Watanabe Mayu’s solo single tops the Oricon weekly chart for the first time
AKB48 member Watanabe Mayu’s 3rd solo single, “Hikaru Monotachi” (released November 21st), has sold 92,000 copies in its first week and has topped the Oricon weekly chart for the week of December 3rd. This is her first time topping the charts after making her solo debut in February.
Watanabe is said to be one of the candidates for the next ace after claiming 2nd place in the recent ‘AKB48 General Elections‘. Her previous singles, “Synchro Tokimeki” (released in February) and “Otona Jelly Beans” (released in July), placed 2nd and 3rd on the Oricon weekly chart respectively.
After Maeda Atsuko’s “Flower” (June 2011), Itano Tomomi’s “Fui ni” (July 2011), and Sashihara Rino’s “Ikujinashi Masquerade” (October 2012), Watanabe is the 4th AKB48 soloist to top the single chart.
“Hikaru Monotachi” was arranged by vocaloid artist Hachioji P, and the illustration for the main visual was done by Aki Akane.
Kashiwagi Yuki’s first starring drama to start in January
AKB48 member Kashiwagi Yuki’s first starring drama, ‘Mierino Kashiwagi‘, will start on TV Tokyo/TV Osaka on January 11th at 24:52 (12th at 12: 52 am).
‘Mierino Kashiwagi’ will portray the day-to-day life of a cafe employee named Kashiwagi, who has the special ability to see the future love life of the person that comes into physical contact with her.
The drama will be an original story by AKB48 producer Akimoto Yasushi, and it will be written and directed by Takahata Hideta. Sano Shiro and Konno Hiroki (King of Comedy) has been named as the supporting cast.
Kashiwagi will also be in charge of the drama’s theme song (currently untitled). This song will be released as her 1st solo single on February 6th from her independent label, ‘YukiRing‘.
AKB48 to hold their own ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen’ again this year
On November 28th, it was announced that AKB48 will be holding their ‘2nd AKB48 Kohaku Taikou Uta Gassen‘ on December 17th at TOKYO DOME CITY.
Just the other day, it was confirmed that AKB48 and SKE48 will be making appearances on the ‘63rd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen‘ on New Year’s Eve. The girls will be getting a head start with their very own song battle.
This event was first held last year with Takahashi Minami leading the red team and Oshima Yuko as the leader of the white team. After a fierce battle between the two teams, the white team took the victory.
The captains and teams for this year’s event will be revealed at a later date.
AKB48’s Masuda Yuka announces her withdrawal from the group
On November 28th, AKB48’s Masuda Yuka announced on her official blog that she will withdraw from the group.
According to Masuda, there will be a report that she stayed overnight at DA PUMP member ISSA’s place, on a weekly magazine which will be issued tomorrow. Masuda wrote there were things that were not true on the report, but she admitted that, “It is true that I stayed there overnight.”
She also wrote, “I caused trouble by taking blithe action that lead to a misunderstanding by many people, and I have disappointed the fans who have supported me, team members, junior members, staff members, and my family. I thought a lot about what I should do from now on, and in order for me to take the responsibility, though this is quite a sudden announcement, I am withdrawing from AKB48.”
Masuda and ISSA co-stared with each other on Miyamoto Amon’s musical “Wiz ~Oz no Mahoutsukai~.“
AKB48’s Masuda Yuka apologizes to fans during a theater performance
On November 29th, AKB48’s Masuda Yuka performed with Team K at AKB48 Theater in Akihabara.
Masuda recently confirmed that she had spent the night at DA PUMP member ISSA’s place and announced her withdrawal from the group. She appeared on stage with a smile and introduced herself as usual, but turned serious as she started, “I have something to apologize to everybody about.”
“What appeared on today’s weekly magazine has caused trouble and concern to many people including the fans who have supported me, and the members, staff, family and friends who are close to me. I am very sorry,” she said and lowered her head. She added, “How I’m feeling now is written in my blog.”
Masuda also revealed, “I started a musical called ‘WIZ ~Oz no Mahoutsukai~’, and I learned many things about singing and acting from all points of view. I wanted to learn more and more new things. For me, it was a period when I was thinking about graduating.”
“To take responsibility for disappointing and troubling my important friends, I will withdraw from AKB48,” she apologized and continued by expressing, “Honestly, right now in this theater, I didn’t think I would get encouragement from everyone. Although I have mixed feelings, I will take each and every word to heart, and would like to enjoy this performance together with everyone.”
Masuda’s graduation date will be announced once its been decided.
It’s been announced that AKB48 member Sato Natsuki has graduated from the group in order to focus on her studies. She will be leaving the entertainment industry altogether.
Sato joined AKB48 at the age of 15 and has been active in the group for 6 and a half years. However, when she looked at the world with a broader view, she thought about herself and realized that there are still many things that she can challenge herself to. At the same time, she felt that there are many things she has to do properly.
“Right now, I want to go to college, study, and graduate. I want to do my best to be recognized as a human being,” she explained.
Sato posted a message to her fans, family, staff, and members onto AKB48’s official blog. She wrote, “The people I’ve met until now and the time we’ve spent together. Those are my treasures, and I think it will become the bread of my future. Thank you so much for the happy times.”
AKB48 to release “studio recordings collection” on New Year’s Day
It’s been revealed that AKB48 will release their theater performances in CD form on New Year’s Day.
This project is called “studio recordings collection” and there will be 20 CDs in total. It will feature the set lists of 20 performances held at AKB48 Theater in Akihabara. There will be re-releases of 12 titles along with releases of 8 unreleased stages. The 2-disc set will contain songs that are not included in the group’s singles and albums as well as karaoke versions of every song.
As a bonus, the first press editions will come with a randomly selected picture of Itano Tomomi, Oshima Yuko, Kasai Tomomi, Kashiwagi Yuki, Kitahara Rie, Kuramochi Asuka, Kojima Haruna, Shinoda Mariko, Takahashi Minami, Minegishi Minami, Miyazawa Sae, or Watanabe Mayu. Also, CD shops will be distributing 1 random original clear file of the above mentioned members.
The titles of the 20 CDs can be seen below.
===
Team A 1st stage “PARTY ga Hajimaru yo”
Team A 2nd stage “Aitakatta”
Team A 3rd stage “Dareka no Tame ni”
Team A 4th stage “Tadaima Renaichuu” *First CD release
Team A 5th stage “Renai Kinshi Jourei”
Team A 6th stage “Mokugekisha”
Team K 1st stage “PARTY ga Hajimaru yo”
Team K 2nd stage “Seishun Girls”
Team K 3rd stage “Nounai Paradise”
Team K 4th stage “Saishuu Bell ga Naru” *First CD release
Team K 5th stage “Saka Agari”
Team K 6th stage “RESET”
Team B 1st stage “Seishun Girls” *First CD release
Team B 2nd stage “Aitakatta” *First CD release
Team B 3rd stage “Pajama Drive” *First CD release
Team B 4th stage “Idol no Yoake”
Team B 5th stage “Theater no Megami”
Himawari-gumi 1st stage “Boku no Taiyou” *First CD release
Himawari-gumi 2nd stage “Yume wo Shinaseru Wake ni Ikanai” *First CD release
Team 4 1st stage “Boku no Taiyou” *First CD release
Masuda Yuka’s final day as AKB48 will be on December 17th
It’s been announced that Masuda Yuka’s final day of activities as an AKB48 member will be on December 17th’s ‘AKB48 Kohaku Taikou Uta Gassen‘.
As previously reported, Masuda admitted that she had spent the night at DA PUMP member ISSA’s place, and announced her withdrawal from AKB48. Masuda once again apologized to her fans during a handshake event for “Gingham Check” on December 1st. She then revealed that she will continue her activities until the upcoming ‘AKB48 Kohaku Taikou Uta Gassen’ on the 17th.
This will be the group’s 2nd time to hold ‘AKB48 Kohaku Taikou Uta Gassen’. The members will be split up into to two teams (red and white) and will challenge each other in a singing battle.
AKB48’s Iwasa Misaki to release her 2nd solo single
Iwasa Misaki who made her solo debut as a first Enka singer from AKB48 back in February, will be releasing her 2nd single ”Moshimo Watashi ga Sora ni Sundeitara” on January 9th.
Like her debut single “Mujin Eki“, the title track for the 2nd single was also written by Akimoto Yasushi, the general producer of AKB48. The single will come in a regular edition and limited edition, and both editions will include an Enka cover of AKB48’s hit song “Flying Get” as its coupling song.
AKB48 set Guinness World Record with their game, ‘AKB1/149 Renai Sousenkyo’
AKB48’s PlayStation Portable software, ‘AKB1/149 Renai Sousenkyo‘ (December 20th release), has been certified as “the most number of pop singers featured in a video game” by the Guinness World Records.
On December 6th, members Takahashi Minami, Watanabe Mayu, and Yokoyama Yui held a press conference to represent the group. ’AKB1/149 Renai Sousenkyo’ is a dating simulation game featuring a total of 149 members of the AKB family. In the game, the player must continue to turn down the members who approach them and ultimately choose only one member.
Takahashi praised the group, “I’m honored that a game featuring myself has been acknowledged. 149 people is amazing!”
Meanwhile, Watanabe said, “This has been a step toward expanding abroad. Those who are lonely during Christmas, please spend it with all the members who make their appearance in the game.”
Grouping for “The 2nd AKB48 Kohaku Taikou Uta Gassen” revealed!
As previously announced, AKB48 will be holding “The 2nd AKB48 Kohaku Taikou Uta Gassen” at TOKYO DOME CITY HALL on December 17th. Now, the grouping for their singing battle has been revealed! It was also announced that Sakai Masaaki and Kobayashi Maya will be the hosts for the event.
Last year, the victory was grabbed by the white team. Which team will take the victory this year?
AKB48’s 30th single will be their customary “sakura song”
It’s been revealed that AKB48 will be releasing their 30th single on February 20th.
While the title is still undecided, the new single will be AKB48’s customary “sakura song.” Around that time of year, the group releases a new song with the themes of “parting” and “departure.” Previous “sakura songs” include “Sakura no Ki ni Narou” in 2011 and “GIVE ME FIVE!” in 2012.
AKB48 to release two more ‘Yusatsu’ photo books simultaneously
AKB48 will be releasing their off-shot photo books “AKB48 Yusatsu THE YELLOW ALBUM” and “AKB48 Yusatsu THE GREEN ALBUM“, which contain photos taken by the members themselves, simultaneously on December 26th.
This “Yusatsu” is their serialization in tabloid magazine “FRIDAY“, and they previously released “THE RED ALBUM” and “THE BLUE ALBUM“, which sold 480,000 copies in total, back in March of last year.
This time, they had a total of 75 members participate as cameramen, and about 500 photos were chosen carefully among over 30,000 shots that were taken from 2010 to this year. Reportedly, there will be some unpublished photos and interviews between members in the photo books as well.
AKB48’s Kasai Tomomi announces her graduation from the group
AKB48’s Kasai Tomomi (21) has announced her graduation from the group during the “The 2nd AKB48 Kohaku Taikou Uta Gassen” held at TOKYO DOME CITY HALL on December 17th.
Kasai appeared alone in front of fans, and first thanked them for being able to make a solo debut with her single “Masaka (= No way!)” on the 26th. She then stated, “There is one more ‘Masaka’ announcement to make. I, Kasai Tomomi, am graduating from AKB48.”
After apologizing for this sudden announcement, she explained the reason tearfully, “I joined AKB48 when I was 14, and have been in the group for 6 and a half years. It made me learn a lot of things. Now that I received a chance for a solo debut, I would like to send songs with my own ability from now on.”
The details on Kasai’s graduation, including when it would be, will be announced as soon as it’s decided.
The red team takes the victory for ‘AKB48 Kohaku Taikou Uta Gassen’
On December 17th, AKB48 held their ‘2nd AKB48 Kohaku Taikou Uta Gassen‘ at TOKYO DOME CITY HALL.
A total of 146 members from AKB48 and their sister groups SKE48, NMB48, HKT48, JKT48, and SNH48 participated in the event. They split up into teams of red (81 members) and white (65 members) and battled against each other by performing 13 songs each. The performances included were from different groups, units, and solo other than their own.
For the red team, 8 members sang “Oogoe Diamond” in a capella style with Masuda Yuka, who withdrew from the group on this day, as the main vocalist. Then, Oya Shizuka challenged herself to vocal percussion together with INSPi’s Yoshida Keisuke, and Oshima Yuko sang “GIVE ME FIVE!” with professional musicians LINDBERG’s Kawazoe Tomohisa (B) and LUNA SEA’s Shinya (Dr) as her supporting band.
Meanwhile, the white team’s JKT48 members including Takajo Aki and Nakagawa Haruka covered NMB48’s “Kitagawa Kenji” in their native tongue. The real Kitagawa Kenji, a staff member of AKB48, made a special appearance and claimed center while wearing the same uniform as the members. Itano Tomomi and Matsui Jurina gave an energetic performance of the dance version of “UZA” with male dancers. Then, Kashiwagi Yuki charmed the audience with “Sakura no Hanabira” accompanied by guitarist Oshio Kotaro.
The main highlight of the event was the battle between the two team captains. As green laser beams shot past her, Takahashi Minami (white team) performed Shinoda Mariko’s solo song “Plastic no Kuchibiru“. In response, Shinoda (red team) appeared on stage in a kimono holding a paper umbrella. After singing Iwasa Misaki’s “Mujineki“, she said, “With AKB48’s songs, I usually don’t go out front, so I practiced a lot because I wanted to show that I could sing.”
The hosts for the event were Sakai Masaaki and Kobayashi Maya, while the panel of judges consisted of Iwashita Shima, Sawa Homare, Kobayashi Yoshinori, Nanao, Takeuchi Riki, and Kiyohara Kazuhiro. The winner was decided by vote from the crowd, the judges, and the team captains. Red team defeated the white team 9 to 4.
While waving the championship flag at the crowd of 2,000 people, Shinoda shouted, “We got it!” In tears, she said, “I’m very happy.”
Takahashi Minami to release her solo debut single + selected as opening theme song for upcoming drama ‘Saki’
It was announced that AKB48 group’s general manager Takahashi Minami’s solo debut single is set for release under NAYUTAWAVE RECORDS, in spring of 2013! The song is currently untitled but has already been chosen as the opening theme song to the upcoming drama ‘Saki‘ which will start airing on January 8th.
“Saki” is Fuji TV’s upcoming drama starring Nakama Yukie. As we reported last month, Nakama will be playing the same person she played in popular 2011 drama “Utsukushii Rinjin.” Though the opening theme song has not been recorded yet, it is said to be a dramatic and emotional rock ballad which symbolizes Takahashi’s solo debut.
Takahashi’s solo debut was announced during AKB48’s live concert “AKB48 in TOKYO DOME~1830m no Yume~” at the Tokyo Dome back on August 25th. Regarding the release of her solo debut single, Takahashi commented, “It is time for my dream to be a solo singer that I have wished for a long time, to come true. I know this would not have been possible without the fans who have trusted, and waited for me. Thank you very much. Though I feel little anxious that AKB48 members are not around me, I would like to put my all into the song, so my heart would reach to all of you.”
AKB48’s general producer, Akimoto Yasushi also commented about this, “Takamina has been leading the AKB48 group while encouraging the members that ‘your effort never goes unrewarded.’ Now it’s time to prove it by your own self as the general manager. Alright Takamina. We are ready for your solo debut.”
AKB48 takes “Japan Record Award” for second consecutive year
On December 30th, the annual music awards show, ”The 54th Kagayaku! Japan Record Awards” was held, and announced that AKB48’s “Manatsu no Sounds good!” (written by Akimoto Yasushi, composed and arranged by Inoue Yoshimasa) has received the grand prize “Japan Record Award.” This is the second consecutive year for AKB48 to receive the award since they won the award with “Flying Get” last year.
Winning the “Japan Record Award” successively has been achieved by Hosokawa Takashi (1982 ~ 1983), Nakamori Akina (1985 ~ 1986), Amuro Namie (1996 ~ 1997), Hamasaki Ayumi (2001 ~ 2003), and EXILE (2008 ~ 2010), thus AKB48 is the first female group to accomplish it.
The general manager of AKB48 groups, Takahashi Minami shed tears, and said, “I am truly happy. Last year, we were desperate to grab the award, but his year, we felt like we must win it as the second chapter for AKB48 has begun. I am proud that we were able to get this award when there are so many great artists here.”
Watanabe Mayu also commented, “As Maeda-san graduated, we, the ones who are left, need to make AKB….”, she then had to stop right there, as she could not hold herself, but cry. She continued tearfully, “I am very happy. While being proud of this, I would like to continue trying our best. Though we felt some pressure, receiving the award will make us gain confidence, and I hope it will bring another good accomplishment.”
The title of Takahashi Minami’s solo debut song revealed
The title for AKB48 member Takahashi Minami’s solo debut song has been revealed to be “Jane Doe.”
As announced earlier, the song will be used as the opening theme song for upcoming drama “Saki” starring Nakama Yukie (start airing on January 8th). It’s a ballad rock with the lyrics written from a man’s point of view that he can’t resist falling in love with one woman even after being disrespected, deceived by her, and losing everything.
The title “Jane Doe” represents a woman like “Saki” (played by Nakama) who acts like a righteous woman, but is actually a wicked woman that destroys men around her.
“Jane Doe” is scheduled to be released this spring.
Post time 3-12-2012 11:13 PM
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