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AKB48 to release their Tokyo Dome Concert DVD in November
AKB48 fulfilled their dream in August by having a three day concert “AKB48 in TOKYO DOME ~1830m no Yume~” at the Tokyo Dome and now they will be releasing this concert on DVD and Blu-ray on November 28th.
There will be a total of 6 different versions including the First Press Limited Edition that comes in a seven disc special box set, which includes a 132 page photobook, 12 trading cards, and 5 photos.
Maeda Atsuko (21) who graduated after the Dome concert commented, “It was the happiest time in the world for me. I will treasure those three days my entire life.”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/09 ... rt-dvd-in-november/ |
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Watanabe Mayu announces her third single “Hikaru Monotachi”
On September 27, it was announced that AKB48 member Watanabe Mayu is releasing a new single titled “Hikaru Monotachi” on November 21.
Only four months after her previous single “Otona Jelly Beans“, Watanabe is already ready to release her third solo single. The new single is titled “Hikaru Monotachi” and is said to be an up-tempo electronic track.
Watanabe commented, “I’m very happy that I can already release my third single so soon after ‘Otona Jelly Beans’. This new song will be very different from my previous two singles, I had a very fresh feeling during the recording.”
The coupling track for this upcoming single will be “Sayonara no Hashi“, which is the theme song for the upcoming anime movie ‘Nerawareta Gakuen‘ (release: November 10), where the protagonist is being voiced by Watanabe as well.
Those who buy one of the three different first press limited editions will also get a DVD that includes bonus footage, which includes Watanabe sporting different school uniforms from all 47 prefectures of Japan. She commented about this unprecedented project, “It’s so much fun wearing all those cute uniforms from all over the country. You all should certainly look forward to this.”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/09 ... e-hikaru-monotachi/ |
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AKB48 & Terry Ito chosen as the “Kohaku supporters” once again
On September 27th, a press conference to announce the “Kohaku supporters” for NHK’s annual music show on New Year’s Eve “NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen” was held, and it was revealed that AKB48 and Terry Ito have been chosen as the supporters for the second straight year.
At the press conference, Terry Ito and AKB48’s Oshima Yuko, Kashiwagi Yuki, Shinoda Mariko, Watanabe Mayu, Kojima Haruna, Takahashi Minami, Minegishi Minami, Shimazaki Haruka, Yokoyama Yui, SKE48’s Matsui Jurina, Matsui Rena, NMB48’s Watanabe Miyuki, Yamamoto Sayaka, and HKT48’s Sashihara Rino all made an appearance, and expressed their eagerness for the program.
The theme of this year’s Kohaku will be “Uta de Aitai. (= Meeting through music)”, and they will start promoting it on various programs and events.
At the press conference, the general manager of AKB group, Takahashi stated earnestly, “This was the year of change for AKB48, as Maeda Atsuko graduated from the group, and we achieved our long-cherished Tokyo Dome concert. It’s no exaggeration to say that ‘The second chapter of AKB48 has begun’. We will try our hardest together to send energy to everybody with the power of music.”
“The 63rd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen” will air from 7:15 pm ~ 11:45 pm on New Year’s Eve.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/09 ... porters-once-again/ |
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AKB48 cancels handshake event in Osaka due to typhoon
AKB48 has announced through their official blog that their September 30th handshake event in Osaka has been cancelled.
This handshake event commemorates the release of AKB48’s 26th single, “Manatsu no Sounds good!” (released in May). With Typhoon #17 approaching the Kansai district, it was cancelled “considering the safety of the guests.” However, there will be a rescheduled event at a later date.
On the same day, SKE48’s handshake event and HKT48’s performance will be held in Fukuoka. According to the weather forecast, the typhoon will pass from southern Kyushu to Shikoku, and will not approach Fukuoka area. As such, these events will be held as scheduled.
However, they may be cancelled if the typhoon threatens the safety of the event and performance.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/09 ... aka-due-to-typhoon/ |
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AKB48’s Kitahara Rie to cohabit with 5 men and women in a reality show
On September 30th, it was announced that AKB48’s Kitahara Rie will be starring in Fuji TV’s upcoming reality TV show, ‘Terrace House‘.
‘Terrace House’ will take place at a “share house” where 3 men and 3 women live together. It will portray the friendship, romance, dreams, envy, and setbacks that are present in the lives of these young people.
Kitahara uploaded a video message onto AKB48’s YouTube channel, where she stated, “Of course we will be sleeping in different rooms,” and revealed, “When a man and woman who just met live under the same roof, naturally a new romance may develop… Honestly, by accepting this job, I may cause fans to experience complex feelings…”
However, Kitahara decided to take the challenge, “I don’t think an idol has been involved in a project like this before. I felt this was a good chance.” She also expressed, “I was very happy to be recommended by Akimoto-sensei. I said, ‘Please let me do it!’”
Ota Masaru of Fuji TV’s management division commented, “Share houses have become a boom among young people today. It’s a very interesting phenomenon. Strangers living together? In a generation where we respect ‘individuality’ and ‘privacy’, why do these people choose to live in share houses?”
He continued, “By capturing the chemical reaction that comes into view due to sudden cohabitation, I feel we will be able to see the true form of young people of the social networking generation.”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/10 ... -in-a-reality-show/ |
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AKB48’s recent team shuffle to be effective starting in November
Popular idol group AKB48 held a handshake event on October 7th at Iwate Sangyou Bunka Center, where they announced that their recent team shuffle will be effective starting November 1st.
With the discontinuation of Team 4, AKB48 is back to 3 teams: Team A, K, and B. The original performances for each of these teams hasn’t been announced at this time. However, the teams will take turns performing at AKB48 Theater in Akihabara for a show called ‘Waiting Performance’, which will feature a special set list chosen from AKB48’s songs. Each team is comprised of 22-23 members, and 16 members will participate in the performances.
The teams’ final concerts with their current members are as follows: Team B on the 22nd, Team K on the 24th, Team 4 on the 25th, and Team A on the 29th. Meanwhile, the starting dates for SNH48 (Shanghai, China) members Miyazawa Sae and Suzuki Mariya as well as JKT48 (Jakarta, Indonesia) members Takajo Aki and Nakagawa Haruka will be announced later.
Takahashi Minami, who was appointed as the general manager of the AKB48 groups, called out to their fans, “Please look forward to the development of the new teams.”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/10 ... arting-in-november/ |
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AKB48’s official calendar for 2013 to go on sale next month
On October 10th, it was announced that AKB48’s official calendar “AKB48 Official Calendar BOX2013 iDOLL” (Shogakukan, ￥2500 around $32 USD) will go on sale November 30th.
The 2013 calendar will feature 12 of the “Calendar Senbatsu” members including Oshima Yuko (23), who served as one of the centers of their new song “UZA,” Matsui Jurina (15), and Shimazaki Haruka (18), the winner of the 3rd Janken Tournament.
The first limited edition will come with a big poster of the 12 girls, and the regular edition will also include some supplements such as a paper-made “Kami Bloomers” that features the same design as the members were wearing in the calendar, as well as members’ photos.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/10 ... on-sale-next-month/ |
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AKB48 to hold ‘Unit Matsuri’ and ‘Request Hour’ in January 2013
AKB48’s live events, ‘Unit Matsuri‘ and ‘AKB48 Request Hour Set List Best 100 2013‘ will be held in January of 2013 at TOKYO DOME CITY HALL.
‘Unit Matsuri’ was created earlier this year, and it received a favorable reputation that the group decided to host it again next year. It will be held on January 23rd, featuring appearances by many of AKB48’s sub-units. Further details will be announced later.
Meanwhile, the AKB48’s annual ‘Request Hour’ will be held over a period of 4 days, from January 24th to the 27th. The group is scheduled to perform 25 songs a day in count-down style. Fans may vote for their favorite songs from AKB48, SKE48, SDN48, NMB48, and HKT48 from October 30th at 10:00 am to November 30th at 3:00 pm. More details will be available through AKB48’s official website and blog.
===
<Unit Matsuri>
Wednesday, January 23rd – TOKYO DOME CITY HALL (Tokyo)
-
<AKB48 Request Hour Set List Best 100 2013>
Thursday, January 24th – TOKYO DOME CITY HALL (Tokyo)
Friday, January 25th – TOKYO DOME CITY HALL (Tokyo)
Saturday, January 26th – TOKYO DOME CITY HALL (Tokyo)
Sunday, January 27th – TOKYO DOME CITY HALL (Tokyo)
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/10 ... ur-in-january-2013/ |
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AKB48 give smart look to men's suit maker in ad campaign
ENTERTAINMENT OCT. 15, 2012 - 06:25AM JST ( 26 )
TOKYO —
Popular all-girl AKB48 can even hawk men’s suits—they are appearing as the image characters for Haruyama Shoji’s commercials for “Otokomae Suits.”
In the commercial, six members of AKB48—Yuko Oshima, Yuki Kashiwagi, Haruna Kojima, Mariko Shinoda, Minami Takahashi and Mayu Watanabe—perform a stylish dance with mannequin-looking professional dancers.
To promote the brand’s message of “Always Looking Smart,” AKB’s 28th single, “UZA,” which is known for its complex choreography, was used as background music.
Unlike the AKB members, the professional dancers had to endure some hardships, such as covering up their faces so they would look like mannequins. They have all collaborated with famous artists before.
The commercial will be aired in November.
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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Kitahara Rie to star in survival movie “Joker Game”
Posted on October 17, 2012 by tokyograph
21-year-old AKB48 member Kitahara Rie (currently part of Team B and sister group SKE48) has landed her first starring role in a theatrical movie. Titled “Joker Game,” the film is yet another entry in the idol-filled “survival game” suspense genre.
Kitahara’s supporting cast includes Takatsuki Sara (15) of the idol group bump.y, Koike Yui (21) of Tomato n' Pine (also known for her role as Gokai Pink in “Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger”), and D2 members Okubo Shotaro (17), Shiramata Atsushi (18), and Negishi Takuya (16).
Kitahara plays a 3rd-year high school student at a prefectural college prep school. When all of the third-year students go on a camp trip together, their teachers announce that they will all have to participate in a card game of “Old Maid.” However, the camp is actually part of an experiment by the national government to put an end to the country’s declining education and to boost the students’ “humanity” – meaning that the game is really a deadly test that will truly decide their fates.
Although this is Kitahara’s first time in the lead role on the big screen, she previously acted in last year’s “Graffreeter Toki.” She has also recently been gaining more attention with her role on Fuji TV’s ongoing reality show “Terrace House.”
“Joker Game” will open on December 22nd.
Source: http://www.tokyograph.com/news/k ... l-movie-joker-game/ |
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AKB48’s Iwasa Misaki to release her 2nd solo single in January
On October 20th, AKB48’s Iwasa Misaki held an award ceremony for “‘Mujin Eki’ Photo Contest” at Aqua City Odaiba in Tokyo.
To celebrate the success of her solo debut single, “Mujin Eki” (released in February), Iwasa held a photo contest featuring empty train stations nationwide. Out of over 1,000 photos that were collected during a two and a half month period, 40 of them were given awards.
At the ceremony, Iwasa handed certificates to the winners one by one. She then held a mini-live where she sang “Mujin Eki” and the enka version of “Heavy Rotation“. She reflected, “February 1st seems like it was just yesterday. It doesn’t feel like 9 months have passed. In AKB48 and Watarirouka Hashiritai 7, we don’t sing the same song for a long period of time. But because this is enka, I’m able to sing ‘Mujin Eki’ for a long time. It’s wonderful to think about how everyone will listen to it.”
In the middle of the event, there was a surprise announcement that Iwasa’s 2nd solo single will be released in January of next year. She said, “I have to work even harder for the 2nd one. I want to make it a hit that will surpass ‘Mujin Eki’.”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/10 ... -single-in-january/ |
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Third AKB48 documentary announced for February 2013
Posted on October 20, 2012 by tokyograph
On Sunday, it was officially announced that there will be a third AKB48 documentary movie, titled “DOCUMENTARY OF AKB48 No flower without rain: Shoujotachi wa Namida no Ato ni Nani wo Miru?” The movie is scheduled for release on February 1, 2013.
The movie follows in the footsteps of “DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 to be continued” (January 2011) and “DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 Show must go on” (January 2012). Takahashi Eiki, who worked on the second film, will once again sit in the director’s chair.
Naturally, the new film will chronicle the major events of AKB48 in 2012, including the graduation of Maeda Atsuko and the group’s first Tokyo Dome concert.
An official website for the film has launched, along with new Facebook and Google+ pages.
Source: http://www.tokyograph.com/news/t ... -for-february-2013/ |
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AKB48’s Kojima Haruna to play a street idol in ‘PRICELESS’
On October 22nd, it was announced that AKB48’s Kojima Haruna is going to make an appearance in the upcoming Fuji TV ‘Getsu 9′ (Monday 9pm) drama ‘PRICELESS ~Aru Wake Needaro, Nnamon!~‘ starring SMAP’s Kimura Takuya.
After Shinoda Mariko in ‘Taisetsunakoto wa Subete Kimi ga Oshietekureta‘ and Oshima Yuko in ‘Watashi ga Renai Dekinai Riyuu‘, she’s only the third AKB48 member to show off her acting skills in this prestigious time slot.
Kojima is going to play another resident in the run-down apartment building ‘Koufuku Sou’ (‘Manor of Happiness’) the protagonist ‘Kindaichi Fumio’ (Kimura) has to live in after becoming penniless, hopeless, and homeless. Her love for idols is matchless and she makes a living by selling cosplay pictures of herself. In other words, she’s a street idol herself. Her first appearance will be in the third episode.
She expressed, “I’m an idol myself, so I was able to get into the role without difficulties. It doesn’t mean that it’s an easy role, only that it’s a more familiar feeling.” She commented on her outfit, “We’ve often worn such clothes back in the day, but nowadays AKB has become more composed. However, it’s probably the most frilly outfit I’ve worn so far. It’s a bit embarrassing actually.”
In variety shows such as ‘SMAPxSMAP‘, Kojima already appeared alongside Kimura, but it’s the first time for her to appear alongside him in a drama. She said, “It still feels strange being at the set of this drama. I became really nervous, when I heard that I’m going to live with him under the same roof in the drama. Everyone (in AKB) respects him a lot.” She also added the she cannot wait to see their reaction, “Some members probably don’t even know yet that I’m working with him right now.”
The reporters asked her if there is anything she’d like to ask Kimura as long as she has the chance and she replied, “Minegishi (Minami) and Sashihara (Rino) said that their eyes kept meeting with his when they went to SMAP’s concert. I’d like to ask him if that’s true or not.”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/10 ... -idol-in-priceless/ |
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AKB48’s Kashiwagi Yuki to release her 1st solo live on DVD & Blu-ray
AKB48’s Kashiwagi Yuki will be releasing her live DVD and Blu-ray ‘1st Solo Live ~Nete mo Samete mo Yukirin World~‘ on January 2, 2013.
The DVD and Blu-ray will feature Kashiwagi’s 1st solo live that was held on July 13 at Nakano Sun Plaza. The event was held to commemorate the release of her second photo book, ‘Yu, Yu, Yukirin…‘. Out of over 50,000 applicants, 2,000 guests were chosen from a lottery to attend the live.
Both the DVD and Blu-ray will come enclosed in a tall case with a booklet and a picture.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/10 ... ive-on-dvd-blu-ray/ |
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AKB48’s Mitsumune Kaoru to withdraw from the group
On October 24, AKB48’s Mitsumune Kaoru revealed on her official blog that she has decided to withdraw from the group.
In the blog post titled “From Mitsumune, To My Fans”, Mitsumune explained, “My physical condition has not been good for a while and it has become difficult for me to stand in front of everyone in perfect condition. This has definitely caused problems for those around me and also created a huge personal burden, so I have sent in a notice about my withdrawal.”
She also revealed that until she made her decision to stop her activities, she had discussed the idea with staff members through email, and issued an apology to staff members, her fellow group members, and fans stating, “I’m sorry.”
After Mitsumune’s absence from AKB48’s August concert at the Tokyo Dome due to her poor physical condition, she made a temporary comeback. However, she did not participate in an event for the movie version of “Shiritsu Bakaleya Koukou” earlier this month due to her poor physical condition. On November 1, she was originally scheduled to join Team K.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/10 ... raw-from-the-group/ |
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AKB48 holds a send-off party for Miyazawa Sae
On October 24th, AKB48 held a send-off event for member Miyazawa Sae, who will be transferring to SNH48 in Shanghai, China next month.
In a tearful voice, Oshima Yuko expressed, “I’m very thankful that we met. You are a dear friend. Although we’ll be in different places, let’s chase our dreams and catch them together.” In response, Miyazawa was moved to tears and said, “In Shanghai, I hope to do the things I wasn’t able to do in Japan little by little.”
The send-off party was held during “Team K 6th ‘RESET’ Senshuraku Kouen“, Team K’s final performance before their team shuffle goes into effect on November 1st. Miyazawa revealed, “I’m honestly frightened that the things I thought were natural will disappear one by one.” She continued by thanking her fans, “The ones who made Team K such a wonderful team are those who have supported us. On behalf of everybody, thank you very much.”
Some members were already in tears after singing 4 songs back-to-back during the opening. Oshima declared, “I will apologize now. Today, I will not pay attention to anybody, but will enjoy my time with Team K to the fullest.” As she will be the new captain for Team K, she stated, “I hope to make the new Team K an even better team. I won’t lose!”
With the new team shuffle, AKB48 will be back to three teams: Team A, Team K, and Team B. Until their individual performances have been decided, the teams will take turns performing at AKB48 Theater in a show called ‘Waiting Performance‘.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/10 ... y-for-miyazawa-sae/ |
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AKB48 sells over 20 million CDs total
Popular idol group AKB48’s 28th single “UZA” (released October 31) sold 1,129,000 copies in the first week of release and appeared in first place on the November 12th Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
This is their 15th consecutive single to grab first place on the chart and the 10th single to exceed 1 million copies in sales. They are the third group in 13 years and 11 months to have 10 singles break a million copies in sales and the first female singers to do so; B’z achieved this with 15 singles, and Mr. Children achieved this with 10 of their singles.
Since their CD debut in February of 2006, AKB48 has reached a total of 20,300,000 copies (17,597,000 singles sold, 2,703,000 albums sold) in total sales from their 29 singles (their digital single excluded) and their 11 albums. This breaks SPEED’s record of 19,546,000 copies, and it is also the first time that a female group has exceeded sales of 20,000,000 CDs.
Ever since “Sakura no Ki ni Narou” (released for sale in February 2011), their singles have been selling over a million copies as “UZA” is their 9th consecutive single to exceed 1 million copies in sales. This puts AKB48 in second place, taking the place of Mr. Children’s 8 consecutive singles. (B’z continues to be in first place with 13 consecutive singles.)
In addition, the group’s current single has helped AKB48 stay in first place for the following categories for female groups: (1) Most Total Sales (Singles), (2) Most First Week Singles Sales, (3) Most Total Singles to Grab First Place, (4) Most Consecutive First Place Singles, (5) Most Consecutive Million Seller Singles, (6) Most Consecutive Million Seller Singles in First Week of Sales, (7) Most Total Million Seller Singles, and (8) Most Total Sales (Singles and Albums).
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/11 ... -million-cds-total/ |
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AKB48’s upcoming single “Eien Pressure” to be released on December 5
On November 7, it was revealed that Shimazaki Haruka (18), the winner of the AKB48’s “3rd Janken Tournament” that occurred in September, would be the center for the first time in the group’s upcoming release “Eien Pressure” (to be released on December 5).
Anticipated as the next generation ace and nicknamed Paruru, Shimazaki sped to the path of becoming the Janken queen overnight. The track was written by executive producer Akimoto Yasushi (54) to suit Shimazaki, who possesses another nickname, Ponkotsu, to suit her image.
Shimazaki explained, “The song is about a girl with no self confidence,” and appealed to fans, saying, “When I first saw (the lyrics of the) song, I thought ‘How does Akimoto-sensei know what I think?’ Because it is an up-tempo and cute song, I will be happy if many people sing the song.”
The album cover jackets feature the image of a women’s dormitory where the top 16 girls of the Janken tournament live. In addition, it has been decided that SKE48, NMB48, and HKT48 songs will be recorded as well.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/11 ... ased-on-december-5/ |
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AKB48’s Kasai Tomomi to make her solo debut
On November 10, AKB48’s Kasai Tomomi (20) appeared in Tokyo for JRA’s (Japan Racing Association) ’Kasai Project‘ event.
During this event, it was announced that the idol would be making her solo debut under Nippon Crown on December 26. “I was surprised. It’s still like a dream,” she expressed. She will be holding her solo debut live during the Japan Cup this coming 25th at Tokyo Keibajo.
Earlier in spring, JRA started their campaign, ‘AKB no Gachi Uma‘, in which 27 AKB48 members over the age of 20 competed by betting on a horse race to star in JRA’s new CM. As the winner, Kasai will not only be getting a CM, but also a solo debut.
Kasai commented, “A solo debut was my dream. Because I’m used to a large number of people, I get nervous when I appear alone on variety shows. When it comes to singing, I think I’m going to be even more nervous. But this was my dream, so I want to enjoy it.”
Although her debut single hasn’t been recorded yet, she shared that she’s already looked at the lyrics. “I get excited just by looking at it. It’s perfect for me, and I hope that people who listen to it will become happy.”
Kasai became AKB48’s 2nd generation member along with Oshima Yuko (24) and Miyazawa Sae (21) back in April of 2006. Following Itano Tomomi (21), Maeda Atsuko (21 = graduated on August 27th), Iwasa Misaki (17), Watanabe Mayu (18), Sashihara Rino (19), Matsui Sakiko (21 = pianist), Kashiwagi Yuki (21 = in preparation), and Takahashi Minami (21 = in preparation), Kasai will become AKB48’s 9th member to debut as a soloist.
Aside from her solo debut live on the 25th, Kasai will also release her 1st solo photo book in late-January. Her CM for JRA will air starting on the 18th.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/11 ... ake-her-solo-debut/ |
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Kashiwagi Yuki gets solo debut release date, starring drama role
Nov 11,2012 - by tokyograph
On Sunday, more details were announced regarding AKB48 member Kashiwagi Yuki’s solo debut. She will release her first single (still untitled) on February 6, 2013, under an avex sub-label called YukiRing, created specially for Kashiwagi. This is the first time that an AKB48 member has gotten her own personal record label.
It was also announced that Kashiwagi will star in a TV Tokyo drama series starting in January, and her debut single will be the theme song for that drama.
Source: http://www.tokyograph.com/news/k ... tarring-drama-role/ |
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Post time 4-10-2012 11:18 PM
