i think she’s being quite logical here. :) it’s good to look forward and see what will we able to achieve… something further after much thinking rather than taking a step at a time.

I understand her worries but I wish she wouldn’t be so negative & have more faith in the group. Such questions have probably popped in the head of every person working in the entertainment world and truthfully, cutesy idol groups can’t be #1 forever. But AKB48 is a group that really proved their stuff and brought back the rage of idol groups. I’ll choose to believe in them, & that their current fame would last for years to come.

LOL! sasshi~ yeah, she is saying the facts, they need specialty in order to survive in the entertainment world~ yes, akb48 will not always be so popular like now~
i’m glad that sasshi is cool with it~ aki-p didnt even say anything, why is the audiences complaining? lol~

Sorta natural for fans to overreact.

For AKB48: Carry on what you do best now, whilst the future awaits.

Reasonable, no entertainer can maintain their fame forever. However, i will support AKB48 and sashi :)

Whoa. SashiRi sure slipped this time, huh? I’ll give her props for actually saying what’s on her mind – whether or not it’ll ruin her/AKB48’s image. But this could mean other things, too, you know. A reverse-psychology might be at work here.

Looks like Sasshi still doesn’t have enough self-confidence.. That’s the only thing that’s holding her back from becoming a true front girl.. Even during her performances, her face always shows that she’s not too sure of what she is doing..

From an idol perspective, she probably slipped up.

From a rational perspective, she’s probably right.

Maybe not two years, but I remember when MM fans thought they were invincible as well.

That said, for now they seem untouchable.

Though it will be interesting to see who will step up as the next big things once the most popular girls start to get older.

its not like aki-p will react publicly. he won’t bring an overly pushed girl down with that slipped up alone, though i won’t be surprised if she was scolded privately.

what she said is probably true but not proper for her to say on air.

Yup, been there :P

Well, Momus is hardly on top of the food chain anymore. AKB48 will also decline eventually, unlimited growth is impossible. They will continue to be a staple for many years. I mean, as said Momus has declined, but they’re still there, they are still successful, just nowhere how it used to be anymore, but that’s normal.

I’m expecting a decline for AKB48 not within the next 5 years. Problems will arise once Acchan, Yuko, Miichan, Haruchan, Minachan, Mariko, Tomomi, etc will graduate. Cause those are THE big sellers. Once the most popular members drop out because they’re getting too old, or because they want to follow their own path, then the decline will slowly start. But who knows, they might find some good replacement.

Sasshii’s always had low self esteem for some reason.. i.e .I think she’s pretty as heck but she seems to think she is ugly o_o

Its not a surprise to me she thinks this way. hey at least she’s honest..

I think what she said was right, nothing lasts forever but she may have been too honest here.

Hmm. Makes sense to me in some ways. Doesn’t matter whether you’re an idol group, a solo performer etc., but there will come a time when your popularity will dwindle. Does that mean that the person’s career is over? No. He, she or they will still continue to churn out hits, but probably won’t be on the same level as they were in during their time. Namie Amuro comes across as one example. At one stage in her career, she was THE star, selling records, setting fashion trends and more. Then came Ayumi Hamasaki who did the same thing. Kumi Koda is another one that has established herself as a major force in the industry. Though Ayu is still maintaining her popularity, Namie isn’t as huge as before, but she’s still churning out great hits and still has a loyal fan base of her own.

In AKB48’s case, their time is now. They’re making waves everywhere they go, their popularity is at an all time high, fans both devoted and casual are taking notice of them even more, but how long will this last? It’s the same with other groups like SPEED and Morning Musume. They were huge back then, but even if they’re not huge now, they’re still around doing their thing and also continue to have that loyal fan base (and probably get new fans in the process) up till now.

Nobody will last on top forever, but just because that artiste or group isn’t on top any longer doesn’t mean they should call it quits immediately. At the end of the day, it’s up to their marketing and PR to help them stay on top and if all else fails, they’ll have to try a different method if they’re willing to take risks for the sake of maintaining their popularity.

Hope this makes some sense at the very least.

Not the best thing to say as an idol but it makes total sense.
Akb’s popularity will probably plummet when the senbatsu eventually graduates :(

All we can do is support them now :)

An accurate statement (depending on, as mentioned by others, HOW remedies to Senbatsu graduations are handled by the company) but from a PR standpoint, not good b/c it’s like “raining on the parade” of fans everywhere.

Sashiko is very talented, truly one o’ my faves but yeah, someone had to have pulled her aside and schooled her on the ins-n-outs of PR. I’m sure It was stated matter-of-factly and w/out ill-will but those are statements that “Wota” would make (lol), and that Sasshii shouldn’t especially at this vital a time for the group. But I’ll always love Rino~ :)

I read Sashi’s blog daily, she seems at her lowest point of her self esteem lately, and been very negative towards everything, especially her self. Her statement, though very logic, but it’s not her.

Sashi is known to be the biggest wota in AKB48, she loves and worship idol more than any members. If there’s someone who think that idol is immortal, it must be her. She’s just overthingking things because she felt that she’s not good enough.

Have a confidence in your self Sashi, you’re an idol. Especially when your senpai support you ..

From Acchan’s blog (Thanks to the translator)
P.S. Sashihara has thought about it a lot! Like way too much. For those that write it out for me, despite being happy, rather ….. I love you! ♥ ^^

From Sashihara’s blog (Thanks to the translator)
Sashihara is fine as Sashihara, right? I don’t have to overthink things, right? If I have any bad points, please tell me.
P.S. I’m so moved at the kindness on Maeda-san’s blog…I love you!!!!! too.

So everything will be all right, this is just one stage of her life, aahhh .. another AKB drama .. :)

Sasshi is right. One day AKB48 popularity will fade. Someone will overtake them in future just like how they overtake others idol group. Popular member like Acchan, Yuko, Takamina and other senbatsu will graduate to follow their own path. Acchan want to be an actress. Takamina maybe will debut as solo. As long as their popularity dont drop too fast then it is fine. If they can survive their early years with only 20k for each single till Oogoe Diamond i dont see why in future they cant. I will support them as long i’m still alive.

I hope fans dont hate her. She is just talking the truth and being realistic.

Aachan!! <3

i agree that maybe aki-p scolded or talk to her privately about this matter…but is just that i dont understand why its not proper to say on air & why aki-p would scold her for something like this?
she is just stating facts about all artists in the entertainment world are going to face, isnt it normal? …or its just me…. lol~ :)

Unless you are an act like The Beatles or The Rolling Stones…eventually your immediate popularity will wane. It’s not a death sentence, or anything, it’s just a fact of life. Her talents will continue to serve her (and the rest of the group members, as well) if she continues to serve them…

I think what she said was true, she’s looking at reality. I hope the fans will not hate her, I still like Sasshi and her ways X). It’s sad if she would be stopped from going on shows for being honest. I will continue to support Sasshi and AKB48 until whenever

Having a realistic approach in life humbles the persons expectation and probably protects them from having after shocks and disappointments so i think its good of her for thinking like that caz i sorta expected the same but they already established themselves so we’ll just see how much this will turn out n as hikki once sang ”time will tell” =]

I think it’s more like… if you state realistic thoughts (especially like that) it’s like ruining the hopes of the fans. Like hm… if you work in a restaurant and you serve someone their food and say “Well I kinda dropped this on the floor before I got here besides who knows what kinda stuff happened to this even before this got here! But boss says to serve it anyway~” Well.. you pretty much ruined their appetite ^^;;; Well maybe not the best example but yeah sometimes… you can’t ruin dreams of people by stating realistic thoughts because it will stir something up inside the people who hears it… and maybe she could have worded it in a way it wasn’t so negative too

Culture changes, popular music tastes change and she is only stating the obvious while others are simply in denial.

Hmm~ in my opinion AKB time will come to an end soon. After all it’s only the cycle of life. MM popularity went down and AKB rise, and soon another group will replace AKB. But i personally don’t think it will die in 2 yrs…maybe around 4 to 5 yrs since that’s when most of the popular girls will turn 25 and probably graduate. Then AKB will hit a decline. But honestly i like how Sashi is being very realistic about this.

…and with Namie if it wasn’t for her pregnancy and the unfortunate untimely death of her mother she may have still been bigger now or a bit longer anyway (some say Ayu snatched her crown’ I don’t see it as that *sighs*) But yeah I agree with you though. So many singers out there who were BIG and they still are… and still have so much respect from their fans but time does go by… stuff do change…

Well MM had there golden era for about more than 5 years starting from 1997
but i think mm’s popularity wont die that fast due to the fact They keep changing members and Having graduations , not unless they choose bad members tht make there Fanbase lower to hell ._.

I admit that it was a bit fierce of her to state that on tv.. but I don’t think she’s wrong when she said: ”
the group can’t rely on their popluarity so much because it won’t last forever… they should learn a specialty (skill) that will help them survive in the entertainment world.”

Many AKB48 members are relying on the group’s popularity and some of the members skills. I think that skill is very important, cause people tend to search for role models who are not only pretty but talented as well.

what @6th-cd21a28db499138a937e04873df0443a:disqus said. I don’t think they (the AKB era) would die out faster than Momusu’s. It will end at a certain point, when some younger fresh-faces take over as the next top idol group but that’s life. Besides, I think Aki-p is a heck lot better when it comes to managing their girls than Tsunku.

what @6th-cd21a28db499138a937e04873df0443a:disqus said. I don’t think they (the AKB era) would die out faster than Momusu’s. It will end at a certain point, when some younger fresh-faces take over as the next top idol group but that’s life. Besides, I think Aki-p is a heck lot better when it comes to managing their girls than Tsunku.

AKB was never gonna last from the start, they r pure idol group that has very limited talents. imho MM has more talents and look how bad they r doing, its cuz idols groups never rlly lasts.

the main reason i think they will be ‘done’ as well is because they seems that they have forgotten their roots which is : ‘Idols you can meet’. they need to focus much more on performing more lives like they did before getting famous.

AKB was never gonna last from the start, they r pure idol group that has very limited talents. imho MM has more talents and look how bad they r doing, its cuz idols groups never rlly lasts.

the main reason i think they will be ‘done’ as well is because they seems that they have forgotten their roots which is : ‘Idols you can meet’. they need to focus much more on performing more lives like they did before getting famous.

Popularity will go down, it’s an unwritten law that valid in almost everywhere and everything. Unless you have the unique traits that makes people would remember you, when you’re not popular anymore, no one will ever remember you.

I think she is being very realistic about this. There are reasons why idols wouldn’t last long (with some exception, of course).

Popularity will go down, it’s an unwritten law that valid in almost everywhere and everything. Unless you have the unique traits that makes people would remember you, when you’re not popular anymore, no one will ever remember you.

I think she is being very realistic about this. There are reasons why idols wouldn’t last long (with some exception, of course).

WTH !! no clothes in japan ?

i think she a bit right… but not 2 years maybe around 5 -6 years?

Their popularity might go down in a few years time but that doesn’t mean they cannot make a comeback ^^

Their popularity might go down in a few years time but that doesn’t mean they cannot make a comeback ^^

I do believe that their popularity will drop drastically during the next two years, but I think will take still more time for them not to be thought as ‘popular’.

I remember even some Arashi members having worried in public how they’re scared of their current popularity since it went up really fast (starting from 2008) and how their popularity might go down just as fast.

I do believe that their popularity will drop drastically during the next two years, but I think will take still more time for them not to be thought as ‘popular’.

I remember even some Arashi members having worried in public how they’re scared of their current popularity since it went up really fast (starting from 2008) and how their popularity might go down just as fast.

WTH !! no brain in your head ?

WTH !! no brain in your head ?

You made a clear statement. I understand what she thinks since, I admire a lot what Akimoto-san’s achieving, but having a lot of 48 units all over Japan might get to a limit soon. I mean, AKB48 is a great idea for an idol group with an actual goal for everyday performances, but they also had the luck of chosing or having done radio friendly and catchy singles. Songs like Heavy Rotation or Beginner were more general than the typical idol songs, I can imagine those being sung but non-idol singers and, yet, they kept the essence of the idol unit in those because of the MV’s and the performances. Perhaps Akimoto will manage to have a couple or two of the sub-units going on for years without loosing popularity, but havin more 48 groups like SND, SKE, NMB or the upcoming HKT can risk the unique vibe of AKB. Although he takes care that each unit stays to its hometown image standards, it might come a time when all of this gets old and popularity drops.

What makes it harder to keep is the possibility of seeing members graduate and get replaced by new ones, but yet, graduation system has not to be a handicap if all the members keep on working hard and reaching people’s hearts like they’ve been doing till now.

But again, trends come and go, and becoming an established popular act is harder than it seems. Just hope the group can keep pulling out nice concepts and catchy songs, plus the different types of entertainment we get from their sub-units and tv appearences.

I agree with what she is saying and I think she is really smart for thinking that. But I don’t agree with her public display of her thoughts. I think it’s a bit in bad form.

I agree with what she is saying and I think she is really smart for thinking that. But I don’t agree with her public display of her thoughts. I think it’s a bit in bad form.

Where went the Sashihara Pride? Have more confidence Sasshi!!

Where went the Sashihara Pride? Have more confidence Sasshi!!

I think what she said was right, no idol group’s widespread mainstream popularity lasts forever, I think ultimately (in a few years maybe) AKB48 will be in the same position Morning Musume is in right now, and a new popular idol group will take their place.
However, if I were in her position, I would not have said that out loud. That’s one of those things that you think, but don’t say. If I were her I would just make sure to have a good exit strategy in the event that AKB has a sudden decline.

What she was is absolutely true. No idol groups stay on top forever. All popularity has an expiration date. It happened with all idol groups before them. They’ve been popular for a fair amount of time, I think what she said was smart and it’s good she’s thinking of the future. I agree, though, that it wasn’t best to say it out loud.

I also expect they’ll stay popular for about that amount of time. But just because their popularity goes down for a time doesn’t mean it can’t come back up. just remember that!

What she was is absolutely true. No idol groups stay on top forever. All popularity has an expiration date. It happened with all idol groups before them. They’ve been popular for a fair amount of time, I think what she said was smart and it’s good she’s thinking of the future. I agree, though, that it wasn’t best to say it out loud.

I also expect they’ll stay popular for about that amount of time. But just because their popularity goes down for a time doesn’t mean it can’t come back up. just remember that!

Yeah she is about right…I think she is tired of the same things. I don’t completely agree with their company always making them pose in their underwear. Its degrading and it makes people on the outside think they have no talent. They shouldn’t be allowed to do this crap to young girls. Yes KARA shakes their butts and SNSD dances highlight their legs but they have proved they have talent. AKB48’s company makes them pose in their UNDERWEAR??? For old creeps? I wish I was their manager/producer. I would let them have some sexy edge like others group but I would make them awesome.

Yep the era of AKB48/SNSD will be gone in the next one to two years (the groups will still be there, just not as popular as they are now). Not being negative, it’s just true. Every artist has their peak, this just happens to be theirs.

Can someone explain to me WHY this girl is in her underwear? As a woman i find this upsetting – to think she’s 18 years old, that is just plain wrong and she proably feels depressed by it all.

I feel the same way girl T_T Posing in your underwear at that age shouldn’t be defined as sexy -_-

Ueno, you’re killing me XD

I think SNSD will reign for about 4-5 more years

”
Yes KARA shakes their butts and SNSD dances highlight their legs but they have proved they have talent.”

AKB have tons of songs with styles that differ and show much of their vocal and singing talent. Besides their 20 + singles released, they have hundreds of theater songs.

I’m just saying this because I do not like how you implied that akb are all image and no talent.

They are asked if they want to pose and it’s their choice. As a woman I have no problem with the photo above. You shouldn’t have clicked it if something this small was going to upset you.

she is right . if the owner keeps propping up new groups they will lose popularity for sure because people won’t be able to remember and stay interested in all those AKB48 groups unless if they develop different images.

I agree with her. She is right! New groups will come and it is good that she is looking at it this way because then she will make plans for something to fall back on.

How do you know she feels all depressed over it? It’s her decision to pose half naked and she’s old enough to make her decision. What’s wrong with her in her underwear? She isn’t doing anything wrong at all. If this disturbs you then obviously this article isn’t meant for you(and note that clearly this article isn’t even talking about her being half naked).

she is being realistic…look at MM. I use to be a big MM fan so don’t hate.

She’s being realistic. An idol group’s popularity never lasts very long (There are exceptions, though). But I think that, popular or not, they’ll still be around for more than 2 years. Look at H!P, my favorite idols, they were popular like AKB in the early 2000’s, and now they’re not, but they are still going strong.

She’s an adult, goddamn. It’s almost as if you care about her or something, it’s her body, let her do what she wants with it. And I don’t know about you, but that photo is anything BUT sexy; at least that’s not the vibe I’m getting.

You’re obviously ignorant to the Japanese idol industry, dear. There is nothing degrading about a girl posing in her underwear, if she wants to express herself that way, more power to her. You simply canNOT compare these girls to kpop groups. Japan is quite liberal about this stuff, and I like it. They are more open-minded than the typical Asian country, or at least what people THINK Asian countries are like.

As a woman I would think you’ll respect her own personal choice of doing what she wants with herself & body. Models start off as young as 18 (as in fashion models) and they pose nude.. no one says anything about that (“Oh it’s artistic!” They’re still selling or advertising a theme. item or whatever.. still selling something) How about women who go into porn at the age of 18? They’re of legal age (of course mentally they’re not adults.. but not even 25year olders are all mentally adults) but if that’s what they want to do.. I really do wish people stop thinking that when someone is in underwear or nude or whatever that they were forced to do it and they’re depressed about it. Like it’s some formula. If girl pose nude—-> she is depressed. People aren’t flat 2-D characters that think one way… so we shouldn’t automatically assume she’s depressed. (I don’t even wanna get started with age because at 16 you can get tried as an adult in the States but it’s oh so wrong when a woman of 18, legal adult age in most places, can’t even pose in underwear… yet can go off and fight for their country but can’t celebrate with a drink until 21 yeah ranting >_> )

And girls younger than her are already moms.. way younger than her.. People seem to be really hung up on ‘age.’ Instead of being upset about why someone of legal age who is posing in underwear, I think people should be upset about why so many girls.. before they are teens are moms already.

At Least someone has still retained their feet in the ground…
no matter how popular their group is…

Somone who is still living realistically…
and it isn’t called Negative outlook…
it’s called a realistic view of what life is…

What she said is somehow true…
to depend solely on your career as an actress or idol…
without a solid foundation/skill to go turn back to once all
this celebrity status gone is somehow a bad choice of life…

But sad to say… this is somehow the common occurence…
Famous celebrities, sport stars who earn millions and millions on their prime]
end up being broke after not so many years…

the reason is because the depend solely in their star status..
not thinking that after a year or two… it will not be the same…

>>So it’s good reasoning, at least this girls got brains…
not like some idols who only have hot-air for brains<<

She’s being realistic ^^

oh… someone think that it’s degrading… but they don’t
mind it if they are the one doing…

besides… most people are really prejudice…
so no matter how many times you explain this and that… tit for tat…
they really won’t hear or accept or understand your opinion…

“cause they already form their own judgement even without an evidence…

…so it’s better to have talent to back up butt shaking and leg showing? Miss those days when talent alone was something you needed. But you’re taking a small aspect of what these girls do and blowing it into something that’s not really all that big. Them posing in underwear or whatever.. it’s gravure. (anyone complained about Rihanna’s outfits? People at the beach?) Gravure modeling is common in Japan and girls do it as young teens.

You do kinda contradict yourself.. or at least excuse KARA/SNSD because they have ‘talent.’ Can’t just say “it’s degrading! But yeah since SNSD/KARA have talent it’s ok though!”

For your last sentence… well no because that’s not how the group is. That’s like taking a visual kei group and dressing them in overalls & straw hats.

…so it’s better to have talent to back up butt shaking and leg showing? Miss those days when talent alone was something you needed. But you’re taking a small aspect of what these girls do and blowing it into something that’s not really all that big. Them posing in underwear or whatever.. it’s gravure. (anyone complained about Rihanna’s outfits? People at the beach?) Gravure modeling is common in Japan and girls do it as young teens.

You do kinda contradict yourself.. or at least excuse KARA/SNSD because they have ‘talent.’ Can’t just say “it’s degrading! But yeah since SNSD/KARA have talent it’s ok though!”

For your last sentence… well no because that’s not how the group is. That’s like taking a visual kei group and dressing them in overalls & straw hats.

…so it’s better to have talent to back up butt shaking and leg showing? Miss those days when talent alone was something you needed. But you’re taking a small aspect of what these girls do and blowing it into something that’s not really all that big. Them posing in underwear or whatever.. it’s gravure. (anyone complained about Rihanna’s outfits? People at the beach?) Gravure modeling is common in Japan and girls do it as young teens.

You do kinda contradict yourself.. or at least excuse KARA/SNSD because they have ‘talent.’ Can’t just say “it’s degrading! But yeah since SNSD/KARA have talent it’s ok though!”

For your last sentence… well no because that’s not how the group is. That’s like taking a visual kei group and dressing them in overalls & straw hats.

Heh? I agree for All kara members have it (talent)…but still lacking… in it’s innate sense…
But cannot say for all SNSD members…

Let’s be frank here… SNSD members has only three members who has the it…
the rest? … well I applause them for being able to retain their image in the background…
that’s also called talent of blending in…

>>sorry to all the fans…<< but that's reality as I see it<<
they have the face yes… but… well…

As life's saying goes… every person has it's own preferences…
that connotes to each persons level of intilligence, skills, talents and the like…<>if you guys get the drift…

Heh? I agree for All kara members have it (talent)…but still lacking… in it’s innate sense…
But cannot say for all SNSD members…

Let’s be frank here… SNSD members has only three members who has the it…
the rest? … well I applause them for being able to retain their image in the background…
that’s also called talent of blending in…

>>sorry to all the fans…<< but that's reality as I see it<<
they have the face yes… but… well…

As life's saying goes… every person has it's own preferences…
that connotes to each persons level of intilligence, skills, talents and the like…<>if you guys get the drift…

Heh? I agree for All kara members have it (talent)…but still lacking… in it’s innate sense…
But cannot say for all SNSD members…

Let’s be frank here… SNSD members has only three members who has the it…
the rest? … well I applause them for being able to retain their image in the background…
that’s also called talent of blending in…

>>sorry to all the fans…<< but that's reality as I see it<<
they have the face yes… but… well…

As life's saying goes… every person has it's own preferences…
that connotes to each persons level of intilligence, skills, talents and the like…<>if you guys get the drift…

It´s realistic. Pop Idols are made for short-time success, they are not meant to be lasting and they are easily replaceable, which is also the reason why producers are shortly pushing and then frequently exchanging their talents, be it with a group (like AKB, Morning Musume) or show (like American Idol). For constant success you need really good quality and quality needs skill. Only a small fraction will be successful and able to make a living as artists.

Personally, I highly doubt that most Pop Idols are even trained good enough for a career. Most of everything, it´s a generated hype by their management and investing in bringing their groups into the media as much as possible. Which results into a bit of fame, that can be used for marketing until it´s starting to fade. The bill is simple and the producers are the ones with the profit.

It´s not wrong to study or keep attending school at least, unless you are a really exceptional actor, singer or dancer. In that case you should get as much training as possible for a good and lasting career in your profession.

It´s realistic. Pop Idols are made for short-time success, they are not meant to be lasting and they are easily replaceable, which is also the reason why producers are shortly pushing and then frequently exchanging their talents, be it with a group (like AKB, Morning Musume) or show (like American Idol). For constant success you need really good quality and quality needs skill. Only a small fraction will be successful and able to make a living as artists.

Personally, I highly doubt that most Pop Idols are even trained good enough for a career. Most of everything, it´s a generated hype by their management and investing in bringing their groups into the media as much as possible. Which results into a bit of fame, that can be used for marketing until it´s starting to fade. The bill is simple and the producers are the ones with the profit.

It´s not wrong to study or keep attending school at least, unless you are a really exceptional actor, singer or dancer. In that case you should get as much training as possible for a good and lasting career in your profession.

It´s realistic. Pop Idols are made for short-time success, they are not meant to be lasting and they are easily replaceable, which is also the reason why producers are shortly pushing and then frequently exchanging their talents, be it with a group (like AKB, Morning Musume) or show (like American Idol). For constant success you need really good quality and quality needs skill. Only a small fraction will be successful and able to make a living as artists.

Personally, I highly doubt that most Pop Idols are even trained good enough for a career. Most of everything, it´s a generated hype by their management and investing in bringing their groups into the media as much as possible. Which results into a bit of fame, that can be used for marketing until it´s starting to fade. The bill is simple and the producers are the ones with the profit.

It´s not wrong to study or keep attending school at least, unless you are a really exceptional actor, singer or dancer. In that case you should get as much training as possible for a good and lasting career in your profession.

That’s why it’s good to go to college ^_~

That’s why it’s good to go to college ^_~

That’s why it’s good to go to college ^_~

Hey I don’t listen to them so I’m not really saying I think they have talent but in regards to what Brittany feels that’s all ^^;; I have my own personal taste in what’s a really good voice… I know not everyone can be a Whitney Huston but… I do like some range and really using your voice to its potential (even if they don’t sing like that there are still singers whose styles are not like that.. but I’ll still like them) Anyone (almost) can make their voice sound nice.. but I think a real talented vocal singer knows how to work the voice

Hey I don’t listen to them so I’m not really saying I think they have talent but in regards to what Brittany feels that’s all ^^;; I have my own personal taste in what’s a really good voice… I know not everyone can be a Whitney Huston but… I do like some range and really using your voice to its potential (even if they don’t sing like that there are still singers whose styles are not like that.. but I’ll still like them) Anyone (almost) can make their voice sound nice.. but I think a real talented vocal singer knows how to work the voice

Hey I don’t listen to them so I’m not really saying I think they have talent but in regards to what Brittany feels that’s all ^^;; I have my own personal taste in what’s a really good voice… I know not everyone can be a Whitney Huston but… I do like some range and really using your voice to its potential (even if they don’t sing like that there are still singers whose styles are not like that.. but I’ll still like them) Anyone (almost) can make their voice sound nice.. but I think a real talented vocal singer knows how to work the voice

Go shave your head, Brittany.

Go shave your head, Brittany.

Completely true. I remember when Morning Musume used to be the talk of everybody, now they’re not as popular anymore.

Still though, people will get tired of the same exact things. What rises up fast, can only go back down even faster.

Completely true. I remember when Morning Musume used to be the talk of everybody, now they’re not as popular anymore.

Still though, people will get tired of the same exact things. What rises up fast, can only go back down even faster.

Completely true. I remember when Morning Musume used to be the talk of everybody, now they’re not as popular anymore.

Still though, people will get tired of the same exact things. What rises up fast, can only go back down even faster.

so it’s good for AKB since they rise up slow .. and probably go back down slower as well :)

so it’s good for AKB since they rise up slow .. and probably go back down slower as well :)

Everyone has their own talent. All snsd members have talents. some are really good at signing, some are good at acting and come are good at variety show and some are good at MC-ing. but as a whole group, (snsd/kara), i don’t think kara has more talent than snsd has. members of kara don’t sing good enough (they were voted as the worst singing skill idol by professionals), none of them are good at acting, and the only hara out of all who’s has variety skill.

Everyone has their own talent. All snsd members have talents. some are really good at signing, some are good at acting and come are good at variety show and some are good at MC-ing. but as a whole group, (snsd/kara), i don’t think kara has more talent than snsd has. members of kara don’t sing good enough (they were voted as the worst singing skill idol by professionals), none of them are good at acting, and the only hara out of all who’s has variety skill.

she is being smart about this. only few idol singers manage to stay mega popular for very long time. its good that she is thinking of the future.

She raised a great point! AKB48 should try other kinds of promotions and concepts.

I just hope that she doesn’t get growled by her manager for being honest. I am worried for her :-/

On the side note, wow she wants to be an Engineer? Cool~! I’ve always thought that Engineering was mainly a guy thing but its good to hear this coming from an AKB48 member. She could be my rolemodel and idol ^_^

Again so we get back to the point of girls or women being exploited for popularity. Yes it is her body and she can do what she wants but If taste and class would be an issue comes to play in these things. There are plently of ways to be sexy without stripping down to you underwear -_- Lets be real

I believe AKB, or whoever popular idol/artist have their own era, and i’m sure they will not last forever, there will be another popular idol/artist to replace them (with younger, prettier, cuter, more fresh, etc). 

But AKB member & their fans should not worry about this. AKB is still popular now and many years to come. Just enjoy it..

I dont agree with their tactics either but I wouldn’t want my sister, daughter or mother doing any of this. I miss just singing and dancing T_T

 How is that empowering? Anyone can do that -_- Im just saying it should be on the list for 25 or 27 years olds. Young girls look up to these groups and I think I would reconsider stuff like this before I do it

 @ Brittany 
v

It’s a classy photo, she’s not accentuating anything and she is covering herself up. If this was for a men’s magazine she would not be covering herself using her hands and knees, she’s arching her body inward which makes the context very different.

 I honestly hate that this is what music has come too for any girl groups but hey they say sex sales. I kinda miss the old days I guess

Yeah there are plenty of ways… and well this is one of them so yeah let us be real. You mentioned SNSD & KARA in previous comments.. seriously thinking that they’re not being exploited physically because of their looks?  Why not cover their legs & bodies?  Why shake their butts?  That’s can be seen as sexual suggesting something and you can be popular without doing that too.  Still their choice on how they want to be popular and if they’re even doing it for popularity

Oh well I guess its just me^^ anyways maybe oneday

me too she is just being realistic

 lol maybe thats why they keep posing in weekly playboys an other soft pornish magazines lol…

LOL I truly think all of them are being exploited…LOL I think you missed the point

I think she has a really good point. Many idols and talents have been dropped from television shows and their company. They have been so reliant on them that they didn’t have anything that actually pulled them into talk shows/variety shows. Everyone should have a back-up plan for everything.. it’s kinda like choosing universities. No one really applies for one university without applying for a plan B university/college. Unless of course, you get really good grades and volunteer a lot… then you’re N/A. :D

Well I just think some people do stuff to gather different taste… not everyone is going to like someone standing and singing…. not everyone is going to like someone strutting their stuff…. but there are those who do so why not be entertainers who do just that for those who like it… entertain? There’s a lot of stuff I don’t like but in the end I can’t force my dislike onto someone else.  I can’t judge because there are things people might judge about my likes so….

Not everyone has the guts to do it..so yeah that is empowering…  and empowering to those who don’t do it. (because so many do and there can be one person who can say…no…)  But just even putting AKB itself aside for a moment, why should everyone be family-oriented?  Why should groups have to specifically watch out because young girls look up to them?  Young girls look up to Lady Gaga and um… she’s one of the most expressive people out there but is she changing her look or image because of it? No…. And you’ll hear little girls singing along to her songs too. I actually admire her courage to really be out there and embrace the things you like.  Honestly it does take a celeb to make stuff ‘cool.’ 

She’s right. Popularity comes and goes in seasons. She has a good head on her shoulders. People should be glad that she’s a realist and not a hopeless dreamer.

But they still made the choice to be exploited… it’s not like they’re unaware

 Yeah I’m not buying it. I don’t like any of the girl groups being exploited in this way. -_- You can say its empowering but somehow I think its still to early for them to be showing their bodies, wearing short shorts or shaking their butts for popularity. How is that empowering? im just saying they are all talented enough not to have to do this. That empowering -_- not strippin down to your clothes

 Just because they made the choice and they are aware doesn’t mean those same people doing this to them would kill their daughters if they did this same thing.-_- Lets be real they know what this crap is used for…Im just sayin

I know fans don’t want to hear it, but the job of celebrities is basically to draw attention and gain popularity (attention whores, so to speak).

I honestly don’t know what all this discussion is about being “exploited” and what not.  It’s not only women, men do the same thing.  Hell, you could argue famous male idols have done far more nudity (ass) than famous female idols (bikinis/lingerie).

Either way, their job is to draw popularity and draw attention.  Not surprisingly, showing off your attractiveness is a big draw (for males and females), not only in Japan, but worldwide.

Don’t seriously tell me you believe male idols aren’t being objectified as well. When male idols rip their shirts off and a million fan girls go screaming, that isn’t a meat market? Come on.

UH, DUH. There’s just TOO much of them.

*many

You obviously do not know how they work then.

Do you assume that all models are depressed then? 

No, exploitation doesn’t get taken away if you deem them to have talent or not.

They are either being exploited for their bodies or they are not.  The talent part doesn’t come into this discussion at all. 

she’s being realistic, i guess. they can’t really sing, as far as i know. they’re just cute, but i cant keep track who’s who because there are too many of them. . and they really have to stop starring in soft porn magazine. go find something else to do. em maybe go to a really good vocal class? acting class? or maybe dance class?

She’s a practical person :) I think she hit the nail in the head. We
all know that everything fades in the entertainment world and the only
thing left to the people are the things that you have done when you’re
still an actor/actress. So, she’s just being honest :) In fact, the entertainment world must be happy that there is Sashihara Rino who is practical and knows the reality of life :D

She’s a practical person :) I think she hit the nail in the head. We
all know that everything fades in the entertainment world and the only
thing left to the people are the things that you have done when you’re
still an actor/actress. So, she’s just being honest :) In fact, the entertainment world must be happy that there is Sashihara Rino who is practical and knows the reality of life :D

She’s a practical person :) I think she hit the nail in the head. We
all know that everything fades in the entertainment world and the only
thing left to the people are the things that you have done when you’re
still an actor/actress. So, she’s just being honest :) In fact, the entertainment world must be happy that there is Sashihara Rino who is practical and knows the reality of life :D

She’s a practical person :) I think she hit the nail in the head. We
all know that everything fades in the entertainment world and the only
thing left to the people are the things that you have done when you’re
still an actor/actress. So, she’s just being honest :) In fact, the entertainment world must be happy that there is Sashihara Rino who is practical and knows the reality of life :D

what she said is true but sasshi should not said it in front of the TV..if aki-p take this seriously, well no more sasshi pushing i say..i hope not

what she said is true but sasshi should not said it in front of the TV..if aki-p take this seriously, well no more sasshi pushing i say..i hope not

what she said is true but sasshi should not said it in front of the TV..if aki-p take this seriously, well no more sasshi pushing i say..i hope not

Tsunku-san writes songs, he doesn’t manage the girls.

 wow an engineer! she must be smart

 wow an engineer! she must be smart

 wow an engineer! she must be smart

 wow an engineer! she must be smart

well.. as an environmental engineer, to get license as a hazardous material engineer is very difficult~ but maybe she has interest on those things, which means that she has to study hard

and as long as AKB48 still have their fans, thy would be okay^^

well.. as an environmental engineer, to get license as a hazardous material engineer is very difficult~ but maybe she has interest on those things, which means that she has to study hard

and as long as AKB48 still have their fans, thy would be okay^^

well.. as an environmental engineer, to get license as a hazardous material engineer is very difficult~ but maybe she has interest on those things, which means that she has to study hard

and as long as AKB48 still have their fans, thy would be okay^^

 Why would I? I have beautiful hair O_O?

 Why would I? I have beautiful hair O_O?

 shes being very realistic. my respect for her has just gone up. but maybe it wasnt the most appropriate thing to say on a tv show. thing to say on a tv show.

 shes being very realistic. my respect for her has just gone up. but maybe it wasnt the most appropriate thing to say on a tv show. thing to say on a tv show.

 shes being very realistic. my respect for her has just gone up. but maybe it wasnt the most appropriate thing to say on a tv show. thing to say on a tv show.

 shes being very realistic. my respect for her has just gone up. but maybe it wasnt the most appropriate thing to say on a tv show. thing to say on a tv show.

personally, I think AKB will experience a longer success than MM or other idols groups. because they have a more direct contact with their fans (handshaking events for example), their own theater in the heart of the “otakuism” and a HUGE number of members, so they can without much effort replace the ‘not so profitable ones’… of course the ‘hype’ will not last forever, but I don’t see them “fading away” in a two years interval. what will determine how much time their success will last is who are the new members who’ll be added. going back to the MM example, imo, generation after generation the appeal of the new members was decreasing, so no surprise that the group failed at maintaining their status.

personally, I think AKB will experience a longer success than MM or other idols groups. because they have a more direct contact with their fans (handshaking events for example), their own theater in the heart of the “otakuism” and a HUGE number of members, so they can without much effort replace the ‘not so profitable ones’… of course the ‘hype’ will not last forever, but I don’t see them “fading away” in a two years interval. what will determine how much time their success will last is who are the new members who’ll be added. going back to the MM example, imo, generation after generation the appeal of the new members was decreasing, so no surprise that the group failed at maintaining their status.

personally, I think AKB will experience a longer success than MM or other idols groups. because they have a more direct contact with their fans (handshaking events for example), their own theater in the heart of the “otakuism” and a HUGE number of members, so they can without much effort replace the ‘not so profitable ones’… of course the ‘hype’ will not last forever, but I don’t see them “fading away” in a two years interval. what will determine how much time their success will last is who are the new members who’ll be added. going back to the MM example, imo, generation after generation the appeal of the new members was decreasing, so no surprise that the group failed at maintaining their status.

personally, I think AKB will experience a longer success than MM or other idols groups. because they have a more direct contact with their fans (handshaking events for example), their own theater in the heart of the “otakuism” and a HUGE number of members, so they can without much effort replace the ‘not so profitable ones’… of course the ‘hype’ will not last forever, but I don’t see them “fading away” in a two years interval. what will determine how much time their success will last is who are the new members who’ll be added. going back to the MM example, imo, generation after generation the appeal of the new members was decreasing, so no surprise that the group failed at maintaining their status.

personally, I think AKB will experience a longer success than MM or other idols groups. because they have a more direct contact with their fans (handshaking events for example), their own theater in the heart of the “otakuism” and a HUGE number of members, so they can without much effort replace the ‘not so profitable ones’… of course the ‘hype’ will not last forever, but I don’t see them “fading away” in a two years interval. what will determine how much time their success will last is who are the new members who’ll be added. going back to the MM example, imo, generation after generation the appeal of the new members was decreasing, so no surprise that the group failed at maintaining their status.

personally, I think AKB will experience a longer success than MM or other idols groups. because they have a more direct contact with their fans (handshaking events for example), their own theater in the heart of the “otakuism” and a HUGE number of members, so they can without much effort replace the ‘not so profitable ones’… of course the ‘hype’ will not last forever, but I don’t see them “fading away” in a two years interval. what will determine how much time their success will last is who are the new members who’ll be added. going back to the MM example, imo, generation after generation the appeal of the new members was decreasing, so no surprise that the group failed at maintaining their status.

 Everything which rises must go down. The whole point of a peak is obviously that things will go down afterwards. There are many factors, though. How high you peak, for how long you peak, how quickly sales will drop, to what level they will drop, etc. etc. I mean, will they suddenly fall to failing to sell 100k per single and eventually 50k or will they stay at above 300k level for a very long time before slowly vanishing. Ya never know, really. 

 Everything which rises must go down. The whole point of a peak is obviously that things will go down afterwards. There are many factors, though. How high you peak, for how long you peak, how quickly sales will drop, to what level they will drop, etc. etc. I mean, will they suddenly fall to failing to sell 100k per single and eventually 50k or will they stay at above 300k level for a very long time before slowly vanishing. Ya never know, really. 

 Everything which rises must go down. The whole point of a peak is obviously that things will go down afterwards. There are many factors, though. How high you peak, for how long you peak, how quickly sales will drop, to what level they will drop, etc. etc. I mean, will they suddenly fall to failing to sell 100k per single and eventually 50k or will they stay at above 300k level for a very long time before slowly vanishing. Ya never know, really. 

 Everything which rises must go down. The whole point of a peak is obviously that things will go down afterwards. There are many factors, though. How high you peak, for how long you peak, how quickly sales will drop, to what level they will drop, etc. etc. I mean, will they suddenly fall to failing to sell 100k per single and eventually 50k or will they stay at above 300k level for a very long time before slowly vanishing. Ya never know, really. 

 Everything which rises must go down. The whole point of a peak is obviously that things will go down afterwards. There are many factors, though. How high you peak, for how long you peak, how quickly sales will drop, to what level they will drop, etc. etc. I mean, will they suddenly fall to failing to sell 100k per single and eventually 50k or will they stay at above 300k level for a very long time before slowly vanishing. Ya never know, really. 

 I hope so

 I hope so

 She is probably just trying to be realistic, but I feel that she should try to make her group last until the end of time. She should come up with ideas to make the group become a legend…

 She is probably just trying to be realistic, but I feel that she should try to make her group last until the end of time. She should come up with ideas to make the group become a legend…

 She is probably just trying to be realistic, but I feel that she should try to make her group last until the end of time. She should come up with ideas to make the group become a legend…

 She is probably just trying to be realistic, but I feel that she should try to make her group last until the end of time. She should come up with ideas to make the group become a legend…

 She is probably just trying to be realistic, but I feel that she should try to make her group last until the end of time. She should come up with ideas to make the group become a legend…

 She is probably just trying to be realistic, but I feel that she should try to make her group last until the end of time. She should come up with ideas to make the group become a legend…

 She is probably just trying to be realistic, but I feel that she should try to make her group last until the end of time. She should come up with ideas to make the group become a legend…

 She is probably just trying to be realistic, but I feel that she should try to make her group last until the end of time. She should come up with ideas to make the group become a legend…

 She is probably just trying to be realistic, but I feel that she should try to make her group last until the end of time. She should come up with ideas to make the group become a legend…

 She got some points there, but there’s no need to tell it in public. 

 She got some points there, but there’s no need to tell it in public. 

 She got some points there, but there’s no need to tell it in public. 

 She got some points there, but there’s no need to tell it in public. 

 She got some points there, but there’s no need to tell it in public. 

 She got some points there, but there’s no need to tell it in public. 

 She got some points there, but there’s no need to tell it in public. 

 She got some points there, but there’s no need to tell it in public. 

 She got some points there, but there’s no need to tell it in public. 

 LOL she doesnt get it

And men showing their abs in underwear is alright? Meh~ Dabel Standart

Wow, I’ve obviously hit
a nerve here. Clearly your all fans and are rushing to defend her “choices”
maybe this was her choice, maybe its not.
But I still don’t see the reason WHY she has to be in her underwear? Is she selling the underwear,nope, she a pop star – so what IS she selling then? And if she wants to be a
singer/actress what has that got to do with the pose?

Its one thing as a woman to exert your sexuality, however, the pose is purposefully innocent/vulnerable, so ask yourself, then who is that picture for and is it really for
her many girly fans?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not judging her – if anything I feel bad for her, girls that age – who have yet to grow up an become who they are going to be should not really be put in such vulnerable position and I think picture is particularly wrong. I don’t know but I doubt
she woke up and said “I want to be photographed in my underwear todayI”

Another point, why are you equity a pop star in her underwear to porn star’s? U use pretty twisted logic to explain your theory.

Wow, I’ve obviously hit
a nerve here. Clearly your all fans and are rushing to defend her “choices”
maybe this was her choice, maybe its not.
But I still don’t see the reason WHY she has to be in her underwear? Is she selling the underwear,nope, she a pop star – so what IS she selling then? And if she wants to be a
singer/actress what has that got to do with the pose?

Its one thing as a woman to exert your sexuality, however, the pose is purposefully innocent/vulnerable, so ask yourself, then who is that picture for and is it really for
her many girly fans?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not judging her – if anything I feel bad for her, girls that age – who have yet to grow up an become who they are going to be should not really be put in such vulnerable position and I think picture is particularly wrong. I don’t know but I doubt
she woke up and said “I want to be photographed in my underwear todayI”

Another point, why are you equity a pop star in her underwear to porn star’s? U use pretty twisted logic to explain your theory.

MM before was very good, but now, their members arent that great and arent that pretty as well, and their song are somehow not that enticing as the first generation of MM which i totally adore. Before was like WTH akb48 who? but now, MM changed way too much, or they are already left behind.

I cant blame her. Lets all hope the newer generation can bring back the glory of AKB even after the regulars graduate.

I cant blame her. Lets all hope the newer generation can bring back the glory of AKB even after the regulars graduate.

I know they are popular in The Asian territories.  However I also think that unless they gain more popularity in other territories like in the US, that statement may be true.  But in saying that I think this should be done slowly because of differences in  culture.  There is a small fanbase in the US and growing.  The intro of their TV show(AKBingo with English sub) to see what kind of buzz they have might be best.  Only if they buzz is there should a concert be scheduled.