(credits for these photos:
inala,
newsnoai,
graphicabyss, weibo, twitter)
Would you mind a bit of fictional backdrop?:p
Long ago... Not so long ago... Just about the years of this millenium, Masuda Takahisa, the prince of yellow sunshine and gyozas, has been wearing the saaaame crown for yeeeears. Of course, crowns don't just "change" unless you change status, but in this kingdom--magical it secretly is, there is an abundance of crowns!! Prince Masuda, however, sticks to his crown; he'd have it adjusted sometimes, change the color, add or subtract gems, and at rare occasions he wears it differently, but it was discernibly the same crown and his subjects have been watchful about it. He's their prince, after all.
One day, he gathered his people on the tribune of his palace. There was nothing to say--as soon as subjects came in from the heavy, stylish metal door, they were filled with confusion and awe! Crows crowed, chickens stayed in the air and pigs talked... What happened to our prince? HE'S WEARING A DIFFERENT CROWN, WHAT THE FLOCK
Oops, not that crown, but that crown under that crown.:)
We are all subjects of Massu's kingdom--okay, let's jump back from AU--we are all part of the fandom and therefore we've had something said at least once in regards to his new hairstyle. We were shocked, but weren't shook with his new hair as much as the fact that he never reverted it since that episode. He decided to keep it, for the reason that he actually likes it!
What do you think? I am loosely watchful over hairstyle changes because I experienced how the fandom reacted when, years earlier, Tegoshi transformed into a blond--it wasn't something that made everyone upset, but it affected a number of Tegoshi fans enough that they withdrew from the fandom (they didn't leave because of the blond hair alone; instead, the blond was the 'trigger' that made them realize Tegoshi wasn't the same anymore.)
*insert moment of silence T^T*
*and a blond Tegoshi just because :3*
Massu's an entirely different story: it was only his hair that changed. Yet, Massu's hair isn't only hair!!! His hair is one of his trademarks, the thing that makes Massu, Massu™. Throughout the years his hairstyles underwent little and temporary changes; the red hair in 2011 being the boldest, but it didn't look quite out of the box because prior to that he was already experimenting with colors and highlights.
Change became real when the newest style revealed something we've rarely seen before: Massu's forehead. It's the equivalent of topless Massu, which we also rarely see because macho guy is a conservative idol, although we know he rocks the half-nude. (EDIT: YES HE ROCKS THE HALF-NUDE. GO SEE IT AT THE END OF THE PICSPAM)
And that's why, even if his change in style isn't an indicator of a major character change like Tegoshi's, many fans won't probably get used to it. Will you? Or have you gotten used to it by now?
I... answered... yes. This may be odd but I love his new style even if it sometimes looks like it came out straight from the 90's--especially when it's parted in the middle (and that's the exact reason my sister says no!)
I think it suits the shape of his face and the forehead peek is creative this way, rather than trying a mohawk (which would be awful) or plainly growing out the fringe. It also doesn't look very outdated because of his hair color. And I like how he could do many twists to it! Like, it added to the fashionista vibe Massu's been giving off through his stylish garments and ecletic accesories.
I'd honestly say that this change took away the forever-youthful image of Masuda Takahisa. When he stopped looking the same from baby era, to junior era, even to Quartetto era (basically in all these years there were no signs of aging!!), the illusion that he never ages is now so effin' crushed. In just a matter of a new hairstyle, he visibly matured. No more bebi buta Masshuuu (๑´・_・`๑) But, the guy is already 31! If matured-looking Masuda is the new thing, I'm glad this happened. The transition from cute to hot is so incredible any other member wouldn't be able to beat it.
I'm assuming you skipped all these ramblings above for the picspam hehehehe~ Without further ado, here are my fave Massu new look/new hair/parted hair photos:
Classic charm, with bonus leg
Sleepy(fore)head
Fierce fringe
As delectable as Sakura
You have, Massu.
Smile worth a thousand suns
Demure scratching
Doze with style
Hungry eyes, full lips, messy hair. OI MASSU
Knight in shining forehead
Serious peekaboo
"do i look good" "yeah i do"
Breakfast is served
Black and white (not BYAKUYA)
MUERTE
What dat face
Guardian of the closet
Last but not the least...
Massu is a real S. Swimmer hehe:p
Belated happy 31st birthday Massu! This wasn't supposed to be a birthday post, but there's no better time to do it ;)