Last year was about hope.
It all started years ago, when someone close to your heart expressed a wish.
A wish that you also shared; to want to see her as first.
Isn’t that why you saved up as much as you could, to spend that on votes?
When the second place was announced, when ‘Sashihara Rino’ was called; you started rejoicing, maybe you even cried.
Because it was finally here, after so damn long.
When ‘Watanabe Mayu’ was the name called last, it wasn’t just Mayu’s triumph.
It was also the triumph of all the fans that had painstaking cut down on their expenses, some even saving up all year, and voted for her.
Because that year when Mayu finally ranked first, we, Mayu oshis, showed the management that she wasn’t just some girl that they could use and then conveniently push away to one side when she wasn’t needed.
Compared to other selected “faces” of AKB, Mayu is more of an afterthought.
Someone who gives you the feeling that the management picked her to stand in front just because the others that they preferred were not ready.
Those 159,854 votes was our personal “IN YOUR FACE!” to those people out there, to the management and especially to all the haters, to all those people who said that she did not deserve to be center.
And now, that time of the year has come again.
Where has all that burning fire from last year gone?
Is your job done just because Mayu got first place last year?
Can you take it easy this year?
Why should you vote this year?
Why should you vote even harder this year?
What exactly are you voting for this year?
So that Mayu can get first place?
So that Mayu has a chance of getting first twice in a year and setting a new record for a repeat win in the Sousenkyo?
Just to show your support for Mayu?
Records can, and are made to be broken.
What you are voting for is something more meaningful that shallow things like getting first place in the Sousenkyo.
It is something way more important than just showing your support for Mayu.
Have you seen all the opportunities that opened up for Mayu after last year’s Sousenkyo?
Besides the usual 48G projects she also had more personal work.
Things that help put Mayu’s name out there.
Your vote, your every vote is an investment in the future.
An investment in Mayu’s future.
The world is much bigger than AKB and let’s face it, Mayu isn’t getting any younger.
Take a moment and think of her portfolio minus AKB, how is it?
Don’t try deluding yourself.
Don’t try to look on the bright side and ignore what is so painfully obvious.
Her portfolio is pathetically small.
How important it is to start working towards the future?
Mayu has reached a period of time in her idol career where you should start treating each Sousenkyo as if it will be her last, because it just might be.
And really, just ask yourself; is it that difficult to save up at least what, say 5140 yen?
That’s worth about five votes, if you take part in the fundraising project.
Five votes towards the future.
It is something intangible that you may not be able to see, but the impact will be there.
The impact will be felt, by Mayu herself.
Like how she will be and IS thankful for every single vote that is given to her, regardless of whatever the final result.
Even if there is a chance that the outcome may not be what you want, are you able to look at it at the end of the day and say “I tried my best.”
Because that is what Mayu does.
She tries her very best, giving it her all.
She never blames anyone if things don’t turn out right.
She just tries again, tries even harder, even if she is completely exhausted.
Because that is just how she is.
That is why she is your oshimen.
Because she is Watanabe Mayu, the awkward Cyborg girl who has grown up to be the perfect idol with the occasional dorky moments that endear her to you so much.
The little girl who was doted on and spoilt by her senpais is now a senpai herself.
A senpai that wants to pull the rest of the group forward, who promised to hold up the 48G.
Even if it is not her fault, even if it isn’t her burden to bear; she tries so hard to lift it up, all on her own.
That, is her sense of responsibility.
Back in 2013, she almost wanted to give up.
She came very close to giving up.
Fans that encouraged her and told her, “Next time, let’s get first place for sure.”
Just like Mayu, we understood that bitter feeling of disappointment.
The feeling where all seems hopeless, where nothing you do will be able to help.
But we didn’t want to give up.
We couldn’t let her give up just like that.
And so at that time, we made both Mayu and ourselves a promise.
And now, it is time again.
But this time, it’s no longer just about the Sousenkyo anymore.
It’s about Mayu’s future.
Having been through so much with Mayu, having weathered so many storms with Mayu, the tears of disappointment, the laughter of happiness, everything; can you be counted on, once more, to deliver?
Can you somehow save up that 5140 yen and invest it in Mayu’s future?
Everything must come to an end someday and one day, it will no longer be Mayuyu the idol but Watanabe Mayu, the actress that stands before us.
Does she leave while at the top of her game, starting that career with real experience under her belt?
Or does she start as a member who is a ‘has been’, a member who left because there was nowhere else to go, a newbie trying her luck riding on the AKB name?
Idols have the transition tough, female idols especially.
Because Mayu has her fans.
Mayu believes in her fans.
Which is why she didn’t give up, why she doesn’t give up; even when it is the easier path to take.
Why she keeps going on; keeps setting higher targets for herself.
Because she knows that we want to see her shine brightly.
And she knows that when she falls, we are there to catch her.
Can you repay that trust that she has put in you?
Will you be able to proudly say that you have tried everything, that you have done your best?
That you have no regrets?
Will you be able to honestly say to Mayu:
“Even though I can’t do much; but when you need me, I’ll be there for you.”
Just being there for her is enough.
YOU being there for her is enough.
You may be alone, but WE are not alone.
And we cannot do this without YOU.
Let us all join hands together, once again, for our beloved Watanabe Mayu and for her future.
Please try to save up and vote for Mayu!
You may also considering joining our fundraising project, details here. Hurry! Deadline is on 25th April 2015, 11PM JST.
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