AKB48 in Japan Pop Culture Concert 2012 (Washington D.C.) to be streamed on Youtube

Noticed the banner at the top in Youtube? AKB48's live performance in 'Japan Pop Culture Concert 2012' which took place in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, March 27th will be streamed on YouTube at AKB48's Official Youtube Channel and Google+ tomorrow! The concert was one of the events in the National Cherry Blossom Festival from March 20th - April 27th which celebrates spring, Japan's gift of cherry blossom trees in 1912, and the friendship between America and Japan. (Background information adapted from AKB48 Singapore Official Facebook).

Time: 1st April, 8PM ~ 10:30PM JPT

Performing Members：
Team A: Asuka Kuramochi, Aki Takajo, Minami Takahashi
Team K: Ayaka Umeda, Reina Fujie, Sakiko Matsui, Minami Minegishi, Sae Miyazawa
Team B: Shihori Suzuki
Team 4: Maria Abe, Miori Ichikawa, Anna Iriyama
Trainee：Rina Kawaei, Natsuki Kojima, Juri Takahashi, Rina Hirata

There would be a Hangouts video chat between AKB48 members and Marty Friedman before the live performance.

Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 10th Single - '少年よ 嘘をつけ！' ('Shounen yo Uso wo Tsuke!')

It was revealed that Watarirouka Hashiritai 7, sub-unit from AKB48, will be releasing a new single titled '少年よ　嘘をつけ！' ('Shounen yo Uso wo Tsuke!'). More details are yet to be announced and the release date is not revealed yet. The single will be released on the 30th of May

Source: tokyohive/Warota7 Official Site

Type A (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 少年よ 嘘をつけ!/ 渡り廊下走り隊7 [Shounen yo Uso wo Tsuke!]
2. [CD] 君は考える/ 渡り廊下走り隊7 [Kimi wa Kangaeru]
3. [CD] 姉妹どんぶり/ 渡辺麻友 [Shimai Donburi (Watanabe Mayu / Urano Kazumi)]
4. [CD] 少年よ 嘘をつけ! (Instrumental)
5. [CD] 君は考える (Instrumental)
6. [CD] 姉妹どんぶり (Instrumental)
7. [DVD] 少年よ 嘘をつけ! (Music Video) [Shounen yo Uso wo Tsuke! music video]
Special Footage: Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 Work of an Actress Trailer -
8. [DVD] 女囚708号ヒトデ (渡り廊下走り隊7 女優のお仕事 予告篇) (特典映像) [Starring Kikuchi Ayaka “Joshu 708gou Hitode”]
9. [DVD] 湯けむりほっかむり夢見がち□カラフル警部の事件簿3 (渡り廊下走り隊7 女優のお仕事 予告篇) (特典映像) [Starring Komori Mika “Yukemuri Hokkamuri Yumemigachi Colorful Keibu no Jikenbo (3)”]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type B (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 少年よ 嘘をつけ!/ 渡り廊下走り隊7 [Shounen yo Uso wo Tsuke!]
2. [CD] 君は考える/ 渡り廊下走り隊7 [Kimi wa Kangaeru]
3. [CD] 恋愛ヘビー級チャンピオン/ 渡辺麻友 [Renai Heavy Kyu Champion (Watanabe Mayu / Nakagawa Haruka / Kikuchi Ayaka / Iwasa Misaki)]
4. [CD] 少年よ 嘘をつけ! (Instrumental)
5. [CD] 君は考える (Instrumental)
6. [CD] 恋愛ヘビー級チャンピオン (Instrumental)
7. [DVD] 少年よ 嘘をつけ! (Music Video)/ 渡り廊下走り隊7 [Shounen yo Uso wo Tsuke! music video]
Special Footage: Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 Work of an Actress Trailer
8. [DVD] タイムリープな少女 (渡り廊下走り隊7 女優のお仕事 予告篇) (特典映像) [Starring Ota Aika “Time Leap na Shoujo”]
9. [DVD] 必殺くノ一 秘中必中仕事屋稼業 (渡り廊下走り隊7 女優のお仕事 予告篇) (特典映像) [Starring Urano Kazumi “Hissatsu Kunoichi Hichu Hicchu Shigotoya Kagyou”]
10. [DVD] 少年よ 嘘をつけ! (Dance Shot Version)/ 渡り廊下走り隊7 [Shounen yo Uso wo Tsuke! Dance Shot Version]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type C (CD + DVD)

1. [CD] 少年よ 嘘をつけ!/ 渡り廊下走り隊7 [Shounen yo Uso wo Tsuke!]
2. [CD] 君は考える/ 渡り廊下走り隊7 [Kimi wa Kangaeru]
3. [CD] なんて素敵なあひるのボート/ 渡辺麻友 [Nante Suteki na Ahiru no Boat (Watanabe Mayu / Ota Aika / Komori Mika)]
4. [CD] 少年よ 嘘をつけ! (Instrumental)
5. [CD] 君は考える (Instrumental)
6. [CD] なんて素敵なあひるのボート (Instrumental)
7. [DVD] 少年よ 嘘をつけ! (Music Video)/ 渡り廊下走り隊7 [Shounen yo Uso wo Tsuke! music video]
Special Footage: Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 Work of an Actress Trailer
8. [DVD] あそぼ (渡り廊下走り隊7 女優のお仕事 予告篇) (特典映像) [Starring Watanabe Mayu “A So Bo”]
9. [DVD] 振り向けばラブストーリー (渡り廊下走り隊7 女優のお仕事 予告篇) (特典映像) [Starring Nakagawa Haruka “Furimukeba Love Story”]
10. [DVD] サクラ咲く丘 少女が見つめた戦争 (渡り廊下走り隊7 女優のお仕事 予告篇) (特典映像) [Starring Iwasa Misaki “Sakura Saku Oka Shojo ga Mitsumeta Sensou”]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Regular Edition (CD Only)

1. 少年よ 嘘をつけ!/ 渡り廊下走り隊7 [Shounen yo Uso wo Tsuke!]
2. へそが曲がる/ 多田愛佳 [Heso ga Magaru (Ota Aika)]
3. 少年よ 嘘をつけ! (Instrumental)
4. へそが曲がる (Instrumental)
CDJapan
HMV Online

【PV】渡り廊下走り隊７／少年よ　嘘をつけ！（Short ver.）【公式】

UPDATE (5th April):
Release date revealed

Source: tokyohive/Oricon

UPDATE (11th May):
Single covers and track lists revealed

NMB48 4th Single - 'ナギイチ' ('Nagiichi')

NMB48 revealed the title and the senbatsu members of their new single, 'ナギイチ' ('Nagiichi') - short for 'Nagisa de Ichiban Kawaii GIRL' (The Cutest GIRL on the Beach). It is scheduled to be released on the 9th of May.

Senbatsu Members:
Team N - Ogasawara Mayu, Kadowaki Kanako, Kotani Riho, Kondo Rina, Jonishi Kei, Shiroma Miru, Fukumoto Aina, Yamada Nana, Yamamoto Sayaka, Yoshida Akari, and Watanabe Miyuki
Team M - Kinoshita Momoka, Jo Eriko, Tanigawa Airi, Murakami Ayaka, and Yagura Fuuko

More details are yet to be released.

Type A (CD + DVD)
1. [CD] ナギイチ [Nagiichi]
2. [CD] 理不尽ボール/アンダーガールズ [Rifujin Ball / Under Girls]
3. [CD] 最後のカタルシス/白組 [Saigo no Catharsis / Shirogumi]
4. [CD] ナギイチ (off vocal ver.)
5. [CD] 理不尽ボール/アンダーガールズ (off vocal ver.)
6. [CD] 最後のカタルシス/白組 (off vocal ver.)
7. [DVD] ナギイチ (ミュージックビデオ) [Nagiichi music video]
8. [DVD] 最後のカタルシス/白組 (ミュージックビデオ) [Saigo no Catharsis music video]
9. [DVD] ナギイチ (ミュージックビデオ ダンシングバージョン) [Nagiichi music video Dancing ver.]
10. [DVD] 特典映像「NMB48 春の学力テスト -前編-」 [Bonus Footage: Bonus video (NMB48 Haru no Gakuryoku Test -First Part-)]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type B (CD + DVD)
1. [CD] ナギイチ [Nagiichi]
2. [CD] 理不尽ボール/アンダーガールズ [Rifujin Ball / Under Girls]
3. [CD] 僕がもう少し大胆なら/紅組 [Boku ga mou sukoshi daitan nara / Akagumi]
4. [CD] ナギイチ (off vocal ver.)
5. [CD] 理不尽ボール/アンダーガールズ (off vocal ver.)
6. [CD] 僕がもう少し大胆なら/紅組 (off vocal ver.)
7. [DVD] ナギイチ (ミュージックビデオ) [Nagiichi music video]
8. [DVD] 僕がもう少し大胆なら/紅組 (ミュージックビデオ) [Boku ga mou sukoshi daitan nara music video]
9. [DVD] ナギイチ (ミュージックビデオ ダンシングバージョン) [Nagiichi music video Dancing ver.]
10. [DVD] 特典映像「NMB48 春の学力テスト -後編-」 [Bonus Footage: Bonus video (NMB48 Haru no Gakuryoku Test -Second Part-)]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Type C (CD + DVD)
1. [CD] ナギイチ [Nagiichi]
2. [CD] 理不尽ボール/アンダーガールズ [Rifujin Ball / Under Girls]
3. [CD] 初恋の行方とプレイボール/NMBセブン [Hatsukoi no yukue to Play Ball / NMB Seven]
4. [CD] ナギイチ (off vocal ver.)
5. [CD] 理不尽ボール/アンダーガールズ (off vocal ver.)
6. [CD] 初恋の行方とプレイボール/NMBセブン (off vocal ver.)
7. [DVD] ナギイチ (ミュージックビデオ) [Nagiichi music video]
8. [DVD] ナギイチ (ミュージックビデオ ダンシングバージョン) [Nagiichi music video Dancing ver.]
9. [DVD] 特典映像「NMB48 feat.吉本新喜劇Vol.3」[Bonus Footage: Bonus video (NMB48 feat. Yoshimoto Shinkigeki Vol.3)]
CDJapan
HMV Online

Theater Edition (CD Only)
1. [CD] ナギイチ [Nagiichi]
2. [CD] 最後のカタルシス/白組 [Saigo no Catharsis / Shirogumi]
3. [CD] 僕がもう少し大胆なら/紅組 [Boku ga mou sukoshi daitan nara / Akagumi]
4. [CD] わるきー/渡辺美優紀 [Warukii / Watanabe Miyuki]
5. [CD] ナギイチ (off vocal ver.)
6. [CD] 最後のカタルシス/白組 (off vocal ver.)
7. [CD] 僕がもう少し大胆なら/紅組 (off vocal ver.)
8. [CD] わるきー/渡辺美優紀 (off vocal ver.)

Source: tokyohive/natalie

UPDATE (15th April):
Covers and PV previews revealed

AKB48 4th General Election - 27th Single Senbatsu Sousenkyo

AKB48 3rd General Election

Announced at the last day of the AKB48's Saitama Super Arena concert (Day 3) earlier today, AKB48's 4th General Election - 27th Single Senbatsu Sousenkyo - will be held on the 6th of June at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo.

This time round, HKT48 wil also be included, adding up to grand total of 243 candidates to vote for. There's a little change to the seats this time round with 64 seats divided into four groups - 1-16, 17-32, 34-48 and 49-64. There will not be any 'Media Senbatsu' grouping, which was used to be for the top 12 members in the past three elections. In the past, top 21 members are considered 'Senbatsu members' while 22nd to 30th (1st election) or 40th (2nd and 3rd election) are considered 'Under Girls'. Now, the top 16 is considered Senbatsu members and will make official media appearances while the 17th to 64th position are considered 'Under Girls' which will be divided in to three groupings for three different coupling tracks.

Voting tickets will be included in AKB48's 26th Single.

Due to Maeda Atsuko's decision to graduate, she will not be participating in the elections.

Voting starts on 22nd of May 10am JST and will end on 5th June 3pm JST.

Source: Oricon

Takajo Aki is a for sure must vote for me and second in line will be Matsui Rena. Wished I had more money to order more single so that I can vote for more of my favourite members! TAT

Maeda Atsuko to graduate from AKB48

A really shocking news was revealed during the last day of the AKB48's Saitama Super Arena concert (Day 3) earlier today. I wasn't at the location to hear it for myself and was unable to witness it but from the oncoming twitter feeds during the concert, I learned that Acchan announced her decision to graduate from AKB48.

Even though I support Yuko more than Acchan, I still felt at a lost at the fact that Acchan will be leaving AKB48. She's been the cover girl of AKB48 for so long and I think I might still need some time to get used this, even though I am not really a supporter of her.

No details of the graduation were revealed yet.

Anyways, if this truly is for the best for her, I shall support her decision and wish her all the best in her future careers and life. I really loved her solo single and hope that she continues as a solo singer after leaving AKB48.

Image from Nikkan Sports

UPDATE (27th March):
Translation of a post on Acchan's Official Blog

Good morning everyone

I’m in Hong Kong right now

These days sure are going by fast

I’ve been thinking about a lot of things and my report to all of you is coming a bit late

I, Maeda Atsuko, will be graduating from AKB48

I announced it at Saitama Super Arena the day before yesterday

Even though I came to that conclusion, I was full of anxiety up until that very moment

At the Saitama Super Arena everyone was having fun, singing and dancing and all of the members were really shining

The fans in the audience had nothing but smiles on their faces

I really thought it would be great to continue as it is.

But, during the encore when we were singing our songs, I saw the guest seating full of penlights and I really felt happy.

So, I have to go out on my own now and I wanted to properly announce it to everyone.

And
Then I said to Takamina (Takahashi Minami) who was right next to me, that “I am going to announce it.”

With those few words, it was the beginning for me to start running (towards my dreams)

I have been given so many chances, that I need to be the one to take the first step

Because if I don’t those behind me won’t be able to continue after me

Hearing everyone support me after my announcement at Saitama Super Arena, well that was the warmest moment of my life

It made me realize that I was not making a wrong decision.

Of course I can also hear people saying, “don’t quit!”

And that made me feel really happy

The members have been shedding tears for me and have genuinely been concerned for me

I am so so happy that I am able to feel all of this love

The members will always, always be my friends, no matter what happens

So, I want to be able to give the members proper and reliable advice in the future

I still can’t sort the thoughts out in my head

Regardless
“AKB” is the best

Akimoto-san
Thank you so so much for warmly watching over me despite my selfishness, my extreme selfishness

You’ve looked out for me ever since I was 14 years old

If Akimoto-san wasn’t there, I wouldn’t be where I am today

Please let me continue to have conversations about various things with you in the future

Fans

I’ve been reading a ton of your comments

Thank you guys for giving me your support

Please continue to look after me in the future

I love my fans and everyone around me.

Source: tokyohive

UPDATE (24th May):
With the release of the Tokyo Dome concert dates, and that Acchan would be graduating on the day after the concert, the date of her graduation is set to be on the 27th of August.

5 Promoted to Team 4 & Announcement of Team 8

Also announced at the Saitama Super Arena concert (Day 2) earlier today, 5 Research Students are promoted to Team 4 - Kato Rena, Kawaei Rina, Iwata Karen, Tano Yuuka, and Takahashi Juri.

加藤 玲奈

Kato Rena

所属事務所: AKS

ニックネーム: れなっち

生年月日: 1997年7月10日

出身地: 千葉県

川栄 李奈

Kawaei Rina

所属事務所: AKS

ニックネーム: りっちゃん

生年月日: 1995年2月12日

出身地: 神奈川県

岩田 華怜

Iwata Karen

所属事務所: AKS

ニックネーム: カレン

生年月日: 1998年5月13日

出身地: 宮城県

田野 優花

Tano Yuuka

所属事務所: AKS

ニックネーム: たのちゃん

生年月日: 1997年3月7日

出身地: 東京都

高橋 朱里

Takahashi Juri

所属事務所: AKS

ニックネーム: じゅり

生年月日: 1997年10月3日

出身地: 茨城県

Profiles taken from AKB48 Official Site

Congratulations on their promotion!! \(^o^)/

Due to concerns of many Research Students still not promoted, Akimoto Yasushi Producer announced on Google+ later in the day that 'Team 8' will be formed. More details are yet to be revealed.

Hmm... So Team 4 isn't a temporary group and as expected in my post last time, Team 8 will be created.

Matsui Jurina (SKE48) & Watanabe Miyuki (NMB48) to join AKB48 Temporarily

Announced at the Saitama Super Arena concert (Day 2) earlier today, Matsui Jurina from SKE48 Team S and Watanabe Miyuki from NMB48 Team N will be temporarily joining AKB48's Team K and Team B respectively. The news brought strong reactions from the crowd

Akimoto Yasushi, the producer, posted about it on Google+ soon later.

This news is obviously related to the graduation of Yonezawa Rumi and Hirajima Natsumi, which vacated one spot in Team K and one in Team B. It was said that until suitable candidate is chosen to take up the two spots, Jurina and Miyuki will temporarily be joining AKB48.
That aside, I am actually more concerned of the health of both of the girls as they are still young, especially Jurina. While Jurina is in SKE48, she's so dedicated and puts in her all in every thing she do that she falls ill often due to over-exhaustion. To be in both SKE48 Team S and AKB48 Team K at the same time, it really makes me worry for her.

Anyways, I shall wish them all the best hope their health is placed on top of their idol career!

AKB48 26th Single - '真夏のSounds Good!' ('Manatsu no Sounds Good!')

Announced at the Saitama Super Arena Concert today, AKB48 will be releasing their 26th single, '真夏のSounds Good!' ('Manatsu no Sounds good!') on 23rd of May. 'Manatsu no Sounds Good!' will feature the largest Senbatsu in AKB48's records, with 36 members, where 15 of them would be their first time in Senbatsu - inclusive of 11 from AKB48's Team 4, and 1 from HKT48 (Kodama Haruka). More details are yet to be announced.

 

Type A (CD + DVD)
1. [CD] 真夏のSounds good! [Manatsu no Sounds Good!]
2. [CD] 3つの涙 [Mittsu no Namida]
3. [CD] ちょうだい、ダーリン [Choudai, Darling!]
4. [CD] 真夏のSounds good! Off vocal ver.
5. [CD] 3つの涙 Off vocal ver.
6. [CD] ちょうだい、ダーリン Off vocal ver.
7. [DVD] 真夏のSounds good! Music Video [Manatsu no Sounds Good! music video]
8. [DVD] 真夏のSounds good! Music Video-Dance ver.- [Manatsu no Sounds Good! music video -Dance Ver.-]
9. [DVD] 3つの涙 Music Video [Mittsu no Namida music video]
10. [DVD] ちょうだい、ダーリン Music Video [Choudai, Darling! music video]
11. [DVD] AKB 48 27thシングル 選抜総選挙 出馬メンバー プロフィール映像＜Type-A＞
[AKB48 27th Single Senbatsu Elections Member’s Profile Clips ＜Type-A＞]
CDJapan [LE/Regular]
HMV Online [LE/Regular]

 

Type B (CD + DVD)
1. [CD] 真夏のSounds good! [Manatsu no Sounds Good!]
2. [CD] 3つの涙 [Mittsu no Namida]
3. [CD] ぐぐたすの空 [Gugutasu no Sora]
4. [CD] 真夏のSounds good! off vocal ver.
5. [CD] 3つの涙 off vocal ver.
6. [CD] ぐぐたすの空 off vocal ver.
7. [DVD] 真夏のSounds good! Music Video [Manatsu no Sounds Good! music video]
8. [DVD] 真夏のSounds good! Music Video-Dance ver.- [Manatsu no Sounds Good! music video -Dance Ver.-]
9. [DVD] 3つの涙 Music Video [Mittsu no Namida music video]
10. [DVD] ぐぐたすの空 Music Video [Gugutasu no Sora music video]
11. [DVD] AKB48 27thシングル 選抜総選挙 出馬メンバー プロフィール映像＜Type-B＞
[AKB48 27th Single Senbatsu Elections Member’s Profile Clips ＜Type-B＞]
CDJapan [LE/Regular]
HMV Online [LE/Regular]

Theater Edition (CD only)
1. [CD] 真夏のSounds good! [Manatsu no Sounds Good!]
2. [CD] 3つの涙 [Mittsu no Namida]
3. [CD] 君のために僕は… [Kimi no Tame ni Boku wa…]
4. [CD] 真夏のSounds good! off vocal ver.
5. [CD] 3つの涙 off vocal ver.
6. [CD] 君のために僕は… off vocal ver.

'真夏のSounds good !' preview

ぐぐたすの空 preview

'Manatsu no Sounds good!' Senbatsu Members

Team A:
Kuramochi Asuka, Kojima Haruna, Sashihara Rino, Shinoda Mariko, Takajo Aki, Takahashi Minami, Maeda Atsuko

Team K:
Itano Tomomi, Oshima Yuko, Minegishi Minami, Miyazawa Sae, Yokoyama Yui

Team B:
Kasai Tomomi, Kashiwagi Yuki, Kitahara Rie, Watanabe Mayu

Team 4:
Abe Maria, Ichikawa Miori, Iriyama Anna, Shimazaki Haruka, Shimada Haruka, Takeuchi Miyu, Yamauchi Suzuran, Iwata Karen, Kato Rena, Kawaei Rina, Takahashi Juri

SKE48:
Kizaki Yuria, Matsui Jurina, Matsui Rena, Takayanagi Akane, Kimoto Kanon

NMB48:
Yamamoto Sayaka, Watanabe Miyuki, Jo Eriko

HKT48:
Kodama Haruka

Source: tokyohive/Daily Sports Online

As usual, I will be rooting for Akicha (Takajo Aki) and Rena (Matsui Rena), my oshi from AKB48 and SKE48 respectively. Wished I can vote more but again, budget problems... TAT

UPDATE (25th March):
Senbatsu Members revealed
General Election to take place in June

UPDATE (5th April):
Track lists revealed

Source: King Records

UPDATE (18th April):
Single covers and PV preview revealed

UPDATE (12th May):
Gugutasu no Sora PV preview revealed

UPDATE (23rd May):

'Manatsu no Sounds Good!' topped the Oricon Singles chart for 22nd May, with 1,170,554 copies!

Source: Oricon Style

Not only that, the single shipped over 2 million copies on the day of release! Breaking their previous record of 1.6 million with their 23rd single, 'Kaze wa Fuiteiru'.

Source: Sponichi Annex

Congratulations!!

AKB48's First Tokyo Dome concert announced at Saitama Super Arena Concert!

Kicking start the concert at Saitama Super Arena earlier today, AKB48 announced that they will be holding their first concert at the Tokyo Dome! It brought such strong cheers from the crowd that even on live streaming through Youtube, I can also hear the crowd's cheers in the background while the announcement video clip played.

Date of the Tokyo Dome concert is not revealed yet.

1830 is actually the distance in meters between the Tokyo Dome and the AKB48 Theater

UPDATE (24th May):
It was revealed on Youtube by Takahashi Minami that the dates of the concert would be on the 24th to the 26th of August.

Extra Update (26th August):
Acchan's speech at the Tokyo Dome concert final day -

「私は小さいころから人見知りでした。誰かに話しかけられても、すぐにお母さんの後ろに隠れてしまうような子でした。そんな私でも、今、4万8000人の皆さんの前に立っているのがとても不思議で、幸せでいっぱいです。

正直、すごく寂しいです。ですが、自分で決めた道です。前に、ここから歩き出したいと思います。

こんな私を、AKB48のメンバーの一員として、ここまで応援してくださった皆さん、本当に、本当にありがとうございました。

（あっちゃんコールに約1分間、頭を下げ続ける）

これからも、AKB48のことを応援よろしくお願いします。こんなにたくさんの方に、背中を押していただけて、旅立つことができる私は、本当に幸せ者です。AKB48は、私の青春のすべてでした」

Source: Oricon

Translation from tokyohive:

“I was shy ever since I was small. Whenever someone talked to me, I would immediately hide behind my mom. It’s a mystery that a person like me can stand in front of 48,000 people right now. I’m full of happiness.

Honestly, I’m very sad. However, it’s the path I’ve decided for myself. I would like to take a step forward from here.

To everyone who has supported someone like me as a member of AKB48 until now, thank you very very much.

(Maeda keeps her head lowered during a minute of Acchan call.)

Please continue to support AKB48 in the future. I’m really a fortunate person to be able to start my journey with so much people supproting me from behind. AKB48 was my entire youth.“

SUPER☆GiRLS / 1,000,000☆スマイル（MUSIC VIDEO Short ver.）

Sounds real cheerful, very suitable for Spring! ^^

'1,000,000☆スマイル', SUPER☆GiRLS 4th Single is scheduled to be released on 18th of April.

AKB48's 'Saitama Super Arena Concert' Day 1 to be aired LIVE on Youtube

It was just announced on the AKB48 Official Ameba Blog that the 'Saitama Super Arena Concert' will be aired on Youtube LIVE and Google+ on the first day, which is tomorrow!
The concert will start airing from 5PM SGT and is planned to end at about 7:30PM SGT

Original post:

'2012-03-22 21:51:39
さいたまスーパーアリーナ　コンサート1日目をYouTubeでライブ配信！！
テーマ：ブログ
2012年3月23日（金）18:00より行われるコンサート「業務連絡。頼むぞ、片山部長！inさいたまスーパーアリーナ（初日）」をYouTubeでライブ配信することが決定しました。

当日は、ぐぐたす選抜がぐぐたす選抜曲「ぐぐたすの空」を初披露します。

また、現在「AKB48 STREAM ぐぐたす選抜プロジェクト（http://www.akb48plus.com/ ）」サイト内でユーザーから募集している「空」の写真が「ぐぐたす選抜」とコラボレーションし、ステージを盛り上げます。

この模様は、YouTubeの「AKB48 Official Channel!（http://www.youtube.com/user/AKB48 ）」での生中継に加え、各メンバーのGoogle+ページでは、オリジナル映像により配信されます。

【配信時間】18:00（20:30終了予定）

【配信先URL】
AKB48 Official Channel!（http://www.youtube.com/user/AKB48 ）
AKB48各メンバーのGoogle+ページ（「AKB48 Now on Google+」特設サイトURL：http://www.google.com/intl/ja/+/project48/ ）'
From AKB48 Official Blog

Oh nooo.. I would be working till 6:15PM! Guess I may miss almost half of the concert T_T I see if I can watch through my phone while working... =X

SDN48's CinDy to join Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 Temporarily

Aki-P's Google+ was really shocking yesterday night. No one would really have expected that CinDy, 1st Generation member of SDN48 and AKB48, would be chosen to join Warota7 (short for Watarirouka Hashiritai 7), even though it's temporary.

Ever since the sudden announcement of Nacchan leaving AKB48 and the sub-unit, Warota7, many fans including me were wondering who would be taking Nacchan's place in Warota7? If no one is replacing, wouldn't make it Warota6? Wouldn't staying with 6 members against the contract?

Well, it was revealed yesterday night on Aki-P's Google+ that CinDy will be temporarily taking that place. Of course, it surprised many people, even the 6 members of Warota7, and brought up quite some heated discussions - even Warota7 had their own meeting on this matter through SMS. CinDy, now 26, is 6 years older than Harugon (Nakagawa Haruka) - who is the oldest among the 6 remaining members of Warota7, plus SDN48 would be disbanding after the farewell concert at the end of this month. Many would say, 'How can this be possible?? Is Aki-P joking?'. If look deeper into the matter, CinDy joining Warota7 temporarily isn't that impossible actually.

Some facts listed that are in favour of CinDy joining Warota7:

• CinDy was the unofficial leader of Team B before the mass reshuffle of the teams in 2009
• Her princess character fits the image of Warota7
• Warota was initially intended to be a sub-unit consisting of Team B members
• CinDy's agency is also OgiPro (same as the other Warota7 members except for Wasamin who transferred)
• CinDy knows the history of Warota/Warota7 [reason links to point 1]

First three points from Melos no Michi

I am actually okay with Aki-P's decision but even though it's temporary, I hope that CinDy would really be treated as a real member and not just a spare as it won't look very good to be just a spare, and that it won't drag too long either as after all, CinDy is already 26.

Translated posts of the Warota7 members' responses are on Bilingual48 and translation of Aki-P G+ posts are on Melos no Michi.

Cast List of AKB0048

The voice actresses of the three remaining AKB0048’s succession members, Acchan, Sayaka and Sae, were revealed. Sawashiro Miyuki will voice act for ‘Acchan’ or Maeda Atsuko of the 13th generation, Kawasumi Ayako will voice act for ‘Sayaka’ or Akimoto Sayaka of the 10th generation, and Nakahara Mai as ‘Sae’ or Miyazawa Sae of the 10th generation in this anime series.

Here's the full cat list:

AKB0048’s Succession Members

• Acchan/Maeda Atsuko – Sawashiro Miyuki
• Yuuko /Oshima Yuko – Kanda Akemi
• Yukirin/ Kashiwagi Yuki – Horie Yui
• Mayuyu/ Watanabe Mayu – Tamura Yukari
• Kojiharu/ Kojima Haruna – Noto Mamiko
• Takamina/ Takahashi Minami – Shiraishi Ryoko
• Tomochin/ Itano Tomomi – Ueda Kana
• Sae/ Miyazawa Sae – Nakahara Mai
• Sayaka/ Akimoto Sayaka – Kawasumi Ayako

AKB0048’s Research Members

• Aida Orine – Nakaya Sayaka (AKB48 Team A)
• Ichijo Yuka – Sato Amina (AKB48 Team B)
• Kanzaki Suzuko – Hata Sawako (SKE48 Team KII)
• Kishida Mimori – Sato Sumire (AKB48 Team B)
• Shinonome Kanata – Ishida Haruka (AKB48 Team B)
• Shinonome Sonata – Yagami Kumi (SKE48 Team S)
• Sono Chieri – Watanabe Mayu (AKB48 Team B)
• Motomiya Nagisa – Iwata Karen (AKB48 Research Student)
• Yokomizo Makoto – Mita Mao (NMB48 Team M)

AKB0048 will be start broadcasting gradually on 29th of April on 12 stations. More information are posted in my previous post.

tokyohive/Oricon News

Mano Erina’s PV of '黄昏交差点' ('Tasogare Kousaten') revealed

'Tasogare Kousaten' is from Manoeri's 11th single 'ドキドキベイビー/黄昏交差点' ('Doki Doki Baby/Tasogare Kousaten'), which was released on the 22nd of February.

AKB48 receives Guinness World Record for 'Most Number of Same Product Television Endorsement within 24 Hours'

AKB48 broadcasted 90 solo member’s CMs for Asahi’s ‘Wonda Coffee Morning Shot’ (restricted in Kanto, Kansai, Tokai region) on February 28th and thus received a Guinness World Record for broadcasting the 'Most Number of Same Product Television Endorsement within 24 Hours'.

Wow, another world record by AKB48! Congratulations!! \(^o^)/

From: tokyohive/Oricon News

Itano Tomomi 3rd Single - TBA

It was announced that Tomochin (Itano Tomomi) will be releasing her third single on the 25th of April in three versions, Type A & B, and Regular edition. More details are yet to be announced.

It's been around 9 months since Tomochin released her previous single, 'ふいに' ('Fuini'). Have been waiting for this new single with much anticipation as I really love her style of singing. Hope that this time I would have spare cash to order.. >_< I want to support her singles!

From: toktohive/natalie

Photo: Tomochin Ameba blog

AKB48, SKE48, NMB48, HKT48 holding charity performances on 11th of March

In memory of the tragic Tohoku Earthquake that shook Japan last year, AKB48 and their sister groups SKE48, NMB48, and HKT48 will be holding a charity performance, titled “Tohoku Earthquake Reconstruction Support Special Performance ~Dareka no Tame ni Project~“, on March 11th.

The charity performance will be held at each of the groups theaters in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka. All members of the groups (including Research Students) are scheduled to participate in these performances. The lives will start approximately 16 minutes before the earthquake struck, at 2:30 pm, and will end at 4:00 pm.

After the disasters, AKB48 launched their charity project, “Dareka no Tame ni“. Their efforts have raised over 1.25 billion yen (around $15.3 million USD), and they have also donated 30 vehicles to Iwate, Fukushima, and Miyagi for the new school term.

From: tokyohive

Source: Oricon

Wow.. that's a real great amount that is being raised. Even I feel proud for them!
Wish that I am able to watch the charity performances... =(

UPDATE (9th March):
“Tohoku Earthquake Reconstruction Support Special Performance ~Dareka no Tame ni Project~“ will be broadcasting live on their Official Youtube channel! (2:30pm JPT)

Source: AKB48 Official Blog

UPDATE (11th March):

AKB48劇場
M01 風は吹いている(4会場)
M02 誰かのために(SDN含む全会場)
-- overture --
M03 走れペンギン(4)
M04 呼び捨てファンタジー(B)
M05 ALIVE(K)
M06 胡桃とダイアローグ(A)
M07 会いたかった(12期までの研究生)
M08 Beginner(13期研究生)
M09 フライングゲット
M10 Everyday、カチューシャ
M11 ヘビーローテーション
M12 桜の花びらたち(全会場)

SKE48劇場
M01 風は吹いている(4会場)
M02 誰かのために(SDN含む全会場)
-- overture --
M03 片想いFinally(S)
M04 愛の数(KII)
M05 青空片想い(E)
M06 オキドキ(研究生)
M07 バンザイVenus
M08 Dear my teacher（初代研究生）
M09 1！2！3！4！　ヨロシク！
M10 パレオはエメラルド
M11 ごめんね、SUMMER
M12 桜の花びらたち(全会場)

NMB48劇場
M01 風は吹いている(4会場)
M02 誰かのために(SDN含む全会場)
-- overture --
M03 三日月の背中(1期)
M04 NMB48(3期)
M05 青空のそばにいて(2期)
M06 右へ曲がれ
M07 努力の雫
M08 純情U-19
M09 オーマイガー！
M10 絶滅黒髪少女
M11 僕は待ってる(全員)
M12 桜の花びらたち(全会場)

HKT48劇場
M01 風は吹いている(4会場)
M02 誰かのために(SDN含む全会場)
-- overture --
M03 手をつなぎながら
M04 チャイムはLOVE SONG
M05 Innocence
M06 ロマンスロケット
M07 大好き
M08 スカート、ひらり
M09 ヘビーローテーション
M10 遠くにいても(21名)
M11 桜の花びらたち(全会場)

SDN48劇場
-

Credits to Eriol & TGSK

HKT48's Team H

The members of HKT48's Team H were revealed at a press conference at HKT48 Theater earlier today. HKT48 is AKB48’s fourth sister group based in Hakata, Fukuoka, first introduced during AKB48’s handshake event at Seibu Dome last October with 21 first generation members.

The 16 members of Team H are Anai Chihiro (Captain), Ueki Nao, Kumazawa Serina, Kodama Haruka (Center), Komori Yui, Shimono Yuki, Sugamoto Yuko, Tanaka Natsumi, Taniguchi Airi, Nakanishi Chiyori, Matsuoka Natsumi, Miyawaki Sakura, Murashige Anna, Motomura Aoi, Moriyasu Madoka, and Wakatabe Haruka.

Abe Kyoka, Imada Mina, Eto Sayaka, Nakanishi Ayaka, and Fukagawa Maiko would be in Team Kenkyuusei (Research Students).

Other than at the AKB48's Kohaku Uta Gassen, I have not experienced their stage performance or seen them perform before. Shall anticipate for their single then (since I am unable to fly to Japan for the past few months and for the next two years too).

From: HKT Official Site/tokyohive/Mantan Web

AKB48 wins 4 Awards for ‘Billboard JAPAN Music Awards 2011‘!

"Billboard JAPAN established this awards festival back in 2009. They nominate artists who have topped the Billboard Charts throughout the year. The winners are chosen by votes submitted through cell phones or the internet."

For ‘Billboard JAPAN Music Awards 2011‘, AKB48 not only won the ‘Artist of the Year‘ award, but also the ‘Top Pop Artist‘ award, the ‘Hot 100 of the Year‘ award, and the ‘Hot 100 Single Sales of the Year‘ award! AKB48 is considered the first artist to win 4 awards in a single year! Congratulations AKB48!!

tokyohive/Billboard Japan/Barks