She likes standing out, and during things like sports festivals she is the type to stand out.

7 years old

*Her first love was during kindergarten. She’d be extremely affectionate, and when her mom would come to her pick her up, she’d hold hands tightly. But at this moment, she’s forgotten both the name and face of that kid.

*The reason she started aiming for showbiz. Ever since nursery school, she’s looked up to singers, and during the graduation ceremony she said “I want to be a singer in the future.”

4th grade primary school

*The fact that she still wet her bed until the early grades of primary school was revealed by her mother.

*She starting learning hip-hop dance around 3rd grade of primary school, and came to like dancing too. Thinking “Singing and dancing is what idols do!”, she started aiming to become an idol.

6th grade primary school

Original.

I realize the western fanbase has far too mistaken an idea of what Matsui Jurina is like, especially those who follow AKB only, so I figured it’s about time I translated a certain wiki page about her. There’s a lot of info in there, the most interesting (in my opinion at least) being the bits from interviews with Yuasa (SKE48 theater’s manager).

The link to the original page in Japanese is at the bottom of this post. The following is a translation of only a small part, outlining Jurina’s personality. I’ll get to the rest of the sections in time.

*Catchphrase is “1, 2, 3, 4, all together[tl note: "go issho ni" is a play on words with the number 5, ie. "go" in Japanese], 6, 7, 8, 9, Jurina~[tl note: another play on words, since 10 in Japanese is "ju" or "jyu"]! I’m Matsui Jurina, 14 years old.” Previous ones were, “I tend to get told by everyone that I look tough, but in truth I’m a lonely grade schooler”, “I’m a little bit more grown up, but my feelings are still a grade schooler’s”, “I love running! I love dancing! And I love everyo~ne too!” etc.

*Official nickname is “Jurina”[tl note: in hiragana instead of kanji]. Her juniors call her “Jurina-san”. Oya Masana calls her “Juribou”[tl note: 坊 is something like kid or boy/sonny]. Yuasa calls her “Abarenbou Sogun”[tl note: 暴れん坊将軍 -> rowdy kid general].

*An ace in the position of SKE48′s and Team S’ center. As a main pillar, she is an essential existence needed by SKE. The theater manager Yuasa Hiroshi has told her, “there is no replacement for you” and “the stage is completely different when you’re there and when you aren’t.”
Jurina: “It does make me feel pressured, but I feel happiness the most when told that.”
Yuasa: “Lately she’s been releasing a certain aura too. Out of all the members she has the highest professional awareness. Jurina = SKE is how it is.”

*She’s well aware of that position of hers, and has the will to carry SKE48 by herself. Her feelings for the theater in particular are the strongest, and she tells members off, regardless of age, if they seem to not have memorized the dances.
Yuasa: “(After finishing a job in Tokyo) even if she goes back to Nagoya staggering, she’d make sure to show up at the theater performances. Yet when she sees a member who hasn’t learned a dance she’d go, ‘Why?! I’m doing both that in Tokyo and this here. Why can’t you do it!’”
She’s the type who can’t forgive the fact that both the team and SKE might be taken lightly because of members not being able to do things. Of course, that’s because she loves SKE more than anyone else, and because she herself doesn’t slack off putting in more effort than anyone else. Members are aware of that, and it is said that no one speaks up against her words.

*However, once she snaps she becomes a wild kid that neither the manager or, needless to say, the members can stop. Even to Yuasa, she’d use strong words and firmly go, “What is this about!” or “I’m begging you!”
Yuasa: “It’s already gotten scary huh (lol)”

*On the other hand, she also has a side befitting of her age, where she gets thoroughly spoiled by the other members.
“This is sudden but, here’s what I like about all the fans! The fact that they understand me better than I do myself. The fact that they like me. In the end, I won’t betray you. Really thank you for everything all the time. But, there’s something I’d like you to understand. Regardless of what’s said, I’m a kid. In more ways than one (lol). That’s why, please look after me properly! Until I grow up, and become a full fledged adult. I do have moments where I feel lonely or sad after all.”
“I’m sorry for having written an extract that made you worry. Those were my honest feelings. But, there is one mistake… I wrote asking for you to look after me until I become a full fledged adult but, even if I were to become a full fledged adult, I’ll still have times when I’ll crash into a wall. That’s what I thought. That’s why, from now onward, please look after me, regardless of whether I’m an adult, or not an idol anymore, or if I’ve become an actress or a singer. It’s because I realized… Human beings can’t do anything when alone.
“Again, I’ve said something that might make you worry but, I realize that any person could have things they like or dislike. That’s the case with me too, and I think it’s the same with fans who have oshimens too. However, is it not possible to express those things with our attitude or looks, or with our words? Even though I kinda think it’s better to express one’s love. Because I don’t think there is anyone who’d consider being told they’re loved as a bad memory! But, don’t you think there’s a difference between liking and being partial? With being partial, neither the person being so, or the person being treated as so, gain anything. That is because, it makes both sides feel bad. The person being partial, will make the people they’re not being partial to feel displeased. The person being treated partially too, will make the people who aren’t being treated the same feel displeased as well. The person who doesn’t get treated as such, will feel really badly about it, and will worry about it at times… I don’t want that kind of thing to happen! At the very least, I’ll try to refrain from doing that both now and when I become an adult too. If there is someone you’re not being partial to, please show that person that you love them too. Even if it’s just one person, as long as there is someone who loves them, that person could be saved. Somehow, that’s the way I’ve started thinking lately. Serious things. Things like people’s feelings, I wonder if I’ve become capable of understanding them… It’s proof that I’ve become an adult isn’t it (lol). It’s an age where you want to speak up isn’t it (lol). There might come a time I write something like this, once again, but please don’t worry about it. In my case, as long as everyone’s there I have nothing to be scared of. That’s why, I have but one request. Let me be spoiled, just a bit more.”

*In SKE she’s in charge of the energetic character. According to Maeda Atsuko, at first she would act mischievously in front of the AKB members too, but suddenly she got serious and started being polite. When Maeda asked, “Did they (the higher ups) tell you anything?” she claimed she wasn’t told anything, but that as she got to know AKB she started feeling respect, and started being polite towards the AKB members.
Maeda: “Despite being 11 years old (at the time) she’s a grown up.”

*She tends to say a lot of puns and old mens’ jokes, but they’re not really effective. She respects Takahashi Minami as her senior in slipping (speech-wise).

*She’s the youngest but, among Team S she’s the tallest. (Her official profile says 160cm but she’s 163cm right now. Her aim is around Shinoda Mariko’s 168cm).

*Because her face is unusually mature, she doesn’t appear her age at first glance. She personally is happy with being called “adult-ish”, but “aged” is taboo. Rather than being considered a pretty girl she’s considered a beauty, she is called “ikemen”[tl note: a hot guy] by Sashihara.

Done x_X Only with part 1 LOL What did I get myself into… Anyway, as biased as some of what you’ve read might sound, there’re actually references to where everything was taken from in the original wiki page, which can be found here. I didn’t bother putting in the reference numbers in the translation, but I think it shouldn’t be hard to pick them up if you’re interested.

Well then, until the next installment… if it ever comes.

Translating this out of sheer boredom and ’cause I’m supposed to be studying… and ’cause I’ll miss Nakamurakun dammit ;A;

Good evening!!

Yesterday was the last theater performance for this month V(^-^)V

However, I feel as if I couldn’t bring out a satisfactory amount of strength.

But,

The strength I could muster yesterday, was all brought out, and I managed to have fun!!

Because I was burned out, I couldn’t write a blog post…

I’m sorry for having made you worry (>_<)

During yesterday's performance right

We had Haachan's birthday celebration♪♪♪

The Haachan who is always strong, and rarely cries.

But, yesterday she shed some tears.

About her strong side,

I obviously like it, and respect it.

But right

It made me happy, kinda…

How to say it..

I feel like I saw the real Haachan.

I realized I liked it, that side of her too…

I'm happy that the things I like about Haachan have increased, yet again (o^∀^o)

From now on too,

As the eldest in Team S, I want her to pull us forward☆☆

Really congratulations↑↑↑

Also,

Today, I thought I’d be participating in the live broadcast of “NTV Music Festival Best Artists 2011″ but,

Because our turn was late,
The middle school team couldn’t participate (ρ＿；)

If only it were next year, I could’ve showed up…

Just a bit of patience more…

Please wait, until I become an adult (ρ＿；)

Today instead of that,

I did some work by myself!!!

It was photoshoots for magazines ＼(^ー^)／

The January special issue of “Weekly The TV”

“Friday”

The “Shounen Champion” issue that’ll go on sale on January 19th

I guess it mostly felt adult-ish…

Please look forward to them! (b^ー°)

Also,

Above all else there’s something sad…

The fact that Team E’s Nakamura Yuka’s graduation was announced.

In my case, I knew about it through your comments…

Nakamurakun is,
A member who joined through admiration,

And has been cheering me on even before entering SKE.

When we first met,

The moment our eyes met,

I remember her crying.

Just like that,

It’s sad for a member who has joined chasing after the same dream, to graduate.

From now on,

It seems like she’ll focus on her studies.

Surely,

It is an answer Nakamurakun came up with after worrying and thinking about it a lot, that’s what I think.

That’s exactly why,

In our case, we must accept that and cheer her on no matter what.

I too,

On Nakamurakun’s behalf too,

And, in order to not lose to Nakamurakun,

Will do my best!!

Well then,

Good night (-.-)zzZ

Just for the record, with quitting SKE fandom I didn’t mean quitting being a fan, but quitting being an ACTIVE fan. Which means, any plans I had for subbing Magical Radio for example were going to go down the drain.

So what made me change my mind? Seeing so many people saying they feel sorry for Jurina. To be honest, I don’t, since the difference in popularity is crystal clear at this point. Instead I realized I feel sorry for SKE48 as a whole. If I went and started boycotting the group because of a single member (or her fans, same thing really) then I’d be no different from the people who think one member’s existence is bigger than the group’s existence.

Bottom line, I still love SKE48. I’ll forever think of Matsui Jurina as my own child. You’ll get your subbed Magical Radio… eventually :p

P.S. This totally made me want to give NMB another chance too… since Milky < NMB48!

Well then, I’m sure most people are familiar with these talks between two members that we tend to get on the Shukan AKB DVDs. I think this is the first time we get an SKE-only couple though, and boy is it a nice pair alright =3

It’s no secret how much I support Kuumin’s rather one-sided crush on Yuria, so yeah, I was grinning like an idiot from the beginning XD

On that note though… Kuumin, why you fall asleep the one time you get a chance to share a room with Yuria?! orz So yeah, apparently they shared hotel room the day this was recorded, and mentioned how this kind of setting is kinda weird ’cause they already talk normally to each other anyway. I dunno about the “normal” bit there really lol

Their meeting:

Kuumin, you fail on so many levels… How can you not remember your first meeting with Yuria?! XD Yuria on the other hand does remember Well, I guess a 3rd gen should remember a meeting with a 1st gen after all. As Yuria pointed out, she remembers it because of how nervous she was.

Meeting: at a regular shooting location, 3rd gen members were going up some stairs and they crossed paths with Kuumin. And she was wearing her Tsuyoki Mono yo outfit. That’s a pretty good memory you got there Yuria And glad to see Kuumin remembered the meeting afterwards ^^ Even corrected her saying it wasn’t on some stairs but rather the 3rd gens were lined up in a room.

First impressions:

Yuria thought of Kuumin as “cool” and the kind of person who seems somewhat unapproachable. Yeah, I can see where she’s coming from But oh how mistaken that image is lol Kuumin added that people tell her she tends to seem kinda scary too… Poor girl ^^; But yeah, I can definitely see why. Of course, it’s all until she opens her mouth only though lol

Kuumin on the other hand doesn’t really remember her first impression of Yuria orz She just remembers mistaking her with Ueno Kasumi all the time at first because she’s horrible at remembering people’s names/faces ^^; Strange, I see people (myself included) confusing Yuria with Akarin during their earlier days instead

Thoughts about each other:

Yuria didn’t really have an image of Kuumin “working” until around Gomen ne, Summer time apparently, because of her “baka character”. Apparently Kuumin would say some really mature stuff sometimes, so yeah. Conclusion: she’s got a horrible memory but is actually a fast thinker. Yep, I agree. Unluckily for her though, when it comes to fast thinking in SKE, Jurina just steals the spotlight from everyone ^^;

Kuumin’s image of Yuria is “plain” and I don’t mean the boring kind. She meant it in a “you’re straightforward in everything, both on and off the job”. Basically, Yuria’s an honest kid ^^ Despite that, she tends to think and worry a lot, but apparently forgets about those thoughts/worries in one day orz I wish my brain could do that too XD

So cute when they used the lines from the act during the “SKE ni, ima, dekiru koto” live about both being idiots <3

Most memorable Shukan AKB recording:

For Yuria it was the very first time she appeared in the program, during the gesture game. Was probably the first time she recorded for TV, and she even has the thing recorded (by her Mom).

Suddenly, first time Yuria calls Kuumin, “Kuu-chan” lol She called her “Kuu-san” at the beginning of the talk

So, for Kuumin obviously the most memorable were the tests ^^; Apparently fans still mention one of her mistakes (the “kuso gaki domo” one that was even mentioned on TV once actually, during talk about the Waya movie) at handshake events lol You’re never gonna live being the last one on that test down Kuumin, sorry XD And somehow Yuria understands Kuumin’s reasoning behind that answer… Why am I not surprised? orz

Also, this was apparently recorded before Yuria majestically scored last on the latest Shukan AKB test. A real shame.

Something they’d like to try on Shukan AKB:

Yuria wants dokkiri… because SKE only gets light pranks usually… I’m guessing this was recorded before the snake village thing from Itte Koi 48 too, ’cause even if neither of them were there, I’m sure they’d at least know about that horrible thing…

Actually, I kinda wish they were there now, if they so want a tears-inducing prank -.- *hates the snake dokkiri with a passion* I’d want something like Dokkiri Jougakuen for SKE, if anything.

Kuumin wants muchaburi… because she hates muchaburi ?_? Totally should dump her in Nemousu TV then lol

Something I’d like to hear from the other:

Yuria to Kuumin: “What did you think about 3rd gens (Yuria, Akarin, Yukko) joining Team S (where everyone was 1st gen)?”

Kuumin was actually worried. All the Team S girls worried about whether what the 1st gens built in Team S might break or not. So they talked about it and ended up deciding being positive about having something new ^^

Kuumin to Yuria: “What do you think about me saying I like you all the time?” (rehi: “kita kita kitaaaaaaa =DDDD”)

Of course, Kuumin’s already asked this question to Yuria several times during theater performances, and Yuria just answers nicely that it makes her happy. But we want the real answer here =[

Yuria: “I really don’t think of it as irritating or long-winded.” …Great, now that sounds convincing there -.-

So basically, since Kuumin is kinda tsundere and has her mood swings (which is confusing), and since Yuria isn’t used to having a senior go “I love you!” on her all the time, Yuria isn’t sure how to reply to that usually and just tends to answer with (a very cute) “Ku~mi-san”. Problem is, Kuumin’s tired of always getting the same reply lol Really here, I say it’s Kuumin’s fault for being so moody XD

Conclusion: They’re both thinking about it too deeply. Pfft (≧ヘ≦)

Still, don’t give up Kuumin! I’ll always support your love for Yuria XD

Looking back on the talk:

Kuumin’s relieved about certain things (namely that last question :p) and Yuria feels that she’s gotten closer to Kuumin \o/

And I love how Kuumin kept staring at Yuria while they walked away from the sofa lol

–

Whoa, long summary. I guess baka combi is as good an excuse as any to revive this blog. I haven’t given up on this place yet, but the original idea wasn’t to write summaries anyway, just thoughts, since summaries are really time consuming and I have anything except time right now because of uni (hello, 4th year engineering student here). Still, I’ll try keeping this place alive, even if it means blogging about Magical Radio super late or something, since it’s the regular show I’m enjoying the most right now~

I had to watch this several times to decide on what to say other than THIS. IS. BRILLIANT.

So yeah, SKE’s other new show has finally started. During the broadcast last night it actually made it into Japan’s trending topics on twitter, and most of those tweets involved stuff along the lines of “this is so amusing” so, good job SKE! The first episode definitely left a good impression =D

Remember the show is a comedy drama style variety show, with no actual script, so all the acting here is ad-lib!

Anyway, so it starts off with Akane hosting a fail radio show with ZERO listeners. Totally expected considering… can you even call that a magic trick? orz And wtf was up with putting the raccoon plushie in her mouth ^^;

So, director Rena realizes that you can’t have the DJ doing whatever she wants when the program’s going downhill like that, and hence brings in a new personality, changing the name of the program along with that too. Enter Matsui Jurina, previous child actress who acted in a really popular drama (that got a rating of 40% woot) about… a kid who participated in cooking competitions while trying to re-find her Mom’s cooking’s taste… but her food tasted so horrible even dogs wouldn’t eat it ?_? Well, if they say so… Apparently the drama’s catchphrase was “if you’re gonna feel sorry for me then give me miso!” ^^; And shops actually ran out of miso back then lololol Interesting setting, to say the least XD

At this point there’s been plenty of Rena snapping and Akane shouting and I usually don’t like that in my shows, but somehow given the setting, it all feels right Though speaking of snapping… Rena breaking into Nagoya-ben and almost raeping Jurina in her excitement was sew lulz XD Definitely one of the episode highlights lol

And Rena’s little monologue at the thought of the program ending was seriously brilliant btw. People can say whatever they want about Yuuko’s acting (not that I’m belittling it of course), but so far my favorite actress in the entire 48 family is actually Rena, and this totally proved why. Switching POVs so smoothly is just not easy y’know ^^

Moving on to the actual program now… Jurina’s high-pitched voice orz But it was made to good use here comedy-wise I guess ^^; Messing up by reading out the mail sender’s full address and full name, then reading the part about them falling in love with their teacher though… So cute <3 Panicking Jurina sew cute \o/

And then… Nakanishi kitaaaaaaaa!!! The radio show is about trying to solve people's problems (reminds me of the kind of show Kuumin said she'd like to do during that 48Hz thing ), and Nakanishi apparently calls in asking for advice about whether she should give up her dream of becoming an idol since her face is "boyish" lol Nishishi, it's okay! We love you anyway! And I personally find her cute really :p

So, Jurina panics again 'cause she doesn't know how to answer, Akane tries covering for her but… JURINA TURNS INTO MARILYN MONROE WOOT XD This… this was seriously way too funny… First time I watched this was at 2am so I really had to hold my laughter though. Not an easy job dammit XD

The advice in the end is about trying to turn the thing one has a complex about into their charm point, just like Monroe did with her rack. Oh, and that dreams are over once you give up on them. And suddenly the program gets a huge influx of mails \o/

Turns out, when Jurina feels mentally cornered, people randomly pop out of her lol So, all's well that ends well I guess?

Except, looks like the program's producer isn't happy about this turnabout. So the show even has an antagonist!

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Man, that was really amusing alright =D Can't wait for next episode \o/ If I had to complain about something, it'd be Jurina trying to act too cute. Though I understand it's part of her character, but yeah, the Marilyn Monroe part was so much more awesome instead ^^;

Second episode’s finally here <3 I was almost late to class this morning when I found it uploaded… and just had to watch it ^^;

Well then, bring on that battle against them Indians o/

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First round… "What's your name?"

The MC guy said it'd be rude if the SKE girls got the names wrong, but tbh, the concept of this entire round is rude in itself XD

But man, that's one impressive memory Yukko's got there XD Heading off with a good start, but that's kinda where it stopped… Not like anyone had any expectations from Kinchan I think lol But that "sorry" was cute so it's ok <3

Jurina though… I am disappoint XD Yet still not as bad as Makiko… People have last names you know orz And Non's "wait" pose was adorable <3 Screencapping when I get home XD

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http://player.youku.com/player.php/sid/XMzExNjYyMTI4/v.swf

2nd round… Fast speech in the opponent’s language. This one’s kinda unfair, since the Indian team knows decent Japanese already, while SKE girls obviously have no idea of Indian ^^;

On a totally unrelated note… I could loop Jurina’s “walk” to that small stage forever lol Kid, why you so amusing XD Oh, and good job getting the speech thing right @.@ Yukko was a lot more amazing though… so fast! She practically owned the whole show lol

And Kinchan might have not gotten it right, but I laughed my ass off with her “rap” gestures XD

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Round 3… as usual in Japanese variety, the previous points get ignored and everything depends on the final round :p

Yukko and Jurina win the right to represent SKE… I’m calling them the awesomeness combi from now on lol

Before the final round though, Banzai Venus performance zzzzz and KYAAAA Miki reporting on new SKE events <3<3<3<3

Well, good job SKE on winning your first battle :p Next week… Turkey And Rumirumi <3

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Well, that was fun <3 Plenty of adorable moments (thank you Non and Kinchan for your cuteness =D), lulz moments (Makiko fail is always amusing XD) and awesome moments (awesomeness combi ftw :p). Bring on the next episode already!

But before that… Magical Radio in a few hours~ =D

P.S. That Haruka character's role is pretty useless, but hey, Mizuki Nana in my SKE show? I'm definitely not complaining XD I'm also glad I got it right when I heard her voice last week =3 I might not be the crazy Nana fangirl I used to be anymore, but it'd be shameful not to recognize my goddess' voice!