AKB48's 2nd Big Reshuffle Effective Date

On the very first day of the AKB48's first ever Tokyo Dome concert, 'AKB48 in TOKYO DOME ~1830m no Yume~', AKB48's team big reshuffle was announced and that Team 4 will be discontinued. It was revealed yesterday at Iwate Sangyou Bunka Center during their handshake event that the reshuffle will be effective from 1st of November.

With the reshuffle, AKB48 will be back to three teams but with 22 members in Team A, 23 in Team K and 23 in Team B.
Team A will have their final concerts with their current members on the 29th, Team K on 24th, Team B on 22nd and Team 4 on 25th this month.

The set lists for each of the reshuffled teams are not announced yet at the moment and the teams will be taking turns to perform at the AKB48 Theater a performance called ‘Waiting Performance’, which features a set list chosen from AKB48 songs.
Even though each team consists of 22 or 23 members, only 16 will be participating.
I don't know how this is going to work and what will the remaining 6 or 7 girls do, but I shall wait and see what Aki-P have in mind next month.

The starting dates of SNH48 members Miyazawa Sae and Suzuki Mariya as well as JKT48 members Takajo Aki and Nakagawa Haruka are not announced yet.

Source: tokyohive/Sanspo

UPDATE (23rd December):
Takajo Aki and Nakagawa Haruka will debut as part of the newly formed Team J in JKT48 on the 26th of December. Team J will be performing "Renai Kinshi Jourei", that is a revival of AKB48 Team A's 5th stage (19th October 2008 - 27th May 2010).

Source: tokyohive/Oricon

AKB48's 2nd Big Reshuffle!

On the very first day of the AKB48's first ever Tokyo Dome concert, 'AKB48 in TOKYO DOME ~1830m no Yume~', TGSK (AKB48 Theater’s manager Togasaki Tomonobu) appeared with yet again a shocking news. (Every time he appears for a speech, the speech always got to be big issue huh.)

As title has said, AKB48 is going to have a big reshuffling of the members between the teams for the second time. (The first time was on August 2009)
Team 4 will be disbanded and the members will be added into Team A, K or B. Which means that Team 8, mentioned last time, will not be formed.

Leadership roles also changed where Takahashi Minami was appointed as the General Manager of the AKB48 groups, Shinoda Mariko takes over the Team A captain position, Oshima Yuko is now the captain of Team K and Umeda Ayaka - transferred to Team B - is now the captain of her new team.

All these are still just the icing by the way. What was more shocking is that with the 'Study Abroad Program' which was mentioned last month, Miyazawa Sae and Suzuki Mariya will be transferred to SNH48, while Takajo Aki and Nakagawa Haruka will be transferred to JKT48.

Akicha... JKT48... I couldn't take it any more yesterday and stayed away from the twitter feeds while suddenly the hash tag for Tokyo Dome was flooding with excited Indonesian tweets.
(No offence intended but seriously the twitter feeds just flows non stop regarding Akicha's and Harugon's transfer to JKT48 - where almost all of the tweets are in Indonesian. Wasn't upset about the the flood of Indonesian tweets but more of the transfer.) I would've felt much better if at least was transferred to SNH48 where she will learn Chinese and thus enable me to be able communicate with her with bits of Chinese if I get to meet her!

Anyways, here's the list of the whole reshuffling:

Takahashi Minami:　Team A captain→ AKB48 Groups’ General Manager

Shinoda Mariko: Team A→Team A Captain（Former Team A captain: Takahashi Minami）
Oshima Yuko: Team K→Team K Captain（Former Team K captain: Akimoto Sayaka）
Umeda Ayaka: Team K→Team B Captain（Former Team B captain: Kashiwagi Yuki）

Yokoyama Yui: Team K→Team A＆ NMB48
Kitahara Rie: Team B→Team K＆ SKE48
Ishida Anna: SKE Team KII→SKE48＆ Team B
Ota Aika: Team A→ HKT48
Miyazawa Sae:　Team K→SNH48
Suzuki Mariya: Team B→SNH48
Takajo Aki:　Team A→JKT48
Nakagawa Haruka: Team A→JKT48

Iwata Karen: Team 4→Team A
Abe Maria: Team 4→Team K
Watanabe Mayu: Team B→Team A
Kojima Haruna: Team A→Team B
Mutou Tomu: Kenkyuusei→Team K
Oba Mina: Team 4→Team B
Akimoto Sayaka: Team K（No transfer）
Nakamata Shiori: Team 4→Team A
Ichikawa Miori: Team 4→Team B
Kasai Tomomi: Team B→Team xA
Kato Rena: Team 4→Team B
Matsui Jurina: SKE48 Team S ＆ Team K（No transfer）
Nakamura Mariko: Team 4→Team B
Nakata Chisato: Team A→Team K
Nito Moeno: Team K→Team A
Oya Shizuka: Team A→Team B
Maeda Ami: Team A→Team K
Tano Yuuka: Team 4→Team A
Itano Tomomi: Team K（No transfer）
Iwasa Misaki: Team A→Team B
Kobayashi Mirina: Team A (promoted in June 2012)
Sato Amina: Team B→Team K
Shimazaki Haruka: Team 4→Team B
Sato Sumire: Team B→Team A
Ishida Haruka: Team B（No transfer）
Matsui Sakiko: Team K→Team A
Kuramochi Asuka: Team A→Team K
Katayama Haruka: Team A→Team B
Kotani Riho: NMB48→NMB48 ＆ Team A
Nakaya Sayaka: Team A→Team K
Yamauchi Suzuran: Team 4→Team B
Morikawa Ayaka: Team A (promoted in June 2012)
Uchida Mayumi: Team K（No transfer）
Fujie Reina: Team K→Team B
Kawaei Rina: Team 4→Team K
Izuta Rina: Team A (promoted in June 2012)
Mitsumune Kaoru: Kenkyuusei→Team K
Natori Wakana: Team B (promoted in June 2012)
Tanabe Miku: Team K→Team B
Sato Natsuki: Team B→Team A
Iriyama Anna: Team 4→Team A
Chikano Rina: Team B→Team K
Kashiwagi Yuki: Team B（No transfer）
Nagao Mariya: Team 4→Team K
Takeuchi Miyu: Team 4→Team B
Kikuchi Ayaka: Team K→Team A
Suzuki Shihori: Team B→Team K
Oshima Ryoka: Kenkyuusei→Team A
Fujita Nana: Team K (promoted in June 2012)
Kobayashi Kana: Team B→Team K
Minegishi Minami: Team K→Team B
Kojima Natsuki: Team B (promoted in June 2012)
Nakatsuka Tomomi: Team K→Team A
Shimada Haruka: Team 4→Team K
Watanabe Miyuki: NMB48 ＆ Team B (No transfer）
Masuda Yuka: Team B→Team K
Takahashi Juri: Team 4→Team A
Nonaka Misato: Team K→Team B
Miyazaki Miho: Team B→Team K
Matsubara Natsumi: Team A→Team K

Source: tokyohive/Oricon

Reshuffling might not sound to be a good thing just when AKB48 is peaking at it's popularity, but well, it's not that bad also. AKB48 still did very well after the first major reshuffle back in 2009. With Acchan graduating from the group and now the major reshuffle, it feels as if AKB48 is really 'reborned' and the new team compositions indeed do feel really fresh. Shall see how it goes as time past, just like last time!

Grabbed from somewhere in Facebook:

Credits to the person who created this for easier viewing.

UPDATE:

Akicha posted on her Google+ account yesterday after the concert that she was the one who chose to transfer to JKT48.

'皆さんこんばんは！

今日は東京ドームコンサート初日でした！
先輩たちがかかげてきた
東京ドームの舞台に立てたこと
嬉しくて感動したと同時に
いつも以上にすごく緊張しました。

これが目指してきた目標の重みなんだ。
と身をもって感じました。



そして今日はみなさんにお知らせがあります！

AKB48は組閣しました。
それに伴い
私、高城亜樹はJKT48に移籍します。


発表されたとき
舞台からはたくさんの表情が見えました。

移籍を知って泣くメンバー。
驚きを隠せないファンの方。
泣いている方もいました。

ビックリさせちゃってごめんなさい。

この移籍は自分の意思で決めた移籍です！

今私のAKB48での活動や、個人的な活動
すべてを考えてみると
私には、踏み出す勇気がなくて
まわりに流されるがまま
今この状況まで来た気がします。

でも、今のままでは
立ち止まってしまいます。
そしたら夢もそこで終わってしまいます。

自分で一歩踏み出して
何かに挑戦していかなければ
終わってしまう気がしたんです。


私は、将来の夢を叶えるために
AKB48に入りました。
たとえ夢にたどり着くまでに
長い時間かかっても私はいいと思っています。
今このAKB48という恵まれた環境で
夢にたどりつくまで
いろんな経験をしたいんです。

時間がかかってもいい。
私は私のペースで夢に近づいていきます。


だからファン皆さん！
私の夢が叶うまでどうか
見捨てないでください。


いつか夢がかなったとき
皆さんに恩返しがしたいです。'

From bits of translation by Bilingual48's tweets:

'I am sorry about the surprise. I requested for this transfer.
After thinking about where I am currently, I realized that I got here by going with the flow because I don't have the courage to make my own path. I am now at a standstill and my dreams won't come true if I am stuck.
I joined AKB48 because I want to make my dreams come true, even if it takes a long time.
I want to experience many different things in the gifted AKB48 environment until my dreams come true.
It's ok if it takes a long time. My dreams will come true at my own pace. Please do not abandon me at least until then.
When my dreams do come true, I will repay everyone.'

Well, if it's really her decision, I shall respect it and of course no matter what still continue to support her - like what a real loyal fan should do! All the best to her!

AKB48 Study Abroad Program

Annouced on Akimoto Yasushi's (Producer of AKB48) Google+ account, after a meeting with the AKB48 overseas team, a study abroad program has been set up for AKB48 and related groups and also made a call for interested members to apply for the program. Members could study abroad as a member of overseas sister groups of AKB48, such as JKT48 in Indonesia, SNH48 in Shanghai and TPE48 in Taiwan. Time period ranges from about 6 months to a year.

Mmm... I kind of have a bad feeling about this idea..
Just hope nothing happens to my oshimen or top favourites. (^-^;)

JKT48 released a CM for 'Pocari Sweat' with 'Heavy Rotation'

Formed recently, JKT48 released a CM for 'Pocari Sweat' where they performed 'Heavy Rotation'.

The looks of the girls totally turned up to be so much better than my expectations! The thing that I feel they need to work on is the singing. Don't really feel that it's up to standard. I also felt that the tone is kind of near the lower side.. well, that can be worked on though.

There are also rumors of the release of their first PV is rather soon. Would be anticipating how would it be like.

JKT48 1st Generation Members Selected

It was previously announced that auditions would be held in Jakarta for JKT48, AKB48's first overseas sister group.

The final audition was held earlier today at a hotel in Jakarta, and 28 girls were selected to form the first generation members. The auditions started out with 1200 applicants, which reduced to 50 after the selections and interview. The final stage involved singing, dancing and another interview.

JKT48 would be making their debut within a year and another overseas sister group, TPE48 (Taipei, Taiwan) is scheduled to be debuted next summer. Following up would be sister groups in Singapore and Thailand.

Source: tokyohive|Sanspo

UPDATE (4th November):
JKT48 1st Generation Members Profiles revealed

Allisa
Real Name: Allisa Astri
Born: June 23, 1990
Blood: O
Height: 160cm

Mova
Real Name: Allisa Gallimova
Born: August 28, 1993
Blood: O
Height: 162cm

Ayana
Real Name: Ayana Shahab
Born: June 3, 1997
Blood: O
Height: 156cm

Beby
Real Name: Beby Chaesara Anadila
Born: March 18, 1998
Blood: B
Height: 160cm

Cindy
Real Name: Cindy Gulla
Born: May 29, 1997
Blood: O
Height: 157cm

Cleo
Real Name: Cleopatra
Born: December 20, 1993
Blood: O
Height: 170cm

Delima
Real Name: Delima Rizky
Born: October 25, 1997
Blood: B
Height: 159cm

Devi
Real Name: Devi Kinal Putri
Born: January 2, 1996
Blood: A
Height: 162cm

Diasta
Real Name: Diasta Priswarini
Born: September 9, 1991
Blood: O
Height: 165cm

Fahira
Born: July 27, 1998
Blood: B
Height: 165cm

Frieska
Real Name: Frieska Anastasia Laksani
Born: March 4, 1996
Blood: O
Height: 160cm

Gaby
Real Name: Gabriela Margareth Warouw
Born: April 11, 1998
Blood: O
Height: 163cm

Gaya
Real Name: Siti Gayatri
Born: March 1993
Blood: O
Height: 163cm

Ghaida
Real Name: Ghaida Farisya
Born: May 29, 1995
Blood: B
Height: 163cm

Intan
Real Name: Intania Pratama Ilham
Born: July 19, 1991
Blood: -
Height: 166cm

Jessica
Real Name: Jessica Vania Widjaja
Born: January 22, 1996
Blood: O
Height: 156cm

Jessica
Real Name: Jessica Veranda Hardja
Born: August 19, 1993
Blood: O
Height: 168cm

Melody
Real Name: Melody Nurramdhani Laksani
Born: March 24, 1992
Blood: O
Height: 168cm

Nabila
Real Name: Nabilah Ratna Ayu Azalia
Born: November 11, 1999
Blood: B
Height: 152cm

Neneng
Real Name: Neneng Rosediana
Born: January 24, 1999
Blood: O
Height: 162cm

Rena
Real Name: Rena Nozawa
Born: may 6, 1998
Blood: B
Height: 167cm

Dhike
Real Name: Rezky Wiranti Dhike
Born: November 22, 1995
Blood: B
Height: 157cm

Rica
Real Name: Rica Leyona
Born: August 19, 1991
Blood: O
Height: 158cm

Sendy
Real Name: Sendy Ariani
Born: August 12, 1993
Blood: A
Height: 157cm

Shania
Real Name: Shania Juniantha
Born: June 27, 1998
Blood: B
Height: 165cm

Sonia
Real Name: Sonia Natalia
Born: December 17, 1997
Blood: O
Height: 153cm

Sonya
Real Name: Sonya Pandarwaman
Born: may 18, 1996
Blood: A
Height: 156cm

Stella
Real Name: Stella Cornelia
Born: November 3, 1994
Blood: O
Height: 160cm

Source: tokyohive|JKT48 Official Web

AKB48's first overseas sister group, JKT48

As announced on tokyohive,

AKB48 held a theatrical-style handshake event for “Flying Get” on September 11th, where they announced that they would soon create their first overseas sister group, “JKT48“!

Produced by AKB48 mastermind Akimoto Yasushi, JKT48 will follow the concept of “an idol you can go to meet“. Auditions will be held in Indonesia, with the aim to have JKT48 make their debut at the end of the year.

Those applicants who pass the final exam in mid-October will proceed to lessons and become the first generation of JKT48. According to officials, JKT48 will be “an unique idol group with Indonesian culture,” who will still reflect AKB48’s concept.

Stay tuned to tokyohive for the latest reports on JKT48!
tokyohive

This would be the first 'Project48' group to be formed outside of Japan, and the announcement of the auditions and rumors of it before the official announcement brought various opinions from AKB48 fans.

To me, I am actually rather curious what overseas group would be like but frankly speaking, I don't really approve of the idea of forming sister groups outside of Japan. It just don't have the original feel as AKB48, or rather the whole project in general, started out as J-pop. I feel that the project should just focus on J-pop and the plan of making a sister group in different prefectures of Japan.

I already feel that the idea of making different groups in all the prefectures of Japan rather ambitious and worry that the quality of work would be diluted with so many groups. With so many sister groups forming, I wonder if Aki-P would soon run out of creative juice to produce all the theater performance pieces and singles' songs on a regular basis. =[ Hope that would not happen and if come to a point where a co-producer is needed, I hope the co-producer is up to standard.

I won't be putting my expectations anywhere even near average for JKT48, and also other overseas sister groups to come, but I would still keep myself updated on news regarding them though.