my thoughts...

The new member was chosen and what an uproar it caused, mostly negative ones. It seems many Japanese fans don't like the new addition, even going to the extent of doing something to her pic. Of course there are some who like her. An internet war even started between JPM and 2ch. This shocked me more. I get stressed when conflicts happen. I have a weak heart and I don't like confrontation. We should be grateful to the japanese fans because I believe their presence is the critcial to HP survival. You should see how they grab every merchandise on sale and how they practically turn up for all concerts around Japan. The time and money spent are no joke. Their love and support simply unrivalled.

Do I like the new member? Well, I'm ok with her. Why? Because I don't care. I don't even know her name until now. Something Mitsui? Because I don't bother to find out too. Before, it had taken me a few months to get Koharu's name into my brain. I don't bother with auditions after 5th Gen was chosen. I realize it is just a gimmick to generate sales. They get someone to graduate, then they audition new kids, wait for another year and graduate one again, so that they can hold at least one mega concert every year. Each member is being treated a pawn and sacrificed. I hate that! My expiry date for MM fandom is due when Yossi graduates. I am keeping my fingers crossed though I know it's coming near. Probably end of next year but imo, Miki will go first, next year summer maybe. Why? Because they just have to graduate someone. Look at how the two country musumes are sacrificed for the Jan concert. So when Yossi is gone~ the last essense of the golden era MM in me will go as well.

Maybe they think MM itself is a branded logo so it doesn't matter who they throw in, MM will still be popular. But it does matter. Imagine ppl buying a branded DVD player because of it's reputation but it breaks down after a while because of its lousy spareparts... They should realise that it is the girls that make what MM is today and not the other way round. It is the girls' bubbly characters that make us fans adore them.

*Like cute Marippe's sexy beam bringing out Yuuko's possessive side.
*Like Ishiyoshi gayness bringing idolization to another realm, and later to a higher level with their unrestrained onscreen bickering.
*Like Nono and Aibon relentless pranks which showed how unpretendious idols can be.
*Like Kaorin is THE role model to Gakisan to what a bonafide reaction queen is and, to Erin, what it takes to be an ambassador to planet Mars.
*Like Kemeko who's the average-looker and target of mass bullying though we all know how the girls actually adore her.
*Like Natchin teaching us idols don't always have to be smart when in front of cameras.
*Like Gotchan's X-factor which is the main the reason why Love Machine is MM highest selling single.

Yes, I miss those days....

Honourable mention: Makochan (graduated)