Hello! Project 2016 Hinamatsuri Festival Announced

Hello! Project

Hello! Project has just announced their 2016 Hinamatsuri Festival.

All of the dates will be taking place at the Pacifico Yokohama Exchibition Hall in Kanagawa:

Date Starts Group Performing
3/19 12:00 Morning Musume ’16
3/19 17:30 Juice=Juice + Country Girls
3/20 11:00 ANGERME + Kobushi Factory
3/20 17:30 C-ute

With the Hinamatsuri Festival being among Japan’s most unique festivals it seems like Hello! Project fans are in for a treat. Of course, not much else is known in terms of the songs that will be performed but I’m looking forward to finding out!


Source: Hello! Project

Tamura Meimi To Graduate From ANGERME

Tamura Meimi ANGERME

ANGERME’s Tamura Meimi has announced her graduation from the group.

To everyone who support us
I, Meimi Tamura, will graduate from ANGERME and Hello! Project during 2016 spring.
I have been a Hello! Project idol for 4 years and a half, since I became S/mileage. This year, I have been able to do this hall tour, and perform successfully 2 times as 9 members at the Nippon Budokan. Fukuda Kanon-san also gratuated and we have welcomed a new member so this year was really full.
With all of this, I want to follow my own challenge! This feeling became little by little stronger. And during ANGERME’s activities, many people told me they like when I sing, and every time I heard those words, I thought about always singing.Then, about one of my other dreams… I would like to be a musical actress. After this nice dream realized of becoming a S/mileage member, I would like to have a new start and fulfill this new dream.
I am anxious about some points, but I made this decision thanks to all the fans.
S/mileage grew up as ANGERME. As ANGERME’s member, I have been proud that I performed as a Hello! Project idol.
I will cherish the remaining time I have as an ANGERME’s member and I will continue to try my best harder than ever!
Please continue to support ANGERME, as well as Meimi Tamura!
20th December 2015 ANGERME Meimi Tamura

With the recent graduation of Fukuda Kanon, the group has seen a significant change in their focus and image, and it seems like we’re in for yet another change with Tamura Meimi’s graduation.

It’s a surprising move, and one that no one saw coming since she was among the members who usually seemed like a solid choice for many throughout the almost 5 years she has been with Hello! Project.

Still, graduations around this time of year are not rare so it was bound to happen. Regardless, seeing her grow up within Hello! Project was a treat and I give her all of my support as she moves on to even bigger projects.

Thanks Tamura Meimi for being with S/mileage and ANGERME!

Her graduation will take place in Spring of 2016.


Source: Up-Front Link

ANGERME Introduce New 4th Generation Member

Kamikokuryo Moe Angerme

ANGERME have announced the addition of a new 4th generation member: Kamikokuryou Moe.

She’s a 16-year-old high schooler from Kumamoto that enjoys playing the drums, karaoke, and jump rope. She had previously auditioned for Morning Musume ’14. Here is her full profile:

Kamikokuryo Moe

Moe Kamikokuryo
Date of Birth: 1999/10/24 (16 years old)
Origin: Kumamoto
Blood Type: O
Height: 150cm
Hobby: Karaoke
Skills: Jumping rope, pen spinning, drums

With the graduation of Fukuda Kanon it seems like the group was in need of a talented member, and it seems like the search is finally over. Sure, she might be the sole addition for the 4th generation, but in H!P history that usually means that they are quite the interesting member so we will see how she does in the coming months as she gets used to the group.

Welcome, Kamikokuryo Moe!

Source: Hello! Project | Oricon | Barks.jp

ANGERME’s Fukuda Kanon “Watashi” MV Released

ANGERME Fukuda Kanon Watashi

The MV for Fukuda Kanon’s solo song and final single with ANGERME titled Watashi has been released.

This being Fukuda Kanon’s last single with the group meant that my expectations were high, and thankfully it seems like this release has resulted in a catchy song with a nice idol sound that fits perfectly.

With a happy electronic sound alongside a colorful set where we get to see her dance and sing, this release so far has been nothing short of amazing. In a way, it reminds me of earlier S/mileage since they had a more happy sound that fit their younger image.

It’s weird to see Kanon finally leaving a group where she grew into an amazing idol, and while some graduation songs seem to fall flat it seems like fans are in for a treat with many subtle touches here and there making this MV an impressive one. For example, the final touch of Kanon putting away the Cinderella shoe in a chest was a nice touch due to how she seems to be symbolizing the end of her era.

It’s nice that her final song was a happy one so while I might be sad that she will be leaving I am happy that she is leaving in a positive note. This is definitely a must see for fans, so make sure to check it out!

The release is set for November 11, so just a few more days until we get to enjoy this amazing single!


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ANGERME “S/mileage / ANGERME SELECTION ALBUM 「Taiki Bansei」” Tracklist Released

S/mileage ANGERME Taiki Bansei Regular
Regular

The tracklist for ANGERME’s S/mileage / ANGERME SELECTION ALBUM 「Taiki Bansei」has been released.

  1. Taiki Bansei
  2. Otome no Gyakushuu
  3. Nana Korobi Ya Oki
  4. Mahou Tsukai Sally
  5. aMa no Jaku
  6. Watashi no Kokoro
  7. Yattaruchan
  8. Gashin Shoutan
  9. Thank You! Crème Brûlée no Yuujou
  10. Jitensha Chiririn
  11. Chikyuu wa Kyou mo Ai wo Hagukumu
  12. Yuugure Koi no Jikan
  13. Watashi, Choito Kawaii Urabanchou

As you can tell, there is a nice assortment of tracks. Many from the younger days of the group as well as more recent tracks that fans will enjoy with an added bonus of new songs here and there.

Alongside that, there is a nice bonus for fans who get a particular version: bonus tracks exclusive to the album. Some might hate it since it means having to buy more copies, but it’s a nice way of adding value to each version. Here are the two bonus tracks that each edition will receive:

Regular Edition

  1. Kousaten
  2. Tomoyo

Limited Edition A

  1. Namida wa Chou ni Kawaru
  2. Kakugo Shite

Limited Edition B

  1. Marionette 37℃
  2. Ase Kaite Carnaval

So far the album is looking like a must-have for everyone with a massive amount of tracks for everyone to enjoy.

November 25th is the date, so get those pre-orders in!


Source: Hello! Project Site

ANGERME “Donden Gaeshi” MV Released

ANGERME Donden Gaeshi

The MV for ANGERME’s Donden Gaeshi has been released.

The MV for Desugita Kuiwa Utarenai was released recently, so I’m glad to see that the other MVs are rapidly being released as well.

As you might remember, this song has a more active theme to it with an anime sound that is hard to ignore. Naturally, the MV as well has a dance with moves that are sure to have fans impressed at their screens as the members sing and perform.

In a way, it’s a bit simplistic since it only features a dance shot alongside a few close-ups, but the video effects add in a nice spice with a few light changes added in for good measure.

UF seems to be working on the visibility of the videos for fans in the US, so those who cannot see it will probably be able to do that shortly. Regardless, the release date is slowly looming close with a November 11 date, so take a look at this impressive MV!

Source: Hello! Project Site

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“S/mileage / ANGERME SELECTION ALBUM Taiki Bansei” Covers Released

The covers for ANGERME’s new album titled S/mileage / ANGERME SELECTION ALBUM Taiki Bansei have been released.

There will be three versions: Regular, Limited A with a Blu-ray with MVs and live performances selected by the members, and a Limited B version with a DVD with the full concert for ANGERME’s 2015 “Starting” Live Tour.

New album releases are always fun and this one is no exception. This one seems like it’s a best of album due to the title, but we will find out for sure once the complete tracklist is released.

Regardless the covers are amazing, with a unique theme for each one. Regular features a standard group shot with the members in white dresses. Limited A has a bit more of a grungy look with the members standing around Wada. Limited B is the standout, with the members standing in stylish poses against a white background.

So far I’m loving all of the covers, but I am curious as to why the Limited A and Limited B will be taller than the Regular cover. It might be due to the DVD and Blu-ray included in the release, but we will find out on November 25 when it’s released.

Source: Hello! Project

ANGERME CDJapan

ANGERME “Desugita Kuiwa Utarenai” MV Released

ANGERME

The MV for ANGERME’s Desugita Kuiwa Utarenai has been released.

We’re greeted by a familiar movie sound effect that at first threw me off, but honestly hearing the rest of the song and the hard rock sound it definitely brightened up my expectations. The vocals are on point, and the guitar mixed with the drums remind me of Buono, which is amazing.

Of course, the song seems a bit messy at times (the classical instruments in the bridge), but I’m liking what I hear. An energetic song to say farewell to Kanon, culminating with a dark set and glow in the dark outfits.

November 11 is the date, so make sure to get your copy to support Kanon’s last single!

CDJapan ANGERME

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ANGERME “Desugita Kui wa Utarenai / Dondengaeshi / Watashi” Covers Released

The covers for ANGERME’s Desugita Kui wa Utarenai / Dondengaeshi / Watashi have been released.

Since this is Fukuda Kanon’s last single it seems appropriate for her to have her own editions and I’m glad to see that they look amazing. Each a-side has its own two copies so fans can choose whichever they enjoy the most and they have stepped up their game with a unique concept for all of them.

I’m loving the clean look of the Regular versions but of course, they each have their charm, with Limited A featuring an eye-catching style as well. If you ever worried you wouldn’t find the perfect cover for your collection, then worry no more since you have 6 amazing covers to choose from

November 11 is the date we get to enjoy the single, so it’s just a matter of weeks. Consider getting a copy to support Kanon’s last single with the group!

CDJapan ANGERME