Hello! Wota says NOT to censorship and presents proudly the complete version of "Beginner", the Promotion Video from AKB48 that was censored and canceled in Japan because the depiction of violence and gore scenes, and because the veiled criticism to MTV and other American media corporations. -__-
AKB48's criticism toward MTV -__-
Why American media hates Idol culture? -__-
Why American media ignores Idol singers and groups? -__-
Why MTV has refused to broadcast AKB48's concerts and videos? -__-
Why AKB48 didn't release the "Beginner" PV afterall, with this veiled criticism toward MTV, if they are the most trusted Idol group in Japan and abroad? -__-
CNN has a long history of criticism about the otaku way of life: they criticized everything from sexual themed adult video games to Idol otakus' maniac behavior. But the CNN reporters around the world have refused TO LEARN and to propagate to their viewers and readers how the real Japanese otaku culture works. -__-
Now, reporting from AX Anime Expo, they just uploaded a video clip from the red carpet where you can see AKB48's members and their producer, the music composer from Onyanko Club, Akimoto Yasushi:
But that's all. There was not even a mention of their names, ages or professions. There was not an explanation of what is AKB48 doing in AX Anime Expo, what is AKB48 in Japan, or even, that they are nowadays the most popular representatives of the Japanese Idol culture. -__-
Delores Williams, the reporter from CNN, just stated in the description of this video: "AKB48 is a popular music group among anime lovers". Anime lovers? AKB48? What the hell!!! O_O
Again, in the American social imaginary, the worlds of anime and manga are mixed with the world of Japanese Idols. -__-
This shitty media covering is different from Ayumi Hamasaki's interview. That's because Hamasaki's music and fashion styles are closer to the American music and fashion industry, and that confirms (symbolically) to the CNN's global audience that America is the top of the World. Bullshit! -__-
Hamasaki Ayumi, again, was in the middle of the international media attention but didn't talk or propagate the Japanese Idol culture's values, styles or ways of lives, as AKB48's members and their producer do. She only talk about one topic: herself, herself and herself. -__-
Of course, for contemporary Japanese teenagers is easier to imitate Hamasaki Ayumi than imitate AKB48's members, because of course, to be like "Ayu" is being childish, egoist and fashion compulsive. That's why Hamasaki has more female fans in Japan that AKB48. Not because their music and performances. -__-
For CNN was easier, also, to critic the Idol otaku culture but not to promote the real Japanese Idol culture. Once again, shame on you, America! -__-
Monica: The Japanese pop music group Morning Musume, which translates to "Morning girls or daughters", is the most popular musical acts in Japan. Think Spice Girls but whit meat products on their heads. (Laughs). The group was created in 1997, its members, teenage girls, are chosen by the group’s producer, and like a modern day Menudo or Mickey Mouse Club, as they go older, members leave, they’re graduated and they’re replaced. They also have several spin-uppers: when they don’t have any boyfriends. These girls must maintain theirs virginal appearance with their fans (and for their agency, maybe).
Keith: Who are, who’re, who, who, who are the fans? They might ask...
Monica: (Laughs). Well, obviously, we know, teens, teens girls love the music and follow the band.
Keith: But it is worst than that, isn’t it?
Monica: Well, it is. First at all, we know that young men like this also... Two years ago they were part of a campaign by the Japanese Self Defense Agency helping to encourage 18 to 27 years old students to enlist in the military, so these girl-groups were in their posters trough all Japan.
Keith: 27s years olds with teenage girls...
Monica: Right. And, then, it gets a little more...
Keith: Worst, worst is the word.
Monica: OK. Worst is the word. Their concerts apparently are well attended by much older men during their 40s and 50s where they permanently like and trade their music and justify the merchandize...
Keith: And the merchandize will be what? (Laughs.)
Monica: Well, t-shirts, cds...
Keith: Oh, thanks God you said that! I just thought, “when they got too old for be in the group”, I thought, “they become merchandize.”
Morning Musume have recently been on a slow decline in terms of sales, and the group's revolving-door regeneration has had the negative effect that few consumers today recognize individual members. However, the girls' different personalities are highly apparent, and it's clear the management is keen to cultivate their individual abilities to reverse the slide.
[...]
At Morning Musume's inception, the group's fan base was diverse, attracting young girls, boys and parents. But another probable reason for their recent decline can be attributed to the resurgent otaku (obsessive fans). At a recent Hello! Project show in front of around 14,000 in Yokohama Arena, barely a single woman could be spotted among the dedicated and exuberant middle-age male crowd.
In April 2004, audio footage recorded backstage reportedly captured then-member Rika Ishikawa exclaiming: "Look at them. Grownups screaming like that! I can't believe it. So stupid!" Although such a scandal is rare in the micromanaged Musume life, standing in front of such frenzied supporters clearly affects the girls.
