Another radio show: 2024.04.16 - Recomen! (show aired at 00:30, so some sources will refer to the airdate as 2024.04.15 at 24:30) - Momona, Cocoro and Miu if the video does not show watch the video here You can read my translation of the radio show here - it's not word for word, but it contains the important stuff: https://twitter.com/curioushitomi/status/1780180202095882536 Miu and Keiko also appeared on ONE MORNING (Tokyo FM) radio this morning but I couldn't find a recording of it yet. I was listening to the first three minutes on radiko but then it stopped accepting my VPN... so I don't have any info on what they discussed here. At the time of me writing this, it is 23:00 in Japan and at 00:30, another Recomen! will air, this time Shizuku, Keiko and Kokona. They're doing 4 nightly shows in a row, in groups of 2-3 members. Additionally, ME:I held their "MIRAI PREMIUM EVENT" earlier today (16th) in Tokyo. People could apply for this event by pre-ordering the debut single and entering into a lottery. It looks to me like a K-Pop style hi-touch event with album signings. There are various fan reports online that you can look for on social media, but here are some official sources reporting on it (with pictures) https://twitter.com/musicvoicejp/status/1780164585355657509 https://www.musicvoice.jp/news/270933/ Red carpet: https://twitter.com/vivi_magazine/status/1780169422361288986 https://twitter.com/vivi_magazine/status/1780170645424488679 https://twitter.com/vivi_magazine/status/1780171211764596982 https://twitter.com/vivi_magazine/status/1780171857196646874 https://twitter.com/vivi_magazine/status/1780172469091107119 https://twitter.com/vivi_magazine/status/1780173329011511558 According to Oricon, ME:I is the 3rd most popular artist among high schoolers! The artists more popular than them are TWICE and LE SSERAFIM, in that order, and then ME:I is followed by Mrs.GREEN Apple and aimyon! I'm really impressed considering they still haven't debuted... https://twitter.com/oricon/status/1779784934527520777 Translation of two Modelpress articles about the final Yoyogi National Stadium performance. Translations are made by me. Article 1 - Source: https://mdpr.jp/music/detail/4252674 Spoiler [HIDE] ME:I remember the hardships from formation to debut as TSUZUMI can’t stop crying, “we’ll be together until we become grandmas” <2024 ME:I LAUNCHING SHOW ME:ICONIC Final> On April 14th, the 11-member girl group ME:I, which was born from the survival audition show “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS,” held the final performance of their first fan concert “LAUNCHING SHOW ME:ICONIC” (Additional Performances) at the Gymnasium of Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo. There, the members expressed their thoughts and feelings about seeing their fans for the first time. ME:I can’t stop crying as they remember the hardships from formation to debut During the talk segment at the encore, as each person spoke, they cried one after another as they remembered the hardships from formation to debut. First, KEIKO took out a note, saying, “Since it’s the final day, I wrote it down.” She added, “Since December, we’ve suddenly been spending every day together. We’ve done so much together, it feels like family.” She added a message of gratitude to each member in tears. “I’m so proud of these 11 strong people. I love you all so much. YOU:ME, thank you for sowing me such a wonderful view,” she continued. TSUZUMI said, “The members always hug me, no matter what state I’m in, they never make me feel disliked, and I love them so much for that. Selfishly, I want to stay together until we become grandmas. From now on, I’ll continue working hard so all eleven of us can run towards a wonderful future.” This marked her everlasting “ME:I Declaration.” RAN also said, “I think I’m happy to realise that we haven’t only had fun experiences since our debut has been announced, but we’ve also overcome hard times together.” AYANE, who was already crying a lot by the time her turn came, was handed a towel by MIU. She wiped her tears, saying, “Sometimes I find it hard to do my best when I can’t see the fans’ faces.” She said she often felt uneasy during the debut preparation period and added, “At that time, these 10 people supported me and even though it was only a short time period, we overcame these difficulties together.” While looking back on it, she said, “I’m thinking now just how happy I am to be standing in this big place and get to meet you.” She continued with a smile and also revealed that Kimura Kaela, who served as a representative of the national producers on the show, was part of the circle before the performance. ME:I Suzu during her time as a trainee, “I walked alone along a dark road” When MIU came up next with a smile, the crowed was relieved to see the usual MIU in her calm manner saying, “I thought I’d cry, but I won’t” (laughs). Before she became a trainee in Korea, she admired these artists herself and said, “I started this journey because I thought it would be nice if I could deliver this will to live to someone. Now that I’ve taken this step, I see so many sparkling eyes and while looking at everyone, I became so happy to think I made it.” She was delighted and in the end, she concluded with the usual phrase at this fan concert, while adding, “This is the 9th time but hear me out - I graduated from being a trainee.” SUZU, who also has experience as a trainee in Korea, said, “I was walking along a dark road alone at night, but now I’m so happy to be part of these eleven people stood under this big bright light.” She remembered her days when she was lonely in Korea and ended up crying. “I also struggled during the show but we’ve been climbing this road since December.” She showed a strong bond with the members. Leader MOMONA expressed her gratitude to the staff who worked on the performance. “It is very important everyone is healthy so we can create this wonderful future. I want everyone to feel good both mentally and physically, I think that’s important. So I want to say, let’s keep this in mind and make the best future for everyone!” She added shouting, “Everyone is amazing, I love you!” KOKONA also added, “I will never cry in front of YOU:ME!” She declared, “I will continue to do my best so please support me.” ME:I SHIZUKU, “Up until a year ago, I was chasing a different dream” Many of the members’ families had come to the venue and RINON reported her mother was among the crowd. “The reason why I applied for this audition is because of my mother. It’s not that I didn’t apply because of a lack of courage or confidence, but my mum’s words encouraged me to apply. I was able to grow more and return to all of you. We’re coming so please wait for us and thank you, mum.” SHIZUKU also revealed that her parents were there and commented, “Thank you, mum and dad, for raising me so far.” While looking at the scenery in tears, she added, “Up until a year ago, I was chasing a different dream. I never imagined that all of you YOU:ME would show me such a wonderful scenery within a year.” The oldest, COCORO, who was already crying during the first performance, cried again this time. “I myself was encouraged by music so I wanted to become an idol thanks to music. I’m at a loss for words.” She added, “I’m ME:I thanks to all of YOU:ME…” She received warm cheers from the audience and someone even shouted, “You’re my will to live!” Cocoro, who nodded to the cheering, vowed, “It makes me so happy to think I could help you. Please continue to follow me.” ME:I completed 9 performances before their debut The performances, which started in March at the Tokyo Garden Theater, were held in two cities (including Osaka). Across a total of 9 performances, including additional performances held at the Yoyogi National Stadium on the 13th and 14th, they mobilised around 65,000 people. In addition to the songs included on the debut single “MIRAI”, which will be released on the 17th, they also performed surprise songs from the audition show at the additional performances. [/HIDE] Article 2 - Source: https://mdpr.jp/music/detail/4252456 Spoiler [HIDE] ME:I surprisingly show off “TOXIC” with KOKONA centre, completing 9 performances of the <2020 ME:I LAUNCHING SHOW ME:ICONIC> and mobilising 65,000 people before debut Born out of the survival audition show “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS,” the 11-member girl group ME:I held the final performance of their first fan concert “LAUNCHING SHOW ME:ICONIC” (Additional Performances) on April 14th at the Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo, and surprised the crowd by performing a song from the show. ME:I completed 9 performances before debut The performances started in March at the Tokyo Garden Theatre. Across 9 performances in two cities (including Osaka), they held additional performances at the Yoyogi National Stadium on the 13th and 14th, and mobilised a total of 65,000 people. The show opens like a fashion show with members walking onto stage towards the centre one by one. There’s also a scene where TSUZUMI and SUZU high five each other as they walk past one another. At this venue, the runway was noticeably larger than at previous venues. Once MOMONA returns to the main stage, the members’ silhouettes emerge and the ME:I versions of “Souzou Ijou” and “CHOPPY CHOPPY” from the show’s finale are performed consecutively. The members were impressed with the explosive excitement right away and with the fact that even the seats on the 3rd floor were filled up. SHIZUKU said, “Let’s enjoy this last performance!” MOMONA added, “I feel like I’m going to lose to everyone’s excitement but I definitely don’t want to lose!” She fuelled a sense of competition with fans [about who could get more excited]. After the greeting, they proceeded to the centre stage and performed the song “Sugar Bomb,” included in the debut single “MIRAI,” which will be released on the 17th. While dancing amongst soap bubbles, they performed using stand mics and showed off their stylish charms. ME:I, surprise performance of “TOXIC” and “Hero” After a VTR, in which each member shows off their charms, the members changed into denim-based outfits and surprised the crowd with a performance of “TOXIC,” a song from the concept battle of the show. It is a song about having a strong will to overcome your own weaknesses and to be reborn as a person that earns fascination from everyone. Among the members, RAN, AYANE and KOKONA were part of the original performing members. AYANE’s original part, which gained a lot of attention during the show, was reconstructed mainly by KOKONA, who showed that she is still growing as an artist. RINON and KEIKO did a powerful rap. After the song ended, RAN said, “Last time, we were less people performing this but I thought it’d be a great song to attract fans.” Alongside “TOXIC,” another song that was performed only at the additional performances was a cover of “Hero” by Amuro Namie. This song was originally performed by SHIZUKU and TSUZUMI during the vocal position battle. It started with TSUZUMI’s voice and ended with AYANE’s. TSUZUMI said, full of joy, “I once said, ‘I want to sing this again with you.’ I’m so happy I was able to show it to people again so soon.” At the end of the main part, the debut title track “Click” is performed and RAN, MIU and SUZU gave a dance lesson beforehand. Furthermore, the three of them attempted a relay dance but MIU ended up dancing too much and it caused a stir. Apologising, MIU said, “I danced all the way to RAN’s part!” to which RAN retorted, “That’s not quite how it’s supposed to go” and laughed. This led to a second attempt that amused the fans. ME:I also provided fan service in trolleys During the encore, the members appeared riding on trolleys featuring the group’s mascot ME:EYE. They threw signed balls and provided plenty of fan service to the entire venue. During the final individual greetings, KEIKO began by expressing gratitude to each member, followed by the members recalling the hardships from formation to debut, leading to tears one after another. Leader MOMONA also expressed gratitude to the staff who created the performance, saying, “In order to create a wonderful future ahead, it's important for everyone to be healthy and have a positive mindset both physically and mentally. Let's strive for the best future together.” She concluded by saying, “Everyone is amazing, I love you!” [/HIDE] Here are a bunch more articles about their debut, the secret premium event earlier today, the tour and about the members as human beings that I haven't even read myself yet, let alone translated WWWDJAPAN - All members: https://www.wwdjapan.com/articles/1795365 MORE - Ayane, Keiko, Rinon: https://more.hpplus.jp/entame/people/109430/ MORE - Momona, Ran, Kokona, Suzu: https://more.hpplus.jp/entame/people/109426/ MORE - Cocoro, Miu, Shizuku, Tsuzumi: https://more.hpplus.jp/entame/people/109427/ MusicVoice - All: https://www.musicvoice.jp/news/270933/ I also definitely wouldn't be surprised if I've missed stuff! That being said, I've started this Google Docs sheet in an attempt to keep up with all their appearances. It includes links to re-watch all of their performances, radio appearances, and even PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS. It does not include fanclub only content, so everything on the sheet is accessible for free! Feel free to check it out: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RtYJL6JerEUU9g02C_ZpGSMQz4UEg1sN9GTMsfrXass/edit?usp=sharing
Oricon News is reporting that 'Click/Sugar Bomb' is first in the Singles Chart with sales of 176K copies on the first day of release: https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2323209/full/ EDIT: 'Theater Girl' has posted a report with photos of the Premium Event: https://theatergirl.jp/?p=46355 [ME:I DEBUT SPECIAL] ME:I - Sugar Bomb 4K (from M2): if the video does not show watch the video here SECOND EDIT: ME:I Door to the Future (English CC subs): if the video does not show watch the video here
You're very welcome! Thanks for reading! Another report from WOWKOREA about the MIRAI PREMIUM EVENT held on the 16th (I haven't read it yet) (release: 2024.04.17): https://www.wowkorea.jp/news/pickup/430960.html Another interview with Seventeen (release: 2024.04.17): https://seventeen-web.jp/news/16211/area7/ More radio shows 2024.04.16 - ONE MORNING - Keiko & Miu if the video does not show watch the video here 2024.04.17 - Roomie Roomie! - Cocoro, Momona & Kokona if the video does not show watch the video here 2024.04.18 - Recomen! (aired shortly after midnight hence date showing as 04.17) - Rinon & Tsuzumi if the video does not show watch the video here More performances 2024.04.17 - "Click" and "&ME" on Dayday. Additionally, their appearance on Yoru no Brunch from 2024.04.17 was cancelled/postponed because there was an earthquake in Japan, so TBS was airing their emergency broadcast. The official twitter hasn't announced yet what's gonna happen but said they will do so at a later date: https://twitter.com/night_brunch/status/1780615618456363318 Various morning shows have discussed ME:I on debut day, here are the ones I could find: "Good Morning" (グッド！モーニング) https://twitter.com/gyrwri_IVE/status/1780337047997145168 THE TIME https://twitter.com/gyrwri_IVE/status/1780339145115652223 Mezamashi TV (めざましテレビ) https://twitter.com/gyrwri_IVE/status/1780352220346634702 ZIP! https://twitter.com/gyrwri_IVE/status/1780353956331360302 THE TIME (second report on the 18th) https://twitter.com/gyrwri_IVE/status/1780730103041044789 I'm currently waiting for someone to upload Momona's and Ran's appearance on Hirunandesu! from today (April 18th) but in the meantime, we can enjoy this "Click" challenge video with the show's mascot from the official ME:I Youtube channel if the video does not show watch the video here I was at my physical office yesterday and I only go into the office once a month due to living 3hrs away - so I haven't had time to read/watch any of the content above yet myself T_T I will try to get to it later today! We are also still working on translating/subbing ME:I no Yume Mitai episodes 5+6 and Momona, Ran, Keiko and Tsuzumi's appearance on Kamaigachi a couple weeks ago. The latter should be nearly ready soon!
Shorter version of the video from the show's official YouTube: if the video does not show watch the video here
Mnet M Countdown - ME:I Debut Special "Sugar Bomb" Full Cam if the video does not show watch the video here • Vertical Fancams: Cocoro | Miu | Momona | Ran | Shizuku | Ayame | Keiko | Kokona | Rinon | Suzu | Tsuzumi • Horizontal Fancams: Cocoro | Miu | Shizuku | Ayame | Kokona
2024.04.19 Recomen! (aired shortly after midnight) - Ayane, Ran and Suzu if the video does not show watch the video here Fashion Post posted an article about ME:I's 2nd commercial collaboration, this time for the retailer GU https://fashionpost.jp/select/286669 You can purchase the items they're wearing here: https://www.gu-global.com/jp/ja/feature/contents/me-i/women Also, while I haven't found a recording of the full 2hr broadcast of Momona and Ran on Hirunandesu!, I've found this compilation of Ran appearing on the show: Also, it's overdue but we've finally released the subs for Momona, Ran, Keiko and Tsuzumi on Kamaigachi from April 4th! https://twitter.com/ME_I_SUBS/status/1780984556948255226 Now that they have debuted, it's slowing down a little so I can finally catch up on content over the weekend! We're also still working on subs for ME:I no Yume Mitai episodes 5 and 6 - for any previous episodes, just follow the twitter link above and check out our other tweets ^^
Having arrived in Japan and now with an active JP SIM card I was able to obtain a ticket for the ME:I Exhibition in Tower Records Shibuya for the earliest slot available which was at 19:15 this evening. After passing through the ticket check visitors were given a random large photocard and a voucher for a free small one, then they entered the exhibition room. Here's my photos (all Imgur thumbnails clickable for full-sized versions): Right after leaving the room was the merch area but there wasn't much available - the can badges had all sold out so there was basically just a Docomo ME:I phone charger and random sealed small photocards at 500 JPY each. I bought 4 of those with one free with my voucher. On my return to my hotel room I opened what I'd got. This is the large photocard which I'm haapy to say is Ran who is appealing to me the most so far of the members: I then opened the 4 smaller ones which fortunately were all different - I got Iida, Rinon, Keiko and Momona: Then finally on the way back to the station I noticed these two ads from Spotify with the group on Shibuya Scramble Square Tower:
Studio Choom "Click" Unfiltered Cams if the video does not show watch the video here • Cocoro | Miu | Momona | Ran | Shizuku | Ayane | Keiko | Kokona | Rinon | Suzu | Tsuzumi
I was literally just writing a post with this at the top when the page reload button showed me a new post had been made. I was gonna plug Ayane instead of Tsuzumi at the top 2024.04.19 - SOUND SPLASH (Niigata FM) - Ran, Keiko, Rinon if the video does not show watch the video here 2024.04.20 - Venue 101 - Click performance 2024.04.20 - Buzz Rhythm 02 - Click performance 2024.04.21 - MUSIC ON! - Click performance ME:I will also perform on CDTV again tomorrow, here's their message clip ahead of time: if the video does not show watch the video here News articles and interview I haven't posted since last time: 2024.04.17 - Seventeen - https://seventeen-web.jp/news/16211 2024.04.17 - Wow Korea - https://www.wowkorea.jp/news/pickup/430960.html 2024.04.18 - Modelpress - https://mdpr.jp/music/detail/4255501 2024.04.18 - Nicopuchi - https://www.nicopuchi.jp/article/detail/37979 2024.04.19 - Modelpress - https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/4256628 2024.04.19 - Modelpress (another one) - https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/4256711 Upcoming schedules that we already know about: 2024.04.23 (4am JST) - Memories & Discoveries (radio) - Shizuku 2024.04.23 (9pm JST) - Gyoten News (NTV) - Momona & Ran 2024.04.23 (10:30pm JST) - re-airing of the MUSIC ON! stage posted above 2024.04.24 (9am JST) - Otona Joshi Wide Happy Plus (OBC Radio Osaka) - participating members TBC 2024.04.27 (8pm JST) - Mema ni Hamatte Kiitemita (NHK TV) - all members 2024.05.02 - physical "CIAO" magazine release 2024.05.04 (12:15pm and 7:25pm JST) - Kimi-Koe (NHK) (ME:I announced for Part 1 and Part 3, which are starting at these respective times) 2024.05.04 (7:30pm JST) - LIVE Yell 2024 Spring (NHK TV) - all members 2025.05.11 (???) - KCON Japan 2025.05.12 (???) - KCON Japan broadcast on M COUNTDOWN - all members
Can you identify these fans? Here is a clue https://www.threads.net/@paruuuuuru/post/C6Ec81rRK18 If that is not enough, Spoiler: The answer afternoon update ME:I's debut single "MIRAI (Click/Sugar Bomb)" ranked first on the "Oricon Weekly Single Ranking" (as of April 29). We received comments of joy from the members if the video does not show watch the video here
ME:I appeared on Venue 101 on the 20th (video posted above already). Here's a behind the scenes photo together with Hinatazaka46 from Hinata's 11th single thread: 2024.04.22 - CDTV LIVE LIVE - Click performance Also released yesterday, ME:I appeared in the physical magazine JUNON (June edition). They weren't on the cover but you can see them listed on included acts: Source: https://twitter.com/JUNON_jp/status/1781231374772662734 Also, the weekly charts have yet to be announced officially on Oricon's website but since MIRAI by ME:I was #1 every day last week (except Monday, when it hadn't been released yet), ME:I has managed to hold their first Number 1 with their debut single! They sold a total of 232,686 copies
ME:I ranks 2nd on Billboard Japan Hot 100 (after Bling-Bang-Bang-Born by Creepy Nuts) https://twitter.com/Billboard_JAPAN/status/1782994375796199563 The very insightful @me_i_faninfo account on twitter has provided chart insights from Billboard's website (not sure if you need a premium account but definitely an account, which I do not, so I'm just gonna have to take their word for it ) https://twitter.com/ME_I_faninfo/status/1783052614168707240 The 2nd place has been achieved through the following individual rankings: 1st Place in physical sales 10th Place in downloads 17th Place in streaming 2nd Place in radio plays 28th Place on Youtube 300th Place in karaoke requests
Studio Choom - (Full Focused) ME:I 'Click' 4K | BE ORIGINAL if the video does not show watch the video here
I was in a shopping mall today in Kawasaki when I passed a branch of fashion retailer GU and spotted this:
