Kitsuiko

It's part of her Sayu persona isn't it? Creeping on younger girls and kind of playing at that like the fans do. She's the most clever Musume by a half.... All of her idol persona is built around some area of fan connection.

A strong leader is a subtle, important thing.

Just look at Berryz and C-ute and how they talk about Maimi always pushing them forward and how Miyabi was pulled in to be co-leader.

Think of it more this way. One person has good parents who are supportive and go to their school events... But, they also have an older sibling that checks their homework before school. They make sure their sibling isn't teased in the cafeteria and offers advice about teachers. They pick their sibling to work with them on after school projects and show them how they pulled off that cool move in gym.

Another person has good parents but no sibling.

The first person is almost assuredly going to have a better school experience than even someone with a lot of peers. There's a guidance there which builds confidence.

I love BerryZ but I can't really say they all grew like C-ute grew. Just watch Pittari XMas with Koharu and Yurina; Koha's showing up a senior in expression hand over fist.

If BerryZ to C-Ute doesn't work for you... Compare Eri to Aika. Eri grew into a Musume practically cultivated by Nakazawa to bring out her personality and make a space for Eric Kamezo. She had members guiding her to tell her to be bigger in personality and trying to help push her forward. Aika grew up under lead by example leadership but... She never had anyone really push like previous leaders.

Now watch Fukumura with Sayumi. Seriously compare her Suki DA na kimi ga from when she started and after. Its practically night and day. A good leader brings out the best and can change everything.

I know the meme since Takahashi said it is that a leader doesn't really do anything... But, I don't think that should be taken as gospel. A good leader actually LEADS and while there are all sorts of handlers, trainers, etc?

It's pretty clear when a girl has a good mentor they thrive.

If you want to know what the studio is looking for, then, look at the girl who is graduating.  

 

Do... we really need another strong singer?  We've got a lot; imho only two girls are weak and we've got a good range of voices from high to low.  We've got a lot of strong dancers.

If anyone is looking for a place to stay (and isn't afraid of a semi-stranger) I've gotten a hotel room from Saturday to Monday at the Mansfield Hotel.

 

Its walking distance from the venue AND from the Hello! Party -- I swear I'm normal.  If you can't afford to pay for it, eh, whatevs.  I just want someone to walk to concert with and to help make sure we both get goods and good placement at the concert.  Though if you'd like to kick me a few dollars, even better

 

Just give me an FPM or email me at [email protected] and I'll give you my phone number.  

 

Further, I'll be flying in from La Guardia and get there at 10:25 so if someone wants to split a taxi in from the airport to go down towards midtown, I'm in.

Well, looks like I'll be meeting some of you for the first time.

 

Also *dusts off name*