Akimoto Yasushi and 8 AKB48 members discuss ‘10 years later’ on live radio broadcast

On November 23rd, AKB48 appeared on a special live broadcast program on the Mihama, Chiba bayfm station.
8 members of the group including Oshima Yuko (24), Shinoda Mariko (26), Takahashi Minami (21), and Kojima Haruna (24) appeared on the special program that is produced and broadcast once every fall.  The program opened with a talk on “10 years later” between the group’s executive producer Akimoto Yasushi (54)  and the members.
Akimoto predicted that Shinoda and Kojima will remain in AKB, and that Oshima will become an actress.  He also stated that, “Takahashi will spend her working life with AKB by becoming AKB’s general manager,” and that she would gain recognition for her work just as former Yomiuri Giants player and manager Nagashima Shigeo (76) has for his contributions to the team.  “Manager” Takahashi responded with, “I am ‘Mr. Position!’”
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Source and Image: Sanspo

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All 31 finalists pass the JKT48 2nd generation audition

On November 3, AKB48’s overseas Jakarta, Indonesia-based sister group JKT48 ended their second generation auditions.  The auditions took place at a studio in Tokyo and all 31 finalists passed their auditions.
The 31 finalists were selected to go to the final round of auditions in Japan from 4,500 applicants who were judged on their singing and dancing skills in Indonesia.  At the final selection, the finalists were judged in two areas – singing and answers to questions – by producer Akimoto Yasushi and other judges.
The finalists, who looked nervous, cried tears of joy after it was announced that “All 31 finalists have passed!”  Akimoto explained, “I saw the raw talent of all 31 finalists.  I thought that all 31 had their individual charms and decided to accept all 31,” and also encouraged the new members with, “All of you are seeds of a flower.  I look forward to seeing the types of flowers that sprout from these seeds.  I want each new member to grow into their own individual flower.”
Takajo Aki (21) and Nakagawa Haruka (20), formerly of AKB48, which started their new rotation on November 1, and current JKT48 members, expressed their well wishes to their new fellow members.  Takajo stated, “I also became a JKT48 member in November, so I am standing at the same start line as everyone.  While there may be moments that are painful, I believe there will be even more moments that are enjoyable.  Let’s all try our best,” while Nakagawa stated, “I am happy that I will meet everyone.  Let’s try our best to be energetic and have fun together.”
JKT48, which formed about 1 year ago, has a total of 57 members comprised of 24 first generation members, 31 second generation members, and AKB48 transfers, Takajo and Nakagawa.  The final selection was streamed live on YouTube and about 30,000 people tuned in to watch.
A clip of the final audition is posted below:

Source and Image: Oricon

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AKB48 producer Akimoto Yasushi files lawsuit against ‘Shukan Shincho’

AKB48 producer Akimoto Yasushi (54) has decided to file a defamation lawsuit through Tokyo district court against “Shukan Shincho” for an article they wrote earlier this month. Akimoto is suing for 110 million yen (~1,405,932 USD) in damages along with a published apology.
The article was titled, “The bank transfer scam money that built AKB48!” and went on to claim that AKB48 was built on dirty money from bank transfer scams and underground casinos. Akimoto states that the article was false and that it has now damaged his social standing and his name.
Sankei Sports tried to contact ‘Shukan Shincho’ about the incident but received a reply that, “The person in charge is not here.”
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Source: Sanspo
Image: Akimoto Yasushi Google+

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AKB48 to perform their 28th single at upcoming Janken Tournament

On September 16th, AKB48’s producer Akimoto Yasushi announced on “Google+” that AKB48 would be performing their new single, to be released on October 31st, at the ‘3rd Janken Tournament’.  Maeda Atsuko, who graduated on August 27th, has been working as the center for AKB48 up until now. It is very probable that the center for this new song will become the group’s ‘new ace’.
Ever since Maeda’s graduation announcement, it has become a hot topic among fans and many have asked, “Who is going to be the next center?”. Well, Oshima Yuko was ranked #1 during the group’s general election and thus held the center spot for “Gingham Check”, but this doesn’t mean she will be center for the next song and the songs hereafter.
Akimoto wrote, “Yes. It’s a bit early, but it can’t be helped if the music video isn’t finished being edited. So, the girls will perform their October single live at the Budokan on the 18th during the Janken Tournament.”
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Source: Daily Sports

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Komuro Tetsuya and Akimoto Yasushi to collaborate on a song for AKB

It was reported on July 26th that musician Komuro Tetsuya (53) will write a song for AKB48 while AKB48 producer Akimoto Yasushi (56) will provide the lyrics for it. The collaboration was a result of a July 25th posting on Komuro’s Google+ account that read, “Mr. Akimoto, would you like to use a song by me? Could someone please pass him the message, something along those lines?”
Akimoto replied the next day on his Google+, “Mr. Tetsuya Komuro. I heard your message. I would dearly love to make something together with you. Why don’t we go have a drink? It will be our first time in a long time.”
Akimoto and Komuro have collaborated before on a single titled “Sonotoki no Sora” for Yashiki Takajin (62) released in November 2010.

Source: Sanspo

Image: Sanspo and Akimoto’s Google+ account

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On July 21st, Akimoto Yasushi announced on his Google+ profile that, as a result of a meeting with the AKB48 overseas team, a study abroad program has been set up for AKB48 and related groups. In the same post, he made a call for interested members to apply for the program.
Members in Japan could study abroad as a member of overseas sister groups of AKB48, such as JKT48 in Indonesia, SNH48 in Shanghai and TPE48 in Taiwan. The period of study abroad could be from 6 months to a year. In an updated post, Akimoto clarified, “Since it is connected with the overseas TV, maybe they can still be active even if they are outside the country.”
What do you think about his new idea?

Source + Image: Akimoto’s Google+

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