Ayaka Kimura Graduates Hello! Project April 30, 2008

Well, we all knew the day was coming. After being a ‘group’ for 4 years, also being one of the most under-used H!P members of all time, Ayaka Kimura took her final bow and announced her graduation. There will be no graduation concert or event of any kind – not that I’m surprised; think back [...]

Goto Maki’s Graduation – My Thoughts December 4, 2007

Just months ago, before the release of Glass no Pumps, I had an ever flaming dislike of Maki Goto. Then, GnP was released, and that changed. God, did it change.
Since then Maki became my favorite H!P member, and the only member I actively followed. I suppose a long time Maki fan [...]

Konoha – Nightmare ~ Nice, but kind of…boring. October 5, 2007

I’m not normally one to call a song boring, no matter how slow or ballad-like, or dull it is. I tend to prefer the songs another would say drag on or are too long-winded; my friends even often tease me about it.
This isn’t, in my opinion, a bad single at all. Konoha sounds [...]

Jajauma Paradise PV ~ A Step in the Right Direction – but, no. September 17, 2007

Let me start by saying that, in my own personal opinion, this PV isn’t bad; it’s simply incredibly dull. The actual editing, angles, clothing, and concept are all a step in the direction of a more modern feel to H!P videos.

(Right click > View Image for larger pics)
The dumbed down colors are [...]

Onegai Miwaku no TARGET (with a twist) August 13, 2007

I am trying to the best of my ability not to have a coronary over this. Someone, anyone, get a doctor, please!
Please, UFA, Tsunku, Mr. Doctor-kun-senpai-san, what the fuck is trying to be accomplished by splashing four black men on the cover of a single released by a Japanese all-female pop group? My only [...]

Music Fair 21 07.07.28 July 30, 2007

Ah, Music Fair. Main reason, I admit, to watching and reviewing this, is that OMGWTFBBQ KEI. Kei <3 Kei <3 Keeeei <3
We haven’t seen her in so long, it’s pathetic Say what you want about her looks, but she’s one of the best talents to grace H!P
I anticipate that I will be [...]

Nono makes a no-no … but is it really so bad? May 14, 2007

4th gen has officially shown its’self to be the most dysfuntional gen.

Bou (Gu) Leaves Antique Cafe April 20, 2007

Let me say, I got into the jrock scene fairly late, so I hadn’t witnessed a member leaving a band I listened to, as basically all the bands were very solid (Dir en grey) and had just been around for quite a while.
That said I didn’t know how I’d react. I guess now I [...]

Welcome to Strawberry Pie Blog March 24, 2007

Or, just drop the blog and call it strawberry pie. I don’t really mind either way.
This blog is run by Angela, yes, the same Angela from Sakuranbo.
Strawberry Pie is the redheaded step child of the j-music blog Sakuranbo!.
Sakuranbo was closed down simply because of writers block, and also because the blog became a jpop [...]