Looks like my attempt to post daily has fallen a bit behind. I guess that is the problem with Twitter these days, I end up saying most of what I want to say there, instead of posting things on a blog.

I was happy to hear yesterday morning that not only will they stream Request Hour 2013, but they are going to do all of it. Every day including Unit Matsuri – which means I’m going to be up very late/early starting tomorrow night. I’m really happy that they are doing this, though I hope it doesn’t end up impacting DVD sales.

I’m eagerly awaiting the voting results. I may be in a bit of a bind depending on what ranks #1.

When I went to bed last night, seems like the Internet was all abuzz with the Kobayashi Kana rumors and possible graduation. When I woke up this morning, discovered that 9 SKE48 members simultaneously announced their graduations at the theater. A couple, especially Ogiso Shiori, were a big surprise.

What’s strange is that I nearly applied for HS tickets for her last night, but figured that I would see her when the next single is released. Of course, she likely won’t be at the June event now anyway. I also have a ticket for Hiramatsu Kanako in April – but it’s not clear if the final event for the graduates will be in March or April. This means I’ve pretty much lost the chance to see my favorite Team S members in person. I’m glad that I managed to see both Team S and Team KII perform full stages with the various members who have graduated or are graduating.

But in the long run, I see it as a positive event for both the graduating members and the group. It may be shocking, it may be surprising, but it is what they need to do on a regular basis to keep things from getting stale. I certainly don’t expect it to be the last time we’ll hear the word ‘graduation’ this month either.

Japanese word for the day is: 卒業