DISCLAIMER: Review Ticket Provided by LiveNation, Kakao, and High Up Entertainment

Introduction

• What have you been doing?
• What are you drinking?

Topic 1: Our Previous History with STAYC

• Quick reminder of how you got started with STAYC
• Cliffs Notes on the previous shows you have seen them at (KCON Tour, Teenfresh)

Topic 2: How many stops did you attend?

• Total stops (23)
• 2025 STAYC Tour [Stay Tuned] | Kpop Wiki

Topic 3: “Official Review” of STAYC at Irving Show (Oct 10th)

• Allen talks about his thoughts on the Irving show
• Start with the approval process, getting last-minute travel in order, etc (thank everyone)
• Met a fan on the bus 
• Talk about the team and their matching soccer jerseys and the meaning behind them.
• Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
  • Cool area with lots of restaurants, Alamo Drafthouse
  • Intimate venue, very easy to move around and get to the bar and merch area, comfy seats
• The guys went ahead to the Pre-show benefits, while I waited outside and walked around to the bars for my entrance, which was through the VIP Lounge.
• The guys discuss all the pre-show activities they did. Any fun soundcheck notes?
• VIP benefits and goods
• Overall concert thoughts
• Setlist
  • Are there any songs you'd like to listen to?
• Crowd
• Highlights
  • Ments talking about the use of ChatGPT and the explanation of Buc-ees. (Monkey, muffin? There was a guy in a Buc-ees outfit.
  • The tradition of STAYC encores, walking up and down the aisles, and interacting with fans.
  • GoPro
• Production
  • (Remixed rock versions of songs?)

Topic 4: Any Differences Between Cities?

• We discussed that STAYC is quite flexible. Were there any other differences you noticed between the stops you went to?
• Pros and cons of venues
  • Boston benefits (connections to the venue and VIP Lounge)
• No differences in soundcheck
• Seeun is sitting out in D.C. Any changes to accommodate her absence
• Notable differences between TEENFRESH and STAY TUNED tours?
• Which show did you like better?

Topic 5: Other Cool Moments in Other Cities

• ASAP Freestyle
• Funny moments  (ex, “Oh My... Ass” )

Closing Comments

• Final thoughts of the tour
• How have things changed for you as a SWITH during and after this tour?
• Thanks to Livenation, Kakao, High Up Entertainment and STAYC for the review ticket

Goodbyes

Photo credits to thomasma__ on Instagram.

Topic List:

0:00 - Site ID/Intro Song - SUPER LADY.

0:21 - Introductions.

2:37 - Have you watched any K-pop concerts in theatres before?

7:10 - What screenings were available in your area?

9:56 - What type of screening did you attend?

30:10 - Thoughts on the concert movie.

56:59 - Would you recommend this movie to casuals?

1:02:56 - Your rating of this movie out of 10.

1:04:19 - Upcoming K-pop concert movies.

1:09:44 - Goodbyes/Site Promo/Outro Song - FATE.

Recorded August 18, 2024

Introductions (Opening song: Good Day)

• What are you drinking?

World Tour Announcement

• How hyped were you for this tour?
• Which American tour stop(s) did you choose to attend and why?
• How difficult was it for you to get tickets to your chosen show(s)?

Pre Concert

• What seat did you end up getting?
• We all went to different cities to see IU. Were there special fan zones to keep you entertained while waiting in line?
• Briefly describe the demographic of the crowd at your stop. Were they different from the types of crowds you usually see at K-pop events you attend?
• What kind of free things did you get from other fans?
• Did you buy merch? What did you get?

Concert

• How enforced was the “No Photography” rule at your stop?
• What did you think of the concert? Did it meet your expectations?
• The second encore was one of the most anticipated parts of this concert. How was it at your stop?
• What did the banner for your tour stop say?

Post Concert

• Did you suffer post-concert depression?

Goodbyes (Outro Song: LILAC)

• (00:00) - Selective Hearing Intro Tag
• (00:04) - Intro Song: Good Day
• (00:18) - Welcome
• (06:25) - Tour Annoucement Hype
• (14:18) - Tour Stop Selection & Ticketing
• (31:02) - The Festivus Miracle
• (33:39) - Why no VIP Level Tickets?
• (36:32) - Where did you end up sitting?
• (39:02) - Fan events on-site
• (43:57) - Type of crowd at IU concert
• (51:48) - Free Stuff
• (56:42) - The tour shirt is magic
• (01:06:20) - No soup for you!
• (01:11:20) - Thoughts on the concert
• (01:43:11) - The second encore
• (01:56:10) - Post concert depression
• (02:01:34) - Goodbyes (Outro Song: LILAC)
• (02:08:23) - Web Site Promo

Selective Hearing Social Media

• Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/selec_hear
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SelecHear/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selechear/
• Threads - https://www.threads.net/@selechear
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/SelectiveHearing

Selective Hearing’s Greg speaks to LST K-Pop’s Ping about his time at KCON LA 2024.

Introductions (Intro Song: BINI – Cherry on Top)

What was the main reason you decided to attend KCON 2024?

Lineup

• The lineup of KCON 2024 had a good mix of up-and-comers, established mid-tier acts on the cusp of breaking through to the next level and industry veterans. What did you think of this year’s lineup?
• Which act(s) were you most excited about seeing, and why were they our fellow Filipinos BINI and the virtual personality APOKI?
• Why was the I-LAND girl group MIA?

Ticketing

The ticketing structure for KCON 2024 offered several packages: three-day premium at $1024.65, three-day plus at $843.28 for P1, and $542.76 for P2. There were also one-day packages: plus level at $309.54 for P1 and $188.06 for P2, and regular one-day at $124.02. 

These tiers offered access to the convention/festival grounds, KCON Stage, and M&G stage. How close you ended up being in these areas depended on how much you were willing to drain your bank account or credit card balance. The M&G was only included as a perk in the Premium level ticket. Everyone else had to pay $128.75 for one session of being quickly rushed past a table of idols to wave at them.

So, what are your thoughts on these packages? Did you end up getting a ticket at any of these levels?

KCON Experience

• How would you compare KCON 2024 to previous KCONs? What was it like attending as a regular visitor?
• You were once again admitted access as press. What was it like this year compared to previous years?
• Besides the regular level of access with the badge, did you experience any difficulties covering what you wanted?

Briefly describe your highlights or memorable moments on the convention floor/festival grounds.

• KCON STAGE
• Did you participate in the zoo monkey wave sessions? There was no plexiglass this year, right?
• Booths
• Panels

How were the M Countdown concerts?

Did you like the Dream Stages?

What are your thoughts on it being broadcast live on the CW network in the States?

What are your closing thoughts on the 2024 KCON experience?

Attendance numbers

MAMA Awards in LA and Asia

Outro/Goodbyes (Outro Song: god – 거짓말)

• (00:02) - Selective Hearing Intro Tag
• (00:04) - Intro Song: BINI - Cherry On Top
• (00:17) - Welcome
• (01:07) - Why did you go to KCON 2024?
• (04:23) - Thoughts on the KCON 2024 lineup
• (14:55) - What acts were you excited about?
• (28:45) - I-LAND girl group MIA
• (34:03) - KCON 2024 ticketing
• (46:27) - Meeting and Greeting
• (58:52) - Attending KCON 2024 as a pleab
• (01:08:18) - The press experience at KCON 2024
• (01:15:14) - Highlights and memorable moments at KCON 2024
• (01:30:08) - What happened at the Meet & Greet Stage
• (01:37:38) - Vendor, Food and Sponsor Booths
• (01:50:20) - Panels
• (01:53:59) - Red Carpet
• (01:56:38) - M Countdown Concerts
• (02:03:44) - Dream Stages at KCON 2024
• (02:07:27) - KCON 2024 broadcast on the CW
• (02:12:15) - How many people attended KCON 2024?
• (02:18:08) - Closing thoughts on KCON 2024
• (02:20:39) - MAMA is coming to Los Angeles
• (02:26:55) - Outro/Goodbyes
• (02:29:38) - Website Promo

Selective Hearing Website
 https://selective-hearing.com

Selective Hearing Social Media

• Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/selec_hear
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SelecHear/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selechear/
• Threads - https://www.threads.net/@selechear
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/SelectiveHearing

Please note if you are listening on Spotify, the opening music may be muted due to copyright. The podcast starts at 17 seconds in.

Recorded on August 19, 2022

• Lineup experiences
• Impressions of concert from the view of a plebian and a Prestige level attendee

Recorded on: September 11, 2022

OVERALL EXPERIENCE

• What is the prestige experience like?
• What was your success rate at “flashing the badge”?
• Did KCON meet your expectations after the three-year wait?
• What do you think they can improve to make the experience as smooth as possible?
• What do you think they got right?
• What would you have done differently?

OUTRO

• Pimp your wares
• Goodbyes

Recorded on September 11, 2022

KCON 2022 LA Day 2

• What did you see and do?
• Concert Night 1

KCON 2022 LA Day 3

• What did you see and do?
• Concert night 2

Recorded on: September 11, 2022

INTRODUCTIONS

• How are you doing?
• What are you drinking?

KCON 2022 LA Day 0

• Arrival in LA. How was your flight(s)?
• Wristband pickup, how long did you wait in line?
• Did you do anything else that day?

KCON 2022 LA Day 1

• Press badge pickup
• STAYC Artist Engagement
• STAYC and LIGHTSUM Selfie MV’s
• Rookie Concert

Recorded on: August 7, 2022

Introduction

• Introduce Yourself
• What are you drinking?
• Open time for shameless self-promotion

Getting down to business

• What tour stop(s) did you attend?

Did you have VIP?

• Elaborate on your VIP experience(s)
• What was the line like?
• Estimate how many people were VIP vs. GA
• What kinds of people were there?
• How long was your wait to get into the venue?
• Any interesting stories about waiting in line?
• How was the sound check? Do you remember what songs they did?
• What was your view like?
• How many obstructions did you have?
• Did you have to leave VIP at all?

Thoughts on the concert

• How was the concert itself? Were you around a hype crowd or dead fish?
• What was it like seeing (G)I-DLE do their thing up close if you could see anything?
• Were there any songs you didn’t like that you changed your mind about after seeing them live?
• What were your favourite moments of the concert?

Did you stick around for the hi-touch?

• Give a rundown on how the pre-hi-touch lineup situation worked at the show(s) you went to.
• What was your hi-touch experience like? Give us the play-by-play.
• What are your thoughts on the “signed” poster?

Overall Experience

• Lastly, give us your final thoughts on your entire experience from beginning to end.

Closing

• Final words, well wishes and curses
• Say goodbye to the people

Disclaimer: As always, any opinions expressed by the participants of this discussion are purely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the other Selective Hearing staff.

Like, comment, follow and subscribe. Thanks in advance!

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify 
• Amazon Music and Audible

Opening

May 14 - TWICE 4th World Tour III Encore Night 1

• Greg & Ping pre-show thoughts part 1
• Greg, Allen & Ping pre-show thoughts part 2

May 15 - TWICE 4th World Tour III Encore Night 2

• Greg & Allen pre-show thoughts part 1
• Greg, Allen & Ping pre-show thoughts part 2
• Greg & Hiro post-show thoughts (Please excuse the audio, we were in a busy diner.) 

May 28 - TWICE 4th World Tour III Encore Wrap Up

Introduction

• What have you been up to?
• What are you drinking?

Topic 1: How Did it Feel to be in LA

• Finally free from Canada/Texas
• Things you did
• Places you went to
• Food you ate

Topic 2: Quick Comparisons Similarities/Differences from the other Concerts

Ping and Allen quickly go over the similarities/differences between the live tour concerts and the Encore concerts

• VIP, sound check, fireworks etc.

Topic 2.5: Greg’s Initial Thoughts

First Impressions

• Spoiled by the VIP Experience
• Did you like the presentation and setlist?
• Who stood out to you among the members? 

Topic 3: Day 1 - Minuses and Pluses

• What did you not like about Day 1?
• What did you like about Day 1?

Topic 4: Day 2 - Minuses and Pluses

• What did you not like about Day 2?
• What did you like about Day 2?

Topic 5: Closing Thoughts on the Weekend and What is Next for TWICE?

• Closing Comments
• Goodbyes

Follow Us:

• Selective Hearing Website
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Facebook
  
  

Recorded on February 26 and 27, 2022

Episode Summary

The gang at Selective Hearing get together live in New York for TWICE 4th World Tour 'III' Concert. We are hyped before and after the show as we start with our live thoughts from the concert floor. We follow up the next day with our thoughts and reactions after Night 1 of the concert.  

Disclaimer: As always, any opinions expressed by the participants of this discussion are purely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the other Selective Hearing staff.

Like, comment, follow and subscribe. Thanks in advance!

Apple Podcasts

Spotify 

Amazon Music and Audible

Show Notes:

• Introduction
  
  
• Topic 1: Pre-show Thoughts
  
  
• Topic 2: After Soundcheck
  
  
• Topic 3: TWICE in NY Night 1 Post Concert Thoughts and Reactions 
  
  
  • Guest Introductions

  • Comparing the Los Angeles shows to New York

  • New York Concert Expereince 

  • Our thoughts about TWICE

• Goodbyes and Thank You!
  
  
• Instrumental Tracks by WONNIE THE WORLD
  
  
• Links Mentioned:
  
  
  • Selective Hearing's 2021 Year-End Recap
    
    
  • Arama! Japan: News Coverage of Japanese Pop Culture
    
    
  • TakeoRey's Twitch Channel
    
    
• Follow Us:
  
  
  • Selective-Hearing Website
    
    
  • Twitter
    
    
  • Instagram
    
    
  • Facebook
    
    
  • This episode is dedicated to our friend and anyone else struggling with their mental health. If you or a loved one needs assitance or help, a good resource is MentalHealth.gov
    
    

Recorded on January 1, 2022

Episode Summary

The gang at Selective Hearing discuss our lives in 2021, what we enjoyed and what we did not enjoy during the year. We also discuss our experience buying tickets for the TWICE 4th World Tour 'III' and the struggles that came.

Disclaimer: As always, any opinions expressed by the participants of this discussion are purely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the other Selective Hearing staff.

Like, comment, follow and subscribe. Thanks in advance!

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Amazon Music and Audible

Show Notes:

• Introduction
  • What are you pimping? (i.e. socials, web sites, other projects)

• Topic 1: How Was Your 2021?
  • Was 2021 an extension of 2020 for you?
  • Did you try anything different this year, new hobbies etc?
  • Any big changes or challenges this year?

• Topic 2: What Did You Like in 2021?
  • Favourite music acts and/or songs/albums
  • Favourite movies and/or TV shows
  • Favourite online concerts
  • Favourite video games
  • Anything else you want to gush over

• Topic 3: What Did You NOT Like in 2021?
  • Vent on what you didn't like or was a disappointment in entertainment in 2021

• Topic 4: TWICE Ticketmaster Waiting Room
  • What were your thoughts when TWICE announced a World Tour?
  • What was your game plan for buying tickets?
  • What actually happened? (2000+)
  • Did you try for Round 2?
  • What do you hope to see in the concert? (If you have avoided spoilers)

• Topic 5: To 2022 and Beyond
  • What word or phrase best describes 2022 to you?
  • What are you looking forward to in 2022?

• Closing Comments

• Goodbyes and Thank You!

Music: THE FEELS and I CAN'T STOP ME Covers by Darnu-Pop K-Pop and Videogames

Links Mentioned:

• Selective Hearing's 2021 Year-End Recap
• Arama! Japan: News Coverage of Japanese Pop Culture
• TakeoRey's Twitch Channel

• Follow Us:
  • Selective-Hearing Website
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
    
    
  • If you like what you heard and want to support us, you can buy us a cup of coffee!
    
    
• Stay Safe, Wear Your Mask!
  
  

Recorded on March 21, 2021

Episode Summary

Every begining has an end. Selective Hearing's Greg and Allen get together with special guest, Ellis Tan of LSTkpop as we discuss IZ*ONE and their final concert, One, The Story, as well as their disbandment. Join us as we open up about our thoughts on IZ*ONE and how the group has influenced us in the last 2.5 years. All the feels!  

Disclaimer: As always, any opinions expressed by the participants of this discussion are purely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the other Selective Hearing staff.

For exclusive photos and memes, listen with OVERCAST. Like, comment, follow and subscribe. Thanks in advance!

Show Notes:

Introductions

• Say hi, rep where you from and what you drinking
• Promote your socials, sites, etc.

Topic 1: Pre Concert

• When this concert was announced there was a lot of speculation about what this could mean for the future of IZ*ONE. Were they going to be extended for another 1 or 2 years? Would their status be changed to permanent?
  • Did you believe that IZ*ONE had a chance to go beyond their contracted 2.5 years as rumored or were you accepting the reality that this was the end for them?
• When tickets were released did you buy a 1 or 2-day pass? If 2-day, what were your expectations for the concert?
  • Different set lists
  • More unit stages 
  • Surprise announcements
  • Other
• Did you end up buying concert merch? If so, what did you pre-order and how big of a dent did you put into your credit card?

Topic 2: ONE, THE STORY

• What were your thoughts on the setup of these concerts? Did you prefer the subdued approach of ONE, THE STORY or would you have rather IZ*ONE go all out like they did for ONEIRIC THEATER?
  • What improvements were made to make the viewing experience better compared to ONEIRIC THEATER?
• The set lists for these concerts were structured in a way that celebrated the short legacy of IZ*ONE. Do you think they managed to fit everything that fans would have wanted into 2 days or were you wanting more when it was all over?
• Please tell us about your favorite moments and/or performances from this 2-day concert.
• The first day gave the IZ*ONE members an opportunity to thank each other for all they have done together. The second day allowed them to express their gratitude to their fans, and everyone who helped and supported them on their 2.5 year journey.
  • Were you already crying by the time these moments arrived? If not, at what point did your floodgates open?
  • Which member’s speech moved you the most?
• What were your thoughts on this 2-day concert as a whole? Was this a fitting end for IZ*ONE given the limitations brought upon them because of the circumstances in the world?

TOPIC 3: Looking Forward

• Which members have the best chance of succeeding outside of IZ*ONE?
  • For those who have been rumored to join other groups, what is the likelihood they will?
• Which members are going to have a hard time making it outside of IZ*ONE?
• What do you think the Japanese members should do when they return to Japan? Stick it out within the 48 system or graduate immediately and go back to Korea?

TOPIC 4: The End

• Give us your thoughts on IZ*ONE and what they have meant to you.
  • Which of the following quotes do you believe sums up your feelings about saying goodbye to IZ*ONE the best?
    • “Goodbyes make you think. They make you realize what you’ve had, what you’ve lost, and what you’ve taken for granted.” – Ritu Ghatourey
    • “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss
    • “Saying goodbye doesn’t mean anything. It’s the time we spent together that matters, not how we left it.” – Trey Parker
    • “So long, and thanks for all the fish!” – Douglas Adams
• Say goodbye to the listeners.

Panorama 8 Bit Cover by 정훈남JHN STUDIO

Links Mentioned:

• LSTkpop YouTube Channel
• LSTkpop Instagram
• LSTkpop Twitter
• TakeoRey's Twitch Channel

Follow Us:

• Selective-Hearing Website
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Facebook
  
  

If you like what you heard and want to support us, you can buy us a cup of coffee!

Stay Safe, Wear Your Mask!

Recorded on December 28, 2020

Episode Summary

As we head into our 15th year anniversary, Selective Hearing's Greg and Allen get together with special guest, Ellis Tan of LSTkpop. Join us on a little slice of life episode of the podcast as we celebrate a little Festivus, discuss what happened in our lives in 2020, what forms of media we enjoyed, and what we look forward to in 2021. 

Disclaimer: As always, any opinions expressed by the participants of this discussion are purely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the other Selective Hearing staff.

For exclusive photos and memes, listen with OVERCAST. Like, comment, subscribe. Thanks in advance!

Show Notes:

• Introduction
  
  
  • What are you drinking?

  • What are you pimping? (i.e. socials, web sites, other projects)

• Topic 1: How Was Your 2020?
  
  
  • How were you affected by COVID-19? What life changes did you have to make in order to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and sane amongst the insanity?

  • If the pandemic had never hit what were your plans or goals for 2020? Were you able to find a way to achieve your goals despite all the craziness going on in the world?

  • Since time has slowed down considerably this year did you take the opportunity to invest your time into doing stuff you put off? If so, what did you end up doing?

  • How are you otherwise?

• Topic 2: The Airing of Grievances
  
  
  • Before we get into celebrating the good that was in 2020 we must first exorcise our demons and bitch about the bad in order to cleanse ourselves. For those unfamiliar with the Airing of Grievances please refer to the video below:

  • 
    https://youtu.be/1l8Eag9CAFk?t=37
    
    
  • For our purposes, we will not lash out at each other but at the artists, we believe have let us down with less than stellar efforts at entertaining us. And of course, anything else we feel deserves to be the object of our wrath

• Topic 3: What Did You Like This Year?
  
  
  • Favorite music acts and/or songs/albums

  • Favorite movies and/or TV shows

  • Favorite online concerts

  • Favorite video games

  • Anything else you want to gush over

• Topic 4: To 2021 and Beyond
  
  
  • What word or phrase best describes 2020 to you?

  • Besides a COVID-19 vaccine what are you looking forward to in 2021?

  • 2021 marks the 15th anniversary of Selective Hearing. What are you going to do to celebrate this milestone?

• Closing Comments
  
  
• Goodbyes
  
  
• Videogame Themes by Darnu-Pop
  
  
• Links Mentioned:
  
  
  • LINK: LSTkpop YouTube Channel
    
    
  • LINK: LSTkpop Instagram
    
    
  • LINK: LSTkpop Twitter
    
    
  • LINK: TakeoRey's Twitch Channel
    
    
• Follow Us:
  
  
  • Selective-Hearing Website
    
    
  • Twitter
    
    
  • Instagram
    
    
  • Facebook
    
    
  • If you like what you heard and want to support us, you can buy us a cup of coffee!
    
    
  • Stay Safe, Wear Your Mask!
    
    

Recorded on September 19, 2020

Episode Summary

Selective Hearing's Greg and Allen get together with special guest, Ellis Tan of LSTkpop. We take a deep dive look and review IZ*ONE's first online concert, Oneiric Theater. What did we like, what annoyed us, was it worth the money? How did it compare to other online concerts this year in 2020? 

Disclaimer: We recorded this podcast using Discord and the program Craig + Eunnicastr. Let us know how it sounds.

For exclusive photos and memes, listen with OVERCAST. Like, comment, subscribe. Thanks in advance!

Show Notes:

• Intros, What are You Drinking?, What would you like to promote?

• What was your excitement level for Oneiric Theater?

• Is this your first streaming concert? What have you watched before, what was the experience (stream quality, audio quality, etc)?

• How Did You Watch the Concert? What was your set up?

• What did you think of the Twitch-like setup?

• *CONCERT BREAKDOWN*

• ONEIRIC DIARY STAGES

• BALLAD STAGES

• UNIT STAGES 
  • ORANGE CARAMEL - Catellena - Wonyoung, Hyewon, Chaewon

  • Park Ji Yoon - Adult Ceremony - 01 Line

  • Red Velvet Irene & Seulgi - MONSTER - Sakura, Eunbi

  • Kehlani - Gangsta - Chaeyeon, Yena, Yujin

• LIVE BAND STAGES

• QUIZLAND

• ENCORE
  • Was the concert worth $30?

  • Any improvements that could have been made?

  • Will you be getting the Blu-Ray?

  • Closing Comments

  • Goodbyes

  • Links Mentioned:
    
    
    • LINK: LSTkpop YouTube
    • LINK: LSTkpop Instagram
    • LINK: LSTkpop Twitter
    • LINK: Lovelyz - Obliviate (Selective Hearing Remix)
    • LINK: JYP duet with SUNMI - When We Disco (Selective Hearing Remix)

• Follow Us:
  
  
  • Selective Hearing Website
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • If you like what you heard and want to support us, you can buy us a cup of coffee!
    
    
  • Stay Safe, Wear Your Mask!
    
    

Recorded on March 14, 2020

Episode Summary

The Selective Hearing Staff gets together and gives their raw feelings and critiques on FIESTA and the state of IZ*ONE's future as well as other K-Pop randomness.

Disclaimer: We recorded this podcast using Discord and the program Craig + Eunnicastr. Let us know how it sounds.

For exclusive photos and memes, listen with OVERCAST. Like, comment, subscribe. Thanks in advance!

Pictures courtesy of Selective Hearing.

Show Notes:

• Intros and What Are You Drinking?
• Quickly address the voting controversy and hiatus
• Three months later, was it worth the wait?
  
  
• FIESTA
  
  
  • What did you like? 
  • What didn’t you like?
  • What about that choreography?
  • Who has the best hair? Who had the worst hair?
  • Best live costumes?
    • LINK: FIESTA Live Perfomance Costumes
      
      
• BLOOM*IZ
  
  
  • What other songs stood out, which were your favorites?
  • Where does FIESTA rank among all the February releases?
    • LINK: February 2020 Releases
    • Our thoughts on other February K-Pop singles; EVERGLOW, Cherry Bullet, Rocket Punch, LOONA , DREAMCATCHER, BTS etc.

• Where does FIESTA rank among IZ*ONE singles?
  
  
  • IZ*ONE Exceeds 400k on Hanteo
    • 200312 IZONE's BLOOMIZ is the 1st girl group album that exceed 400k copies sold on Hanteo
  • IZ*ONE Near 2mil Worldwide
    • 200312 IZ*ONE Album Sales: Gaon+Oricon = 1,658,308 | Gaon+Billboard = 1,982,580
      
      
• IZ*ONE’s Future
  
  
  • Pledis Entertainment CEO Han Sung Soo Steps Down As IZ*ONE’s Producer
  • Swing Entertainment Confirmed To Join Off The Record Entertainment In Co-Managing IZ*ONE
  • NOTE: There were some mix-ups between NIZI Project and some other JYP projects in this section. Don't get over excited about this misunderstanding.
     
• Goodbyes and Ending
  
  

Links Mentioned:

• LINK: Greg's Review of BLOOM*IZ
• LINK: Snap2Official: NCT127 at The Houston Rodeo
• LINK: Eve Pink Shop

Follow Us:

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• Stay Safe, Stay Home!

Episode Summary

Allen and special guests, Ben (Flypflop) and Ariel join forces to talk all about ITZY. Part one of this episode is our pregame portion where we talk about what to expect from ITZY in concert. Part two is our ITZY concert review minutes after the end of the show.

ITZY Premiere Showcase Tour has hit Houston and there has been a lot of pent up hype. Get our super raw point of view as we go over what this concert means to us and other K-Pop fans here in Houston. 

What did we like about the showcase overall? Did we get kicked out duringg the show?!?  Give the podcast a listen and find out! For exclusive photos and memes, listen with OVERCAST. Thanks in advance!

Pictures courtesy of Selective Hearing.

Show Notes:

• Pregame
  
  
  • Allen and Ben discuss our history on ITZY, the venue and our seats at the show, and what expectations we had going into the ITZY Showcase.

• Showcase Review
  
  
  • Ariel joins Allen and Ben as we go over the show, our favorite moments, the fans etc.

  • Ariel asks us about comparing ITZY to previous idol shows we've attended as Ben and I reminisce back to other J-Pop and K-Pop concerts.

  • How did we find out about ITZY?

Links Mentioned:

• LINK: TakeoRey's Top 30 K-Pop Songs of 2019
  
  
• TWITTER: Flypflop
  
  
• INSTAGRAM: TakeoRey
  
  

Follow Us:

• Selective-Hearing Website
  
  
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Episode Summary

Allen and special guest Annabelle join forces to talk all about SEVENTEEN. Part of this episode one is our Pregame portion where we talk about what to expect from SEVENTEEN in concert. Part two is our SEVENTEEN concert review minutes after the end of the show.

SEVENTEEN Ode To You Tour has hit Houston and there has been a lot of pent up hype. Get our super raw point of view as we go over what this concert means to us and other K-Pop fans here in Houston. 

What did we like about the concert overall? Do we still have our hearing after being around thousands of screaming fangirls?  Give the show a listen and find out! Thanks in advance!

Pictures courtesy of Selective Hearing.

@KCONUSA

@Selec_Hear

Show Notes:

• Pregame
  
  
  • Allen and Annabelle discuss what the expect from the SEVENTEEN concert.

• Concert Review
  
  
  • We go over the show, our seats, the visuals, the acoustics, the fans etc.

  • Should you go see SEVENTEEN live in concert?

Links Mentioned:

• PODCAST: Bellinissima My Personal Pensieve
  
  
• TWITCH: Bellinissima Life Stream
  
  
• Instagram: TakeoRey

Follow Us:

• Selective-Hearing Website
  
  
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Episode Summary

Greg and Allen join forces to cover KCON LA. In this episode, we recap both nights of the concert as well as our overall thoughts on KCON LA. 

For the both of us, this was our first time attending KCON, both as press and as fans. Get a fresh perspective as we go over who we were excited to see live in concert and who impressed us the most.

Which night did we prefer over the other? Do we still have our hearing after being around thousands of screaming fangirls?  Give the show a listen and find out! Thanks in advance!

Pictures courtesy of KCON and Selective Hearing.

@KCONUSA

@Selec_Hear

Show Notes:

• KCON LA: DAY THREE
  
  
  • Our recap of KCON LA Concert Night 1.

  • Which groups impressed us the most.

• KCON LA: DAY FOUR
  
  
  • This was pretty much fromis_9CON for us. How did we split coverage for fromis_9?

  • While we were waiting on Night 2 of the concert, who were we excited to see live?

• GREG'S KCON LA Concert Night 2 Recap
  
  
  • What did Greg think of Night 2?

  • Who impressed Greg the most?

• GREG'S KCON LA 2019 Recap
  
  
  • What are his biggest takewaywas from the event?

  • What advice can he give to those interested in going to KCON?

• ALLEN'S KCON LA Concert Night 2 Recap
  
  
  • What did Allen think of Night 2?

  • Who impressed Allen the most?

• ALLEN'S KCON LA 2019 Recap
  
  
  • What are his biggest takewaywas from the event?

  • What advice can he give to those interested in going to KCON?

Links Mentioned:

• VIDEO: MOMOLAND at KCON LA 2019
  
  
• VIDEO: fromis_9 at KCON Beauty Station
  
  
• Greg's Event Report: KCON LA 2019
  
  
• EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Images from the Con Floor, the Red Carpet Event, Meet and Greet, and the M Countdown Concerts
  
  
• Follow Us:
  
  
  • Selective-Hearing Website
    
    
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Recorded the week of August 14

Episode Summary

Greg and Allen join forces to cover KCON LA. 

This is our first time attending KCON, both as press and as fans. Find out what we did when we arrived in Los Angeles to get ready for the convention. Get a fresh perspective as we go over which panels we visited and what we thought about the convention.

Did we run into any of the KCON celebrities on the con floor? Did we see any world famous celebrities in the wild wandering around in LA?  Give the show a listen and find out! Thanks in advance!

Show Notes:

• KCON LA: DAY ZERO
  
  
  • What we did before the official KCON happened.

  • We talk about our plans KCON and what panels we want to visit

  • Who are we most excited for during the concert?

• KCON LA: DAY ONE
  
  
  • We did a lot of shopping! Where did we hit up and what K-Pop goods did we buy?

  • Picking up our badges and our KCON merchandise issues.

  • Hanging out with our Cali friends and celebrities.

• KCON LA: DAY TWO
  
  
  • What were your overall impressions with the KCON exhibit hall layout?

  • We hit up the IZ*ONE Fanclub Panel. What did we think about meeting other fans and playing games?

  • We also hit up the fromis_9 Fanclub Panel, Team OTR! What did we think about meeting other fans and playing games?

  • Dance Workshop and running into MOMOLAND!

  • Running into Yabuki Nako and Miyawaki Sakura from IZ*ONE (HKT48) at Target!

Links Mentioned:

• Korean Pop Culture Fans Take Over Downtown Los Angeles with over 100,000 in Attendance at KCON 2019 LA
  
  
• Greg's Event Report: KCON LA 2019
  
  
• EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Images from the Con Floor, the Red Carpet Event, Meet and Greet, and the M Countdown Concerts
  
  
• Follow Us:
  
  
  • Selective-Hearing Website
    
    
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Recorded July 5th and 7th, 2019

Episode Summary

Allen and his wrestling friends pop their NJPW cherries and attend the opening day of the G1 in Dallas. 

This is all our first time seeing a New Japan Pro Wrestling show live and in person. We get different perspectives ranging from hardcore NJPW fans, casual NJPW fans to female and first time fans. How are our hype levels? Find out our thoughts.

Pardon our audio, the first part was in our hotel and the second part was recorded while chilling at a Starbucks. Thanks in advance!

Show Notes:

• Before the Show
  
  
  • We are on the Road Destined For Dallas to see the first round of the G1 Climax 29. How are you feeling right now?

  • Is this your first NJPW live event? What are you expecting being there live versus watching on AXS TV or on NJ World?

  • What matches are you looking forward to on Saturday?

• To those who went to the Meet and Greet
  
  
  • What were your experiences being there?

  • Did you get any pics with any of the wrestlers at the Meet and Greet?

• After the Show
  
  
  • What were your overall impressions?

  • Fans: crowd reactions, how did it smell?

  • Match of the night?

  • How did we do on our picks?

  • Will you want to see another NJPW show live? Would you travel to Japan to see another show?

  • What would you say to people thinking about wanting to see NJPW? 

Links Mentioned:

• EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS from the G1 Climax in Dallas
  
  
• AXSTV New Japan Pro Wrestling
  
  
• New Japan Pro Wrestling
  
  
• Follow Us:
  
  
  • Selective-Hearing Website
    
    
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Recorded March 17, 2019

Episode Summary

The Selective Hearing staff gather to discuss the big news coming from AKS, no more yearly General Election for the girls in 48 Group. 

How does this change the future of 48G? Find out our thoughts.

Show Notes:

• Introductions
  
  
  • What are you working on?
  • What are you drinking?

• What were your initial thoughts? 

• What do you think was the reasoning for it?  
  • Sasshi thinks they shouldn’t do it in the middle of a scandal - do you think this was the main/only reasoning? Why or why not? 
    1. Graduations 
    2. Scandals (internal) 
    3. Scandals (external) 
        

  • Which group is impacted most by the announcement? 

  • What girls do you think benefited/was hurt most?

  • And what sort of event should take place of Sousenkyo? Was it even a cash cow for AKB? 
     

• Favorite Sousenkyo Moments  
  • ONE PER PERSON!
     

• Rise of 46 
  • Nogi is replacing AKB48 in everything - is this the beginning of a shift? 

  • Possible no-show for 48G in Kouhaku

  • What does this mean for the future of the Yasushi empire?

• Closing Thoughts

• Sources:
  
  
  • AramaJapan: There Will be No AKB48 Senbatsu Election This Year
    
    
  • AKB48 Daily: AKB48 NOT to Hold Election this Year
    
    
  • News from the Official AKB48 website

• Follow us:
  
  
  • Selective Hearing Website
    
    
  • Twitter
    
    
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  • AramaJapan
    
    
  • Selective Hearing: Interview with Perfume

Selective Hearing's Allen goes live from WWE's Elimination Chamber 2019 with pre and post event discussion.

Recorded On February 17, 2019

Introductions and Match Predictions We recorded the first part while getting drinks at a bar called The Rustic. We did not realize that there was going to be open mic for music when we recorded. Sorry! 

We still made our predictions! Post Elimination Chamber Thoughts On the drive back home, the crew decided to give us their immediate thoughts about the night and our overall impressions of Elimination Chamber.

The Selective Hearing staff gathered to discuss IZONE's Japanese debut Suki to Iwasetai. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the other Selective Hearing staff and/or our affiliates and partners.

Recorded February 10th, 2019

100+ Days of IZ*ONE

Introductions

• What’s been going on? 
• What are you drinking? Etc... 

• Our Thoughts on Japanese Debut** Suki to Iwasetai on Feb 6th 
• CD breakdowns Content: 3 MVs, high touch Launching with Kiss My Ft and Love Live singles Japan debut sales 190k Beating 48G sister groups latest singles first day

Impressions - Suki to Iwasetai
Impressions - B-sides
Impressions - Japan Showcase

Random Weird News

• International fans have adopted animals in Minjoo’s name 
• Creator of kkt emoticon oktoon tries to give Wonyoung an iPhone 
• Sakura met Irene from Red Velvet at ISAC and had #Sakuras1stWin trending for a day

Allen’s IZ*ONE rankings as of Feb 7th

Closing Thoughts on the First 100 Days

The Selective Hearing staff and guest got together to talk about the result of the third season of Produce 101 (a.k.a. Produce 48) and the new K-Pop girl group that spawned from it called IZ*ONE.

Introductions

• What you been up to?
• What are you working on for the site? 
• Who are IZ*ONE?

• Quick history from Produce 48 
• Quick feelings on the Produce 48 finale 

Successes of IZ*ONE

• Highest First Week Sales by a Girl Group for their Debut Album 
• La Vie En Rose Becomes K-Pop Group Debut MV With the Most Views in 24 Hours 
• First win on M Countdown
• Fastest to win on an award show, winning in 10 days

Social media blitz

• teasers, website, Vlive streams, Youtube videos (IZ*One Chu daily countdown videos etc) 
• Debut show COLOR*IZ Show Con sold out in under a minute 
• Successful live stream of COLOR*IZ Show Con on YouTube 
• IZ*ONE CHU reality show 
• WI*ZONE and whales IZ*ONE 

Controversies

• Lack of physical CD inventory in both Korea and Japan. 
• Staggered releases on streaming services, region locked via country location. 
• Kang Hyewon intro on Idol Room promoting Attack on Titan Season 3 
• Petition to ban IZ*ONE from appearing on Music Bank “We’re In Love, RIght?” Deemed unfit for broadcast twice?
• La Vie En Rose was Originally CLC’s Song 

Who Would You Replace Game

• A girl is named from the Produce 48 finalists and you have to replace her with one of the current IZ*ONE members. 

Who would you replace and why?

IZ*ONE TRIVIA

• How many questions can you guess correctly?

Closing

• Future hopes for IZ*ONE 
• Say your goodbyes!

Panel Questions

• Is This Really A “World Senbatsu”? Theater no longer accepts foreign credit cards Chinese fans use prepaid debit, so this does not affect them Other fans are stuck with Buyee, which has a guarantee on when CDs get shipped to them Amex is still accepted Japanese phone numbers are needed to verify that no fans vote multiple times with a single mobame account Mention the sister groups participating and those that aren’t JKT48 declined because of Ramadan 

• Tons of BNK girls not in as well as a few of TPE girls At least the website is nice – https://www.akb48.co.jp/sousenkyo53rd 

• Notable girls not participating Teacher Teacher Sells 2.5 Million WTF? How is this possible? I thought 48G was declining?
• Your feelings about Teacher Teacher single he impact this will have on this year’s election 

Livetream thoughts

• HKT stream constant buffering. 
• Reactions from other group streams Predictions 
• Biggest surprises Kami 7? 
• Top 3? 
• What will be the shocking surprise for #1 this year 
• Quiz Time!

• Will the Undertaker face John Cena? If so, in which incarnation will he return as? 
• Predictions for NXT Takeover: New Orleans and who might be moving up to the main roster after Wrestlemania. 
• How long will the Wrestlemania kickoff show be?
• What matches we think will be on the Wrestlemania kickoff and what will be on the main show. 
• Which battle royale are we looking forward to the most? The male or female one?
• Predicting the outcomes of all the championship matches. Who will Braun Strowman’s mystery partner be? 
• If Shane McMahon is unable to compete who will Daniel Bryan’s partner be?
• Overall hype level for Wrestlemania 34 

As always the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of Selective Hearing’s affiliates or the other contributors to the site.

UPCOMING GIRLS

• Matsuoka Hana takes the title of Ms. Irrelevant. Guess we were wrong on that one.
• Who are you more sad about? Mogi diving hard or Tani Marika dropping again?

FUTURE GIRLS

• Yamaguchi Maho, toothy but pretty girl. Those who know more about her, tell us her story.
• Oguri Yui ranks and she doesn’t like her nickname. So cute yes?
• After opting out last year Tanigawa returns to the land of the ranked members. Were you crying tears of joy?
• Tanaka Natsumi makes significant gains. Are you happier for her or for the other 2 members who made similar moves up the ladder?
• Kitagawa makes absolutely no movement this year. She looked pretty disappointed in her lack of anything. What are your thoughts?

NEXT GIRLS

UNDERGIRLS

• Oba Mina takes the coveted scandal ranking of #26. What will her second scandal be? Or will she just repeat what she did before?
• Mukaichi becomes the only senbatsu member from last year to rank down. Is it because she turned heel in Tofu Pro Wrestling or is there a more plausible reason for this downswing of momentum?
• Two members had large jumps in ranking from last year. Which one do you think deserved the mega push?
• The big event coming out of this ranking group was Sutou Ririka announcing her engagement to an unknown person. What was your reaction to this? Is she trolling or is it the real deal? How bad did you feel for Minegishi having to follow up that?
• SKE48’s resident senior citizen returns to the Undergirls. Is she fated to be Undergirls forever?

SENBATSU

• Honma Hinata (NGT48 TEAM N3)
• Who? The only Honma known to most casuals is the one who does the Kokeshi in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

• Another 2 large leaps in ranks from Yoshida Akari and Ogino Yuka with the latter failing to make enough gains to take #1. Are you disappointed that Ogino’s fans were unable to keep her on top or is this more than respectable showing moving 90 places up in rank?

• Okay, admit it. Ogino Yuka made you cry with her speech about never giving up and living your dreams. Is she John Cena’s catch phrase in idol form?
• Shiroma Miru becomes the new Watanabe Miyuki. Do you see her moving up past #12 in the years to come (assuming she doesn’t graduate)?
• Did you celebrate for Yoshida Akari?
• Miyawaki Sakura does not generate enough votes to get past #4. Are you happy that she is stuck in limbo or sad she didn’t get higher?
• The top 3 remain the same this year as expected. Matsui Jurina seems to be entrenched in the forever third spot. Is she destined to stay here until she finally gives up and stops entering the election?

• Watanabe Mayu announces her graduation. How many fans do you think are done with AKB once she leaves? What do you think her future career will be? Actress? JAV? Both?
• Sashihara Rino breaks vote count records again. There is the assumption that she is throwing shade at Mayu after complimenting Jurina on her willingness to do battle again next year. Do you believe that is the case or are people reading way into things?
• What did you think of the awkward hug between Mayu & Sasshi. Did you secretly wish they just kissed?
• Should they just retire Sasshi’s senbatsu election jersey next year? She seems pretty unstoppable until she decides to not take part anymore.

FINAL THOUGHTS

• What do you think was the biggest story coming out of this event?
• Outdoor portion gets rained out and AKS is forced to scramble to Plan B.
• Suto Ririka drops a bomb and announces she’s getting married
• Watanabe Mayu announces her graduation
• Sashihara Rino breaks vote count again

This year’s outdoor event was cancelled due to weather. According to pictures posted from the venue there was going to be a big waterslide used during the concert. Reports from members also indicated the return of disgusting bikinis.

When the official cancellation announcement was made fan rage came quick and fast.

Who do you believe had the most right to be upset?

People who bought tickets/JTB travel packs?
Fans who invested heavily financially in votes?
Overseas fans.
None of the above.

Did you think all of the rage was was warranted?

How much do you think this cancellation & its fallout will hurt the 48 brand?

Sashihara Rino did not hold back on her opinion that this year’s event was poorly planned. Do you agree with her assessment?

Despite the weather stoppage of the outdoor concert the election itself was held in a community center. Fans in Okinawa were able to watch the voting results via CCTV in the tent area that was to serve as the dressing room for outdoor event. Was this an okay consolation prize for fans who attended?

What did you think of this smaller scale sousenkyo? Was the lack of fans inside the building apparent?

Actually hearing the other members cheer and applaud rather than old men was rather refreshing wasn’t it? Them NGT and HKT girls sure got hype.

Team 8 gets more member ranks this year. Did they make you (and Toyota) proud of their accomplishments? Do you think any of them will get some free cars out of this?

Your thoughts on this year’s ugly chair? FUGLY or just over the top enough for this event?

- What are your thoughts on this year’s crop of quitters and dropouts?
- Who is the most surprising non-participant? Of those who entered into this year’s election, who do you think should have thought twice since they have no chance of ranking?
- Are you going to stay up and watch this thing or just do the sensible thing and sleep and watch the Internet explode in the morning?

Topic 2: Observations

The prelim rankings have been released. So much for a boring and pedestrian election this year.

- The senbatsu has a very different look based on opening numbers. Did you expect this to happen so quickly with all the openings made available? Or were you expecting the same old same old with little to no competition at the top?
- Just who is Ogino Yuka and which shadow organization is pushing her to the top?
- What are your thoughts on possible voter fraud? A 90 place jump seems for a relatively unknown (in the grand scheme of all that is AKB and its sister groups) member seems rather fishy doesn’t it? 
- Is Jurina destined to never make #1? Always the bridesmaid, never the bride? Will her fans push her to the top when all is said and done?
- Is this the end of the Sashihara/Watanabe reign at the top? Or will their respective fan bases somehow find ways to get them gains in the end?
- Sutou Ririka seems to have swindled her way into top of Undergirls through strategic Mahjong. Will she have enough of the votes from chronically addicted gamblers and the elderly who like to play the game to stay there?
- NGT appears to be the group who will get the mega push from their fans this year. Agree or disagree?
- The number of votes to just place into the election appears to rise every year. It is possible it could be between 14k - 15k just to place at 80. Do you think that might be too high or will it say closer to the mid 13k mark like last year?

Topic 3: Pick a Winner

- Who is going to be 2017’s Ms. Irrelevant? (#80)
- Who takes the “Scandal Ranking” (#26) and what do you think this person’s scandal will be?
- Pick your center for each of the non-senbatsu group rankings
- Out of the top 5 in the preliminary rankings who takes the top prize? Or do you believe it will be someone unexpected?
- Last question, if you were to base the election on who will get an ugly ass painting who do you believe should win?

Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship
Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar (w/ Paul Heyman) for the WWE Universal Championship
The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns
Triple H vs. Seth Rollins
Dean Ambrose vs. Baron Corbin for the Intercontinental Championship
Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens for the U.S. Championship
John Cena & Nikki Bella vs. The Miz & Maryse
Bayley vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax for the RAW Women’s Championship
Alexa Bliss vs. every woman available on Smackdown for the Smackdown Women’s Championship
Neville vs. Austin Aries for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Enzo Amore & Big Cass vs. Sheamus & Cesaro for the RAW Tag Team Championship
Shane McMahon vs. AJ Styles
Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royale

OPENING – Booker T Theme Song “Rap Sheet”

Panel Questions

TOPIC 1: Pre-show concert

Did you watch? What major announcements were made if any?

TOPIC 2: General Nonsense

Did you watch alone in your room clutching to your oshi pillow in anticipation of your fave getting called up? Or were you huddled around a computer screen/TV with other wota in the same room?

At what point during the show did you pass out? Or did you manage to make all the way to the end without falling asleep?

How beat were you the day after? Did you have to work or have other commitments that were not as enjoyable due to your obsession with seeing young girls cry about arbitrary rankings?

TOPIC 3: Election Observations

Overall presentation of show? What did you think?

Was this the year of the HKT lolis and lesser SKE members?

Why did NMB get no love?

Were you happy that the the lower ranked speeches were kept short and to the point? Or did this just prolong the agony for the long winded senbatsu speeches.

BS Sky is great, but boo to them for cutting out just before senbatsu and making us watch the shitty Fuji TV feed instead.

TOPIC 4: Election Rankings

Upcoming Girls

Congratulations to Allen for correctly predicting that Murashige Anna would become 2016’s Ms. Irrelevant.

Who was ranked too low? Who was ranked too high? (*cough*KATOMINAMI*cough*)

Are you sad that Myao ended up here? Any other surprises?

Miyamae Ami is center, are you happy she is ending her SKE career in this manner?

Future Girls

A great injustice has been done to Kitagawa Ryoha, too low. Agree or disagree?

Nishino Miki finally ranks. Did you mark out in joyful celebration or scoff at this living convulsion taking up a spot someone else should have?

Tani Marika drops 32 spots. What do you believe was the cause of this? Lack of BBQ? The known fact she likes living in eternal messiness? People just fed up with her? Better members to vote for this year? Why God why?

Next Girls

Sutou Ririka, Tanaka Miku, Ego Yuna and Team 8’s lone soldier Kuranoo Narumi are the most notable debuts in this grouping. Who amongst these girls has the brightest future?

Kizaki Yuria drops 15 spots into Next Girls. Has she peaked? Is it a downhill slide into obscurity from here?

Undergirls

How about that Yabuki Nako? Or are you team Miku and are loathing this placement?

The Joker (Komiyama Haruka) makes a fairly high debut. Well deserved or too high?

Takayanagi Akane drops out of senbatsu into undergirls. Expected or did you have that small glimmer of hope her fans would help her keep her spot? Is this also going to lead to a downward trend for her as well?

Minegishi Minami is Undergirls center. Are you content with this? You think she gonna get all these bitches all on the Rizap workout and we’ll have buff Undegirls who can lift cars?

Senbatsu

Takahashi Juri, Okada Nana, Mukaichi Mion and Kodama Haruka bring freshness to the senbatsu.

• Mukaichi Mion makes a huge gain from last year’s ranking (31 spots). Believe in the DSLs.
• Okada Nana discusses her eating disorder and her resolve to overcome. Depressing speech or inspirational?
• Haruppi’s pain has ended. Praise Jebus she is in senbatsu.
• Lastly, yay for dead eye.

Muto ends up not being the odd girl out and ranked up. We were wrong on that one weren’t we?

Speaking of being wrong, Paruru does not drop out either. But she does say she will no longer participate. Thoughts?

Suda Akari’s hair. Short ain’t a good look for her. Agree or disagree?

Matsui Jurina and Yamamoto Sayaka rank up while Kashiwagi Yuki falls to 5th. Should we consider Kashiwagi as another who will trend down? Neither Jurina or Sayanee get close to Mayuyu’s number of votes. So much for someone breaking the trend of 2 people dominating the top huh?

Watanabe Mayu fears that AKB is in crisis because all the old hags are leaving. Do you agree or have you moved on to the next generation of members who will carry the group forward?

Sashihara Rino bests Watanabe Mayu by 67,398 votes becoming the first back to back winner and also first 3-time winner. She also breaks the 200,000 vote barrier. Do you think any member will be able to top her or is this the beginning of an Undertaker-like streak?

TOPIC 5: Final thoughts

Were you satisfied with the results of this year’s election? Why do you think so many people get so much butthurt when Sashihara Rino wins?

What kind of song do you expect for the Sashihara led single? Will this follow the pattern of years past where they make a dance type video that staff and people all over the world copycat or has that become a little cliche?

Any other random tidbits you’d like to mention before closing podcast?

ENDING – AKB48 – 翼はいらない

Points of interest for this year’s election

• The first election to feature NGT48 members
• The first election to announce more members as 1st day results than actually will rank
• On March 23rd, staff members received an application from Nyan Nyan Kamen (にゃんにゃん仮面), which they believed was submitted by Kojima Haruna under an alternate alias. The application included inaccurate entries such as her birthday being on February 22nd, 2222. Kojima confirmed the next day that it was not her submission. On April 5, they officially accepted “Nyan Nyan Kamen” application. With the release from the members posters it was confirmed that Nyan Nyan Kamen is Kojima Haruna.
• Both Iwasaki Moeka and Shibata Yui applied for the election, but retired their applications after announcing their graduation (Iwasaki on April 3, Shibata on May 3).
• The total number of members participating this year was originally the same as the number of members who participated last year (272 members). This number was raised when Nyan Nyan Kamen’s application was accepted, and then dropped when Iwasaki Moeka and Shibata Yui graduated. Currently, there are now 271 members participating.
• Baito AKB Paruru Selection members Shigefuji Fuyuka and Hinode Yuka were not eligible.

Who is out:

• Team A: Ogasawara Mayu, Takahashi Minami, Maeda Ami
• Team K: Aigasa Moe, Ishida Haruka, Nakata Chisato
• Team B: Umeta Ayano, Kobayashi Kana, Takeuchi Miyu, Tanabe Miku
• Team 4: Nozawa Rena, Murayama Yuiri
• Team 8: Fujimura Natsuki, Yamamoto Ai, Iwasaki Moeka
• Team S: Oya Masana, Tsuzuki Rika, Yakata Miki
• Team KII: Ishida Anna, Takagi Yumana, Matsumura Kaori
• Team E: Kato Rumi, Shibata Aya
• Team N: Jonishi Kei, Nishimura Aika, Yamaguchi Yuki
• Team M: Kinoshita Momoka, Tanigawa Airi
• Team BII: Kinoshita Haruna, Watanabe Miyuki
• NMB48 Kenkyuusei: Shibata Yui
• Team H: Anai Chihiro
• Team KIV: Ota Aika
• Team Kaigai: Chikano Rina, Nakagawa Haruka, Miyazawa Sae

Panel Questions

Topic 1: General Election Talk

• What are your thoughts on this year’s crop of quitters and dropouts?
• Who is the most surprising non-participant? Of those who entered into this year’s election, who do you think should have thought twice since they have no chance of ranking?
• Do you know what kind of drugs and/or alcohol Kojima Haruna was taking when she submitted her entry? Do you want some? What are her chances of her alter ego ranking?
• Are you going to stay up and watch this thing or just do the sensible thing and sleep and watch the Internet explode in the morning?

Topic 2: Observations from the peanut gallery

• Which group will have the most number of ranked members and why?
• Which group will have the least number of ranked members and why?
• Which member(s) will make a significant gain in ranking?
• Which member(s) will have the biggest drop in ranking?
• How do you think NGT48 will do in their first official year as a group in this election?
• Biggest Yui meltdown? Kojina, Yokoyama O.G. or Yokoyama Team 8?

Topic 3: Pick a winner

• Who is 2016’s Ms. Irrelevant? (#8)
• Who takes the “Scandal Ranking” (#26) and what do you think this person’s scandal will be?
• Pick your center for each of the non-senbatsu group rankings
• Who will make the highest debut in the top 16?
• Jurina Kazoo
• Will Kodama Haruka finally reach the promised land of single senbatsu or will she once again be denied?
• Out of the top 5 in the preliminary rankings who takes the top prize? Or do you believe it will be someone unexpected?
• Last question, if you were to base the election on who will get an ugly ass painting who do you believe should win?

ENDING: AKB48 – 翼はいらない

Introductions

Day 1 - Friday

HELLO DISCO

Day 2 - Saturday

MORNING MUSUME ’16 CONCERT

Day 3 - Sunday

Answer Questions from Fans

Rank the 3 American Momusu Concerts Best to Worst
Did you attend all three MM concerts?
Reasons for your favorite/least favorite

Who is next?

Closing Statements

ENDING - Morning Musume '15 - Endless Sky

TOPIC 1: What are you looking forward to at Anime Matsuri?

TOPIC 2: Morning Musume ’16 specific events at Anime Matsuri

TOPIC 3: What do you expect from the Morning Musume ’16 concert?

TOPIC 4: Hello! Disco event details

TOPIC 5: Closing Thoughts

OUTRO – モーニング娘。’15 – スカッと My Heart

ASSOCIATED LINKS

Hello! Disco – https://www.facebook.com/events/799458620199759/

Anime Matsuri – http://www.animematsuri.com/

TOPIC 1: WHAT DID YOU DO ON ELECTION NIGHT?

TOPIC 2: PRE-ELECTION CONCERT

TOPIC 3: THE ELECTION STREAMS

TOPIC 4: THE ELECTION ITSELF

The 80% Club (a.k.a. Unranked)
Upcoming Girls
Future Girls
Next Girls
Undergirls
Senbatsu

Halloween night is the 41st single.
Do you like the costumes?
How about the song?

ENDING/OUTRO - HKT48 - 12秒

INTRO

TOPIC 1: Quickly rank the election singles from favorite to most despised. Your choices are:

• Iiwake Maybe
• Heavy Rotation
• Flying Get
• Gingham Check
• Koisuru Fortune Cookie
• Kokoro no Placard

TOPIC 2: Election Dropouts

• What are your general thoughts on this crop of dropouts? Are the ones without a valid excuse quitters with no ovarian fortitude whatsoever?
• How brilliant is Kojima Haruna’s excuse for not being in the election? True air head or calculated move to prevent fan backlash for not participating?
• Who in the list is the most surprising dropout? Conversely, who in this list was expected to not be part of the election at all?
• Are there any members not in this list who should be based on previous election track record(s)?

TOPIC 3: General election talk

• Stupid question, but are you going to wake up early and watch this thing or just sleep and wait until the morning to see the explosion of social media?
• Which group will have the most number of ranked members and why?
• Which group will have the least number of ranked members and why?
• Are there any members you feel will rank up considerably this year? How about those who will fall hard back into the world of mediocrity?
• Is there anyone you would consider a dark horse?
• How ugly is Watanabe Mayu’s big painting going to be?

TOPIC 4: Pick a winner

• Who takes the coveted “Miss Irrelevant” ranking? (#80 currently held by Oshima Ryoka)
• Who will be in the honorable “Scandal” ranking? (#26 currently held by Takajo Aki)
• Does Watanabe Miyuki make it back into the top 16?
• As a follow up, does Matsumura Kaori outrank her again? If so, how high do you think she will go?
• Would Matsumura Kaori ranking in the Kami 7 be the equivalent of an apocalyptic event for AKB48 as an organization?
• Shunkan has Takamina ranked at #1 in their predictions? Is she jinxed now?
• Who are you picks for runner ups at #2 and #3?
• Who is your pick for 2015 queen bitch of all that is AKB land? Will Takamina take the crown in her graduation year? Will BBQ be voted all the way to #1 and bring the end times? Will the fans push Mayu into a second term?

ENDING – AKB48 – Summer Side

TOPICS

• Hiro's enjoyment of idol fan "retirement"
• What is a mix tape?
• What is a cassette tape?
• How your musical influences determined your list
• Valentine's day in Japan vs. Valentine's day in America

 
Hiro's Valentine's Mix Tape

Side A: For The Lovers

1. Isley Brothers - Between The Sheets (1983)
2. Johnny Gill - My, My, My (1990)
3. Johnny Mathis - Misty (1959)
4. Keith Washington - Kissing You (1991)
5. Kenny Lattimore - For You (1997)
6. L.T.D. - Love Ballad (1976)
7. Luther Vandross - Here And Now (1989)
8. Surface - The First Time (1990)
9. Teddy Pendergrass - Turn Off The Lights (1979)
10. Tony Terry - With You (1991)

 
Side B: Takin 'em to Space Mountain (Whooooo!!!)

1. 2 Live Crew - Me So Horny (1989)
2. 2 Live Crew - We Want Some Pussy (1986)
3. Az Yet - Last Night (1996)
4. Bell Biv Devoe - Do Me! (1990)
5. Boyz II Men - Uhh Ahh (Sequel Version) (1991)
6. Silk - Freak Me (1993)

 
Greg's Valentine's Mix Tape

Side A: For The Lovers

1. The Deele - Two Occasions
2. H-Town - Knockin The Boots
3. Johnny Gill - My My My
4. R. Kelly - Bump and Grind
5. Jodeci - Freek 'N You
6. Case feat. Foxy Brown - Touch Me, Tease Me
7. Silk - Freak Me
8. Quincy Jones, Barry White, James Ingram, Al B. Sure, El Debarge - The Secret Garden
9. Janet Jackson - Any Time, Any Place (R. Kelly Remix)
10. Ginuwine - Pony

 
Side B: Takin 'em to Space Mountain (Whooooo!!!!)

1. Tenacious D - Fuck Her Gently
2. David Banner - Fucking
3. Snoop Dogg - Sexual Eruption
4. The Bloodhound Gang - Bad Touch
5. Outhere Brothers - Boom Boom Boom
6. The Lonely Island feat. Akon - I Just Had Sex

 
ENDING - The Lonely Island feat. Akon - I Just Had Sex

INTRO

EXILE TRIBE - CHOO CHOO TRAIN

TOPICS

• Introduce yourself to the masses
• General year in review, events you attended, general life events or changes, other projects you have worked on outside of Selective Hearing
• Quick overview of your favorite music releases
• Disappointments of the year
• What you are looking forward to in 2015 as far as events, releases, industry changes, projects you want to undertake, etc.

OUTRO

Epik High - Born Hater

PANEL

Greg - Selective Hearing
Allen - Selective Hearing
Bryan - Hello! Base 
Jen - Hello! Base

Topics

Questions about Hello! Party 4
Morning Musume '14 Concert questions
General questions about the trip

THE PANEL:

Greg 
Allen 

INTRO

TOPICS

    Hello! Party 4
    Your previous H!P concert experiences.
    Advice for new H!P concert goers
    Monday Night RAW in Brooklyn
    Other things to do in NY

OUTRO

Cheap Pops and Promos

Michishige Sayumi Pink Glowstick Project

Layout of the election:

• 80 girls ranking out of 310 total
• Aijinomoto Stadium.
• It was raining the whole time. Everyone had raincoats and set was covered in plastic. Girls put on a concert in rain before election time.
• Pyramid seating for the rankings
• What did you think about the Gamashura Ouendan bros?

This year’s live streams:

• Compare to last years G+ stream. Which did you like better? No live commentary, no english translations, no G+ interactions
• Fuji TV starting at Next Girls (#48 and up)
• Oshima Yuko providing commentary with other comedians like Okubo-san.

Most disappointing Non-ranking members

Ranking Thoughts:

• Upcoming Girls
• Future Girls
• Next Girls
• Undergirls
• Senbatsu

Closing thoughts

ENDING

• Whoever made those ugly ass paintings should be fired or at least re-trained to draw people properly? Y/N?
• Really, don’t you think a blind monkey would do a better job?

Senbatsu members (選抜メンバー) : Rank 1 – 16
Under Girls (アンダーガールズ) : Rank 17 -32
Next Girls (ネクストガールズ) : Rank 33 – 48
Future Girls (フューチャーガールズ) : Rank 49 – 64
Upcoming Girls (アップカミングガールズ) : Rank 65 – 80 ← NEW

• What do you think about adding the new rankings?
• Is this a case of letting everyone get a ranking? Will it lead to a Special Olympics situation where “everyone is a winner”?
• Does this make the show longer than it already is?
• Is there any value for this ranking group other than to have another song take up space on a single?
• Who will be she shameful one to make the biggest drop to the depths of despair?
• Conversely, who will be the dark horse who makes the major leap up the ladder to possible super-stardom?
• Will the senbatsu be the same as always or will a major contender drop below the top 16?
• Admit it, you want BBQ in the senbatsu for the lulz.
• Mayu, Sasshi or J? Who do you really want on top? (of you and/or the rankings. you decide)
• Who will be the queen bitch? And if it’s Sasshi again will you be happy about it?

ENDING: AKB48 – Faint

Topics

• Hiro’s May 17 experience at Pacifico Yokohama
• Greg’s May 24 experience at Tokyo Big Sight
• Hiro’s May 24 experience at Tokyo Big Sight
• Default poses (Heart & Peace)
• How the 2-shot worked for us
• Was it worth it?

ENDING: YuiKaori – Lucky Ducky

Topics

• How was the flight in?
• Did you get stuck in the restroom during turbulence again?
• What was the Babyraids 6-shot experience like?
• Did they sing live or was it canned?
• What is a checki?
• Touristy stuff, did you get any value out of it?
• Advice for those who would like to travel solo in Japan?

ENDING: Ludacris feat. Bobby Valentino – Pimpin All Over The World

Resources mentioned in this recording:

Idol Scheduler
Danny Choo
Hyperdia
Japan Guide

TOPIC I: WHO YOU WITH?

– Who is on your 2-shot list?
– Who are you looking forward to taking a picture with?
– Who is your candidate for the lean away? (with optional stink face)
– Poses, you got any pre planned or are you going to wing it? Chances you can successfully get any you have planned communicated properly?
– What’s your default pose?
– Are you gonna post your 2-shots?

– Will Hiro make to the Hotel from the airport?
– GOGO Curry. First or last meal in Japan or both?
– What are you going to be doing by yourself out there?
– Any idol specific events outside of AKB planned?

Greg arrives the week after Hiro

– Will Greg make it to the hotel from the airport and be awake enough to meet up afterwards?
– First thing Greg will do after landing in Japan.
– Do you think the Oshima Yuko wax statue will still be at Madame Tussauds or does Greg get no Yuko ever?
– Greg going to a wrestling PPV with our homie Daryl in Japan. Hiro calls us fuckers even though he was invited. Why is that?

OPENING – Puretty – Chieki Love

INTRO

TOPIC I: SOUTH KOREA’S BAN ON MINI-SKIRTS

A recent law passed in South Korea banning mini-skirts

• Stupidest law ever or can you find examples of worse ones?
• Is this the end of seeing them wonderful female K-Pop legs? Is this the end of the K-Pop industry as we know it? Or is this just overblown crap that won’t be enforced ever?

TOPIC II: AKB48’S SO LONG VIDEO

• Too loooong. Too loong Too loooooooooooong. Or no?
• Did anyone really understand what was going on? Or was this too artsy and weird for anyone to comprehend?
• Was Tomochin high as a kite during the filming?
• There were many opportunities for a Mayu/J makeout session. Who was disappointed this did not happen.
• How about Matusi Rena and them melon pans?

TOPIC III: GRADUATION

What are your thoughts on the almost weekly announcements of girls leaving the AKS organization?

• Nakaya Sayaka & Hata Sawako leaving to become voice actresses. Who will be more successful?
• Nito & Moeno double grad. Do you see anything for her in the future or is she basically done as an idol/entertainer?
• Fukumoto Aina leaving to hone her skills as a variety talent. Yay or nay?

Tanaka Reina leaving to form her own band with no drummer or bass player.

Morning Musume’s Brainstorming is mentioned during this discussion and we go through an impromptu review.

• Do you think she was sick of carrying Momusu on her back?
• Odds on Lovendor being successful?

Should the word “graduation” be banned from an idol’s vocabulary?

TOPIC IV: ARE YOU A REAL IDOL FAN?

Can you be considered an idol fan if you only care about their looks and nothing else?

• Is attractiveness a gateway into becoming a fan or a deterrent from learning more about idols?
• Do looks even matter if the girl has a kick ass personality?
• Is it right for anyone to dictate how you should talk about idols at all?

Would you let your oshi pee on you and/or do you with a strap-on?

• Who do you think would be too rough?

Would you be willing to do the dominatrix thing if your oshi asked you to?

• Would you have a gimp suit ready just in case?
• What would be your safe word?

Another impromptu review breaks out during this discussion where we watch Momoiro Clover lick ice cream.  As it is said in our commentary, “… taking the tip to see how it feels.”

Do you think your oshi would even consider following the rules if you were to scream out the safe word or would she ruin you for other women?

In general who do you think would be into such freaky things and why?

OUTRO

ENDING – AKB48 – So Long

INTRO

THE ONLY TOPIC – AKB48 GRAND REFORMATION 2014

The Movements 

http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2014/02/the-results-of-akb48-groups-big-team-shuffle

The Denials

Kikuchi Ayaka refuses move to NMB48, stays in Team A
Iwata Karen refuses move to SKE48, stays in Team A
Jo Eriko refuses promotion to Team M, stays as NMB Kenkyuusei
Takano Yui refuses move to BII, stays in Team M
Takashima Yurina refuses move to SKE48, stays in Team 4

PANEL QUESTIONS

– AKB48 Apocalypse/doomsday this was or was not?

– Do you believe that the sister groups were plundered for all they were worth? Was there equal value going back the other way?

– Any shocking moves? Were there some that didn’t make sense?

– Only one person goes to the jungle. Chikano Rina in JKT48? Will she be just as invisible as she is in AKB?

– Matsui Rena/Ikoma Rina (http://nihongogo.com/2014/02/change-org-petition-to-seperate-nogizaka46-and-akb48-goes-live-akb48%E2%80%B2s-dai-sokaku-matsuri-fallout/)

– Is the fact that Nogizaka was part of the reformation such a great social injustice that fans must go to these lengths? Is this a waste of time or do these people have any grounds for wasting valuable web space for a lost cause?

– Miyazawa Sae. Will she find a way to abandon SKE & bail back to Shanghai?

OUTRO

ENDING – Baauer – Harlem Shake

TOPIC 1: GETTING TO JAPAN

– Compared to last year, cheaper or more expensive?
– How was your flight in/back home?

TOPIC 2: HANDSHAKES

– How was the overall experience?
– Highlights? Who was your best handshake? Any disappointments? Who was a letdown? Did you encounter any communication issues?
– Describe the feeling of being a godless heathen who touched Ota Aika.
– Would you try these kinds of events again? If so, does your game plan change?
– Which venue did you like the most? Pacifico, Makuhari Messe or Nagoya Dome?
– Advice for those willing to dive head first into touching idols

TOPIC 3: TOURISM

– Thoughts on lands outside of Tokyo?
– How was the Shinkansen? Worth the cost of the JR pass?
– Is there really nothing in Nagoya?
– Was there a place you would consider revisiting next trip? Any other places that are on your radar for future trips?
– Memorable moments?
– Anything you want to try to forget?
– Advice for those traveling to Japan
– Advice for those who say they want to go to Japan

OUTRO – NMB48 – Kamonegikkusu

Related hash tags: #sasshicenter, #butthurt, #teamfutsunku

Please excuse Allen’s audio at the end of the broadcast, he was going all Skynet.

OPENING – LL Cool J – Mama Said Knock You Out

Final ranking list:

http://melosnomichi.blogspot.com/2013/06/akb48-32nd-single-senbatsu-election_8.html?m=1

Speech translations:

http://melosnomichi.blogspot.com/2013/06/akb48-32nd-single-senbatsu-election_11.html?m=1

Introductions

This year’s layout of the election:

• Having it in Nissan Stadium, in front of a bigger crowd of 70,000 after a concert

• The Stage setup: having two groups of girls on either side of the stage, walking down stairs to the Top 64 seats. The center stage has a big tiara on top of it. 3 big screens, one on each side and one in the middle.

What do you think about the stage layout compared to the last four years?

This year’s live stream:

• Two streams like last year, one in Japanese and one translated in English

• Live Google+ comments on the right side: Do you like the idea, live social media updates from all over the world? Did you make it on there?

• Support videos: Did you like them too?

• Rank counter and vote count in the top right

• Commentators: George no bag! George with ugly top hat. What’s up with the gaijins? Were they necessary to have commentary during the stream?

Fuji TV Stream:

• If you watched the Fuji TV stream, it started in the middle of Next Girls speeches WHICH YOU COULDN’T HEAR because they were interviewing celebrities and who they want to see win.

• They had a lot of video packages mostly centering Sasshi, Yuko and Mayu.

• They had fans set up in Oita for Sashihara, it felt like a soccer crowd in a public square

• In Osaka they had Sayanee’s father and grandparents with a small crowd in what looked like at a TV station

• Minegishi’s parents were watching in a room at (Nissan Stadium?)

• They had the same studio set up watching and reporting like last year with the ticker ranking at the bottom and celebrities like Terry-san and Yama-san giving their analyst comments.

• You could also text a vote to see what rank Sasshi would come in all night.

• They really started with the announcement of Undergirls. They cut away from some girls speeches to go to commercial.

• For the top 16, they would cut to commercial during most of the host’s (Tokumitsu’s) questions. Interesting line charts showing their past rankings.

• Also they cut to Maeda Atsuko watching in a box seats a few times showing her reactions.

• They did a lot of behind the scenes and post interviews.

Girls that ranked in previous elections who didn’t rank

• Miyazaki Miho, Oya Shizuka, etc…

Future Girls Ranking

• Quick breakdown of the girls that ranked

• Hirajima Natsumi not 26 but 62?? REVERSE THE CURSE?!? Only one of the graduates to place.

• Biggest surprise rank in this group is ___?

• Biggest injustice rank in this group is ___?

• Future Grils Center is Yabushita Shu NMB48 BII. What do you think, are you ok with her as center?

Next Girls Ranking

• Quick breakdown of the girls that ranked

• Oba Mina at Lucky 48?

• Biggest surprise rank in this group is ___?

• Biggest injustice rank in this group is ___?

• Next Girls Center is Sato Amina AKB48 Team K. What do you think, are you ok with her as center?

Undergirls Ranking

• A little more detailed breakdown of the girls that ranked.

• Miyawaki Sakura at the Cursed 26 spot!

• Biggest surprise rank in this group is ___?

• Biggest injustice rank in this group is ___?

• Undergirls Center is Shibata Aya SKE48 KII making her election debut. What do you think, are you ok with her as center?

Senbatsu

• More detailed breakdown

• Fisher girls Akarin and Milky 16 and 15

• Yokoyama Yui’s hilarious breakdown and recovery during her speech

• Itano Tomomi, since it was her last election, did her candidacy end up being a bad idea?

• Miyazawa Sae renouncing her Team K concurrancy to focus solely on SNH48. Do you think she can succeed?

• Kojima and Takamina out of Kami 7, Rena and Jurina are IN Kami 7!

• Shinoda Mariko announces her graduation! WTF? NO MARIKO-SAMA!

• What were you thinking about before the top 3 were announced?

• Let the BUTTHURT begin Mayu at #3! How did she react vs how her fans have been reacting.

• Yuko at #2?!? How was her reactions vs her fans reactions?

• ALL HAIL QUEEN SASSHI! Discuss

ENDING – AKB48 – How Come

OPENING – DS DDR Fusion Edit – It’s Raining Men (Almighty Mix)

INTRO

State who you be, who you reppin and pimp your wares/goods/websites.

TOPIC 1: SAYONARA CRAWL 

The full video for Sayonara Crawl is up on the interwebs.

Same old shit in disgusting bikini’s or no?
Are the bikini’s too flowery and cover the goods of the more endowed members?
Where’s my fucking melon pans man? Where my fucking melon pans?

Do you like the pairings?
Who didn’t get enough screen time?
Any other thoughts or is it all just one blur of boobs and ass?

Quick Shots – B-Side PV’s

Team A – Ikiru Koto – http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNTU4NTc3ODQw.html

Team B – Romance Kenjuu – http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNTU4Njc1OTU2.html

Team K – How Come – http://www.yinyuetai.com/video/665838

BKA48 – Hasute to Wasute – http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNTU4NjA3NDc2.html

Undergirls – Fruits of Rose – http://www.yinyuetai.com/video/665835

Did you watch any of these?
Favorite/least favorite/all meh?
Quick comments about any of the videos

TOPIC 2: SATURDAY NIGHT CHILD MACHINE

WTF is this show? Is it a trainwreck or misunderstood creative genius?
Does Ponkotsu really suck that much at arts and crafts?
Should they just let the dude in the bear suit make the crafts?
What’s the deal with Paru & scissors?
How about the producers give Paru power tools? It can’t be any worse than giving her scissors, scotch tape and construction paper can it?
Does AKS have the insurance to cover the potential damages by giving Paru power tools?

Best/worst skit so far?

Do you even care about what Kashiwagi is reading during the sexy time stories or is your hand down your pants the entire time?
Unko man – It’s the shit right?

TOPIC 3: MORNING MUSUME BRINGS THE BOYS “OUT”

According to a recent 2ch translation on Wota In Translation Morning Musume have a high percentage of gay male fans.

Here are a few gems from the discussion in case you don’t feel like reading the entire thing. Although you should, it’s actually interesting.

“… AKB doesn’t have many gay fans. Instead they have plenty of young offenders.”

“H!P members have an exceptional quality about them that tickles the fancy of gay people.

They’re good at picking all the irresistible uglies.”

“… what’s best about H!P are the ugly supporting members who can never become center. That’s one thing that’s different from AKB and such.”

“Tsunku’s lyrics feel like they’re from the point of view of a middle-aged man who’s turned into a 13-year-old girl.”

“Akimoto’s lyrics feel like they’re from the point of view of a middle-aged man who’s looking at a 15-year-old girl as a sex object.”

Based on what you have read do you think that Momusu and Hello! Project in general appeal more to the gay and lesbian community and AKS is more for straight people?

Do you think Tsunku is really a menopausal woman in disguise?
Is Aki-P really a horny middle-aged man playing up fantasies of dating underage girls in his lyrics?
Does it really matter if you are gay or straight when it comes to liking certain or any idol music?

TOPIC 4: BUY LOTS OF CD’S, VOTE YOUR BITCH TO THE TOP

AKB48’s Senbatsu Election is on June 8 at Nissan Stadium. NSK are holding their prop bet competition & Selective Hearing has the impossible Top 16 selection.

Explain the competitions in the most concise way possible and pimp for entries
Of those who did not enter, who do you feel stood the best chance of ranking decently if they did?
Who will enter at #64?
Will this be the year of HKT Undergirls or is that a pipe dream?
Who is in danger of dropping significantly in rank?
Who will make the biggest jump in rank?
Odds of the 6 returning members placing anywhere in the Undergirls or above? If so, who makes it in? Who won’t place at all?

Milky vs. Yummymoto – Who ranks higher?
J vs. Melon Pan – Who ranks higher?
Which member of Anrire will rank highest?

Sasshi – Top 5 or drop like a rock?
Tomochin – Kami 7 for her last ride or left in the cold?
If Yokoyama Yui ranks way high will she end up convulsing on the stage?

Do you expect any changes in the higher rankings at all or is it going to be the same old shit?
Shimazaki Haruka goes center nova. Right? Right?
Acchan is going to run in at the end of this election and hit the girl who wins with a steel chair. Y/Y

Make your top 5 predictions

OUTRO

Remind the people of who you are, who you reppin and pimp your goods/wares and websites

ENDING – Mini Moni – Mini Strawberry Pie

INTRO

TOPIC 1: MINEGISHI MINAMI’S SCANDAL

TOPIC 2: THE FUTURE OF THE LEAVING TOMOMI’S

TOPIC 3: KENKYUUSEI VS. KENSHUUSEI

TOPIC 4: THE FUTURE OF OF H!P’S KIDS GROUPS

TOPIC 5: THE FUTURE OF MORNING MUSUME (ACCORDING TO THE WESTERN FANDOM)

TOPIC 6: HIRO’S ADVICE FOR FANS

OUTRO

ENDING – Ying Yang Twins – Wait (The Whisper Song)

INTRO

TOPIC 0: HOW YOU DOING?

– Does 2013 already suck or is there still room for optimism?

TOPIC 1: 7 YEARS OF SELECTIVE HEARING

– Greg tells the epic adventure of how Selective Hearing came to be complete with many LOTR-like false endings and mentions of “my preciousssssssss”

– Questions for the panel:

– How did you discover Selective Hearing? Feel free to embellish for the sake of dramatic effect.

– Have you perused, skimmed or watched the first episode in its entirety?

– Would you like to be part of future episodes?

– Is there anything you would like to see on Selective Hearing in the future?

TOPIC 2: KASAI TOMOMI GETS A NEW BRA

– For those who have been living in a cave or ignore all that is AKB, future graduate Kasai Tomomi has caused quite a stir due to a photograph of her topless with a young Japanese boy behind her using his tiny hands to cover her nipples.

– First, did anyone really know that Kasai was packing that kind of chesticular fortitude? Are you surprised?

– Are you jealous of the young boy in the picture and wish that you were the one who had your hands up in her chest area?

– Is this good or bad PR? In other words will this come back to bite her in the ass once she leaves AKS?

TOPIC 3: SNH48 STAGE DEBUT

– SNH48 made their stage debut on January 12th to much anticipation. There was no Miyazawa Sae or that other chick who was deported with her.

– Did you try to watch this clusterfuck? Or was the boom shakakala bas similar to that of being in an overzelous rice racer’s car too much? How about the official recording that fixed the sound issues? Was it worth the wait?

– Was their version of Heavy Rotation enough to convince you to give this group a chance?

– Is it just me, or does this group have a lot possibly tenga worthy eye candy in it?

TOPIC 4: WOTA DETECTIVES

– What is your opinion of wota digging up dirt on idols just so they can prove that whoever is dating someone and getting more regular sex than they ever will.

– Do you think that the efforts of these wota detectives can be put to better or at least more productive use that doesn’t involve conjecture and douchebaggery?

– Would you ever consider being a detective if your oshi was rumored to be dating someone you did not approve of?

TOPIC 5: PREDICTIONS FOR THE LAST DAY OF AKB48’s 2013 REQUEST HOUR

OUTRO

ENDING – AKB48 – Ougon Center

AKS

Best album
Worst single
Worst album
Favorite artist
Artist or group who sucked wookie

Best and worst video you have seen in 2012

Random Questions

In an MMA battle between Tsunku and Aki-P, who would win and why?

In a deadliest warrior / Battle Royale simulation who would win? Wota or K-Pop fan girls?

Most shocking or scandalous news item or moment.

Happiest moment of the year.

Saddest moment of the year.

Favorite album/song title of the year.

Favorite lesbian kiss of the year.

Ending – NMB48 – Virginity

Biggest waste of time. (a.k.a. most insignificant news item)

Most disappointing and welcome future endeavors and why.

Look into your crystal ball and predict what will happen in 2013

Next likely future endeavor?
Breakout artist or group?
Will the Japanese idol boom continue?
Will the Hallyu wave continue to churn out failures & 1 hit wonders? Or will 2013 be the year Hallyu gets its street cred?

Festivus Airing of Grievances

Just start giving everyone and everything shit so you can start the new year with a clean slate. There will be no virtual feats of strength to end the holiday.

Ending – AKB48 – UZA 

Introduction

Introduce yourself & pimp what you feel needs to whored the to the people.

Your life in 2012

How has your 2012 been?
Was it good, bad or just meh?
Anything exciting happen in your life this year that you want to share?
Have you kept most of your 2012 resolutions? What do you resolve to do in 2013?

2012 Best/Worst

Quick response type answers
Feel free to mock other people’s choices

General J-Pop

Best single
Best album
Worst single
Worst album
Favorite artist
Artist or group who sucked wookie

K-Pop

Best single
Best album
Worst single
Worst album
Favorite artist
Artist or group who sucked wookie

Hello! Project

Best single
Best album
Worst single
Worst album
Favorite artist
Artist or group who sucked wookie

AKS

Best single

Ending – Not Yet – Suika Baby

Your initial reaction? Do you care?
Admit it, you got trolled by the title of Morning Musume’s spring concert and thought Sayumi was getting the boot.

Does Tanaka’s departure signal the death knell for the remaining remnants of past Musume?
Was this graduation long overdue?
Will the 11th generation miracle girl Sakura Oda take all of Reina’s lines?
Or will this be the rise of Sayashi Riho as lead vocal bitch?
How long do you think Sayu will last before she gets retired?

Is Nakano Sun Plaza the right place for Tanaka to graduate? Should she be sent out to pasture in a bigger venue? Or is Momusu’s general popularity so low that it’s the best that H!P and UFP cut their losses at a smaller venue?

When does “The Chosen One” a.k.a. “The Second Coming of Jesus” Miyamoto Karin get inserted into Momusu?

What do you think about Tanaka’s band?
Where the hell is the drummer?
Does anyone know who the bass player and lead guitar are?
What kind of music do you think they will play?
What would you name the band?

Ending: Tanaka Reina – Kira Kira Fuyu no Shiny G

The Topics

What’s Up With You?:

Catch us up on your life. For new people, tell us a bit about yourself.
America saved Big Bird and made Sesame Street safe again. Pat yourselves on the back.

Internal Review:

Submitted by idol panel member: ToZ

For those who write for or have contributed in some way to a site or podcast:

How do you choose what music you cover?
What is your approach to reviews and general coverage of music?

AKB48’s Team Shuffles:

AKB48’s team shuffle will go into effect Nov 1. With the discontinuation of Team 4, AKB48 is back to 3 teams: Team A, K, and B.

Is there hope for the mythical beast known as “new stages” or are the new teams just going to be singing the same old stuff for eternity?

Are there going to be songs that will not be the same because of the shuffle? (Team B Oshi comes to mind.)

Which of the former Team 4 girls do you think will break out with their promotion into the big 3?

SNH48:

AKB48’s overseas sister group SNH48 (based in Shanghai, China) revealed that 26 girls have passed the first generation audition.

It is stated that the goal is to make this group a nationwide phenomenon much like their Japanese counterparts. Is that possible given your knowledge of Chinese music or Japanese influenced music outside of Japan.

What do you think of the rumors that SNH’s management want zero Japanese involvement with this offshoot of the 48 family.

If the above statement is true, where does this leave those transferred from Japan?

Is it even a good idea to shun involvement from any Japanese part of AKS?

Idol video games:

Submitted by panel member Mandy

What do you think of them?

What or is the future of this sub genre of games?

Would stuff like this ever go mainstream outside of Japan. Like if you could play the Miley Cyrus let’s get high & show my hoo ha game or something like that.

0048 fam has a game, MM had a game. Who is the next idol/idol group to get a game?

Ending: NMB48 – Junjou U-19

The Topics

Idol career changes

Submitted by panel member Tenkei:

@hibachifinal tabloid reports Goto Maki accepting large sum of money to do 2 AV. no credible reports yet, though.

• Do you hope it’s true?
  • How many of you pervs (other than me) are going to watch this? Be honest.
  • If true, how does this affect Goto’s standing as a musical artist? Will she get the Rina Nakanishi treatment?
  • Can she ever come back to music in the same capacity before her hiatus if she does AV? After all her AVEX stuff was pretty decent & she was rebranding herself as a more serious artist
  • Would it be a downgrade if she were to be on the same level of Ebisu Muscats?
  • Will the sales of Tengas and lube increase if this turns out to be real?
• Or is this false hope for the many who are praying to the AV gods to throw them a bone(r)?

Idol careers cut short

Recently there have been a rash of departures of idols due to injury, educational pursuits or just because.. This has been most prevalent in the 48 family as of late. Of course this is not just limited to them as many idol groups in the past have had to deal with membership losses of this nature.

• Yagami Kumi throws in the towel. God is angry with idol fans for some reason. Express your emo over this unfortunate occurrence.
• Do you think that idols are being worked like rented mules or is injury an accepted risk of the job?
  • Are idols expected to be like pro athletes during playoff time and perform hurt for the good of the fans?
  • Would you rather have someone who is hurt sit out or give it their all at the risk of further physical damage?
• Is the “pursuit of studies” becoming an easy out for those who can’t handle the idol life and school or are just not good enough to advance in their respective groups?
  • Can it also be used as excuse to get away from discontent generated from change? (i.e. Ogawa & Yuuka leaving S/Mileage after 2nd Gen was finalized.)
• Does the stress of being an idol play into possible injury or failing grades due to fatigue?
• What advice would you give to those who are not good at multi-tasking or handling stress?
• Who do you think is the next idol to call it quits? And for what possible reason would they leave?
• If you were an idol/idol hopeful do you believe you would have the testicular/ovarian fortitude to survive the trials of the industry?

Image Analysis

Submitted by panel member Allen

• Who needs a sandwich?
• Who needs their sandwich taken away?

Products mentioned in this episode

Tenga
Tengirls
Tenga on Wikipedia

You decide. Maki’s assets, real or not?

Tito Rommel thinks there is too much sand in this picture

Ending: Weird Al Yankovich – Fat