Since I know you’re doing Hōjō, I’ll finish up my Kindan review. Having seen both, I think Hōjō is the stronger release, but Yōko in a gakusei fuku is really hard to resist….

Regarding your last comment on CDJapan: I don’t think I’d use them to gauge the popularity of idols – the non-Japanese market is miniscule and has a radically different focus than the home market. Fūko’s career is based on the novelty of her bust size – once the public gets bored, I doubt she can make the transition to more mainstream work, unless she plays the comedianne card. Further, while I’ve notice western tastes tend to favor larger busts, the most popular idols tend to be a bit smaller – say anywhere from a E to G cup. Look at the bodies of Hoshino Aki or Kumada Yōko – they’re considered to be busty and have great boobs by the general public. For an even more extreme example, you have very young looking women like the afforemented Aki or Ogura Yūko. The latter, while undeniably cute as a button, is absolutely flat-chested.

That’s not to say the big boob sub genre is not popular, but it is just one niche in the field, and I think Fūko’s popularity in cetain quarters is something of a distortion as seen from outside the bigger market. Likewise, I’ve had people write to me with the idea that (for example) Matsugane Yōko is a huge star, but she’s not. She does some TV appearances, but is not really in the public conciousness in the way that could be considered famous – unless they make the transition to singer, actress or the catch-all tarento, most idol would be considered very minor celebrities at best.

Alright, this comment’s way too long. Looking forward to the reviews.

To Y&HL – Though I’ve not done the full reviews on these new DVDs, I agree with your assessment. Yoko is the tops. Hitomi is a marvel – I think she’ll get plenty of work. And Fuko is currently reaping the rewards bestowed by nature, and by the excellent efforts of her agents. By the time her Eight Vol. 3 is released in January, she will have released 10 DVDs in about a year, plus the DVD that came with the magazine, so she’s not only in demand, but according to cdjapan, she’s got 4 of her DVDs in their top sellers list.

To pp – again thanks for your support. As for Yoko’s new DVD’s, I am sorry that I only bought just one of the two. I’ll be ordering the second one, Kindan, ASAP. It’s hard to believe that Yoko has been a gravure model since 2001. From what Zatoichi tells me, most all gravure idol careers are extremely lucky if they last half that length of time. As for the Hitomi Tanaka DVD, I will be getting the review out soon.

JMM

Thanks for the previews. Cant wait to hear the review of Yoko’s newest DVD. From the caps it does appear her weight is back which is great. Im also curious on your opinions of Hitomi Tanaka. There is something about her that reminds me of Harumi Nemoto as well.

I think I fall more into Zatoichi’s camp when it comes to Fuko. Huge boobs are great, but Fuko tends to waddle more than walk and doesn’t come across as all that sexy, IMHO.

Cheers.