This was a rather interesting post to write. Not because I loathe this girl or anything, but because I have a fairly balanced opinion on her that could end up accidentally leaning either too favorable or too negative and leaves people with the wrong idea. She’s got quite a lot of support from both Japanese and international fans. In fact, out of the Rokkies, I can almost say Tanaka Reina has the biggest fanbase — but even that is debatable.

Sometimes I wonder if exaggeration is a natural side-effect of this girl’s insanely strong persona, or she’s purposefully trying to put herself out there by winking uncontrollably during performances, or making her voice so insufferably annoying that I can barely stand to listen to her. Someone like Koharu, for instance, there’s not a doubt in my mind that she acts fucktarded of her own free will. But Reina? The girl who was already such a “character” that I imagine she wasn’t instructed to change anything about herself at all when she joined Momusu? It’s a little difficult to grasp.

Everyone knows Reina’s yankii image. It’s one that’s followed her from her auditions to this point, as we rest on “Mikan” and impatiently await Morning Musume’s next single, dated for release on April 16th. Some argue that’s she a natural at what she does, but I happen to be in the mind that Reina really needs to see an ophthalmologist and get her eyes checked out. They can’t seem to stop twitching. Either that, or she should speak to some of the technician staff at Hello! Project and see about getting that florescent lighting toned down just a little bit at concerts, as they seem to be so bright that they mess with her vision. This girl winks way too much. I understand winking is a cute, flirty gesture that’s just perfect for idols, but you CAN overdo it to the point where I start to wonder if you’ve got a, ahem, “problem”. (Get help, Reina! It’s not too late!)

As for the vocals… H!P is a business built off image, not music. There is no better representation of how true this is than Tsugunaga Momoko of Berryz Koubou. Momoko has a stereotypically “cute” personality, right? And the way the idol world works, your voice has to match your image or else you end up confusing the poor wota too much. What kicks me in the ass is that it used to not be like this (ILU early Morning Musume lineup), but as Momusu continued to change throughout the years, H!P and Up-Front became progressively more idol-minded. It makes things sometimes difficult to discern, however; for example, is Momoko instructed to constrict her vocals so she sounds like a chipmunk on meth, or does she do it of her own accord? It’s a neverending battle for the truth out of such a hush-hush company.

Here, though, I’m giving Reina the benefit of the doubt — as I try to give all idols in H!P. There is really no right answer with these girls, and because of this, I often view it being useless to even try to figure out how much control they have over their own careers, or how much influence they have on songs, etc.

Aside from feeling that she needlessly exaggerates her personality, I do have a soft spot for Reina. She’s had the cursory appearance on my top five list for the current Musume, and I admire some things about her: Most notably, her fashion sense. I catch myself occasionally wondering, in all seriousness, if she actually owns a few of the outfits she wears for photoshoots. (I’m nearly positive she “yanked” her costume for “Mikan” out of her closet.) I also am quite enamored with her face from time to time. She definitely has a special pair of eyes, much as I think she’s got a bizarre tic to go along with them. I also enjoy how she seems to like American culture and music — it’s almost…bizarrely flattering, for me. Of course, this does make me a little shamelessly biased, and we all seem to enjoy fellow countries’ culture more than our own at times, but with Reina playing James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful” and the Spice Girls on her radio show, I can’t help but laugh. Unfortunately, I can’t exactly relate to Reina too well, and seeing as I value relatability in idols, she’s probably never going to be too high in my book.

I take serious umbrage at the fact that Tsunku once stated that Reina was the closest to being the “perfect Morning Musume member”, however. This is bullshit. The girls who started the group are the perfect Morning Musume members, and Reina only resembles them by a fourth, at best. It seems as if no present Musume can really capture the genuine spirit of the original girls, and this makes me extremely disappointed. Momusu has definitely morphed into something completely different from what it initially was. As for Reina being the closest to a perfect member at the present… Even then, she’s good but she’s not close to perfect. None of the girls are. But with their combined efforts, they are all the perfect Morning Musume member, because together they are Morning Musume. I may not be ecstatic for them like I am for the “LOVE Machine” lineup, but I accept the fact that they’re what the group is, nearly nine years later. It frustrates me that Tsunku of all people would even make a statement like that, which leads me to routinely question its validity.

Ranting aside, as for advice on how to improve… Stick closely to the yankii image. Stop winking so much. In general, rock on, Reina. You may only have my vote on a good day, but there’s plenty more people out there who would unquestionably elect you as President of Wonkyness.

And for god’s sake, smile like that more! You look adorable. Or maybe that’s not the point. Damnit, I’m confused. *listens to “You’re Beautiful”*