Otona Jelly Beans

Watanabe Mayu's second solo single

AKB48′s Watanabe Mayu seems to be on a roll this year. She’s starred in her own drama series, had a successful solo debut and even came in as AKB48′s 2nd most popular member during this year’s general elections. Without losing any steam, Mayu is back again with her second solo release, Otona Jelly Beans.

Otona Jelly Beans (大人ジェリービーンズ) was announced about two weeks ago, when promotional a photo and videos of Watanabe using a couple of rabbits like Tonka trucks were released to the public. There’s a certain humor in the title of this new single by AKB48′s CG Idol when considering that just last week Google announced that their next Android OS would be named Jelly Bean.

Promo Photo.

Watanabe Mayu looks as lovely as ever in the music video for Otona Jelly Beans. Unfortunately, the music video on the official channel has been blocked for viewing outside of Japan (though you should be able to find it online through other means).

Otona Jelly Beans’ music video seems to draw inspiration from PONPONPON and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s general magical girl image, though it could have just as easily been inspired by the cheesy effects in Okashina Sisters’ Koi no CHEWING of which Watanabe was part of. But Otona Jelly Beans lays off the LSD for more pastel hues and a certain 60s suteki-ness reminiscent of that old American drama Bewitched. Unfortunately, the video effects are executed quite poorly and end up being a distraction instead of lending itself to the concept.

The single also continues the trend of sticking stuff on Mayu’s back. In Synchro Tokimeki there was the key winder but this time they’ve stuck on a bunch of heart shaped balloons to her. Fans will want to keep a look out for the oshiri moments and there’s also a hidden plug for the new Olympus OM-D if you look closely.

CD + DVD Type A.

The new single is once again being produced by Sony Music Records. In typical fashion, there will be 4, nearly identical versions to choose from which is especially annoying when considering that Watanabe Mayu (and Watarirouka Hashiritai somewhat) tend to have really good B-Sides and there is no single version which contains all the tracks.

CD + DVD Type B.

If you’re not one to collect DVDs, then it’s a no-brainer. The CD Only version retails for 1,200 yen. Otherwise, it’s a matter of choosing which of the covers is most appealing since all 3 CD+DVD versions come with the music video and “making of” for 1,600 yen each. The nice covers won’t make it an easy decision.

CD + DVD Type C.

Watanabe Mayu’s last single, Synchro Tokimeki managed to sell a good many copies, outselling even Watarirouka Hashiritai singles despite not having any handshake or other tickets tagged on and it’d be interesting to see how well Otona Jelly Beans does. Each copy does come with a random photo card though, but these don’t nearly have the impact as AKB48 L-sized photos do. Still, you can see the previews for the photos here.

Normal CD Only.

Otona Jelly Beans will be released later this month on 25 July. Pre-orders are already open at all major online music stores.