STU48: Hopes, Fears, and Predictions for 2021

The "Pirates" version

 

Hopes:
They may recover from the bad idea that was the boatheather
Native STU48 members getting center

Fears:
STU48 disbanding because of financial issues (Stupid Boatheather :/)

Predictions:
At least 1 Nana Center in 2021 single

 

Hopes:

-A better single. Mubou - AKA Seishun Boat - was dreadful and misjudged, STU have their own style sound and concept, don't suddenly decide to turn them into some weird discordant Last Idol/Keyakizaka mash-up. Omoidaseru was good (but not great), it was B-side good, not main track on a single good. Both singles had coupling tracks that were BETTER than those songs.
-Better utilization of the group's stronger vocalists on the singles, including Naachan. For crying out loud is you have someone that talented in your group, USE her.
-Better production/mixing. The first three singles are well put together, the last two have been a bit of a mess, coupling tracks aside. And I know it's not going to happen, but some actual strings instead of those inferior synth strings.
-Lean more strongly into the Setouchi concept. The Kurayami single had multiple different regional versions of STU48, do something like that again. Also utilise social media better. CUCA gets it, going out and exploring the locale, get more of these girls doing similar things and promoting both the region and the group. Two birds, one stone.
-More TV appearances. Some would be nice.
-A change of centre. Nothing wrong with Yumirin, but there are other more dynamic girls in the group with more of a spark who deserve a shot. Also, having a fixed centre in a group this size is fucking stupid.
-More 2nd gen, because they have a lot of potential.
-A small tour of some kind, as well as the usual appearances, TIF etc.
-That they get the quality of songs and the pro0motiuon they deserve.
-More CUCA, obviously.

Fears:
-Another Mubou.
-A "scandal" of some kind. Absurd as those things are.
-Naachan graduating. Graduations in general.
-Further budget cuts, and poor management.

Predictions:
-Two singles, both good but not great and both with coupling tracks better than the main track on the single.
-Nothing different and nothing new shaking things up - which is good and bad.
-Two or three 1st gen graduations. Minimum.