Favourite: Takahashi Ai

Well, to expand on the previous post, I'm gonna do a little write up on why my favourites are well, my favourites. I shall do Aichan first because she'll be graduating in 2 days times *sobs*

Name: Takahashi Ai (高橋 愛) 

DOB: 14 September 1986 (25 as of this post)

So Aichan is from the idol group, Morning Musume. They're like this legendary female idol group in Japan, formed in 1997 and officially debuted in 1998. So they've been around for quite some time. Morning Musume is different as they kind of pioneered the 'graduation' system. Members 'graduating' i.e leaving the group to pursue other activities. They also hold auditions for new talent every other year. This system helps to keep the group fresh and alive. Morning Musume are produced by this really talented musician, Tsunku. 

Well, Aichan joined the group in 2001, as part of the 5th generation (Gokkies). So she's been in the music scene for a decade. She announced early this year that she will graduate on 30th September at the Budokan. 

Ok, reasons why I adore her. I realise I really like idols who are 'quiet' people. Not those loud and talkative ones, idky. When I first found out about MM, the first video I watched of the current lineup was an interview of them on Sanma's show. She didn't speak much but she did stand out because she was gorgeous. After going through a huge MM phase where I watched basically any subbed video I could find of them, I knew she was my favourite of the group. 

Aichan's a solid performer. She's one of the best singers, dancers and her stage presence is immense. She's one of the front girls of MM and you can see why. A lot of people say she has a bland personality but I think she makes up for it by being one of the most amazing performers in the idol world. I swear when I watch the performances she immediately stood out. I love how she speaks in her Fukui accent when she's shocked or angry. I love her smile. I love how she's a senpai whom everyone seems to adore. One thing that I really like in idols are people who love what they're doing. And Aichan does. You can tell that she's happy while performing and she works hard. I love that she doesn't take herself to seriously and how she keeps saying she's not cute when everyone compliments her even though I think she's adorable. Gosh, she really is someone who you can look up to. 

Aichan also holds a lot of records in MM. She'll be one of only 2 members (the other being Gaki-san) to stay in the group for 10 years, she's the second Morning Musume member to be at least 24 years old and the first to reach that age while in the group, she and Gaki-san have been in the most MM singles and she's been the longest serving leader, at almost 4 years. 

I'm sad that she's graduating. I wish I knew MM earlier so I would have enjoyed seeing her in the group more. But Aichan isn't gonna fade away. Her aim is to be an actress and she has tons of activities lined up after her graduation so Friday won't be the last time I'll see her. But I'll miss her voice in MM singles. I'll miss Takagaki and Sayu's attempts to kiss Aichan at least once per concert. But she'll always be a star and she'll still shine. 

And that was quite a long post, lol.