JKT48 (read as "J. K. T. Forty-eight") is an Indonesian idol group whose name is derived from its based city of Jakarta and the Japanese idol group AKB48. Formed in 2011, it is the first AKB48 sister group outside of Japan and adopts the concept of "idols you can meet".Fans can attend daily performances at the group's theater, which was built as a close replica to the AKB48 Theater in Akihabara.
Producer Yasushi Akimoto decided to bring the AKB48 concept to Indonesia because the group had begun to develop a fan base in the country. Indonesia's growing economy was seen as a potential market by many Japanese companies, and Akimoto established a franchising partnership with Dentsu Media Group Indonesia to replicate the AKB48 business model. Dentsu Media Group Indonesia then cooperate with the country's largest media conglomerate Global Mediacom (MNC Media), the southeast Asia's largest and most integrated media group as JKT48 official media partner.
While JKT48 does not restrict membership by nationality, applicants must be residents of Indonesia. The group has 72 (as of June 2014) members and released its first studio album Heavy Rotation on 16 February 2013 via Hits Records, a division of MNC subsidiary PT Star Media Nusantara. It performs songs by AKB48 and other sister groups that are translated into Indonesian.
Conception
Much like AKB48, the female Japanese idol group formed in 2005 in the Akihabara neighborhood of Tokyo, JKT48 is based on the concept of idols with whom fans can "'meet', or at least develop a similar feeling of intimacy". JKT48 takes its name from the group's base city of Jakarta, Indonesia. The country was seen as a potential market for the idol business because of its relatively young population—As of 2012 about half are under the age of 30—and the popularity of Japanese manga series, such as Slam Dunk and One Piece. In order to bring the concept of AKB48 to Indonesia, producer Yasushi Akimoto and Dentsu Media Group Indonesia partnered with the country's largest media conglomerate, Global Mediacom (MNC Media), the southeast Asia's largest and most integrated media group and Japanese electronic commerce company, Rakuten.
In an interview on CNN's TalkAsia program, Akimoto responded to the question of why he selected Indonesia as the first target of AKB48's overseas expansion. He said, "People in Indonesia were interested in AKB48. That is why we decided to try it in Jakarta. Kids watched AKB on the internet and they want to do the same, but they don't know whether they have talent. Also it's difficult [for them] to go to Japan to audition."Then Rakuten–MNC Chief Marketing Officer Reino Barack recounted of his visit to Japan, "When I watched AKB48's theater performance in Akihabara, I sensed the potential for a new business in Indonesia."
History
2011–2012: Formation
The formation of JKT48 was announced on 11 September 2011 at an AKB48 event held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.Applicant interviews took place in late September, and the first auditions were held 8–9 October.AKB48 member Minami Takahashi also visited Jakarta during the auditions to promote JKT48 among fans of AKB48.Applicants did not have to be Indonesian citizens, but they must reside in the country.Approximately 1,200 girls auditioned for the group, and 51 were selected to proceed to the second round. Finalists were judged based on their dance performance of "Heavy Rotation", from AKB48's single of the same name, and their performance of a song of their choice.JKT48's 28 first generation members, ages 12–21, were selected on 2 November.JKT48 made its first public appearance on 17 December on the live music program 100% Ampuh on Global TV and performed "Heavy Rotation", with lyrics translated into Indonesian.
As part of the concept of "idols you can meet every day", AKB48 performs daily at its theater in Akihabara.The JKT48 management team aimed to accomplish this same principle and began scouting locations in Jakarta for the group's own theater in early 2012. An unoccupied site in the fX Sudirman shopping mall was selected as the theater's eventual location, and planning for its renovation began in April. In the meantime, the first theater performances were held 17–20 May at a temporary stage in the Nyi Ageng Serang Building in Kuningan, Jakarta. The official theater opened on 8 September for daily performances with a set list of 16 songs that have been translated into Indonesian. The theater has a seating capacity of 180 and standing room for 30, and its design is a close replica of the AKB48 Theater.
JKT48 has also performed in Japan alongside other AKB48 sister groups. In its first performance in Japan, the group was a surprise guest at 2011 AKB48 Kōhaku Taikō Uta Gassen and performed the Indonesian version of "Aitakatta".It also performed alongside AKB48 and other sister groups at the 62nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen with a total 210 members onstage.It also participated in the 2012 AKB48 concerts at Saitama Super Arena and Tokyo Dome.
Management began accepting applications for second generation members on 13 August 2012. Of the 4,500 applicants, approximately 200 were selected for interviews the following month. The pool was then narrowed down from 67 to 31 in a selection round held by RCTI television.All 31 finalists were eventually chosen as second generation members at a final audition on 3 November in Japan.Additionally, AKB48 members Aki Takajō and Haruka Nakagawa, whose transfers to JKT48 were announced at the Tokyo Dome concert, officially began their activities with the group on 1 November and made their theater debut on 26 December.Nakagawa became interested in Jakarta during a visit with other members of AKB48 earlier in February.
2013–present: Major debut
JKT48 was scheduled to release its debut album in January 2013, but production was hampered because of flooding in Jakarta.To celebrate the release, the group's management team had distributed 100,000 free CD singles. Each single featured an Indonesian version of one of four songs: "Heavy Rotation", "Kimi no Koto ga Suki Dakara", "Baby! Baby! Baby!", and "Ponytail to Shushu".Members, some of whom were directly affected by the flooding, later held a charity event in order to raise funds for the city's relief efforts.The debut album, titled Heavy Rotation, had a limited release at the JKT48 Theater on 16 February and went on sale in music stores nationwide on 2 March.All previously released singles were included in the album.
On 4 February 2014, JKT48 announced the names of 63 finalists that are vying to become JKT48 trainees in the third generation.On 15 February, the group announced and performed its fifth single "Flying Get".On 24 February 2014, Rina Chikano was transferred from AKB48 to JKT48, Aki Takajo and Rena Nozawa's concurrent positions were cancelled.
On 26 April 2014 JKT48 held its first Senbatsu Election, with the 16 ranking members going to appear in JKT48's 6th Single, Gingham Check, released on 11 June 2014.On 27 August 2014 the group released Kokoro no Placard, with Shania Junianthia taking the centre position for the first time, and Rina Chikano and Thalia Ivanka Elizabeth appearing in senbatsu for the first time.
First Generation member Rica Leyona graduated from the group on 7 December 2014 at the "Kokoro no Placard" handshake event, and the groups 8th Single, Kaze wa Fuiteiru was announced to be released on 24 December 2014.
Members
There are 64 members in JKT48 split into two performing teams. As members leave the group, their ranks are continuously replenished by trainees.Team J contains 19 members; Team KIII contains 20 members; Team T contains 16 members; 16 of whom were selected in the first generation auditions, 2 of which were promoted from second generation trainees. Its remaining member was transferred from the sister group AKB48. Team KIII is formed from 16 second generation members, while the trainees' team contains the five remaining second generation members and 32 3rd generation members
Senbatsu: (Kibouteki Refrain - Refrain yang Penuh Harapan) (Center: Jessica Veranda)
Team J : Gabriela Margareth Warouw, Sendy Ariani, Ayana Shahab, Ghaida Fariysa, Beby Chasara Anadila, Nabilah Ratna Ayu, Shania Junianatha, Devi Kinal Putri, Melody Nurramdhani Laksani, Jessica Veranda, Nakagawa Haruka Team KIII : Riskha Fairunissa, Cindy Yuvia, Pricilla Dewi Sari, Ratu Vienny Fitrilya Team T : Andela Yuwono
Undergirls : (Boku dake no Value - Value yg Hanya Milikku Saja) (Center: Elaine Hartanto)
Team J : Frieska Anastasia Laksani, Jessica Vania, Rezky Wiranti Dhike Team KIII : Chikano Rina, Rona Anggreani, Thalia, Jennifer Hanna, Shinta Naomi, Viviyona Apriani, Sinka Juliani, Dwi Putri Bonita, Lidya Maulida Djuhandar Team T : Elaine Hartanto, Michelle Christo Kusnadi, Maria Genoveva Natalia Desy, Shani Indira Natio
-------------------
Tracklist
Regular version
CD
01. Refrain Penuh Harapan - Kibouteki Refrain
02. Value yang Hanya Milikku - Boku dake no Value
03. Dewi Theater - Theater no Megami (Team J)
04. Bel Terakhir Berbunyi - Saishuu Bell ga Naru (Team KIII)
05. Sambil Menggandeng Erat Tanganku - Te wo Tsunaginagara (Team T)
06. Refrain Full of Hope - Kibouteki Refrain english version
DVD
01. Refrain Penuh Harapan music video
02. Value yang Hanya Milikku music video
03. Refrain Penuh Harapan MV behind the scene
Bonus: photopack + Special Event ticket
Music Card Download version
01. Refrain yang Penuh Harapan - Kibouteki Refrain
02. Value yang Hanya Milikku - Boku dake no Value
03. Refrain Full of Hope - Kibouteki Refrain english version
This time, it's 3rd gen from AKB48, now i want to talk about captain Haruka Nakagawa from JKT48 team T
Haruka is 3rd gen from AKB48, but she has the same age as me as gen1.
She, Kashiwagi, Rie Kitahara, Rena Matsui & Atsuko Maeda, Tomomi Itano are class mates but my impression about her is when about age 17 and she went to Jakarta about 3 years ago, so my impression about her is stop at the age 17 her communication skill is getting better than before at any place, with anyone, she will be intimate very soon.
she and Maeda Atsuko soon be friend, even when at that time Atsuko always feel nervous under pressure, Haruka and Atsuko is like to be have a very good relationship and that is somewhat is very amazing and haruka, she has a great action and great will Haruka at that time know that AKB foreign sister group formed, and she soon said " I'll go ! "
At that time, going to other country to become an idol is something that very inovative.
Beside, She has decide that on her own will to Jakarta and have nothing know about it at all
At that time, Haruka popularity in Japan has stop grown
She think that she will not going to slip over Mayu Watanabe synchronize popularity
" Here in Japan I will not grown, To be at spotlight I have to go to Jakarta ! "
That kind of spirit is not common
even i (Takamina) don't know where Jakarta is, so for me it is impossible
Haruka have a success a great achievement and certainty only in 3 years
now JKT48 have 10 or more CM from great company very popular in Indonesia
Among them Haruka is a star now, She have a regular TV program, and she appear on many occasion and tv program.
This time at JKT48 general election she achieve no 2 !
Haruka until last year is a foreigner which have a funny poor language
but somewhat is becoming very good is Indonesia, It seems she is intentionally talk poor language. (hahaha)
Now, Haruka is not only talk Indonesian, " I want to go to many other country " she said.
It seems she also learn English too
I think her vitality is no 1 in 48 Group.
What is more better from haruka is " go to the place where the sunlight is spot on your self "
on other word is she is a moving flower
on human there is foot but have a root and will not easily move.
but she will move on her own
she is some what is challenging, i want to be like that too
I (takamina) want to go on internship too
May be at that time Haruka some day will be getting married with a oil taipan or a prince (hahahaha) and at that country she will make a new 48 group
now for everyone, this time i'm seriously telling you that Haruka power of action is very amazing.
Team J : Ayana Shahab, Beby Chaesara Anadila, Elaine Hartanto, Ghaida Farisya, Jessica Veranda, Melody Nurramdhani Laksani, Nabilah Ratna Ayu Azalia, Shania Junianatha Team KIII : Cindy Yuvia, Devi Kinal Putri, Lidya Maulida Djuhandar, Priscillia Sari Dewi, Ratu Vienny Fitrilya, Viviyona Apriani Team T : Haruka Nakagawa, Michelle Christo Kusnadi
-------------------
Tracklist
Regular version
CD
01. Halloween Night / Senbatsu
02. Halloween Night (Dangdut Version)
03. Idol no Oujya / Team J
04. Don't Look Back! / Team KIII
05. Teppen Tottande! / Team T
06. Halloween Night (English Version) / Senbatsu
DVD
01. Halloween Night Music Video
02. Halloween Night Music Video Behind The Scenes
Music Download Card Edition Details
Download Tracklist
01. Halloween Night / Senbatsu
02. Halloween Night (English Version) / Senbatsu