The full HQ PV for one of Berryz Koubou’s 22nd double a-side single titled Tomodachi wa Tomodachi Nanda! has been released.
For the most part I am still impressed with how well the PV managed to come out since the mix of close-up shots, dance shots and shots of the girls having fun all mix in perfectly with the calm but upbeat song.
They even got a chance to mix in a loose storyline where they are all having fun as a group and slowly they all start leaving Momo alone (Chinami and Kumai first, Maasa and Captain second, and finally Miyabi and Risako).
She seems really sad as a result and finally after some beach shots of them reuniting they all arrive back in Momo’s room and they have fun until the end of the PV where they form the word “FRIENDS” with some pictures (they seem to have done FRIEND then added a small “s” at the end) and again they leave with Momo glancing one more time before running of to catch up with everyone else.
It isn’t the deepest storyline but at least it gives us something to look forward to and I have to admit that I liked how well the girls managed to make the story look since the acting seemed pretty decent for all of them, especially Momo (she also did a really cute drawing on 3:20 with chibi Berryz wearing the outfits for the song).
As I had already mentioned before the PV is somewhat of a mix of Aruiteru (the scene where they are at the beach), Shochuu Omimai Moshiagemasu (everyone having fun decorating pictures) and Watashi no Mirai no Danna Sama (dance shot) which actually makes the PV even more incredible since all of those shots mix in well.
The costumes are one of the main points since everyone gets a unique and cute outfit, and even though there were some outfits that seemed somewhat strange at first glance (Miyabi’s hat or Risako’s one earring for example) they all look incredible, especially Chinami, Kumai, and Momo.
The outfits do seem to get in the way sometimes like Chinami’s white hat blocking Maasa completely when they are taking shots near the beginning or they sometimes feel out of place (why would Captain and Chinami wear wool hats to the beach?) but it happens rarely.
The dance shot is basically the same setting as the Watashi no Mirai no Danna Sama dance shot but this time the room is more empty (it reminds me of an art gallery with a giant wooden N in the wall). Despite the emptiness Berryz Koubou manages to fill the room with their cute dance moves (although the camera man seems to go too far back sometimes).
The PV is one of their most fair and equal ones since everyone gets a solo line and a lengthy close up shot where they can shine, and even though some members get more lines than others it is a nice change from the lead singer dominated songs that we have seen lately.
Overall the PV is well made and one of their best since they manage to combine a loose storyline with some impressing close-up and dance shots. I love everything about this song including the costumes, vocals, rhythm, setting, acting, etc and I honestly think they did a great job and I hope that UFA experiments with this type of song arrangement again since it seemed to please many fans.
We will most likely see the Otakebi Boy WAO! PV sometime soon since the single is being released in less than a week.
The release date is set for 3/3.
Berryz Koubou- Tomodachi wa Tomodachi Nanda!
