She's young enough that she can work for a little over 4 years, turn 18, and go off solo. I wouldn't want her risking trying to do that now and giving up on school. I'd hate to see her hit a dead end and have nowhere to go.
I know it's hard, and I'd be gutted if any of my faves (that includes Minami) choose to go solo, but the fact is AKB48 and similar idol groups are really springboards for their own careers, be it singing, acting, dancing, whatever... it's inevitable that they'll move on at some point, in fact, it's a sign of their own success if they do. All we can do then is just continue to support them.
Agreed, but change is hard because it is an unsure step. Her position in AKB48 is locked in. Unless something else comes along for her, she won't be going anywhere. I don't know how I would feel about miichan outside of AKB48, good or bad, just because I don't know what it would be.
But in all seriousness, how often do we actually see an idol doing big things when she graduates from a group? I myself don't think I know enough about the idol industry - save for what I happen to know of Morning Musume. And in their case, once a girl graduates, it's not very often I see them again in movies, doramas, hosting televisions shows, or whatnot - maybe some administrative work at the company, but who truly knows save for the actual staff members there? To me, it feels like the girl in question becomes less known for the person she is and more so for the idol group she is associated with. Perhaps this is a reflection of Japanese culture where there is an emphasis on group identity? I have heard from one of my Japanese professors that a guy can work as a janitor for Sony or Toyota, but still have some sort of status by virtue of the company's reputation. Anyway, back to the discussion at hand - I personally don't want to think about the "what if's" since I can think of at least a thousand and one of them. The fact of the matter is that, here and now, Ms. Minegishi is part of AKB48, and I'll enjoy it all as long as it lasts.
Why so much talk about what will happen when she leaves? She's not going anywhere now. Personally, I don't want to dwell on that thought until it happens Mii's still young yet, she should be around for a while So like gideon said "enjoy it all as long as it lasts"
Miichan is very young although she sings and dances very well I think that Miichan have left many things that to learn and she ahead has long time to acquire experience
The major problem with the H!P girls though is that when they graduate to go into a solo career, they're still signed to UFA, and are usually even still part of H!P, so in reality they still get treated and managed by UFA as nothing more than idols (Yaguchi Mari is a good example). I could right a page on why the UFA suck, and I'll save it I do agree that an idol never seems to be able to shake off that idol image though. But this is a real shame, because the lifespan of an idol is usually a bit like a ticking bomb. But hopefully the AKB48 girls will have more success.
you bring up some excellent points in the discussion regarding an idol's status thru the popgroup she is in. In Minegishi's case, we can only appreciate and view her while she is active in the group, otherwise after she graduates, like most idols, it will be more difficult to track what there are up to as they aren't in the spot light no longer...atleast not as much. Enjoy it while they are there!
I'd just like to say that one thing I love about miiichan is that she never stops smiling during the performances. The entire time she's got this beaming smile that lights her entire face up, and it makes me very very happy. She's a little quiet during the MCs, and isn't as up front as people like Kana, but she's a little ball of energy once the music starts. THANK YOU, MIIICHAN!!
how many times have you watched her in peformances, you can write up a review just on her alone...and why we love miichan! you being the biggest fan of miichan, perhaps we can do a trade for her pin up...you probably already have her pin up...not sure how much miichan i have, oh and her sticker set..i think i might still have it.
I don't have her pin up or sticker set. I can buy those at the AKB48 shop, though, so it'll be easier to just get them there. I have a lot to write about her, but I'm spacing it out I should post some of the letters I write to her...lol. They end up being about 4 pages each time in a combination of English and Japanese. I hand in one to her once a week.
4 pages each time, a week!!!! now that is pure crazy devotion. which reminds me i need to write up to my beloved Mariko-sama!
Well it isn't 4 pages EVERY week. This week's letter was just 2 pages. (Plus a photo post card of me and my friend standing on line waiting to buy tickets). NO I'm not posting a picture of that
That's still a lot or writing! I adore Miichan, but I know I could never write that much XD I'm so jealous that you get to see her live! XD
now that is true devotion to an idol, something we can all pick up and learn, adapt how we can approach it...i still have my letter for mariko-sama and other favorites. :roll:
True devotion, or maybe just a little messed up in my head. Haven't figured that one out either. Whenever I'm not sure, I just watch the "Up to Boy" video of miichan and I instantly make up my mind Speaking of which...gotta go watch that! EDIT: *cough*
i got that UTB issue of Miichan, i should go watch it. and what is in the bag, a present for her, or from her?
