Hello fans! It’s that time where you can say which member you feel had a breakthrough year and/or significant impact toward the group. Please state your thoughts why you chose this member although it’s not a requirement. My pick: Member of the Year Inoue Nagi. This was the obvious choice for me. Given the center position during summer, Nagi has certainly become a fan favorite. I think when she gets more variety TV and or drama roles will solidify her a solid ace of the group. Runner Up It was difficult to choose a runner up because I had these four (KuboShi, Yodachan, Mizuki, Kakki) in a tie. The more I thought about it, I think the one I believe that goes unnoticed is Umechan. As Captain, Umechan does a lot behind the scenes and I often see her on TV. I’m not sure if she’ll ever be given the coveted center position but she certainly checks all the right boxes. So Umechan is my runner up. Honorable Mention Ioki Mao. Kikki I must admit is being nudged by management and had some variety TV appearances. She definitely has my attention and is one to monitor in 2024.
It always seems like I pick the popular members... Member(s) of the Year: Kuboshita Kubo Shiori and Yamashita Mizuki. Just to think how busy they were this year. How many dramas between the two? Let's not forget W-center on the Yume o kicking off the new system. I would love to have put all of 3rd Gen here. I should've. But Kuboshita represents how to make the generational turn work. You set them up with guidance from their senpai. Give then opportunities. Let the cook. Eventually, you'll have good members to continue the legacy. Yamashita. Kubo. Let's go. Kubo also was the 'goddess of victory' for Samurai Japan as the won the World Baseball Classic all the way back in March... Runner Up: Ioki Mao Kiki was another goddess of victory. She wore Hanshin Tigers jersey during summer tour -- Hanshin breaks the curse of KFC to win Japan series for the first time in 35 years! She did a first kick ceremony for Kobe football club -- they finish atop the table. She lent her luck to these clubs! To be honest, Ioki was going to be my first choice, but Kuboshita had such a great year outside of the group. Ioki had a great one inside the group. I don't quite understand her popularity, but she is very popular. She sells out faster than Nagi. I don't quite get her appeal, but the Japanese fandom does. I respect that. When her name was called for her first senbatsu, I was surprised. She makes fukujin. She is going to a force. We'll have to see. Honorable Mention: Ogawa, Okuda, Tomisato, Nakanishi -- 5th Gen Under Members These members just did 40+ shows this year. Doubtful any Nogi member was ever tasked with having to prepare for so many shows. These 4 did and did it well. Kudos. I wonder if they'll ever be tasked again like this past year. We'll have to see.
My choice goes to Member of the Year: Yoda Yuuki Simple, funny and down to earth. At this point she can just be herself and have fun, and people get her anyway. A positive member, her being genuine can be an example for the others. if the video does not show watch the video here I wouldn't change her a bit.
I thought the curse would’ve ended when they pulled Colonel Sanders out of Dōtonbori over a decade ago. Perhaps Kikki is good luck. I was at Hamazushi the other day and saw Kawaguchi Haruna posters and I thought that she look like Kikki.
I think I will park this here... 4ki vote for the 4ki MVP of the year (from NogiChuu #443 December 24, 2023) 1st: Kuromi Haruka 2nd: Matsuo Miyu 3rd: Yumiki Nao Interesting they're all 4.5 gen. When 4.5 joined I was worried they would be way behind in their development. To see them grow into essential members is happiness. I wonder if the other gens will do also have MVP votes?
