Cover Art of 2014
AKB48 - Kibouteki Refrain (all)
Dynamic, open-ended, abstract, electronic, modern, forward-looking. These covers effectively embody the overall song concept: never stop moving forward. Whilst the overall lyrics for the song are fairly generic (stock-standard J-pop stuff about love), the marketing (for instance, the CMs) and packaging explicitly lay out Aki-P's vision statement for the future of AKB48. Hand the batons over to the next-gen, out with the old and in with the new. Yes, the vets are starting to all graduate now, so if you hadn't got the message, it's really now time for the next batch of aces to step up. This is an era where idol groups can never afford to stay still - you either move up or move out. And Kibouteki Refrain's message is simply thus: we are the idol group for the 21st century, and we are most definitely still in this game.
The bonus clincher? Collect 'em all and string them across. Now there's a sales incentive.
Honourable Mention: Nogizaka46 - Kizuitara Kataomoi (all)
Special Award 2014
Rina Kawaei and Anna Iriyama
The events of May 25th this year struck a chord with everyone - not just throughout the 48 Group and its fans, but across the idol industry. Even till now we are still seeing the aftershocks: witness the security checks, the (infamous) tables and, of course, the members ever more cautious in case a repeat happens again. Particularly for Ricchan and Annin, who were directly affected by the attack. No doubt it left a deep scar in their minds for years to come, so some were left wondering whether they'd be able to step back into the public eye once again. And I'm sure the fandom would accept it if they had chosen to retire from the entertainment industry as a result.
So it really took a lot of courage and emotional strength to say, "I won't let this hinder me trying to make it big in this world and achieving my dreams". It's not just the mark of a polished professional idol to get up from your trauma and move forward, it is the mark of what it means to be a human being. Yes, the psychological scars may still be present even till now (for example, they haven't since went back to participating in handshake events) but to simply stand up again and carry on deserves much respect.
Honourable Mention: Kayano Shinobu
Soloist and Subunits Song of 2014
Miyuki Watanabe - Yasashiku suru yori Kiss wo Shite
This is a fun song. Milky is your stereotypical idol; to package her in the Showa-era context is a brilliant stroke. Whilst the Seiko Matsuda connections are obvious, this song could have easily fallen flat. Not so. An easy song to catch on to, it has all the funky hallmarks of the 80s (the strings, the trumpets, the old-school synths) sparkled with all the over-the-top idol glitter that Milky is famous for personifying. As a tsuri-influenced homage to nostalgic times, I wholeheartedly approve.
Honourable Mention: French Kiss - Omoidasenai Hana
C/W Music Video of 2014
Nogizaka46 - Korogatta Kane wo Narase!
If Sony is good at one thing (apart from mastering audio), it's making very well crafted and impeccably solid idol music videos. Nogizaka46's music videos have generally been a cut above average (NMB48, are you listening?), but I reckon they've nailed this one. Vivid coloring, dynamic cinematography, fun fast tempo rock 'n roll song backing, a unique concept (as far as 46/48G music videos go) - the only thing lacking is a 4K version to do this music video justice. Whoever would have thought the sterile, Germanic Erika Ikuta would make a perfect body-swapping evil genius.
Honourable Mention: SKE48 (Team E) - Banana Kakumei
C/W Song of 2014
AKB48 (Team 8) - Seifuku no Hane
As HKT48 matures with Sasshi at the helm, something new needs to take on the role of the "young, fresh, loli" idol sub-group. Enter the Toyota-backed Team 8. Their first song, 47 no Suteki na Machi e, was a good crowd-pleaser, but I think Seifuku no Hane works better. Ignore the blatant Toyota Aqua/Prius C advertising for a minute, and what you're left is this: a solid, synth-y, cheerily upbeat pop number, spearheaded by a bunch of as-yet-to-mature 12-15yo girls' voices. Back to basics indeed.
Honourable Mention: AKB48 (Team Surprise) - Hell or Heaven
Breakthrough Member of the Year
Mion Mukaichi (AKB48)
With the number of prominent new members entering the 48 Group having decreased this year, this was a difficult category. In selecting Mion for this award was an even tougher choice. Yes, she has been the choice de jour for many gravure photoshoots of late (I wonder if Aoki-san is suggesting something here...). But this is the oft-touted successor to the great Yuko Oshima hand picked by yours truly. And we all know the influential power of big-name endorsements in Japanese media culture. No, she hasn't centered any official 48 Group release so far. But the push is already evident in many a concert and TV show special, and collecting a multitude of new fans as she goes along.
Honourable Mention: Nako Yabuki (HKT48) & Miku Tanaka (HKT48) (tie)
Music Video of 2014
SKE48 - Bukiyou Taiyou
I'll be honest - this year has been rather underwhelming as far as good A-side music videos (and, arguably, songs) go. Given the 48 Group's already cemented massive media profile, there's really no reason to experiment with different styles as long as the cash keeps on coming in. Fans don't mind either as long as their oshimen is in the lineup.
The only real differentiation, then, is production values. Whilst Placard shines with fun, the cynicist in me sees it as another cash-in of Fortune Cookie. Thus, I lean towards the arguably more solid Bukiyou Taiyou. I did mention above Sony's capability in delivering excellent music videos; in fact, I'd place Avex a good runner-up, and it shows. There's no real "wow" factor, or a "grab-you-by-the-balls" here, but what we get is beautiful, cinematography, natural toning and a real down-to-earth atmosphere that suits its laid-back, warm summer anthem feel very well. The only real weakness is its attempts at adding a bit of a romantic subplot which, at best, is a distraction.
The critical success factor to a well-made MV comes down to the fundamentals of film-making: cinematography, direction, production and colouring. Amidst all the gimmickry that occurred throughout the year, this is a refreshingly good example of the basics done right.
Honourable Mention: AKB48 - Kokoro no Placard
Song of 2014
AKB48 - Kokoro no Placard
Let's face it: this is a Koisuru Fortune Cookie clone. It's pretty obvious why AKS went for this route again this year. Why, then, does this deserve my highest award? The answer is straightforward: take a look at the rest of the A-sides throughout the year. HKT48 have largely been flat, musically speaking, save for the added bonus of youth, while NMB48 didn't even have the latter factor to compensate. SKE48 fared marginally better with its summer ballad (see above) offering a surprisingly decent refresher between the happier idol tunes before and after it. Same with Nogizaka46 but to a lesser extent.
Which brings me to the mother group. And to be frank, it was they that proved stronger this year. I don't think I can, hand on heart, say each of the AKB48 A-sides this year were ho-hum. But, as photocopied as it was from its predecessor, nothing beats a good ol' fun idol song that gets everyone involved. Close call though - Refrain is an overall stronger music number per se, but positioned as less of a (mainstream) crowd-pleaser than Placard. And much more heavy than the relatively light and refreshing Placard too.
As the saying goes: if it ain't broke...
Honourable Mention: AKB48 - Kibouteki Refrain
Member of the Year
Rino Sashihara (HKT48)
Mayu might have led the merry band as the newly crowned queen of the 48 Group kingdom this year, stealing all the media attention and headlines. But I'd argue there's one other member who exerted more of a significance this year, but perhaps not in a way that was completely visible to all. And that person was last year's queen.
Sure, Sasshi is one of 48 Group's biggest media exports. A likely household name by now given she's guested in at least one-in-five non-48G variety shows (figures exaggerated for literary licence) and shoved in to many an ad campaign (Softbank, Toyota, etc.). But it's her often less mentioned work in HKT48 that deserves worthy of admiration. Not as a normal team member, but also as a highly understanding and skilled "theatre manager". I refer to two examples: the HKT48 Kyushu tour and their overall rapid promotion and growth that brought them to Kohaku in less than 2 years since debut. For the former, it was her influence in set list choice that made the entire island tour a highly successful one. We can also see her efforts in promoting the group: NakoMiku, a constant stream of regular variety series, rotating centers (both in HKT48 and AKB48), national tours and growing sales. It's no wonder NHK took noticed and granted them access to the holy grail of national televised events - the end of year Kohaku Utagassen.
Truth be told, despite what the purists think, HKT48 might not be in the position they are today without Sasshi's significant driving force. Or at least it would have taken them longer to get here. AKS might have done all the backroom dealings, but it would be very hard to deny Sasshi having swayed the decisions either way. And to the members, despite the circumstances that led to her being there initially, her big sister presence as a guiding mentor and counsellor turned out to be, and is still currently, invaluable.
In a post-Takamina world, Sasshi will only become more important and influential in shaping the future of the 48 Group as we know it. But for now, she's shown her work.
Honourable Mention: Mayu Watanabe (AKB48)
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