So MM's coming to the US

[sadude]

So somewhat lost in all the shuffle and hoopla and hullabaloo and ballyhoo is the fact that MM is coming to the US. Now that we're all done wotaing over the news, what exactly does this mean? What about the fact that they're coming to an anime convention, specifically? Testing the waters for a possible expansion to the US, glorified attention-whoring with a gimmick, or simply not being booked for anything at the time and taking whatever few dollar bills were put in their thongs?

[nihonjin_berryz]

Yeah, not really excited, but I am. It sucks that it is all the way in California. I live all the over in Tennessee. What ever happened to Nashville being "Music City"? We never get anything. Yeah excited, kinda. Anime Convention, probably cause most people in America associate Japanese music with anime and if thats how they can get though(to their audience), being in that market. Well I guess you got to do what you got to do.

[neshcom]

I'd say that MoMu coming to the states is much to do about nothing. Maybe they make a few singles on iTunes on time and when sales are down, they refuse to sell physical singles until sales become so low that they start to sell physical singles. KEEP CHECKIN THEM FYE'S Y'ALL <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... omgwtf.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':weeeh:' />

[Zounder]

Well, I have no idea how much money/profit this kind of appearance would net as opposed to a regular concert in Japan, so it's difficult to say. I would -imagine- that all factors considered it would mean this would net them a significant profit.



But again, with all this "H!P is doomed" talk (Not that I agree with that), perhaps it's a last ditch effort to gain steam.



Eh, it's probably just the money.



Either way, I think it's a good idea. Never hurts to spread into other countries.

[peachgirldb]

I think it's just for the hell of it. They got invited, it makes them look good to say they're big enough to tour in other countries, so they accepted.

[Pucchi-Mo]

I'm all for taking news for what it is but....



[quote name='sadude' post='60772' date='Feb 23 2009, 11:20 PM']So somewhat lost in all the shuffle and hoopla and hullabaloo and ballyhoo is the fact that MM is coming to the US. Now that we're all done wotaing over the news, what exactly does this mean? What about the fact that they're coming to an anime convention, specifically? Testing the waters for a possible expansion to the US, glorified attention-whoring with a gimmick, or simply not being booked for anything at the time and taking whatever few dollar bills were put in their thongs?[/quote]



They're totally picking a white girl out of the AX audience for 9th Gen.



JUST WAIT

[Darkolumb]

[quote name='TightWetPucchi' post='60779' date='Feb 23 2009, 10:57 PM']I'm all for taking news for what it is but....



[quote name='sadude' post='60772' date='Feb 23 2009, 11:20 PM']So somewhat lost in all the shuffle and hoopla and hullabaloo and ballyhoo is the fact that MM is coming to the US. Now that we're all done wotaing over the news, what exactly does this mean? What about the fact that they're coming to an anime convention, specifically? Testing the waters for a possible expansion to the US, glorified attention-whoring with a gimmick, or simply not being booked for anything at the time and taking whatever few dollar bills were put in their thongs?[/quote]



They're totally picking a white girl out of the AX audience for 9th Gen.



JUST WAIT

[/quote]



oh god. don't say things like that. Tsunku might actually be reading this forum <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... dammit.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':weeeh:' /> he has enough sources for fucked up ideas.



I really doubt a straight-up expansion is coming. At least not in the same sense as Icecreamusume goes. I mean, sure it could happen. But there's not much of an audience in the west for both the kind of music and oogling underage to barely legal girls. Most girl groups to come out in the west are glorified strippers (to appease the male audience), that sing about stuff that appeals to teenage girls and gay guys. and is mostly music that can be played in clubs to target everyone else. And honestly, I don't see anything coming from Tsunku's music library ever having popular club play anywhere but maybe Asian karaoke bars. The only thing i see coming is maybe a US Fanclub with tours and goods like the hawaii one. or if Tsunku's venturous, a Pussycat Dolls wannabe group that's only really popular among us Wota. I dunno though, the same yups that put together Hannah Montana are gathering a bunch of tweenage girls together from California. (not surprisingly called The Beach Girls) to appeal to the same audience of Miley. Who knows, idol groups like Momusu might actually become popular over here, it'll be filled with evil and wrong though so I'm hoping against it.

[Kago]

They're totally picking a white girl out of the AX audience for 9th Gen.



JUST WAIT

If the crowd is anything like a typical anime con crowd that girl will be so ugly even Risa will look good in comparison

oh god. don't say things like that. Tsunku might actually be reading this forum

yeah i want them all japanese because those are the only kawaii girls no whities in my pure idol group!!!!!!

[Special Needs Tricycle]

It means Anime Expo has lots of money.



That's it.

[mia-p]

If this had a happened during the golden era I would of gone bananas.



I think they would of had a lot of commercial appeal in North America during the early 4th gen days, since the group had a wide range of personalities and age differences, which was what made the group so interesting <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':weeeh:' /> Plus the spin off groups at that time would of added more interest especially since they are visiting L.A 0_0

They will probably get some media attention but either way, it's just a shame that the current lineup is so flat now <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':wub:' />



I can already picture the amount of Morning Musume cosplay at this con lol, half the audience will be in costume XD;;;; and I know for a fact that a lot of people will be out of control <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' />

I wonder if they will be happy or freaked out to see that XD;

[ostrich]

Probably, like Special Needs Tricycle stated, because somebody was willing to pay them enough money to do so.



The other side benefits (e.g., gauging MM interest in the US, reaching new audiences, etc.) were probably not in their plans, but simply (possibly) an added bonus to their trip.

[Pucchi-Mo]

oh god. don't say things like that. Tsunku might actually be reading this forum

yeah i want them all japanese because those are the only kawaii girls no whities in my pure idol group!!!!!!

how 2006 of you <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... /laugh.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':weeeh:' />



Anyway, Tsunku can't do it now because I just ruined the surprise.

No more EEeee~??? factor.



haha, I said do it now

[EmEl]

[quote name='mia-p' post='60784' date='Feb 24 2009, 12:42 AM']I think they would of had a lot of commercial appeal in North America during the early 4th gen days, since the group had a wide range of personalities and age differences, which was what made the group so interesting[/quote]



I don't think American response would be any different at all depending on when they came. The people who were already fans would have reacted differently, but not the general public or even the genral anime crowd who are fans of anime and not music. I suppose they would have had the benefit of adding the tagline "Recent Number 1 Artist in Japan!" to their name, but that's it. Non-fans will think now what they would have thought then: "Oh, some Japanese girls are gonna be singing."

[Darkolumb]

[quote name='Pi Kago' post='60782' date='Feb 23 2009, 11:19 PM']yeah i want them all japanese because those are the only kawaii girls no whities in my pure idol group!!!!!![/quote]



<img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... /noway.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':wub:' /> Sarcasm Aside.... Seeing some tall, blonde hot bitch in Morning Musume winking and acting retard cute with the rest of them would be the most painful yet most entertaining thing ever. Like when celebrities go batshit crazy and ruin their careers for all the public to see



I'm on the fence for this one now actually <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... unsure.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':weeeh:' />

[Shoujo Q]

Anime conventions back in the day had the BIG draw of having anime you could watch. Especially the new anime that wasn't even really out yet in America. They also had big ol' dealer rooms where you could by exotic things like artbooks, imported dvds and Cds, and random crap. So people flocked their like seagulls saying MINE MINE MINE! (I swear I only said Mine once before pushing someone out of the way in a dealer room, honest!)



But ever since Anime became mainstream the video rooms have become like dinosaurs and dvds aren't bought as much because people realized how over-priced the dealer room was. (Unless you're like me and find the really cheap guys selling the used H!P cds! <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... lesson.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':weeeh:' /> )



Anyway, big conventions like Anime Expo, which is basically industry run (and has the money to burn), needs a big draw to bring in the crowds. That's why they are turning to the untaped market of the Jpop/rock fan. (Us.) We aren't like omg anime lets go dress up and make foolz of ourself, yay! We wouldn't normally go to a convention. (Unless you're me and love the dealer roomz. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... omgwtf.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':wub:' /> Which at Anime Expo is called the Exibitor room.)



Anyway, the fact they are bringing Morning Musume means they are going to get in a big draw of non anime fans. They are cool like that, knowing who to book as a special guest that could please the music fans and not really alienate ALL of the anime fans. There's a lot of crossover fans. (Hi!)



So I don't think this is a big push for Morning Musume to go all Spice Girls on America. (Dear lord I hope not.) I can see them (Musume) sticking to the anime con circuts if they wanted to do this again and they (UFA) found there was lots of money to be made in it. Minus the cost of flying the girls half way round the world, putting them in a hotel, feeding and clothing them. They could do it. Im not sure how much AX paid them to come, but it had to have been a lot considering Musume isn't just 1 person but 9 people, and their crew.



Hey, it would have been great to see them like 3-4 years ago, but I'm not complaining much. There's still a bunch of girls I like in the group, the music may not be the same but I'd never give up a chance to see a group that I spent so much time and money on, on my own turf. Probably if it wasn't California I wouldn't go. Since LA isn't foreign to me, it makes me a little more comfortable.



Oh and their better be no whitey in Musume! I'll kill Tsunku! <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... omgwtf.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' /> If she as to be an american, as least make her an asian american. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' /> She'll blend in better.

[EmEl]

[quote name='PQ' post='60801' date='Feb 24 2009, 05:56 AM']if they wanted to do this again and they (UFA) found there was lots of money to be made in it. Minus the cost of flying the girls half way round the world, putting them in a hotel, feeding and clothing them. They could do it. Im not sure how much AX paid them to come, but it had to have been a lot considering Musume isn't just 1 person but 9 people, and their crew.[/quote]



And, who knows, if they bring their video cameras (don't they always?) and everything goes well, they always have the chance for extra revenue from a concert DVD: "Morning Musume in Los Angeles!" Well, okay, it's at least grounds for a "Hello! days" fan club DVD if nothing else.

[tsukinobyouin]

[quote name='PQ' post='60801' date='Feb 24 2009, 05:56 AM']Anyway, the fact they are bringing Morning Musume means they are going to get in a big draw of non anime fans. They are cool like that, knowing who to book as a special guest that could please the music fans and not really alienate ALL of the anime fans. There's a lot of crossover fans. (Hi!)[/quote]



While I agree with everything else you said about how anime has become more accessable and dealers rooms are overpriced, the draw of non-anime fans is usually not as big as you'd think. It all depends on the artist of course - but when L'arc en Ciel, a group that has a much huger fanbase than MM, came to Otakon, the large majority of people that went to their concert were people who were already at the con for the anime/cosplay/etc and just heard the group that sang that Full Metal Alchemist song was going to be there. And after they sang that song, those people promptly got bored XD In the end, bringing a band usually makes a convention lose a lot more money than they gain. Most Japanese management agencies will not foot a cent of the bill - that means the con pays for sound equipment, lighting, booking whatever venue (if it's outside the con), and sometimes even the flight and hotel expenses for the artist. Most of the time, rather than trying to bring in new people (which they will inevitably get a chunk of, but usually not enough to offset the overall cost), they're trying to find new and exciting ways to entertain the "fanbase" they already have. A lot of the time it's just one con trying to outdo another too XD



As for what it means for MM coming to the US from MM's perspective, I'm reserving judgment until I see what sort of presence they're planning at the con.

[mia-p]

[quote name='EmEl' post='60792' date='Feb 24 2009, 04:33 PM'][quote name='mia-p' post='60784' date='Feb 24 2009, 12:42 AM']I think they would of had a lot of commercial appeal in North America during the early 4th gen days, since the group had a wide range of personalities and age differences, which was what made the group so interesting[/quote]



I don't think American response would be any different at all depending on when they came. The people who were already fans would have reacted differently, but not the general public or even the genral anime crowd who are fans of anime and not music. I suppose they would have had the benefit of adding the tagline "Recent Number 1 Artist in Japan!" to their name, but that's it. Non-fans will think now what they would have thought then: "Oh, some Japanese girls are gonna be singing."

[/quote]



Yeah thats probably true, they would probably just be written off as a Japanese girl band with too many members (if they didn't bother to give them a second thought). I'm just saying that the group back then definitely had more commercial appeal then they do now, regardless if anyone in the US acknowledged it or not. (Just my opinion though) I mean just by looking at them I think the general audience would gather some sort of interest like; wow there's 2 kids and 3 teenagers and 5 women, and one is really short and one is really tall etc. etc. The current line up is basically a group of attractive teenage girls, which is pretty much the standard for most girl bands *shrugs*

[Pflaume]

I think it's a combination of Peach and Trike's explanation. It sounds good for the group to have performed in America, and Anime Expo has lots of money. Win-win. I don't really see it as some sort of step down. Don't you think it's likely Anime Expo paid quite a bit more to have them there than most of the smaller Japanese venues they play? And I don't just mean because of airfare. You're paying for these girls' time.

[peachgirldb]

It's during prime concert and event season in Japan as well, which is of course where H!P actually makes their money, so they have to be getting paid pretty well to schedule a weekend to come to the U.S.

[Lovely]

I wonder how much they're getting paid for this. That's a serious question.

[Madara]

I wonder if they have any fans in Hollywood (the industry, not the neighborhood), someone on the level of Quentin Tarantino. And I wonder if their visit will get any attention from such fans or anyone in the movie or TV industry or the non-fan press. Just curious.

[Shoujo Q]

Hi~ Um, I found this while poking around the internet cause I have no life. Since I'm linguistically challenged, I thought someone could translate it. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':cryalot:' />



Variety Japan Interview involving AX and Tsunku

[neshcom]

Hi~ Um, I found this while poking around the internet cause I have no life. Since I'm linguistically challenged, I thought someone could translate it. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':cryalot:' />



Variety Japan Interview involving AX and Tsunku

[Morning Musume. リーダー　高橋愛】 Takahashi Ai]



Q. As a group, is this your first performance in the US?



A. Yes, this is the first time. We're excited. We've always wanted to go to Amerca. We want to give a great impression.



Q. Is it possible to be a fan of anime in America?



A. We do not know. But earlier, when I went to NY in private, they broadcast several Japanese anime. I'm not really sure.



Q. What do you expect from AX?



A. As Morning Musume, we want to know the American people. We hope to see you soon!!!!!.



【つんく♂】 [♂] Tsunku



Q. What are the plans for this year's AX?



A. AX, I think, is one of the best places to meet fans in America. Morning Musume will be in many parts of the venue. I think a lot of plans have been set.



Q. How will the "Morning Musume Brand be developed in America?



A. Many people want the American people know it exists. ["Many people in America want to know it exists" maybe?] I want to feel the power and performance of songs and their smiles when the fans go to see them. Branding is such a good idea to communicate with fans.

I left some of the Engrish from Google Translate because it mostly makes sense.

[Hana]

[Morning Musume. リーダー　高橋愛】 Takahashi Ai]



Q. As a group, is this your first performance in the US?



A. Yes, this is the first time. We're excited. We've always wanted to go to Amerca. We want to give a great impression.



Q. Do you know that there are anime fans in America as well?



A. I don't, so I'd like to go there and find out. However, previously when I went to New York on my own, several anime series were being broadcast, so I'm interested in what's popular now.



Q. What do you expect from AX?



A. I'd like the people of America to come to know Morning Musume. I'll be happy if the crowd gets pumped up with us. I can't wait to meet everyone!!!



【つんく♂】 [♂] Tsunku



Q. What are the plans for this year's AX?



A. AX, I think, is one of the best places to meet fans in America. We've set up a plan so that Morning Musume can be met in many parts of the venue.



Q. Do you plan to develop the "Morning Musume Brand" in America?



A. I'd like many people in America to know that they exist. I want them to feel their smiles, performance, and power from the songs. We will go to where the fans are. I'm also thinking of a branding where the fans can communicate with them.

Fixed up the interview. Some parts I left in, but some sentences weren't all that accurate so I re-did them.

[eri]

[quote name='Hana' post='61096' date='Feb 28 2009, 10:42 AM']Q. As a group, is this your first performance in the US?



A. Yes, this is the first time. We're excited. We've always wanted to go to Amerca. We want to give a great impression.[/quote]



Didn't they give a special performance for their fan club in Hawaii? Or have they - like most Japanese - forgotten that Hawaii is part of the US?

[Shoujo Q]

[quote name='mEri' post='61100' date='Feb 28 2009, 02:56 PM'][quote name='Hana' post='61096' date='Feb 28 2009, 10:42 AM']Q. As a group, is this your first performance in the US?



A. Yes, this is the first time. We're excited. We've always wanted to go to Amerca. We want to give a great impression.[/quote]



Didn't they give a special performance for their fan club in Hawaii? Or have they - like most Japanese - forgotten that Hawaii is part of the US?



[/quote]



Morning Musume were in Hawaii but the performances weren't open for public audience so technically it wasn't really performing in the US for an American audience. It was all fanclub.

[peachgirldb]

What PQ said. Although I'm pretty sure I've seen them forget that Hawaii is in the U.S. before. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... >/rofl.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[Shoujo Q]

[quote name=':Peach' post='61115' date='Feb 28 2009, 05:19 PM']What PQ said. Although I'm pretty sure I've seen them forget that Hawaii is in the U.S. before. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... >/rofl.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote]



I'm pretty sure they think LA is its own country to tell you the truth.

[EmEl]

We've set up a plan so that Morning Musume can be met in many parts of the venue.

I hope this means that, like people were saying about previous Guest of Honors at AX, Morning Musume will be involved in other aspects of the convention than just the concert. Two seconds of hand-shaking event? OH YEAH