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Difference between revisions of "AKB48"

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===2019 - present===
 
===2019 - present===
In 2019, the assault of NGT48's [[Yamaguchi Maho]] resulted in severe public criticism of the AKB48 management; consequently, several group activities were pushed back or scrapped completely. One of these included the annual Senbatsu Election, which after being cancelled on March 2019, marked the first year since its inception in 2009 to not be featured. The group's variety shows ''AKBINGO'' and ''AKB Show'' were also cancelled after many years of runtime. After NGT48 disbanded its teams to form a generation-based system, [[Kashiwagi Yuki]]'s concurrent position with the group was revoked. For the first time, the group also released only two singles: [[Jiwaru Days|Jiwaru DAYS]] on March 13th and [[Sustainable]] on September 18th.
+
In 2019, the assault of NGT48's [[Yamaguchi Maho]] resulted in severe public criticism of the AKB48 management. Several group activities were also pushed back or scrapped completely, including the annual Senbatsu Election; which after being cancelled on March 2019, marked the first year since its inception in 2009 to not be featured. The group's variety shows ''AKBINGO'' and ''AKB Show'' were also cancelled after many years of runtime. After NGT48 disbanded its teams to form a generation-based system, [[Kashiwagi Yuki]]'s concurrent position with the group was revoked. For the first time, the group released only two singles: [[Jiwaru Days|Jiwaru DAYS]] on March 13th and [[Sustainable]] on September 18th.
  
 
On December 8, 2019, the group's 14th anniversary, founding member [[Minegishi Minami]] announced her graduation from the group, making her the last 1st generation member to leave AKB48.  
 
On December 8, 2019, the group's 14th anniversary, founding member [[Minegishi Minami]] announced her graduation from the group, making her the last 1st generation member to leave AKB48.  
  
 
In 2020, circumstances surrounding the [[Wikipedia:2019–20_coronavirus_pandemic|coronavirus outbreak]] led to several changes in the AKB48 structure. Among them was Minegishi's graduation, which was postponed indefinitely after being scheduled for April 2nd. The group also launched OUC48, named after the Japanese word for home (お家; ''ouchi''). As OUC48, the members performed regular stage plays from their homes, which were filmed through video chat and streamed on YouTube. The group also released their digital single "[[Hanareteite mo (AKB48)|Hanareite mo]]" on July 1st, featuring several AKB48 graduates.
 
In 2020, circumstances surrounding the [[Wikipedia:2019–20_coronavirus_pandemic|coronavirus outbreak]] led to several changes in the AKB48 structure. Among them was Minegishi's graduation, which was postponed indefinitely after being scheduled for April 2nd. The group also launched OUC48, named after the Japanese word for home (お家; ''ouchi''). As OUC48, the members performed regular stage plays from their homes, which were filmed through video chat and streamed on YouTube. The group also released their digital single "[[Hanareteite mo (AKB48)|Hanareite mo]]" on July 1st, featuring several AKB48 graduates.
 +
 +
On May 22, 2021, [[Minegishi Minami]]'s graduation concert was officially held after being postponed for over a year. On the following day, Team 8 finished the last leg of their national tour, [[Team 8 National Tour ~47 no Suteki na Machi e~]], in Kanagawa. This performance also marked [[Honda Hitomi]]'s return to AKB48, after [[IZ*ONE]]'s disbandment on April 29th. Following the concert, the group announced their first single in over a year and a half, [[Nemohamo Rumor]], to be released on September 29th. The single's Senbatsu would consist of only AKB48 members, a first since [[Chance no Junban]] in 2010.
 +
 +
On September 12, 2021, it was announced that leading Team A member and former general manager [[Yokoyama Yui (AKB48 Team A)|Yokoyama Yui]] would graduate from the group.
 +
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
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* [[Nishikawa Rei]]
 
* [[Nishikawa Rei]]
 
* [[Furukawa Nazuna]]
 
* [[Furukawa Nazuna]]
* ''[[Honda Sora]]''
 
 
* [[Michieda Saki]]
 
* [[Michieda Saki]]
 
* [[Miyazaki Miho]]
 
* [[Miyazaki Miho]]
* [[Mukaichi Mion]]
+
* [[Mukaichi Mion]] (AKB48 Group General Manager)
 
* [[Yamane Suzuha]]
 
* [[Yamane Suzuha]]
* [[Yokoyama Yui (AKB48 Team A)|Yokoyama Yui]] (AKB48 Group General Manager)
+
* ''[[Yokoyama Yui (AKB48 Team A)|Yokoyama Yui]]''
 
* [[Yoshida Karen]]*
 
* [[Yoshida Karen]]*
 
|}
 
|}
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* [[Harumoto Yuki]]*
 
* [[Harumoto Yuki]]*
 
* [[Hidaritomo Ayaka]]*
 
* [[Hidaritomo Ayaka]]*
* ''[[Minegishi Minami]]''
 
 
* [[Muto Orin]]
 
* [[Muto Orin]]
 
* [[Muto Tomu]]
 
* [[Muto Tomu]]
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* [[Nakanishi Chiyori]]
 
* [[Nakanishi Chiyori]]
 
* [[Hattori Yuna]]*
 
* [[Hattori Yuna]]*
* [[Honda Hitomi]]* <small>(Hiatus, [[IZ*ONE]])</small>
+
* [[Honda Hitomi]]*
 
* [[Fukuoka Seina]]
 
* [[Fukuoka Seina]]
 
* [[Yamabe Ayu]]
 
* [[Yamabe Ayu]]
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* [[Hama Sayuna]]*
 
* [[Hama Sayuna]]*
 
* [[Hirano Hikaru]]*
 
* [[Hirano Hikaru]]*
* [[Honma Mai]]
+
* ''[[Honma Mai]]''
 
* [[Ma Chia-Ling]]
 
* [[Ma Chia-Ling]]
* [[Miyazato Rira]]*
 
 
* [[Murayama Yuiri]] (Captain)
 
* [[Murayama Yuiri]] (Captain)
 
* [[Yamauchi Mizuki]]
 
* [[Yamauchi Mizuki]]
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=====Chubu=====
 
=====Chubu=====
 
* [[Utada Hatsuka]] <small>(Aichi)</small>
 
* [[Utada Hatsuka]] <small>(Aichi)</small>
* [[Suzuki Yuuka]] <small>(Shizuoka)</small>
+
* ''[[Suzuki Yuka]]'' <small>(Shizuoka)</small>
 
* [[Hattori Yuna]] <small>(Gifu)</small>
 
* [[Hattori Yuna]] <small>(Gifu)</small>
 
* ''Vacant'' <small>(Mie)</small>
 
* ''Vacant'' <small>(Mie)</small>
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* [[Tokunaga Remi]] <small>(Tottori)</small>
 
* [[Tokunaga Remi]] <small>(Tottori)</small>
 
* [[Okuhara Hinako]] <small>(Shimane)</small>
 
* [[Okuhara Hinako]] <small>(Shimane)</small>
* [[Kamachi Yukina]] <small>(Okayama)</small>
+
* ''Vacant'' <small>(Okayama)</small>
 
* [[Okumoto Hinano]] <small>(Hiroshima)</small>
 
* [[Okumoto Hinano]] <small>(Hiroshima)</small>
 
* [[Shitao Miu]] <small>(Yamaguchi)</small>
 
* [[Shitao Miu]] <small>(Yamaguchi)</small>
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* [[Yoshida Karen]] <small>(Fukuoka)</small>
 
* [[Yoshida Karen]] <small>(Fukuoka)</small>
 
* [[Kawahara Misaki]] <small>(Saga)</small>
 
* [[Kawahara Misaki]] <small>(Saga)</small>
* [[Onoue Mizuki]] <small>(Nagasaki)</small>
+
* ''Vacant'' <small>(Nagasaki)</small>
 
* [[Kuranoo Narumi]] <small>(Kumamoto)</small>
 
* [[Kuranoo Narumi]] <small>(Kumamoto)</small>
 
* [[Yamada Kyoka]] <small>(Oita)</small>
 
* [[Yamada Kyoka]] <small>(Oita)</small>
 
* [[Uemi Sorano]] <small>(Miyazaki)</small>
 
* [[Uemi Sorano]] <small>(Miyazaki)</small>
 
* [[Fujizono Rei]] <small>(Kagoshima)</small>
 
* [[Fujizono Rei]] <small>(Kagoshima)</small>
* [[Miyazato Rira]] <small>(Okinawa)</small>
+
* ''Vacant'' <small>(Okinawa)</small>
 
|}
 
|}
 
<!--
 
<!--
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* [[Nishiyama Rena]] (Graduated December 23, 2015)
 
* [[Nishiyama Rena]] (Graduated December 23, 2015)
 
* [[Uchiyama Natsuki]] (Graduated February 21, 2016)
 
* [[Uchiyama Natsuki]] (Graduated February 21, 2016)
* [[Iwata Karen]] (Graduated March 15, 2016)
 
 
* [[Kobayashi Kana]] (Graduated March 31, 2016)
 
* [[Kobayashi Kana]] (Graduated March 31, 2016)
 
* [[Fujimura Natsuki]] (Graduated April 3, 2016)
 
* [[Fujimura Natsuki]] (Graduated April 3, 2016)
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* [[Nagao Mariya]] (Graduated May 1, 2016)
 
* [[Nagao Mariya]] (Graduated May 1, 2016)
 
* [[Yamamoto Ai]] (Graduated May 1, 2016)
 
* [[Yamamoto Ai]] (Graduated May 1, 2016)
| valign="top" |
 
 
* [[Iwasa Misaki]] (Graduated May 21, 2016)
 
* [[Iwasa Misaki]] (Graduated May 21, 2016)
 +
* [[Iwata Karen]] (Graduated May 21, 2016)
 
* [[Ishida Haruka]] (Graduated June 5, 2016)
 
* [[Ishida Haruka]] (Graduated June 5, 2016)
 
* [[Hirata Rina]] (Graduated August 24, 2016)
 
* [[Hirata Rina]] (Graduated August 24, 2016)
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* [[Kita Reina]] (Graduated October 8, 2016)
 
* [[Kita Reina]] (Graduated October 8, 2016)
 
* [[Kondo Moeri]] (Graduated October 8, 2016)
 
* [[Kondo Moeri]] (Graduated October 8, 2016)
 +
| valign="top" |
 
* [[Ogasawara Mayu]] (Graduated December 22, 2016)
 
* [[Ogasawara Mayu]] (Graduated December 22, 2016)
 
* [[Shimazaki Haruka]] (Graduated December 26, 2016)
 
* [[Shimazaki Haruka]] (Graduated December 26, 2016)
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* [[Sato Akari]] (Graduated March 31, 2021)
 
* [[Sato Akari]] (Graduated March 31, 2021)
 
* [[Matsumura Miku]] (Graduated April 30, 2021)
 
* [[Matsumura Miku]] (Graduated April 30, 2021)
 +
* [[Honda Sora]] (Graduated May 26, 2021)
 +
* [[Minegishi Minami]] (Graduated May 28, 2021)
 +
* [[Kamachi Yukina]] (Graduated June 30, 2021)
 +
* [[Miyazato Rira]] (Graduated July 28, 2021)
 +
* [[Onoue Mizuki]] (Graduated July 31, 2021)
 
|}
 
|}
  
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* [[TinTlip]]
 
* [[TinTlip]]
 
* [[Melisma]]
 
* [[Melisma]]
 +
* [[Nona Diamonds]]
  
 
===One-Shot Units===
 
===One-Shot Units===
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* [2019.09.18] [[Sustainable]] (サステナブル)
 
* [2019.09.18] [[Sustainable]] (サステナブル)
 
* [2020.03.18] [[Shitsuren, Arigatou]] (失恋、ありがとう; ''Thank You Broken Heart'')
 
* [2020.03.18] [[Shitsuren, Arigatou]] (失恋、ありがとう; ''Thank You Broken Heart'')
 +
* [2021.09.29] [[Nemohamo Rumor]] (根も葉もRumor)
  
 
===Digital Singles===
 
===Digital Singles===
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** 13 - AKB48 announced that there will be no Senbatsu Election in 2019
 
** 13 - AKB48 announced that there will be no Senbatsu Election in 2019
  
==See Also==
+
{{48G}}
* [[SKE48]]
 
* [[NMB48]]
 
* [[HKT48]]
 
* [[NGT48]]
 
* [[STU48]]
 
* [[SDN48]]
 
* [[OJS48]]
 
* [[JKT48]]
 
* [[TPE48]]
 
* [[MNL48]]
 
* [[BNK48]]
 
* [[MUM48]]
 
* [[Nogizaka46]]
 
* [[SNH48]]
 
  
 
==External Links==
 
==External Links==

Revision as of 18:49, 22 September 2021

AKB48 (2017)

AKB48 (derived from Akihabara 48) is a female Japanese idol group produced by Akimoto Yasushi. They have their own theater in Akihabara (a district in Tokyo) where they perform regularly. The concept of the group is "idols you can meet". Currently, they hold the record of having the highest overall single sales (of a female group) on the Oricon charts.

History

2005 - 2006: Theater Debut and Indies Era

In July 2005, renown producer Yasushi Akimoto held an audition for a new theater based idol girl group. Of the 7,924 girls that applied, 45 passed the first round of auditions, detailed screening of the application documents. Finally, only 24 girls were chosen to be in the group. In November, the selected girls went through an extensive one month training program.

On December 1st, the AKB48 Theater had its grand opening. On December 8, 2005, the group held its first public show in the theater with only 20 girls, later known as Team A. The team consisted of:

Itano Tomomi‬, ‪Kawasaki Nozomi‬, Kojima Haruna‬, Komatani Hitomi‬, Maeda Atsuko‬, Masuyama Kayano‬, Minegishi Minami, Nakanishi Rina‬, Narita Risa‬, Ohe Tomomi‬, Oshima Mai‬, ‪Sato Yukari‬, Takahashi Minami‬, Tojima Hana‬, Usami Yuki, Orii Ayumi, Hoshino Michiru, Urano Kazumi‬, Watanabe Shiho‬, and ‪Hirajima Natsumi‬

A second audition was soon announced, and was held in cooperation with Japanese telecom company NTT DoCoMo. It was the first audition ever where the applicants had to send in their audition video with their mobile phones.

In January 2006, three months before Team K was formed, Akimoto let Shinoda Mariko join the group as part of Team A. Failing the first generation audition, she didn't give up her dreams and worked as a waitress in a cafe in the same building and on the same floor as the the AKB48 theater. Through customer's feedback and Akimoto's challenge, she was able to join the group and is only person to be referred as generation 1.5.

19 of the 11,892 applicants who participated in the second audition were chosen to join AKB48, but in the end only 17 girls joined the group to become Team K in April 2006. They were:

Akimoto Sayaka, Umeda Ayaka, Oshima Yuko, Ohori Megumi, Oku Manami, Ono Erena, Kasai Tomomi, Kobayashi Kana, Sato Natsuki, Noro Kayo, Hayano Kaoru, Masuda Yuka, Matsubara Natsumi, Miyazawa Sae, Imai Yu, Uemura Ayako, and Takada Ayana.

On April 1, 2006, Team K started performing at the AKB48 theater.

AKB48 released its debut single Sakura no Hanabiratachi in February 2006, which made it to #10 on Oricon charts and sold 22,011 units in its first week - a surprisingly high rank for a group on an indies label.

In March of 2006, Usami Yuki of Team A became the first girl to graduate from the group.

On June 7 AKB48 released their second indies single, Skirt, Hirari, and performed on TV for the first time. Shortly after, on June 17th, Uemura Ayako of Team K graduates from the group.

2006 - 2008: Major Label Debut and DefSTAR Records Era

In August 2006, AKB48 signed a major label contract with DefSTAR Records, a part of Sony Music Entertainment. Their first single under DefSTAR Records, Aitakatta, was released on October 25, 2006 and reached #12 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

In October 2006, a third audition was announced, resulting in the arrival of 13 new members forming Team B in December 2006. The selected girls were:

Inoue Naru, Oota Aika, Kashiwagi Yuki, Katayama Haruka, Kikuchi Ayaka, Saotome Miki, Tanabe Miku, Nakagawa Haruka, Nakaya Sayaka, Noguchi Reina, Matsuoka Yuki, Yonezawa Rumi, and Watanabe Mayu

On November 3rd & 4th, 2006, AKB48 performed their first concert AKB48 First Concert "Aitakatta ~Hashira wa Nai ze!~ at Nippon Seinenkan in Sendagaya, Shinjuku.

In December 2006, the first change was made to the three teams, transferring Kazumi Urano, Shiho Watanabe, and Natsumi Hirajima from Team A to Team B as supporting members. Orii Ayumi graduated from the group shortly after this.

On January 31st, 2007, AKB48's fourth single (second under DefSTAR Records) Seifuku ga Jama wo Suru was released; reaching #7 on Oricon charts. There has been speculation that the PV and lyrics to this song are an allusion to enjo kosai - voluntary underage prostitution - though this has not been confirmed. Their next single, Keibetsu Shiteita Aijou, featured a theme of bullying and suicide throughout the lyrics and PV. To promote the singles, AKB48 went on their second concert tour, AKB48 Haru no Chotto dake Zenkoku Tour ~Madamada daze AKB48!~ which began on March 10, 2007.

In June 2007, members Imai Yu, Hoshino Michiru and Takada Ayana graduated at roughly the same time. The group's fifth single BINGO!, was released on July 18th, 2007.

On New Years Day 2008, AKB48 released their first studio album, SET LIST ~Greatest Songs 2006-2007~. The compilation album included all of the group's singles up until their sixth, Yuuhi wo Miteiru ka?. Team K member Ohori Megumi (now in SDN48) became the first member to have a solo cover on one of AKB48's CD releases. She appeared exclusively on the cover of the Limited Edition of the album. The album managed to reach #3 on the Oricon Weekly Album charts.

In February 2008, AKB48 re-released their first indies single, changing the title to Sakura no Hanabiratachi 2008. This would turn out to be their last release under the DefSTAR Records label. A spring concert was initially announced. Fans who bought a copy of Sakura no Hanabiratachi 2008 at the theater would be given a random poster featuring one of the girls. If a fan collected all 44 types of the posters, they would be entered in a lottery to win tickets for their spring concert. The concert was later canceled because this violated a Japanese anti-monopoly law.

In October and November of 2007, Team A members Watanabe Shiho and Masuyama Kayano graduated.

On December 31, 2007, 43 members of AKB48 appeared on the 58th Annual Kohaku Uta Gassen, the prestigous end of the year music special. They performed with idols Leah Dizon and Shoko Nakagawa.

In August 2008, Team B member Kikuchi Ayaka was fired after pictures of her with a boy surfaced. Fans requested a second chance for her. In the end, she had to audition again and was readmitted as a Research Student.

2008 - 2010: KING RECORDS

On October 2008, the group signed with KING RECORDS under the You, Be Cool! sublabel, and released their 10th single titled Oogoe Diamond featuring Matsui Jurina of the just newly formed SKE48 on the CD cover. In that same month, at the final performance of A4 Revival, original members Ohe Tomomi, Komatani Hitomi, Tojima Hana, Nakanishi Rina and Narita Risa announced their graduation simultaneously. Their graduation took place at AKB48's NHK Shuffle Concert on November 23, 2008.

On April 26, 2009, AKB48 introduced a new event, the Senbatsu Election. Fans could make their voices heard by voting for their favorite AKB48 or SKE48 member to participate in the group's upcoming single. The 1st Senbatsu Election was held on July 8th, with the top 21 forming the single Senbatsu and members ranked 22nd-30th forming a new unit, Under Girls. The top three members were Maeda Atsuko, Oshima Yuko, and Shinoda Mariko. The group released their 13th single, "Iiwake Maybe," performed by the ranking members.

From August 22-23, 2009, AKB48 and SKE48 performed a concert at the famous Japanese stadium, the Nippon Budokan. At the end of the concert a new formation of AKB48 was announced, shuffling members from all teams. Each team was also assigned a captain; Takahashi Minami was to lead Team A, Akimoto Sayaka was to lead Team K, and Kashiwagi Yuki would become the leader of Team B. 4 of the group's oldest members, Ohori Megumi, Noro Kayo, Urano Kazumi, and Sato Yukari were transferred into the newly announced mature group named SDN48 (Saturday Night 48).

In October 21, 2009, AKB48 released the single RIVER which became the first AKB48 single to reach #1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles chart. It became the second best selling female single of 2009.

In December 31, 2009, AKB48 performed RIVER-Surprise special remix at the 60th NHK Kouhaku uta gassen. 72 members (all AKB48, the Kenkyusei, and 3 SKE48 members)) were in the performance.

"Majisuka Gakuen" (Majisuka Academy), a drama featuring several members of AKB48, SKE48 and SDN48 started airing from January 8th, 2010 on TV Tokyo.

On March 3, 2010, a full 5 months after they announced that all the teams were to be reshuffled, the first new formation of AKB48's Team K premiered with their new stage titled "RESET."

On July 2010, AKB48 announced another new event, the Senbatsu Janken Taikai. Members would participate in a game of Janken (Rock, Paper, Scissors) in a tournament, with the top 16 members forming an upcoming single Senbatsu. The AKB48 19th Single Senbatsu Janken Taikai was held on September 21, 2010, with Team K's Uchida Mayumi winning the tournament. The Senbatsu performed the group's 19th single, "Chance no Junban," released on December 8th. It also marked the group's first Senbatsu without Itano Tomomi and Takahashi Minami.

On August 2010, AKB48 expanded their official shops outside of Japan (namely Asia region) with it being in Hong Kong. They then expanded their locations with it being: Taiwan (April 2011), Singapore (May 2011) and Shanghai (July 2011).

On December 8, 2010, AKB48 celebrated its 5th anniversary in the theater with a special performance by all members, as well as returning graduates. All 9th generation kenkyuusei were also promoted.

2011 - 2013

In March 2011, it was announced on their blog they have temporarily closed the AKB Theater due to the 2011 Sendai earthquake and tsunami. Many upcoming activities were also postponed, including their concerts at Yokohama Arena from March 25th to the 27th, and the release of their first studio album, Koko ni Ita Koto.

On June 6, 2011, AKB48 made public announcement during this evening’s Himawari H1 Revival Stage the formation of a brand new AKB48 team, bluntly titled Team 4. The Team will consists of the 10 previously promoted kenkyuusei.

On June 11th, 2011, It was announced at a handshake event that Eguchi Aimi, a girl who auditioned for NMB48, would be joining AKB48 as a trainee, she appeared immediately in Playboy Weekly and in advertisements. Producer Akimoto Yasushi stated that she will be “the heroine of the new age”. Eguchi was immediately met with skepticism from many fans and soon Team K member Kikuchi Ayaka leaked on her blog that Eguchi was made of parts of other members through photoshop. On June 20th, Weekly Playboy published an article about Eguchi, stating that she was made up of parts of Takahashi Minami, Maeda Atsuko, Watanabe Mayu, Shinoda Mariko, Itano Tomomi, Oshima Yuko and 12th generation Kenkyuusei Sasaki Yukari.

On July 3rd, AKB48 announced and confirmed that they will be having their ‘24th Single Senbatsu Janken (Rock, Paper, Scissors) Tournament‘ in September. This will be the second year in a row that they will be choosing their ’senbatsu’ members for their new single, which is due to be released in December. The event will take place on September 20th at the Nippon Bukoukan once again. Moreover, This event will be broadcasting in Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand. The winning member was Shinoda Mariko, who centered the single Ue kara Mariko.

On January 27, 2012, it was revealed that Hirajima Natsumi and Yonezawa Rumi resigned from AKB48 due to scandals involving them. Following their departures, AKB48 introduced the concurrent (兼任, kennin) position on March 24, where members would temporarily hold simultaneous positions in two different groups. SKE48's Matsui Jurina and NMB48's Watanabe Miyuki held the first concurrencies, where they were a part of Team K and Team B, respectively.

On March 25, 2012, it was announced Maeda Atsuko would be graduating from AKB48. Her graduation ceremony was held on August 27.

On June 24, 2012, it was announced that Sashihara Rino would be transferred to HKT48, due to a scandal involving her.

On August 24, 2012, AKB48 performed at Tokyo Dome for the first time. This was a dream for several members and the group as a whole. The group's second studio album, 1830m, was a reflection of that dream, as it was named after the distance between the AKB48 Theater and Tokyo Dome. The group also had another team shuffle since August 2009. It was also announced that “Team 4″ which was formed in June of last year, would be discontinued, thus, they were back to 3 teams: Team A, K, and B.

On December 17, 2012, it was announced that Kasai Tomomi would be graduating from AKB48.

On January 31, 2013, it was announced that 1st Generation member, Minegishi Minami would be demoted to Kenkyuusei level, due to a scandal involving her. On August 24, Minegishi was promoted when the new Team 4 was formed and was appointed as its captain.

On July 21, 2013, Team A captain and leading member Shinoda Mariko graduated from AKB48, making Yokoyama Yui the new captain of Team A. On August 22, former Team K captain Akimoto Sayaka also graduated. Four days later, leading member Itano Tomomi graduated from the group.

On December 31, 2013, leading member and Team K captain Oshima Yuko announced her graduation.

2014 - 2016

On January 23, 2014, AKB48 announced plans for a fifth team, "Team 8." Auditions began on February 2014, with the team officially debuting on April 3, 2014. Unlike previous teams, this team did not consist of previous members. One member from each prefecture was selected to represent Team 8, totaling 47 members. If a member graduated, they would be replaced with someone from the same prefecture. Team 8 also held of the concept "Idols who go meet you," rather than the group's concept "Idols you can meet."

On February 24, 2014, AKB48 held a large-scale team shuffle, the AKB48 Group Daisokaku Matsuri ~Jidai wa Kawaru. Dakedo, Bokuraha Mae Shika Mukanee!~. Unlike past team shuffles, all active 48 groups were shuffled, including SKE48, NMB48, and HKT48. In addition, Ikoma Rina from Nogizaka46 was given a concurrent position with Team B, until the group's next team shuffle on March 2015.

On May 25, 2014, a handshake event held in Iwate was assaulted by a 24-year old man, later revealed to be Umeta Satoru. Umeta carried a handsaw to the event which was used to attacked AKB48 members Iriyama Anna and Kawaei Rina, along with a staff member who tried to stop the assault. Both Iriyama and Kawaei underwent surgery for their injuries and were unable to participate in the group's activities for several months.

On September 17, 2014, the group held their 5th Janken Tournament. Unlike past tournaments, the top members did not form a single Senbatsu. The winning member earned a solo single debut, with the remaining 15 members performing the single's B-side. The winning member was Watanabe Miyuki, who released the single "Yasashiku Suru Yori Kiss wo Shite" on December 24th. The opposing finalist, Kojima Haruna, centered the B-side "Harukaze Pianissimo." This format continued into the group's 6th Janken Tournament in 2015, which Fujita Nana won and released the single "Migiashi Evidence."

On December 8, 2014, the group's 9th anniversary, founding member and Team A captain Takahashi Minami announced her graduation, which was scheduled for December 8, 2015, the group's 10th anniversary. This date was pushed back to April 8, 2016, due to difficulty in selecting a venue.

On March 26, 2015, AKB48 held another team shuffle since February 2014. This shuffle marked the first instance where concurrencies were held within the same group. Team 8 members Yamada Nanami, Nakano Ikumi, and Sakaguchi Nagisa held concurrencies with Team A, Team K, and Team B, respectively. Kawaei Rina also announced her graduation from the group, citing a psychological inability to continue handshake events after the assault in Iwate.

On June 9, 2016, AKB48 broke ties with its Shanghai-based group SNH48, after it was revealed that the latter violated their contract by creating sister groups BEJ48 and GNZ48. Following the announcement, Suzuki Mariya's concurrent position with the group was revoked, marking her a fully-fledged AKB48 member.

On June 18, 2016, the group held their 8th Senbatsu Election at HARD OFF ECO Stadium Niigata. Leading member Kojima Haruna, after portraying the fictional idol Nyan Nyan Kamen, also announced her graduation from the group. After holding her graduation ceremony on February 22, 2017, she officially graduated on April 19th.

On October 17, 2016, the group held their 7th Janken Tournament, with slight alterations to the previous format. The top seven members would form a new unit that was centered by the tournament winner, while members ranked 8th-14th performed the single's B-side. The winning members formed Jankenmin, centered by Team B's Tanabe Miku.

2017 - 2018

On June 17, 2017, the group held their 9th Senbatsu Election. Originally slated to be held at Toyosaki Seaside Park, Toyosaki Villa SUN Beach in Tomigusuku, Okinawa, the concert portion was cancelled due to inclement weather, with the results being held in a nearby community center. Leading member Watanabe Mayu also announced her graduation from the group. After holding her graduation stage on December 26th, she officially graduated on December 31st.

On September 24, 2017, the group held their 8th Janken Tournament, with a drastic overhaul to the previous format. For this tournament, members formed their own units, with a representative participating in the tournament. Unlike past tournaments, participation was also extended to all members, rather than AKB48 and select sister group members. The winning unit would debut a solo single, with 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-ranked units participating in the B-sides. The winning unit was fairy w!nk, consisting of HKT48's Aramaki Misaki and Unjo Hirona. This format continued into the group's 9th Janken Tournament in 2018, where the winning unit was Fortune cherry, consisting of Draft 3rd Generation Kenkyuusei Tada Kyoka and HKT48's Matsuda Yumi.

On November 29, 2017, it was announced that AKB48 would be collaborating with the MNet series Produce 101, in a project known as Produce 48. Like past Produce 101 seasons, this would take several South Korean and Japanese trainees through a series of competitions, in order to determine 12 members that would comprise an upcoming idol group. The winning members would earn a 2.5 year contract with CJ E&M Music, where they would temporarily depart from their current activities to promote as the new group.

On December 8, 2017, the group's 12th anniversary, AKB48 held another team shuffle since March 2015. All Team 8 members at the time were given concurrencies with the four AKB48 teams, while any remaining concurrencies were revoked. This also marked the first time since March 2012 where there are no sister group members in any AKB48 team.

On June 15, 2018, the first episode of Produce 48 premiered on MNet, featuring 57 South Korean contestants, from various idol agencies, and 39 Japanese contestants, from various 48 groups. The theme was "Naekkeoya (Pick Me)" and its Japanese counterpart "NEKKOYA (PICK ME)," centered by HKT48's Miyawaki Sakura. Notable South Korean contestants included After School's Lee Kaeun, fromis 9's Jang Gyuri, and former season 1 contestants Kim Sihyeon and Park Minji. On August 31st, the last episode of Produce 48 aired, where the winning group was named IZ*ONE. The winning Japanese members included HKT48's Miyawaki Sakura (2nd) and Yabuki Nako (6th) along with Team 8's Honda Hitomi (9th). The three members left their respective groups on October 2018, where they would promote as IZ*ONE until their return on April 2021.

2019 - present

In 2019, the assault of NGT48's Yamaguchi Maho resulted in severe public criticism of the AKB48 management. Several group activities were also pushed back or scrapped completely, including the annual Senbatsu Election; which after being cancelled on March 2019, marked the first year since its inception in 2009 to not be featured. The group's variety shows AKBINGO and AKB Show were also cancelled after many years of runtime. After NGT48 disbanded its teams to form a generation-based system, Kashiwagi Yuki's concurrent position with the group was revoked. For the first time, the group released only two singles: Jiwaru DAYS on March 13th and Sustainable on September 18th.

On December 8, 2019, the group's 14th anniversary, founding member Minegishi Minami announced her graduation from the group, making her the last 1st generation member to leave AKB48.

In 2020, circumstances surrounding the coronavirus outbreak led to several changes in the AKB48 structure. Among them was Minegishi's graduation, which was postponed indefinitely after being scheduled for April 2nd. The group also launched OUC48, named after the Japanese word for home (お家; ouchi). As OUC48, the members performed regular stage plays from their homes, which were filmed through video chat and streamed on YouTube. The group also released their digital single "Hanareite mo" on July 1st, featuring several AKB48 graduates.

On May 22, 2021, Minegishi Minami's graduation concert was officially held after being postponed for over a year. On the following day, Team 8 finished the last leg of their national tour, Team 8 National Tour ~47 no Suteki na Machi e~, in Kanagawa. This performance also marked Honda Hitomi's return to AKB48, after IZ*ONE's disbandment on April 29th. Following the concert, the group announced their first single in over a year and a half, Nemohamo Rumor, to be released on September 29th. The single's Senbatsu would consist of only AKB48 members, a first since Chance no Junban in 2010.

On September 12, 2021, it was announced that leading Team A member and former general manager Yokoyama Yui would graduate from the group.

Members

Team A (May 2019)
Team K (May 2019)
Team B (May 2019)
Team 4 (May 2019)
Team 8 (May 2019)

Current Team Members

Names that are italicized denote that the member has announced their graduation. Names with an asterisk (*) denote that the member is also in Team 8.

Team A

Team K

Team B

Team 4

Team 8 (Toyota)

Hokkaido · Tohoku
Kanto
Chubu
Kansai
Chugoku · Shikoku
Kyushu · Okinawa

Former Members

Transferred Members

Official Members

Concurrent Members

Research Students

Soloists

Units

One-Shot Units

Single Units

Former Member Units

Former Units

Baragumi and Yurigumi

On November 4th, 2006, it was announced that the members of Akihabara48 would be rearranged into two groups: Baragumi ('rose group') and Yurigumi ('lily group'). No more official announcements have been made on this matter since then, and it is widely believed that this idea has been scrapped.

However when the single Kaze wa Fuiteiru was released, the idea of Baragumi and Yurigumi was resurrected as part of the Under Girls B-side groups. It was used once again in the single Kibouteki Refrain, but with an additional third unit, Cattleyagumi ('cattleya group').

The two groups are as follows (☆ denotes a girl who has changed teams or graduated since the announcement was made):

  • Baragumi
Team A: Hirajima Natsumi☆, Kojima Haruna, Komatani Hitomi☆, Masuyama Kayano☆, Minegishi Minami, Oshima Mai☆, Takahashi Minami, Urano Kazumi☆, Watanabe Shiho☆.
Team K: Akimoto Sayaka☆, Imai Yu☆, Kasai Tomomi☆, Kobayashi Kana, Matsubara Natsumi☆, Noro Kayo☆, Ohori Megumi☆, Ono Erena☆.
  • Yurigumi
Team A: Hoshino Michiru☆, Itano Tomomi☆, Kawasaki Nozomi☆, Maeda Atsuko☆, Nakanishi Rina☆, Narita Risa☆, Ohe Tomomi☆, Sato Yukari☆, Shinoda Mariko☆, Tojima Hana☆.
Team K: Hayano Kaoru☆, Masuda Yuka☆, Miyazawa Sae☆, Oku Manami☆, Oshima Yuko☆, Sato Natsuki☆, Takada Ayana☆, Umeda Ayaka☆.

AKB48 Senbatsu Events

Senbatsu Elections

Senbatsu Janken Taikai

Discography

Studio Albums

Stage Albums

Best Albums

Singles

Digital Singles

Vinyls

Video Releases

Concerts / Live

Music Video Collection

Stage DVDs

Stage Play

Documentary
DVD Magazines

Compilations / Others

Stages

Team A

  • [2005.12.08 - 2006.03.31] Team A 1st Stage "PARTY ga Hajimaru yo" (チームA 1st Stage「PARTYが始まるよ」)
  • [2006.04.15 - 2006.08.11] Team A 2nd Stage "Aitakatta" (チームA 2nd Stage「会いたかった」)
  • [2006.08.20 - 2007.01.25] Team A 3rd Stage "Dareka no Tame ni" (チームA 3rd Stage「誰かのために」)
  • [2007.02.25 - 2007.06.26] Team A 4th Stage "Tadaima Renaichuu" (チームA 4th Stage 「ただいま 恋愛中」)
  • [2008.04.20 - 2008.10.11] Team A 4th Stage "Tadaima Renaichuu" (チームA 4th Stage 「ただいま 恋愛中」)
  • [2008.10.19 - 2010.05.20] Team A 5th Stage "Renai Kinshi Jourei" (チームA 5th Stage 「恋愛禁止条例」)
  • [2010.07.27 - 2012.10.29] Team A 6th Stage "Mokugekisha" (チームA 6th Stage 「目撃者」)
  • [2012.11.02 - ] Waiting Stage

Team K

  • [2006.04.01 - 2006.07.05] Team K 1st Stage "PARTY ga Hajimaru yo" (チームA K 1st Stage 「PARTYが始まるよ」)
  • [2006.11.08 - 2006.12.14] Team K 1st Stage "PARTY ga Hajimaru yo" (チームA K 1st Stage 「PARTYが始まるよ」)
  • [2006.07.08 - 2006.11.06] Team K 2nd Stage "Seishun Girls" (チームK 2nd Stage「青春ガールズ」)
  • [2006.12.17 - 2007.06.22] Team K 3rd Stage "Nonai Paradise" (チームK 3rd Stage「脳内パラダイス」)
  • [2008.05.31 - 2009.04.04] Team K 4th Stage "Saishuu Bell ga Naru" (チームK 4th Stage 「最終ベルが鳴る」)
  • [2009.04.11 - 2010.02.21] Team K 5th Stage "Saka Agari" (チームK 5th Stage 「逆上がり」)
  • [2010.03.12 - 2012.10.24] Team K 6th Stage "RESET" (チームK 6th Stage 「RESET」)
  • [2012.11.01 - ] Waiting Stage

Team B

  • [2007.04.08 - 2007.10.02] Team B 1st Stage "Seishun Girls" (チームB 1st Stage 「青春ガールズ」)
  • [2007.10.07 - 2008.02.21] Team B 2nd Stage "Aitakatta" (チームB 2nd Stage 「会いたかった」)
  • [2008.03.01 - 2009.02.01] Team B 3rd Stage "Pajama Drive" (チームB 3rd Stage 「パジャマドライブ」)
  • [2009.02.08 - 2010.04.17] Team B 4th Stage "Idol no Yoake" (チームB 4th Stage 「アイドルの夜明け」)
  • [2010.04.21 - 2012.10.22] Team B 5th Stage "Theater no Megami" (チームB 5th Stage 「シアターの女神」)
  • [2012.11.03 - ] Waiting Stage

Team 4

  • [2011.10.10 - 2012.10.25] Team 4 1st Stage "Boku no Taiyou" (チーム4 1st stage 「僕の太陽」)

Himawari Gumi

  • [2007.07.01 - 2007.11.30] Himawari gumi 1st Stage "Boku no Taiyou" (ひまわり組 1st stage 「僕の太陽」)
  • [2007.12.08 - 2008.04.19] Himawari-gumi 2nd Stage - Yume wo Shinaseru Wake Ikanai (ひまわり組 2nd Stage 「夢を死なせるわけにいかない」)

Team Kenkyusei

  • [2008.05.22 - 2008.10.07] Team Kenkyusei 1st Stage "Tadaima Renaichuu" (チーム研究生 1st Stage 「ただいま 恋愛中」)
  • [2009.03.06 - 2010.04.12] Team Kenkyusei 2nd Stage "Idol no Yoake" (チーム研究生 2nd Stage 「アイドルの夜明け」)
  • [2010.04.17 - 2010.06.18] Team Kenkyusei 3rd Stage "Renai Kinshi Jourei" (チーム研究生 3rd Stage 「恋愛禁止条例」)
  • [2010.06.20 - 2011.04.03] Team Kenkyusei 4th Stage "Theater no Megami" (チーム研究生 5th Stage 「シアターの女神」)
  • [2012.03.29 - 2012.09.08] Team Kenkyusei 5th Stage "RESET" (チーム研究生 5th Stage 「RESET」)
  • [2012.08.19 - ] Team Kenkyusei 6th Stage "Boku no Taiyou" (チーム研究生 1st stage 「僕の太陽」)

Publications

Photobooks

  • [2006.02.18] AKB48 Welcomebook vol.1
  • [2006.03.01] Micchaku! "AKB48" Photo Album Vol. 1 The Debut (密着!「AKB48」~写真集 Vol.1 the・デビュー)
  • [2006.06.15] AKB48 Welcomebook vol.2
  • [2007.03.03] AKB48 Jump & Cry ― Shinoyama Kishin Shashinshuu (AKB48 Jump & Cry―篠山紀信写真集)
  • [2008.03.18] AKB48 Visual Book 2008 - featuring Team A (AKB48 ヴィジュアルブック 2008―featuring team A)
  • [2008.03.18] AKB48 Visual Book 2008 - featuring Team K (AKB48 ヴィジュアルブック 2008―featuring team K)
  • [2008.03.18] AKB48 Visual Book 2008 - featuring Team B (AKB48 ヴィジュアルブック 2008―featuring team B)
  • [2008.03.18] AKB48 Visual Book 2008 - featuring Research Student (AKB48 ヴィジュアルブック 2008―featuring Research Student)
  • [2008.12.16] AKB48 Complete Book 2005-2008
  • [2009.08.20] AKB48 Sousenkyo! Mizugi Sunrize Happyou (AKB48総選挙! 水着サプライズ発表)
  • [2009.12.08] AKB48 Oversea Travel Diary
  • [2010.07.23] AKB48 Visual Book 2010 - featuring Team A (AKB48 ヴィジュアルブック 2010―featuring team A)
  • [2010.07.23] AKB48 Visual Book 2010 - featuring Team K (AKB48 ヴィジュアルブック 2010―featuring team K)
  • [2010.07.23] AKB48 Visual Book 2010 - featuring Team B (AKB48 ヴィジュアルブック 2010―featuring team B)
  • [2011.10.xx] Marugoto AKB48 (まるごとAKB48)

Books

  • [2011.09.xx] AKB48 Janken Senbatsu Official Guide Book 2011
  • [2011.09.xx] AKB48 1/48 Idol to Guamu de Koishitara Official Guide Book
  • [2011.10.xx] AKB48 Changing Sticker Book Team A
  • [2011.10.xx] AKB48 Changing Sticker Book Team K
  • [2011.10.xx] AKB48 Changing Sticker Book Team B
  • [2011.09.xx] AKB49 -Renai Kinshi Jorei- 4 (AKB49〜恋愛禁止条例〜)
  • [2011.09.xx] AKB48 Chugaku English (AKB48中学英語)
  • [2011.10.xx] AKB48 Saikyo Maruhi Joho Kyoku

Manga

Calendars

  • [2011.12.09] AKB48 Official Calendar Box 2012 CHEER UP! -Anata ni Egao wo Todokemasu-

Magazines

  • [2009.11.xx] Yan Yan Vol.9 (Cover & Feature)
  • [2010.07.xx] B.L.T. (Feature)
  • [2010.09.xx] B.L.T. Movie Girls Vol.3 (Feature)
  • [2010.10.xx] UP to boy Vol.200 December 2010 Issue (Feature)
  • [2011.08.xx] BOMB! September 2011 Issue (Cover & Feature)
  • [2011.08.xx] UP to boy Vol.205 October 2011 Issue (Cover & Feature)
  • [2010.11.xx] Yan Yan Vol.17 (Cover & Feature)
  • [2011.03.xx] Yan Yan Vol.19 (Feature)
  • [2011.04.xx] memew 51 (Feature)
  • [2011.05.xx] Popolo July 2011 Issue (Feature)
  • [2011.08.xx] memew Vol.52 (Feature)
  • [2011.10.xx] ARENA37 Degree November 2011 Issue (Feature)
  • [2011.10.xx] AKB48 Janken Taikai Special Issue 2011 (FLASH Extra Number)
  • [2011.10.xx] UP to boy Vol.206 December 2011 Issue (Cover & Feature)
  • [2011.10.xx] BOMB! November 2011 Issue (Cover, Feature & Poster)
  • [2011.10.xx] AKB48 x Shukan Playboy Vol.2

Collectibles

Filmography

Movies

Dramas

Works

TV Shows

  • [Nippon TV] (2008-10-01 to Present) AKBINGO!
  • [Enta!371](2007.10 - 2009.9) AKB48+10
  • [Family Gekijo] AKB48 Nemousu Terebi (AKB48 ネ申テレビ)
  • [Nippon TV] (2008-04-07 to 2008-09-29) AKB 0ji 59fun (AKB0時59分)
  • [NHK] (2008.11.8-2009.3.31 to present) Suiensa すイエんサー
  • [TV Tokyo] (2009.7.10 to present ) ShuukanAKB 週刊AKB
  • [Enta!371] (2009.11.18. to present ) AKB1/48

Radio

  • [bayfm] ON8
  • [CBC Radio] AKB48 Konya wa Kaeranai... (AKB48 今夜は帰らない…)
  • [Star Radio] AKB48 no Zenryoku de Kikanakya Dame Jyan!! (AKB48の全力で聴かなきゃダメじゃん!!)
  • [Bunka Hoso] AKB48 Asu Made Mou Chotto. (AKB48 明日までもうちょっと。)
  • [Bunka Hoso] Sakurazuka Yakkun no Sukeban Rengo Kinkyu Shukai (桜塚やっくんのスケバン連合緊急集会)
  • [TOKYO FM] COUNTDOWN JAPAN
  • [TOKYO FM] AKB48 no Yonpachi After (AKB48のよんぱちアフター)

Commercial

  • Cokyo Koukoku Kikyo (公共広告機構) / Mittsu no R de Chikyu wo Sukue! REDUCE RESUME RECYCLE (3つのRで地球を救え! REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE)
  • Recrute (リクルート) / Hana Saku・Project (ハナサク・プロジェクト)
  • Tokyo City「TOKYO exercises」
  • Yomiuri Newpaper 『読売新聞×AKB48』
  • Recochoku 「レコチョクの部屋 AKB編」
  • AOKI『AOKI×AKB48』

Timeline

2005

  • JUL
  • OCT
    • 30 - Out of 7924 people, 24 girls are chosen for AKB48's first generation
  • NOV
    • 3 - Lessons start in the Akihabara48 Theater
  • DEC
    • 8 - Akihabara48 Theater opening night.
    • 16 - Equipment trouble leads to the first handshake event. 50 fans participated

2006

2007

AKB48 (2007)

2008

AKB48 (2008)

2009

AKB48 in New York (2009)

2010

AKB48 promoting "Ponytail to Chouchou"

2011

AKB48 (2011)

2012

AKB48 (2012)

2013

AKB48 (2013)

2014

AKB48 (2014)

2015

AKB48 (2015)
Selected draftees from the AKB48 Group Draft Kaigi 2015
AKB48 promoting "0 to 1 no Aida"

2016

AKB48 (2016)
AKB48 promoting "Kimi wa Melody"
Takahashi Minami's graduation concert

2017

AKB48 (2017)
Kojima Haruna's graduation concert

2018

2019

AKB48 Group

Japanese
Overseas

External Links