[Blog] A Sousenkyo Without Yukirin

A personal blog about the 2017 AKB48 Senbatsu Sousenkyo without Yukirin taking part.

4/22 Yukirin 1st Solo Tour – Nagoya Concert Report

My report from the Yukirin’s 1st Solo Tour Nagoya concert on April 22, 2016. It’s a mix of things I remember and my comments from the Nagoya concert.

My Thoughts on Yukirin and the Bunshun Article

Note: Most of this was written 3 days after news broke, but I wanted to wait a bit before I write anything more or post my thoughts on the scandal. For one, I am a realist,  I am not one to jerk react to things (I never cared about these 48 “scandals”). I wanted to gather my thoughts, see what management will do and see what the online community thinks.   I have received quite a few requests for translations on stuff relating to the scandal, etc., the past two week, I won’t be doing that. I have no doubt other sites that cater to that curiosity already have done it. I will summarize the two main points from the AKB Bunshun Article of June 10, 2015, the article not only talks about Yukirin, but other members as well (Mayu, Tomu, etc). Of course, the main one is Yukirin which included pics of her with Tegoshi Yuya of NEWS and a 3rd pic of Yukirin leaving a hotel or something. The 2 Main points: – Yukirin was on a snowboarding trip with a group of people, the published photo is Yukirin in snowboard gear with Tegoshi – Yukirin was at a Hakone Onsen, the published photo is with Tegoshi wrapping arm around Yukirin’s neck while he was dressed in an onsen bathrobe These are the main points, anything else from the article is speculative and I won’t go into those.   Any time this happens, people who may not care about AKB will have a say on the topic. Especially in a day where our identity is somewhat anonymous, we can say whatever we want online, regardless of morals. People will create twitter accounts just for this purpose to bombard someone with negative comments. This is essentially harassment and it’s a crime. Online bullying/harassment is a prominent thing. Regardless of country, language or culture, it exists. Not to my surprise, management has decided to keep quiet on this scandal. AkiP was rather coy when he appeared on a radio show on June 13 and was asked about scandals. I am surprised at how some people do really think that AkiP knows nothing about Yukirin’s scandal. What he said was half-truths. Half-truths is an important thing to remember when hearing anything related to the Entertainment world.   The evolution of scandals in 48 Group, from Ayarin to now, the biggest difference (maybe they never really were in the first place) is that they are not a conventional idol group. Even...

My Thoughts on Yukirin & AKB48 Sousenkyo 2015

With the Sousenkyo behind us, I wanted to write down my thoughts. Kashiwagi Yuki. I have been her fan for 5 years now. I have watched her grow and mature into a wonderful woman. Yet, through it all, she still remains that same girl that I fell in love with in 2010. At the Tokyo Dome concert last year, Yukirin said she doesn’t want to graduate till she gets 1st. I thought, ‘wow, she finally said it’. There were also various other things including the AKB Newspaper photo of her with her placard declaring her desire for #1. It made me smile. Yukirin reiterated her desire again in her first blog of 2015. With that declaration, it really united Yukirin World. The Japanese committee started work early, earliest that I can recall as an AKB fan. They made the website available in English (I was honoured to be asked to help out in that regard) and in Chinese. Of course, there is always extra attention on the votes coming from the Chinese side after last year’s Sousenkyo, but in reality, those are not just from fans from China, but fans living in other countries too (Canada, US, Australia, Germany, etc.). The Chinese Team put in a lot of effort this year. There were also other fan campaigns in Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand etc. Yukirin fans around the World were really fired up. It was nice to see everyone with a common goal. A goal that is shared with Yukirin. Prior to the announcement, I wondered to myself how disappointed I would be if Yukirin was 2nd. I, similar to many fans, spent a lot on votes for Yukirin. In retrospect, it’s like, ‘can’t believe I spent this much money on this’. As the announcement for the top came closer and closer, I got more and more nervous. I was even cold sweating at one point (lol). And finally, the 3rd place announcement. ‘AKB48 Team B, Wata….’ OMG, Yukirin beat Mayu, it’s just Yukirin vs Sasshi, could it be? Could it be possible? 2nd Place… ‘AKB48…’ “Nooooooooooooooooooo” I slammed on the table really hard in frustration. But then I saw Yukirin flash a very bright smile. She walked down the path, down the stairs, almost skipping (lol). She gave a great speech. Disappointment somehow never came, it was weird. It was like, we all did our absolute best that we could. I’m sure the fact that it was Sasshi that Yukirin lost to was part of the reason for me too....

In Japan

Not much updates lately even though there have been plenty of Yukirin related stories. Been too busy as I was getting closer to vacation. I’m in Japan right now and will be going to Team B’s  concert in Kagoshima on November 22nd. One thing I did make was a Yukirin daruma Canada t-shirt for Yukirin. I will be wearing it at the concert too. Will do my best to remember everything...

2014

Happy New Year!!!! Thanks to everyone who have checked this blog out last year. The last few months of 2013 was a little hectic and I didn’t get a chance to post as often as I would like. I also never got a chance to finish up Tagarin (which I apologize for). What will 2014 bring to Yukirin World? We’re all in for a ride, but hopefully great things. Surely, a new solo single, 3rd Solo Concert DVD/BD release and perhaps 4th solo concert. What will 2014 bring to this blog? Ummm, I’m not sure. Haha! I would like to keep it as minimalistic as possible. It will be more or less the same thing, Yukirin Everything!!! Mobame & g+ translations, news & article translations, short video subs, news roundup, etc. I don’t normally translate stuff already done by others, I will try to link them more which I didn’t do much of last year. All the Best to Everyone in 2014!! これからもよろしくお願いします！　Thank you for your continuous support. Cheers, Maddie aka Sillythings, Permanent resident of Yukirin...

Yukirin Daruma Penlight ゆきりんだるまペンライト

Finally got my Yukirin 3rd Solo Live Goods.   My favourite is definitely the penlight, it’s so cute and the colours are so pretty. Shot a  quick video with my cellphone showing the penlight and the colours. There are 8 colours total, the orange doesn’t come out well.  ...

10/19 Koisuru Fortune Cookie Yukirin Handshake Report

I will post my full handshake report later, below is just Yukirin’s part for now. The ones for Haruu and Miyupon needs editing. I also want to write about the sendoff for Sae and Nacchan at the end of the event which I participated. The handshake event was at Pacifico Yokohama. My hotel was really close by so it was a convenient walk over to the event. I had handshake tickets for Yukirin in Rounds 2, 4, 5 & 6. Round 3 is when most of the members are on break.   I was rather nervous at the beginning as we were lining up in the waiting area prior to Round 2. My stomach was actually hurting for a bit. The waiting area was next to the goods lane area so there were lots of people and not a lot of space. I was surprised how nervous I got. Luckily, Yukirin’s line is always long and it gave me a lot of time to settle myself before it was time to meet her in Round 2. Yukirin was in Lane 97. Harukyan was in Lane 96 and Miichan was in the Lane 98. If there are certain things you want to say, you have to think ahead of time and be ready since you really only get about 8 secs. You can’t really go in with long sentences either or you’ll run out of time. I also find my Japanese grammar goes out the door when talking to them. LOL Yukirin started Round 2 about 20 minutes late.  I wasn’t nervous by the time it was my turn. Round 2 (I walked in and noticed what Yukirin was wearing. She’s wearing a tie! Holds Yukirin hands. OMG! I get to see Yukirin again!!!) M: Good Morning! Y: Good Morning! (She had a nice smile, not the typical big big smile) M: I’m from Canada Y: Ehhhh (typical Yukirin reaction) M: It’s been a year! Y: wow (cute smile) M: I missed you! (hehe) Y: (Yukirin took away one hand and gave me thumbs up) (Times Up!) M: See you later! (waves bye bye) Y: (waves) It was obvious Yukirin was really tired, I had read earlier reports from Round 1 about Yukirin’s condition. As a fan, it kinda hurts to see your oshi so tired yet still giving their all to their fans. After Yukirin, I went to see Miyupon in Round 2. Round 4 (Yukirin seems to have rested a bit during the break and seems perkier) M:...

Yokohama Arena

Less than a week to go to Yukirin’s 3rd Solo Live! Since I wouldn’t be able to attend, I went and visited Yokohama Arena during my trip!   Outside Yokohama Arena is of course the event schedule…   Yukirin’s official website has updated that blocked view seats and additional seats will be going on sale 11/6, it’s last minute so I hope it means that ticket sales went well and they decided to open up more tickets for sale. I wonder which stage configuration her concert will be. Regardless, i’m sure it’ll be awesome. From the Sukkiri clip, it looks like the band will be the same as the first two live, Team Yukiring is back. Can’t...

10/31 Blog Update

I’m back from Japan!!! I went to two handshake events, the individual one on 10/19 and the national one in Nagoya on 10/27. So, I ended up meeting more members from the National HS Event and I got to see Yukirin again. Full reports to come. Also, a number of blog updates to come. I’m just getting back in the swing of things. Also, people have been asking about Tagarin. The subs for the remaining episodes will be done before end of year....

10/19 Koisuru Fortune Cookie Handshake Event Quick Report

It was a long day, but definitely unforgettable.  I shook hands with Yukirin four times today, also miyupon & haruu.  Yukirin looked tired but still gave 100%.  I got really good reactions and cute responses each time. I will post a proper handshake report later. Overall, just an awesome day!!!   Update: Handshake report can be found here -> http://kashiwagiyukirin.com/2013/11/04/1650/    ...

Blog Annoucement (Updated)

Oct 10 Updates will be sporadic for the next few weeks. I won’t really be translating anything. I will just post Yukirin related things that I see while in Japan or anything interesting in general related to AKB48~ Off to vacation! First one this year~ ゆきりん!!!!! **************** Sept 30 So, I haven’t been able to update the website much the last two three weeks or so. I did update as much as I could when news about Yukirin’s single, drama and wedding cms came out. The orchestra I’m in had a concert last Friday. Prior to that, we were having practices two-three times a week at night. The past month has been a bit crazy, I didn’t have much time for anything outside of work and orchestra. I’m glad that it’s over. And so now…..for my announcement. I’m going on vacation soon! To Japan! Yahoooo!!!! So, I won’t be translating anything in October. I will try update this blog with anything Yukirin that I see while in Japan. My plan is to buy 「Birthday wedding」 on release day (well, flying get) from as many different CD shops so I can collect the store bonuses. I will also be seeing Yukirin at the Koisuru Fortune Cookie handshake event!!!! It’s been a year since I last met Yukirin at the 1830m handshake event. I’m excited!!! I’m also planning to attend one of the national handshake event so I hope Yukirin will be there. If you’re wondering though, I sadly will not be able to attend Yukirin’s 3rd Solo Live. My trip was set way in advance, and her concert was not announced till recently. My timing was set based on a guess of when her cd would be release and how long after would be her concert. I was off by one week! Such as life~ Anyways, that’s my news update....

4th Place

I’m happy that Yukirin ranked 4th this year.  Top 5 members remain unchanged compared to last year. Every year, every election, there would be many predictions from various people around the entertainment business. Some predictions are more real and some are more personal preference. And in all the serious predictions, Yukirin is always rather low. In 2010 and 2011, most predicted her to be down in the 10-12th range, this year was no different. It always seems to me that they underestimate Yukirin, underestimate Yukirin’s fans and her fanbase. Regardless, I’m happy that every year, those people are proven wrong. I had no doubt that Yukirin can be top 5 this year. Although she dropped a rank to 4th, she gained another 20k votes from last year and that makes me happy. She didn’t quite break that 100k votes mark but it wasn’t too too far off. One reason I started this blog was because of Yukirin’s solo, I wanted a place where you can find stuff about Yukirin, apart from AKB48 forums. I look forward to seeing Yukirin in more solo stuff, her 2nd solo single, her 3rd solo live, etc etc. I am an AKB fan, but above all, I am just a Kashiwagi Yuki fan. To all Yukirin’s fan, thanks for checking out this blog. Let’s continue to be in Yukirin World together! これからも変わらず、ゆきりん推しです！...

Vote for Kashiwagi Yuki!

Voting for the 32nd Single Senbatsu Sousenkyo ends June 7 at 15:00 JST. Whether it’s 1 vote, 5, 10, 100 votes (lol), vote for Yukirin cause every vote counts.  Yukirin has said that she wants to be center, that she is only half way to her dream. Even as an overseas fan, I want to do what I can.   CDs anyone?   Sadly, I didn’t get any Yukirin pics…    はぁー･･･(*´Д｀)=з   No matter what, Yukirin will always give us her best! Fans will surely give her our best too! http://kashiwagichan.net/...

32nd Single Senbatsu Sousenkyo

Voting begins for the 32nd Single Senbatsu. Of course, I’ll be putting my votes in for Yukirin. BUT! Unlike previous years though, I’m putting all for votes for Yukirin this time. CDs anyone? lol One vote down, many more to go! Yukirin has also made her intentions clear, she’s only part way through her dream, she wants to work hard for AKB, she wants to aim for higher ground. Let’s do it Yukirin fans!!! The Japanese fans have put together a great website for Yukirin for this sousenkyo, it has a lot of fan made posters, videos, etc. Check it out: http://kashiwagichan.net AKB48...