Japan’s Idols Hit Hard By The Flu

It seems from reports coming out of Japan that a lot of Japan’s music idols have been hit hard by the flu. It’s not swine flu they’ve been infected but just ordinary seasonal flu. The hardest hit of them all is Berryz Koubou. Two thirds of the group is out: Momo came down first followed by Miyabi, Maasa, Risako and Saki. I’m sure the other two will get the flu sooner or later.

AKB48 is another idol group that has a couple of members down namely Mayu Watanabe and Reina Fujie. Expect some more names to have been taken ill over the coming week.

And now C-ute has been targeted too with Saki laid out with the flu.

What are the chances that somebody from Morning Musume will catch the flu this week?

Berryz Koubou – Rival PV

The PV to Rival – the 2nd song in Berryz’ double A-side single is now out. Enjoy.

Berryz Koubou – Seishun Bus Guide PV

Below is the PV to Berryz Koubou’s 20th single Seishun Bus Guide which will be released on 23rd June 2009. Quite a nice song, I like it and the costumes they wear.

Berryz’ Chinami Collapses On Stage

Nobody likes to hear distressing news about an idol but it seems that Berryz Koubou member Chinami Tokunaga collapsed on stage during their concert on Sunday night. It appears that she’s OK now. Her friend and colleague Momoko reassured the crowd at the concert that Chinami got a little bit too enthusiastic and used too much energy but she’ll be fine which is good to hear.

It surprises me that this hasn’t happened before as many idols including those in H!P have to endure a hard and punishing schedule which saps a lot of energy out of them. All I can say is I hope Chinami takes some time off to recharge her batteries and that management in H!P review these girls’ workload and give them a break every now and then.

Huge News – Morning Musume To Perform In The US!

This has come out of the blue but Morning Musume are coming to the US to perform at an anime and manga convention this coming Summer. Yes, you’ve read it right – they’ll be coming over to the Anime Expo event which is being held on July 2 – 5 in Anaheim, California.

This is going to start a ticket frenzy amongst fans who have been hoping and praying that one day H!P’s flagship group would come over to the US and now their dreams have come true. Some fans are going to be disappointed such will be the demand but I wouldn’t worry too much. The event will be such a success there’s no doubt that Morning Musume will come back again to the US and I reckon Berryz and C-ute will soon be following them. Now that they’re heading to the US, isn’t it time they look towards Europe and plan a concert there but maybe that’s on the cards.

Good luck to everyone hoping to grab a ticket!

Morning Musume

Berryz Koubou – Dakishimete Dakishimete PV

The PV for Berryz Koubou’s 19th single Dakishimete Dakishimete has just been released. First impression is what a brilliant upbeat dance song it is and the PV looks pretty good too. Love the clothes and hairstyles they’ve given the girls. Is this a sign of more mature songs to come from Berryz?

The single comes out in the shops on the 11th March.