When the Saints Go Marching Out (and Still Come Marching In)...

Happy All Saints Day, nonexistent audience.

Speaking of saints, I’m pretty sure you’ve heard about the news about Maki Goto and her graduation. To tell you the truth, I was only a minor fan of her and yet I’m still sorta shocked about this. I had more to say but I pretty much forgotten it. Then again, why should I make a speech about someone I barely care about, even if she's one of the patron saints of the Hello! Project.

So, like most Hello! Project fans who wrote their opinions on time and later, I wish Maki the best in her endeavors no matter where she goes. (It's kinda funny since I was sort of considering getting back into her. Oh well, c'est la vie).

A few things too:

• I too think her brother's scandal had little (if not, nothing) to do with her "graduation." Then again, it was mentioned that she wanted to go in a different direction anyway.
• Due to Goto's graduation, the fate of the Morning Musume Tanjou 10nen Kinentai is "uncertain." Then again, I had already put the unit in that category since Kaori's pregnancy.
• One bright side: At least we know the reason for Goto's "scheduling conflicts," which leads credible evidence that the graduation was planned.

I think it's time to let this sleeping dog lie, especially since no one seems to be talking about it anymore.

In other news, reviews of the big "All Singles Complete" compilation are popping about the H!P blog circles and Morning Musume continues to celebrate its 10th anniversary full blast with an upbeat single around the corner to boot. According to Wikipedia (English and Japanese) and Wiki.theppn, the indies single ("Ai no Tane") was released on November 3, 1997. Now, I dunno if it's true (which is most likely not or most likely so depending on your point of view and/or your sources), that would make this coming Saturday the 10th anniversary of the release of said single.

All in all, happy anniversary, Morning Musume and laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)