AKB 48 thread

[sa547]

Glad she's now your oshimen.

Okay, some unusual turn of events, just as they were performing at Saitama...
http://www.jpopasia.com/news/matsui-...48::10599.html
http://forum.nihongogo.com/topic/137...ost__p__229143

Just then, I had the pleasure of announcing to all the fans, a special surprise at the very end of Saitama Super Arena.

Today, there were 2 announcements.

First, is the Team 4 promotions.
The members who were promoted are:
Kato Rena
Kawaei Rina
Iwata Karen (Note: currently starring in the 0048 anime as Nagisa Motomiya)
Tano Yuka
Takahashi Juri
5 people.

Also there was another announcement regarding the new additions to fill vacancies in each team, Team K and Team B.

Addition to Team K, is Matsui Jurina from SKE48 Team S

Addition to Team B, is Watanabe Miyuki from NMB48 Team N

The two new additions will from now on be concurrent to their activites in SKE Team S and NMB Team N respectively.

Their time as AKB48 will be limited, however we hope that this concurrent post that they will hold within sister groups will be a chance to allow them to cultivate their own character as well as grow. Therefore we will be good if Fans could watch them with warm hearts. We hope to have your continued support for the AKB48 group.

The result? Some of the fans were HOPPING MAD!

[Undertaker]

Originally Posted by sa547

Glad she's now your oshimen.

Which surprises me myself because 2 years ago, she was the only one of Kami-7 that I liked the least. But the more I watch and learn about AKB the more I begin to like her.

Now, Takamina is the man!! I like other members as well, but she just simply kicks ass.



As for other info.

Team 4 promotions is long overdue as that team has been in an incomplete state for far too long. While the overall sentiment is that the quality and popularity of the team is that while they are below the three main teams and SKE's Team S. They are much stronger than any other secondary teams and could even out perform NMB's team N if a center develops and vacancies are filled.

However, there are also news and criticism on the blogs from some longtime/renowned fans that the team's recent performance is in decline and other than a handful few like Shimada, Ichikawa, Nakamata, and Nagao who continues to give them all, the rest of members are either loosing their focus on stages or are lacking efforts only to focus on their expanded TV appearences. Some even rated the most recent Team 4 performance to be at or below HKT's debut performance.

So hopefully the new addition would give Team 4 a kick to the rear as reminder that there are people willing to take their place and spotlight.

As for 2 addition, on one hand not that surprising, on the other hand, it does surprise me that both are keeping their original affiliation.


In case of Jurina, it's clear that Akimoto loves her potential and has been pushing her since she join the 48 family as founding member of SKE at 12 year old. It's also fact the she along with Rena as the Double Matsui are the one that are drawing attention to SKE and lead them to where is is right now, arguably the most popular idol group outside of AKB itself and Perfume.

The case for Jurina is that she and Rena have already heavily involved in AKB activity due to their rankings so a transfer to Team K is not that out of place. Though one thing to note is that Jurina seem to have a much more closer relation with member of Team A especially the original members, she is one of the few that successfully brake into that little circle complete where everyone liked her and not just one or two of them. Wtih that said, I'm a bit surprise that Akimoto didn't have Jurina to go to Team A and transfer one from Team A to K. But I guess they just can't have Team A to be that strong from top to bottom, consider that Team A already have a the strongest line up top to bottom in among the 48 family.

Though, with this announcement, her involvement with SKE will definitely be impacted. Besides she is only 15 and is enter high school, her attention might be too divided. Although it's possible she is preparing to move to Tokyo permanently and fully transfers to AKB hence the decision right now.

If that's the case it would be understandable why Rena wasn't picked to do the same for Team B when she enjoys a good relation with Team B members. Either way, Double Matsui might be a name of past and SKE will probably be known as Rena's team.

On the other hand, Watanabe Miyuki's transfer isn't as interesting. Her personality and character do seem inline with Team B. The issue here is that with NMB still not at full strength with just 2 teams, why taking away one of the more popular member of the group?



Personally, I think the more important issue here is not who joined/transferred, but who didn't join. These two moves show that obviously Akimoto and other AKB higher power is agree with seasoned fans that right now Team 4 and Kenkyusei
are not up to par for the three core teams. And might be a kick in the rear and Akimoto tends to do when he feel the lack of tension from the members.

[mochichan]

Wow fans are talking about it here too?
I agree lol the shuffle is like WTF moment......
This fandom is too emotional lol. Personally I think Jurina is already an AKB member anyway so this just make it more official. But since her health lately have been declining IDK about piling more works on her.



IDK about Milky tho....NMB isn't really that established. They do have some decent fanbase but I wouldn't say they're mainstream like AKB. IDK why he would take her away from the team when she's one of the main member.
Aki P comment

AKB,SKE,NMB,HKT,JKT
It’s no good if they aren’t challenged.
The rolling stone must not be covered in moss.
Let’s see the results of this chemical reaction.

After the concert, I had a talk with Jurina and Miyuki.
Their love for SKE and NMB has persuaded me.
Of course, I understand.
Let’s show SKE and NMB’s potential.

Cr: AKB48Journal

Waiting for the emotional distress on day 3...=__='
Graduation announcement will probably happen........

[Undertaker]

Another saying around the net is that this is a political move to strengthen AKS talents in the core AKB team since AKS is now strong enough that they didn't need to sell member contracts like they did 3,4 years ago when the group was in trouble and are now coming beck to bite them. (mainly with interfering decisions concerning mid-level members)

I would argue that NMB is pretty mainstream now base on their most recent single sale which has be steadly increase and is now up to 350K, a pretty huge number in current music landscape. Granted, Sayaka is still the only prominent member national wide, but there are a few members that began to stood out and Watanabe Miyuki is one of them.


Anyway, another news is that 26th Single is now announced. It'll be released on 5/23 with 4th Ranking votes in it, result is in early June.

New single is called "真夏のSounds good !"(Manatsu no Sounds Good!)

36 selection is the largest yet with 15 members being their 1st single selection. (note, mostly from Team 4)

http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/confidence/2009050/full/


Senbatsu (Selection):

Team A : Kuramochi Asuka, Kojima Haruna, Sashihara Rino, Shinoda Mariko, Takajo Aki, Takahashi Minami, Maeda Atsuko

Team K : Itano Tomomi, Oshima Yuko, Minegishi Minami, Miyazawa Sae, Yokoyama Yui

Team B : Kasai Tomomi, Kashiwagi Yuki, Kitahara Rie, Watanabe Mayu

Team 4 : Abe Maria, Ichikawa Miori, Iriyama Ana, Shimazaki Haruka, Shimada Haruka, Takeuchi Miyu, Yamauchi Suzuran, Iwata Karen, Kato Rena, Kawaei Rina, Takahashi Juri

SKE48 : Kizaki Yuria, Matsui Jurina, Matsui Rena, Takayanagi Akane, Kimoto Kanon

NMB48 : Yamamoto Sayaka, Watanabe Miyuki, Jo Eriko

HKT48 : Kodama Haruka



Thought:

With upcoming drama featuring Team 4 and Johnnys' Junior and the inclusion in 26th Single (with 11 seats) plus the planned Majisuka Gakuen 3 in July and Akimoto mentioned in his blog that it "might" feature whole new cast.

Looks they are pushing Team 4 big time this year and makes me leaning toward the power struggle conversation among long time fans with recent moves.

Especially considering the number of T4 members as well as SKE and NMB that are in it while the mid-level members of the 3 main teams got passed by.

[mochichan]

Nah~ they do have some decent sales however they don't seem to do that well digitally which is where the general public/casual fans are.

My feeling about this single is pretty mix. I think they're going full on to promote the Team 4 members which is good I guess. Team 4 will be the the ones that carry the torch for AKB but they're taking places for other members like Sayaka. I feel bad she keep getting shafted by the management. Also there's alot of girls here .....it might get messy or too crowded on stage....:\ not to mention too many girls, less screen time per members.

Other than that happy about the non hair related song

[Undertaker]

True, but it's kind of inevitable. The media members are not going away, and if they are now pushing the next wave, the mid-level members are due to end up as casualties.

Only good thing is that member like Sayaka (I'm assuming you are talking about Akimoto here) has sub-groups like DIVA that they can fallback on and really, with the way the their workload is right now, even those mid members that was left off has plenty of other jobs to do.

As for NMB, either way, their alse right now is tons better than when AKB debuted or even SKE for that matter. And their sales are still increase for past three year. Really at worst, Osaka is big enough to support it even if they flap. Just like that Tokyo could support AKB even 4 years ago when they haven't gain mainstream fans.

Only problem with that was the members and Akimoto were aiming at much higher ground back then...


As for the stage size. I won't be too worried about it, AKB are at a point where it can still sell itself without too much media pushing it and this single even have votes in them. Besides, the main music shows like Music Station and such all have big enough stage as well as their golden hour variety show, Naruhodo HS. And I'm sure they'll have a simplified formation of like 15-25 if stage really is a concern.

But it does seem that their single releases trend is now set in stone since its pretty stays in the same pattern since 10年櫻 (10nen Sakura). It's been basically:

Graduation Song => Swimsuit/Summer Song => Poll Rank Song => Dance Song => Jankan Song.

[mochichan]

Yeah Sayaka do have her sub unit but it's kinda a shame for the captain of an AKB team to get so little exposure. I feel like she might graduate soon anyway. Her image doesn't fit into AKB anymore. I'm not looking forward to the other media senbatsu members to get shafted, At least this time they just expand the senbatsu size.

I dun mind the release pattern tho it would be nice if they change it up. But I think their graduation or summer songs have alot more appeal when it's release around those times since people can relate more. The single that I'm most looking forward to anyway is the Fall one since that's when AKB go all hardcore <3

BTW~ anyone decided on who to vote for yet?

[Undertaker]

My vote will always be Takamina, as I said, she went from being my least favorite among the Kami-seven 2-3 years ago to my favorite as I learned more and more about them.

Other then her, my favorites are Aachan (along with MaiMai were old favorite of mine), Tomochin, Mayuyu, Rena, Yoko, Akicha, Sashi, Kitahara, Mochi, Mii-chan. And this past year, Yokoyama Yui, Oya Shizuka, Shimada Haruka, and Lemon-chan has been gaining my attention as well.

It's too tough to pick one outside of the captain and maybe Aachan.


Anyway, personally I like their graduation/school songs just as much as their cool songs. Summer Songs to me are the most catchy, while Ranking Songs are most complete. As for Jankan songs, the first one was ok and second on is kind of funny and interesting and seems to the the song can surprise you the most. Although Give Me Five is a pretty nice departure to usual slow graduation songs.

BTW, if you like cool songs, have you hear Takamina's stage song from A3:Bird and A6:愛しさのアクセル ?

I have Bird video here:

Here

and 愛しさのアクセル:

Spoiler for 愛しさのアクセル::

[mochichan]

OMFG me too
I feel really bad for her scandal too.....It would be nice for fans to show her more support

Cool that you know Maimai I really liked her when I got into the fandom but then I found out she graduated already <__< Since I only have like 2 votes I want to vote for Takamina and Maritroll. But I also like Yuko, Miichan and Sayaka too so it's hard to pick.

I'm looking forward to another WTF moment like Yukirin and her melons win over Tomochin's duck lip XD I feel bad for her, she was really pissed lol.

[sa547]

I have my vote for Takamina.

AKB Education: Anyone who doesn't know jack about Heavy Rotation can use this as a must-read (and a defense against haters). Also, should I encounter people who don't know AKB is and how the system works, I recommend them to read the AKB49 manga first. Go spread the word.

[Undertaker]

Originally Posted by mochichan

OMFG me too
I feel really bad for her scandal too.....It would be nice for fans to show her more support

Cool that you know Maimai I really liked her when I got into the fandom but then I found out she graduated already <__< Since I only have like 2 votes I want to vote for Takamina and Maritroll. But I also like Yuko, Miichan and Sayaka too so it's hard to pick.

I'm looking forward to another WTF moment like Yukirin and her melons win over Tomochin's duck lip XD I feel bad for her, she was really pissed lol.

Yeah, MaiMai actually got me interested in the group with her variety show appearances back then. That, along with Aachan out-acting and out-cute the main character in Shiori to Shimiko.

Before then I knew of the group but didn't think anything of it because I wasn't really an idol follower, at least not in groups. I only chase after one that acts like Aragaki or Todo, even then I only follow their drama and maybe buying a few photobooks and that's about it, Aragaki is still the only Idol I bought songs from and follow for any sort of dedication.


Yeah, Yukirin and Sachi came out of no where last year. I mean Yukirin is on the rise, but no one expect her to take 3rd and of the Kami-7 Tomochin was heading in the voting with arguably the strongest vibe due to her solo career just taking off and success of Dear J.

Either way, My take is that this year's ranking would be the true indicator on how that scandal affected Takamina. So far, as I mentioned the impact seem very little due to many factors, such as, lack of coverage in main media, complex back story, potential cover-up, internet support, etc. But it would be nice, just for once if Takamina and jump in ranking because as show of support from fans and let the captain be on top of the group for real.

I mean, her last year's speech was really moving as well, despise been used and picked fun of in various variety shows due the her tone and pace changes.

Originally Posted by sa547

I have my vote for Takamina.

AKB Education: Anyone who doesn't know jack about Heavy Rotation can use this as a must-read (and a defense against haters). Also, should I encounter people who don't know AKB is and how the system works, I recommend them to read the AKB49 manga first. Go spread the word.

Well, that and the fact that Heavy Rotation DOMINATED the Kareoke chart and stayed on top for like a year and everyone knows that Kareoke is nothing if not an indicator of how popular a song is to WOMEN...

[mochichan]

LOL I know that Nihongogo post. Tho before that I'm totally ok with HR and I'm a girl lol. My japanese friend said it's normal for Japanese girls to peck on the lip or take bath together anyway so I didn't think it was a big deal + THE COLORS ARE SO PURTTY~~~ I'm a sucker for the visuals in the PV since I'm an art student lol AKB49 is awesome way to pimp them out :P I think they could do an anime about it too since it's pretty good.

Sashi has been pushed the whole year so I wasn't that surprise but holy hell everyone expected Tomo to take the 2nd spot and she seriously fell. Some fans said she changed into a Shibuya idol rather than Akiba and she lost alot of the wotas. The best moment was when Yui having a heart attack on stage lol~ it was hilarious. I swear she was trolling.

I hope Taka won't fall so far...and we need single just for AKB leader <3

btw~ http://vid48.com/

this site have AKB48 videos, even Moshidora Movie and PVs.
Fans make it to avoid the copyright crap. You can also upload vids tho right now there's some technical difficulties, tho the admin can upload long vids. they're still trying to make it better but you can upload PVs and stuffs there. If you want to introduce new fans, show them this.

[Undertaker]

I got most of my videos from Chinese sites, their fandom is pretty wild, includes pretty much a complete collection on all AKB variety shows and members regulars and such (all with subtitle which helps me out a bit as my Japanese is just barely passable.), though some older video have poor quality (though still watchable).

For me, I was prepared for Sashi's rise, but I didn't think she would get as high as #9 and it was a pretty decisive 9th as well. I thought heading in she was more of 11 or 12 maybe a close 10 at best. I mean she was almost 10,000 votes higher than Rena in the 10th and only about 5000 votes behind Tomochin, that was what shocked me.

As for Yui, her speech is also a highlight and the main reason that I started to pay attention to her because she it was then she overthrew my prior image of her being a detached in most of the variety shows and proofs her hardworking side. (A big point for me, though I should know by then that almost everyone in AKB has dual personality problems..)

[sa547]

Aki-P the ringmaster never fails to stir up a storm, but that move could complicate things a bit, as their Don Quixote main stage may not be big enough to hold five teams (and I believe they're still looking for a bigger home)!

Once again, there is no such thing as predictable for this man (and my jaw is still wide-open after reading). O_o

[Katapan]

Heh, and we hadn't even learned the most shocking part yet. This week-end is truly a storm when it comes to AKB-related news: Acchan is now graduating. Suddenly Jurina's move starts making more sense...

[sa547]

^
Wow. A lot has happened in a span of a few days, and just as I'm trying to know a little more...

http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20...00409-oric-ent

Some think it's a sad day, but I think it's a new beginning, maybe once they finish doing their gig at Tokyo Dome, I'll respect Aachan's wishes as a woman growing up, and besides, whatever endeavor she truly wants to go into without strings attached or preconditions, I'd say "Go for it!"

[Shinji01]

Was just following the Japanese fans and the concert.

I think its good that acchan is graduating. She needs it.
The poor girl keeps hyperventilating, which means there must be something wrong.
I hope she takes time off, refresh and concentrate on her health and then come back a much happier person.

Like I mentioned in my last post, I was starting to feel that being in AKB was hindering her career.
I cant help but guess that akimoto was the one that was pushing her to do lead roles while she knew herself that she want ready to do that.

So with this graduation, maybe she will finally be able to do what is suitable for her, not what is expected from her as the center of AKB.

[sa547]

Anyway, it'll be a very interesting experiment to observe how the franchise would function as a whole once she leaves. Also it made sense that a few arrangements, countermeasures, checks and balances have been done to ensure the teams are kept intact.

But still...

Damn. *sighs*

Confirmed:

Translation from AkiP G+:
Maeda Atsuko announced her graduation.

We discussed this quite a few times, and of course I tried to stop her, but I told her "please decide for yourself". I also said that if she decides to announce it, then do it on the last day of SSA concert. Probably during the MC of "Dareka no Tameni".

When her hand was on her chest and she was calming down, I thought, "she's going to do it."
She is a stoic person.
She doesn't like to have casual/meaningless relationships with people so she corners herself.
She is a loner.
She is hard on herself and sometimes people think she's cross.

But it's also difficult for her when she thinks everyone coddles her.
Maybe she is afraid that if she stays in this easy environment longer, she might become an unreasonable, selfish person.
So, she is going to challenge herself by jumping into the cruel real world.
I have asked the ever-so-clumsy Maeda to be the center for 6-1/2 years, so it's time to let her
do what she wants.
We haven't decided anything yet, but we would like everyone to send warm wishes to her graduation.

You worked very, very hard.

You did great.

credit to:Bilingual48
http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/03/mae...ment-475865095

-------------

BTW, Happy Birthday, Mayuyu.

(In my country, she'll be sure to get a fully-blown debut party, the whole works!)

[mochichan]

Since 14 years old, I’ve been here as original member. This is all my life. It’s a big decision for me…
…The 2nd big decision I’ve made. I’m going to graduate.”

“My moods are swinging easily and perhaps that has caused a lot of troubles for members….
…To stand in Tokyo Dome is my dream since 14 years old. But now, being 20, I remember that… ”

… there’s things that must be done to make dreams come true. I don’t know what will come after this. But I. Will work hard.”
“The details haven’t been decided yet. When it’s been decided, I will convey it to everyone. Thank you very much.”

“Maybe only short time left, but I’m still AKB48 members. I hope to make wonderful memories with everyone. Thank you very much!”

Cr: AKB48Journal

Kasai Tomomi was hyperventilating I never knew they were that close (Takamina, TomoTomo were the ones around Acchan in a circle).

I want to know how Acchan and AKB will do. I hope Acchan will have a better career but honestly her drama ratings are pretty bad. I wish she stuck around to use AKB name to get more jobs and improve more.
Who's going to be the new center? Yuko? or Jurina? Those 2 girls have too much star power tho...They take away the attention in the other members when they're there.
or maybe Sashi? She is AkiP favorite...

[Undertaker]

Team 8 really isn't that surprising considering that none of 13th gen got promoted and the consensus is that crop lead by Mitsumune Kaoru might be the strongest group yet since the Kenkyusei era begins and is the secret weapon for AKS to gain back control of the group. Heck, some even compare their work ethic to 1st and 2nd gen and is hungry to take over.

As for the real shocker on Aachan's graduation. I really thought she would at least stay for another year or so, making sure the new waves are able to stand on their own. But from personal side, the decision is fairly logical. Her dream/goal is always being an elite actress. At this point of the acting career, while she is not quite a draw as main lead, she has develop into a more then solid supporting actress in her own and don't have to worry about lack of opportunities. In fact, her AKB activities might even hampering her acting career right now.

With that being said, I still think it a bit too early. IMO, she should at least give it another year, making sure her popularity is secure with upcoming polls and a few more drama/movie like Mushidora and Saiko no Jinsei: Ending Planner to erase the debacle that was Hana-Kimi last year.

But yeah, this make Jurina move into perfect sense. Yuko won't be a long-term solution due to her age and similar goal to Aachan. With Jurina being just 15, she can stay in center for another 5-6 years and once Mitsumune Kaoru is ready in a year or two AKB can return to the double Ace scenario like Aachan and Yuko is for past 3,4 years.


Either way, it feels that a storm is coming...