Rena’s Development Diary III – MC
I went to Team K show at January 29th. This is the 5th times I watched Rena at theater (2 as JKT,2 as Team K,1 at AKB special show). First of all, I’ll explain about myself. I’m Rena’s fan, but she isn’t my “oshi”. Difference is that “I like her” but “she isn’t my main member”. So, I think I can watch her in a more neutral view as a long-time Japanese fans of her. Based on these reasons, I might pointed out her weak points here. Please don’t get too hard on my report aka her development diary III.
That show’s Kage-ana is Rena .I guess that is the first experience of Kage-ana at AKB theater??? Her voice is more high than her usual and also fluffy, I know her voice well but surprised about that high-tone. Other fans,especially who hear her voice for the first time, so surprised to hear that and they made a noise.
My position in the theater was not that good. I was in the standing area, watching the stage through pillars and other fans.
About her dance performance, I only have 2 things to talk about.
1.I think her dance lacks flexibility. Compared with Shihori Suzuki (one of the tallest member in AKB, but maybe as tall as Rena?), her dance is kinda stiff. But nonetheless, her dance is clearly improved (at AKB songs), especially “Candy”, the song really fits her.
2. Her catchphrase as AKB member is ”I can’t watch you because I’m ashamed..But I want you to watch me tightly” With just that catchphrase, she will find it hard to gather more fans in my own honest opinion.
I think it will be the best if she look straight to fans’ eyes rather than staying with her “Shy” character as of now. Well, she told me that she waved her hands at me one time but I didn’t react at all which angered her. Even though I failed to noticed her waving at me, I think that would be a perfect training ground on how to interact with the fans using her gaze. I hope she can gather more confidence and started to looking at the audiences directly with her eyes.
Well, let’s talk about her MC ability.
MC1 (introduce themselves) theme ”Explain your character by one word”.
Usually Kitarie (Rie Kitahara) stands next to her. When Rena is in trouble, Kitarie supports her very well. But that day she wasn’t. On her right side was Manami Ichikawa (trainee), so she glanced over at her left side, Na-na (Nana Fujita), like asking for help. But then, Na-na ran…which in the end, prompted Rena to say “I’m shy..” instead.
“C’mon now Rena, be more confident with yourself!” was my heart screaming at that time. Haha, I felt like a nervous father. But then…the surprise came at the 2nd MC.
MC2 theme ”Rena talk”.
Means other members say a word and Rena talks about that word at once. When I heard that theme, I was extremely nervous just like a father watching his daughter in a spelling-bee competition ..haha. I already lowered down my expectation but still….Then in a spur of moment… SHE DID IT!!
1st word is “station”. Rena: “Ah…few weeks ago, I got off train at station and start to walk.”
2nd word is “event”. She talked about that, but can’t tell that story well without using any English. So, they cut it off. This makes me thinking that perhaps her “Shyness” came from her limited Japanese vocabulary compared to her English.
3rd word is ”hair style”. Rena: ”When I first joined JKT48, A staff said to me ”Your hair is a little bit too long and can be an obstacle for your dance routine, may I cut it a little bit?” I think he(she?) will cut my hair about 3cm or so, and answered “yes”. Then he starts to cut my hair…..for 10cm!! I’m surprised but there is no mirror and I can’t check my hair at that time”
To tell the truth,her story itself isn’t that interesting, at least for me. But her talking pace and her style add fun to her story. I think that is her weapon. For example,Riho Kotani (NMB,double team with AKB at past) did a solo MC at Request Hour 2014 1st day. Her talking style is similar with Rena I think. Their (Rena&Riho) stories have this kind of surreal interest element in it.
This time that works well. And Asuka Kuramochi (basically presenter at MC) said “Maybe we will do Rena Talk again”
Although with a little bit differences in situation, I think she can learn from “Haruka’s MC position at JKT” and tried to implement it in AKB. Now she haven’t built any position at AKB (even Team K), but that talking style and high-tone voice are her formidable weapons.At AKB, members can’t survive with dancing and singing skill only. They need more ability and character. So, she have to fully utilize her vital weapons which in my own honest opinion, are amazing.
Thanks for the article. It helps a lot for the Indonesian fans, especially Rena-oshi, to see her development progress in AKB48 Team K
Thanks for the great article
As for me, I’m really curious, are there any big skill gap between JPN48 and JKT48 members? I mean on average level. Every time I watch JKT48 (on event and TV, I never went to the theater yet ) I can help myself to cringe at their MC skill. Even Melody as the ace of the group hasn’t improved that much since forever.
I know about AKB more 6years and went to theater about 60times,otherhands about JKT only 2times(theater) and have little knowledge.So,can’t compare them sorry.
About Rena and other members,I can,for example I wrote Shihori compared with Rena.
But basically I want to talk about herself(her progress).
miss you Rena..hiks..hiks..hiks..*sad