16 replies to this topic

[Tofuramu]

Yeah, I agree with totalblank's comment.

 

Alice's appearance was probably the best part of the final chapter. It made me laugh, .

 

I don't know, I expected a larger time skip to see them end up togetherrrr~

 

Oh well, it was sweet. Reasonable ending, just kind of blah though.


For those that read, skimmed, looked at the final chapter, how did you feel?
After thinking about it...I feel like Alice won in the end lol.
 

Edited by Tofuramu, 22 January 2016 - 05:53 PM.

[penguinsinthebasement]

Couldn't resist and went to read 262 in chinese.

 

I can't believe that after 262 chapters of sweat and tears the author wouldn't let minoru and hiroko have a single "two years later holding hands" kind of panel.

 

I feel like I've just read a tragedy manga. *heartbreak*  

Edited by penguinsinthebasement, 10 February 2016 - 03:02 PM.

[Tofuramu]

LOL!! Yeah I was hoping a time skip after idoldom >A<!! But at least they had twitter? lolol

[Baniita]

Timeskip was needed. >(

[munkyshi]

My biggest issue with the last arc is that I couldn't suspend disbelief for the big reveal -- if I found something like that out, there's no way I wouldn't be outraged / blab about it on the web. I find it hard to believe that a secret over a hundred people know is still a secret at all. I'd be a pretty shitty fan, I guess.

 

I'd be more satisfied if the secret were revealed, haters started hating, and then Minoru + Hiroko came to terms with it and did a heavy rotation out of there.

 

For the last chapter itself, I was hoping for a bit more oomph. I'm sad that Minoru ends up working at convenience store after all that he's shown us, but I'm even sadder that he seems content with it -- after all the skills you've built, the people you've met, the lives you've touched, that's all you want to do? 

 

After Alice's visit, I was expecting all of AKB to visit his convenience store at some point and leave his coworker befuddled.

 

Real winner was Raul tho -- Okabe mama getto!

[Tofuramu]

Lol, I get you munkyshi.

 

But I figured Minoru was gonna have a blue-collared job like construction and watching Hiroko make AKB the greatest thing ever anyway. Minoru just seemed so suited for the life of a freeter.

 

But I realllllly wanted a timeskip to see Hiroko retire and visit Minoru with a "Welcome~" or something amazing!! Shit.

 

Yeah, final chapter definitely needed that oomph, really fell flat.

[ojiro]

Seems like we all agree that the time skip is needed for the ending. A long one at that!

 

Something like : several years pass, Hiroko retires from AKB. Then she approaches Minoru while fidgeting as the others watch them from afar ~~~

[LeStat]

Anyone knows if there will be extra chapters or an epilogue?

Otherwise this tragically sad ending could be even compared to bad endings like Guilty Crown lol

Edited by LeStat, 10 March 2016 - 03:21 AM.

[Tofuramu]

lol, yeah, looking back at the last couple of chapters again, I feel total friendzoned TAT

 

Hiroko's twitter is still active. There might be hope...

 

I doubt the author's next manga will have cameo like Seo Kouji's manga because his one-shot (I assume will be his next serialization this summer) is a historical piece XP

[Erufu]

My biggest issue with the last arc is that I couldn't suspend disbelief for the big reveal -- if I found something like that out, there's no way I wouldn't be outraged / blab about it on the web. I find it hard to believe that a secret over a hundred people know is still a secret at all. I'd be a pretty shitty fan, I guess.

 

I'd be more satisfied if the secret were revealed, haters started hating, and then Minoru + Hiroko came to terms with it and did a heavy rotation out of there.

 

I'm sad that Minoru ends up working at convenience store after all that he's shown us, but I'm even sadder that he seems content with it -- after all the skills you've built, the people you've met, the lives you've touched, that's all you want to do? 

 

After Alice's visit, I was expecting all of AKB to visit his convenience store at some point and leave his coworker befuddled.

 

Actually, my opinion on first point is an opposite. I don't get why make a fuss about it. Crossdressing is not much of unique thing for showbiz (especially for Japan) and as long as there is no problem with fitting image and acting it shouldn't be a problem. After showbiz is all about selling dreams and illusions.

In addition to that, Minori was approved by at least three powerful showbiz people who knew her/his secret. Moreover, Afrodita even wished to promote Minori clearly knowing surrounding circumstances.

So, my biggest disappointment is that Minori didn't end up realizing it's his/her own dream to become the top idol. I have nothing against Yoshinaga, but I think the ending where Minori is on top and continue participating in AKB stuff is much more fulfilling.
What's the point of main actor retreating to supporting stuff position?

As for convenience stuff store. From last chapter I can clearly tell, that Minoru have set a goal of entering university (related textbooks on his table).
Further plans are unknown though.
Also, Aki-P said he can find a manager position in showbiz for Minoru.
Minoru says nothing, but I think it's nice possibility too.

As for third point. AKB members can't visit Minoru exactly because he is now an unrelated boy and if they did visit him, it would become a start of another scandal (like with Yoshinaga in newly translated chapters).

Alice is not a member so it's okay.
I won't deny that ending is somewhat lonely and sad, but at least it contains an opportunity of Alice stealing Minoru if Yoshinaga decide to marry on her work.

 

-----

 

Speaking of ending itself, well, at least Minori ended getting accepted by AKB members and hardcore fans.

 

And Minori had a lot of heartwarming moments with Yoshinaga along the progression of story. And with other girls too.

So, I can't say it's that much of bad end. Just more like classical Japanese "happy end"

 

Though it would be interesting to learn what will become of Minoru and his connections after few years.

Also, I'm curios about revised opinions about Minori from AKB members

 

ps: Glanced through Japanese raws from 203 till end, so I can answer some questions regarding it, if there are any.

Edited by Erufu, 19 March 2016 - 05:26 PM.

[Tofuramu]

Well it's never Minoru's dream to be an idol. I personally like the fact his dream is a fan's dream .

 

I only skimmed the ending so Minoru's offered manager. I think he would be a great manager except it'll end up romcom harem because naturally everyone falls in love with that charisma xDD

[vz1427]

I really want to know what the other AKB members think of him, and if Okabe will find out about his cross-dressing.

 

And what happened to his sister? she was there when he came back but never showed up afterwards.

What does she think of AKB now that she knows her brother was in it? Will she also join AKB? if she does, will she try to advertise herself as Minori's imouto?

 

i really have too much questions regarding the ending

[Erufu]

I really want to know what the other AKB members think of him, and if Okabe will find out about his cross-dressing.

At first they were quite shocked, which is not surprising. But fast enough the girls ended up accepting him as a fellow idol and an important member of their group.
Which includes searching him frantically before a graduation concert, helping him with fixing make-up, wig and clothes and being concerned about his well-being when he decided to reveal the truth about himself to the most hardcore fans.

I liked the scene when girls were saying "He is boy? So what of it?! This isn't a proper excuse to miss performance!"

In epilogue, it was implied that some people from staff were feeling like some huge hole appeared. In terms of group situation.
Meaning, they miss him probably.

But as he is a male, there is no possibility of any member visiting him due to the usual "no male connections" restrictions.

As for the sister, she hasn't been shown anymore after confirming his true identity.
Okabe hasn't been shown either, but we can conjecture she could learn it from Aphrodita or from her AKB49 connections.
But it wouldn't change the things much anyway, because she had already chosen her career over the boy she liked.

As for general situation, it remains unknown to the world that Minorin was a boy.
 

And what happened to his sister? she was there when he came back but never showed up afterwards.
What does she think of AKB now that she knows her brother was in it? Will she also join AKB? if she does, will she try to advertise herself as Minori's imouto?

No to all questions.
It looks like little sister had only one plot function which is to confirm Minoru's identity.
I don't remember her appearing in series nor before final events nor after confirmation scene.

It's highly unlikely that she would capitalize her brother's connections or former position.
She might even regard his actions as shameful.
 

Well it's never Minoru's dream to be an idol. I personally like the fact his dream is a fan's dream

It wasn't his dream in the beginning of the story, but as he became a true idol, I wonder what happened to his true feelings on the matter.

Though, it's hard to cross-dress after a certain age, so quitting was inevitable.
But it would make the ending more pleasant if he were to become a #1 idol even despite of being it only for a short time. (Btw, beginning of series had such implications)

But from the position of an advertisement for AKB, it wouldn't be great, I think.
So, that's why author did what he did.

Edited by Erufu, 03 May 2016 - 10:57 PM.

[Erufu]

I've re-read first chapters. It appears I was wrong regarding Minoru's little sister.
She was also shown in the beginning. Still, can't see her as something different from just another plot device.

[Asterne]

So, my biggest disappointment is that Minori didn't end up realizing it's his/her own dream to become the top idol. I have nothing against Yoshinaga, but I think the ending where Minori is on top and continue participating in AKB stuff is much more fulfilling.
What's the point of main actor retreating to supporting stuff position?

It wasn't his dream in the beginning of the story, but as he became a true idol, I wonder what happened to his true feelings on the matter.

 

You felt the same thing I did, huh? I was surprised other people didn't get that same feeling, looking through here. The more Minori progressed, the more she came to love being an idol and genuinely wanted to be #1 is what I was getting from where things were going. Honestly, I'm of the opinion that the only one she was fooling in that she wanted to help worst girl at this point was herself.

 

I haven't actually looked at the final chapters and am only caught up to where the translation is at, but it's honestly really disappointing to me that the ending is so abrupt and unsatisfying, considering this manga has ended up pretty close to my heart.

[EvilDevil]

You felt the same thing I did, huh? I was surprised other people didn't get that same feeling, looking through here. The more Minori progressed, the more she came to love being an idol and genuinely wanted to be #1 is what I was getting from where things were going. Honestly, I'm of the opinion that the only one she was fooling in that she wanted to help worst girl at this point was herself.

 

I haven't actually looked at the final chapters and am only caught up to where the translation is at, but it's honestly really disappointing to me that the ending is so abrupt and unsatisfying, considering this manga has ended up pretty close to my heart.

 

Sorry to revive an old thread, originally I wrote quite alot about my personal views and rants but after looking through few forums perhaps a simple rant would be enough. Basicaly there's another AKB49 "Pioneer" short manga mainly on the graduation day for Takahashi Minami or in the manga Takamina. Gathering of the previous Gen1 who graduated as well as suddenly with Minoru/Minori appear and said that the graduation was a success & to have worked so hard for the pass 10 years. (I need to refer how current/previous translator potray it, but basically it should be correct).

So I guess it's a cliff hanger there to let us assume that after the ending, they still kept in touch (Most probably via social media n very close knit gathering) with Minoru cross dressing as always to avoid the female/male scandal image/rumours.

 

Sorry to put this in a AKB thread but actually to understand how hard idols work and to keep up with their perfect image, the only manga/manhwa I could think of was "Sun Ken Rock" having Ken join as the manager for the "Girls" he have to protect and seeing how hard they work to achieve their "dreams" and having polluted/tarnish by others just for their own selfish reasons/profit have the same effect as reading AKB49. Luckily AKB49 didn't go towards that path by showing too much on the dark contents as I guess they want to potray a very "sunshine" image for being an IDOL.

 

Sad tho they didn't further timeskip like showing Minoru further graduate overseas/locally and even able to be Male Idol and return to Japan or just simply work as AKB48 trainer/instructor/consultant (An IDOL who is from Overseas with no record usually is easier to achieve rather than just debut locally and with help/backup of his friends and fans but mainly just need the help/recognition of Afrodeity? I actually would go with Afro Lady LOL or Lady Afro. I bet everyone know who I am refering to I guess but due to copyrights and stuff better avoid that). I believe basically to finish his studies and graduate in certain field will be his next priority to chase after his "DREAMS". Somehow I felt that after reading this manga, it made me totally think that it's okay to chase after our own "DREAMS" and to achieve it, we should put more effort and time to do it, no matter years, days, hours, as long as we have a "DREAM" we should work towards "IT".

 

Quite rare that a manga would actually make me tear up when seeing how hardship, teamwork and faith in others would achieve each and everyones dreams. Actually from start till end I really can feel how touching this manga was, just felt kinda abrupt that Minoru ended up at the convenient store but I do believe if the demands from the fans are enough to encourage the author, he/she might continue this manga.

 

Just a quick add on, if the current scanlator needs help on completing the remaining chapters, I would definitely try to chip in. Basically I could read chinese / kanji?(those that looked like chinese), am quite good with cleaning and redraw (Self Claim) but that's mainly things I had to learn during my video editing job previously.

[hashihash]

Sorry to revive an old thread, originally I wrote quite alot about my personal views and rants but after looking through few forums perhaps a simple rant would be enough. Basicaly there's another AKB49 "Pioneer" short manga mainly on the graduation day for Takahashi Minami or in the manga Takamina. Gathering of the previous Gen1 who graduated as well as suddenly with Minoru/Minori appear and said that the graduation was a success & to have worked so hard for the pass 10 years. (I need to refer how current/previous translator potray it, but basically it should be correct).

So I guess it's a cliff hanger there to let us assume that after the ending, they still kept in touch (Most probably via social media n very close knit gathering) with Minoru cross dressing as always to avoid the female/male scandal image/rumours.

 

Sorry to put this in a AKB thread but actually to understand how hard idols work and to keep up with their perfect image, the only manga/manhwa I could think of was "Sun Ken Rock" having Ken join as the manager for the "Girls" he have to protect and seeing how hard they work to achieve their "dreams" and having polluted/tarnish by others just for their own selfish reasons/profit have the same effect as reading AKB49. Luckily AKB49 didn't go towards that path by showing too much on the dark contents as I guess they want to potray a very "sunshine" image for being an IDOL.

 

Sad tho they didn't further timeskip like showing Minoru further graduate overseas/locally and even able to be Male Idol and return to Japan or just simply work as AKB48 trainer/instructor/consultant (An IDOL who is from Overseas with no record usually is easier to achieve rather than just debut locally and with help/backup of his friends and fans but mainly just need the help/recognition of Afrodeity? I actually would go with Afro Lady LOL or Lady Afro. I bet everyone know who I am refering to I guess but due to copyrights and stuff better avoid that). I believe basically to finish his studies and graduate in certain field will be his next priority to chase after his "DREAMS". Somehow I felt that after reading this manga, it made me totally think that it's okay to chase after our own "DREAMS" and to achieve it, we should put more effort and time to do it, no matter years, days, hours, as long as we have a "DREAM" we should work towards "IT".

 

Quite rare that a manga would actually make me tear up when seeing how hardship, teamwork and faith in others would achieve each and everyones dreams. Actually from start till end I really can feel how touching this manga was, just felt kinda abrupt that Minoru ended up at the convenient store but I do believe if the demands from the fans are enough to encourage the author, he/she might continue this manga.

 

Just a quick add on, if the current scanlator needs help on completing the remaining chapters, I would definitely try to chip in. Basically I could read chinese / kanji?(those that looked like chinese), am quite good with cleaning and redraw (Self Claim) but that's mainly things I had to learn during my video editing job previously.

Maybe he has no reason to become a male idol and the author doesn’t know how to write that. It’s a slightly different world from akb, not to mention the demographics aimed at.

 

That’d be ooc... imagine if you were one of the 100 fans and saw him on tv, be like, “wtf, after making us keep a secret he went ahead and became a male idol??” It’d be weird, doesn’t fit with his motives.

 

Though it is regretful, he would’ve made a great male idol. Can someone from the story please persuade him to continue? Or can we make a spin off?