Johnny in 2009
Get this from J-excite, (while waiting for The Shigotonin making of to finish), so I think I'll posted it here...

Kyu☆Jou☆Show!! from Kanjani8
They let out three different types of CD... The one with Kyu☆Jou☆Show LE vers. A (include Karaoke track and PV), Hitotsu No Uta LE ver. B (include karaoke track and PV) and the Regular Edition (Kyu☆Jou☆Show, Hitotsu no Uta, Brilliant Blue, Cinematic and karaoke tracks).
Talk about consumptive lifestyle, but it actually worth every penny.

Best complete album:
I wanna say Arashi's 5x10, but its only a compilation of their previous releases, well that 5x10 song is exceptional tho... But I have to pick Puzzle from Kanjani8. The album sounds more mature than the previous two. The members’ solos are unique and interesting...

Best single A-side:
My Girl from Arashi... I don't know why, but the song is too sweet that it hurts a bit.. I looooooove the song sooo much...

Best single B-side:
Hanamuke by Tegomassu. No reason... I just simply love them...

Best album track:
I got two... Arashi's 5x10 since its like their unity song about their 10 years journey so far. The second one is Kawaita Hana from Kanjani8 since it's not often those silly boys sang a jazzy song.

Best Concert DVD:
Urgh... I kinda dissapointed with the two concerts that I've watched (Eito's and News') since the audio is full of echo... I hope the jimusho would do something about this... Excluding the concert itself, nothing could topple Murakami dokkiri project in Puzzle con DVD... Babuuuu~~n Attack~~!!! I personally waiting for Tokio’s Arasa concert, hope the jimusho would be kindly make a DVD for this.

Best special release:
The Shigotonin!! Three tall boys (uhm.. Men) in their 20s (Ohkura), 30's (Mabo), and 40's (Higashi). I was hoping that this trio will show up in countdown, but since Eito got their own con in Osaka, and Nishiyori (and Matchy) that showed up instead of Higashiyama, my dream has plummeted... T^T
Even though the song, Kyouka Suigetsu, sounds a bit mature, but it still enjoyable in my ear. A modern sound could be get from the B-side, Namida Kareru Made...
From this Special unit I know that Mabo is better off stay cool silently behind his purple drum instead of singing and dancing... ^^

Best Drama:
Actually I can’t think of any 2009 dramas that catch my eyes, except Ryo look extraordinary Kakkoi in Orthros… Wait was Ryusei No Kizuna a 2009 dorama? If yes, I would definitely pick that one. Great plot and storyline!! Ah! My Girl is quite interesting also…
Best Decision:
Having News in 24 jikan no terebi and Soukon… It’s good to strengthen their bond. Even after 24 hour TV, two of their members infected with Type A influenza (which spread out to most of Eito membes)…

Worst Decision:
Trying to make Uchi some sort of Toma-ish character… You know, none debutant, but starred in some gazillion dramas.. People like Toma is one of a kind, it won’t appear in a same century twice…
The second bad decision was having those tiny boys debuted and appear in Kouhaku… I mean, they still got great older groups like ABC, Kiss My Ft, Five and Question?... Why they have to debut Snow Prince and Yuma with nantoka nantoka…???

FFA!
Since 2009 was Kanjani8’s 5th, Arashi’s 10th and Tokio 15th, I was hoping that the jimusho would conduct a special collaboration for them, but it turns out to be none, not even collaboration in countdown. As for song… Along the year, I can’t stop listening to Tokio’s version of Gingira gin Sarigenaku, an old number from Kondo Masahiko, from the album Tok10 and Honjitsu, Mijukumono.

Final thoughts:
2009 definitely Arashi and Eito’s year. Arashi celebrate their 10th anniversary so they got most of the spotlight. And at last, the Jimusho finally start to consider Kanjani8 as one of Johnny’s family ^^.
Couple of happy news was delivered in 2009. First, V6’s Innochi announced that his wife is going to have a baby… V6 Jr!!! ^^. The second one was Higashiyama wedding announcement!! Omedetoo!!

Yehey!!
At last.... After about a week of sleep deprived, constant cursing to the lecturer and of course headache, neck pain, back pains...... Finally.. It has finished~~~!!!!
Here's the result of our (the team and me) blood, tears and sweat.



Puhahahah...

We targeted to the people in Japan, since they have millions of potential tourists to visit Indonesia.
The Japanese there is sucks, we know... Since the lecturer stated that the product have to be understood by the target market and none of us know Japanse writings, so we ask Google-san to translate it for us...

If you look carefully there's Nishikido Ryo there, somewhre. Because, without him, this TVC is nothing... ^^
Please visit if you have the time....
Perhaps we should put him in the tag... That would surely boost up the hits... ^^

*Sigh*

Today, one of my online friends have a birthday.... How old is she? 15... yep... 15...

I also just celebrated my birthday last month... How old am I? A DECADE older than her... Yet we fangirling over the same thing and drooling over the same guy... I don't know how to put it... Is it just pathetic for me or she's just mature too early... In my defense, the guy we both drooling over is just about a month older than me... ><

Perhaps you remember how the time pass soooo slowly as you were waiting for your birthday, or New Year, or Ied Fitri, or Christmas or whatever when you were in elementary school. And you wish you got a fast forward button for real. When you reach your teen, you might not realize that time is perfectly match your schedule... You got all the time in the world perfectly fitted with all your activities. I always envy those kids who have strong will to do what they like. Dancing, playing musical instruments, sports, painters... I was too lazy to do anything back then, tho I got sooooo many chances -- I was (perhaps am) a fool, I know.

By the time you reach your 20s, time started walk ahead of you for a bit. As you grew older, eventhough you tried to match its speed, it'll still be ahead of you a step or two. You wake up in the morning and suddenly it's already time for lunch, then without any notice it's time to sleep again. These are the time you wish that the day could be more than just 24 hours.

If this condition keeps on going, you'll starting to lose the grasp of time as you get older. And later, suddenly, you will be too old to do anything. The most sad part is how you reminiscing what you could have done when you were younger. What would you be if you took that other choice instead of this one. Where would you be if you walk that path instead of this, and so on and so forth.

As I slowly entering those path, perhaps I should remember what the wise cat said:

I don't worry what road to take I don't have to think of that. What ever I
take is the road I make, is the road of life make no mistake for me..

Because every step I have taken during this journey so-called life, are something that making me, the way I am today. Perhaps its a proud sentence since I'm currently a nobody, but I believe what I've been through (ah.. this sounds like I've been through alot) will took an effect in the future, good or bad. (sounds very positive for a pessimistic person like me)...

2009-2010 Countdown, Eito, News, Nakayama Yuma


In the middle of working on a storyboard for the college task... and I'm stuck.. hehehe...

Just reading couple of news. Eito will get three Christmas singles in December.. Yeay for that!! ^^
They will also get their own countdown in Kyosera just like KinKi got last year... Okay, I got mixed felling about this. I'm happy for them of course, but they won't be able to join the rest of the gangs in Dome... T^T

That means there will be no Kamiyama/Honma collab, no Dreamboys gang and the worst one.. NO THE SHIGOTONIN performance... T^T I want the Shigotonin!!!! T^T... Bring the old Countdown baaaaaaack... TT^TT

Okay... Eito has been prolific this year. They got dramas, an album (plus concert), new bangumi (okay, with one out), singles and a DVD with positive review (especially for the dokkiri part ^^). For couple of months I got a hunch that they perhaps will host 2009-2010 countdown. But i was wrong...

As I said before.. This year should been Eito, Arashi and Tokio's years since they've turned 5, 10, and 15 and I want them to do something together. Countdown is my last hope to see them together in collaboration this year, but I guess that will not came true... aaaand there is a possibility that Arashi will not join the countdown since they are invited to join Kōhaku Uta Gassen 2009 with SMAP. Waaah... This year's countdown going to be a lonely one.. Okay, there'll be the new debutants like HSJ! and Nakayama Yuma w/ B.I Shadow not to mention the NYC boys... but I don't really listen to them, so... I don't care.

By the way, I've watched Nakayama nantoka PV a couple of weeks a go.. and in my opinion, it was the saddest PV ever... There was no point adding the name w/ B.I shadow in the group since the rest of the boys don't do anything in particular and the exposure is aaaall abut Yuma.. I have to admit that the song is quite catchy and sounds a bit Arashi-ish (and their single cover remind me of Arashi's Step and Go), but the PV... sad....

Okay, back to the countdown... Perhaps I'm not the one who deserve to complain since my favorite units are in their peak this year. I really do feel sorry for all News' fans out there, assuming that the Back Boss Nishikido Ryo will be with their Osakan counterpart that will left News with only five members. Moreover, Yamashita will get his own exposure with his new solo single and concert. Not to mention Tegomassu album.... Leaving KoyaShige duo under-exposure...

I love News, tho not as much as Eito, Arashi and Tokio, but the group seems to be falling apart recently... I know they're not familiar with each other to begin with... It has been their three years (six years from their first debut), the bond should've been there right? No... the group seems to be split into several subs groups... Ryopi, Tegomassu and Koyashige. And lately there's less and less Ryopi... I only skimming through Diamond con, but a friend of mine states that there's not much of Ryopi interaction during the con unlike their previous ones. That makes me wonder... Is something happen?

News (at last) got their own variety called Soukon haven't watch them, but curious tho... *claps* perhaps its a way to strengthen their bond... buuut only consist of Koyashige and Tegomassu... Where are the two boss? I can forgive Ryo since he's busy with the Eito stuff and all, but Pi? Is he being too high and mighty to join? *smirks* okay, I probably bias on this, don't hate me... Isn't he the Leader? he's the one who should tighten the group. So far, in my opinion, Koyama is the one nurturing the group. Koyamama even could help Shige being 'someone' since of course we all know that Shige is too plain for his own good...

KANJANI8

Debut: 2004
Members:

• Yokoyama You (Yoko, Yokocho, Kimi)
• Murakami Shingo (Gorilla, Hina, Shin-chan)
• Shibutani Subaru (Baru, Shibuyan, Chicchai Ossan)
• Maruyama Ryuhei (Maru-chan)
• Yasuda Shota (Yassu, Sho-chan, Chimpanzee)
• Nishikido Ryo (Ryo-chan, Dokkun)
• Ohkura Tadayoshi (Ohkura, Tacchon, Tatsuyoshi, Tatsu)
• Uchi Hiroki (Uchi, Hiro)

TV/Radio Show:

• J3Kansai – from pre-debut days
• Honjani
• Janiben
• SukaJ
• Muchaburi
• Kikujani – Radio Show
• Recomen – since pre-debut days radio show
• Ariehen Sekai
• Kanjani8 Tsusin
• Can! Jani
• Kanpani
• Urajani

Splinter Groups:
Other group(s) that the member also join, both temporary and permanent.

• News – Ryo
• Sankyoudai – Shibuyan, Yasu, Yoko (with the name Baru, Chipa and You)
• Sanbaka/Ossan san-nin – Hina, Yoko, Shibuyan
• Yamada – Maru and Yasu
• Ohyamada/Kanjimi3/Ohkura Band – Ohkura, Yasu, Maru
• Subaru Band – Subaru, Ohkura, Yasu, Maru
• No Border – Shingo (explanation later)
• The Shigotonin – Ohkura with Higashiyama of Shounentai and Mabo from Tokio
• Five Flat Flowers -- Shibuyan with Five, a junior group
  

Uuuuh! I can write 10 pages for these guys…^0^

If Arashi is my first love, Kanjani8 is definitely my true love ^^. In my opinion, they are the group that is granted with special pass to do whatever they like – music and performances-wise – from Johnny. You will hear hard rock songs such as Misetekure (which reminds me a lot with Arashi’s Pikanchi), Explosion and Do You Agree. Pop songs like It’s My Soul, Kanfuu Fighting, Zukkoke Otoko Michi. Jazz and blues in Kawaita Hana and Osaka Rainy Blues, rap/enka fusion in Naniwa Iroha Busshi and Oh Enka! Also sweet love songs like Itsuka Mata, Mamoritai, Oosaka Romance, Puzzle and Watashi Kagami. Really, this unit doesn’t have any exact pattern on their music genre. Shibutani and Nishikido (and Uchi) used to dominate all the singing, but lately all members also shown their potential in singing like Maru, Tacchon and Yassan. While, Yoko and Hina... Ma... They've tried their best, right?

The group really represents the true meaning of unity, all for one and one for all. Each member really covers what other members lacking of. The lack of singing ability from Hina and Yoko covered with the Subaru’s exceptional voice. Ryo and Yasu seriousness patched with Maru, Yoko and Hina uproar. Maru and Ohkura’s M-ness are totally suitable for Yoko, Hina and Ryo’s S-ness. Also in writing songs the fans get touched with Yasu and Shibuyan’s poetry lyrics in their singles, in the other hand, they also shed tears from Yoko’s realistic lyrics.

Unlike News and Arashi, Kanjani8 has been a group way before they were debuted, even beyond the name itself. They’ve been experience up and downs together proving their strong bond. Starting with the Kansai Junior exodus from Tokyo (in 2002-2003) that leave them jobless, Shibutani’s breakdown, Nishikido debut with News, almost zero promotion on their debut song and Uchi’s drinking incident. Practically they've been together since babies, Murakami and Shibuyan live close to each other, they often spent a night in each other's houses. Tacchon and Ryo also live in the sae neighborhood.

During the jobless time, Shibuyan fell into depression that he took a role of a call boy in a dorama, having trouble with several senpais and tattooed his hand (a BIG no no for a Johnny at that time, but I think it has changed since Tanaka Koki got a tattoo on his butt cheek... What kind of idiot tattooed their butt cheek?? Well, that's Koki for you ). The Sachou almost fire him, however, Hina and Yoko who were prominent juniors at the time bow their head and begged not to fire Shibuyan, and he stayed ^^. Later, Nishikido and Uchi were pulled out to News, leaving the rest of the boys get depressed as their chance of debuting together slowly diminish. But in 2004, their chance arrived. Johnny san finally debuted the 8 member group with an Enka/rap song Naniwa Iroha Bushi. I heard that Nishikido (and perhaps Uchi) was once rejecting to debut with News since he was unfamiliar with the rest of the member. Johnny san promised him that he could also debuted with Kanjani8 that make Ryo agree to join News.



The Drinking Incident
In 2006, the group again faced adversity; Uchi was suspended due to underage drinking case. With Johnny’s power, all units are prohibited to mention Uchi in everyway, not even showing video footage. Unlike News that strictly cut off everything about Uchi, Kanjani8 – in their concerts – is still shouting that Uchi’s not going anywhere and they will always waiting for his return. They also known to leave gaps between their photos for Uchi also wore his color (pink) in several occasions. Uchi started making appearance in their concerts also in countdown recently (perhaps a sign for us to see his return).

Eito Ranger
Being from Kansai region, of course Eito have to be funny. Perhaps Kansai region is like Betawi people that have interesting dialect and loud. They, dubbed as the Idol who could ruin the future of Japanese comedians, always perform Ranger (like in Power Ranger, not that Penjaga Hutan Ranger) skits in their concert where they play role as sentai whose job is o protect he earth by carrying home the garbage from the park (as mentioned in their theme). Yoko is the one came up with all the sketches.

The rangers:
Hina -- Nassu/Purple
Yoko -- Black
Shibuyan – Red
Maru – Orange
Yasu – Blue
Ryo – Yellow
Tatsu – Green

No Border vs Yokoyama-kai
No Border is an unofficial Johnny group consist of Hina and other seven JE talents including Gussan (Tokio), Matsujun (Arashi), Pi (News), Toma (Junior) and Takki (TnT). Basically this is a hang out group. Up until now, no official work of them shown in public.
Feel irritate with the group (well, more of Hina joining a 'cool-guy-from-tokyo' group) Yokoyama has planned a competing group called Yokoyama kai where he would invite Ohkura, Aiba and Nino from Arashi to be the members. He even took their photo for the member club photo. The thing is, Aiba and Nino refuse to join. Later in the radio show, Hina offer Sakurai to join the kai, sadly Yoko stated that the club is no longer exist. LOL Yoko….

Members

Murakami Shingo plays the piano in the band. Hina known to smack people on the head (known as tsukkomi, well, hmmph its hard to explain, just google it!). Not only the members, but also senpais, kouhais, reporters and other artists. However, he’s the most sane person in Kanjani8 often take role of the captain (or baby sitter to Ohkura) to put the member in order.



Shibuyan, lead vocal and guitar, is a total pervert and he’s not ashamed to show it on stage or TV, once he asked if he could feel a guest’s breast with his face that instantly trigger a tsukkomi from Hina. Shibuyan seems to be trying too hard to be a funny guy, since he's a serious guy in real life.




Yokoyama (bongo) is Eito's comedy mastermind. Nobody ould know what he got in his head. He's the man behind the ranger skits and Murakami's infamous dokkiri. However, he also could compose touching lyrics like the one in 413man, Onigishi, and Mikan... Despite being the mischief master, Yoko is actually a timid person...



Maru (base), the mysterious one... Maru is an M through and through ^^. Even though he play the idiot, Maru is actually a very cool guy. A VERY cool, kind, good looking guy, as long as he keeps his mouth shut. He often lies, but somehow he admitted that he's lying...






Yasu (lead guitar), the cutest thing in Johnny Associate in my opinion. A very very talented musician and composer. From this small guy came out beautiful songs like Watashi Kagami, the forementioned Desire, Kicyu, Purin, Mikan and Onigishi. He also named Nandemo Dekiruko -- the kid who could do anything -- since he can really do ANYTHING. Perhaps in the future Yasuda could be famous from his musical skill more than his current self. Sadly, the poor kid always become a bullying object by the other members, including Ohkura the baby...

Ryo, vocal and guitar -- currently playing piano also) known for his poison mouth since he says everything in his head without thinking. After watching his Shounen Club Premium a few days ago, I get the feeling that Ryo wants to be in Eito since the group could really enriched his musical side, while in NewS he could get the elegance and coolness...



After Uchi left, Ohkura fill in the baby position in Kanjani8. A big complaining-baby who easily give up in my opinion ^^. A total city boy who can not bear the harsh of nature. Murakami said once, if he ever have children, he would never will raise him to be like Tacchon.

Object(s) of My (fangirling) Affection
I'm going to start a Johnny's unit pimp post... It'll be start with of course my favorite ones. Perhaps later (if I'm not too lazy to write) I'll continue with my least favorite, the juniors, and the temporary units.

Ah... I'm going to make it in a new post...

A post-birthday post...
Since I'm not too good with words... Perhaps this song could convey my gratitude for everyone around me...
From the anime Bleach by Kubo Tite. I definitely beg and beg and beg and beg him to make IshiHime pairing canon... ><****

KANSHA (GRATITUDE) by RSP
Waratte kureru sasaete kureru
Hagemashite kureru daiji na hito e
I promise you, I’ll never forget it, my precious ones, who laugh with me, support me,
and keep me going.

Nani ge nai hibi kono mainichi
Ima koushite koko ni iki
Yaranakya naranai koto mo
Naka naka dekinai koto mo
Sorya takusan aru kedo
Itsu demo ganbattekou
Sore mo mawari no egao
Ni hagemasareta okage da yo
I spend all my days here the same way,
chilling out, relaxed and unconcerned.
There are so many things to do,
a lot of them impossible for me.
It’s totally overwhelming,
but I’m always ready to do what I can
because everyone has a smile on their face.

Nanda kanda itta tte yappa
HONTO kansha sore ga ANSAA
Kakegae nai tomodachi kazoku
Tomo ni kokochi yoku sugosu
Ima ga atte mina ga atte
Bad day datte waratterareru
Tamarazu ni namida wo
Nagasu hodo ni arigatou
I may not say it very often,
but I really am grateful for my family and friends.
The time we spend together is so special,
I could never replace any of them.
We’ve got this moment, we’ve got each other,
stopping, standing and laughing together.
I’m so thankful, I could cry.

Waratte kureru sasaete kureru
Hagemashite kureru daiji na hito e
Ima wa kuru kono kimochi wo
Wasurezu ni itsumo
I promise you, I’ll never forget it, my precious ones,
who laugh with me, support me,and keep me going
This feeling is so wonderful,
it makes today seem like a wild dream.

Hito no mae de wa ijiwaru bakkari
Demo futari nara itsu demo yasashii
Kuchi GENKA wa makete bakkari
Maikai saigo wa assari warattari
Tama ni wa OSHARE shite dekaketari
Kedo WAGA MAMA de meiwaku kaketari
Donna toki mo mi mamotte kureru
Anata ni tsutsumareteru
Dakara anata ni mo arigatou
Ima sara terekusai kedo
Hitori de mayoi konda TONNERU mo
Issho nara hikari no koboreru hou e
Isogashikute mo tsukarete ite mo
Oyasumi to denwa wo shite kureru
Sono chiisa na yasashisa ga
Itsumo ureshii kara
I just want everyone to be friendly in front of others
The loss of sadness makes everyone smile
Once in awhile, I use my own style which is left in the junk
Like when you watched me when I wrapped
I'm too embarrassed to say anymore, but thank you
When I'm alone in a tunnel, the light spills to you
You call me, when you're busy and tired to say “Good night”
There is always kindness and happiness

Waratte kureru sasaete kureru
Hagemashite kureru daiji na hito e
Ima wa kuru kono kimochi wo
Wasurezu ni itsumo
I promise you, I’ll never forget it, my precious ones,
who laugh with me, support me,and keep me going
This feeling is so wonderful,
it makes today seem like a wild dream.

Tama ni surechigattari
Iji wo hariattari
Sni narehen kedo
Kekkyoku yappa meccha daiji yakara
Kore kara mo yoroshiku ne
To kokoro kara
Sometimes,things are tense but things always end up good
Eventually, it comes from important and heartfelt wishes

Atari mae demo
Atari mae ja nai
Ikite iru ima ni kansha shitetai
Itsu made mo shiawase da to
Anata ni tsutaetai
But I am always thankful to be alive now
I'll tell you, I'm always happy.

Waratte kureru sasaete kureru
Hagemashite kureru daiji na hito e
Ima wa kuru kono kimochi wo
Wasurezu ni itsumo
I promise you, I’ll never forget it, my precious ones,
who laugh with me, support me,and keep me going
This feeling is so wonderful,
it makes today seem like a wild dream.

Kyou asu mo asatte mo
Sou minna de waratteyou
Donna toki mo kawaranai
Kizuna wo shinjiyou
Today, and even tomorrow and the day after, we'll keep laughing together
We're all tied to the same fate

Kyou asu mo asatte mo
Sou issho ni aruitekou
Mou nani ga okotte mo
Nan to ka nari sou
Today, and even tomorrow and the day after, we'll walk together
Whatever happens now, is meant to be.

arigatou arigatou arigatou arigatou
arigatou arigatou arigatou arigatou

THANK YOU~