Blog update: “Graduation”

Here’s the translation for Maimi’s 9/30 blog update, titled “Graduation“:

Good evening
It’s Maimi

Finally, Morning Musume’s Takahashi Ai-san graduated from Hello! Project today

I really wanted to go to today’s graduation performance
and see Takahashi-san’s final appearance as a member of Morning Musume,

but the Osaka performances of the play “Sengoku Jieitai” start today,

so ℃-ute went and watched the performance yesterday

Takahashi-san was really sparkling~

Yesterday, former Morning Musume members
Ogawa Makoto-san and Konno Asami-san
appeared as special guests.

They are members of the same generation as Takahashi-san and Niigaki Risa-san!!

They came running to Budokan to celebrate Takahashi-san’s graduation!!

Afterwards,
they introduced a song saying
“This is an important song for us”,

and sang “Suki na Senpai”,

and on the screen behind them, old clips of the 5th generation members played,

and suddenly my tears began to overflow.

Standing on the stage now,
Konno-san, who became an announcer.

Ogawa-san, who finished studying abroad and now participates as a member of Dream Morning Musume.

The leader of the reborn Morning Musume with 4 new members added, and also, Hello! Project’s leader, Niigaki-san.

And then, taking off towards a new dream, Takahashi-san.

Though, everyone on the screen still had innocent expressions,

“Everyone, there was this time too…”
I thought, and I was filled with various emotions.

Ten years have passed between then and now…

“Everyone realized their dreams~…” I thought,

and surely everyone was worried when they made their big decisions, but they all overcame that!!

When I thought “They’re reliable and cool”, my heart became full, and I cried out loud.

And then, I was also moved by the same generation bond.
Their paths are different, but nobody can change the time they spent together.

They are really wonderful seniors!!

For us, watching Takahashi-san sing and dance as a member of Morning Musume yesterday was the last time,

and until the very end, Takahashi-san left various things behind for us.

I felt really blessed to have been able to stand on the same stage with Takahashi-san, and study her amazing singing, dancing, and expressions close-by until now.

From now on, we probably won’t be able to meet like we could up until now,

but I will still chase Takahashi-san and go and see her various performances
I still have lots and lots to learn from her

Takahashi-san, thank you so much for everything
And then, from here on too, best regards

Thank you for all your hard work these 10 years

Blog update: “Osaka performances start♪”

Here’s the translation for Maimi’s tenth update on the Sengoku Jieitai Kikan-seyo blog, titled “Osaka performances start♪“:

Good morning!!
It’s Maimi♪

The Osaka performances start today☆

For me, it’s the first time to perform a play in Osaka!!

I’ve been excited the entire time(^_^)v

But, for the Kikan team,
the opening day of the Osaka performances and the closing day are the same day!!

In short, the Osaka performances are only one day.

So for the 3 performances, I want to firmly concentrate,
and put on a play that delights everyone.

The Kikan team’s performances are tomorrow,
10/1!!

The time I can spend as Maroka Shiho is limited to tomorrow, whether I like it or not.

Since the scenario reading,
I worried considerably about how to form my role.

Anyhow, it’s because it’s my first time having a role in this genre…(^-^;

Around the time that practice started,
on the way home Nacky and I had various conversations about the growth of our roles.

Nacky gave me advice like
“Try it like this?”,

but she also said “I really like it if you say it like this!!”…☆

In addition,

“Here, if you do it like this, it’ll probably be easier!!”

we discussed together with the Berryz Koubou members,

and even looking back now,

I strongly feel that this play was created with everyone’s cooperation!!

Though it’s my first time to perform in a Gekiharo play with Berryz Koubou,

having a connection like this where we can openly discuss our opinions is really fresh♪ I felt☆

With outstanding teamwork,
we will perform with no regrets on closing day!!

Well then, everyone in Osaka, let’s meet tomorrow(^з^)-☆

Maimi Sightings for 9/29

Fellow ℃-ute members Hagiwara Mai and Suzuki Airi shared some group shots from their trip to today’s Morning Musume concert in their updates on the official ℃-ute blog (here and here, respectively).

Blog update: “Photobook”

Here’s the translation for Maimi’s 9/29 blog update, titled “Photobook“:

Good morning
It’s Maimi

The release of Yajima Maimi’s 5th photobook has been decided

Actually, we shot for 3 days,
and finished yesterday without any problems

The location this time is
Izu

Izu is an unforgettable place I’ve filmed in and travelled to before

Tada

The view from where I stayed

(1) The ocean is too beautiful

It’s a wonderful place~

But, on the first day of shooting,
again one of my characteristics was on display

Rain…

I was having my make-up done before the shoot, and immediately when my make-up was finished, it started raining(- -;)

The order of the photoshoot had to be changed

“I’m not the type to believe in things like rain girls, though working together with Yajima, I started to believe that, ah… there really are rain girls…”

my manager said to me

As usual, the moment the photoshoot ended, it stopped raining

Wh, what the heck

But, for two of the days, it was perfectly clear

It was a battle with the strong winds though (lol)

I thought my parasol was going to fly away

But in the intense heat, that wind felt really good

Well well,
here’s a picture of a store I went to for lunch…

(2) Banana milk

It was delicious

By the way, the picture of the black cat that I uploaded in my update the day before yesterday

The cat stayed at this store

(3) Meow~

And then, yesterday was a photoshoot in the city

This photobook is the final photobook of my teens

When I turn 20, I can’t return to my teens

A lot of photos of Yajima Maimi were taken

The photoshoot was really fun, so it’d be nice if it becomes a photobook that everyone can enjoy I feel

I want to anticipate it’s completion

I’ll make another announcement when the release date is decided

Well then, I will tanobaru today

Maimi’s 5th solo photobook announced

Maimi’s 5th solo photobook has been announced by Maimi herself in an entry on the official ℃-ute blog today. There are still very few details available, but Maimi wrote that the photoshoot took place in Izu (which is where she also filmed “Umikaze”) and that the 3-day photoshoot just wrapped yesterday.

New “Zomvideo” cast member revealed

The comedienne Torii Miyuki was recently added to the cast list on the “Zomvideo” website, along with two new gallery images of her character. In addition, the site announced that she will also be appearing at the upcoming Tokyo event. For all the “Zomvideo” information revealed so far, please check out the “Zomvideo” feature here at MaimiLog.

Blog update: “Last”

Here’s the translation for Maimi’s 9/28 blog update, titled “Last“:

Good morning
It’s Maimi

Yesterday was the last episode
of the Inter FM program

“FIVE STARS”
I feel lonely now that the program has ended,

but I think there are a lot of people who learned of ℃-ute because of the program,

and I think that since we were allowed to talk about various things on the program, those who already knew about ℃-ute could learn more and more about us

This sort of program, I’m really grateful that it was given to ℃-ute

Thank you so very much for these past 2 years

(1) It’s unfortunate that Airi was unable to appear on the last episode,

but everyone talked a lot

And then, speaking of final things yesterday,
bay fm “ON8″‘s personality Maki Hiroka-san,
who always takes care of us,

graduated from the program on yesterday’s live broadcast in order to get married

When we come out with a new song we’re called on by “ON8”-san,
so we’re really indebted to them

When I heard she was graduating, I was considerably surprised, and felt lonely…

but I want her to have a happy wedded life

Again, Maki-san, congratulations on your marriage Be forever happy…

Yesterday, I was unable to go to the studio, so it’s unfortunate that I couldn’t say it in person, but thank you so much for everything

Well then, today I’ll go cheerfully

Maimi Sightings for 9/27

Up-Front comedian “Niranger” Kawada Azumi uploaded several pictures which feature Maimi and the others from backstage at the ℃-ute and S/mileage collaboration concert, and which can be seen in his blog update here.

Blog update: “Black cat♪”

Here’s the translation for Maimi’s 9/27 blog update, titled “Black cat“:

Good evening
It’s Maimi

It’s already completely autumn

Today, in front of the restaraunt I went to for lunch,
a black cat laid down

(1)

Cats have an image of running away when they’re approached, but this one was different

It laid out its stomach, and when I petted it, it purred like it felt good

With the make-up artist and costumer, the three of us surrounded that cat,

and it snuggled up at each of our feet in turn, and laid out on top of our feet

What a cute cat…

When we were returning too, the cat was leisurely taking a noon nap on top of a bench, and it looked like it felt good(*´▽｀)

Yeah It raised my spirits…

Ah That’s right
Completely changing the subject,

earlier, I was given volume 2 of the 3 consecutive solo DVD releases,
“a rainy day”,
so I immediately watched it

(2)

This time, there’s a story,

and I play an unlucky girl who despite enthusiastically travelling,
is stuck in the rain

…well, rather than I play, the day of filming actually overlapped with a typhoon,

so we couldn’t film anything outside,

and I think my feelings at that time show (sweats)

Though, since it rained, we were able to make this work…
If it was clear, it would’ve been something completely different…

So, it’s a good thing I think

A narration is also included,
so it’s different than any other DVD so far

“If it wasn’t raining, there probably wouldn’t be this narration” I was told

Certainly

I was nervous about the narration, but it was really fun, and I was glad I was able to do it

Well then, here’s a picture from the filming…

(3) Relax-mode indoors(*^^*)

And then,
orders for volume 3,
“Imagine Classic”,
are being accepted until
10/9 at 11:59PM

A clip is showing on the ℃-ute channel on YouTube,

and already a lot of people have watched it, so I’m really happy

This volume is becoming something amazing, so I definitely want a lot of people to watch this one too

Well then, everyone, have nice dreams tonight…
Good night

Maimi Sightings for 9/26

In a series of posts on her Ameba blog (part 1, part 2, part 3), fellow ℃-ute member Nakajima Saki uploaded some off-shots from the filming for Hello! Channel vol. 6, where she, Maimi, Morning Musume’s Michishige Sayumi, and Berryz Koubou’s Kumai Yurina spent the day working at a hotel.

Berikyuu news for 9/26: “Sengoku Jieitai”, “℃-ute Day” DVD info

■ DVD listings for both the “Shishu-seyo” and “Kikan-seyo” performances of the play “Sengoku Jieitai” have been added to the Shinseido Shopping Site. Both DVDs will be released on 11/30 at the price of 3990 yen (approximately 49 USD). Additional information found at the CD Japan listing reveals that the DVDs will have a running time of 120 minutes.

■ Also newly listed at Shinseido and releasing on 11/30 is the DVD for the ℃-ute fanclub event “℃-ute Cutie Circuit 2011 ~9/10 is ℃-ute Day~”.

Blog update: “Closing day”

Here’s the translation for Maimi’s 9/26 blog update, titled “Closing day“:

Good morning
It’s Maimi

Yesterday was the final day of the Tokyo performances for the play “Sengoku Jieitai ~Josei Jieikan Kikan-seyo~”

The time up until now has gone by in the blink of an eye…

There was also a curtain call yesterday, and giving my introduction… I was more nervous than ever

Yesterday after the performance, everyone toasted,

and there we were given some happy news

From just the Tokyo performances of “Sengoku Jieitai”, the number of guests was roughly 12,000 people

Being fired-up since pratice, and everyone working hard, that much made many people come and watch
When I thought that, I became really happy

Everyone who came to the theater to watch,
everyone who cheered for us… thank you so very much

Now finally, next are the Osaka performances on 10/1

For me, this is the first time to put on a play somewhere outside of Tokyo

…though I say that, there’s only one day of 3 performances, so the real final day of “Sengoku Jieitai ~Josei Jieikan Kikan-seyo~” is approaching

I want to put on a play that makes everyone who is waiting with anticipation for the Osaka performances think

“I’m glad I came to watch~“

Motivation, check
Fighting spirit, check

Now now, well then, today are the pictures from after the closing day yesterday…

(1) A commemoration photo with everyone

(2) Berikyuu (Berryz Koubou & ℃-ute) members, and everyone’s idol, Rin-chan

Alright For the Osaka performances too, everyone will tanobaru(^_^)/

Oooh

Blog update: “Tokyo, closing day”

Here’s the translation for Maimi’s 9/25 blog update, titled “Tokyo, closing day“:

Good morning
It’s Maimi

Yesterday was the final day of Tokyo performances for the play “Sengoku Jieitai ~Josei Jieikan Shishu-seyo~”

It was also broadcast on USTREAM, so for one performance yesterday, I tweeted with Berryz Koubou’s Sudou Maasa-chan

I’m not familiar using a regular computer, so I wondered things like “Where’s the surprise mark” and “How do I make a small A“,

and while asking Maasa, somehow I was able to tweet

At first, while I was typing the scene would change,

and I think there was a time difference like “Huh, about this time“,

but as I gradually became accustomed to it, I was able to type quickly, and my first experience tweeting was really fun

I’ve watched Shishu-seyo’s performances two times, but no matter how many times I see it it’s heartrending

At USTREAM I could see the improvement in their expressions, and I discovered it was different than watching from the audience

The climax stopped my hands, and my eyes were glued to the screen

At any rate Everyone in team Shishu, good work on the Tokyo performances

And then, today the final day of Tokyo performances for
“Sengoku Jieitai ~Josei Jieikan Kikan-seyo~”
finally arrives(;_;)

Fast fast fast

I’ll make the best of everything I’ve gotten up until now, and I will perform without leaving behind any regrets

Alright I’ll go and tanobaru today

Well then, today I’ve uploaded self-defense force pictures…

(1) With two people from the Shishu team

(2) From when we went to the garrison and were taught to crawl…

Everyone is serious

And then, lastly,

(3) A military outfit I wore during the photoshoot for the play’s goods

Maimi Sightings for 9/24

In a post titled “Hotelman” on her official blog, Morning Musume member Michishige Sayumi uploaded an off-shot of her and Maimi cleaning a hotel room window during the shooting for Hello! Channel vol. 6.

Full translations of the other girls’ updates can be found on blog!project.

Blog update: “Baby♥”

Here’s the translation for Maimi’s 9/24 blog update, titled “Baby“:

Good morning
It’s Maimi

There were 3 performances for the play “Sengoku Jieitai ~Josei Jieikan Kikan-seyo~” yesterday

There was also a happening yesterday,
but I want to be careful of injuries, and arrive at the closing day safely

When I think about it, there’s only one day of performances left in Tokyo, and there’s just one day of Osaka performances

From start to finish, it’s really fast

Today,
the final day of Tokyo performances for the “Sengoku Jieitai ~Josei Jieikan Shishu-seyo~” team arrives

Furthermore, there’s a fee,
but on USTREAM the noon performance will be broadcast

I’m not a part of
~Shishu-seyo~,
but I’ll be watching together with Berryz Koubou’s Sudou Maasa on USTREAM,

and in addition, we’ll be tweeting
I’ve never tweeted before, so I’m excited and nervous about typing properly

Those who have the time, if it’s alright, let’s watch it together

Shishu team Final day in Tokyo, fight q(^-^q)

And then, yesterday when I returned home, a baby had come to play

I was suprised by how much bigger the baby had become since we last met

They grow really fast when young

“Abababa(^o^)/”
The baby said something…

I wonder what they’re trying to say…

Everyone was paying too much attention to the baby, so my pet dog Aroma became jealous (lol)

Though she’s always aloof,
she desperately came up and “Pay attention to me too Pay attention“,

and then she turned towards the baby, and from far
“Yap yap yap yap”
she barked…

When I thought “The baby is going to cry“,
for some reason they looked like they enjoyed the barking sound,

and laughed “Hehehehe”

Whew~ I’m glad
It seems like they’ll become a strong child (lol)

Aroma… don’t mind(゜゜;)＼(^^;)

I took pictures of the baby with my cellphone

Just this morning, I took 23 pictures

The baby really raises my spirits

Well then, here is the baby

I mean, a 2-shot with the jealous Aroma-san

(1)

Yep Aroma’s cute too

Alright, well then, I will tanobaru and tweet

Until tomorrow’s update~☆