Takajo Aki and Nakagawa Haruka make JKT48 theater debut with fellow JKT48 members

On December 26, former AKB48 members and currently JKT48 members Takajo Aki and Nakagawa Haruka made their stage performance debut with the setlist of “Renai Kinshi Jourei” as a part of Team J at the JKT48 theater.  The performance was done completely in Indonesian.
Takajo expressed her strong determination with, “I am extremely happy that everyone could come watch us debut.  From here on out, this JKT48 Theater is my home.  As I receive love from many people here, I will do my best.”  Nakagawa commented, “Before this performance, it was hectic, but I am happy that our debut came incident free.  From here on out, I will try even harder so that people will say ‘I thought the JKT48 Team J ‘Renai Kinshi Jourei’ performances was great!’”
The pair delighted Jakarta fans with their performances of “Renai Kinshi Jourei”, “Heart-gata Virus”, and more.
Check out the photos below!

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Source and Image: Sanspo

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Takajo Aki & Nakagawa Haruka to make JKT48 stage debut on December 26th

Jakarta, Indonesia-based sister group JKT48 members Takajo Aki and Nakagawa Haruka are set to make their JKT48 stage debut on December 26th.
On December 9th, Takajo and Nakagawa appeared on one of Indonesia’s most popular music programs, RCTI’s “dahsyat”, and performed for the first time with other JKT members the song “Gomen ne Summer” (originally an SKE48 song) in the local language.  On the program, the group’s stage debut date was announced.
Takajo commented, “After transferring, there were language barriers, but it is fun to dance with everyone and perform together, and it feels great to do so.  As I will soon perform on the JKT48 stage, I want to meet everyone in Indonesia.”  Nakagawa also expressed her excitement towards the group’s stage debut: “Right now is a lesson in courage and everyone has become one in doing their best to make the group great.  Up until now, our activities were mainly talking about the group, but now that we have been able to perform on a TV program, it made me want to make a stage debut more than ever.  Please look forward to our debut!!”
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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JKT48’s Takajo Aki & Nakagawa Haruka to appear in CM in Indonesia

It was revealed that Takajo Aki and Nakagawa Haruka, who have transferred to JKT48, are making an appearance in a TV CM for “POCARI SWEAT” (Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) that will be aired in Indonesia.
This will mark the third “POCARI SWEAT” CM that JKT48 members have starred in, and other JKT48 members Melody and Shania are also appearing in the CM with Takajo and Nakagawa. There will be three different versions for the CM, with the “Love Letter” version featuring Nakagawa currently airing in Indonesia. A “Presentation” version that features Takajo, as well as a “Movie” version that features Shania will also begin airing soon.
In addition, it was revealed that SKE48’s “Gomen ne, Summer” is being used as the CM song for all the versions. This marks the first time that JKT48 has covered SKE48’s song.
Takajo commented, “I was very happy to be able to join the shoot for the CM as a member of JKT48 for the first time. Though it was only with Melody and Shania, I would love to get along with other JKT48 members more. Since the CM will be watched by many people, I want those people to know that we have joined JKT48 now.”
Nakagawa added, “I was so happy to appear in the ‘POCARI SWEAT’ CM in Indonesia. The shoot in Jakarta was so much fun, and I was able to learn Indonesian. I can’t wait to see the reaction by the fans in Indonesia who watch the CM.”

 

 

Source & Image: MANTAN WEB

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Sato Takeru carries Maeda Atsuko home after private graduation party

On September 11th, the tabloid ‘Shukan Bunshun‘ published an article that shows how actor Sato Takeru had to carry Maeda Atsuko home after obviously having one too many drinks.
In the pictures, Maeda can be seen completely drunk, crying her eyes out for no apparent reason and eventually losing the balance on her feet. Sato even had to carry her in both arms, since it became impossible for her to walk.
According to the tabloid, the secret party was held in the night of September 4th, after Maeda’s release event for her photo book. At the event she told the reporters that she wants to experience love, but who knew that her first chance might already come with a mixed party on the same night; at least that’s what tabloid ‘Shukan Bunshun’ is implying.
Maeda was accompanied by her former colleagues Oshima Yuko and Nakagawa Haruka. Together they met up with Sato and two other guys. As usual the tabloid was quick to make up some relationship between Maeda and Sato due to all this intimacy, but both agencies immediately denied all rumors.
Sato’s agency commented, “It wasn’t a group date. They just wanted to celebrate Maeda’s graduation, when her condition suddenly made a turn for the worse. He did his best looking after her and helped in escorting her home. They aren’t in a relationship or anything like that.”
Maeda’s also confirmed that they are just friends. One person who was present at the party, Oshima also emphasized that it wasn’t a group date or anything. She wrote, “It was just an karaoke party to celebrate her graduation for which we obtained the permission from our agency beforehand.”

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Takajo Aki and Nakagawa Haruka make surprise guest appearance at JKT48 Theater

 

On September 8th, Takajo Aki and Nakagawa Haruka made a surprise guest appearance at JKT48’s first performance at the JKT48 Theater in Jakarta, Indonesia.
During the 1st day of AKB48’s 3-day concert at Tokyo Dome, it was announced that Takajo and Nakagawa would be transferring to JKT48. In Indonesian, Takajo greeted the fans, “Everyone, I’m pleased to meet you. I’m Takajo Aki of JKT48. I’m very happy to meet you all today. I’m looking forward to singing and dancing in this theater. I would appreciate your kind support.”
Located at a shopping mall in Indonesia, the JKT48 Theater opened with the members of JKT48 performing AKB48 Team B’s ‘Pajama Drive‘ in Indonesian. Takajo and Nakagawa appeared immediately after the show.
Like Takajo, Nakagawa said in Indonesian, “I’m very happy to stand on this stage with the members on the opening day of JKT48 Theater! Also, I want to hold a live at this theater with everyone soon. I will do my best with everyone, so please treat me well!”
At the completion of their theater, Melody expressed, “I’m very happy that JKT48 has finally gotten their own theater!” She continued, “We will do our best at this theater which will become our home. We will chase after our dream of becoming Indonesia’s national idol.”

Source & Photos: Mantan Web

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Miyazawa Sae & Takajo Aki explain their transfer

AKB48 announced a big team shuffle on the first day of their 3-day concert at Tokyo Dome, ‘AKB48 in TOKYO DOME ~1830m no Yume~‘. On the same night, members Miyazawa Sae, Takajo Aki, Nakagawa Haruka, and Suzuki Mariya each expressed their thoughts about their transfer through their official blogs and Google+ accounts.
On her transfer to SHN48 (Shanghai, China), Miyazawa explained, “It wasn’t recommended by Akimoto-sensei, but it was something I decided for myself,” and continued, “I want to bet my life on SHN48. Since I will be going and participating, I will give it my best, even if it costs me my life.” She ended it with, “I don’t regret the decision I made.”
Meanwhile, Takajo, who will be transferring to JKT48 (Jakarta, Indonesia), stated, “I’m sorry to have startled you. This transfer was something I decided myself!“ She further explained, “I thought that if I don’t take a step forward and challenge myself to something, it would come to an end. So everyone! Please don’t abandon me until my dreams come true. Someday, when my dreams come true, I hope to return the favor.”
Nakagawa also commented, “When Akimoto-sensei told me about going to JKT48, I wanted to go from the very beginning. It’s not that I don’t like being in AKB48, but I want to go overseas and test myself! I want to take on the challenge! That’s what I thought!!!!” She cheerfully declared, “Jakarta is far from Tokyo, but wherever I go, I won’t change!”
Finally, Suzuki said, “I will do my best to start up SHN48. I want to experience and be stimulated by the things AKB48 will do to build up the group from scratch.”

Source & Image: Oricon via Yahoo! Japan

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