A week ago, I was curious about the features of the Advanced SubStation Alpha (SSA v4+) subtitle format. I tried typesetting the April 15, 2007, episode of Haromoni@ and found them to be pretty nice compared to an unstyled SubRip render. I set out to find a renderer that would display them nicely and properly.

I decided to compare VSFilter, libass, and the internal VLC subtitle renderer. The following were used in the tests (also the order of the images).

• VSFilter 2.37 (or DirectVobSub) with Media Player Classic 6.4.9.0 (2007-03-25 build)
• MPlayer CCCP-SVN-r21703-3.4.5 (libass internal) with SMPlayer 0.3.42
• VLC media player 0.8.6b (internal)

The first test was to see if the subtitles were actually recognized. With VSFilter, the subtitles were loaded automatically, with the text being styled correctly. libass seemed to have passed the test as well with everything looking near VSFilter’s render. The only difference was the the ten percent text size decrease. VLC failed to automatically load the subtitle file. I loaded the file manually, but it did not render any type of text. After letting it play for a second, it appeared to have skipped right over the first two lines of dialogue.

Test two tried the renderer with two overlapping lines of text appearing during the same interval. VSFilter properly displayed the two lines with the correct border and placement. libass did the same by recognizing all the colored borders. VLC flopped again recognizing neither the colors nor the position of the lines. The lines run right over each other, creating a jumble of unreadable words. VLC did, though, take into account the font size.

The final check was to compare the “opaque box” box border. Using the VSFilter render as the reference image, libass does not draw the box around the text but did get the border color correct. VLC took only the font size, and that’s about it.

VSFilter seems to have won this quick battle. It rendered every line meeting expectations. I was also quite impressed with the development of MPlayer’s libass. It’s near accurate renderings compare quite well with VSFilter’s. It only has the oddness of having a slightly smaller font size and did not recognize the box border style. VLC did not pass any of the tests. It displayed horrible word wrapping issues and did not want to conform to any styles besides the font size.

There are actually not that many releases in April, but the list does extend from previous to next months.

Book

• [2007.04.25] Yajima Maimi 1st Solo Photobook “Maimi”

Music

• [2007.03.24] GAM - Daisuki Rakuten Eagles
• [2007.04.11] Goto Maki - Secret
• [2007.04.18] °C-ute - (2)mini ~ Ikiru to iu Chikara
• [2007.04.25] Morning Musume - Kanashimi Twilight
• [2007.05.02] Kusumi Koharu - Happy☆彡
• [2007.05.16] Tsuji Nozomi - Koko ni Iruzee!

Video

• [2007.03.28] Hello! Project 2007 Fuyu ~Shuuketsu! 10th Anniversary~
• [2007.03.28] Hello! Project 2007 Fuyu LIVE DVD BOX
• [2007.04.18] °C-ute Debut Tandoku Concert 2007 Haru ~Hajimatta yo! Cutie Show~
• [2007.04.25] Hello!Project on Stage! 2007 “Rock Desu yo!”
• [2007.05.02] Eizou The Morning Musume. 4 ~ Single M Clips
• [2007.05.09] Melon Kinenbi Single V Clips (3)

°C-ute

Catalog #: EPCE-5462, EPCE-5464
April 18, 2007
2nd mini album

4/18 (Wed) release
2nd mini album
“(2)mini ~ Ikiru to iu Chikara”

1. That’s the POWER
2. Bokura no Kagayaki / Umeda Erika, Okai Chisato, Arihara Kanna
3. Disco Queen / Nakajima Saki, Hagiwara Mai
4. Tsuugaku Vector / Suzuki Airi
5. Natsu DOKI Lipstick / Yajima Maimi

CD+DVD: 2800 yen (first press)
CD only: 2100 yen (normal)
Zetima

Catalog #: EPBE-5243
April 18, 2007
Live DVD

4/18 (Wed) release
Live DVD
“°C-ute Debut Tandoku Concert 2007 Haru ~Hajimatta yo! Cutie Show~”

1. OPENING
2. JUMP
3. <MC1>
4. EVERYDAY YEAH! Kataomoi
5. As ONE
6. <MC2>
7. ENDLESS LOVE ~I Love You More~
8. Soku Dakishimete
9. YES! Shiawase
10. <MC3>
11. SHALL WE LOVE? / Umeda, Yajima, Nakajima, Arihara
12. <MC4>
13. Aenai Nagai Nichiyoubi / Okai, Hagiwara
14. Sayonara no LOVE SONG / Suzuki
15. <Cutie Medley>
1. Mirakururun Grand Purin!
2. Chokotto LOVE / Nakajima, Suzuki, Okai
3. Otome Past ni Kandou / Umeda, Yajima, Hagiwara, Arihara
16. <VTR Corner>
17. Wakkyanai (Z)
18. Time Capsule
19. <MC5>
20. Sakura Chirari
21. Ookina Ai de Motenashite
22. Massara Blue Jeans
23. <MC6>

3990 yen Zetima

GAM

Catalog #: K030-0036
March 24, 2007
Special release

2007/3/24
Special release
“Daisuki Rakuten Eagles”
1000 yen

Goto Maki

Catalog #: PKCP-5082, PKCP-5084
April 11, 2007
17th single

4/11 (Wed) release
17th single
“Secret”
C/W “Inner Child”
(Song from “Yokosuka Story” of popular Shouwa theatre)
CD+DVD: 1680 yen (first press)
CD only: 1050 yen (normal)
PICCOLOTOWN

Single V
“Secret”
1575 yen PICCOLOTOWN

Catalog #: PKBP-5072
April 25, 2007
Live DVD

Hello! Project

4/25 (Wed) release
Live DVD
“Hello!Project on Stage! 2007 ‘Rock Desu yo!’”

1. OPENING
2. Renai Sentai Shitsu Ranger
3. Saa, Sassoku Moriagete Iko ka~!!
4. MC1
5. LEATHER
6. Kawaii Kare
7. MC2
8. Renai Restaurant
9. Onegai Miwaku no Target
10. Positive Genki!
11. Kitto Kareshi ga Dekiru Houhou
12. MC3
13. Namida no Taiyou
14. Uwasa no SEXY GUY
15. MC 4
16. Kousui
17. Sayonara “Tomodachi ni wa Naritakunai no”
18. Himitsu
19. Akai Freesia
20. This is Unmei
21. Daite yo! PLEASE GO ON
22. Moriagaru Shika Nai desho!
23. Genshoku GAL Hade ni Yukube!
24. Enryo wa Nashi yo!
25. Iiwake
26. My Babe Kimi ga Nemuru Made
27. MC5
28. Ima ni Kitto…In My Life
29. MC6
30. Scramble

3990 yen PICCOLOTOWN

Catalog #: HKBN-50085
March 28, 2007
Live DVD

2007/3/28
Live DVD
“Hello! Project 2007 Fuyu ~Shuuketsu! 10th Anniversary~”
3990 yen hachama

Catalog #: HKBN-50081
March 28, 2007
Live DVD

2007/3/28
Live DVD
“Hello! Project 2007 Fuyu LIVE DVD BOX”
10500 yen hachama

Melon Kinenbi

Catalog #: EPBE-5246
May 9, 2007
Video Collection DVD

5/9 (Wed) release
Video Collection DVD
“Melon Kinenbi Single V Clips (3)”

1. Namida no Taiyou
2. Champagne no Koi
3. Nikutai wa Shoujiki na EROS
4. Onegai Miwaku no Target (LIVE Ver.)
5. Unforgettable

3150 yen Zetima

Morning Musume

Catalog #: EPCE-5465, EPCE-5467, EPCE-5468
April 25, 2007
33rd single

4/25 (Wed) release
33rd single
“Kanashimi Twilight”
C/W “Hand made CITY”
CD+DVD: 1680 yen (first press)
CD+booklet: 1260 yen (first press)
CD only: 1050 yen (normal)
Zetima

Catalog #: EPBE-5240
May 2, 2007
Video Collection DVD

5/2 (Wed) release
Video Collection DVD
“Eizou The Morning Musume. 4 ~ Single M Clips”
3150 yen Zetima

Catalog #: EPCE-5469,EPCE-5470
May 2, 2007
Tsukishima Kirari starring Kusumi Koharu (Morning Musume)

5/2 (Wed) release
Tsukishima Kirari starring Kusumi Koharu (Morning Musume)
“Happy”
C/W “Koi no Mahou wa Nabibi no Bi!”
1260 yen (first press)
1050 (normal)
Zetima

5/9 (Wed) release
Single V
“Happy”
1575 yen Zetima

Tsuji Nozomi

Catalog #: EPCE-5474
May 16, 2007
Athena (Tsuji Nozomi) single

5/16 (Wed) release
Athena (Tsuji Nozomi) single
“Koko ni Iruzee!”
1050 yen Zetima

Yajima Maimi

ISBN: 978-4-8470-4003-0
April 25, 2007
1st photobook

Category Photobook
Product Name Yajima Maimi 1st Solo Photobook “Maimi”
ISBN Code 978-4-8470-4003-0
Price (incl. tax) 2940 yen

[Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Almost three and a half years after her last photobook, Country Musume’s Satoda Mai has her second photobook my life (978-4-8470-2998-1) set to be released on March 21. The images were shot in Guam, and the photobook comes with a making of DVD.

Berryz Koubou’s thirteenth single VERY BEAUTY (PKCP-5078) will be released on March 7. A week later on March 14, Abe Natsumi has a a mini album named 25 ~Vingt Cinq~ (HKCN-50043) being released. Meaning twenty-five in French, it features the single songs Amasugita Kajitsu and Sweetaholic. GAM’s third single LU LU LU (HKCN-50046) and Morning Musume’s eighth album SEXY 8 BEAT (EPCE-5458) are set for March 21. On the last Wednesday of the month, March 28, Melon Kinenbi will be appearing with their fifteenth single Unforgettable (EPCE-5461). The title was announced changed from Respectable on the February 26 episode of the radio show TOKYO→NIIGATA MUSIC CONVOY.

Two Alo Hello!’s and a concert are set for this month. On March 7, Ishikawa Rika’s first Alo Hello (PKBP-5067) will be released. Also the same day will be Biyuuden’s 2006 autumn tour (PKBP-5066). Abe Natsumi will be releasing her second Alo Hello! DVD on March 28.

Abe Natsumi

Catalog #: HKCN-50043, HKCN-50045
March 14, 2007
1st mini album

3/14 (Wed) release
Mini album
“25 ~Vingt Cinq~”

1. Itoshiki Hito
2. Sweetaholic
3. Otona e no Elevator
4. 25 ~Vingt Cinq~
5. Kuchibiru de Tomete
6. Gekkou no Hikari
7. Amasugita Kajitsu

CD+DVD: 2800 yen (First press)
CD only: 2100 yen (Normal)
hachama

Catalog #: HKBN-50079
March 28, 2007
DVD

“Alo Hello! 2 Abe Natsumi”

Biyuuden

Catalog #: PKBP-5066
March 7, 2007
DVD

3/7 (Wed) release
DVD
“Biyuuden Live Tour 2006 Aki Biyuudensetsu III ~Aisu CREAM to My Pudding~”

1. OPENING
2. Kyou mo Mattemasu
3. MC1
4. Aisu Cream to My Pudding
5. Kurakura Dinner Time
6. Issai Gassai Anata ni A-ge-ru
7. MC2
8. Kurenai no Kisetsu
9. Koi no Nukegara
10. MC3
11. 22sai no Watashi / Miyoshi Erika
12. Ne~e? / Okada Yui
13. Suki Sugite Baka Mitai / Ishikawa Rika
14. Shuwa
15. Kuchi Kara Ai wo Choudai
16. <VTR Corner>
17. Hitorijime
18. Ajisai Ai Ai Monogatari
19. Kacchoii ze! JAPAN
20. MC4
21. Naishin Kyaakyaa da wa!
22. Bi ~Hit Parade~
23. MC5
24. Owaranai Yoru to Yume
    [ENCORE]
25. Ichou ~Aki no Sora to Watashi no Kokoro~
26. Ai ~Suite Room~

3990 yen PICCOLOTOWN

Berryz Koubou

Catalog #: PKCP-5078, PKCP-5080, PKCP-5081
March 7, 2007
13th single

3/7 (Wed) release
13th single
“VERY BEAUTY”
C/W “Gaki Daishou”
CD+DVD: 1680 yen (First press A)
CD+booklet: 1260 yen (First press B)
CD only: 1050 yen (Normal)
PICCOLOTOWN

GAM

Catalog #: HKCN-50046, HKCN-50048
March 21, 2007
3rd single

3/21 (Wed) release
GAM 3rd single
“LU LU LU”
C/W “Family”
CD+DVD: 1680 yen (First press)
CD only: 1050 yen (Normal)
hachama

Ishikawa Rika

Catalog #: PKBP-5067
March 7, 2007
DVD

“Alo Hello! Rika Ishikawa”

Melon Kinenbi

Catalog #: EPCE-5461
March 28, 2007
15th single

3/28 (Wed) release
15th single
“Unforgettable”
C/W “Sakura Iro no Yakusoku”
1050 yen Zetima

Morning Musume

Catalog #: EPCE-5458, EPCE-5460
March 21, 2007
8th album

3/21 (Wed) release
8th album
“SEXY 8 BEAT”

1. Genki+
2. Aruiteru (ALBUM EDIT)
3. Mirai no Taiyou
4. Egao YES Nude (ALBUM MIX)
5. Haru Beautiful Everyday
6. SEXY BOY ~Soyokaze ni Yorisotte~
7. Ambitious! Yashinteki de Ii Jan
8. Sono Deai no Tame ni (Morning Musume featuring Yoshizawa Hitomi)
9. Shanumuni Paradise (Takahashi Ai, Niigaki Risa, Fujimoto Miki, Tanaka Reina)
10. Takara no Hako (Shigepink, Kohappink)
11. BE Positive!

CD+DVD: 3780 yen (First press)
CD only: 3150 yen (Normal)
Zetima

Satoda Mai

ISBN: 978-4-8470-2998-1
March 21, 2007
2nd photobook

Satoda Mai Photobook “my life”

[Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]

In the music scene, Morning Musume’s thirty-second album Egao YES Nude (EPCE-5450) will finally be released on Valentine’s Day, February 14. °C-ute is releasing their first major single Sakura Chirari (EPCE-5454) a week later on February 21. Ending the month will be a Tsukishima Kirari Kusumi Koharu album named ☆☆☆ (EPCE-5456). I’m guessing pronunciation would be “triple star” for that album. Negative, it’s being called Mitsuboshi, meaning three stars.

Goto Maki’s live concert recorded on November 19, 2006, Goto Maki LIVE TOUR 2006 ~G-Emotion~ (PKBP-5063) will be released on February 21. On February 28, the recent musical Abe Natsumi starred in will be released under the title Musical “Hakujaden ~ White Lovers Kara” DVD (HKBN-50077). More details about the musical can be found on the official website.

On the first of the month, Alo Hello! Tanaka Reina Photobook (978-4-048-94483-0) was released. The DVD is to be released on February 14. Another photobook that’s being released at the end of the month is Love Hello! Kamei Eri Photobook in Phuket (978-4-04-894486-1). As the title states, the shots were taken in Phuket, a southern province of Thailand.

Abe Natsumi

Catalog #: HKBN-50077
February 28, 2007
DVD

2/28 (Wed) release
DVD
“Musical ‘Hakujaden ~ White Lovers Kara’ DVD”
5000 yen hachama

°C-ute

Catalog #: EPCE-5454, EPCE-5455
February 21, 2007
1st single

2/21 (Wed) release
1st single
“Sakura Chirari”
C/W “JUMP”
1260 yen (first press)
1050 yen (normal)
Zetima

Goto Maki

Catalog #: PKBP-5063
February 21, 2007
DVD

2/21 (Wed) release
DVD
“Goto Maki LIVE TOUR 2006 ~G-Emotion~”
3990 yen PICCOLOTOWN

Kamei Eri

ISBN: 978-4-048-94486-1
February 28, 2007
Photobook

Love Hello! Kamei Eri Photobook in Phuket

Morning Musume

Catalog #: EPCE-5450, EPCE-5452, EPCE-5453
February 14, 2007
32nd single

2/14 (Wed) release
32nd single
“Egao YES Nude”
Lyricist+Composer: Tsunku Arranger: Matsui Hiroshi
C/W “Sayonara no Kawari ni”
Lyricist+Composer: BANANA ICE Arranger: Suzuki “Daichi” Hideyuki
CD+DVD: 1680 yen (first press A)
CD only: 1260 yen (first press B)
CD only: 1050 yen (normal)
Zetima

3/7 (Wed) release
Single V
“Egao YES Nude”
1575 yen Zetima

Catalog #: EPCE-5456, EPCE-5457
February 28, 2007
Album

2/28 (Wed) release
Tsukishima Kirari starring Kusumi Koharu (Morning Musume) album
“☆☆☆”

1. Balalaika
2. Koi☆Kana
3. Hoshi no Shizuku
4. Mizu Iro Melody
5. Koi Hanabi
6. Spaghetti
7. Love Da Yo☆Darling
8. I miss you
9. EVERYDAY PRECIOUS DAY
10. SUGAO-Flavor

3000 yen (first press)
2800 yen (normal)
Zetima

Tanaka Reina

ISBN: 978-4-048-94483-0
February 1, 2007
Photobook

Alo Hello! Tanaka Reina Photobook

[Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

There’s not very much coming out in the first month of the year.

First up, Michishige Sayumi’s second solo photobook Doukei (978-4-8470-2987-5) was set to be released on January 13. Of course, expect to see the usual beach, pool, and swim suit shots. A making DVD also ships with the book.

Bokura ga Ikiru MY ASIA (EPCE-5448) will be the first Hello! Project single of the year released under the group “Morning Musume 10 Year Anniversary Party.” It features Iida Kaori, Abe Natsumi, Goto Maki, Niigaki Risa, and Kusumi Koharu to celebrate the ten years since the formation of Morning Musume. (Random trivia: the lineup only has members from odd numbered generations.)

Matsuura Aya will be releasing concert entitled Matsuura Aya Concert Tour 2006 Aki “Shinka no Kisetsu” (EPBE-5225) on January 17. It was the fall concert performed on December 22, 2006, at the Tokyo Welfare Pension Hall.

Matsuura Aya

Catalog #: EPBE-5225
January 17, 2007
Live DVD

1/17 (Wed) release
Live DVD
“Matsuura Aya Concert Tour 2006 Aki ‘Shinka no Kisetsu’”

1. Zutto Suki de Ii desu ka
2. Watarasebashi
3. MC1
4. Ki ga Tsukeba Anata
5. BRASS Act
6. The Bigaku
7. GOOD BYE Natsuo
8. Navi ga Kowareta Oujisama (LOVE CHANCE)
9. Uchuu de La Ta Ta
10. Thanks!
11. MC2
12. Kanousei no Michi
13. Happiness
14. MC3
15. YOKOHAMA SING A SONG
16. BAND Act
17. Original Jinsei
18. Melody
• Suki Sugite Baka Mitai
• Momoiro Kataomoi
• Ne~e?
• SHALL WE LOVE?
• LOVE Namida Iro
• Yeah! Meccha Holiday
19. Date Biyori
20. Koishite Gomen ne
21. I know
    <ENCORE>
22. Yume
23. MC4
24. Onna no Yuujou Mondai

[Special Video]

1. Suna wo Kamu You ni…NAMIDA
2. Hyacinth
3. Watashi no Sugoi Houhou
4. Zettai Tokeru Mondai X = <3
5. Thanks! / GAM

MC. (GAM: 10/19 night performance)
3990 yen Zetima

Morning Musume 10 Year Anniversary Party

Catalog #: EPCE-5448, EPCE-5449
January 24, 2007
Morning Musume 10 Year Anniversary Party

1/24 (Wed) release
Morning Musume 10 Year Anniversary Party
“Bokura ga Ikiru MY ASIA”
Lyrics+Composition: Tsunku Arranger: Takahashi Yuichi
C/W “Juunen Ai”
Lyrics+Composition: Tsunku Arranger: Takahashi Yuichi
1260 yen (First press)
1050 yen (Normal)
Zetima

2/21 (Wed) release
Single V
“Bokura ga Ikiru MY ASIA”
1575 yen Zetima

Michishige Sayumi

ISBN: 978-4-8470-2987-5
January 13, 2007
2nd photobook

Category Photobook
Product Name Michishige Sayumi Latest Photobook “Doukei”
ISBN Code 978-4-8470-2987-5
Price (incl. tax) 2940 yen
Availability Yes

[Sources: 1, 2, 3]

My copy of Matsuura Aya’s Naked Song (EPCE-5440~1) album came in a couple of days ago. I always get excited about CD packaging, so I decided to give a tour of what it has to offer.

I’ve seen some images of the front cover and always wondered if it was just the image or the cover actually has a blur to it. Upon seeing the real thing, the cover does indeed have a blur at the bottom and on some buildings in the background. Mystery solved. On the left, a white obi strip states the name, catalog number, and pricing. Pretty standard to others I have seen.

On the back cover, there’s a silhouette of Matsuura. How do I know this is true? It’s the exact same image from the front side. Notice the background and the cut shoulders. At first sight, I didn’t notice this. The designer sure did fool me. The back cover shows the tracks that are on both the CD and DVD. Then at the bottom is standard information on the DVD video. To the right on the obi strip, there’s somewhat the same information that’s on the back cover. On the strip is also the barcode.

Opening up the case, there’s a lot of Matsuura. It’s on the back of the booklet and the reverse side of the back cover. It’s actually not a bad design at all. I’ll get back to the discs after the booklet.

The first page of booklet shows a full two page spread image and, again, a track list for both the CD and DVD. Turning the page, there are lyrics on a brown background. After more page turning and only seeing a brown background and more lyrics, I was getting a bit disappointed with the lack of images. Maybe the designer used them all on the inside casing. But just before the center of the booklet, another full two page spread appears! It displays a huge mixing console, and in the back, there are Matsuura and the band. Then there’s more lyrics until the very last page with another nice spread.

I can’t forget the standard Hello! Project concert information. Although folded in half in the image, this small 4.625 inches by 7.5 inches piece of paper shows upcoming concerts.

As one can see, the audio disc is minimalistic. It frankly states the name, artist, and copywrite information. Turning to the digital video disc, it is like a mirrored image of the first! It suits the rest of the packaging well though.

And there it is. That was a brief tour of Matsuura Aya’s latest album Naked Songs.

Anything beyond this point may be classified as a spoiler.

Thanks to HPS, their team has subtitled Ribbon no Kishi. I used both their files to calculate time positions. If you have the same video files and use Zoom Player, below are the bookmark files for each part. It must have the same file names and be in the same directory as the videos to appear.

• Ribbon no Kishi Act 1 bookmarks (830 bytes)
• Ribbon no Kishi Act 2 bookmarks (725 bytes)

If you have the original DVD or are playing it as one part, I have added approximate time positions for tracks that would be on the second part. The names under the title are the ones that sang during the play.

1. Mystery of Life [1, 00:00:27.527]
   Fujimoto Miki, Ishikawa Rika, Kamei Eri, Kusumi Koharu, Michishige Sayumi, Niigaki Risa, Ogawa Makoto, Tanaka Reina, Yoshizawa Hitomi

   This is essentially the prelude of the play. The children are curious what will happen to them after they are born.

2. GOD [1, 00:09:07.680]
   Ebira Kaoru

   One child already set to be born as a girl was forced to take a stolen boy’s soul. God is angered and decides to make all of the other children accompany her until she finds happiness.

3. Furara Fura [1, 00:25:37.602]
   Kamei Eri, Michishige Sayumi, Miyoshi Erika, Niigaki Risa, Okada Yui, Tanaka Reina

   A group of young ladies appear to tell how beautiful and awesome they are.

4. Anata ni Aitai [1, 00:54:56.559]
   Ishikawa Rika

   After being accused for assassinating the king, Prince Franz shows his feelings about the mysterious flaxen haired girl he met earlier.

5. Daijin no Chiaki ~ Majo [1, 01:02:00.049]
   Fujimoto Miki, Yoshizawa Hitomi

   The Prime Minister is trying to create a plan to make his son king, but he knows that it’s gone terribly wrong so far. The witch Hacete appears granting the Prime Minister’s wish by giving him a potion to make the queen reveal every secret she holds. In return, the witch must have one of the two souls she was given.

6. Ribbon no Kishi [1, 01:08:26.502]
   Takahashi Ai

   After helping Prince Franz escape the prison, Sapphire returns disguised as one called the Ribbon Knight. He threatens Nylon, the Prime Minister’s assistant, to tell him who really killed the king.

7. Rouban [2, 00:00:29.295 / ~01:19:02]
   Miyoshi Erika, Okada Yui

   The two underground jailers complain how two jailers like them are highly unpaid, but they do their job just to feed themselves and their families.

8. Tatakai no Toki [2, 00:14:51.790 / ~01:33:24]
   Ishikawa Rika, Kamei Eri, Niigaki Risa

   Prince Franz is ready to attack Silverland. Tortue arrives claiming twenty thousand soldiers that are as swift as the wind. He is followed by Nouveau with thirty thousand ready to burn a city.

9. Scout [2, 00:21:49.007 / ~01:40:22]
   Michishige Sayumi (Rue), Tanaka Reina (Riziere)

   The Prime Minister’s son wants to find a wife. Nylon decides to call two scouts to find the perfect girl fit to be queen.

10. Sousou [2, 00:42:37.321 / ~02:01:10]
    Fujimoto Miki, Ishikawa Rika, Kamei Eri, Kusumi Koharu, Michishige Sayumi, Miyoshi Erika, Niigaki Risa, Ogawa Makoto, Okada Yui, Tanaka Reina

    After Prince Franz kills Prince Sapphire, Hacete realizes the kind of love she desired was not true love. With that, she returns the girl soul back to Sapphire…

11. Daidanen [2, 00:47:45.462 / ~02:06:18]
    Ishikawa Rika, Kamei Eri, Kusumi Koharu, Niigaki Risa, Ogawa Makoto, Marcia, Michishige Sayumi, Miyoshi Erika, Takahashi Ai, Tanaka Reina, Yoshizawa Hitomi

    Prince Franz and now Princess Sapphire decide to marry and therefore uniting both Silverland and Goldland.

Tracks 12 and 13 are Anata ni Aitai covered by Abe Natsumi and Matsuura Aya.

It’s mid December, so what a great time for past, present, and future releases.

Starting off with books, Ishikawa Rika’s fifth solo photobook entitled Oui, mon amour (4-8470-2981-X; translating to “Yes, my love” in English) was released on December 16. Next year near mid January, Michishige Sayumi is expected to have a photobook released with the odd ISBN of 978-4-8470-2987-5.

On December 6, Berryz Koubou released their twelfth single Munasawagi Scarlet (PKCP-5074). Last week, it ranked twelfth on the Oricon charts with almost twenty thousand copies sold. Today, on December 14, Morning Musume released their first ever mini album (7.5) Fuyu Fuyu Morning Musume Mini! (EPCE-5443, EPCE-5445). Some features include their latest single Aruiteru, what seems to be a math titled song (Yuki divided by Ai times Anata is greater than or equal to Suki), and a Christmas tune by Shigepink and Kohappink. On Wednesday in week 51 of 2006, the next album in the Pucchi Best series will be released. Entitled Pucchi Best 7 (EPCE-5447), it will have most recent releases from the Hello! Project artists and a solo song by Takahashi Ai.

Abe Natsumi seems to be the only one releasing any type of video this month. On December 21, a single V clips DVD will be released (HKBN-50075). The following week will be her acoustic live at Shibuya O-EAST (HKBN-50076).

2006.12.16, update: Not only an Abe concert will be released, but Morning Musume’s 2006 fall concert is set for December 27, 2006, as well (EPBE-5224).

Abe Natsumi

Catalog #: HKBN-50076
December 27, 2006
Live DVD

12/27 (Wed) release
Live DVD
“NATSUMI ABE ACOUSTIC LIVE at Shibuya O-EAST”

1. instrumental
2. MC1
3. Amasugita Kajitsu
4. MC2
5. 22sai no Watashi
6. Datte Ikitekanakucha
7. MC3
8. Yume Naraba
9. Sweetaholic
10. MC4
11. The Stress
12. [ENCORE]
13. MC5
14. Amasugita Kajitsu

3150 yen hachama

Catalog #: HKBN-50075
December 20, 2006
DVD

12/20 (Wed) release
DVD
“Abe Natsumi Single V Clips (1)”
3990 yen hachama

Berryz Koubou

Catalog #: PKCP-5074
December 6, 2006
12th single

12/6 (Wed) release
12th single
“Munasawagi Scarlet”
Lyrics+Composition: Tsunku Arrangement: Yuasa Kouichi
C/W “Aitai Kedo…”
Lyrics+Composition: Tsunku Arrangement: Takahashi Yuichi
1050 yen PICCOLOTOWN

12/27 (Wed)
Single V
“Munasawagi Scarlet”
1575 yen PICCOLOTOWN

Ishikawa Rika

ISBN: 4-8470-2981-X
December 16, 2006
Photobook

Ishikawa Rika Photobook “Oui, mon amour”

Morning Musume

Catalog #: EPCE-5443, EPCE-5445
December 13, 2006
Mini album

12/13 (Wed)
Mini album
“(7.5) Fuyu Fuyu Morning Musume Mini!”

1. Aruiteru / Morning Musume
   Lyrics+Composition: Tsunku Arrangment: Suzuki “Daichi” Hideyuki
2. Kira Kira Fuyu no Shiny G / Tanaka Reina
   Lyrics+Composition: Tsunku Arrangment: Yuasa Kouichi
3. Yuki / Ai × Anata ≧ Suki / Takahashi Ai with MC GAKI
   Lyrics+Composition: Tsunku Arrangment: Takahashi Yuichi
4. Samui Kara Fuyu da Mon! ~Dou mo Kou mo Naissu yo Mikiti~ / Fujimoto Miki with Okai Chisato & Hagiwara Mai (°C-ute)
   Lyrics+Composition: Tsunku Arrangment: Hirata Shouichirou
5. Kotatsu no Uta ~jyuken story~ / Yoshizawa Hitomi, Niigaki Risa, Kamei Eri
   Lyrics+Composition: Tsunku Arrangment: AKIRA
6. Wa ~ Merry Pin Xmas! / Shigepink, Kohappink
   Lyrics+Composition: Tsunku Arrangment: Yuasa Kouichi

CD+DVD: 2800 yen (first edition)
CD only: 2100 yen (standard edition)
Zetima

Catalog #: EPBE-5224
December 27, 2006
Live DVD

“Morning Musume Concert Tour 2006 Aki ~Odore! Morning Curry~”

1. OPENING
2. Odore! Morning Curry
3. TOP!
4. Happy Summer Wedding
5. MC1
6. THE Manpower!!!
7. YAH! Aishitai
8. Ambitious! Yashinteki de Ii Jan
9. MC2
10. Chance Chance Boogie
11. Namida ga Tomaranai Houkago
12. Kira Kira Fuyu no Shiny G
13. Balalaika
14. Melodies
15. “Suggoi Nakama”
16. MC3
17. Koe
18. Fine Emotion
19. Wa ~ Merry Pin X’mas
20. Shabondama
21. Koi ING
22. Love & Peace! Hero ga Yattekita.
23. HOW DO YOU LIKE JAPAN? ~Nihon wa Donna Kanji Dekka?~
24. Ikimasshoi!
25. Iroppoi Jirettai
26. MC4
27. SEXY BOY ~Soyokaze ni Yorisotte~
28. Aozora wa Itsumade mo Tsuzuku You na Mirai de Are! <encore>
29. MC5
30. Aruiteru
31. Souda! We’re ALIVE

<Special Video>

1. Koe (Takahashi Ai Ver.)
2. “Morning Musume Concert Tour 2006 Aki ~Odore! Morning Curry~” photoshoot tour
3. “Koi no Dance Site” VTR

Pucchi Best

Catalog #: EPCE-5447
December 20, 2006

12/20 (Wed) release
“Pucchi Best 7″

1. Morning Musume Mega Mix 30 (Radio Edit) / Morning Musume
2. The Stress / Abe Natsumi
3. Glass no Pumps / Goto Maki
4. Suna wo Kamu You ni…NAMIDA / Matsuura Aya
5. Thanks! / GAM
6. Issai Gassai Anata ni A-ge-ru / Biyuuden
7. Onegai Miwaku no Target / Melon Kinenbi
8. Kakumei CHIKKU KISS / Country Musume
9. Koi Kana / Tsukishima Kirari starring Kusumi Koharu (Morning Musume)
10. Jiriri Kiteru / Berryz Koubou
11. Ookina Ai de Motenashite / °C-ute
12. Urara / Nakazawa Yuko
13. Omae no Namida wo Ore ni Kure / Maeda Yuki
14. Minna no Ki / Tomoiki - Ki wo Uetai
15. Yume Kara Samete / Takahashi Ai (Morning Musume)
16. LET’S GO Rakuten Eagles / DEF.DIVA
17. Ready Go! / Morning Musume, DEF.DIVA, Berryz Koubou

3150 yen Zetima

[Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Half a year later from their last release, Biyuuden’s seventh single Aisu Cream to My Pudding (PKCP-5073) will be released on November 22. A week later, Matsuura Aya will be releasing her fifth album Naked Songs (EPCE-5440). On December 6, a “best of” Melon Kinenbi album titled FRUITY KILLER TUNE (EPCE-5439) will be coming out. I do beleive the tracks chosen for the album was a public vote like for Matsuura Aya Best 1.

On to some videos, another Alo Hello! DVD was produced featuring both Yaguchi Mari and Tsuji Nozomi. Fittingly titled Alo Hello! Yaguchi Mari & Tsuji Nozomi DVD (EPBE-5215), it’ll probably be the usual recording of their Hawaiian visit with some swimwear scenes for a photobook. Expect to see it in stores on November 22. °C-ute’s final 2006 concert tour Cutie Circuit 2006 Final in YOMIURILAND EAST LIVE (EPBE-5219) will be released on December 6.

Nonno 19

ISBN: 4-8124-2953-6
November 18, 2006
Photobook

Tsuji Nozomi “Nonno 19″
Release date: 2006.11.18
Price: 2940 yen (tax incl.)
Takeshobo

COEUR

ISBN: 4-8470-2972-0
November 27, 2006
Photobook

Category Photobook
Product Name Fujimoto Miki Photobook “COEUR”
ISBN 4-8470-2972-0
Price (incl. tax) 2940 yen
Availability Yes
Cameraman Hosono Shinji

Aisu Cream to My Pudding

Catalog #: PKCP-5073
November 22, 2006
New single

11/22 (Wed) release
New single
“Aisu Cream to My Pudding”
Lyricist+Composer: Tsunku Arranger: Ookubo Kaoru
C/W “Shuwa”
Lyricist: Makoto Composer: Tsunku Tsunku Arranger: Konishi Takao
1050 yen PICCOLOTOWN

Naked Songs

Catalog #: EPCE-5440, EPCE-5442
November 29, 2006
Album

11/29 (Wed) release
Album
“Naked Songs”

1. Feel Your Groove
2. Rock My Body
3. Hitori
4. Oshare!
5. I know
6. Hajimete Kuchibiru wo Kasaneta Yoru
7. LOVE Namida Iro
8. Dokkidoki! LOVE Mail
9. Tropica~l Koishite~ru
10. Don’t Know Why
11. Suna wo Kamu You ni…NAMIDA
12. dearest.

CD+DVD: 3200 yen
CD only: 2800 yen
Zetima

FRUITY KILLER TUNE

Catalog #: EPCE-5439
December 6, 2006
Best album

12/6 (Wed) release
Best album
“FRUITY KILLER TUNE”

1. Akai Freesia
2. Saa, Sassoku Moriagete Ikou ka~!!
3. Onegai Miwaku no Target
4. This is Unmei
5. Girls Power, Aisuru Power
6. Denwa Matteimasu
7. MI DA RA Matenrou
8. Kawaii Kare
9. Saa! Koibito ni Narou
10. Skip!
11. Enryo wa Nashi yo!
12. Nikutai wa Shoujiki na EROS
13. Kousui (Hard Flavor Remix)
14. LEATHER

3150 yen Zetima

Alo Hello! Yaguchi Mari & Tsuji Nozomi DVD

Catalog #: EPBE-5215
November 22, 2006
DVD

11/22 (Wed) release
DVD
“Alo Hello! Yaguchi Mari & Tsuji Nozomi DVD”
3990 yen Zetima

Cutie Circuit 2006 Final in YOMIURILAND EAST LIVE

Catalog #: EPBE-5219
December 6, 2006
Live DVD

12/6 (Wed) release
Live DVD
“Cutie Circuit 2006 Final in YOMIURILAND EAST LIVE”
3000 yen

[Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Here are the upcoming past releases for October. For the record, it included two photobooks, four singles, one album, and two concerts.
Book

• [2006.10.11] Sugaya Risako Photobook “Risako”
• [2006.10.28] Takahashi Ai Photobook Collection

Music

• [2006.09.27] Nakazawa Yuko - Urara
• [2006.10.04] Abe Natsumi - Amasugita Kajitsu
• [2006.10.11] Goto Maki - SOME BOYS! TOUCH
• [2006.10.18] GAM - Melodies
• [2006.10.25] °C-ute - Cutie Queen Vol. 1
• [2006.10.25] Tsukishima Kirari starring Kusumi Koharu (Morning Musume) - Balalaika
• [2006.11.08] Morning Musume - Aruiteru

Video

• [2006.10.11] Goto Maki Secret Live
• [2006.10.25] Matsuura Aya Live in Shanghai

Amasugita Kajitsu

Catalog #: HKCN-50038
October 4, 2006
8th single

10/4 (Wed) release
8th single
“Amasugita Kajitsu”
C/W “Yannacchau”
1050 yen hachama

Cutie Queen Vol. 1

Catalog #: EPCE-5430, EPCE-5432
October 25, 2006
1st album

10/25 (Wed) release
1st album
“Cutie Queen Vol. 1″

1. Massara Blue Jeans
2. Wakkyanai (Z)
3. Soku Dakishimete
4. Ookina Ai de Motenashite
5. Time Capsule
6. EVERYDAY YEAH! Kataomoi
7. As ONE
8. YES! Shiawase
9. ENDLESS LOVE ~I Love You More~

CD+DVD: 3150 yen (first press)
CD only: 2500 yen (normal)
Zetima

SOME BOYS! TOUCH

Catalog #: PKCP-5070, PKCP-5072
October 11, 2006
16th single

10/11 (Wed) release
16th single
“SOME BOYS! TOUCH”
C/W “ALL OF US”
CD+DVD: 1680 yen (first press)
CD only: 1050 yen (normal)
PICCOLOTOWN

10/25 (Wed) release
Single V
“SOME BOYS! TOUCH”
1575 yen PICCOLOTOWN

Goto Maki Secret Live

Catalog #: PKBP-5054
October 11, 2006
Live DVD

10/11 (Wed) release
Live DVD
“Goto Maki Secret Live”

1. LOVE BELIEVE IT!
2. Afurechau…BE IN LOVE
3. MC1
4. Ekizo na DISCO
5. DANCE TIME
6. LOVE LIKE CRAZY
7. LIKE A GAME
8. MC2
9. Glass no Pumps
10. [ENCORE]
11. LOVE Kan Coffee
12. [W ENCORE]
13. MC3
14. Glass no Pumps

3150 yen PICCOLOTOWN

Urara

Catalog #: EPCE-5423
September 27, 2006
11th single

9/27 (Wed) release
11th single
“Urara”
C/W “Rokugatsu no Hanayome ni Akogare”
1050 yen Zetima

Melodies

Catalog #: HKCN-50040, HKCN-50042
October 18, 2006
GAM 2nd single

10/18 (Wed) release
GAM 2nd single
“Melodies”
C/W “Melodies (Piano Vocal Version)”
CD+DVD: 1680 yen (first press)
CD only: 1050 yen
hachama

10/15 (Wed) release
Single V
“Melodies”
1575 yen hachama

Matsuura Aya Live in Shanghai

Catalog #: EPBE-5206
October 25, 2006
Live DVD

10/25 (Wed) release
Live DVD
“Matsuura Aya Live in Shanghai”

1. OPENING
2. LOVE Namida Iro
3. Tropica~l Koishite~ru
4. MC1
5. Suna wo Kamu You ni…NAMIDA
6. 100kai no KISS
7. Ne~e?
8. MC2
9. Don’t Know Why
10. Watarasebashi
11. Oshare!
12. I know
13. Yeah! Meccha Holiday
14. MC3
15. Hyacinth (Hiyashinsu) / Guest: Tanimura Shinji
16. Beijing no Yoru
17. Kiseki no Kaori Dance.
18. Momoiro Kataomoi
19. MC4
20. Ki ga Tsukeba Anata
21. Dokkidoki! LOVE Mail
22. MC5
23. Watarasebashi
24. ENDING

3150 yen Zetima

Aruiteru

Catalog #: EPCE-5433, EPCE-5435, EPCE-5436
November 8, 2006
31st single

11/8 (Wed) release
31st single
“Aruiteru”
C/W “Odore! Morning Curry”
CD+DVD: 1680 yen (limited first press edition)
CD+Photobook: 1260 yen (limited first press edition)
CD only: 1050 yen (normal)
Zetima

11/15 (Wed) release
Single V
“Aruiteru”
1575 yen Zetima

Balalaika

Catalog #: EPCE-5427
October 25, 2006
Tsukishima Kirari starring Kusumi Koharu (Morning Musume)

10/25 (Wed) release
Tsukishima Kirari starring Kusumi Koharu (Morning Musume)
“Balalaika”
C/W “Mizu Iro Melody”
1260 yen (first press)
1050 yen (normal)
Zetima

10/8 (Wed) release
Single V
“Balalaika”
1575 yen Zetima

Takahashi Ai Photobook Collection

ISBN: 4-8470-2961-5
October 28, 2006
Photobook

Category Photobook
Product Name Takahashi Ai Photobook Collection
ISBN Code 4-8470-2961-5
Price (incl. tax) 3780 yen
Availability Yes

Risako

ISBN: 4-8470-2964-X
October 11, 2006
Photobook

Category Photobook
Product Name Sugaya Risako Photobook “Risako”
ISBN Code 4-8470-2964-X
Price (incl. tax) 2940 yen
Availability Yes
Cameraman Nishida Kouki

[Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]