Jessi wrote:I don't think Kobushi is performing poorly rather than just staying the same while the other groups grow in sales. Tsubaki suddenly shot up, Angerme, J=J and MM are consistent. It just looks like they are doing poor because of the stagnation, but they are honestly all such strong singers and performers and I think that its just a temporary lag. Overall, they are still doing fine.
I think Kobushi are good at everything, and their music is good, but good isn't enough anymore. Look at Morning Musume '18, Juice=Juice, and Tsubaki Factory. When you watch them perform, you're instantly pulled in by their energy, care, and charm. Kobushi had that sparkle when they first debuted, but now that they're being given less than stellar music, and aren't that good at hyping up a crowd, it makes sense wota aren't drawn to them like they were at first. I see a lot of people blaming H!P for the whole "shiny new group" thing, but they're seriously redeeming themselves with Juice=Juice, which is already a 5-year-old group, not exactly new, so...Kobushi right now just seems too "safe" in everything they do. No excitement. I kind of don't want new members, either, though...1. because that would be unfair/insulting to the remaining five and 2. I definitely don't want Kobushi to turn into a cycling generational group like ANGERME did, because they're supposed to be modeled after Berryz Koubou, who had an unchanging lineup since debut, except for Maiha leaving.