I've just watched the latest Buono PV and realized that they highly resemble a certain JE group, and upon closer look I realized that this can be said for many other groups as well. So here's my little observation on H!P and JE.

[Buono]
JE parallel: KAT-TUN


Both these groups are undoubtedly performing the heavier songs amongst their peers, and the same can be said on their choice of attire. Both groups have gained immense popularity from the start and it seems that nothing will stop them both.

Sadly, it seems I will never grow to like these two groups' music.

[Ongaku Gatas]
JE Parallel: Kanjani 8


Both groups seem to have songs that are more fun-based than anything else, which makes them both enjoyable to listen to generally. They take a very broad range of genres, yet manage to sound cute and even hilarious when they're at it. Very easily my favorite groups of them all.

[GAM]
JE Parallel: Tackey & Tsubasa


Well, both groups have two very popular members from their company thrown together to make a very strong group vocally. Their songs seem to be astoundingly similar as well (LU LU LU is very similar to TxT's Serenade), which shows for something I guess. Both groups have one person that outshines the other a lot more (Mikitty and Tackey) and I guess it's just pure coincidence that the duo's names just happen to rhyme correspondingly (Tackey X Mikitty, Aya X Tsubasa). Most of the time I would like them and their songs, but sometimes they just release songs that make me want to punch my face in. It's freaky how similar they are. Oh, and both groups have homo-tendencies going on as well. *shrugs*

[Berryz Kobo & °C-ute]
JE Parallels: NEWS & HEY! SAY! JUMP


All groups are very popular and have a huge member count. Berryz Kobo and NEWS both debuted at 8 members, and have "lost" members along the way (1 for Berryz, 2 for NEWS).

All four groups were not supposed to be as they are right now. NEWS & HSJ debuted only because they were insanely popular, C-ute was only formed because of... I don't know what. Berryz Kobo was supposed to have more members (or rotating members), but stuck as what they are right now. In any case, these four groups were formed rather randomly, and have since gained immense popularity.

Also, both C-ute and NEWS's first singles were not sold by conventional methods (record stores) but rather by some way that only Japanese fans can buy (7-11 for NEWS, concert venues and official store for C-ute).

C-ute and HSJ both sing very cutesy songs, much due to their age. Berryz Kobo and NEWS take on a myriad of different genres, yet all of it work for them somehow.

[Morning Musume]
JE Parallel: SMAP


Both groups are undoubtedly old and have both established a good name for themselves. Most people associate H!P with Momusu and JE with SMAP. Both groups are responsible for the idol-culture in Japan that we see right now, and are also responsible for the rise of their respective companies. Both groups happen to be insanely well known for two songs respectively (Lion heart/Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana for SMAP, and Renai Revolution 21/Love Machine for Momusu). Both groups have one song with PEACE in its title (The Peace! for Momusu, PEACE! for SMAP) and have one "Dear" song (Roman My DEAR boy for Momusu, Dear Woman for SMAP). Both groups have crazy amounts of loyal fans (especially older ones) but are seeing a slight decline in younger fans. Both groups' record sales are also on the decline. Both groups' latest singles happen to bring in the lowest sales they've had in years.

So you see, JE and H!P is not all that different after all. Other similarities include having official shops, selling official photos and having a crazy amount of overseas fans all wanting to hike to Japan just to attend a concert or go to one of those shops.

Which is why I stick to Hirai Ken. Name me another old, probably-gay, sings well, does the Soul/Jazz/Ballads/R&B genres best, tall, Caucasian-looking guy in Japan. (I happen to know of one, but I'm just keeping quiet xD) You probably won't find any, but if you do, you and I make very good friends. =D

Oh and I've just won these a few days ago on YJA!


Happy fan. =D

Labels: Berryz Kobo, Buono, C-ute, GAM, Hey Say JUMP, Hirai Ken, Kanjani 8, KAT-TUN, Morning Musume, NEWS, Ongaku Gatas, SMAP, Tackey and Tsubasa