As often seems to happen when Kate and I travel about Aomori, last weekend we came by chance upon an interesting sight in downtown Hirosaki. Two teenage girls, one dressed in white lolita-wear and the other clad in very tight fitting black latex hot pants, were dancing and singing in a small public square next to Mister Donut. The duo were backed-up by a professional sounding band wearing traditional Japanese clothing, one even playing shamisen. While I didn't know what to make of the sight, Kate correctly deduced that we were being treated to a free concert by none other than the one and only Ringo Musume!


I was about to explain for you all who Ringo Musume are exactly when Google reminded me that our favorite gaijin for life Luke Elliot had already done so...

Ringo Musume (りんご娘: Apple Maidens) on the Left, Morning Musume on the Right


I think, though, that I know enough to authoritatively state that Ringo Musume is a rip off of Morning Musume. I think, moreover, that I could perhaps also suggest authoritatively that this is no cheap rip off but a strategic and slightly expensive regional rip off of a nationally successful group in the name of promoting local agriculture. Both groups have a ?Lolita goes to Super Mario?s Castle Ball? look about them, but I like to think that the Aomori girls are nicer people.

Instead I'll let you feast your eyes and ears on Ringo Musume in action with this short video clip from their performance. It looks like for reasons unknown that the group has gradually shrunk from five members at its birth in 2000, to three and now only two members (whom weren't even part of the original five). It seems like the life of a Ringo Musume is as short and sweet as their juicy red namesakes. Enjoy the hot pants while you can girls!