Emerging SuperstarFollowing Sakura Gumi, Ai-chan began to have more solo lines as veterans like Abe Natsumi graduated. Alongside Rika Ishikawa, Hitomi Yoshizawa and Miki Fujimoto - ROMANS My Dear Boy & The Manpower!! began her string of vocal dominance in Morning Musume singles. She would go on to do dramas like Angel Hearts. There would be cries among haters that she was a screen hog, and unworthy of the role she was in. Ai-chan would prove them wrong, as Morning Musume continued its reign as Japan's Super Girl Group.
Inserted into the starting lineup, Kobe emerged as one of the premier shooting guards, earning All-NBA, All-Star, All-Defensive honors. There would be cries that he was a loner and selfish ball hog. Yet, together with Shaquille O'Neal and a whole cast of role players, the Lakers dominated the early part of the 2000s with three straight championships.
On They OwnWith each graduation and scandalous exit, the next two years saw core members like Rika, Yossi, Mari, Miki leave the group. Ai-chan took on a bigger leadership responsibility - which meant representing Morning Musume not only in concerts, but also on TV and press conferences. Times were rough at first, with Morning Musume struggling in sales and shows like Hello! Morning disappearing from the air.
With two straight failures to win a championship, and even getting hall of fame veteran help, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat. The core members such as Rick Fox, Derek Fisher and Robert Horry, also left the team. Kobe took on a brand new leadership role, with a whole new core of younger teammates. Times were rough at first, with the Lakers failing to make the playoffs and then seeing first round exits to the Phoenix Suns.
Ressurrgence and Rise to the TopWith more singles under their belt, and a dominating role in "Cinderella the Musical" and "Ribbon no Kishi The Musical" - Ai-chan matured into AiButt.com fashion. She soon took over leadership of not only Morning Musume, but the entire Hello! Project. Morning Musume rounded out 2009 with Top 3 singles and a #1 in "Shōganai Yume Oibito" and rocked the world as they invaded Los Angeles for Anime Expo 2009.
As his teammates matured and understood the Triangle Offense, Kobe also matured and improved not only his skills, but his trust in his team on the floor. The Lakers reached the finals in 2008 and lost, only to comeback the following year and become 2009 NBA Champions. A title Kobe could finally call his own.
And This is
Why Takahashi Ai is Like Kobe Bryant.Here's the actual letter:
From your days as Lovely Ai-chan opposite Charmy Ishikawa, I could see the potential superstar. You are like Kobe Bryant, winning early under superstar talent with Shaquille O'Neal. From "Souda We're Alive!" to "Romans My Dear Boy" - Morning Musume was on top of the world. As Rika-chan, Nacchi, etc. graduated - Morning Musume and Hello! Project struggled to find an identity. But Ai-chan, you kept working hard singing and dancing - always with a lovely smile on your face. With "Watashi" and "Shōganai Yume Oibito" dominating the charts this year, you carved a Morning Musume dynasty of your own - just like how Kobe Bryant won an NBA Championship last month without the help of veterans. Me and my JPH!P friends are so proud of you and will support you 100% of the way. Stay Positive and Lovely!
Best wishes,
daigong
Credits:
Special Thanks Fenrir for actually translating the original letter to Takahashi. tenkei, Fenrir, boykun, Ping for the scrapbooking. Stryfe, shura for the pix. tama, shirenu & TOZ for Inspiration. Masa for the constructive criticism.