On September 9th 2017, PINK CRES. came to the Philippines for the ASEAN-Japan Television Festival at Trinoma Mall.
It is a three-piece group led by Miyabi is a former member of the now defunct group, Berryz Koubou which was one of the biggest groups of Hello!Project at that time.
Being a fan of the group, of course I could not hold back my excitement to see the group perform in person. An opportunity like this is rare, and quite possibly once in a lifetime considering the short lifespan of many of my favorite groups from Japan.
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| Pink Cres. members: Yuuka, Miyabi and Hikaru Dancers: Kayako and Shouko |
One thing I can definitely say is that the group is definitely popular with females. When I arrived at the site, I met three pretty Japanese girls who had followed the group since their performances in Malaysia. I admire their dedication.
Of course, other Filipino fans were there too carrying banners and wearing pink shirts.
We were all ready to cheer for the group outside the gated area since the inside was reserved for special guests. However, much to our surprise we were allowed access inside when they found out that we were huge fans of the group. They were even kind enough to give us pink glow sticks that we could use to greet the group.
It had just been my birthday a few days ago, so this was like a massive deal to me. It felt like the universe gave this opportunity as a gift to me. When I first posted photos online, a lot of people said that they weren't too crazy about the costumes. However, I loved that the group dressed up in our country's colours.
Members
Miyabi Natsuyaki
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| Miyabi Natsuyaki |
When Miyabi was still in Berryz Koubou, I admit that I was not a fan of hers. While I respected her for her really good voice, I had been a bigger fan of Momochi (Momoko Tsugunaga).
When she first pitched the group, I couldn't say I had high expectations either. However, things slowly began to change for me when she showed off her two new members and the image they were going for.
PINK CRES. was going to be a fashionista's dream. I won't lie, I love that image. It was clearly going for a more female demographic and it worked for me.
My biggest issues with BK had always been that they didn't seem to compliment each other as a group. They were wonderful idols individually but when they are together as a group, they didn't really go together. I think they stood out individually too much and their varying images sometimes clashed with one another. She had chosen her members well though. They complimented each other while at the same time helped her standout better.
Yuuka Nihei
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| Yuuka Nihei |
I sometimes think it is so incredible how Yuuka looked so much like Kanon Fukuda and Aibon (Ai Kago) at times. I know I am not alone thinking this though.
However, her personality and image is nothing like either. While Kanon and Aibon began with a 'cute' image, Nihei was sporting the 'sexy-cute' image from the get-go.
She really is very pretty and I have to say that I think she is probably the prettiest member in the group for me. She has admitted that her charm point was her nose. I actually see what she means. Her nose does hinder her face from being perfect, but at the same it was what made her face incredibly charming.
She has the same 'fashionista' vibe as Miyabi, which is probably why visually she compliments the group so well. I also like her voice. While not as powerful as Miyabi, it is great to listen to and can be soothing or cute when necessary.
Hikaru Kobayashi
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| Hikaru Kobayashi |
If Miyabi has the experience and the leader and Yuuka provides the beauty, Hikaru brings the 'cuteness'. She still has a 'fashionable' type of look that matched Miyabi and Yuuka though. Like Yuuka, it is probably why she fits this group so well.
She is my favorite member. However, I am aware of people having an issue with her shyness during performances when the group was just starting, however for me it was part of her appeal. I like watching her grow and improve before my eyes. It is the reason why I love idols in the first place. Hikaru gave me the same feeling as watching my favorite idols in other groups.
However, on this stage she did not seem as shy as rumors indicated. She seemed very happy performing and it was enjoyable to see. I think still think she is the most quiet of the three but as long as she still shines on stage, it does not matter.
Conclusion
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| Pre-debut: Yuuka and Hikaru |
This is a really well put-together group and I can't help but admire Miyabi for putting it together.
I don't know if she knew what and who she was looking for from the very beginning or she developed it as auditions went, but to be honest it doesn't matter to me.
Yuuka and Hikaru looked different from when they first auditioned. They looked so frightened and uncertain. I guess it goes to show you never really know what kind of star you have in your hands until you've given it a good polish. Miyabi is to thank for providing that.
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| Post-debut: Yuuka and Hikaru |
During the performance, they really had me and everyone around me dancing to their tune. I was ecstatic when they sang my favourite song from the album, 'Summer Wonderland'. It doesn't have an MV so I didn't think they would perform it. Imagine my surprise when they did.
While I did enjoy all of the performances that day, this was really one of the biggest highlights of 2017 for me. Then again, this could be bias in my part because I am a fan of all their songs and even have a copy of their album, 'crescendo' in my CD collection. I can't wait to get their second album soon, 'etcetera.'
Setlist
1. Fun Fun Fun
2. Kirei Kawaii Mirai
3. Summer Wonderland
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