NMB48: Hanno no Taiikukai w/ Yamamoto Sayaka – Come on baby and do the twist

This appearance was so adorable! Maybe because the gymnast, Shirai Kenzou, had the best reactions, and he’s no slouch either. I heard Gold Medals are hard to win. The only one I have is flour that I use to make baked goods.

There he is! Confessing his love!

Last year, I think he got medal at some big event (maybe Worlds) and the coach was trolling him to confess his love for his favorite idol, which happens to be Yamamoto Sayaka. This year, they decided to prank him by having Sayaka surprise him.

This dude even has a move named after him. At 17.

Explaining the infiltration plans.

Sayaka dresses up as this stuffed animal, and Shirai will do his patented twist flip and introduce the special show. Little does he know that his beloved idol is trolling him in the costume.

First she has to get through the door.

Secret hug that he will treasure for the rest of his life.

Then boom, here comes the surprise.

Wait just kidding, just trolling.

SURPRISE!

The reactions between the two were so adorable. It was like a real life J-Drama, as both of our protagonists were blushing at each other while telling each other how awesome they were. Sayaka even brought a surprise for him.

Doing work in the kitchen

Handmade donuts. I bet if she sold them on Yahoo Auctions she would make thousands of dollars.

Shirai is ecstatic and follows up perfectly to all of Sayaka’s comments. For example, Sayaka tried to twist the donuts four times, since the move that Shirai is known for is a quad-twist. As you can tell by the picture, it didn’t come out that way. Shirai just casually says “It’s okay. There are two twists in each donut, so 2+2 = 4 for the quad twist.

This kid is smooth!

I uh… regret taking this picture.

And here comes an incoming side rant:

It’s weird, I used to be a huge Sayaka fan. In fact, I won my trip to the election based on my message to her on Google+. But I have to admit, when you get really popular, and you earn the attention of all the fans, you do have to feel left out. It’s not like I’m trying to be hipster or anything, like “Oh, I liked her before she was popular,” but there’s only so many people you can really pay attention to in life that you can’t expect to get the same treatment you did before.

I still am a fan, but she seems to be walking the path of so many other girls that exploded in popularity… or with AKB, when the whole group exploded in popularity, that I just respect them more as celebrities and less as “idols you can meet.” They may not have graduated from the group, but they have in my mind, and now I put her on a level where I put all the other Japanese celebrities I like, like Ueto Aya and Ishihara Satomi.

One thing I really don’t want to do is identify myself as “that” fan, like when you go to a handshake and you do something silly in hopes of being remembered, like have a goofy haircut or dress up in a ridiculous outfit. You see things like this and it makes me feel good knowing that she has such a well-respected fan.

This probably explains why BII became my favorite team. They’re talented and underappreciated, and it makes me feel good knowing that I’m one who does appreciate them, that I can make a difference, that I won’t be some random guy that wears a silly hat but because they aren’t popular, they can build up a more robust fan relationship.

Ah, but who am I kidding… I haven’t even been to a handshake event yet. Just waiting for my one time where I buy like 20 tickets and go all out for my trip. =)

 

NMB48: Yamamoto Sayaka Blog Translation + comments

Thought this blog entry was interesting so I thought I’d translate it.

 

Original Post: http://ameblo.jp/nmb48/entry-11359501642.html

2012-09-20 13:28:57

Title: Yamamoto Sayaka

Konbanwansokobansoukou!

This is Yamamoto Sayaka (^人^)

The other day was the Janken tournament

I went as a commentator
and watched the matches

It was very impressive
And I couldn’t stop getting goosebumps

Unfortunately, no one from NMB made the Senbatsu

From their clothes to their competition, everyone was able to show who they were

I think it was a great chance
For many people to know what kind of person they are

Riho
Ayame
Renapyon
Natsumin
Yuipon
Milky

Good job guys!

Thanks to everyone who came and supported us

And to everyone that made senbatsu
Congratulations 

If there is one next year
I honestly want to make it into the 3rd round o(T□T)o

And then, before the tournament I also participated in the debut of…

AKB48’s 28th single, “UZA”

Compared to all the songs before, it is the best as a dance number
And it’s a really cool song (*゜Q゜*)

So please, pay attention to the dance

Continuing on, yesterday, September 19th was Milky’s birthday!

Yesterday we had a shoot together so
I was able to directly greet her

For our cellphone picture we have this

In terms of work and stuff
There is nobody else who I’ve spent such a long time with

On the other hand I think we both mutually spend time with different members.

Lately, this person has become too cute, right? ←

Well, she was cute from the start.

But now it’s even more of her specialty.

However, I haven’t been fished! (lol)

People have sometimes said to me,

“I thought you don’t get along very well with Milky?”

But that is totally not the case＼(◎o◎)／

Sure, we’ve bickered at times←

However!

When I’ve clashed with Milky, we never hold it against each other or think about it in the future.
On the contrary, I think we have a quarreling-type relationship.

After work, we often eat together.
The other day, we went together to the stone sauna.

Milky is also a suberi joker (joke-bombing), but
Sometimes totally funny as if she’s the descendant of the God of Laughter
Milky’s positive outlook has saved me countless times
She is someone who is special to have around

Happy birthday!

P.S. Today I can do whatever I want
So I will go to the beauty parlor today

So I dunno, maybe it’s just me but I find her honesty refreshing. It’s very cool that we kinda got a look at their private relationship and that she address the rumor that they didn’t get along very well. And yes, she did admit that she argued quite a bit with Milky but it’s also cool of her and of Milky to just drop it in the future.

It might be because I argue a lot with friends but I never take it personally and expect them not to take it personally either, but they do and then they start talking shit behind my back and it just gets worse while I’m sitting there twiddling my thumbs and thinking everything was all gravy.

Damn.

I guess I need to find my Milky or Sayaka.

Anyway, I’ve always liked these smart and interesting posts by Sayaka. It’s just too bad they usually come in the wake of something serious, like a scandal or an announcement or something.

NMB48: I hope I’m not being stalked.

So, in my post praising Yamamoto Sayaka I wrote about how awesome it would be to see her perform her solo song, Jungle Gym, fully voiced, live playing the guitar. I always assumed it was little more than a pipe dream. Live voice and live instruments are an extreme rarity for 48 groups and I never really believed it would happen.

Well.

Someone out there made me eat my words (or thoughts, I guess).

NMB48: Sayaka’s Response to Hara’s Graduation

Hara Mizuki announced her graduation yesterday. “Who is she?” I asked. It turns out she was a 1st gen who was stuck in research student status and hardly ever appeared.

The actual G+ post by Hara Mizuki is pretty sad. I’ll get to that later. But here’s an amazing response by Yamamoto Sayaka that offers insight into both Mizuki’s character as well as Sayaka’s.

You probably can’t help but think, “As someone who has been pushed for from the beginning, you can’t possibly be persuasive.”

Sure, from the beginning when I entered NMB, I was captain and received the spotlight.

But that’s how it went with NMB.

I also have a past.

I don’t want to leave without saying anything, so I just want to say a little here.

Before I was in NMB I was doing activities as a band.

We hit the road as performed live, and sold CDs and things like that.

Even though we performed concerts there were days when we had only 2 fans in the audience.

Finally, the recording company said, “Write 10 songs in a week and come back. If you can’t do it, we can’t use you guys.”

And that was the end of us.

I was a middle school student and I hit an enormous wall on the way to my dream.

“Even then, even then, I want to sing, I want to perform music.”
With this determination I am able to be here today.

I feel like the many years before, the things that pile up, little by little, they will come to fruition.

I feel that Mizuki, Aapon and Arii, have the same opinion.

But if they’re not here, it’s stressful.

Working hard to be an undergirl is just one duty, but I also saw the care they gave to the younger members.

That’s why there’s no need to not be thankful towards Mizuki, Aapon, and Arii.

We might say strict things, but there are real thankful feelings from the team members towards the kenkyuusei.

I might not be able to persuade them.

But, I want them to understand.

I’m sorry that this was so long.

With what I’ve been reading in Complete Book, with the scandals and a lot of the revelations in G+, NMB48 isn’t the rosy picture that idol world is often painted to be. I really like being their fan because I like how they’ve dealt with all the struggles (for the most part, the Kaito stuff is still a mess). Still, they’re very real people who struggle to find what they need to accomplish.

And while idols are idols, it also reflects on me. I never pegged myself as the fan who just goes “Yay boobs and young girls” but more like a person that is struggling to find his own identity in this world and looking for answers through media and entertainment.

The story of Hara Mizuki is a very painful one and one that I’ll reflect on later, so please look forward to it.

NMB48: Yamamoto Sayaka Google+ Questionnaire part 5

I’ve been nursing a headache the last few days so I haven’t had time to get to anything lately… here’s a quick translation.

★Favorite hair style?
→You mean my own? For me I like something like a half up style♪
For a guy, it’s pretty standard but I like a short haircut. ╰(´︶`)╯

★I’m bad at speaking… but, if I went to a handshake event, is it bothersome?
→Of course not! I’m happy that you’re thinking about going. (^^)

★I’m a native of Kagawa, so when you hear Kagawa what do you think of?
→Rena-pyon! Sorry (lol)

★Sayaka-chan, what do you think of Milky?
→A good friend and a rival(^-^)

★I feel like Akimoto Sayaka is fitting for the nickname “Sayanee.” What do you think?
→In terms of age it sounds pretty accurate (lol) I’ll leave my new nickname do you guys (^o^)/

★Is there a situation where you want to go on a trip to perform?
→Situation? Do you mean location? ><
If it’s location, I’d like to go to Hokkaido!

★You’re given a week for vacation. How would you spend it?
→A family trip! Being engrossed in my hobbies!

★Are you interested in cars or motorcycles? Do you want to get your license?
→My dad likes it so I’m interested and so I want to get my license!

★Favorite hotpot?
→Kimchee♡

★Your own favorite hairstyle that you’ve had before?
→Hmmm? The hairstyle from my Oh My God!↑↑

★Your favorite foreign artists?
→Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, Janet Jackson, etc. etc.

★When you fail at work, how do you clear your head?
→I feel down for the longest time><

Then I listen to music to calm me down, and I relax!

★When you filmed the Google+ Senbatsu, did you talk with the music club leader Yui?
→We talked a bit but we didn’t decide on anything><

★Are you interested in becoming an actress? If you are, what kind of character would you want to play?
→I’m interested☆

I would seem like the type to play the mysterious, lonely person in school. (lol)

★Your rival?
→My ultimate rival, in the end, is myself.

★I’m a Ripopo-oshi, is she really a nice girl?
→She’s a good gal (lol)
She’s the type that you’d want to hang out with if you just bumped into her by chance(^。^)y-~

★Your best friend in NMB?
→It’s hard to say “best”(>_<)
But, Yuppi, Kishino, Riho, and Maachun, are really good at making me laugh and it’s fun to be with them (lol)

★After Team N’s original stage becomes a reality, what’s your next goal?
→Appear on Music Station a lot!

★How good is your eyesight? Can you see the last row in the theater?
→My eyesight is 0.75, so I wear contact lens. That’s how I can see the last row(ﾉ*´з｀)ﾉ

★Can you tell me what your hopes and goals are for the music club?
→I would like to perform a live concert(๑´`๑)♡

 

NMB48: Yamamoto Sayaka Google+ Questionnaire parts 3 and 4

★What songs do you like from Bump of Chicken?
→I don’t know that much about them, but I like Sharin no Uta, Karuma, K, etc.♪

★Would you want Miyazawa Sae to be either your older brother or older sister?
→Older sister! That kind of older sister is so cool!

★What shampoo do you use?
→When I’m staying over night somewhere I use Pantene. At home I use something from the beauty salon☆

★If you were a guy for a day, what would you do?
→I would excel in a high school PE festival!

★What sports do you like?
→I like all of them, but if you’re talking about what I like to play, it’s basketball^^

★Your favorite character?
→It’s not from a manga, but mine is Sentimental Circus! I was attracted to it immediately (blush)

★Are you good friends with anyone from SKE?
→I don’t know if I can say we’re good friends but I talk to Masana and Churi often(ﾟｰﾟ)

★In a word how would you describe Gifu?
→Gifu castle(lol)

★What are some good places to eat in Namba?
→Places like 551, Wanaka, there’s a lot♡

★In a word, what do you think NMB is lacking?
→Probably something like a sense of conviction.

★What instrument do you want to play in the Music Club?
→Guitar. If there is a chance I’d like to play the bass and drums.

★Of the 48 groups, your favorite song?
→Yuuhi wo miteiru ka?, Boku ni dekirukoto, etc. etc. There’s a lot ><

★What do you think of the fans?
→They are my number one motivator. Also, it might be cliched to say this but they’re also family.

★I can’t play the F chord on the guitar.
→Me too, that’s my number one barrier, playing the F chord. Let’s keep practicing and working on it! (lol)

★What are some things that you like being said to you at handshake events?
→Your clothes suit you, your clothes are cute, you’re funny, I like your voice, etc. etc.

★What do you think of Nogizaka 46?
→They’re rivals. Like a cute transfer student…

★Can you play the lead guitar perfectly in “Kimi no koto ga suki dakara?
→I can’t ><  I haven’t played it yet (sweat)

★Can you tell me the age of your family and who is in it?
→Dad 48, Mother 42, Older brother 23, Older sister 22, Older brother 20, Me at 18. A 6 person family♪

★Do you like soccer?
→I like it a little, but I don’t understand J League… orz

★The thing in this world that you are horrible at dealing with?
→Headaches.

★From your older groups, what’s something that makes you think “Wow?”
→When I first met everyone, I was really overwhelmed. Takamina, Oshima, Akimoto, their performances and other things made me really feel that way.

★For a shortcake do you eat the strawberry last or first?
→If I eat it first, then I struggle with the spot where the strawberry is.

★If you could change to AKB, would you? Or would you refuse?
→That’s pretty extreme… I don’t know.

★Do you dream of being an actress? A solo artist? Or forever NMB?
→As the captain, I should be the last to quit NMB. After that I would like to be a singer/songwriter!

★What are you really into lately?
→Guitar♪、w-inds.

★Members from AKB who you talk the most with?
→Miyazawa, Captain Yokoyama.

★What are you aiming for in this year’s election?
→I’m aiming for senbatsu. I’ve been selected last year and this year to be in senbatsu, and to do a lot of work together, so for the people that have been cheering for me, I want to show them results.

 

https://plus.google.com/101423472932208115437/posts/6vNVXS484aE

https://plus.google.com/101423472932208115437/posts/8Ji1To9cQAR

 

Ha, now I can really call her a baller!

It’s kinda creepy to ask her about her family… but I remember Maachun saying her sister looks like Kitagawa Keiko, and hey, they have no Renai Kinshi rule…

NMB48: Yamamoto Sayaka Google+ Questionnaire part 2

The second in the series:

★Are you familiar with L’Arc~en~Ciel?
→Of course(^-^)
I have the same model of guitar that Ken has at my house☆

★Do you think Yukirin’s Banana Mayonnaise Bread is any good?
→I think it’s a bit creepy but I’d try it ><

★Your favorite song of Yui?
→I can’t choose><
Why me, I wanna be,
I like those!

★If there is a Milky Kiss, is there a Sayakiss?
→Hm…( ´°ω°`)

★If there was a subunit of NMB, would you want to be in it?
→I want to join! Hopefully an artistic unit, lol.

★What show do you want NMB to appear in?
→Music Station. It’s one of my goals.

★In terms of work, where do you think you need to grow?
→Being positive!

★Your first impression of Akimoto Sayaka, and your impression after talking to her.
→I thought much of her, and it hasn’t changed much. She looks great and is funny!

★Who would you scout for the drums in the Music Club?
→Jounishi Kei!!!

★What’s your recommendation for a guitar?
→There’s a lot. I think a Les Paul is hard to manage, so if you can use it, girls (including me) will think you look cool^^

★Are you happy if a person with no oshimen comes to your handshake lane?
→Of course! Above all, if you like me, I’m pleased to have you.

★Your recommended spot in Osaka?
→Osaka Castle.

★Recommendation for a guitar for beginners?
→My first guitar was a Fender Stratocaster. I think it’s easy to play.

★What are the good features of someone from Osaka?
→They’re passionate and have good jokes(๑´`๑)♡

★What do you think of Keiichi?
→She has stuff that other members don’t have. When I’m with her I feel calm.

NMB48: Yamamoto Sayaka Google+ Questionnaire

Continuing from this series, today we have Sayanee!

source: https://plus.google.com/101423472932208115437/posts/J84LNuFEK7a

★Between Chidori Nobu and Daigo, which one do you like more?
→I can’t choose.

★When did you become good friends with Miyazawa Sae?
→During the filming of the MV for Ebikachuu.

★Teach me the secret to becoming good at guitar!
→I’m also not that good, but, I do things like use a metronome and practice fingering the guitar.

★If you performed Ame no Doubutsuen, which animal would you be?
→The Lion! Because when Shiori does it, it’s too cute (lol)

★As Sayaka, what do you think of Milky?
→She has a lot of things that I don’t have. There are many times when I am envious of her.

★What kind of Curry do you like?
→Moderately Spicy╰(´︶`)╯♡

★The instrument that it seems like you can play, except for the guitar?
→When you say “can play,” I’ve always wanted to play the violin!

★Your top 5 guitarists?
→I don’t really know much about guitarists but I really look up to Yoshiyukii Yatsuhashi☆

★I thought Doryoku no Shizuku’s guitar sounded really cool, have you thought about playing it?
→It’s cool, isn’t it! I want to try playing it ＼(^-^)／

★Do you have wonderful dreams about AGO?
→Of course(・∀・) (T/N: I don’t understand this question)

★Do you like Kinoko no Yama or Take no kono Ri better? (T/N: Snack foods)
→Take no kono Ri!!

★Your ultimate goal in the entertainment world?
→Singer/Songwriter. I’ve always wanted to be involved with music♪

★Of the movies you’ve seen up until now, what’s the most moving one?
→There’s a lot. I like things like Shinkai Makoto’s “Kumo no Mukou Yakusoku no Basho.”

★I like Sayaka a lot but, it is it okay to say I’ll always like you?
→Of course☆
In return, promise that you’ll say it to me(lol)

★What do you like to do with Maachun?
→I like to read manga and watch anime together with her. (lol)

I wonder who that guy is that asked if it’s okay to say “I like you.” That’s kinda creepy, lol.

Is Yamamoto Sayaka Perfect?

Must be tired from being so flawless.

I’ve been watching “live” performances of Junjou U-19 (I say “live” because it’s still not live voiced) and it just me hit on how amazing and flawless Sayanee is as an entertainer. It’s barely been a year and the way she conducts herself on stage is like she’s been doing it for years. She has an amazing aura, if you’re Japanese. Or if you’re Greek, ethos. Or if you’re American, presence.

If you're not an adult yet, you fooled me. Amazing maturity level.

Now, I’m not one for the oshimen stuff. I think real life kataomoi (or as the “cool” PUA community would refer to it as, “one-itis”) is nothing but self-torture, so I feel like applying it to celebrities is even worse. However, if I were teleported to a fantasy universe where I am forced by a religious cult to confess my oshimen or die by eating delicious irresistible pudding from which there is no escape, Sayanee would be my choice.

Aside from her on-stage performance, she’s no slouch in the humor department. The running gag of castle mimicry, as well as her show on the radio, playing tsukkomi to Milky, her random boke, she can do that as well. Like check this out. Not only does she jack Maachun’s style, she also says she wants to aim for 3rd place next year after being 2nd place.

She proved on Star Hime that she can dance really well–excellent body control, very sharp movement.

Musically, she can play the guitar. Questions about her voice? How about that solo of hers on Junjou U-19, Jungle Gym? Amazing quality, and the thought of her playing acoustic guitar on stage and live singing it during Request Hour gives me chills. In an interview she envisions herself as a singer/songwriter in the future.

I’m not even speaking in terms of idols… as an entertainer in general I think she’s a once-in-a-lifetime talent with no flaws. Sometimes I feel like NMB is actually bringing her down and holding her talent back; instead of making her strengths blossom there’s all this virtual date garbage and gravure shoots. While she’s certainly quite the looker, I’d rather see her develop her skills on stage.

She’s got a humble attitude, but whenever she does any physical challenges she seems unwavering and completes it easily. I’m reminded of the time they had a beach BBQ on Docking and her team won every event. How can you compete against that? Plus she’s a history nerd and on those shows where they take tests she routinely finishes among the top.

She caught 3 water balloons. The gloves had tiny spikes in them. And look how dry she is.

I don’t want to take anything away from the other NMB members, as I prefer to talk about their strengths than their weaknesses and a lot of them have very positive and fun things about them (just look at me gush about Kishino on my post about Ahoyanen! Sukiyanen!). But when I see Sayanee, quite frankly, I don’t see any weaknesses.

She’s an amazing talent and I think she has unlimited potential. I can’t wait to see what comes next.