Whoever didn’t see this coming is, frankly, a little too naive to be in this fandom. The moment the ninth generation joined, I started contemplating the eventual (and very soon) graduation of the senior members in the group, and I was right — and it’s about time.
I’m not trying to be so mean about Taka, honestly. As far as idol-fan relationships go, I’ve got such a history with her: she’s basically been the only Morning Musume leader I’ve known since I became a “fan” of the group and I’ve been through several ups and downs with her. I initially took a liking to her and called her shit like Takitty and just had the whole wota behavior going on for her. After I overcame that and found my real favorite idols, I progressively came to dislike her more and more. Eventually, everything evened out, and this is where I’m at now — indifference, maybe, but I respect her talent and her capabilities.
Taka wasn’t the member people singled out for having an explosive or interesting personality; she was the member people recognized for being Most Likely To Go Solo. It’s always been quite bizarre to me that she couldn’t pursue her dream of being in the Takarazuka, so she settled for becoming an idol. She unknowingly placed herself amongst a bastion of non-talent, where looks and personality were, at the end of the day, truly what sells you.
Yet she shined. She gained immense ground because of her talent, and also because she was uniquely dull in her own right (the absence of a strong personality is a personality). She was also very pretty, hence the staggering amount of photobooks she’s got under her belt. Taka was by no means a failed idol, just a very different one, and her departure from Morning Musume and Hello! Project is a momentous one.
I can’t see this as a massive downgrade for the group, however, simply because something wonderful just happened: we got the largest and most promising generation in years just a week ago. And Taka’s leaving will only usher in faster the establishment of new roles, of the older members pushing themselves to compensate for the loss, of the new blood coming to the forefront.
Basically, I’m talking about Sayashi.
While certainly not poised to realize her dream of becoming a Momusu leader, she has the potential to more than make up for the downgrade in talent that Momusu will suffer from Taka’s graduating. She is an incredible dancer for her age, her singing isn’t entirely awful, she has confidence and possibly more of a personality than even Taka did. I’m perhaps most excited to see where she can take the group in the next ~4 years or so, and I would really love to see her take the reigns and become leader someday. Speaking of leaders, really… Niigaki Risa? I’m actually kind of delighted. She has such a fun personality and she’s never stopped reminding me of a kid, so I think she’s well-suited to handling the ninth generation. That is, until she probably inevitably graduates in 2012.
Morning Musume is evolving and Taka’s been here for 10 years. All I can say now is that it’s about time.
I’m so glad you’re back (A)
Also, hurray for Zukki :D