Holiday lull before Hello Project’s perfect storm

°C-ute cranks up Tokaikko Junjou on Music Fighter

Yes, everyone is celebrating the holiday season for the next few days. But as the New Year dawns, a creative typhoon of historic intensity will envelop Hello Project. It will likely culminate in what should, no doubt, be one of the most significant, most explosive performing-arts extravaganzas of this early 21^st century – the Hello Project 2008 Awards Show, Jan. 26-27, at Yokohama Arena.

This is worth a second look ...

But ... what is it? A concert? An Oscar-like parade of speeches and statue giveaways? A combination of both? What?

Now, understand, I have no idea what to actually expect. I have only heard, from a reliable source close to Hello Project management, that the following groups will be represented: Morning Musume, Berryz Kobo, °C-ute, Melon Kinenbi, Oganku Gatas, Harapuro Eggs, V-u-den, and a stellar assortment of Elder Club soloists and ensembles. That's all I know.

... and a third!

Since this is an “awards show,” I anticipate that songs will actually be performed as well. There has to be a reason for all these performers to show up on the same weekend at a large arena that will likely be packed for all three shows (there is a matinee set for Sunday the 27th) -- and it won't be just to hear people yap at each other for better than two hours.

But back to the original point: Why is this year so special? Consider this:

*** °C-ute’s mammoth and critically acclaimed single, “Tokaikko Junjou,” will no doubt be front and center in some way. How is it possible that the classy but finicky Japanese cultural site, Dohhhup!, can have three – count ’em, three – versions of this same single in its lineup? °C-ute is on a roll that, as of now, sees no end in sight. Prediction: Tsunku, true to form, will make "Jump" the leadoff number -- having ended with it in last summer's Saitama Super Arena spectacular.

*** Buono! Not specifically mentioned as a participant, you’ve got to believe Momoko, Miyabi and Suzuki will be there for their respective groups, Berryz and °C-ute, so naturally Buono! will have to sing. My bet is that it will be an expanded, gargantuan joint number, replete with effervescent gangs of schoolgirl-clad Eggs accompanying the Big Three (unless, of course, some kind of copyright snafu with the song's anime series gets in the way).

Ongaku Gatas has a second single, Yattarouze

*** Ongaku Gatas has a second single, as good or better than the first. Gatas is a stunning surprise and will no doubt be well-received. Yossie will hopefully keep everyone loose and laughing. And, believe it or not, Konno has developed pipes after all these years!

Berryz Kobo gears up for its new single

*** Berryz is quietly being "C-ut-i-fied" if its latest single is any indication. By that I mean the septet is injecting more energy into its already stellar creative core. Frankly, the single “Kokuhaku no Funsui Hiroba” was, I thought, the most beautiful thing visually I had ever seen in the summer 2007 concert – but most fans just did’t get it. Reminds me of Momusu's ill-fated "Ambitious" of last year -- a single Tsunku still thinks everyone should love because he had it performed as recently as that same concert. Better to put some more pep into Berryz, and they might even sneak-preview their upcoming new single. -- reportedly based on a raucous Russian dance song, "Moskau." Or is it based on an exotic food, like "Morning Curry?" Either way, that would be cool!

Morning Musume decked out in holiday garb plugging Mikan

*** Morning Musume: “Mikan” will be probably the best song of the concert (now I’m assuming songs will be performed as awards are announced and recognized). If Momusu uses the retro uniforms and choreography of the PV, it will be a hit beyond hits because it will bowl over older and newer fans alike. “Mikan” could well be one of Tsunku’s most brilliant strokes yet.

Well, what else is there to say? There is nothing more that can be said. Who knows what the shuffle combos or solos will be? I’m hoping Suzuki will get her big-arena shot; heaven knows °C-ute deserves their big-arena concert just like Berryz got last year. But ... this just in! My sources are now saying that later in 2008, Berryz and °C-ute are squaring off in a "battle" concert of some kind. Man, what a great idea! My bets are on °C-ute, but the savvy and slightly more experienced Berryz will be pulling out all the stops. We'll see if this pans out as proposed.

Notice I didn't mention Kusumi. That was by design.

In any event, there is no better year to spend the money that none of us has to get out to Yokohama and prepare for what could be the perfect storm of concerts.

This is Radicalipton signing off -- for now.