photobooks with reviews

the more important part of her works

Here is a listing of all the photobooks she has released with a link to the proper Yesasia pages. I also added some commentary since i've got them all on my harddrive. Remember: These are all my opinion. In order from oldest to newest. Rating goes from 1-5 with stars, 1 being the worst, 5 being the best. These photobooks can be viewed in the gallery with the exception of the 5th generation photobook.

5th Generation Photobook (not available anymore)
Airi's rating:
Commentary: Eh. Since this is such an old photobook, and all the girls were young, this wasn't exactly "best seller" material. Most of the shots are plain pictures that could've easily be taken with a normal camera, in my opinion. The way the girls are fashioned in this photobook aren't exactly appealing either. I think this is just another one of those "let's introduce the new girls!" photobook, rather than anything special. None of the girls looked exceptionally pretty either.

1st Solo - Niigaki Risa (buy on yesasia)
Airi's rating:
Commentary: Yay! Risa's first PB was one of the most adorable! She still doesn't look exceptionally pretty, but she does look cute. This isn't a regular bathing-suit centered PB either - which kind of sets it apart from the others. Most of the shots are Risa doing several outdoor activities. I think some of the cutest photos in this book are the ones where she's in this polka dotted dress, just walking around with a snail and taking a dip in the water. I also really liked this one picture of her - with a gigantic fishing pole.

Ama Natsu [Sweet Summer] (buy on yesasia)
Airi's rating:
Commentary: Oh man, when this PB first released, I think I hit the ceiling. I was so excited for this - since her first solo was released back in 2004. Ama natsu hit stores in 2006, and it was such a best seller, they decided to book Risa for another PB. This one still portrays Risa as a cute, teenage girl, but also adds in a couple more bathing suit shots. It's not so much suggestive and I really love her clothing in it. My favorite shots in this PB are her schoolgirl outfit (who doesn't love those?!) and the ones where she's in a cute red dress. It shows that she's maturing, but hasn't quite left her youth.

Isshun [In this moment] (buy on yesasia)
Airi's rating:
Commentary: Risa's best PB by far. Not only do the pictures look sharp, but the scenery is amazing. If you haven't seen this and you're a fan of Risa, I suggest you try and find some previews for it. It's the definition of $%@! I don't particularly enjoy those bathing suit shots, but some of those shots are her most photogenic faces. She also still shows a bit of a fun side, but it's clear: she's growing to be a woman. I'm serious. Risa actually looks sexy in this PB. I think this PB is a must-have for any Risa fan.

Happy Girl (buy on yesasia)
Airi's rating:
Commentary: Uh, I'm not a huge fan of this one. Don't get me wrong - Risa looks absolutely stunning in these pictures and this PB has more of a winter, peaceful feeling. Somehow, the title doesn't exactly fit most of the photos in this PB. Most of them being tasteful bathingsuit shots; which I don't really have much against unless it looks good. What am I trying to say? This emphasizes how flat Risa is. For the most part, the snow pictures are my favorites, and so is the morning wake up. I just wish this PB had a brighter theme like Isshun did.

dvds

[2007.6.13] Alo~hello DVD (buy on play-asia)
Summary: If you know what an Alo-hello is, then you've pretty much figured it out. If not, then keep on reading. Risa goes off to Hawaii and does various activities and the camera kind of just follows her around while she does so. There are several segments of her adventures, like shopping and cooking, going to see a psychic, and a boat ride. Of course, since this is an Alo-hello, there's a couple segments of her running around in a swimsuit. Sort of like, your taking a personal vacation with Risa!

Movies

TV dramas

Radio shows

anime