Toyo University’s Tomboys☆ Take Home 1st Place and a Glass Slipper at UNIDOL Winter 2015-16!

| Idol | Posted by Kai Okudara on Feb.22.2016

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Female university students, friends, and family gathered at Shin-Kiba Studio Coast on February 15, 2016 for the biggest UNIDOL Winter 2015-16 in its short history and saw the Tomboys☆ from Toyo University claim top honors.

Kyushuu idol group QunQun performed a pair of songs as the audience filed in to Shin-Kiba Studio Coast. The winners from the afternoon wild card bracket were announced: Seijo University’s Seijo Kanojo, Housei University’s kimowota☆7, and Meiji University’s Ameijing✩.

Ange☆Reve got the audience warmed up with a trio of songs including their new single “Stare” which even had some calling out for an encore as they left the stage.

Here is a summary of the teams that made it to the finals and the songs they performed:

Ameijing✩ (Meiji University)

First timers Ameijing✩ earned their place in the finals via an aggressive campaign on the PICON photo-sharing mobile app and gave an admirable effort paired with a selection of songs to get the audience pulled in right away. As they continue to improve, they should become a familiar name to look out for in future UNIDOLs to come.

AKB48 – Shonichi
Cheeky Parade – Mugendai Shojo ∀
AKB48 – Kibouteki Refrain

Ameijing✩ Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/_ameijing_

kimowota☆7 (Hosei University)

kimowota☆7 once again placed 2nd in the afternoon preliminaries and went with a setlist overflowing with their idol otaku sensibilities. Things got really wild during their sharp rendition of Niji no Conquistador’s “Triangle Dreamer” which had the crowd lifting up hazard triangles, traffic cones, and cyalumes in triangle shapes while dancing along.

Idol College – Seifuku Koi Monogatari
Moso Calibration – Kanashimi Calibration
Niji no Conquistador – Triangle Dreamer

kimowota☆7 Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimowota_7

LolliPop (Musashi University)

LolliPop again used superior numbers to their advantage, starting the AKB48 classic “Aitakatta” with 11 members, switching to 5 for ℃-ute’s “Meguru Koi no Kisetsu”, 9 for Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku’s “Ume”, and ending with everyone on stage for Hello!Pro Kenkyuusei’s “Kanojo ni Naritai!!!”.

AKB48 – Aitakatta
℃-ute – Meguru Koi no Kisetsu
Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku – Ume
Hello!Pro Kenkyuusei – Kanojo ni Naritai!!!

LolliPop Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/LolliPop634

Todai Honeypot (Tokyo University)

Coming out of the prestigious Tokyo University, Todai Honeypot made a powerful impression in their first UNIDOL finals. Hitting the stage to BABYMETAL, they followed up with the ever so appropriate “Odoru Gariben Chugakusei” (gariben means “someone who studies too much”). Finishing up with the addicting “Candy-chan” and “Oogoe Diamond”, Todai Honeypot showed that not everyone who enters through the historic “Akamon” fall into the stereotype of bookworms that can’t have fun.

BABYMETAL – Gimme Chocolate
Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku – Odoru Gariben Chugakusei
℃-ute – Kiss me Aishiteru
Yumemiru Adolescence – Candy-chan
AKB48 – Oogoe Diamond

Todai Honeypot Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/UT_honeypot

Yonjo Kakumei (Meiji University)

In their last UNIDOL (yonjo means “4th-year girls”), Yonjo Kakumei left nothing on the stage, switching from ANGERME’s aggressive “Donden Gaeshi” to SDN48’s sexy “GAGAGA” via a quick costume change. Ramping back up with “Taiki Bansei” and ending with the sentimental “Mikan” accompanied by pictures from their childhood, it was a refined final performance that they could look back on with no regrets.

ANGERME – Donden Gaeshi
SDN48 – GAGAGA
ANGERME – Taiki Bansei
Morning Musume. – Mikan

Yonjo Kakumei Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/shika__revo

Sparkle (Fukuoka University)

Sparkle lived up to their name as the girls from Kyushu dazzled the audience with their southern charms and energetic dance moves. Despite a few abrupt transitions, they showed why Kyushu is one of the hottest scenes for idol groups in Japan.

Cheeky Parade – BUNBUN NINE9′
Morning Musume. – Dokka~n Capriccio
UPUPGIRLS (KARI) – Appaaree
LinQ – Wessai!! Gassai!!

Sparkle Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/fu_idol

Aganeus (Kinjo Gakuin University)

Possibly the most physically powerful group in the finals, Aganeus blasted their way through 6 songs, not letting up their intensity from beginning to end. Incorporating acrobatics and sharp coordination, would it be too much to say that in some parts they might have actually surpassed the performances of the artists that they were copying?

Berryz Kobo – Dakishimete Dakishimete
Fairies -White Angel
Team Syachihoko – Dakishimete Anthem
Team Syachihoko – J.A.N.A.I.C.A.
SKE48 – 1!2!3!4! Yoroshiku!
℃-ute – Massara Blue Jeans

Aganeus Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/karatedo_l

Himawari Time (Waseda University)

Waseda University continued their tradition of producing strong UNIDOL teams as evidenced by the strong performance of newcomers Himawari Time. From their precise performance of “Nanakorobi Yaoki” and sharp formations of “What is LOVE?” to their quick change and rock power of “Material Girl” (but why didn’t they do “Himawari” if they were going to do a PASSPO☆ song?), it looks like another team to look out for in the future has blossomed early.

ANGERME – Nanakorobi Yaoki
Morning Musume. ’14 – What is LOVE?
PASSPO☆ – Material Girl

Himawari Time Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/sunflower_time_

Pichicart (Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts)

Pichicart got things off to a strong start with “Majijo Teppen Blues” before moving onto perennial fan favorite “Dance de Bakoon!” and running through several other popular classics. While the choreography for their ending song “BINGO!” was clean, the video playing behind them was a little distracting. It should be exciting to see how they continue to sharpen their presentation by the time the next UNIDOL comes around.

AKB48 – Majijo Teppen Blues
℃-ute – Dance de Bakoon!
Cheeky Parade – Cheeky Dreamer
AKB48 – BINGO!

Pichicart Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/pichicart3

Ribbon∞ (Aoyama Gakuin University)

Ribbon∞ kicked off their final UNIDOL with a double helping of “Crazy Kanzen na Otona”, going with a sharp 10-person formation (compared to the 5 members of ℃-ute) that transitioned seamlessly into “Wagamama Ki no Mama Ai no Joke”. A quick onstage wardrobe change raised the temperature as the audience members scrambled to catch the garter belts thrown during the sultry “Yuuwaku no Garter”. Valentine’s Day confessions accompanied the adorable “Bare Bare I LOVE YOU” followed by tears for their finale “10-nen Sakura”.

℃-ute – Crazy Kanzen na Otona
Morning Musume. – Wagamama Ki no Mama Ai no Joke
SDN48 – Yuuwaku no Garter
UPUPGIRLS (KARI) – Bare Bare I LOVE YOU
AKB48 – 10-nen Sakura

Ribbon∞ Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChattersUNIDOL

Pumpy☆*s (Hosei University)

Pumpy☆*s were met by some of the loudest cheers of the night when they hit the stage to Yumemiru Adolescence’s “overture”. While their formations were solid, something about attempting a Tokyo Performance Doll song without the acrobatics leaves something to be desired. In spite of that minor exclusion, Pumpy☆*s showed why they were one of the more popular groups in the finals with an excitement-packed routine that continues to get better with every year.

Yumemiru Adolescence – overture
Tokyo Performance Doll – BRAND NEW STORY
Morning Musume. – Help me!!
SKE48 – Sansei Kawaii!
Cheeky Parade – Colorful Starlight

Pumpy☆*s Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/pumpys_pps

The first secret guest of the evening Babyraids JAPAN got Shin-Kiba Studio Coast rocking with their breakthrough hit “Koyomi no ue wa December”. As things heated up with the foot-stomping “Hashire, Hashire”, Nao Takami flung her knit cap offstage. Jumping and clawing through “Tora Tora Tiger!” and slashing through “Yoake Brand New Days”, the only problem with Babyraids JAPAN’s set was that it was too short!

Ritsumeikan HelloPro Kenkyuukai (Ritsumeikan University)

One of the rare all Hello!Project teams, Ritsumeikan HelloPro Kenkyuukai had a well-thought out set list but may have overdone it with the videos of previous performances playing behind them. However, they were still able to win over a heated response from the audience. As they continue their research, they should be able to increase the strength of their performance. THe potential for something great is definitely there.

ANGERME – Ganshinshotan
Morning Musume. – Kimagure Princess
℃-ute – Tokkai Junjo
℃-ute – love Take it all
Morning Musume. – Resonant Blue
S/mileage – Suki-chan

Ritsumeikan HelloPro Kenkyuukai Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/hellokenofrits

Tomboys☆ (Toyo University)

Greeted by yellow, purple, and pink cyalumes as they walked onto the stage, it was clear that Tomboys☆ was not lacking when it came to the popular vote but, their performance made it clear why they were crowned the champion. With a red-hot high-kicking “Akai Jonetsu” that begged to be accompanied by pyrotechnics and flying through GEM’s “Can’t stop loving”, Tomboys☆ brought their iDOL Street-themed set to a close with an eye-watering rendition of Cheeky Parade’s anthemic “M.O.N.ST@R”.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – Pamyu Pamyu Revolution
SUPER☆GiRLS – Akai Jonetsu
GEM – Can’t stop loving
Cheeky Parade – M.O.N.ST@R

Tomboys☆ Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tomboys_tmby

SPH mellmuse (Sophia University)

One of the teams that might be said to be a dynasty when it comes to UNIDOL, SPH mellmuse were not about to relinquish their shot at a crown after falling out of the top 3 a year ago. Their always pinpoint formations and airtight transitions were augmented by outfits which were even more improved than their usual high level, incorporating several impressive quick changes without missing a beat. Members may come and go but, SPH mellmuse’s commitment to excellence makes them a perennial threat for the championship. The fact that they placed second again is a testament to how much the level of competition continues to rise each year.

Morning Musume. ’15 – Oh my wish!
Dempagumi.inc – Chururichururira
Momoiro Clover Z – Saraba, Itoshiki Kanashimitachi yo
AKB48 – Kimi no Koto ga Suki Dakara

SPH mellmuse Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/SPH48

Candy holic (Otsuma Women’s University)

Candy holic built upon their already strong command of Cheeky Parade shown during UNIDOL 2015 Summer, adding to it precision coordination and balance when it came to showing off their skills in tackling Berryz Kobo and HKT48. Also of note was their powerful and snappy “Desugita Kui wa Utarenai” but the best was definitely saved for last as they closed out with “Cheeky Fighter”.

Berryz Kobo – Ai wa Itsumo Kimi no Naka ni
ANGERME – Desugita Kui wa Utarenai
HKT48 – 12-byo
Cheeky Parade – Cheeky Fighter

Candy holic Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/Candy_holic_11

Seijo Kanojo (Seijo University)

Seijo Kanojo was another team that went with a theme, this one being the “48 groups”. With squeaky clean choreography and a series of captivating music videos behind them, the girls from Setagaya were dazzling in their first UNIDOL finals.

Nogizaka46 – Popipappapaa (intro)
Nogizaka46 – Inochi wa Utsukushii
Nogizaka46 – Girls Rule
AKB48 – Kanojo ni Naremasuka

Seijo Kanojo Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/seijokanojo

img_UNIDOL_2015-16_01_Juice-Juice_001

Juice=Juice was the second and final secret guest of the night, welcomed by screams and the sound of feet rushing towards the stage as soon as they made out the 5 silhouettes on the stage. Even with leader Yuka Miyazaki at less than full strength due to an ACL injury, she made up for it by waving and smiling to the fans whenever she could. Idol fans as well as UNIDOL competitors were powerless to resist the sheer star power that is Juice=Juice.

Karada dake ga Otona ni Nattanjanai
Ijiwaru Shinaide Dakishimete yo
Ai・Ai・Gasa
GIRLS BE AMBITIOUS
Magic of Love

Awards Ceremony

img_UNIDOL_2015-16_01_group_01

The 31 teams returned to the stage for the awards ceremony, standing shoulder to shoulder, hoping that their name would be called and etched into the history books of UNIDOL. SPH mellmuse (Sophia University) were first to be called, claiming the “Best Dresser Award” and a 50,000 yen spa gift certificate for their impressive outfits. Tomboys☆ (Toyo University) won the “Best Performance Award”, earning complimentary nail treatment for all of their members from Harajuku Nail Salon.

The highly coveted Watami prize went to Pumpy☆*s (Hosei University), which also gave them a spot in the lineup of “Minna no Yume AWARD 6” at Maihma Amphitheater on February 22, 2016. Ameijing✩ (Meiji University), who earned their spot in the finals via the PICON photo-sharing mobile app, it was only fitting that they took home the PICON award, a 1-day theme park pass for all of their members. Himawari Time (Waseda University) won the “Dance with TV Tokyo Announcer Asami Konno Award”, meaning they would not only be sharing time on national television with the former Morning Musume. member but also TV Tokyo’s mascot Nanana!

img_UNIDOL_2015-16_01_3rd_Candy holic

Candy holic (Otsuma Women’s University) were awarded 3rd place, which included yukata for all members from Furisode Ondine.

img_UNIDOL_2015-16_01_2nd_SPH mellmuse

SPH mellmuse (Sophia University) heard their name called again, repeating their 2nd place finish from UNIDOL 2015 Summer, winning them a cash prize of 50,000 yen and 100,000 Tada Copy points.

Yuka Miyazaki, Tomoko Kanazawa, and Sayuki Takagi returned to the stage to present the 1st place prize to Tomboys☆ (Toyo University). In addition to the trophy, a 150,000 yen cash prize, and 8-inch windows tablets from Oceanize, they were given with a glass slipper, keeping with the theme of Cinderella. Having failed to make the top 3 in the previous 2 UNIDOL events, it was sweet redemption for Tomboys☆.

img_UNIDOL_2015-16_01_group_02

Details of UNIDOL 2016 Summer have yet to be announced but expect it to be even bigger and more impressive! With several current idols having participated in UNIDOL events in the past, you might just end up seeing the stars of tomorrow without even realizing it! Also, if you are considering studying abroad in Japan and love copying idol dances, perhaps you can decide where to go based on what schools have a strong team?

Results

1st Place – Tomboys☆ (Toyo University)
2nd Place – SPH mellmuse (Sophia University)
3rd Place – Candy holic (Otsuma Women’s University)

Best Dresser Award – SPH mellmuse (Sophia University)
Best Performance Award – Tomboys☆ (Toyo University)
Watami Prize – Pumpy☆*s (Hosei University)
PICON Award – Ameijing✩ (Meiji University)
TV Tokyo Award – Himawari Time (Waseda University)

Related Links

UNIDOL Official site: unidol.jp
UNIDOL Official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/unidol7
UNIDOL Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/unidol_exco