AKB48

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Itano Tomomi to become a delinquent for Nakajima Kento’s upcoming drama



It was announced that AKB48 member Itano Tomomi would make an appearance on NTV’ upcoming late-night drama, “BAD BOYS J“, which will star Sexy Zone’s Nakajima Kento.

As reported previously, the drama is based on Tanaka Hiroshi’s manga “BADBOYS”, which had also been adapted into a live-action movie previously in 2011. The story is set in Hiroshima where powerful delinquent groups are crowded together, and it depicts the intense youth of these “bad boys”.

In the drama, Nakajima will play as the leader of a delinquent group “Gokurakuchou”, named “Kiriki Tsukasa”. Also, Kis-My-Ft2′ Nikaido Takashi will be making an appearance as “Danno Hidenori”, the leader of the top group of gangs in Hiroshima, called “Beast” while A.B.C-Z‘ Hashimoto Ryosuke will play as “Hiro”, the leader of “Hiroshima Night’s” that is the opposed group to “Gokurakuchou.”

Itano’s role will be “Naki Kaori”, the boss of a female delinquent group who supports “Danno” (Nikaido). Additionally, some Nogizaka46 members and model Triendl Reina will also appear in the drama. The Nogizaka46 members include Hashimoto Nanami, Matsumura Sayuri, Akimoto Manatsu, Ito Marika, and Ito Nene. Hashimoto will be playing as the heroine “Yoshimoto Kumi” who is the love interest of “Kiriki” (Nakajima).

“BAD BOYS J” will begin airing on April 6th on NTV (every Saturday on 12:50 am).

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... tos-upcoming-drama/

masnona

aku xminat sgt artis jepun

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x minat xyah masuk hehehe...

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AKB48 and SKE48 member Kitahara Rie to appear in “Kazoku Game”



On March 22, it was revealed that AKB48 and SKE48 member Kitahara Rie (21) will play a high school student in the Fuji TV drama “Kazoku Game”, which begins airing every Wednesday at 10PM starting in April.

The drama is based off of the best seller of the same name and stars Arashi’s Sakurai Sho (31).  Sakurai plays unconventional tutor Yoshimoto who resorts to violence and unconventional methods to teach his student and his student’s family.

In the drama, she plays as the girlfriend of the eldest son of a prominent family, who is an elite high school student played by Kamiki Ryunosuke (19).  Her character is the ideal girl friend– smart, cute, and independent.

Kitahara, who will appear in a Fuji TV drama for the first time ever, stated excitedly, “The story is exciting and strong and I will approach the role as an actress rather than an idol.”  Although AKB48 forbids romantic relationships, there will be sweet scenes as her character and Kamiki’s character will be dating in the drama.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... ear-in-kazoku-game/

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Kasai Tomomi to release her 2nd single



It’s been revealed that AKB48’s Kasai Tomomi will be releasing her 2nd single (currently untitled) on May 8. The title track will be used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s upcoming drama, ‘Meshibana Keiji Tachibana‘, starring the idol herself.

Kasai made her solo debut back in December with the single, “Masaka“. In the upcoming drama, which starts on April 10th, she plays a policewoman named Nakamura. This will be her first time starring in a drama independently.

No details on the single’s title or track list has been revealed at this time. Like her previous single, it will be released in 3 different versions: Type A (CD+DVD), Type B (CD+DVD), and Type C (CD-Only). She’s also scheduled to hold an event for those who purchase the single.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... e-her-2nd-single-2/

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Details on AKB48’s “the 5th Senbatsu General Election” revealed!



It was announced that popular idol group AKB48 will be holding their annual “Senbatsu General Election” at Nissan Stadium on June 8! This year’s election will be held during the “AKB48 Super Festival” which was announced in January.

The “Super Festival” will be titled “AKB48 Super Festival ~Nissan Stadium, Chicchee! Chicchakunaishi!!~“, and it will consist of 2 parts. The first part will be a live concert which all AKB48 groups appear (will begin at 3:00 pm), and the second part will be the event for the results of the vote count (will begin at 5:30 pm).

This general election is to decide the participating members for their 32nd single (to be released in August) by the fans’ votes, and this will be the 5th year for the election to be held. The first election was held at Akasaka BLITZ, and the second to fourth elections were held at Nippon Budokan, thus this will be the first time for the election to be held at Nissan Stadium which is an open-air venue.

Not only the venue, but there will also be some differences in the previous years. Though all the members automatically  participated in the election until last year, this year’s election will be “candidacy system.”

The members who have the right to stand as a candidate are…
(1) The members in AKB48, SKE48, NMB48, and HKT48 (as of March 31)
(2) Former AKB48 members who transferred to the sister groups in overseas (Takajo Aki, Nakagawa Haruka, Suzuki Mariya, Miyazawa Sae)
(3) Former members who were a part of the AKB groups for more than 4 years in the past

Same as the previous years, 64 members will be elected for the 32nd single. Details are as follows.
(1) #1~#16 = 32nd single Senbatsu members
(2) #17-#32 = Under Girls
(3) #33-#48 = Next Girls
(4) #49-#64 = Future Girls

The reception desk period for the candidacy will be from March 31 at 12:00 pm ~ April 7 at 12:00 am. The members who are willing to run as a candidate need to submit a written notice to the election executive committee which is set in each theater.

The fans who can vote for the election will include those who purchase AKB48’s 31st single (currently untitled) which will go on sale on May 22, fan club members, mobile members, and so on. The time to vote for the election will be during May 21 at 10:00 am ~ June 7 at 3:00 pm (JST).

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... -election-revealed/

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Maeda Atsuko declares she won’t be participating in AKB48’s upcoming General Election



On March 28, Maeda Atsuko revealed through her official Twitter that she will not be participating in ‘The 5th AKB48 General Election‘. As reported earlier, there was a change of rules in this year’s election with the establishment of the “candidacy system”. Under this, former members who were a part of the AKB48 family for more than 4 years are allowed candidacy.

On the same day, Maeda attended a press conference for ‘MTV VMAJ 2013‘ as the MC. She stayed silent when reporters asked questions regarding her participation in the election. Then at about 3:30 pm, she tweeted, “I won’t be appearing in the General Election,” and explained, “During that time in June, I will be overseas for filming.” She also gave a shout out to the members who will be present at the election saying, “But I will be supporting everybody from the bottom of my heart.”

So far, former AKB48 members Masuda Yuka, Yonezawa Rumi, and Nakaya Sayaka revealed that they won’t be participating in the election. While former SDN48 members Noro Kayo and Urano Kazumi announced their intentions to participate. The reception desk period for the candidacy will start on March 31.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... g-general-election/

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Kasai Tomomi’s graduation date from AKB48 revealed



It was announced on AKB48’s official blog that Kasai Tomomi’s graduation from the group will be on May 3rd, after the Shinoda team A performance at AKB48 theater.

Kasai previously announced her graduation on the stage of “the 2nd AKB48 Kohaku Taikou Uta Gassen” held on December 17th of last year. Additionally, her last appearance for a handshake event will be on April 20th which will be held at Makuhari Messe.

On May 8th, right after her graduation, she is set to release her 2nd single (currently untitled) that has been chosen as the ending theme for upcoming drama “Meshibana Deka Tachibana“, in which she will appear as the heroine.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... rom-akb48-revealed/

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AKB48’s Kuramochi Asuka to make her solo debut



It’s been revealed that AKB48’s Kuramochi Asuka will be making her debut with the release of her first single on May 29.

This was announced on April 6 during a handshake event at Makuhari Messe. Kuramochi, who became the “2nd Gachiuma Queen” of AKB48’s horse race project, appeared at the event dressed as a horse race jockey. Following Kasai Tomomi, she’s the 2nd member to make her solo debut as the prize for winning the project. To coincide her solo debut, she will also be releasing her 1st solo photo book.

Kuramochi’s solo debut song will be used in the CM for JRA (Japan Racing Association), and she will also star in the CM. The single will be released under Avex in 5 different types. Each jacket cover will be shot by a different magazine: Young Champion, Friday, B.L.T., Weekly Playboy, and Weekly Big Comic Spirits. There will also be a project in which the magazines will compete for the number of CD sales.

Kuramochi passed AKB48’s first trainee auditions back in 2007, and has been a regular member since 2008. She’s also a part of French Kiss with Kashiwagi Yuki and Takajo Aki.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... ake-her-solo-debut/

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AKB48’s Akimoto Sayaka announces her graduation



AKB48 member Akimoto Sayaka announced, on her official blog, that she would not participate in upcoming Senbatsu general election and that she would graduate from the group.

Below is what she posted on her blog.

=====

The Senbatsu General Election. Today is the deadline to run as a candidate for the general election.

Until the very last minute, I was thinking in my own way if I would participate, and while I was thinking about it, it also led me to start thinking of when the timing for my graduation would be.

These past 8 years, I’ve learned and felt a lot of things, and enjoyed the joys of my youth. Because of Akimoto Sensei, staff members, fans, fellow members, family, and other innumerable supports, Akimoto Sayaka is here now. I’m truly grateful.

However, my thoughts that I wanted to step up to a new world while keeping things I learned and experienced from AKB48 in mind, and that I wanted to gain more experiences in order to pursue my future dream to be an actress, got stronger.

Thus, after thinking thoroughly, I’ve decided to make an announcement at this point of the general election.

I, Akimoto Sayaka, will graduate from AKB48 without participating in the upcoming Senbatsu general elections.

=====

Akimoto did not mention the exact date for her graduation.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... ces-her-graduation/

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The list of candidates for the “5th AKB48 Senbatsu General Election”



As reported previously, AKB48 will be holding their annual “Senbatsu General Election” at Nissan Stadium on June 8 to choose the participating members for the group’s 32nd single (to be released in August).

This year’s election is somewhat different from the previous years, as it will be held in a “candidacy system” in which all of the members who meet one of three conditions are eligible to stand as a candidate: (1) The members in AKB48, SKE48, NMB48, and HKT48 (as of March 31), (2) Former AKB48 members who transferred to the sister groups in overseas (Takajo Aki, Nakagawa Haruka, Suzuki Mariya, Miyazawa Sae), (3) Former members who were a part of the AKB groups for more than 4 years in the past.

As the acceptances for the candidacy has been closed at 12:00 am on April 7th (JST), the list of the members who are participating in the election is now completed.

Check out the list below.

=====

<AKB48>
&#8226; Team A
- Izuta Rina
- Iriyama Anna
- Iwata Karen
- Oshima Ryoka
- Kawaei Rina
- Kikuchi Ayaka
- Kotani Riho (also in Team N of NMB48)
- Kobayashi Marina
- Sato Sumire
- Shinoda Mariko
- Takahashi Juri
- Takahashi Minami
- Tano Yuuka
- Nakamata Shiori
- Matsui Sakiko
- Morikawa Ayaka
- Yokoyama Yui (also in Team N of NMB48)
- Watanabe Mayu
&#8226; Team K
- Abe Maria
- Itano Tomomi
- Uchida Mayumi
- Oshima Yuko
- Kitahara Rie (also in Team S of SKE48)
- Kuramochi Asuka
- Kobayashi Kana
- Sato Amina
- Shimada Haruka
- Suzuki Shihori
- Chikano Rina
- Nakata Chisato
- Nagao Mariya
- Fujita Nana
- Maeda Ami
- Matsui Jurina (also in Team S of SKE48)
- Miyazaki Miho
- Mutou Tomu
&#8226; Team B
- Ishida Anna (also in Team K II of SKE48)
- Ishida Haruka
- Ichikawa Miori
- Iwasa Misaki
- Umeda Ayaka
- Oba Mina
- Oya Shizuka
- Kashiwagi Yuki
- Katayama Haruka
- Kato Rena
- Kojima Natsuki
- Kojima Haruna
- Shimazaki Haruka
- Takeuchi Miyu
- Tanabe Miku
- Nakamura Mariko
- Natori Wakana
- Nonaka Misato
- Fujie Reina
- Yamauchi Suzuran
- Watanabe Miyuki (also in Team N of NMB48)
&#8226; Kenkyuusei
- Omori Miyuu
- Sasaki Yukari
- Hirata Rina
- Aigasa Moe
- Iwatate Saho
- Umeda Ayano
- Okada Ayaka
- Kitazawa Saki
- Shinozaki Ayana
- Takashima Yurina
- Murayama Yuiri
- Mogi Shinobu
- Uchiyama Natsuki
- Okada Nana
- Kojima Mako
- Nishino Miki
- Hashimoto Hikari
- Maeda Mitsuki
- Minegishi Minami

-

<SKE48>
&#8226; Team S
- Oya Masana
- Kato Rumi
- Kizaki Yuria
- Kitahara Rie (also in Team K of AKB48)
- Kinoshita Yukiko
- Suga Nanako
- Suda Akari
- Deguchi Aki
- Nakanishi Yuka
- Matsui Jurina (also in Team K of AKB48)
- Matsui Rena
&#8226; Team K II
- Abiru Riho
- Iguchi Shiori
- Ishida Anna (also in Team B of AKB48)
- Kato Tomoko
- Goto Risako
- Sato Mieko
- Takayanagi Akane
- Furukawa Airi
- Matsumoto Rina
- Yakata Miki
- Yamada Reika
&#8226; Team E
- Isohara Kyoka
- Uchiyama Mikoto
- Umemoto Madoka
- Kaneko Shiori
- Kimoto Kanon
- Kobayashi Ami
- Saito Makiko
- Sakai Mei
- Shibata Aya
- Takagi Yumana
- Takeuchi Mai
- Tsuzuki Rika
- Furuhata Nao
- Yamashita Yukari
&#8226; Kenkyuusei
- Ichino Narumi
- Inuzuka Asana
- Iwanaga Tsugumi
- Ego Yuna
- Niidoi Sayaka
- Hioki Miki
- Futamura Haruka
- Matsumura Kaori
- Mizuno Honoka
- Miyamae Ami
- Yamada Mizuho
- Aoki Shiori
- Azuma Rion
- Ida Reona
- Ito Akane
- Orito Aisa
- Kamata Natsuki
- Kitagawa Ryoha
- Kitano Ruka
- Kitahara Yuna
- Kumazaki Haruka
- Goto Mayuko
- Sasaki Yuka
- Sora Miyuka
- Takeuchi Saki
- Noguchi Yume
- Hidaka Yuzuki
- Yano Azuki
- Yamada Juna
- Yamamoto Yuka

-

<NMB48>
&#8226; Team N
- Ogasawara Mayu
- Kadowaki Kanako
- Kinoshita Haruna
- Kotani Riho (also in Team A of AKB48)
- Kondo Rina
- Jonishi Kei
- Shiroma Miru
- Yamaguchi Yuuki
- Yamada Nana
- Yamamoto Sayaka
- Yokoyama Yui (also in Team A of AKB48)
- Yoshida Akari
- Watanabe Miyuki (also in Team B of AKB48)
&#8226; Team M
- Azuma Yuki
- Okita Ayaka
- Kawakami Rena
- Kinoshita Momoka
- Shimada Rena
- Takano Yui
- Tanigawa Airi
- Mita Mao
- Murakami Ayaka
- Murase Sae
- Yagura Fuuko
- Yamagishi Natsumi
- Yogi Keira
&#8226; Team B II
- Akazawa Hono
- Ishizuka Akari
- Ijiri Anna
- Ueda Mirei
- Umehara Mako
- Ota Yuuri
- Katou Yuuka
- Kamieda Emika
- Kusaka Konomi
- Kushiro Rina
- Kurokawa Hazuki
- Kono Saki
- Kobayashi Rikako
- Muro Kanako
- Yabushita Shu
- Yamauchi Tsubasa
&#8226; Kenkyuusei
- Ishida Yuumi
- Uno Mizuki
- Koga Narumi
- Takayama Riko
- Nakagawa Hiromi
- Nishizawa Rurina
- Hayashi Momoka
- Miura Arisa
- Akashi Natsuko
- Ishihara Masako
- Odan Mai
- Ogawa Noa
- Kawakami Chihiro
- Shibuya Nagisa
- Shimazaki Momoka
- Terui Honoka
- Nakano Reina
- Nishimura Aika
- Matsuoka Chiho
- Matsumura Megumi
- Morita Ayaka
- Yamao Rina

-

<HKT48>
&#8226; Team H
- Anai Chihiro
- Ueki Nao
- Ota Aika
- Kumazawa Serina
- Kodama Haruka
- Sashihara Rino
- Shimono Yuki
- Tanaka Natsumi
- Nakanishi Chiyori
- Matsuoka Natsumi
- Miyawaki Sakura
- Murashige Anna
- Motomura Aoi
- Moriyasu Madoka
- Wakatabe Haruka
&#8226; Kenkyuusei
- Abe Kyoka
- Imada Mina
- Fukagawa Maiko
- Akiyoshi Yuka
- Ito Raira
- Inoue Yuriya
- Iwahana Shino
- Ui Mashiro
- Ueno Haruka
- Umemoto Izumi
- Okada Kanna
- Okamoto Naoko
- Kusaba Manami
- Kojina Yui
- Goto Izumi
- Komada Hiroka
- Sakaguchi Riko
- Tashima Meru
- Tanaka Yuka
- Tani Marika
- Tomiyoshi Asuka
- Tomonaga Mio
- Fuchigami Mai
- Yamada Marina

-

<Others>
&#8226; JKT48
- Takajo Aki
&#8226; SNH48
- Suzuki Mariya
- Miyazawa Sae
&#8226; Graduated members
- Urano Kazumi
- Ohori Megumi
- Kohara Haruka
- Sato Yukari
- Noro Kayo
- Hirajima Natsumi

http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... u-general-election/

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Kashiwagi Yuki to release her 2nd solo live on DVD & Blu-ray



AKB48’s Kashiwagi Yuki will be releasing her live, ‘Kashiwagi Yuki 2nd Solo Live Nete mo Samete mo Yukirin World ~Muchuu ni Sasechauzo&#9825;~‘, on DVD & Blu-ray on June 19th.

The footage features Kashiwagi’s 2nd solo live that was held back in February at Tokyo International Forum. Out of about 70,000 applicants, 5,000 people were chosen from a lottery to attend. She sang a total of 18 songs including her solo debut number, “Short Cake“, and an acoustic version of “Sakura no Ki ni Narou“.

Aside from the 18 tracks, the DVD & Bly-ray will include rehearsal and documentary footage. The first press edition will also enclose one random picture.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... ive-on-dvd-blu-ray/

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AKB48 becomes 15th generation main character for ‘Natsuichi’ campaign



Popular idol group AKB48 will be the 15th generation main character for Shueisha Bunko’s ‘Natsuichi‘ campaign.

This campaign is Shueisha Bunko’s summer fair that started back in 1991 as ‘Natsu no Issatsu‘ (commonly known as ‘Natsuichi’). This year, there will be 85 books, and 85 members from AKB48 will each present a book report on the book they have read. The book titles assigned to the members will be announced sometime around mid-June.

Previous characters for ‘Natsuichi’ include actresses Hirosue Ryoko, Takei Emi, and Gouriki Ayame, actors Tamaki Hiroshi and Kobozuka Yosuke, and former professional tennis player Matsuoka Shuzo. The campaign will run from June 26th to late-September at participating bookstores nationwide.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... natsuichi-campaign/

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AKB48’s Watanabe Mayu to release her 4th solo single



Popular idol group AKB48’s Watanabe Mayu will release her 4th solo single (currently untitled) in July.

For the upcoming single, Watanabe will hold a contest titled “Anata no Illust ga Shinkyoku no Jacket ni Nari Mayuyu (lit. ‘Your illustration will be the cover jacket for the new song’)” through the illustration sharing site “pixiv“.

The winner’s work will be used as the jacket cover for one of the several types of the single. Applications will be accepted on pixiv during April 26th~May 16th.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... er-4th-solo-single/

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Itano Tomomi announces her 4th solo single “1%”



It was revealed that Itano Tomomi will be releasing her 4th solo single titled “1%” on June 12. This will mark her first single in a year and two months since her previous single “10-nen go no Kimi e.”

Her new song is said to be a dance number just like her solo debut single “Dear J” (released in January 2011), and it depicts a feeling of love that you go for with only having 1% of success.

The dance scene for the music video was filmed against the night backdrop of the skyscrapers in New York, with male dancers. Itano left a comment, “I was able to film in New York where I always adored. I had meetings for the costume and PV one after another, so I’m sure it became a great one. Please look forward to it!”



During her stay in New York, she also attended the shooting for a new “Samantha Vega” CM which she co-starred with Taylor Momsen. The new CM will begin airing in the end of May.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... -4th-solo-single-1/

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AKB48 announces member lineup changes + first 5 major dome tour



April 28th was the final day of “AKB48 Group Rinji Soukai ~Shiro Kuro Tsukeyoujanaika!~“, the 4-day concert held at the Nippon Budokan, at which AKB48 and their sister groups appeared.

When the concert was coming to an end, the general manager of AKB48 Theater, Togasaki Tomonobu, announced “the personnel changes for spring.”

The announcement included the promotions of some Kenkyuusei, cancellations of a concurrent post for some members, and appointments of a concurrent post for some members.

It was also announced that HKT48’s Sashihara Rino will be the HKT48 theater manager as a concurrent post. It will be a “double manager system”, as she will liven up HKT48 together with the current theater manager, Ozaki Atsushi.

Moreover, there was another announcement that AKB48 would hold their first 5 major dome tour starting in July and ending in August. The announcement was made during the encore through a video message by Inose Naoki, the Governor of Tokyo, and a scream of delight went up from the audience of 11,000.

The general director of AKB48 group, Takahashi Minami, expressed her joy with tearful eyes, and also revealed that she felt the group lacked direction after the group had achieved their dream to hold a live concert at the Tokyo dome last August. “It was hard to keep running without having a goal,” she said. “Each of us will build up our strength, and I hope to share the great time with all of you fans at the 5 major domes.”

Their 5 major dome tour will kick off at the Fukuoka Yafuoku! Dome at July 20th and 21st, and they will make stops at the Sapporo Dome (7/31), the Kyocera Dome Osaka (8/7, 8/8), the Nagoya Dome (8/16, 8/17), and the Tokyo Dome (8/22~8/25).

Below is the changes in the members announced on the day.

=====

【Promoted members】
Hirata Rina → Team K
Sasaki Yukari → Team A
Omori Miyuu → Team B

【Cancellation of concurrent posts】
Kitahara Rie → only in AKB team K
Yokoyama Yui → only in AKB team A
Ishida Anna → only in SKE team KII
Kotani Riho → only in NMB team N

【Appointment of concurrent posts】
Oba Mina → both in AKB team B and SKE team KII
Ichikawa Miori → both in AKB team B and NMB team N
Furuhata Nao → both in SKE team E and AKB team K
Yagura Fuuko → both in NMB team M and AKB team A
Kodama Haruka → both in HKT team H and AKB team A

Miyazawa Sae → both in SNH and AKB team K
Suzuki Mariya → both in SNH and AKB team A
Takajo Aki → both in JKT and AKB team B

Sashihara Rino → HKT team H and HKT48 theater manager

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... -5-major-dome-tour/

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More details on AKB48’s upcoming 31st single revealed



Popular idol group AKB48 recently revealed the music video and the new visual for their 31st single “Sayonara Crawl” (to be released on May 22).

The title track has already been performed at the live concert on the 28th, and Watanabe Mayu, Shimazaki Haruka, Oshima Yuko, and Itano Tomomi serve as center positions.

Both music video and cover jackets were taken by photographer/film director Ninagawa Mika, and the filming was held in Okinawa. Reportedly, the choreography adopted some swimming and synchronized swimming moves, and the dance scenes which the 32 Senbatsu members show in swimsuits decorated with flowers, against the blue sea, are really overwhelming.

One of the themes for the MV is said to be “sisters.” The director Ninagawa explained, “I was planning to make a buoyant summer PV which will go down in history. I aimed it to be simply cute, enjoyable to watch, and fun for the members.” The making of the music video in Okinawa will be included in the DVD for Type-A and Type-K.

It was also revealed that the special footage for each type will be the flip book based on AKB48 songs, hand-drawn by comedian Tekken. For Type-A, it will be “So long!“, “Yume no Kawa” for Type-K, and “First Rabbit” for Type-B. According to a person concerned, the flip books are all tear-jerking.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... st-single-revealed/

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Kasai Tomomi graduates from AKB48



On May 3rd, Kasai Tomomi’s graduation concert was held at AKB48 Theater.

This day marked Kasai’s last performance as a member of AKB48. During the middle of the concert, there was a talk segment called ‘the things I love about Tomomi-chan’. Kasai gave an embarrassed look as her juniors commented with praises like “I love her sweet singing voice” and “She called out to me when I was nervous“.

Towards the end, Kasai and Miyazawa Sae performed “Tomo yo” together. When hugged by Miyazawa during the song, Kasai choked up as tears welled in her eyes. In addition, the other 2nd generation members Akimoto Sayaka, Oshima Yuko, Ohori Megumi, Umeda Ayaka, Kobayashi Kana, and Matsubara Natsumi joined in to sing “Enjoy your life!“.

The girls then offered words of encouragement to Kasai. “The game begins after you graduate. Please move forward” (Akimoto), “I am looking forward to the day we can stand on the same stage again” (Oshima), “Don’t forget that you have many friends” (Miyazawa).

Kasai also expressed, “There were many frustrating, painful, sad, and hard times these past 7 years. At such times, I cheered up by reading everyone’s comments on my blog and letters. I love everyone, and everyone is my important family. I am uneasy about taking a new step forward, but I would like to chase my dream in order to stand on the same stage with everyone again. Thank you very much for the 7 years.”

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... aduates-from-akb48/

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AKB48’s Matsubara Natsumi to graduate from the group



AKB48 team K member Matsubara Natsumi announced that she would be graduating from the group at the “‘Omoidaseru Kimitachi e’ ~AKB48 Group Zenkouen~” held at TOKYO DOME CITY HALL on May 5th.

Matsubara also updated her official blog, and expressed her thoughts.

“I announced this at the ‘Nounai Paradise Performance’ today. I, Matsubara Natsumi, will graduate from AKB48.

I’ve experienced many things this past 7 years since I joined AKB48. It was the 7 years I had both good and hard times.

The only reason why I was able to come this far in AKB48 until now is because of you fans who always support me, the staff members who make AKB48 together with us, and the members who always make me laugh, so I was very happy.

From now on, I will go on a different path.

My dream is to become an actress. I guess I got the opportunities to appear in stage play, drama, or movie, just because I was a member of AKB48. I’m sure only hardships are waiting for me after I leave the group.

I do feel uneasy, but I am now looking forward for my life after the graduation.

I can’t say that I’m not sad, but I will run through the rest of my time as AKB48, with my full effort so I would not let my tears to have a chance to shed!!!

I will make an announcement regarding my graduation date later!!!!

Please follow me!!!!!!

I love you all!!!!!”

Matsubara joined the group back in 2006 as a second generation member.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... ate-from-the-group/

whitedove

AKB48’s Komori Mika announces her graduation



AKB48 Team B’s Komori Mika has announced that she will be graduating from the group.

This was announced on May 9 during Team B’s performance at AKB48 Theater. Komori explained, “The candidacy system for the upcoming general elections made me think deeply about my future. I’ve been doing this for 4 years and I thought about what’s to come. I’ve been doing my best in my own way, but I realized that the path I want to pursue is different from AKB48.”

She further revealed, “I thought about wanting to look at different worlds, and that I should have studied more after graduating high school. I made up my mind to graduate to aim towards one of my dreams, which is to study abroad.”

Komori passed AKB48’s 7th generation auditions in late 2008. As a research student, she was chosen as a senbatsu member for the single “Namida Surprise!” which was released in June of 2009. She joined the sub-unit Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 in summer of 2010. Last year, she ranked 64th in AKB48’s general elections and was a part of Future Girls.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... ces-her-graduation/