Category Archives: J-pop

Sakura-Con, Day 3: Berryz, brilliance and brainlessness

Posted on April 24, 2011 by yankeeotaku

*** 4:05 p.m.: Hmm. Absolutely zero buzz in the halls of Sakura-Con 2011 about the sledgehammer Berryz Kobo concert last night, and that’s probably just the way both U.S. music execs and head honchos for the Japanese anime and manga … Continue reading →

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Bulletin: Berryz and fans bring ‘great joy’ to Sakura-Con

Posted on April 23, 2011 by yankeeotaku

Special report from Day 2: *** 9:04 p.m.: As Momoko has so often said, “happy, happy FREE!” came to Sakura-Con as Berryz Kobo’s debut concert in the U.S. erupted into a volcano of joy that would not subside until long … Continue reading →

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Sakura-Con, Day 2: Berryz Kobo’s historic debut U.S. concert

Posted on April 23, 2011 by yankeeotaku

*** 11:05 a.m.: Ran into two of America’s most enthusiastic Japanese music fans, Vincent Bosshardt and Michael Bonawik, from Philadelphia. The reason why they are so committed was they were two of a few of us who were able to … Continue reading →

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Sakura-Con, Day 1: The Berryz Kobo magic has begun

Posted on April 22, 2011 by yankeeotaku

*** 12:15 p.m.: Not only did Berryz Kobo show up to the opening ceremonies, they did so in grand style, with gold-and black idol costumes. Wotas from Japan had some interesting observations to make, namely that few of them like … Continue reading →

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What I really want to tell Berryz Kobo today

Posted on April 22, 2011 by yankeeotaku

I was going to try and get this to Berryz Kobo personally during Sakura-Con, but it’s probably not going to happen for a variety of reasons. So, if I’m unsuccessful at today’s Q&A, at least it will be out there … Continue reading →

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Sakura-Con, Day 0: Logging the latest developments

Posted on April 21, 2011 by yankeeotaku

*** 8:15 a.m.: So far, so good. Made it to Fresno-Yosemite International Airport safely despite crazy commuters. One down note already: My hoped-for roommate from Tennessee might not make it. Anybody need a place to stay for cheap? Find out … Continue reading →

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YankeeOtaku.com will report directly from Sakura-Con

Posted on April 20, 2011 by yankeeotaku

Berryz Kobo on Japanese TV, charming and disarming, and executing a great “live” perf of “Shining Power.” With iPad in hand, YankeeOtaku.com is more than well-equipped to report all that is relevant at Sakura-Con 2011 Seattle. The party starts Friday, … Continue reading →

Posted in Airlines, AKB48, Anime, Berryz Kobo, C-ute, Hello! Project Eggs, Idols, J-pop, Japan, K-pop, Morning Musume, Music, NMB48, Puffy AmiYumi, S/mileage, SCANDAL, SKE48, Taiwan48, Travel, USA48, Yen | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

°C-ute, fall 2010: Murderous, relentless, fabulous, gorgeous

Posted on April 12, 2011 by yankeeotaku

Second song of °C-ute’s otherworldly fall 2010 concert tour is “Disco Queen,” made famous in 1997 by Hagiwara and Saki N. and taken to another level this time around. The solo dances just rock, kick unholy ass, whatever you want … Continue reading →

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AKB48′s Tomomi stuns colleagues with sultry ‘Dear J’

Posted on April 5, 2011 by yankeeotaku

Wow. Tomomi outdoes herself in “Dear J,” but the backdancers are even more amazing. Note that Tomomi’s fellow AKB48 members appear to be in a state of shock as they see one of their own wade into the dangerous waters … Continue reading →

Posted in Airlines, AKB48, Anime, Berryz Kobo, C-ute, earthquake, Hello! Project Eggs, Idols, J-pop, Japan, K-pop, Morning Musume, Music, NMB48, Puffy AmiYumi, S/mileage, SCANDAL, SKE48, Taiwan48, Travel, tsunami, USA48, Yen | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

Sakura-Con, Berryz Kobo and navigating the seas of history

Posted on April 2, 2011 by yankeeotaku

“Special Generation,” 2005: It was nothing but up from here for Sakura-Con-bound Berryz Kobo. Three short weeks from now, April 22-24, Berryz Kobo crosses the Pacific and makes history at Sakura-Con in Seattle, one of the most significant anime conventions … Continue reading →

Posted in Airlines, AKB48, Anime, Berryz Kobo, C-ute, earthquake, Hello! Project Eggs, Idols, J-pop, Japan, K-pop, Morning Musume, Music, NMB48, Puffy AmiYumi, S/mileage, SCANDAL, SKE48, Taiwan48, Travel, tsunami, USA48, Yen | Comments Off